Naruko and Sasuke were blasted off their feet from the residual force of the Jutsu, "Naruko we have to keep going," Sasuke said helping her to her feet.

"Which…which way?" she asked softly.

"This way," Sasuke said as he saw a large amount of Chakra Naruko and Sasuke hurried off to face the real Pain. They stopped in front of a large tree and on closer inspection she noticed that it was made of paper, she pulled a scroll of her back and opened it. From the scroll two clones appeared both of them were building natural energy. She dispelled the clone and she returned to Sannin Mode.

"Are you ready?" Naruko asked Sasuke, he nodded in response and she ripped the paper mache tree a girl with blue hair stepped forward ready to fight.

"Stand back Konan."

"Nagato…"

"So you are the real one," Naruko said glaring at the man before her who was trapped with a medal contraption.

"So peace has arrived, eh?" the man named Nagato said. Naruko stepped forward but Sasuke hung back a little ways, "Do you hate me? Now that you see me before you…you want to kill me you want revenge."

"What is it that you hope to gain by attacking Konoha?" Naruko asked.

"Interesting," Nagato said his eyes fixed on her.

"What is interesting," Naruko asked.

"Since you don't have long for this world I will tell you…I am doing what Jiraiya-Sensei couldn't. Your death will usher in a new world, a world of peace along with the death of all the remaining Jinchuriki." Nagato answered, "I am going to use the power of the Jinchuriki as a weapon and turn it on the Shinobi world so that they will know Pain and only thru pain can we understand one and other and that Pain will bring peace."

"How can you say that is peace…how can you consider killing innocent people be considered peace?" Naruko shouted.

"Then what do you want?" Nagato asked looked down at Naruko.

"I want to defeat you and bring peace to the world!"

"I see…that is wonderful. That is justice…but what about my family, my friends, my village they were all destroyed, too. Do you really think that only Konoha is allowed to talk about peace and justice?"

"But is this really the answer, Ero-Sannin wouldn't have believed it and neither do I…I will bring real peace not just to Konoha but to the whole world!" Naruko declared boldly stepping forward.

"Why do you want Naruko she isn't a Jinchuriki?" Sasuke asked speaking for the first time since coming face to face with Nagato.

"It is true she isn't a Jinchuriki but somehow she can replicate the abilities of a Jinchuriki, increased healing, increased levels of Chakra," Nagato replied, "that is why we believed that she was the Kyubi's Jinchuriki."

"What made you realize that I was a Jinchuriki?" Naruko asked.

"You had too much control in that state, that is something very few Jinchuriki can clam and none of the previous Kyubi Jinchuriki," the next thing Naruko knew a black rod was coming towards her but it was defected a purple flame stood between her and Nagato, she turned back to see Sasuke walking towards her.

"You truly are Itachi's brother," Nagato said before Sasuke was blasted back, "but you still don't have his skills. I wonder how someone like you managed to defeat him even if he was already dying."

"Sasuke!" Naruko shouted running to his side and helping him to his feet.

"What are you talking about?"

"You didn't know Itachi was sick…what did you know about Itachi?" Nagato asked coolly, Sasuke dropped his guard and the shield that he had put up between Naruko and Nagato vanished and a second black rod was shot at her this time it hit her but it missed all her vital organs. She could feel Nagato Chakra coursing thru her body. She felt like she was losing control of her body, but she wasn't going to let it end here. Slowly her hand moved towards the rod and she ripped it out.

"Interesting even at this range you were able to break my control over you," Nagato said, "you are an interesting one but now the question remains why haven't you attacked yet?"

"I wanted to see something," Naruko said the wound on her shoulder healing.

"And what is that?"

"I wanted to see if I could forgive you…but I can't forgive you! I want to kill you so bad that I am trembling!" Naruko hissed her fist clenched and she charged with such remarkable speed Konan was barely able to jump between them. Naruko's fist stopped inches from Konan's face, then dropped to her side.

"That Ero-Sannin said the day will come when people understand one another… he had faith. When he told me that… I wasn't even really listening to him…he said that he wanted me to find the answer…but I was just glad that he gave me his approval. Now…I finally know what he really meant. It's not that easy," Naruko said looking at the ground."

"But that doesn't change the fact that you can't forgive me. Love and forgiveness can't be bought with pretty words."

"Yeah…you're right," Naruko said looking him in his face.

"It's too late for Jiraiya's idealism now. That's just not realistic. You said that you would defeat me and bring peace to the world, didn't you? Even if that's just an excuse for you to selfishly have your revenge, if that's your justice that is fine…you're not Kami. Can you really believe all of Jiraiya's nonsense after seeing reality?"

"There is something that I wanted to ask you."

"What?"

"If you were his apprentice how did you turn out like this…I don't know anything about you."

"Alright…I will share our pain," Nagato said causing Konan to turn to look at Nagato.

