Was Nagato's Emotion Elicited When He Killed Jiraiya?

Throughout the Naruto series, the character of Nagato, also known as Pain, is often depicted as having a complex emotional landscape. One significant moment in the series is the conflict Nagato experiences when he kills Jiraiya, a prominent shinobi and teacher in the story. This article explores the emotional state of Nagato during and following the event, based on the provided contexts and the dynamics between the two characters.

Emotional Conflict within Nagato

Nagato's decision to eliminate Jiraiya is filled with internal conflict. Like many complex characters in fictional storytelling, Nagato embodies both his commitment to a broader ideology and a deeper personal relationship. On one hand, his new ideology of achieving peace through strength has led him to the point where he is willing to eliminate barriers to that peace. This strong commitment to his goals forms a critical part of his character development.

However, on the other hand, Nagato has a profound emotional attachment to Jiraiya, who not only served as a mentor but also as a parent figure during his formative years. This emotional connection, portraying a level of trust and care, presents a stark contrast to the utilitarian decisions he must make.

Regret and Sorrow post-Battle

After the battle, Nagato expresses deep regret and sorrow. These feelings indicate that he still holds onto the values and teachings of Jiraiya. When Nagato refers to Jiraiya as 'sensei,' it reflects a lingering respect and perhaps a lingering sense of loss. This emotional response suggests that, despite his dedication to his ideology, he is not entirely devoid of human emotion and that his actions are not without some form of internal conflict.

Moreover, when Jiraiya is revived, Nagato’s regret is evident. Statements like "the first novel was perfect, the second novel was a failure" underscore the emotional weight he still carries from their relationship. This reevaluation post-battle shows that Nagato did indeed experience some level of emotional distress in the aftermath, even if it was somewhat suppressed during the act itself.

Nagato as a Shinobi and Father Figure

As a shinobi, the code of honor dictating that enemies must be dealt with to achieve one's goals is strictly followed. During the battle, Nagato respected Jiraiya as a powerful enemy who stood in the way of his mission. His actions reflected a professional stance rather than an emotional one. However, it is suggested that if Jiraiya had not interfered, Nagato might have felt enough nostalgia to spare him.

From the perspective of a father figure, Nagato's behavior during and after the battle is stark. The absence of love, tears, or any overt emotional response could be seen as a manifestation of his commitment to his goals and the coldness required to achieve them. It raises the question of whether Nagato truly had the capacity for more than the professional and ideological emotions that guided him.

Some argue that Nagato’s actions were more a matter of childlike idealism than a deep-seated emotional attachment. Just as Naruto initially had a 'crush' on Sakura and a shallow understanding of true emotions, Nagato might have held Jiraiya in high regard out of a misplaced sense of respect and gratitude. This initial sentiment could have been overshadowed by the ideological imperative that demanded Jiraiya's demise.

Others might argue that if Jiraiya had stayed out of Nagato’s path, the emotional connection would have been enough to make Nagato reconsider his actions. In this scenario, Jiraiya could have acted as a counterbalance to Nagato’s ideology, preventing the ultimate conflict and allowing for a different emotional outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether Nagato felt genuine emotion when he killed Jiraiya is a matter of interpretation. While external displays of emotion were minimal during the conflict, Nagato's subsequent behavior and statements suggest that emotional turmoil was present under the surface. His respect for Jiraiya, his sense of regret, and the lingering emotional impact of their relationship all point to a more complex emotional landscape than initially apparent.

The interplay between ideology and personal connection in Nagato's character makes for a rich and nuanced exploration. Understanding the layers of emotion that Nagato may have felt enriches our comprehension of his character and the choices he makes throughout the series.