The Legendary Rinnegan (Third update, seeking votes)

Chiba had not forgotten that the reason Jiraiya agreed to mentor them was because he had seen Nagato's Rinnegan and assumed he was the one he had been searching for.

The reason Nagato's Rinnegan was revealed, however, was due to a coincidental attack that occurred shortly thereafter.

At the time, Jiraiya was not by their side when Yahiko and Nagato encountered a stray Rock Ninja who, for no apparent reason, sought to kill them.

Just as Yahiko was about to be killed, Nagato awakened the power of the Rinnegan and slew the ninja in a single strike.

Regarding all of this, Nagato and the others had always attributed it to fate.

But Chiba, who knew the inside story, absolutely did not think so.

You just thought about taking on a master and found Jiraiya, and Jiraiya just happened to discover your ability when he didn't want to take you on.

Even if it were a coincidence, it certainly wouldn't be this coincidental.

Moreover, given Zetsu's abilities, if someone truly filled with such murderous intent were approaching, Zetsu should have dealt with such a dangerous individual long before Yahiko or Nagato could even detect them; how could he possibly let them fall into such danger?

Therefore, it was no surprise that this attack was likely another play directed by Zetsu.

As for the claim that Nagato and his group were guided to Jiraiya's side as if they were truly the children of destiny, Chiba had never believed it from the start; everything was just a play directed and performed by Zetsu.

In this play, Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, and even Jiraiya were merely his pawns.

Several days later, Chiba, Yahiko, and Nagato were searching for their dinner in the forest.

"Sigh, it looks like there's no chance with Master Jiraiya."

Yahiko's tone was somewhat dejected.

"Although Master Jiraiya seems like a soft-hearted person, he is unexpectedly opinionated. Once he has made a decision, it is very difficult to change."

"Yahiko."

Before Chiba and Nagato could comfort him, Yahiko burst into laughter again.

"It's okay. Even if Master Jiraiya refuses to teach us, we will definitely be able to find someone else to teach us. Once Master Jiraiya leaves, we will..."

Just as Yahiko was excitedly saying something, the sound of wind breaking suddenly came from their side.

Habitual instincts honed over a long time caused them to instantly dive to the ground.

A moment later, they looked toward the direction of the attacker with grim expressions.

Several kunai had already embedded themselves in the ground not far from them; if they hadn't reacted quickly, they likely would have been killed.

"It's a ninja!"

Yahiko was the first to react, grabbing Nagato and Chiba and running for their lives.

After a brief moment of shock, Chiba also realized what was happening, his forehead covered in a fine layer of cold sweat.

Although Chiba knew that, barring any accidents, this should just be a play directed by Zetsu.

Not to mention Nagato, he and Yahiko should also have more important roles; as useful pawns, they shouldn't die at this time.

So, theoretically speaking, their safety should be guaranteed.

But theory is just theory after all. When he truly faced such a dangerous situation, he couldn't help but feel a bit panicked.

After all, these things were just conjectures. What if he accidentally died for real?

Thus, Chiba was also running desperately.

However, how could their speed compare to such a ninja? Before long, they were caught up by the Rock Ninja.

Soon, the Rock Ninja grabbed Nagato, who was at the back, by the neck and lifted him up.

"Hehehe, struggle! The more you struggle, the happier I'll be."

Nagato struggled continuously, but it was to no avail. Just as Nagato felt he was about to suffocate, Yahiko suddenly ran back frantically and bit down hard on the Rock Ninja's hand.

The Rock Ninja immediately let out a cry of pain.

"Let go! Let go of me!"

The Rock Ninja delivered a fierce punch to Yahiko's stomach, causing Yahiko's entire body to curl into a bow from the pain.

Yet even so, Yahiko refused to let go, staring viciously at the person before him, his eyes filled with ferocity.

"Ugh, ugh."

Yahiko used all his strength to hold on, his entire body being dragged along the ground as the Rock Ninja moved.

"Ugh."

"Damn it!"

The exasperated Rock Ninja dropped Nagato and threw another heavy punch at Yahiko.

This time, Yahiko couldn't hold on. After flying several meters through the air, he tumbled to the ground and didn't get back up for a long time.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye. By the time Chiba ran back, the Rock Ninja had already drawn his weapon and was walking step by step toward Yahiko, who lay on the ground.

"Damn brat, you actually dared to make me bleed. I'm going to kill you!"

Looking at the ferocious Rock Ninja before him, Chiba blocked the path in front of Yahiko almost without a second thought.

"Heh, another brat? Then I'll just kill you both."

As he spoke, the Rock Ninja thrust the kunai in his hand viciously toward Chiba.

In the moment before the kunai could pierce his body, Chiba felt, to his surprise, that time had slowed down.

Scenes from the past flashed before his eyes in an instant.

Could it be... was I wrong?

To die protecting Yahiko... strangely, I have no regrets.

Just as Chiba was about to be killed, Nagato also suddenly felt as if time had slowed down.

Watching helplessly as the kunai drew closer and closer to Chiba's chest, Nagato's pupils dilated, his entire body trembling as he gasped for air.

"Haa... haa..."

Suddenly, Nagato's eyes transformed into a pattern of concentric ripples.

"AAAAAAAHHHH—"

"BOOM!"

A translucent, wall-like blue force suddenly slammed into the completely defenseless Rock Ninja.

In an instant, the Rock Ninja was sent flying over ten meters, landing on the ground with blood leaking from his seven orifices. After struggling slightly for a moment, he stopped breathing entirely.

Staring blankly at the corpse before him, Nagato was somewhat at a loss, frozen in place for a long time without any reaction.

After being saved, Chiba felt as if he had exhausted all his mental strength, collapsing into a half-kneel on the ground.

Looking at the concentric ripples in Nagato's eyes, Chiba couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

Is this the power of the Rinnegan? Even in the hands of a child like Nagato, who hasn't learned any chakra, it can easily kill a ninja.

At this moment, Jiraiya, having sensed the commotion, finally arrived.

"Yahiko!"

Quickly picking up Yahiko, Jiraiya carefully examined him and found that Yahiko had only sustained minor injuries and was temporarily unconscious, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Don't worry, Yahiko is fine, he—"

Just as Jiraiya prepared to say more, he finally caught sight of Nagato's eyes.

This is... could it be!

Even with Jiraiya's vast experience, he couldn't help but be shocked.

Could this be the legendary... Rinnegan!