"Nagato, that's just a waste of time! Just hurry up and…" Konan started

"Enough," he said in a soft voice but she fell silent, "I have two great sources of pain, one is the death of my parents. This is the story of how Amegakure became a battle ground in a war between my family was killed during a Konohagakure raid to find and eliminate all Shinobi they found. My mother…my father…died for a war that Konoha started. I can't forget the pain of that day…even now it still hurts."

Naruko did her best not to look away from Nagato's face, "as the pain turned to hatred, my powers bloomed within me. Only later would I realize it had been me…who killed those two Konoha Shinobi. Only with a few provisions, I left home. I grew weak from hunger. Soon the little food I had was gone and it was then I met a dog that I named Chibi, he stuck by my side even though I had nothing to give him. We started going house to house asking for food but everyone turned us away."

"That is when I met Konan she gave me and Chibi food took us out of the rain and I met Yahiko. We were all war orphans, but they were trying desperately to stay alive. They became my friends. We stole a lot. There were no orphanages in a small war tone country like ours. There was nothing else kids like us could do…but thru it all Yahiko never gave up hope. His dream was to rule the world to bring peace to it. A kunai with an exploding tag landed near us and went off the three of us were alright but Chibi died in the explosion. It was Jiraiya and them…the three Sennin of Konoha. They were fighting Hanzo the leader of Amegakure…the fight had reached its peak."

"And…" Naruko said inching closer.

"That is when Yahiko's dream became my dream, too. We found Jiraiya…but I could accept any Konoha Shinobi. You should understand."

Naruko looked away, "Orochimaru said he should have just killed us, but Jiraiya was different, there was something that felt different about him. Not long after the four of us started living together, something happened."

"What?"

"A lone Shinobi attacked us…he nearly killed Yahiko, but I fought back. I did it all subconsciously…I apparently had a special power. It was the Rinnegan. Jiraiya hadn't been keen on teaching us to become Shinobi before, but after that he began to teach us Ninjutsu. He said they were for self defense, but I think it was mainly for me to learn to control my Rinnegan. But I was scared of my own powers. I was filled with hatred. I was tormented by guilt convinced that I had done something wrong. But he saved me, and without realizing it, I'd come to accept him. He said to me, 'When people get hurt, they learn to hate. When people hurt others, they become hated and racked with guilt. But knowing that pain allows people to be kind pain allows people to grow. And how you grow up is up to you. You know pain you think about it, and the answer that you find it up to you. ' He said it almost to himself…he hadn't found the answer. Just like you. But I knew my answer right away…I would protect them no matter how much it hurt."

"After three years of train we'd grown stronger in mind and body. But his words stayed with me stuck in my heart. He said that he felt that the Rinnegan could be the answer. Yahiko became our leader and our gang grew fame overnight. Everyone agreed with our desire to create peace without relying on brute force. But the world was still in the middle war between three great countries Suna, Konoha, and Iwa. Hanzo, the leader of Amegakure heard rumors and approached us. He could no longer afford to ignore us. He said that he wanted to begin peace negations between the three great nations. He believed that we could get the three countries to agree to a peace treaty. We decided to help him," Nagato took a slow steadying breath before he continued.

"But that was a catastrophe. We were just children."

"A catastrophe…what happened?" Naruko asked.

"Because of him Yahiko died."

"Died…?"

"It was a trap. Hanzo was afraid we would wrest control of Amegakure from him…because of him Yahiko…The next day we arrived at the assigned place, Konoha's Black Ops were waiting along with Hanzo and his minions. Hanzo had joined forces with Danzo to obliterate us. Danzo waned Hanzo's help to become Hokage and Hanzo wanted Danzo's help to insure his position. That was the second source of my pain…I thought I had grown but nothing had changed. It was the same as when my parents died. I realized my answer was worthless. Yahiko was dead and I became leader in his stead. I lost many more friends in battle after that. So many friends…so many people kept dying."

"Everyone in Hi no Kuni crows about peace…but each mission Konohagakure undertakes funds war. The people of Hi no Kuni are complicit in this war yet they hypocritically speak of peace speak of peace. The peace of the big countries is built on the sacrifice of the little countries. Your peace is violence towards us. Just by living people hurt others without even realizing it. As long as people live so too will hatred. There can be no peace in this cursed land. What Jiraiya spoke of is nothing but a fantasy, now you have heard my story does that change anything?"

Without a word Naruko reached for a book, Nagato looked confused but didn't say anything, "That maybe true…I think you are right," Naruko said looking at the book in her hands.

"…Really?"

"I understand you. But I can't forgive you…I still hate you."

"Then let's finish this."

"But…" both Konan and Nagato looked puzzled.

"That Ero-Sannin believed in me…so…I will believe in what he believed in. That is my answer so I will not kill you."

