Hiruko had actually become one of the Six Paths of Pain!
Jiraiya was horrified by the sight. Someone he had known since the Ninja Academy, one of the few ninja of his generation still active in the shinobi world, had been turned into Pain by Nagato.
After a moment's thought, Jiraiya realized that all the Six Paths of Pain who had appeared so far looked somewhat familiar.
The Deva Path was Yahiko, while the other Paths were ninja he had happened to meet during his travels. They came from every corner of the shinobi world, yet all had met the same fate: being turned into the Six Paths of Pain.
Suddenly, Hiruko blinked and looked at Jiraiya and Tsunade, saying slowly, "Long time no see. Are you ready to kill me, or be killed by me?"
Jiraiya's pupils contracted sharply at those words, his gaze fixed on Hiruko.
He was certain Hiruko still possessed his own consciousness. But why would a ninja with a mind of his own willingly let himself be turned into Pain?
He was a living human puppet. This was even more inhumane than Root's cursed seals.
Seeming to read Jiraiya's thoughts, Hiruko said mockingly, "To grow stronger, what does it matter if I alter myself through the Chimera Ritual, or even become Pain?"
"You're neither human nor puppet now. Was it worth it?"
Jiraiya could not understand Hiruko's thinking. The Hiruko before him was even more deranged than Orochimaru, whom he wanted to bring back. At least Orochimaru had dreams and his own hardships. This man was simply insane.
Seeing his expression, Hiruko smiled. "You don't understand, do you? I just want to prove that an ordinary person's hard work can surpass genius and make that arrogant Third regret looking down on me!"
Still unable to