After noticing the change in Namikaze Minato's expression, Kurama said in a dark voice: "Naruto, did you already know the true identity of the masked man and intentionally guide Minato to that conclusion?"
Naruto rolled his eyes at Kurama and said lightly, "I don't know anything. Even if the Fourth Hokage deduces the masked man's identity, it has nothing to do with me. But the masked man and Uchiha Itachi share a common trait."
Kurama scoffed, flicking his tails. "If you don't want to say it, then don't. I couldn't care less about the masked man's identity."
Seeing Kurama's usual arrogant demeanor, Naruto sighed and finally said, "I suspect the masked man was a student of the Fourth Hokage—a kind-hearted fool who spent his days helping old ladies cross the road."
Kurama narrowed his eyes in surprise, then muttered, "Konoha and the Uchiha really produce exceptional people. One student attacked his own master and his wife, while another slaughtered his entire clan."
Naruto spread his hands and sighed. "That's nothing. There are even crazier things. Now you understand why I left Konoha to build my own village. The Konoha higher-ups always protect their own."
Kurama huffed, then suddenly tensed. "Naruto, the leader of the Akatsuki is nearby. Be careful. If necessary, I'll lend you my power—let you enter the Dark Kurama Mode."
"…Dark Kurama Mode?"
For some reason, hearing those words from Kurama felt off to Naruto. It didn't suit the fox's usual tone, but he nodded anyway. Using Kurama's power didn't weigh on his conscience.
---
Nagato walked through the streets in the form of Pain's Deva Path.
Though his appearance was unnerving, with multiple piercings and Rinnegan eyes, it remained within the realm of human aesthetics. Most people wouldn't pay him much attention—aside from the excessive number of studs.
Nagato wasn't here for the Land of Waves itself but to track down Orochimaru, who had fled here.
A few days ago, as he crossed the Rain Country's border, he sensed the chakra signature from Orochimaru's Akatsuki ring and pursued him into the Land of Waves. But once he arrived, the signature vanished, meaning Orochimaru had likely discarded or concealed it.
Nagato quickly deduced Orochimaru's ploy: luring him into Uzushio's territory, provoking conflict between the Akatsuki and the Uzumaki leadership, and using the chaos to steal the Rinnegan.
Orochimaru's ambitions had been clear for years.
But in the face of Pain, Orochimaru's strength was laughable. He had been easily subdued before and forced into the Akatsuki.
With no immediate urgency, Nagato decided to survey the Land of Waves, comparing its citizens' conditions to those of the Rain Country.
What he discovered left him conflicted.
Even after years of being exploited by Gato, the standard of living in the Land of Waves was barely worse than that of the Rain Country. The difference was marginal.
Was Konan's leadership too harsh?
No, her rule was far gentler than Hanzo's had been. The real issue was that decades of war had devastated the Land of Rain.
The Land of Waves, despite suffering from crime and smuggling, had at least avoided the ravages of ninja warfare.
Feeling a pang of hunger, Nagato entered a small restaurant—only to realize, somewhat awkwardly, that his current body was just a reanimated corpse. He had no need for food.
"A bowl of ramen and a bowl of kombu soup."
A familiar voice cut through his thoughts. He turned to see a young man taking a seat in front of him. His guard immediately went up.
Naruto, unfazed, propped his chin on his hand and smiled. "You don't look like a local. Visiting the Land of Waves? It's not a tourist spot yet, but in a few years, it will be."
Nagato's expression remained unreadable. "And you are?"
Naruto took a sip of the juice he'd ordered, then answered casually, "Just a ninja from Uzushio, keeping an eye out for outsiders. That's how I found you."
"So, Uzushio is worried about news of their takeover spreading?" Nagato asked.
Naruto chuckled. "We never stopped anyone from talking. Uzushio did occupy the Land of Waves, but I prefer the term 'rescued.' We freed the people from oppression."
Nagato narrowed his eyes. Changing the wording made Uzushio's actions sound noble, but every nation justified its own conquests. Still, compared to most, Uzushio's methods were almost civilized.
Naruto leaned back in his chair. "Besides, the Land of Waves had no ninja village. The people weren't protected. Uzushio can do far better than Gato ever did."
Nagato studied him with interest. "And after stabilizing the country, what's next for Uzushio?"
Naruto shot him a strange look. "Obviously, infrastructure first, then industry, trade, and tourism. Didn't your ninja village teach you these basics?"
Nagato blinked, caught off guard. "Not… really."
Namikaze Minato, watching from within Naruto's subconscious, also felt baffled. Since when did the ninja academy teach economics?
Nagato, after a moment of contemplation, asked, "Even if you complete the Land of Waves' development, what benefit does it bring to a ninja village?"
Naruto answered matter-of-factly, "Money. Before, the people were too poor to hire shinobi. A ninja village can't survive if its clients are starving. You have to help them prosper first."
Nagato leaned forward. "And the specifics? How do you achieve that?"
Naruto's expression turned wary. "Are you fishing for Uzushio's trade secrets? I'm just a field ninja—I don't know those details. If you're curious, ask the leader."
Nagato sighed, then stared at Naruto with a piercing gaze. "There's no need to keep pretending. You are the leader of Uzushio—Uzumaki Mima. Who else could it be?"
With Nagato revealing what he knew, Naruto's friendly demeanor faded. His voice turned cold. "You're right. I am Uzushio's leader. Now, how about you explain why the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, is here?"
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