Ao's voice clearly reached everyone present at the scene, and the eyes of the three Akatsuki members were all fixed on Nagato, curious about how he would choose.
It was an undeniably rare opportunity for Nagato, especially after Konan's explanation had informed everyone that awakening the Rinnegan would grant him formidable power akin to unlocking the abilities of the Ōtsutsuki clan.
Yet, they couldn't articulate why there seemed to be an expectation from Ao towards Nagato.
Sometimes it is like that. Often, when someone poses a question, they already have the answer in their mind and merely hope you will voice the response they desire.
Nagato felt this way now.
He remained silent, his gaze fixed on Ao. Deep down, he wanted Ao's help to unlock the Rinnegan and gain the power of the Ōtsutsuki. Still, looking at Ao's expressionless face, he wondered about Ao's particular inclination in this matter.
"What's the difference between these two choices?" Nagato didn't make a decision immediately but asked Ao, looking for a deeper understanding, not just of the question Ao posed but also of Ao's personal biases behind it.
By proactively querying these inclinations, he could make a more informed decision.
Nagato held Ao in high regard, well aware that he was an Ōtsutsuki. His future reliance on Ao was evident.
Having had no real family, Nagato's encounter with Ao felt like it filled a void. Though he had parents who were killed by ninjas from Konoha, and despite knowing they were not his birth parents, he had kept this knowledge to himself, not willing to accept it.
After learning from Konan, he finally faced the truth about his heritage and felt less alone, knowing he was an Ōtsutsuki.
This was a strange notion.
Having always been an orphan, only surrounded by Konan and Yahiko, he had wanted only to protect them. Friendship couldn't replace kinship, which he deeply longed for and wanted to embrace.
Because it mattered, there was nervousness.
Their care for this kinship and their relationship with Ao made their conversations with him incredibly constrained; every word was carefully considered to avoid displeasing or disappointing Ao.
"If I have to distinguish between the two options…"
Ao spoke casually, not having a precise explanation himself.
"If you choose to let me help you unlock the Rinnegan, you could instantly access its abilities and continue to refine and utilize them."
"But if you choose not to seek my help, you could try to unlock it yourself over time, possibly needing some stimulus or assistance, requiring a bit of fate and coincidence."
"Really, whatever you decide is fine with me."
"I feel a kinship when I see your Rinnegan; that's all!"
"I've told Konan before that I won't make decisions for you; your life is yours to control."
Ao explained, offering no advice and merely letting Nagato make his own decisions while explaining the situation with the Rinnegan.
Suddenly inspired, Nagato thought of something.
"That… I have a question."
"If I decide not to use your help now and try to unlock the Rinnegan on my own… but if I fail ultimately, would you still be willing to help me?"
Nagato's eyes were fixed on Ao, needing to clarify if this offer was a standing one or a fleeting opportunity.
This was a clever question, touching directly on the core of their discussion. Everyone, including the three members of Akatsuki, waited for Ao's response.
"Of course."
Ao nodded straightforwardly, showing a hint of a smile that seemed genuinely pleased.
"I won't interfere with your actions, but I can help if you need it."
"You are one of us, an Ōtsutsuki."
Ao spoke earnestly, treating his assurances not as empty promises but as a commitment to fulfill them. He used his words to satisfy the ideal, as painting a picture can be enough—it doesn't always need to be acted upon.
Ao's words profoundly moved Nagato, who had never before met someone who seemed so sincerely supportive. To him, Jiraiya was also genuine, but he hadn't taken that sincerity seriously, perhaps because Jiraiya was from Konoha.
But for an Ōtsutsuki, it was different.
In his view, they were a divine clan.
"Yes!"
Nagato nodded immediately, his face breaking into a smile, visibly joyful. "I've made my decision."
"I don't need your help for now; I want to try to unlock the Rinnegan using my strength."
"Before, I didn't know it was possible to unlock the Rinnegan."
"I had no direction in life."
"Now that I know, I want to see where my strength lies."
"Please give me the chance to try and change on my own!"
Nagato spoke earnestly; his heart settled on not receiving Ao's gift; instead, he felt Ao preferred that he reach this power through his efforts.
"No problem."
Ao nodded, accepting Nagato's request. In his heart, he didn't wish for Nagato to unlock the Rinnegan yet, as it could complicate helping Minato secure the position of Hokage. At this stage, supporting Minato didn't require overwhelming power; Konoha's strength was sufficient.
"Still, the same as before; if you need me, just go have a bowl of ramen at Ichiraku."
"Then I'll come to find you."
"If you ever need help unlocking the Rinnegan."
"Then you can seek me out."
"Then you'll truly become one of the Ōtsutsuki."
Ao continued, elevating his explanations beyond mere ninja skills, for the Ōtsutsuki were not mere ninjas but akin to deities, with chakra derived from the Divine Tree itself.
"The Ōtsutsuki…"
For some reason, a deep sense of pride welled up in Nagato, feeling as if he stood on the chosen side.
Throughout, Jiraiya had told him his Rinnegan was akin to that of the Sage of the Six Paths, destined to bring about world change.
Konan and Yahiko also reminded him of his significant strength and importance.
Over time, Nagato had come to see himself as a chosen one.
Yet, until now, it had been a belief without realization, leading to self-doubt about his capabilities and the power of his Rinnegan.
"Can you tell me more about the abilities of the Rinnegan?"
Nagato couldn't help but ask, his nervousness palpable as he carefully watched Ao, aware that directly inquiring about such powers was not polite.
"It's not that it can't be done."
Since the pretense was maintained, Ao figured he might embellish the narrative further. Even if he didn't say it, Nagato would eventually seek him out for knowledge about the Rinnegan, so withholding information could sour their relationship, whereas sharing could earn goodwill.
"I can show you a bit of what the Rinnegan can do."
"After all, its abilities are vast."
"Some, if seen, are equivalent to facing death."
"So, I'll show you just a part now."
Ao's tone became serious as he levitated, his feet leaving the ground and rising before their eyes, shocking even those like Konan who had seen such feats before. For humans, flying was a dreamlike desire typically reserved for deities.
Ao simply demonstrated flight, impressing the group profoundly with this display.
"Universal Pull!"
With those words, a powerful force pulled Nagato toward Ao, who caught him by the neck. The shock was intense, but no fear was evident, knowing Ao wouldn't harm him.
Is this the power of the Rinnegan?
Nagato was astounded, noting the absence of hand seals, unlike other techniques.
This wasn't a learnable jutsu.
This was a power exclusive to the Rinnegan.
"That's all for now," Ao said calmly. "Showing you more might be too much for you to handle."
"Yes!"
Nagato was thrilled, a little knowledge of the Rinnegan's capabilities bolstering his confidence.
"May I ask more questions?"
"Go ahead," Ao nodded.
"Could you explain more about what you do as an Ōtsutsuki?" Nagato asked, tense, "I've heard some from Konan, but I'd like more clarity on the Ōtsutsuki matters."
"Of course!"
Ao landed, his demeanor calm as he set Nagato down, ready to fully engage his curiosity about the Ōtsutsuki, enhancing his respect and awe for the clan, as they were not merely ninjas but akin to gods.