Chapter 659: Can You Tell Me About My Parents?

Chapter 659: Can You Tell Me About My Parents?

Nagato quickly devised a compromise; he could look at how others in his situation have handled their awakenings. This would align with the traditions of his Ōtsutsuki clan. Knowing these precedents would simplify making his own choice.

He felt confident about this approach, believing it would provide him with a more prosperous basis for reference.

Ao couldn't help but smile slightly at Nagato's quick thinking. The young man had immediately found a way to address his dilemma, but he was now thrown back to Ao.

For Ao, this wasn't really an issue. Even before crossing into this world, he was an avid reader and manga fan, familiar with more stories than anyone here could comprehend.

The ninjas of this world were raised on harsh lessons aimed at making them beneficial to their villages, seldom exposed to lighter tales. Even Andersen's fairy tales seem novel and intriguing here.

With a vast arsenal of stories at his disposal, Ao knew precisely how to spin any narrative. His knowledge from previous readings gave him a unique advantage in the ninja world, unmatched in crafting compelling stories.

Almost instantly, Ao's face brightened with a knowing smile as he conjured up scene after scene in his mind.

"That's an excellent question," Ao began, praising Nagato. By now, including Nagato, the three members of Akatsuki had come to fully trust Ao's words, believing in the existence of the Ōtsutsuki clan and the concept of the universe.

This was significant progress.

They say the beginning is always the hardest. The most challenging part for Ao was overcoming the initial misunderstandings with Konan.

Once Konan was informed and shared her new understanding with Nagato, who then based his perspective on a solid foundation, every word Ao said seemed utterly credible and was accepted as truth.

This was achieved over time. Ao had spent considerable effort and eloquence through various demonstrations to reach this point. If it were anyone else, such manipulation might have faltered at any step and been exposed.

But for Ao, crafting stories was second nature. He could instantly twist the narrative and steer it in a new direction whenever needed.

"The Ōtsutsuki clan has a tradition where individuals undergo an awakening ritual at the age of 18. This ritual artificially awakens the Rinnegan in those who haven't naturally awakened it by then. Not everyone requires this ritual since some awaken their Rinnegan before turning 18."

Ao spoke slowly, borrowing from typical novelistic awakening ceremonies, which are often pivotal in character development.

"If I'm not mistaken, you're not yet 18, which is why I offered you the choice to awaken it naturally or with my help."

With a simple segue, Ao brought the conversation full circle, clearly explaining the significance of the Rinnegan to an Ōtsutsuki.

"I see," Nagato nodded, understanding Ao's point. There was no longer any doubt in his mind.

Since the ritual typically occurs at 18, and he wasn't 18 yet, he felt he could still try to achieve awakening on his own.

Nagato felt a personal challenge in this; he sensed Ao's high expectations and wished to awaken his abilities through his efforts. This made him decide to stick with his original strategy: try to awaken his powers by himself before the age limit.

If he hadn't succeeded by the age of 18, he'd accept that he was just an ordinary member of the Ōtsutsuki clan and would seek Ao's help without hesitation.

"Indeed, that's true," Ao agreed, giving Nagato a meaningful look. He knew the historical trajectory of Nagato's eventual acting against his mentor, Jiraiya.

Aside from that, there were famous instances like Itachi Uchiha and Obito Uchiha from the Uchiha clan.

Their actions were beyond Ao's understanding and forgiveness.

"So, you needn't worry about Hamura and the other child. They're both gone, and their mixed lineage means they wouldn't have made much impact even if they were alive."

"It's because you're a pure Ōtsutsuki that Hidan has been trying to use you, seeking to exploit your lineage to kill Kaguya."

"That's why, although I've sealed Hidan, I won't keep him locked up forever. You'll have to make your judgments when you reencounter him."

"Do you understand what I'm saying?" Ao's tone was icy as he laid out the scenario for Nagato, preparing him for a future encounter with Hidan.

He didn't plan to keep Hidan sealed indefinitely. That would be too simple and uninteresting.

Letting Hidan out occasionally would make for more dramatic developments, which Ao found satisfying.

"I understand," Nagato nodded gravely, then asked again, "Why do you say that only a pureblood Ōtsutsuki can kill Kaguya?"

He caught on to Ao's implication that only a true Ōtsutsuki had the power to end one of their own.

He felt he knew the answer but needed confirmation from Ao.

"Besides myself, no one else could, but I wouldn't want to, nor would I attempt it," Ao clarified. "Hidan knows this, which is why he's been trying to manipulate you, just as you suspected. Only a true Ōtsutsuki can kill another."

Ao reemphasized this point to Nagato, asserting that he was unparalleled in this world, though he hadn't fully awakened yet. Merely suggesting such power was enough to give Nagato immense comfort.

Not only was Nagato stunned by this, but so were Konan and Hidan, whose faces showed clear signs of shock. Konan had heard something similar before but hadn't fully grasped it then, overwhelmed by the implications.

"These things will become clear to you once you've awakened the Rinnegan," Ao continued. "Without the power of the Ōtsutsuki, you can't overcome your foe."

"That's the power of a god."

Ao's words resonated clearly, instilling a fresh understanding of the Ōtsutsuki's invincibility in everyone present, particularly Nagato, who now felt an intense sense of belonging to the Ōtsutsuki clan. This realization made him view the Leaf Village differently, as those people couldn't possibly have killed his true kin.

How could others slay a mighty Ōtsutsuki?

"Can you tell me about my parents?" Nagato asked, eager to learn more about his origins and his place within the storied lineage of his clan.