Chapter 4: Beginning
Six years have passed since Nagato was left orphaned. In this time period he met two other orphans of the war, Konan, and Yahiko. The three quickly bonded and did what they had to in order to survive the horrors of the real world. While traveling together the three met up with the legendary Sannin. Among them was Jiraiya, who taught them ninjutsu. During their training, each of the three orphans became masters in ninjutsu, particularly Nagato. He mastered the five elements of ninjutsu, due to his now fully awakened Rinnegan. After Jiraiya had moved on and left the three rain orphans fend for themselves, they quickly created a resistance force in order to end the fighting. Ironically the only way to stop the fighting, was more fighting.
The three rain orphans took up base in a abandoned tower in Amegakure. Nagato had just returned from a recon mission. As he walked he thought to himself on how he would end the fighting. He strived to become a god among the shinobi world, just as Yahiko did. And he would see that dream become a reality. Of course, Nagato had never once forgotten the young girl from the leaf village that had helped him so long ago. He could only blush thinking of her. That was another dream of his, to find her and thank her properly for how she had helped him. This dream would turn into so much more than a simple thanks.
As Nagato ascended the levels of the tower, he was greeted by Konan, who couldn't help but notice the blush that covered Nagato's face. " What's with that look? You meet someone special on your recon?" Said Konan teasingly. Nagato's face now turned completely red, almost matching the crimson hair that covered one eye. " W...what do you mean?...It's nothing..." Said Nagato nervously. Konan laughed at him and nodded, " I'm just kidding don't worry. C'mon Yahiko has another assignment for us to complete." Nagato sighed and nodded, he had hoped to get at least a little rest when he returned, but that looked impossible.
The two ascended a few more levels to a large circular room where Yahiko sat at a large table looking over several papers. Konan and Nagato sat down at the table, being greeted by Yahiko's eyes as he set the papers down. " Welcome back Nagato." Said Yahiko. " I trust your recon went well?" Nagato nodded, " Yes, it seems as though Sand ninja have invaded the river country and are heading north to invade the rain country and from there head to the fire country. And Stone ninja are heading through the grass country to invade the fire country as well." Yahiko nodded and thought for a moment. Personally Nagato thought they should assist the fire country as much as he hated to admit it. Partly because if they helped the fire country that might make them assist in the rebuilding of the rain country. However, the main reason was he didn't want the pink haired girl to be caught up in the battles should the two other forces attack.
Yahiko brought out a map and laid it on the table. " The Stone ninja will have to cross the Tenchi Bridge in order to get into the fire country. Currently Hanzou and the Sand ninja have a temporary cease fire. So I suggest we take out the Tenchi bridge to stop the Stone ninja's advance." Nagato was almost shocked to hear Yahiko's plan. It was almost as though Yahiko had read his mind. " Nagato I hate to send you out again so soon, but I want you to lead a small force to Tenchi Bridge. Konan, I want you to go with him too." Konan nodded. Nagato looked over to Yahiko, " What exactly is our objective? Are we going to fight the Stone ninja head on?" Yahiko shook his head, " No. Your objective is to destroy the Tenchi Bridge itself."
Nagato nodded, " Alright, but to do that, we'll need more people than just me and Konan." Yahiko nodded as well, " Yes. I want you to take Kaname and Kai with you. Unfortunately those are the only two I can send." Konan stood and moved out of the room to gather supplies for the mission, while Nagato stayed seated. " Yahiko, how much longer do you think this war will last?" Yahiko sighed and leaned back in his chair, " Hopefully not much longer. Nagato...in the event I die, your the new leader." Nagato's eyes widened and he looked at Yahiko, " Your not going to die Yahiko...don't speak that way..." Yahiko smiled at him and nodded, " Right, my friend. Now go ahead and get going, I'll get Kaname and Kai." With that being said Nagato stood and walked out of the room heading down the tower once again. In Nagato's mind, he wondered what would happen when the mission began, but nothing could have possibly prepared him for what was going to happen during the mission.