Within the Rōran oasis, the two walked through the streets in disguise, as though they had never fought.
Walking beside Deva Path Pain, Zou Hyuga was deeply taken aback, too. But he knew full well that their current harmony was an illusion. If he had not lacked ties to the Five Great Nations and possessed the strength to easily suppress a tailed beast,
Deva Path Pain would never have let him off so easily, let alone recruited him personally.
It was nothing more than a calculation of costs and benefits.
Since the Deva Path did not attack, Zou Hyuga had even less reason to fight to the death. If he risked everything, he might be able to take out a few of Nagato's Six Paths puppets, but that would be meaningless.
As long as Nagato himself remained alive, those puppets with the powers of the Rinnegan could be made again.
After touring the streets, Zou Hyuga looked back at Deva Path Pain and said with a hint of pride, "Well? Not a bad masterpiece, is it?"
Deva Path Pain nodded lightly without hesitation.
The surviving people of Rōran did indeed live considerably better than the residents of Amegakure.
Zou Hyuga said earnestly, "Give up those extreme ideas of yours. Even if you succeed, how can you guarantee that the Land of Rain won't become another of the Five Great Nations?"
The Deva Path's expression changed. He slowly stopped walking, then said, "I will be the one to bring lasting peace."
Zou Hyuga smiled without answering, then changed the subject. "Since I've joined your organization, how should I contact you from now on? And how should we settle my grudges with the other members?"
"Akatsuki forbids infighting..." As soon as he finished speaking, the Deva Path tossed Zou Hyuga a ring.