As early as the end of the Third Shinobi World War, Jiraiya had received intelligence.
His three beloved students, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan... had died.
His intelligence network was vast and rarely made mistakes.
Could it be... that the six people standing before him were all dead?
Looking at their bloodless, deathly pale faces, Jiraiya gradually became certain of this idea.
Though he did not know how they had been revived, it most likely had something to do with the Rinnegan.
That was the only reasonable conclusion. These were the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. If six pairs suddenly appeared, wouldn't that make them a dime a dozen?
At that thought, Jiraiya growled, "You say you're a god? Don't make me laugh!"
Pain's Deva Path said, "What I am requires no acknowledgment from you, Jiraiya-sensei..."
"Sensei?" Jiraiya froze, then hurriedly said:
"If you're calling me sensei, you must be Nagato! I've already figured out that these people are all dead!"
"Heh... That's my teacher for you. You saw through it so quickly..."
"Nagato, how did Yahiko die? Why did you go astray and join the Akatsuki? What happened after I left? Tell me!"
"Nothing happened. There was only fighting. Too many people around me died, and their pain made me grow. Ignorant, foolish children become adults after learning pain. That is also why... the Akatsuki emerged in this tragic world."
"Nagato, have you forgotten what I once told you? No matter what happens, never despair of this world. The day when people understand one another will come!"
"Hmph..." Pain's Deva Path shook his head. "What we say and think differs according to our experiences..."
"Those born into the honey pot of comfort believe this world holds nothing but sweetness. They do not believe there is suffering in