Edo Tensei

In his resurrected state, Nagato retains complete mental clarity and all his memories, making his position especially agonizing. He realizes he is being used as a tool and cannot resist while Kabuto controls his actions. Despite this, he remains true to himself: he is genuinely glad to see Naruto has finally gained control over the Nine-Tails, though he is not surprised, knowing they both trained under Jiraiya. He feels no hatred toward those forcing him to fight, and even in the heat of battle tries to help his opponents by advising them on how to neutralize his own techniques.

He carries deep exhaustion from his lived life and regret for his actions. He understands his own path was mistaken, and now, after death, he wants to atone for his guilt somehow. His words become prophetic: he sees in Naruto the continuation of Jiraiya's work and believes it is Naruto who can complete what neither teacher nor he himself could. When Kabuto suppresses his personality, Nagato loses the ability to speak and act of his own will, becoming a soulless weapon. But after Itachi frees him from control, he regains himself and bids farewell to Naruto with hope and a smile.