"Did we win?"
Everyone stared at the scene before them, frozen in disbelief. The sheer devastation caused by Pain's techniques—Chibaku Tensei and Shinra Tensei—felt like the work of gods, beyond the realm of ordinary shinobi. Yet, despite these overwhelming abilities, Bai Ye had defeated Pain with what seemed like minimal effort.
To everyone watching, it was nothing short of incredible.
"This guy is even stronger than I imagined," Tsunade murmured, watching Bai Ye descend after deactivating Susanoo. A small smile formed on her lips.
After witnessing this battle, Tsunade had fully accepted Bai Ye.
At the very least, he had done what he promised—he had protected Konoha.
Had it been anyone else, Pain's Shinra Tensei would have completely annihilated the village. But Bai Ye had stopped him.
"He's too powerful!" Naruto exclaimed, eyes shining with excitement.
Inside Naruto, Kurama grumbled, "With Bai Ye around, there's no way you're ever going to become Hokage. That position will be his."
Naruto was momentarily taken aback but quickly shook off the thought. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "Then I'll have to prove myself—show everyone that I'm worthy of becoming Hokage!"
Kurama was about to retort, but he suddenly noticed Bai Ye's gaze shifting toward him. The Nine-Tails immediately shrank back like a frightened kitten.
Even at his full strength, he wasn't sure he could defeat Bai Ye. And right now, he only had half his power.
"Master Bai Ye!"
"Master Bai Ye!"
The Konoha shinobi erupted in cheers as Bai Ye approached. Their excitement wasn't just about his strength—it was the fact that he had saved Konoha from destruction.
Bai Ye nodded. "Let's return. These were just puppets. The true leader of the Akatsuki is still alive."
His gaze then shifted to Naruto.
At this point, Naruto had successfully mastered Sage Mode, significantly improving his strength.
Bai Ye was curious about Sage Techniques. Perhaps he should visit Mount Myōboku to see if he could harness natural energy himself.
The Naruto world certainly had many intriguing abilities to explore.
When Bai Ye revealed that Pain was merely a puppet, shock rippled through the crowd.
"If the Six Paths of Pain were just puppets, then how powerful is their real leader?" someone murmured in disbelief.
Bai Ye smirked. "Relax. Without the Six Paths, he's not as formidable. Rinnegan is powerful, but without sufficient strength, wielding it can be more of a burden than a blessing."
The Konoha shinobi visibly relaxed at his words.
Besides, with Bai Ye around, they felt there was no need to fear anyone.
"Master Bai Ye," Naruto suddenly spoke, his voice firm. "That guy—he's the one who killed Jiraiya-sensei."
Bai Ye nodded.
"I want to find him." Naruto's tone was resolute as he met Bai Ye's gaze.
Bai Ye hadn't expected Naruto to follow the original plot so closely. Despite the battle playing out differently, Naruto still sought Nagato.
Though Kakashi and others hadn't died this time, Naruto's knack for "Talk no Jutsu" remained unparalleled.
Bai Ye nodded in approval.
He had no intention of taking Nagato's Rinnegan. After all, Madara Uchiha's resurrection depended on it. And without Madara, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki wouldn't appear.
Kaguya's existence was tied to the Chakra Fruit—the very thing Bai Ye was interested in.
Ordinary Rinnegan didn't interest him anyway.
With the Fourth Great Ninja War approaching, there was no rush.
Following the signal from a chakra receiver embedded in Pain's body, Naruto left to confront Nagato alone.
"Bai Ye, is it really okay for Naruto to go alone?" Tsunade asked, worried.
"Don't worry. He'll be fine," Bai Ye reassured her. "Naruto's the protagonist of this world. He won't die so easily—unless this were Boruto's era."
Tsunade sighed in relief at his confidence.
"Alright, let's head back. The Akatsuki isn't gone yet, and the war isn't over. Stay vigilant." Bai Ye glanced toward the distance where Obito's figure flickered before vanishing into the void.
"Master Bai Ye is right! We must remain alert!"
"But with Master Bai Ye, there's nothing to fear!"
The shinobi's morale soared.
Tsunade couldn't help but smile wryly. Bai Ye's influence had already surpassed hers in Konoha.
Meanwhile, at Nagato's Hideout
Nagato coughed violently, blood splattering onto his robes. His frail body trembled under the strain.
"Nagato! Are you alright?" Konan rushed to his side, concern etched on her face.
"I didn't expect him to be this strong," Nagato admitted, his voice weak.
Ever since acquiring the Rinnegan, he had felt like a god. Yet, he had been utterly defeated.
"We lost?" Konan was stunned.
She had believed Nagato was invincible—only legends like Hashirama or Madara could rival him. Yet, a man of unknown origins had crushed them.
"Yes. The Six Paths of Pain have been destroyed." Nagato clenched his fists in frustration.
Yahiko's body—his Pain—was gone.
"Will he find us?" Konan asked worriedly.
Nagato shook his head. "If he comes, I'll summon the Gedo Statue. He won't stand a chance."
Konan frowned. "But your body…"
Summoning the Gedo Statue drained Nagato's chakra and shortened his lifespan.
"I'll endure," he assured her, forcing a smile.
What Nagato didn't expect, however, was that it wouldn't be Bai Ye who came—but Naruto, armed with the most powerful technique in the ninja world: Talk no Jutsu.
The News Spreads to Other Villages
Land of Lightning - Kumogakure
In the Raikage's office, the Fourth Raikage clenched his fists, veins bulging as he read the report.
"Sasuke Uchiha captured my brother?!" He slammed his fist into the wall, leaving a crater. "Is the Akatsuki trying to wage war on the entire ninja world?!"
He knew Kumogakure alone couldn't defeat the Akatsuki. Their members were all monstrous in power.
Especially their leader, Pain, who wielded the legendary Rinnegan.
"We must unite the villages," he declared. "We'll hold a Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron!"
Land of Earth - Iwagakure
"Bai Ye defeated Pain?!" The elderly Tsuchikage Onoki's hands trembled as he read the report. "Who is this man?"
His subordinate replied, "We have no information on him. However, the Fire Daimyo seems to trust him."
Onoki frowned. "Interesting…"
Hearing Raikage's request for a summit, he sighed. "I suppose we must attend."
Land of Wind - Sunagakure
Gaara, the new Kazekage, prepared to leave for the Five Kage Summit. His siblings, Kankuro and Temari, accompanied him.
"Take care of Gaara," the elders advised.
"Of course!" Kankuro grinned.
Gaara simply nodded, prepared for what lay ahead.
At the same time, in Kirigakure, the newly appointed Mizukage also set off for the Five Kage Summit.
The stage was set—the world was on the brink of war.