Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 368 The Masked Man

Nagato stood silently, his eyes fixed on the distance, as if he were the only person left in the world. His thoughts surged like a tidal wave, and he was lost in deep contemplation.

He was once blinded by the unparalleled power of the Rinnegan, lost in the illusion of inflated ego. He firmly believed he had transcended the realm of mortals, becoming an omnipotent "god." With this power, he confidently believed he could suppress all things in the world, and no one could contend with him. Even facing that masked, treacherous man, he was fearless, confident he could conquer him with absolute strength, forcing him to submit.

However, fate played a cruel joke on him. Just moments ago, a sudden battle dealt him an unprecedented and crushing defeat. The mysterious intruder, like a ghost, easily breached his supposedly impenetrable defenses, leaving him utterly powerless. In that instant, his arrogant and disdainful beliefs crumbled like a shattered mirror, never to be pieced back together.

At this moment, Nagato finally awoke from the illusion created by the powerful Rinnegan. He began to re-examine every step he had taken over the years with an unprecedented clarity. Details that had been overlooked or forgotten now surfaced before his eyes, like a long and heavy historical scroll. Many doubts also began to gradually emerge in his mind.

Just then, a man wearing a mysterious mask suddenly appeared without warning. He was like a ghost emerging from the darkness, catching everyone off guard. The masked man's behavior was unusually peculiar; he seemed to disregard all gain and loss, devoting himself entirely to helping me.

He stood firmly on my side without hesitation, and not only that, he also actively offered advice and strategies. Every suggestion was well-thought-out and ingenious, like a guiding light illuminating my path; every plan was meticulously crafted and intricately linked, like a net that left the enemy nowhere to escape.

Faced with this mysterious person of unknown origin who had gone to such lengths to help me, I was filled with doubt and gratitude. However, I was also filled with anticipation for how things would develop and curiosity about the true identity of this masked man. After all, in this turbulent and unpredictable world, it was rare to encounter someone so selfless and risk-taking. Who was he? Why was he helping me so recklessly? These questions shrouded me in a fog, leaving me completely perplexed. Although I had my doubts, I was incredibly confident in the immense power granted by my Rinnegan, believing that even if he plotted against me, I could suppress him with my superior strength.

However, even now, the true identity and background of the masked man, whom even such a mysterious and powerful intruder fears, may be far more complex than they appear. What does his face, hidden behind the mask, truly look like? And why does he choose to reveal himself in this way? All these mysteries shroud this intriguing and awe-inspiring figure like a thick fog. Perhaps, beneath his unassuming exterior lies boundless power and wisdom; or perhaps he carries an unknown mission and responsibility. In any case, one thing is certain: this masked man is no ordinary person, and his appearance has brought unexpected twists and turns to his destiny.

Could it be that I've been caught in the masked man's carefully orchestrated conspiracy all along? Whenever I recall every interaction with him, every conversation, and the seemingly well-intentioned advice he gave me, a deep sense of doubt and unease wells up within me. What unknown motives lie hidden behind these so-called "good words"? Perhaps from the very beginning, it was all part of that cunning masked man's plan!

Looking back, every word he said seemed carefully considered, with an elusive, profound meaning lurking between the lines. I, like a naive child, easily believed and accepted his guidance. Now, I wonder if those suggestions that once moved me to tears were actually traps he deliberately set to lead me astray? Or perhaps he cleverly exploited my weaknesses and desires, gradually guiding me in the direction he desired?

The more I think about it, the more terrified I become, as if the whole world has become blurred. Faced with such a complex and treacherous situation, how can I distinguish between truth and falsehood? How can I break free from this invisible net and find my own path again? My heart feels as heavy as if it has fallen into a bottomless abyss, and the road ahead is filled with unknowns and confusion.

Konan gazed silently at Nagato's bewildered and confused face, a complex mix of emotions welling up within her. She tried to find the right words to comfort him, but found herself becoming somewhat lost and helpless herself.

However, Konan knew one thing for sure: as long as Nagato could get through this predicament safely, everything else seemed less important. After all, for Konan, Nagato was not just a companion or a friend, but like family. They had been through countless trials and tribulations together, and a deep and solid bond had been built between them.

Throughout these long years, Konan witnessed the pain and suffering Nagato endured, and also saw the unwavering determination and resolve deep within his heart. Although Nagato is now facing unprecedented confusion, Konan firmly believes that with Nagato's immense strength and indomitable will, he will surely find his own answers and emerge from this foggy predicament.

At this moment, all Konan could do was silently stay by Nagato's side, offering him endless support and encouragement. Because she knew that in this world, no one understood Nagato better than her; similarly, no one could trust and protect him as unconditionally as she did.

Before long, the seemingly unreachable ice crystal castle began to melt away at a visible speed! As if affected by some mysterious force, the once rock-solid and crystal-clear ice crystal walls shattered and collapsed as if they had lost their support. And the six figures of Pain, who had been frozen within, slowly emerged with this strange change.

Cracks began to appear on the thick layer of ice covering them, quickly spreading throughout their bodies. Then, with a crisp "crack," the ice shattered completely, turning into countless tiny ice shards that scattered into the air. The Six Paths of Pain were finally freed. They moved their stiff bodies, feeling the long-lost energy and power.

Moments later, these powerful beings vanished like ghosts, appearing instantly beside Nagato. They stood silently in a row, like loyal guards protecting their master. Each of their eyes was filled with unwavering resolve and coldness, seemingly ready to obey Nagato's orders at any moment.

In that instant, a strange ripple suddenly appeared in the previously calm void, just inches away from Nagato Uzumaki. Then, a mysterious spatial vortex abruptly materialized! It was as if a passage from another world had been forcibly torn open, sending chills down one's spine.

In the center of that deep vortex, a blurry figure slowly emerged. He was shrouded in a wide black robe, drifting like a ghost. His face was concealed by a cold mask, making it impossible to see his true features, but even from the blood-red eyes that pierced through the gaps in the mask, one could feel an extremely chilling aura emanating from him.

Especially when those Sharingan eyes, burning like flames, were locked onto Nagato, they exuded an invisible pressure, as if they wanted to completely devour the person before them. At this moment, time seemed to freeze, and the entire space fell into a deathly silence.

Xiao Nan's eyes instantly sharpened and became alert, like a cheetah poised to pounce. She harbored a deep-seated suspicion about the masked man's existence, her inner alarm bells never ringing. For a long time, Xiao Nan had been suspicious of this mysterious man who always wore a mask.

She knew the masked man was no ordinary person; his behavior was often baffling, yet he seemed to conceal some unfathomable purpose. Konan was especially cautious when Nagato was involved. In her eyes, Nagato was not merely a comrade, but a person as important as family.

Beneath the masked man's seemingly calm exterior, however, an undercurrent seemed to be surging. Konan was convinced that he was secretly plotting something, and his target was likely the innocent, kind, and easily manipulated Nagato. This thought made Konan increasingly nervous and uneasy. She decided to remain highly vigilant at all times and not allow the masked man any opportunity to harm Nagato in the slightest.

"The mighty Uchiha Madara! The one who once shook the world, the one whose very name struck fear into the hearts of all, now hides like a cowardly turtle in the shadows, not daring to show his face!" Nagato's voice was filled with undisguised dissatisfaction and contempt. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through the darkness, directly targeting the mysterious masked man who had suddenly appeared before him. He showed no mercy to this masked man who called himself Uchiha Madara, and spoke with sarcasm.

Xiao Nan also glared at the other party with hostility, ready to deliver a fatal blow should the other party make any move.