In the Pure Land, Yahiko fell into stunned silence.
That figure by the lakeside looked more and more like Nagato.
Konan, her heart pounding, leaned in and whispered, "Nagato… tell me this is you. Right?"
Nagato stared at the screen, uncertain how to respond.
Tobirama scoffed in the chat. "Well… the Akatsuki don't look so formidable anymore, do they?"
Hashirama snapped. "Quiet, you two idiots."
Madara muttered darkly, "What are you doing, Obito?"
The Fourth Raikage raised an eyebrow. "So… anyone brave enough to answer?"
Nagato finally took a deep breath.
"The white-haired figure… that's me. Nagato Uzumaki."
He glanced at Konan. She met his eyes and nodded.
"Quick Answer. White-haired person is Nagato Uzumaki."
Correct! Nagato Uzumaki Summon Card unlocked: one-hour trial.
Jiraiya gasped. "My student… how did you grow so old?"
Tsunade chuckled. "Shouldn't you be more worried they're Akatsuki members?"
Jiraiya grinned. "Smart thinking!"
From the shadows, Orochimaru frowned in disbelief.
Why would anyone think that's me? He muttered. I don't even recognize myself anymore. Wasn't I going to destroy Konoha? And Sasuke's alive? Yamato's still hanging around? This has to be a dream.
Nagato looked at the Summon Card, then shrugged. "Summon myself? I'd rather take the money." He tossed the card aside without a second thought.
System:No one else answered in three minutes. Continuing video!
Within the Akatsuki base, confusion spread like wildfire.
"Who the hell is Nagato Uzumaki?"
"Never heard of him!"
Itachi stepped forward calmly. "Itachi Uchiha."
He recognized the second figure. That hair, that cloak… even aged, he knew it could only be one person.
"Quick Answer. Itachi Uchiha."
Correct! Itachi Uchiha Summon Card granted: one-hour trial.
Itachi pocketed the card silently. Perhaps he would save it for Sasuke.
Around him, the rest of the Akatsuki seethed.
They had just lost ten million Ryo.
Kakuzu wailed, "My treasure! All gone!"
Video resumed:
Onscreen, Nagato and Itachi leaned on one another beneath the rising sun. Frail but calm, they stood unshaken as enemies approached.
Naruto and Killer Bee arrived on the battlefield.
Naruto shouted, "Sasuke! Awesome! That's me, right?"
Sasuke snorted. "Shut up. No matter how flashy you are, you'll never outshine me."
Hashirama blinked. "Whoa… it's so bright."
Tobirama squinted. "Why's it glowing like that?"
Minato chimed in, "That's the Aurora-Tail Chakra Mode."
Tobirama groaned, "Speak like a human, please."
Minato chuckled. "Fine. Nine-Tails Chakra Mode."
Kurama grumbled. "Finally, someone speaking sense."
Minato smiled. "I just wanted to show off a little."
Hashirama shouted, "Kurama turned me into that handsome form? Why didn't you tell me? I would have—"
Tobirama cut in. "I'm done."
Kurama muttered, "If I hadn't agreed to that sealing pact… I never would've seen this side of things."
Hashirama begged, "Please, let me wear that cloak once!"
Kurama snapped, "No way."
Hashirama pouted, "I'll curse you both."
Naruto stepped forward, his golden cloak fluttering, eyes glowing with warmth.
"Uchiha versus Seven and Nagato? You two know each other?"
Bee grinned. "Of course!"
Naruto laughed. "They're my juniors."
Itachi raised a brow. "You really learned to control the Nine-Tails?"
Nagato nodded with pride. "He's my student, after all."
Then Nagato's expression darkened. "I never thought I'd have to fight you, Naruto."
Itachi spoke quietly. "Naruto… I have something to ask you."
He blinked, confused by the vividness of the scene.
"Reanimated by Edo Tensei…? So I'm dead?"
Offscreen, Sasuke cheered. "You died! I knew it would be me!"
Itachi smirked faintly. "What if you're wrong?"
His gaze lingered on the screen.
"Keep hating me, brat. You don't need my permission."