Zhengye spread his hands, looking helpless.
"Right now, fighting for supremacy in the shinobi world is nothing but playing house. When the Ōtsutsuki Clan comes down here, they'll strip every last bit of life from the entire planet."
"That's the end of the world."
Nagato and Konan shuddered, as though they could see that apocalyptic scene-the sky collapsing and the earth splitting apart.
Konan couldn't help asking, "Then... Zhengye, how do you know all this?"
Zhengye smiled.
"When I was little, I got a Time-Traveling Ninja Tool. Over the years, I've traveled through time several times and seen all of this."
Nagato, Konan, and Pakura all looked at Zhengye, their eyes filled with shock.
"Then... can you change the past?"
Konan gazed at Zhengye with hope in her eyes, but he shook his head.
"Don't think about going back to save Yahiko. If he hadn't died, the entire timeline would be thrown into chaos."
"Dozens of times more people might die."
Just as Konan's expression dimmed, Nagato gently patted the back of her hand, then pointed to the Healing Talisman at his waist.
"Konan, we can bring Yahiko back without traveling through time."
Konan trembled, then a flush rose to her face. "R-really?"
Although Nagato's voice was hoarse, his breathing had gradually grown stronger.
"As long as Zhengye's talisman really is that powerful."
Zhengye laughed. "Don't worry. I wouldn't give you shoddy goods."
Konan steadied herself, gave Nagato an expectant look, then turned to Zhengye with gratitude.
"Thank you, Zhengye."
Zhengye waved a hand, taking no credit. "The faster the Akatsuki grows, the faster Obito and Black Zetsu's Eye of the Moon Plan progresses."
"So dismantling your Akatsuki is really just buying time for the shinobi world."
"Or rather, giving me more time to build up my strength."
"Besides making