Listening to Orochimaru's question, Naruto smirked slightly.
"Some things may sound unbelievable, but they do exist. If I told you that I once died and came back to save the world, Uncle Snake, would you believe me?"
Orochimaru studied Naruto carefully before responding, "I believe it. After all, nothing about you is more unbelievable than your existence itself."
Naruto chuckled knowingly. "Uncle Snake, your thirst for knowledge surpasses mine."
Orochimaru continued, "According to the information you provided, even if we successfully cultivate the Rinnegan within you, we still lack a viable host body. And for that..."
He unrolled the scroll Naruto had given him and glanced at him. "Are you planning to capture him?"
Naruto fell into rare contemplation before answering, "If my guess is correct, after Obito's failed assault on Konoha, he'll be forced to contend with the Allied Shinobi Forces forming among the Five Great Nations. Moreover, he'll have to deal with us—those he cannot simply eliminate. He will grow desperate."
"When that happens, he will play his trump card. Unfortunately for him, controlling that trump card requires my eyes, which he won't be able to obtain. So, naturally, he'll resort to the same plan as me—cultivating a new pair of Rinnegan."
Orochimaru mused, "Yes, if I were him, I'd do the same. Besides, Kabuto seems to be cooperating with Obito and should be supplying him with the necessary biotechnology."
Naruto smirked. "That's exactly what I predicted."
Orochimaru probed further, "Then, shall we—"
Naruto considered Sunagakure for a moment. Chiyo was also in Kabuto's grasp. Otherwise, her Reanimation Jutsu would be an incredibly useful technique.
"If necessary, I should speak with Kabuto. If negotiations fail, we'll deal with him swiftly."
Meanwhile, Tsunade was spearheading the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces to strike against Obito. At that point, the Five Kage and their combined armies would leave Obito with no choice but to summon Madara. When that moment arrives, it will be the time to act.
Many variables and opportunities will present themselves, but for now, Naruto knew he had to focus on the immediate tasks before him.
"Let's wait for the right moment."
With that, Naruto stood and walked out.
Orochimaru chuckled inwardly. So even Naruto, who has always been proactive, understands the value of waiting for the right wind to blow.
---
Naruto approached Konan, who had gathered thirty-six exceptionally talented children from Amegakure. The youngest was twelve, and the oldest was sixteen.
As Naruto observed them, he noticed there were more boys than girls—twenty-two boys and only fourteen girls.
"These children are all native to Amegakure," Konan explained. "They have been raised in the village since childhood. Their backgrounds are politically clean, and they are absolutely loyal to God."
One particularly bold boy, upon seeing Konan conversing with Naruto, suddenly voiced his thoughts. "Excuse me… Are you the God of Pain?"
Naruto initially considered telling them that he was merely a messenger of the divine, but he didn't want to shatter the totem of belief already instilled in their hearts. Instead, he smiled and said, "Yes, I am the God of Pain you speak of."
Instantly, admiration flickered across the children's faces.
Naruto was unexpectedly moved. He remembered how, during his academy days, he had looked at the Third Hokage with the same awe-struck expression.
"I want to train hard and become someone like God Pain!"
"Yes, me too!"
"Hahaha! You idiot, do you really think you can surpass me? I'm the real God of Pain! Feel the pain!"
The boy who spoke even stretched out his arms dramatically, mimicking a grand technique.
Naruto chuckled. This little guy reminded him too much of his younger, more theatrical self. He knelt down and asked, "Hey, kid, what's your name?"
Hearing Naruto address him directly, the boy trembled with excitement, as if an idol had just spoken to him.
"Reporting to God Pain! My name is Yahiko!"
Naruto's expression shifted slightly. He glanced at Konan, who explained, "He's an orphan of war. Nagato and I took him in. I was the one who gave him that name."
Understanding dawned on Naruto.
He looked at the boy and smiled. "So, Yahiko, do you have a surname?"
Yahiko grinned. "I was raised by Sister Angel and have lived in Amegakure my whole life. So, I gave myself a name—Amegakure Yahiko!"
Naruto laughed. What an optimistic and bright child.
"Tell me, then, why do you want to become a god like Pain?"
Yahiko answered without hesitation, "Because if I become as powerful as Lord Pain, the whole village will acknowledge me and respect my strength!"
Naruto's grin deepened. He straightened up, looked at the children, and asked, "How many of you share Yahiko's goal? Raise your hands!"
The children hesitated before exchanging glances. Gradually, hands shot up—except for a few who remained still.
Naruto pointed at those who hadn't raised their hands. "What about you? What are your goals?"
One girl, named Haruyu, responded, "I'm not sure if I can ever become someone like Lord Pain. My dream is actually simple—I want to master medical ninjutsu. That way, if my comrades are injured or the villagers need help, I can heal and protect them."
Several other boys and girls echoed similar sentiments, expressing their desire to support and protect the ones who would become the next Pain.
Naruto nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Finding your own ninja way is the most important thing."
He then turned back to those who had raised their hands and addressed them. "For those of you who aspire to be like me, let me tell you this—it's not that becoming the God of Pain will make others acknowledge you. Rather, it's because you earn the recognition of others that you can become the God of Pain. Do you understand?"
The children stared at him in shock. Their worldview had always dictated that strength alone determined recognition. Yet, Naruto was instilling in them a new ideology—one built on unity and purpose.
Konan watched in silence, understanding that Naruto was shaping the foundational values of the organization.
Naruto then turned to Amegakure Yahiko and said, "Yahiko, your name belonged to a truly remarkable ninja in Akatsuki. He gave his life protecting Amegakure. Don't let Sister Angel's choice go to waste—grow strong and honor that name."
Yahiko looked at Konan in shock, a deep emotion stirring in his heart. He had always viewed her as a mother figure, but he had never realized how meaningful his name was.
His eyes met Naruto's, filled with determination. "I will!"
Naruto patted his shoulder. "Good. I'll introduce you to your instructor soon."
---
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