As Nagato's words fell, Hiruzen's expression remained utterly calm.
Nagato was slightly surprised. Oh? He wasn't surprised upon hearing my name. That means he must have vaguely guessed already. As expected of a man who had been Hokage for decades. He's no simple man...
Hiruzen slowly raised his gaze and spoke in the tone of an elder. "Nagato, your teacher Jiraiya was my disciple. Strictly speaking, I'm your grandmaster."
So that's how it is...
Hiruzen continued, "Therefore, I believe there should be a better way for us to talk than crossing blades. What do you think?"
"How about releasing Tsunade beside you first? She is your junior disciple."
Unhurried, gentle, and composed. Though he was forced to look upward, he had seized the moral high ground first.
But Nagato would not be drawn into his rhythm.
"Since you know about me, you should know what Danzo did to us, right? That happened while you were Hokage. You don't think you can wash your hands clean when you were the one who gave Danzo the capital to stir up trouble, do you?"
As expected... it was related to Danzo. Hiruzen's heart sank.
He said remorsefully, "I truly am sorry about Danzo. But Tsunade is innocent. Release her first, and the two of us can talk. I promise I come with sincerity!!!"
"Is that so?" Nagato raised his palm impassively.
—Banshō Ten'in!
"Whoosh!"
"What!?" Hiruzen staggered, his feet leaving the ground as he flew toward Nagato's outstretched hand atop the mountain!
A threaded Black Rod fell from Nagato's sleeve and viciously stabbed into Hiruzen's body!!!
"Crack!!" Fissures spread across Hiruzen's body!
Nagato said coldly, "Is this your so-called sincerity? You sly old bastard."
"Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle!" Hiruzen's body, along with the Adamantine Staff in his hand, melted into mud.
It was Hiruzen's