Nagato, having just used Shinra Tensei for the first time, was panting heavily. The strain of using his Rinnegan was still too much for him.
"Not a bad defensive ability," the Third Mizukage remarked. "But it's not very useful."
He began walking toward Nagato again. No one understood the Rinnegan's capabilities better than he did.
The Chakra required to wield the Rinnegan was immense—far beyond what an ordinary person could sustain—and Nagato was still far from that level. Judging by Nagato's disheveled state, the Mizukage doubted he could even use Shinra Tensei again.
Moreover, the five-second interval between its uses was more than enough time for him to act decisively. Using Ninjutsu against the Rinnegan now would be foolish.
"Shadow Clone Technique."
Nagato ignored the Third Mizukage's approach and summoned four Shadow Clones to prepare for a decisive attack. Even if he couldn't win, he wasn't going down without trying.
With a puff of smoke, five Nagatos stood before the Third Mizukage.
"How much Chakra do you have left to do something like this?" the Third Mizukage said, shaking his head, though he secretly admired Nagato's Chakra reserves.
He reaffirmed his belief that his earlier decision had been correct—only someone like Nagato could bear the burden of those eyes.
"Five Release Great Combo Technique!"
Nagato remained focused, fully aware that his remaining Chakra was limited. From the moment he began rescuing his allies to using Shinra Tensei, he had already expended a tremendous amount of energy.
The five clones each unleashed a different type of Ninjutsu, which converged midway into a powerful composite technique aimed at the Third Mizukage.
"Sasuke Sarutobi's Jutsu?" the Mizukage muttered under his breath, his expression turning serious.
It was clear he had seen this technique before, perhaps many times.
For once, he chose not to face the attack directly. Instead, he dodged and retreated far away, fully aware of the destructive power of the Five Release Great Combo Technique.
Rumble!
The combined technique struck the sea and exploded, igniting the water's surface for a brief moment.
Nagato collapsed to his knees, utterly exhausted, as the Shadow Clones around him dissipated.
"You are a genius."
"Even without those eyes, you could become a strong person," the Third Mizukage's voice echoed from afar, calm and carefree as ever.
Nagato, a young man who had mastered five different jutsu, truly deserved the title of "genius." But against someone like the Third Mizukage, he was still lacking.
"I can go with you," Nagato said. "But I have a request."
He pulled a kunai from his ninja tool bag and held it against his neck.
"Speak," the Third Mizukage replied, his expression finally changing.
If Nagato died, the Mizukage had no idea where he would find a replacement. Capturing someone from Konoha would be far too troublesome, even for him.
"You can't kill them," Nagato said firmly. "Otherwise, I'll die right here in front of you."
This decision stunned everyone. In their current state, the Third Mizukage could easily kill them all, and Nagato had little strength left to resist.
Yet Nagato chose to trade his own life for the safety of his companions. The Third Mizukage's goal had always been clear—Nagato himself.
"No, I won't agree to that," Yahiko said, struggling to his feet.
Step by step, he made his way toward them, walking across the sea. Each step left an uneven mark, and it seemed as though he might fall at any moment.
"Shut up." The Third Mizukage raised his hand and sent a water ball flying, knocking Yahiko down once again.
"Nagato~"
Konan couldn't hold back her tears anymore, but there was nothing she could do to change the situation.
"I promise," the Third Mizukage said at last, his gaze fixed on the kunai pressed against Nagato's neck, which was already drawing blood.
"Take care of them."
"Tell Sensei, I... I won't be able to go back," Nagato said as he removed the kunai from his neck.
He cast one last glance at Nawaki and Minato before turning and walking toward the Third Mizukage, never looking back.
"You're not afraid I'll go back on my word?" the Third Mizukage asked, surprised by Nagato's trust.
"Your goal is only me," Nagato replied calmly. "It may be difficult to live, but it's easy to die."
He dried his tears, his demeanor unusually calm and mature for his age.
"Haha, interesting."
"Let's go," the Third Mizukage said, amused.
He didn't bother placing a seal on Nagato, instead leading him away into the distance.
Finally, his long-sought eyes were under his control once more.
...
By the time Nawaki and Minato woke up, a long time had passed.
The Third Mizukage had already departed for Kirigakure, carrying Nagato in his arms.
"Where is this?" Nawaki asked as he opened his eyes. Everything around him looked unfamiliar, and his body still tingled with pain.
He vaguely remembered being knocked into the air by the Third Mizukage's ultimate technique.
"Brother Nawaki, you're awake," Konan's voice came from beside him.
"This is a ship bound for the Land of Fire. It saved us when it passed by," she explained.
Yahiko sat nearby, his face still shadowed by grief.
"Saved us?" Nawaki asked, sensing something was off.
What kind of people on a passing ship could have possibly saved them from the Third Mizukage?
"Nagato left with the Mizukage," Konan said, her emotions collapsing now that Nawaki was awake. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "It was Nagato who saved us."
"What?"
The shock made Nawaki wince as pain surged through his body.
"I'm useless," Yahiko muttered, his lips trembling as he clenched them tightly. His self-blame was evident to everyone.
If only I were stronger!
Boom!
Nawaki didn't say anything. Instead, he pounded the bed heavily.
"Ssshh…"
The sound of Nawaki pounding on the bed seemed to wake Minato.
"Minato, are you okay?" Nawaki asked with concern, knowing Minato's constitution wasn't as robust as his own.
"I'm fine. Why are you guys crying?" Minato replied, his voice groggy. Having just woken up, his mind was still clouded.
"Nagato was taken away," Nawaki said simply.
Minato didn't react immediately. After a moment of thought, he realized the situation. He was alive, and that could only mean one thing.
"Don't be sad," Minato said calmly. "We have to hurry back and report to Sensei. Only Sensei can save Nagato."
Minato reasoned that if the Third Mizukage had wanted to kill Nagato, there wouldn't have been such a need for elaborate measures. If Nagato was taken alive, there was still hope.
"Yes, let's go back and find my brother-in-law," Nawaki said, his spirits lifting as he thought of Kawakaze, who was like a god to him.
"How long until we get there?" Minato asked Yahiko.
"We'll arrive tonight," Yahiko answered, his tone steady despite everything. At least he still had control over the situation in terms of timing.
"Good. I'll head back first," Minato said decisively. "You all should get some rest."
Minato knew that most of the group was injured and wouldn't be able to travel quickly. With his Flying Thunder God Technique, he could return to Konoha far faster.
"Okay, then be careful on your way," Nawaki agreed, knowing Minato's decision would allow the news to reach Konoha sooner.
"Hm."
After a brief exchange, Minato lay back down, closing his eyes to rest. He knew he didn't have much time to recover.
As night fell, the cargo ship reached the port of the Land of Fire. The group disembarked and began hurrying toward Konoha.
Minato's figure flashed and disappeared from the spot, already on his way ahead of them.