Chapter 207
"It doesn't matter if you make mistakes. It doesn't matter if your ideals are shaken. It's not too late to find the true path now," Zixu guided Nagato's thoughts, hoping he could act according to his own heart.
Unexpectedly, Nagato remained firm. He might have realized he was being used, but he still refused to believe Zixu's words.
"There is some truth in what you said, but I still stick to my own philosophy. Pain may not necessarily make everyone understand each other, but pain can help people better grasp the meaning of peace..." Nagato's chest rose and fell slightly, the beating of his heart audible in the cave.
"Alas, it turns out my words still aren't persuasive enough..." Zixu shook his head and muttered softly.
"But his philosophy was slightly shaken. Let's try to dig more information out of him..."
Zixu was not discouraged. He walked closer to Nagato, making Konan tense up, condensing several paper shuriken from the surrounding air. She was ready to defend Nagato against Zixu's sudden approach.
"I've already said, I'm not that interested in your philosophy. Our ideologies are too different to cooperate. What I'm more curious about... is who made you the way you are now."
"You should be Jiraiya-sensei's student. I know him. He would never teach such an extreme form of peace."
Zixu raised his hands high, signaling Konan not to panic.
"After countless experiences of pain, I realized that humans are selfish creatures. Unless they are pushed to the brink of death, they simply can't understand the pain felt by those who die in war..." Nagato wanted to continue, but Zixu interrupted him.
"I won't beat around the bush. The strong devour the weak — I just want information about some of your Akatsuki members."