Atop the tower, in another room, shock spread across the red-haired young man's face.
"He has the Rinnegan too!"
Through his Deva Path body, Nagato could clearly see those ringed eyes. They were identical to his own-a genuine pair of Rinnegan.
But how was that possible?
How could there be another pair of the eyes that, according to legend, belonged to the Sage of Six Paths?
"I have these eyes too. In fact, the power I've developed and mastered exceeds yours."
River's calm voice rang out.
After his distinct black-and-white eyes turned into the Rinnegan, even his aura seemed to change. He stood above all, like a mighty god.
"Is that so?"
After a long pause, Pain spoke in a low voice, watching the blond man before him.
"If we joined forces, this world would be ours to control."
"It seems our meeting was a blessing from fate."
Hearing him sound like some religious charlatan, River couldn't help laughing.
"Nagato, you're far too confident!"
He shook his head, then his expression grew serious.
"You want to change this world, but it isn't that simple."
"Destruction can turn everything into ruins, but it can't give everything new life."
"Making the world understand pain, making people understand pain so they learn to cherish peace-that much is right."
River let out a soft breath, his voice growing heavy.
"But after all these years of war, has peace arrived?"
Pain remained expressionless, his eyes fixed on River. "So you don't intend to join forces with me?"
"Together, destroying the Five Great Hidden Villages would be child's play."
"Once those cancers of this world are removed, the world will naturally become a better place."
River smiled. "You know perfectly well it won't be that easy, don't you?"
He paused, his gaze earnest.
"Of course we