Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

These things were separate from Aoba's plan but were beyond his expectations. He truly did not expect it.

Nagato had become this arrogant.

Even when compared to the past, at least back then, they had the Rinnegan, and he truly possessed immense power, making him believe that he was a god because of his strength.

At that time, it was at least understandable.

After all, Nagato was indeed powerful back then.

Naturally, he had the capital to be proud and inflated.

But now, Nagato had nothing, still maintaining this stance. He could only use Wind Release ninjutsu, and he couldn't even use the Rinnegan. Yet, he was more arrogant than before, treating everyone like ants.

This inflated attitude left Aoba feeling quite astonished.

Aoba never thought that Nagato would appoint himself as a god just based on the information Aoba had passed about the Otsutsuki clan.

However, Aoba found it rather interesting. After all, it took just this little information to trigger such a transformation in Nagato's personality.

"My name is Nagato."

Nagato introduced himself indifferently to the different individuals present, and it was clear from his expression that he carried an inexplicable confidence.

This simple introduction caused Minato Namikaze's brow to furrow again, something Aoba could see.

This person had already irritated Minato Namikaze.

That wasn't easy to do.

You see, Minato Namikaze was usually quite easy-going.

If someone like him started disliking you before even truly interacting, it clearly showed that this person wasn't sitting well with Minato.

Nagato then introduced Yahiko and Konan to Minato.

After introducing all three of them, he nodded slightly towards Minato Namikaze.

"We are all disciples of Master Jiraiya."

Nagato casually mentioned their connection, though his words felt odd as if this connection somehow established a relationship between them.

But that connection was merely a distant one.

It almost felt like there was a sense of entitlement.

Because we are all disciples of Master Jiraiya, it is fortunate that we meet you, and you should feel honored.

At least, that's how Aoba perceived it.

He was particularly sensitive to this kind of sentiment.

Just from this ninja's memories, it was clear.

Let alone how Minato Namikaze might be feeling in person.

"Disciples of Master Jiraiya…"

Minato took a deep breath, entering a state of contemplation. It was quite intriguing.

At least from his expression, Aoba could sense that Minato was already thinking deeply because, back in the Anbu, Minato would have made the same face when contemplating.

Whenever Minato started thinking, it meant one thing: he didn't fully trust these people.

Aoba was almost certain that Minato was now considering various possibilities, especially linking the three members of the Akatsuki group to the Third Hokage.

However, such thoughts would lead nowhere.

Aoba knew something would surely happen later.

Still, he was puzzled as to why the Akatsuki trio had only arrived now.

What were they doing earlier?

He had informed them a long time ago.

The way things were unfolding left him feeling a bit puzzled.

It was very strange.

Could it be that Nagato's change in attitude delayed their arrival? Or was there something else going on?

One question after another popped into Aoba's mind. It was a habit of his. He liked to watch memories, movies, or books while questioning what was happening, and when he found answers to his questions, it gave him a sense of accomplishment.

"What business do you have with me?"

Minato Namikaze asked the Akatsuki trio.

At this point, Minato didn't know why they had come, but it was clear from his face that he was cautious, especially given the timing. Minato was about to be inaugurated as the Fourth Hokage of Konoha, and anything that happened now could potentially affect him.

Minato was very cautious before such events.

He didn't want to make any mistakes that could jeopardize his position.

Aoba could sense this.

Though Minato harbored some suspicions about the Akatsuki trio's motives, he didn't assume the worst, maintaining a calm and polite demeanor. But behind that politeness lay a layer of caution, a natural defense given the circumstances.

This was completely understandable.

Anyone in his position would be cautious.

After all, if he could get through this period safely and complete the Hokage inauguration, he would become the Fourth Hokage of Konoha.

However, if anything went wrong during this period, his Hokage position could slip away, and all his efforts would be in vain.

For this reason, Aoba could tell from Minato's expression that he was determined to avoid dangerous situations.

Moreover, Aoba was confident that the response would have been the same if this situation had involved anyone else.

Or if it were a different time, after Minato became the Fourth Hokage, he wouldn't be so wary of the Akatsuki trio. Everything would be settled by then, and their plans wouldn't matter.

Aoba could see that Minato was thinking carefully, while the Akatsuki trio in front of him all wore different expressions, each thinking other thoughts.

Strange.

Very strange.

From Aoba's perspective, the Akatsuki trio no longer seemed united in purpose.

In the original story, Aoba rarely saw much of Yahiko and didn't know much about their growth experiences. It was only for a short time when they interacted with the Akatsuki trio.

Based on his memories, Yahiko had always been the spiritual leader of the Akatsuki, with the organization formed under his leadership.

But now, Yahiko's expression didn't show any of that spirit. He looked more like a child following an adult, not interested in being there at all.

This change surprised Aoba, as Yahiko wasn't supposed to be like this. The lack of confidence on his face was strange.

As for the other member, Konan's face was filled with anticipation, as if she were truly excited to be in Konoha. Of the three, she was the only one who seemed genuinely happy.

And Nagato, who now appeared to be the leader, showed no signs of excitement. It didn't seem like he wanted to be in Konoha, but he carried an air of superiority when he spoke to Minato. This wasn't expressed in his words, but his expression and demeanor revealed it completely.