"First, let's listen to what they're saying," Roshi thought.
To avoid being discovered, Roshi found a secluded spot and used Earth Release to stealthily burrow underground, arriving near Nagato and his group.
"The actions of your Hidden Rock have affected the lives of the Land of Rain citizens. The Ninja Sect needs an explanation." Nagato said sternly, looking at the Hidden Rock Ninjas before him.
Although the movements of the Hidden Rock are not large, they are particularly glaring to the Ninja Sect, which is striving to build a peaceful and harmonious Land of Rain.
"Nagato, we cannot disclose any information. You are also a ninja; you should understand us. Revealing a mission is considered an act of defection," the leading Hidden Rock Jonin replied in a deep voice.
They were not specifically sent by Onoki to the Land of Rain to find Roshi, but rather were ninjas commissioned for training by the Ninja Sect.
Having cultivated in the Ninja Sect for a while, they could be considered acquaintances with Nagato, so they didn't use a threatening tone and simply pointed out their predicament.
The main reason for avoiding conflict is that they couldn't win. Nagato is no pushover and is a ninja with the reputation of being the first genius in the Ninja World.
"You don't need to give an immediate answer. You can convey the Ninja Sect's stance to The Hidden Rock Village.
The Ninja Sect has a collaboration with The Hidden Rock Village in training ninjas, and you're one of them. You know the attitude of the Ninja Sect towards cooperation; we also don't want this matter to affect the relationship between both sides," Nagato continued.
The high-levels of the Ninja Sect had discussed it; if the Hidden Rock does not provide a reasonable explanation and continues to disrupt the stability of the Land of Rain, they will end the cooperation with the Hidden Rock.
Nagato strongly agreed with this decision. The Ninja Sect has worked hard for the peace and stability of the Land of Rain for so long. If they shrink back just because the opponent is one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, the previous effort would be wasted.
Small Ninja Villages generally don't dare to provoke the Land of Rain; the reason the Land of Rain has become this way is because the Five Great Countries treat the Land of Rain as a battlefield for their power struggles.
If they tolerate the Hidden Rock's behavior now, in the future, they might have to tolerate Konoha, and then Hidden Sand. By then, there would be no peace or stability for the Land of Rain.
"I didn't know the village had such cooperation with the Ninja Sect," Roshi thought to himself with some surprise as he eavesdropped underground.
It's no wonder that as he headed south, there were more and more Hidden Rock Ninjas.
Roshi estimated that Onoki likely issued missions to those Hidden Rock ninjas who had undergone training with the Ninja Sect to find him.
If Roshi were Onoki, he probably wouldn't let his subordinates focus on their training at this time. Pausing cultivation for a month surely wouldn't be as impactful as losing a Jinchuriki.
"I'll report this to the higher-ups," the leading Hidden Rock Jonin replied.
Now that it involves the Ninja Sect, he truly has no choice but to report.
On one hand, the Ninja Sect has collaborative ties with the Hidden Rock; on the other hand, the Ninja Sect's high-level combat power is formidable. In the Land of Rain, these Hidden Rock Ninjas can't make any waves.
In fact, the Hidden Rock Jonin himself has a favorable view of the Ninja Sect, hoping that The Hidden Rock Village can continue its cooperation with them.
Because the Ninja Sect has a very high teaching quality, he genuinely feels that studying there effectively enhances his abilities.
However, the matters involved this time are too significant, and the Hidden Rock Jonin doesn't have the authority to decide anything.
After speaking, the Hidden Rock Jonin left with the other Hidden Rock Ninjas.
Roshi initially intended to wait for Nagato and his group to leave and then emerge from the ground; however, for some reason, Nagato stood still for ten minutes without moving.
"Come out, no need to hide," Nagato said softly to the ground.
Nagato possesses a powerful perception ability; he had sensed a strong Chakra presence nearby that he had never felt before.
When Roshi used Earth Release to stealthily approach, Nagato's alertness reached its peak, ready to act at any moment.
Had it not been for the Hidden Rock's presence, Nagato would have acted long ago, fearing any unexpected incidents might occur.
Roshi was planning to use Earth Release to exit elsewhere, feeling somewhat surprised, "Discovered me? Is he a perception ninja?"
After some quick thinking, he directly burst out from the ground, standing five meters away from Nagato.
The Hidden Rock Ninjas had already left ten minutes ago; considering a ninja's pace, they had run quite far, so Roshi didn't worry about being discovered.
Moreover, his purpose in coming to the Land of Rain was to meet Sosuke; meeting Ninja Sect ninjas was an unavoidable part of achieving this goal.
Roshi scrutinized Nagato and Sasori, while Nagato focused intently on Roshi with his Rinnegan.
With the support of the Rinnegan, Roshi's Transformation Jutsu disguise was rendered ineffective, and Nagato immediately saw Roshi's true form.
"Such strong Chakra, no—it seems different from ordinary Chakra. Is this his Chakra?" Nagato was unfamiliar with Roshi but was shocked by the Chakra within him.
It was the first time he had seen so much and such powerful Chakra.
Nagato stepped forward halfway, positioning Sasori behind him.
Sasori was still in a sealed state, unable to use Chakra, requiring Nagato's protection.
Sasori was very self-aware, quickly retreated two steps.
From being tightly held back initially to the current protective actions, it was evident that their opponent wasn't simple.
"These eyes!" the Four-tails within Roshi exclaimed in astonishment.
It actually saw eyes identical to Hagoromo's on this ninja named Nagato.
"What's the matter with his eyes? They seem different from normal people's eyes," Roshi asked in puzzlement.
Regarding special eyes, he only knew of Konoha's Byakugan and Sharingan.
"His eyes are identical to the Six Paths Sage's eyes," the Four-tails replied.
"The Six Paths Sage? You've seen the Six Paths Sage? I thought that was just a legendary myth," Roshi said, somewhat taken aback.