Orochimaru's strength is secondary; he values Orochimaru's brilliant mind, that genius-like imaginative thinking, and the ability to turn those fantastical ideas into practical actions. That's where Orochimaru's true power lies.
As for past grievances, they seem trivial in the face of national justice.
Nagato feels he should abandon some existing worldly rules because the stronger he becomes, the more he realizes that rules are made by the strong.
Just like the Five Great Nations set rules for smaller ones but do not comply with those rules themselves, repeatedly breaking them.
This is the tyranny brought by power.
If one day, he can establish a way in which even the strong must follow 'rules'... Nagato gazes at the overcast sky, gray with rain.
Realizing that his pursuit of peace still has a long way to go.
At least for now, this new 'rule' remains elusive to him.
Pure violence is bound to be unwise, but excessive tolerance and compassion only indulge human desires.
Nonetheless, on the road to peace, strength is indispensable.
Just like that God of Ninja, Nagato aspires to not simply emulate, but to create a more rational system than that of the God of Ninja, so everyone would adhere to it, thereby eliminating war.
He originally believed Hakushi could provide the answer, but ended up discovering that Hakushi is not a pacifist; he is a hegemon more terrifying than the Five Great Nations.
However, compelling others to one's will does also make oneself a hegemon, doesn't it? Nagato smiled self-deprecatingly.
He is increasingly deviating from the path Yahiko had set.
This, perhaps, is the hell of reality.
No matter how bitter it gets, he is prepared to take a shot.
Humans only grow through experiencing pain.
"Nagato."
Konan's voice resonated from behind.
"What's the matter, Konan?"
"They've already arrived."
Konan's voice penetrated the rain curtain.
"Is that so? Unknowingly, I've been sitting here for half a day..."
Ever since Yahiko's death, he has come to like the atmosphere of rainfall.
However, this sorrowful rain will never extinguish the flame of hope in his heart.
The reason he chose to be drenched was to prove that no matter how painful, how disappointing the road ahead is, many people will perish before him, even Konan might die... yet he will not yield to it.
To die fighting till the last moment for the great cause of peace... just like Lord Hanzou, in renewing the determination to bring courage back to this village, this country.
Nagato is ready for death and prepared for the painful sacrifices of his friends before his eyes once more.
Entering the tower, the traces of rain on his clothes have completely disappeared.
Black Zetsu, White Zetsu, Orochimaru, Sasori, Hiruko, along with Konan who followed him in, all gathered here together.
Nagato glanced at Orochimaru, somewhat strangely asking, "Did Orochimaru fight with someone on his way here?"
Orochimaru looked a bit disheveled at this moment, his Akatsuki uniform slightly damaged, expression fatigued, evidently having just experienced a fierce battle.
Orochimaru's hoarse voice sounded, "I had a battle with Konoha's Anbu, lately, they've been closing in on me quite tightly... not being able to find Hakushi, they've just been venting on me, this one Sannin."
Laughing somewhat self-deprecatingly.
Since he's alone, it seems easier for Konoha to handle.
After all, allowing an S-Class Renegade Ninja to wander outside poses a significant threat to Konoha's reign.
Orochimaru knows too many of Konoha's secrets, which is one of the reasons Konoha Anbu won't let him go.
"Need help from my side?"
While the members of the organization are undoubtedly proud, Nagato wouldn't sit idly by if danger arises.
"No need, due to not acting with Sasori during this period, Konoha's Anbu found an opportunity; next time, it might not be certain who's chasing who."
Orochimaru smiled sinisterly.
"Is that so, be careful all the same, Mr. Orochimaru. Konoha's Anbu consists of elite Ninja; they shouldn't be underestimated."
Even though he considers having more dangerous foes, Nagato never overlooks Konoha.
The village passed down from the God of Ninja, no matter how despondent, remains a formidable threat to Akatsuki and Hidden Rain Village.
The method to defeat Konoha lies not in external power, but internally.
This is also why Nagato supports the dismantling of Konoha and the Uchiha by Black Zetsu.
To truly defeat Konoha, one must start internally, and the Uchiha is the most vulnerable nail inside Konoha.
Once this nail is removed, Konoha will be severely weakened.
"So, is there something you wanted to tell us by gathering us here this time?"
Sasori interjected at this moment.
"Regarding the next action steps, there will be slight differences from before. But for all of you, it shouldn't prove difficult."
Nagato calmly said.
But the group won't act overconfident due to Nagato's calmness.
The absence of pressure is where Nagato's greatest danger lies.
"No issue, as long as the compensation is sufficient."
That's Hiruko's perspective.
He joined Akatsuki not for fun as Orochimaru did but because Akatsuki could provide various aids, such as information and research support.
"That's for sure. Konan."
Nagato turned his gaze to Konan.
Konan understood and stretched out her hand.
In the dark room, a human body wrapped in white paper flew over.
Steadily landing in front of Hiruko.
The white paper dispersed under Konan's control, revealing the true face of this Ninja.
Judging from the fact that the Ninja still breathes, they are alive, a living person.
"This is a Kekkeigenkai Ninja possessing the Yin Style, the first payment. The following four Kekkeigenkai Ninja will also be delivered to you in the upcoming months."
Nagato said plainly.
"Much appreciated, I will work hard subsequently."
Hiruko revealed a deep smile, quite satisfied with this Kekkeigenkai.
"Yin Style, huh? It's said to be a Kekkeigenkai capable of absorbing Ninja Techniques..."
Orochimaru mused; he had heard of this Kekkeigenkai.
Nagato nodded, then pulled out two Scrolls from his sleeve, which flew toward Orochimaru and Sasori.
"These are gifts for you two; I hope you like them."
"Much appreciated."
Despite saying so, Orochimaru didn't decline and naturally accepted the gifts given to them by Nagato.
When Orochimaru opened the Scroll, three words caught his sight — Yin-Yang Style.
A gleam appeared in Orochimaru's eyes, the grin on his face growing wider.
With this, the goal of immortality came even closer.
"Then, in the following years, please work hard for Akatsuki."
Nagato began arranging the organization's tasks for the upcoming years, more systematized than before, and also required developing new members, expanding manpower.
Whether formal or external members, they are part of Akatsuki urgently needed.
After finishing the meeting, Orochimaru and others moved in different directions, disappearing within the Hidden Rain Village.
Nagato watched their departing figures and once more returned to the rain terrace outside the tower.
The sound of rain returned.