"You will believe in what Jiraiya believed in…? I see… so that is your answer. So… should we just sit here and wait for you to bring peace to this world? Give me a break how can you believe Jiraiya now! There is no such thing as real peace! It's impossible as long as we're living in this accursed world!"

"Then…I will break the curse. If there is such thing as peace I will find it. I won't give up!"

"You…that's…"

"Nagato what is the matter?" Konan asked.

"Those words…"

"That's right …those were lines from this book. The first book he ever wrote. He wrote this book to try and change the world. And the end he says was inspired by a pupil of his to write this…that was you…Nagato."

"What…? Is this just a coincidence?"

"And the name of the main character is… Naruto! So my name is precious memento of him! I can't just give up and stomp on this memento. I will become Hokage! And I will make sure there is peace for Amegakure too! Believe in me!"

"We studied under the same Sensei… I told you that we should therefore be able to understand each other. I was just joking then, but…you're an odd kid. You remind me of myself when I was younger…"

"Nagato…" Konan whispered.

"I couldn't believe in what Jiraiya believed in…or even the man himself…but you choice a different path. In you I can see a different future," Nagato pulled his hands free and made a hand seal, "I…will believe in you…Namikaze Naruko…Gedo Rinne Tensei no Jutsu."

"Nagato you…"

"Konan that's enough…I have a new choice…a choice I'd given up on…"

"What is that Jutsu?"

"He who controls the Rinnegan is the master of all six of pains' Jutsu they say he lives outside life and death. Nagato is the seventh pain able to control life and death…"

As the meteorite crashed down the Konoha Shinobi covered their faces as dust and rocks were kicked up into the air. When everything settled there was a still a man standing on the far side of the creator. Minato pulled out a Kunai and launched towards the man. Just as the Kunai landed Minato appeared before him.

"Hello Minato-Sama, I take it this is not a social call," the man he believed was Madara said nonchalantly.

"I don't know you tell me," Minato said watching the masked man carefully.

"I come harboring no ill will to Konoha or any other village for that matter."

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see how you all would deal with Pain especially if you believed fighting him would result in your death, and I must say I was very impressed," he said clapping.

"How did you do it?"

"A very good question, it was a lot easier than you think, first I had an associate place the priestess under a Genjutsu to make her think that she had seen the village in ruins, then when she arrived at the village and saw you the second part of the Genjutsu would activate and she would see a blond fighting Pain and then my little Jutsu leading her to believe that someone with blond hair was going to die fighting pain."

"So you had to know all this was going to happen," Madara rubbed the back over sheepishly, "why did you kill your man?"

"He used up his usefulness, but I am sure you all see him again…one day, but sadly it is time for us to say good bye. Parting is such sweet sorrow," he said bowing as he vanished silently into nothingness. This man was far more dangerous than Minato had originally thought and he thought if that was even possible, he might just be Kami.

Konoha in an undisclosed location Danzo was walking with a few members of his Ne, and he wasn't happy, "why did that boy have to get involved," Danzo said more to himself, "at least he is dealt with."

"I am hurt Danzo, did you really think I would die that easily?" Danzo froze and slowly he turned to see a blond haired boy leaning against the wall, he nodded to his two Ne Shinobi but before they could do anything they were killed each with a Kunai sticking out of their chest.

"You know that won't work on me," Kurama said coolly.

"So you are another Clone," Danzo said coolly.

"Hai…I have never been anything but a clone," Kurama replied in a bored tone.

"What do you want? I assume there was a reason for your death," Danzo said.

"Hai, I want you to tell them the truth," Kurama said smiling.

"About?"

"The Uchiha massacre," Danzo frowned, "oh don't give me that look, you knew it was only a matter of time before it got out."

"Why now?"

"I want to see how the young Uchiha will act," Kurama said shrugging.

"And if he tries to destroy it?"

"You should really stop doing things that makes people want to destroy Konoha, one day someone might actual do it," Kurama said smirking, "but he will be dealt with."

"What are you going to kill him?"

"No, I will allow Itachi to deal with him."

"Itachi is alive," Danzo said his frown deepening.

"I wouldn't have said it if he wasn't."

"What do you hope to gain from this?"

"Me…that doesn't really matter, now does it? Good bye Danzo…and remember just because you can't see me doesn't mean that I am not watching," Kurama said as his clone vanished. Danzo was left wondering what could make this day any worse.

Naruko watched as blood started running out of his nose and mouth, "what is going on?" she asked.

"There is still time to save those I killed when I came to Konoha…that is the least that I can do."

