Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

Ao had mentally prepared himself, anticipating that Nagato would have questions, mainly since he had previously discussed many details about the Ōtsutsuki with Konan, expecting her to relay them to Nagato.

However, these were not realities that genuinely existed.

Ao's tales to Konan were essentially fabrications, so any discrepancies in her retellings to Nagato were expected and normal.

Ao felt OK with this approach. Having started the deception, he was committed to carrying it through. In this world, there were no longer any Ōtsutsuki clan members left, so no matter how he used the Ōtsutsuki name, others would be none the wiser.

Moreover, he could spin stories to anyone, even convincing Hidan with his tales if necessary.

Ao possessed a significant advantage due to the information gap that others in the ninja world needed to learn, ensuring no one could best him in storytelling. If he claimed to be second best at weaving tales, no one would dare claim to be the first.

With this power, he could freely craft any myth in the ninja world, satisfying others with the mere disparity in information.

"You can ask anything you like."

Ao wasn't concerned about questions from Nagato; any question was simple for him since he didn't need to respond with the truth but merely craft a believable story. No one could verify the truth or falsehood of his tales.

Anyone doubting the veracity of his stories had no way to confirm or deny them.

Originally, Ao only wrote fiction within the ninja world, but gradually, his stories became believed to be truths akin to those of a veteran charlatan.

The thrill of knowing his words could be accepted as truth was intoxicating.

As Ao spoke, Nagato looked tense, his understanding of the Ōtsutsuki limited to what Konan had shared. Now facing direct questions about the Ōtsutsuki, Nagato felt increasingly anxious.

"I want to know if there are other Ōtsutsuki in the ninja world right now?"

Nagato quickly asked a question that deeply concerned him, given his belief that he was a member of the Ōtsutsuki clan. This question was crucial for him, considering his new identity.

Ao hadn't expected Nagato to be so concerned about other Ōtsutsuki members. It seemed Nagato was quite interested in familial connections.

Nagato wasn't necessarily looking for other clan members but wanted to confirm his unique existence.

If Rinnegan were familiar, it would no longer seem as impressive.

"There is one more," Ao slowly explained, surprising Nagato with his answer.

Nagato wasn't aware of Hidan's existence; Konan had omitted to mention Hidan when persuading Nagato, focusing instead on convincing him without delving into details about Ao.

Upon hearing Ao's revelation, the three Akatsuki members were stunned, especially since Konan realized Hidan's existence, which she knew but hadn't discussed with Nagato or Yahiko. They had thought that apart from Nagato, only Ao was an Ōtsutsuki, unaware of another member.

The shock of this revelation was profound, completely unexpected.

"Who is this person?"

Nagato asked anxiously, his fists clenched. He had initially posed the question not to seek an actual answer but to affirm his thoughts. Yet, his inquiry unexpectedly revealed another individual, complicating matters.

It felt as if he had asked a crush if they liked anyone, hoping to confirm their affection for him, only to have them name someone else.

"His name is Hidan Ōtsutsuki, a child of the first Ōtsutsuki who came here," Ao explained slowly.

"What?"

Nagato exclaimed, shocked by information he had never heard before. He knew of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the first of their clan to arrive, but didn't know she had a child who was still alive.

"It's been many years!"

"Can a person really live that long?"

"What does Hidan look like?"

Nagato bombarded Ao with questions, his curiosity piqued, especially about another Ōtsutsuki.

"As Ōtsutsuki, we have very long lifespans. Kaguya wasn't killed but sealed within the moon. It's normal for Hidan to be alive. You, too, will live through many dull centuries."

Ao began his deception, aligning Nagato's abilities with the Ōtsutsuki's, making him feel he had an almost eternal life. This would deepen Nagato's sense of belonging to the Ōtsutsuki.

This identification would save Ao much effort later, making future dealings with Nagato smoother.

Indeed, as Ao predicted, learning of his extended lifespan eased Nagato's mind, changing his expression subtly.

Everyone desires immortality.

From ancient emperors to modern-day Orochimaru of Konoha, all seek to prolong their lives. This narrative comforted Nagato, helping him fully embrace his Ōtsutsuki heritage.

"As for what Hidan looks like..."

Ao shifted his gaze from Nagato to Konan, exchanged a look, and then returned his attention to Nagato.

"If I remember correctly, you've already met Hidan. After I took Konan away, he must have approached you," Ao continued.

"It was him."

Nagato's pupils dilated as he recalled the dark figure who had claimed to know Konan's whereabouts, giving him false hope when he felt most helpless.

Although that hope was shattered, and he harbored some resentment towards Hidan, it was just a minor episode in his life.

Now, realizing that Hidan was also an Ōtsutsuki changed everything.

"Strange."

"I didn't see the Rinnegan in Hidan's eyes."

"Did he cleverly hide it?"

Nagato pondered, recalling Hidan's golden eyes, which would have been instantly recognizable as Rinnegan if visible.

"Hidan does not have the Rinnegan."

Ao shook his head, perceiving Nagato's thoughts, and clarified, "Hidan is the child of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and a human male, a half-breed, unlike us pureblood Ōtsutsuki."

Ao avoided detailing Nagato's lineage but implied he was of purer Ōtsutsuki descent.

Bloodline purity is often valued above all, and being a hybrid could be more burdensome than having no such lineage at all.

"Kaguya had three children with humans, only one of whom, Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki—the Sage of Six Paths—possessed the Rinnegan. The other two, Hamura Ōtsutsuki and Hidan, did not inherit it. They carry the Ōtsutsuki name but are only half Ōtsutsuki."

Ao deliberately infused disdain in his tone to resonate with Nagato, making him feel superior as a "pure" Ōtsutsuki.

Such tactics were aimed at bolstering Nagato's confidence and ensuring his reverence for Ao.

"That said..."

"I assure you, you need not worry."

"I have sealed Hidan."

"No one in this world can conspire against you anymore."

"After all, you are one of us—a true Ōtsutsuki."

"I won't interfere with your life or decide your fate, but I won't allow any threats to our clan."

"They only dared to act before you awakened the Rinnegan."

"Once you do, no one will pose a threat to you."

Ao painted a grand vision of power for Nagato, emphasizing the Ōtsutsuki's might to not only solidify Nagato's confidence but also ensure his awe of Ao.

"That..."

"I just thought of another question!"

Nagato looked intently at Ao.

"How exactly do true Ōtsutsuki awaken the Rinnegan?"

"Is it through their efforts?"

"Or with the help of others?"

Nagato's curiosity was piqued, and he sought clarification from Ao.