Chapter 202

In that moment, Carnes keenly observed the unfolding scene with a sense of gravity sinking into his heart, it wasn't just a spectacle to him.

He clandestinely absorbed it as a solemn learning, etching the message deeply within his heart.

Those destined for greatness must remain unyielding, unwavering, impervious to external forces.

Even in the face of impending death, they must sprint relentlessly toward their ambitions.

The unwavering pursuit of their goals becomes an absolute necessity for them.

For Nagato, Carnes believed this was his chance.

Failure was inconceivable; the mere thought of being the subject of laughter for millennia might be utterly intolerable to him.

It was a fate he refused to accept.

Contrastingly, Naruto, his adversary, exuded an unmistakable determination that dwarfed and overshadowed Nagato's resolute determination.

Despite the seemingly naive and idealistic nature of Naruto's goals, they were not without sacrifice.

His family had borne the weight of his aspirations, and Naruto, in turn, refused to be swayed or deterred, embodying a steadfast resolve even in the face of adversity.

Regrettably for Nagato, his overestimation of his own intellect became apparent.

In his conviction that power was the sole key to victory, he aimed to dominate Naruto utterly.

He believed that he could conquer all before him with power.

Yet, Naruto's unwavering resolve echoed through the confrontation making him question his own thought process.

"And What about me, what is my purpose?"

spoke, a smug undertone evident in his words.

"My purpose is to defeat you! I will bring peace to this ninja world!"

Deva Path's retort resonated with unyielding conviction.

Naruto responded to this challenge with determination, declaring.

"Really? That's a noble cause, the epitome of true justice.

But how can you speak of peace and justice when your actions have wrought suffering upon my family, friends, Konoha village and other ninjas?

What right do you have to preach about peace and justice?"

Naruto's words echoed back to him, refracted through the lens of Deva Path's cynicism.

Deva Path, however, scoffed dismissively, countering it with a derisive tone.

In this moment, Deva Path believed he held an absolute advantage—both in strength and moral high ground.

Yet, Naruto, though not refuting the accusations, began to question the unfolding events.

"What's happening?"

Naruto questioned, casting a discerning gaze.

With a derisive tone, Deva Path proceeded to outline his perspective.

He asserted that, "The Land of Fire..."

"And Konoha Village."

"They've amassed too much power!"

"To safeguard interests, they engaged in wars among major nation powers, subjecting citizens to the throes of starvation..."

"But now, it's become a battleground for the mighty."

"Other weaker countries and villages are also attacked."

"With every war, their lands are trampled and ravaged!"

"After countless conflicts, the major nations found their equilibrium, leaving the smaller nations in perpetual agony..."

These weaker nations included Nagato's homeland, that suffered the brunt of conflicts that ultimately served the interests of the more dominant powers.

"Our goals align."

Deva Path claimed a shared goal with Naruto—peace, both were acting in their perceived justice.

"We're both striving for what Jiraiya sensei referred to as peace, though the paths we chose are diverged significantly!"

"In the end, you and I are not so different," Deva Path proclaimed.

"We both strive for peace. We are both champions of our own justice.

The justice I enact for Konoha mirrors your pursuit against me, what you seek to impose on me!"

"In the face of loss, the ache remains the same, the agony is universally shared.

You and I, we're kindred spirits acquainted with that pain.

You fight for your justice, and I for mine. It's all a pursuit of the revenge that we've draped in the guise of justice, a cycle of mortals who act...

"Yet, if revenge is deemed justice."

"Such justice merely begets more hatred!"

"A cycle of hatred is destined to be born from this!"

"I live in the harsh reality, grasping the past, foreseeing the future, understanding that this is our history.

In the end, humans are creatures unable to comprehend each other. This truth I am compelled to accept!"

These words resonated in Naruto's mind, evoking memories of conversations with Jiraiya.

Recalling the conversations, he once had with Jiraiya about this very topic, Jiraiya had, in the end, left him to discover the answer himself.

And now, faced with the same question.

He's still uncertain of what the right answer might be.

"Given the circumstances, if it were you, how would you confront this hatred to forge a path to peace?"

Deva Path concluded his words, leaving Naruto on the ground, contemplative, as Naruto tried to regain some composure.

However, truth be told, up to this moment, Deva Path has undeniably gained the upper hand, both in strength and in spirit, effectively overpowering Naruto.

In a way, he had triumphed over Naruto today.

His logic and reasoning were sound.

His actions, resolute, spoke volumes.

Indeed, his mission was almost fulfilled!

At this point, Deva Path, or Nagato, had outwitted Naruto today with words.

But the course of action, once taken, had its repercussions, the scales tipped back.

Demiurge, utilizing the enhanced hearing due to heightened senses granted by his demonic transformation, monitored the unfolding events in the battlefield.

Deva Path's speech drew his attention.

After listening to Deva Path's speech, he adjusted his glasses and spoke.

"The strong devour the weak; it's the survival of the fittest.

This reality hasn't changed, this principle has endured throughout history. Feeble nations crumble and are conquered; it's an unending tale.

Once Nagato became formidable, he diverged from the path of the mighty. Instead, he aspired to reshape the world."

"That took me by surprise. I find it quite astonishing."

"The audacity he displayed!"

"To think he possessed such courage!"

"Hey, continue listening!"

Carnes remarked, deadpan.

Given the vast expanse of his memories, Carnes couldn't precisely recall how Nagato was defeated by Naruto, he only remembered that the end result was Nagato's utter defeat.

Even now, Demiurge, however, still admired at Nagato's courage and audacity.

He anticipated being further surprised.

Yet even Carnes himself couldn't fathom it.

Why did Nagato abruptly alter his plans and change his decision?

They had meticulously plotted and toiled for so long.

After such planning and tireless effort, can one truly backtrack?

The decisions they have made, the lives they have taken, and sacrifices endured — can they be undone?

Having come this far. Why would he undo all of this later? They had traversed this far.

Even when faced with an abyss, one had to move forward, for turning back now would be a mockery, rendering their journey as a mere jest.

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