"You…"

"…war bring death… and wounds to both sides… there is nothing harder than excepting the death of loved ones…so you believe…they could never die…especially…those who haven't known war…like…your generation…you try to find meaning in death…but there is only pain…and hatred…that you don't know what to do with…" she watched as his hair turned white, "dying like trash…never ending hatred…pain that never heals…that is…war…Naruko…that…is…what…you must face. The book…and you…it's like…someone set this all up…maybe it was the work of the real Kami. My role is now over…Naruko…you…really can," Nagato died not finishing his last words, the tree turned to sheets of paper and outside was the remains of Yahiko waiting for them.

A few minutes later Sasuke and Naruko were heading back to Konoha Naruko was smiling brightly, "what are you so happy about Dobe?" Sasuke asked.

"I am a total I won the battle without having to fight and I brought everyone back from the dead," she said smiling happily.

"No Nagato brought them back you didn't do anything Dobe."

"Way to be a kill joy Teme," she said before sticking her tongue out at him. When they arrived back at Konoha everyone was waiting for them cheering.

"Everyone who was killed was brought back," Sakura said smiling but Naruko could tell something wasn't right.

"Where is Kurama?" she asked looking around.

"We believe…his body was destroyed and that is why he didn't return with the others," Shikamaru said, Sasuke was even shocked by this, had Kurama known all along this is how it was going to end and is that why he had acted right away.

"No…he has to be alive," Naruko said shaking her head. Then she saw her father talking to Kakashi and Tsunade. By the look things none of them looked happy despite the fact the only person who died in this fiasco was Kurama. There moods didn't improve when they saw Danzo approach.

Kakashi started walking over towards them, "you two did a good job," Kakashi said patting his students on their heads, "I am proud of you two. Danzo wishes to speak to you Sasuke."

"What does he want with the Teme?" Naruko asked frowning.

"I don't know, he just said that he had something he need to tell us," Kakashi answered lazily.

"Well I am going too," Naruko said crossing her arms she wasn't going to let anything happen to Sasuke she had already lost Kurama she wasn't going to lose anymore friends.

"That is up to Sasuke," Kakashi replied.

"So I am going," she said turning on Sasuke and found he couldn't refuse. They all went someone private so no one would over hear them.

"What is it Danzo?" Minato asked.

"Before the Uchiha Massacre relations between Konoha and the Uchiha's was shaky at best," Danzo said, Minato and Tsunade knew this already, Kakashi had an idea that Konoha and Uchiha clan hadn't been on the best of terms but this was new to both Naruko and Sasuke, "all attempts at peace negotiations were going nowhere. So the village elders found an Uchiha who valued the well being of the village over his clan."

Minato frowned he didn't like were this was going, he had always suspected something but he could never prove it, "we told Itachi we were going to wipe out the Uchiha clan, he agreed to do it as long as his brother was never told and never to harm him."

"So…Itachi…was acting…under orders…" Sasuke said glaring at Danzo.

"Hai and he obtained the services of one Uchiha Madara to aid him in the annihilation of the Uchiha's," Danzo said.

"If Itachi didn't want you telling me why did you?" Sasuke asked glaring at him, his fist clenched. Naruko placed a hand on his shoulder and without realizing what he was doing his fist unclenched.

"Sasuke…I know it is hard but don't over react there is a reason he is telling you this," Naruko whispered.

"What is it that you hope to get out of this?" Tsunade asked coldly.

"I get absolutely nothing," Danzo said in his cool tone.

"You are not telling because you want to…who is it that you work for?" Minato asked.

"That is a good question."

"I am sure Ibiki can tell us," Minato said, Danzo frowned this was not going to end well for him. He pulled his arm out of its sleeve revealing that it was in a medal contraption. He broke the seal on it and his arm was covered in Sharingans.

"You sick freak," Naruko snapped, but Sasuke stepped between them his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan activated.

"Hokage-Sama, allow me to take down Danzo for you," Sasuke said calmly.

"We need him alive so we can find out who he is working for," Minato said.

"What is the story behind those eyes on your arm?" Sasuke asked.

"It is a long story…too long to tell here," Danzo said coolly.

"It doesn't matter we will found out sooner or later," Sasuke replied, Danzo did a few hand signs before he charged Sasuke and a hand that was made of the same purple flames had used to make a shield when they were face to face with Nagato. But Danzo vanished and reappeared a few feet away. Then Sasuke noticed that one of the eyes closed on his arm. Sasuke's full Susanoo appeared, he raised his arm and a cross bow appeared. He shot an arrow at Danzo it ripped thru Danzo who vanished into thin air.

Danzo knew this was not a fight he could win, he could defeat the young Uchiha but then he would have to deal with Kakashi Tsunade and Minato those were not odds he liked so he had to make a run for it. He made a few hand signs summing Baku that created a powerful wind vortex. Sasuke thinking quickly, he incased them all within his Susanoo but in the chaos Danzo took this opportunity to retreat. Then Baku vanished and Sasuke frowned he allowed the man responsible for the slaughter of his clan to get away.