A flash of light swept through the gloomy cavern. Ria saw a long-haired man howling in agony, his eyes gouged out.
"So this was their pawn this time? Looks like the mastermind escaped after all! Still, at least the Holy Church has an answer for Yahiko and Konan now." Ria crouched down and cast Greater Healing Technique on Nagato.
As the halo enveloped him, Nagato felt his empty eye sockets itch, while a soothing sensation spread through his weakened body.
Before long, black eyes grew in the sockets where Nagato's Rinnegan had once been. Once he could see who had come, shame suddenly washed over him. Remembering the bold declarations he had made in the New Rain Capital, he wished he could disappear from embarrassment.
"All right, you were a poor soul who was deceived, too. Just don't disrespect the Holy Light again." Seeming to understand his thoughts, Ria spoke gently.
"I understand, Lady Ria... Your Holiness," Nagato said, turning his flushed face aside.
"Come back and see Yahiko and Konan! They've been worried about you all this time. You can also tell us what you know about your organization." Ria smiled faintly.
"Yes!" Nagato finally turned to look at the beautiful, valiant woman. "Pope Ria, you must catch this organization that manipulates people's hearts." Thinking of how he had been deceived, Nagato now hated Obito and Black Zetsu with a fury that made him grit his teeth.
"Rest assured! They will never escape the Holy Church's judgment."
Ria gently lifted the still-weakened Nagato into her arms, and with a flash of light, returned to the viewing seats.
Yahiko and Konan, who had been waiting anxiously, were so overwhelmed at the sight of Nagato, now grown up just as they were, that they rushed over and hugged him. After showering