He paused for emphasis, allowing the weight of the name to settle in the air. As he spoke, Obito subtly shifted the position of his mask, allowing a brief glimpse of his Mangekyo Sharingan through the eye holes—its distinct pattern momentarily visible, reinforcing the identity he claimed.
"Although many things have happened since those days, and I have lost much of my physical form, the essence of who I am remains.",
"I stand before you now, not just as a shadow of my former self but as someone who still dreams of peace. I ask you to join me in fulfilling our shared vision."
As Obito spoke, Nagato's expression shifted through various shades of skepticism and contemplation.
The name 'Madara Uchiha' resonated with him. He was known as a legendary figure even in the farthest corners of the shinobi world.
His mind raced to piece together the implications, his eyes occasionally flickering towards Konan, seeking any sign of her thoughts on the revelation.
For her part, Konan remained quiet but visibly tense, her eyes narrowing slightly as she absorbed Obito's words.
The glimpse of the Mangekyo Sharingan added a layer of authenticity to Obito's claim, stirring a mix of awe and distrust in her.
She was acutely aware of the manipulative potential of such a claim and was concerned about the impact of this revelation on Nagato, whose health and spirits were already so delicately poised.
Nagato finally spoke, his voice carrying a hint of the monumental weight he felt upon his shoulders, "Madara Uchiha...", He echoed thoughtfully,
"That is a name that carries many legends, many tales of power and ambition. If you are truly who you say you are and that Mangekyo is indeed yours, then your proposal carries weight. And everything about you is not so strange...",
Nagato, grappling with the tumultuous events of the day, found himself at a crossroads of vulnerability and cautious gratitude.
Deep down, he recognized his and Konan's precarious position—they were entirely at the mercy of this mysterious, masked figure who claimed to be Madara Uchiha.
This realization was tempered by the fact that this individual had intervened at a critical moment, saving not only Nagato but also Konan, the last close companion he had in this world after Yahiko's tragic demise.
This act of saving Konan weighed heavily in his mind, fostering a reluctant sense of gratitude towards the masked man.
The death of Yahiko was also a pivotal moment for Nagato, shattering any remaining illusions he held about the possibility of achieving peace through nonviolent means.
He had seen firsthand that the world was not ready to relinquish the cycle of death and hatred that had sustained it for so long.
This brutal reality had hardened him, convincing him that true peace could only be grasped through a profound and universal experience of war's horrors.
Given these harsh insights, Nagato pondered the wisdom of at least listening to Obito's words.
The promise of potential healing and the acquisition of greater power was enticing, especially now when he felt most vulnerable and depleted,
'Perhaps...', Nagato thought, 'This person can offer a path that aligns with what Yahiko ultimately sacrificed himself for—a real shot at changing the world.',
"So...", Nagato said slowly, his voice reflecting a mixture of resignation and intrigue, "I'm willing to listen to what you have to propose. If your methods offer a realistic path to peace—even one as radical as what you suggest—then I need to consider it.",
Konan, standing silently beside him, gave a slight nod in agreement. Her eyes were fixed on Obito with a wary hope.
She was very loyal to Nagato, the only person left to her in the world, and had complete faith in his choices.
The air in the cave was thick with tension and potential as each party measured the other, contemplating the fragile beginnings of what could either be a powerful alliance or another deep betrayal.
Meanwhile, during their conversation, Nagato often thought of Danzo and Hanzo, the architects of Yahiko's tragic end.
The memory of his friend's forced sacrifice ignited a fierce rage within him, fueling his desire for vengeance.
"Yahiko was more than a friend; he was the embodiment of our shared dream for peace...", Nagato explained, his eyes darkening with grief.
Konan also nodded in pain. He was more than that to her. She also wanted revenge.
This was perhaps her second wish in this life after assuring the remaining and living Nagato that they were safe and sound.
Yahiko, always the leader, had inspired Nagato and Konan with his unwavering optimism and his vision for a peaceful world.
His charisma and determination had kept their spirits alive amidst the harshness of their war-torn childhood. Losing Yahiko meant losing the heart of their trio, the guiding light of their aspirations.
This devastation was clearly another driving force behind Nagato's decision to align himself with the enigmatic figure claiming to be Madara Uchiha right now, and Konan knew that.
For him, the promise of increased power was not just a means to achieve their grand vision of peace; it was also a path to personal redemption and retribution.
"If you can grant me the strength to avenge Yahiko, then I am willing to follow your lead...", Nagato said, his voice a mix of resolve and sorrow.
Nagato's feelings toward Hanzo and Danzo were more than just anger; they were a deep, seething hatred that consumed every corner of his heart.
The memory of Yahiko's death, directly caused by the machinations and political maneuvers of these two figures, had left an indelible scar on his soul.
Each thought of Hanzo and Danzo reignited the fury and the intense desire for retribution that simmered within him.
Obito, recognizing the depth of Nagato's pain and the potential it had to fuel their plans, nodded in understanding quickly.
"He was the cornerstone of our hopes, and they forced him into a corner where death was the only escape he saw fit...", Nagato continued as he recounted.
The vivid memories of Yahiko's final moments, where he chose to end his life rather than compromise their ideals, played repeatedly in Nagato's mind, fueling a relentless thirst for vengeance.
"With the power I offer, not only can you carry forward Yahiko's will for peace, but you can also ensure that those who wronged you are made to answer for their actions...", Obito assured Nagato immediately again.