Yahiko's body, specifically as the Deva Path of the Six Paths of Pain, was controlled by Nagato. After Yahiko's tragic death, Nagato transformed his deceased friend's body into the most powerful and central figure among his array of manipulated corpses, collectively known as the "Six Paths of Pain."
The Rinnegan and Chakra Receivers: Nagato's Control Mechanism
Nagato's extraordinary visual prowess, the Rinnegan, was the fundamental key to his ability to control Yahiko and the other five Paths of Pain. He achieved this intricate manipulation through a sophisticated system:
- Chakra Receivers: Nagato embedded special black rods, known as chakra receivers, into each of the controlled bodies. These receivers acted as conduits, allowing him to channel his own chakra and consciousness directly into them. This direct connection enabled him to manipulate their movements, activate their abilities, and perceive their surroundings.
- Shared Senses: A crucial aspect of this control was the interconnected vision. All six Paths of Pain shared a single visual field with Nagato. This meant that whatever one Path saw, Nagato also perceived, offering him a comprehensive and real-time understanding of any battle or situation. This collective sight provided a significant tactical advantage, allowing for seamless coordination.
- Specialized Abilities: Each of the Six Paths, including Yahiko's Deva Path, was granted a unique Rinnegan ability. Yahiko's body, as the Deva Path, was particularly formidable, wielding powerful gravity-manipulating techniques such as Shinra Tensei (Almighty Push) and Chibaku Tensei (Planetary Devastation).
This complex system allowed Nagato to project his will and power through multiple avatars, with Yahiko's Deva Path often serving as the primary spokesperson and the most outwardly visible representation of Pain. For more information on the Rinnegan, you can refer to detailed explanations on Naruto-related wikis.