Naruto: Check out these scenes!

"You really know how to cause a scene, don't you?" Naruto's voice dripped with a mix of irritation and seriousness as he faced Merz and Teguse, the two masterminds behind the crisis. His typically calm demeanor had been replaced with a fierce intensity.

Merz stood unfazed, a slight smirk on his face. "Ah, the legendary Hokage makes his grand entrance! To what do I owe the pleasure? Just two sinners meeting their judgment."

"Sinners?" Sasuke interjected, his brow furrowing. "You're the one who has thrust the entire ninja world into chaos and you're playing the victim?"

Merz chuckled softly, a hint of madness in his eyes. "It seems you're unaware of the true nature of sin, Sasuke. Perhaps you should consider your own actions."

Naruto frowned, still confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Our organization, [Zero], was founded with one objective: to return the ninja world to [Zero]. You might wonder why we seek to 'reset' a world that appears peaceful."

"That's because the so-called peace you cherish is built on a foundation of sin," Merujin stated with conviction.

Sasuke crossed his arms, not impressed. "Typical rhetoric from anyone planning a rebellion. I've heard it all before."

"Ah, but Zero is different. People follow me, hoping I can lead them to change this world. Unlike others, they join willingly, believing in my vision."

Naruto scoffed. "That's nonsense."

"Tell me then," Merujin countered, "do you think this world craves battle?

You may enjoy your peace, but that peace brings apathy. Without conflict, what will happen to the shinobi?

Where do those who thrive on strife find their place in a tranquil world? They seek solace in [Zero].

Some live to fight, others to test their skills, and some seek revenge for past losses; all of them find common ground in the philosophy of ruling through strength."

His smile turned sinister, twisting into a grotesque expression. "After all, Pain's philosophy still echoes in our actions."

[Nagato: I remember now. It was me who made him this way.]

[Konan: What you said to him back then was not wrong, but he clearly misunderstood it.]

[Nagato: Exactly, I was trying to make a point, but he twisted it into something vile.]

[Uzumaki Naruto: I recall there being a group named 'Zero' in the past, but I can't say I was ever impressed with their actions.]

[Uchiha Sasuke: Oh, I remember now! That was the pathetic group I wiped out not long ago. Took me less than half an hour to shut them down.]

[Jiraiya: But that doesn't fit with what we heard about them in the reports.]

[Sarutobi Hiruzen: You'll see the truth as you continue.]

Upon hearing the name Pain, Naruto shook his head in defiance. "You're mistaken, Merz. Nagato didn't crave conflict—he wanted peace! Your efforts are merely a way to rationalize pointless bloodshed."

As someone who had persuaded Nagato to seek a better way, he understood Nagato's longing for a world without conflict. There was no way he'd revisit that darkness.

"And what's wrong with that?" Merz countered. "The world changes with cycles—conflict, peace, then conflict again. It's the law of nature."

He sneered, "You misunderstand me. While I acknowledge Pain's ideas, I won't replicate his path. I aim to craft a new era out of the ashes—a time where I surpass Pain himself and become a god!" His expression lit up with manic exhilaration.

[Deidara: Everyone wants to be a god these days. How can someone who doesn't appreciate art hold such allure?]

[Onoki: You've been playing with your bombs too long, haven't you? You're all flash and no substance.]

[Deidara: Who are you calling dull-witted, you old fossil?]

[Ohnoki: Whoever agrees with me... so, everyone.]

[Nagato: Isn't it ironic that he wants to be a god but cares only for his ego rather than the aspirations of the world?]

[Kakashi: I remember when you stormed into Konoha, slaughtered countless innocents, and turned our home into a crater.]

[Nagato: ...]

Sasuke couldn't help but scoff, "Is this really what you want? How painfully short-sighted."

Having witnessed too many dreamers like Merz during his time, Sasuke felt the familiar pang of disbelief. They thought they could shape the world, yet, when pushed, they were merely met with cold reality.

Naruto was determined to strike back. "Your actions have caused immense sacrifices. You're merely spreading chaos throughout the world of Shinobi"

But Merujin shrugged dismissively. "Great achievements require sacrifices. My followers embrace this notion. They are here to eradicate the ninja world, including Nanashi, who revels in using her power."

Boruto, having uncovered Nanashi's past, weakly protested, "Nanashi... doesn't want that anymore!"

Merz glanced at Nanashi, currently kneeling in a dazed state, lifeless eyes staring blankly. "Ah, yes. Through some tedious manipulation, she's lost her drive to fight. She's nothing but a nuisance now."

"So, Uzumaki Boruto," Merz taunted, "you wanted to take her away? Allow me." He grabbed Nanashi's arm, lifting her effortlessly.

But in a shocking twist, he suddenly kicked Nanashi in the chest, the sound of bones cracking echoed through the air as she was sent flying.

"Nanashi!"

Ignoring the pain coursing through his body, Boruto leaped forward, catching Nanashi in mid-air, sacrificing himself as a cushion. "Why you!"

"Naruto, watch out!"

Seeing his son injured yet again sent a surge of rage through Naruto. Just as Merz lunged for a strike, kunai poised to slice through Naruto's neck, he hit back with a fierceness born from fury.