An apology was like a cleansing of the soul. Nagato felt lighter than he ever had before.
He looked up. Above the tree trunk was deep, impenetrable darkness. He suddenly felt that if he had met Naruto Uzumaki many years ago, after Yahiko's death, perhaps everything now would have been different.
But the mistakes had already been made. The only thing he could do was make amends with that technique.
"Naruto..."
"Yeah?"
"From now on, I'll leave this world to you. I look forward to the day you carry on Master Jiraiya's path. Also, be careful of Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Shin!" Nagato said softly. His Rinnegan gazed calmly at Naruto Uzumaki, with a trace of hope hidden in their depths.
"Wait... Nagato, what are you going to do?" Sensing the note of farewell in his words, Naruto Uzumaki cried out in alarm.
By then, Nagato had already formed hand seals. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he said, "Goodbye, Naruto. It's just a pity that I won't get to see the world Master Jiraiya described. Looking back, all I've done is wrong. If I hadn't met you today, perhaps I would have continued down that path forever. This is a Rinnegan ninjutsu. The Konoha ninja who died by my hand today will all be revived. I hope they can forgive what I've done."
"Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique!"
With a loud shout, Nagato activated what little chakra remained within him. The immense ocular power of the Rinnegan connected with yin and yang, and the phantom of King Yama appeared behind him. Souls glowing with specks of green chakra were expelled, scattering like raindrops across the ruins of Konoha.
A moment later, some ninja who had already died miraculously opened their eyes. Under their companions' disbelieving gazes, they