Everything can be changed according to one's own will.
However, no matter how beautiful it is, it is just like a dream, an illusion.
His dream has already ended.
At the moment Hanzou perished.
At the moment he saw Yahiko, saw the fall of Akatsuki.
At the moment he realized he was deep in Hell, after tearing apart the falsehood that mutual understanding among people can bring peace...
He had already awakened from the dream.
He no longer wants to dream, no matter how sweet, how joyful, how beautiful the dream may be, it's not what he wants now.
What he wants is to change this living hell of reality. To replace Yahiko, to replace Hanzou, to replace the Land of Rain, and to carve out a new path to peace, one that can be sustainably achieved, with his own methods.
And not depend on the dream world of Infinite Tsukuyomi to accomplish all this.
Otherwise, it would be a complete denial of his past, of the real humanity, and of history.
Even his actions themselves would be meaningless, utterly ridiculous.
This is Nagato's determination.
Madara also sensed Nagato's unwavering determination.
Without a doubt, Nagato rejected his will.
Their wills are incompatible and can never merge together.
"So, even if this Ninja Realm leaves you battered and bruised, you still insist on dragging your scarred body forward, holding onto hopes for this mundane reality?"
Madara's face revealed no emotion.
"Yes. If not, then everything is meaningless."
"If you continue to persist in this way, more suffering will inevitably follow."
"If suffering is an inevitable part of my life, then pain also has its meaning. Madara, you better not underestimate humanity!"
Nagato's words, full of determination, made Madara sigh.
"Is this truly what you think?"
Madara gave Nagato a deep look, seemingly wanting to see through Nagato's true thoughts.
"...Yes, that's what I think."
Nagato's gaze did not waver.
"The likelihood of failure is too high."
"Even if someday I might fail, nothing changes. Don't try to impose your will on me. Those who escape reality should not be here to manipulate people's hearts."
Humanity truly grows only through experiencing pain.
And no matter how painful it is, one must stand tall, grit one's teeth, and bear the sorrow to keep moving forward.
Turning adversity into a tool to sharpen one's claws, becoming stronger, ultimately not being defeated by any existence in reality.
This is Nagato's choice.
It is also the will of Akatsuki.
Madara laughed.
Then laughed out loud.
Laughed heartily, shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
"Hahahaha! Hahahaha!"
Despite the wrinkled old face twisting into a mass and looking extremely unsightly due to nonstop laughter, Madara could not stop laughing.
The laughter lasted a long time before gradually dying down.
"What are you laughing at?"
Nagato wondered if there was something wrong with Madara's mind.
"No, no, you've really surprised me, Nagato. I never expected you to be such an interesting existence. I truly want to see what you look like when you fail, that will certainly be a moment that brings me joy."
"If you want to kill me, you better do it now, otherwise I will definitely kill you. You surely won't see what my failure looks like."
Nagato watched Madara tensely.
Madara's mindset was too dangerous, so dangerous that Nagato couldn't suppress the urge to kill him.
To let such a guy exist would be a disaster for both him and the Ninja Realm.
"Why do you think I would kill you? Just because you refused me, does it necessarily mean I must strike you down? There is no inevitable causal connection between these two things."
Madara smiled at Nagato.
Madara's words made Nagato frown, looking at him with confusion.
"I'm speaking the truth, Nagato. Before you came, I did not expect you to reject my will. Because as I see it, given all the pain you've experienced in reality, Infinite Tsukuyomi is the most suitable solution for you. However, since you have other thoughts, consider it a whim, I want to see how far you can go."
Madara said with a smile.
"What?"
"You just said, didn't you, that the suffering in reality also has meaning. From now on, the Rinnegan truly belongs to you."
"My possession?"
Nagato muttered, covering his eyes.
"That's right. Before you fail, I will not interfere with your actions. However... if you do fail, I will sever the causality of the world in my own way."
The smile completely disappeared from Madara's face, as he stared intently at Nagato's Rinnegan, the sunken eyes opening to speak these profound words with cracked lips.
Then he turned to look at the ground beside him.
"Black Zetsu."
The figure of Black Zetsu emerged from the earth, its attitude respectful, voice hoarse and low:
"Master Madara."
"This is akin to my half-self, starting today, it will follow you, you can command it at will. Time is short, any remaining questions he will explain to you."
Madara pointed at Black Zetsu, speaking to Nagato.
With that said, Madara turned and stepped into the darkness.
"Where are you going?"
"To handle the three little mice that have scurried here."
Madara's calm words echoed, his body disappearing completely into the darkness.
After Madara's departure, Black Zetsu looked at Nagato, speaking respectfully: "Lord Nagato, from today onwards, I will exist as your subordinate. Moreover, before you fail, I will not betray you, my strength will be at your disposal."
"Can I understand that if I fail, you will make your move?"
"This is Master Madara's will. Please come with me, I will next help you transplant the cells of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, to further strengthen your power. I will also disclose everything about the Rinnegan and the Tailed Beasts to you without omission. Whatever you plan to do next, power is an indispensable thing. Only the will of a strong person can illuminate the entire world."
The candlelight naturally extinguished, and the darkness swallowed up the figures of Nagato and Black Zetsu.