Chapter 10: Reunite

Sorry for the Long wait, I hope this chapter is satisfactory. Naruto will be meeting the Akatsuki and preparing for a timeskip.

A plot twist is coming, so if you don't like a powerful Naruto fic then you're in the wrong place.

I must ask, I intend to have a Naruto x Konan pairing. I am open to suggestions though if y'all don't want that. I do see the age gap considering she is 32 and Naruto's 15 at this point. But, after the timeskip stuff will get a little juicy as the hunt for the tailed beasts will be coming to the forefront for the shinobi of the elemental nations.

Ja ne.

Naruto's eyes fluttered slowly. His head was pounding, it felt like someone had beaten him senselessly.

He found himself surrounded by black sheets. Rustled and imperfect yet still comfortable. He raised his head and pulled himself up to view the room around him.

'Where am I?' Naruto speculated, his memories coming back to him slowly.

The room was simple, yet held a luxurious feel to it. It had two simple oak tables next parallel to the bed. He flipped the covers over to stand up. He walked over to the dim light inching out of a red door. He opened the door, and found a spacious bathroom. A large bath and shower, as well as marble sink area with surround lights brightening his tan face.

His memories were starting to lead up to where he was kidnapped by Itachi. 'The last thing I remember was being dragged away. But, where is Itachi and that Zetsu guy?' As he was recollecting his thoughts he heard a doorknob turn and squeak behind him.

A man with an orange swirl mask walked in with the same robs Itachi had on. He was about the same height as Naruto and visibly skinnier, but still had a strong demeanor nonetheless. Black hair lazily spiked out the top of his mask, which showed no features beside a hole in the mask. One crimson eye revealed itself...A Sharingan.

Naruto was still in the clothes that were littered with dirt and blood. He could feel the grime greasing behind his ears. But, that was the least of his worries right now. "Sharingan? You're not Itachi, but I won't ask you your name. If I'm still alive after the situation with my brother, then riddle me intrigued."

The Sharingan beholder snickered, "You're very interesting. I've been watching you for a long time, per Itachi's request of course. I know who you are, what you are, and what you want. I won't hide anything from you. Before you ask any questions, just listen to what I have to say."

Naruto nodded slightly, interested yet also frightened that he seemed to know everything about him.

"A long time ago, I was a Leaf shinobi as well. My name is Madara Uchiha, and I am one of the founders of the Hidden Leaf Village. I named it even, yet I was outcast by man own village and clan. You know what it's like to be on the constant receiving of the world's pain." Naruto was shocked. 'Madara Uchiha? He's been dead for decades!'

"That pain is what drove me to where I am today. A plan I have forged and sought after for decades of patience and sacrifice. I'm telling you this because I think you can help us." He paused studying Naruto's features, grasping a hint of confusion, but still holding out a mellow expression.

"The group I lead is called the Akatsuki. We are the embodiment of the world's change. For what will do from here on out is inevitable in a new world order. What we strive for peace among all the nations, but that peace is unattainable unless we rid the world of it's hatred. Reality is often disappointing, but we have a chance to make others dreams and ambitions a reality. The Moon's Eye, an infinite tsukuyomi cast upon the entire world. This genjutsu would put every single person into an infinite dream where reality can be whatever they please. The pain and suffering, all gone with the blink of an eye. We do this by collecting the nine bijuu. You are one of them, but I'm willing to offer you a chance to find an alternate way to extract Kyuubi's chakra. I am in need of your services, therefore, I can give you a chance to deem yourself worthy. That is if you wish to join our ranks. What do you want for yourself Naruto Uzumaki?"

Naruto paused. His head filled with things to say, but everything that came to his mind subsided. Yet, he had no idea what he was getting into or if he even wanted to do such. He had nothing and no one, so was this place, in this group, would it be his final salvation?

A voice grumbled at the back of his head. The indefinite heat rang through his mind. 'Madara Uchiha. I do not like Madara Uchiha nor do I think this is him. His chakra is ominous no doubt but this is not Madara Uchiha. I don't like working with others, you were an exception. Whatever you choose, boy, watch your back.' Kurama snarled at the fake, but kept himself complacent to follow through on Naruto's choice, because he really had no say so either way.

"I have no wants or desires any longer. I want to see the world ridden of pain, that is all I ask. Either way I have no choice but to join as you see fit. I will deem myself worthy, just tell me what it is you seek of me." Naruto stared at Madara dead on without pulling himself out his eyeline.

"Good. As for power, you are strong but not strong enough, yet. The Akatsuki will see to your training, as for who is to train you, I will leave it my adversary. The Sanbi was killed, therefore, we have plenty of time to adhere to your training regimen. You will be given three years to master your skills, If I don't believe you live up to the standards necessary to be a member of the Akatsuki after that time, I believe you know what will happen." The masked man crossed his arms and leaned one leg up against the wall.

The blonde nodded. A massive opportunity was at stake here. His life was on the line, but they were also granting him training. He was already strong, but not strong enough to face the foes of the future. In his mind, he was not a Kage level shinobi, although after killing the Hokage, his confidence in himself grew. The third Hokage was old and weakening, and the only reason he killed the Hokage was because of his plan and surprise assassination.

"Now that is settled. You must be wondering where we are." Naruto silently nodded. "We are in Amegakure. You will meet your fellow comrades, and be assigned your teacher. I'm aware that you already know one of our members. Everyone is here as of right now, besides two. First, we will visit the leader of this village."

Naruto eyes widened, "Hanzo of the Salamander is in the Akatsuki?" He was puzzled at the development.

Madara laughed crisply, "You will know soon enough. Follow me Naruto Uzumaki."

The masked man left the room with his red and black cloak drifting behind him. Naruto lifted himself off the bed with his hands. His legs followed suit and matched the orange masked man's pace. They walked side-by-side up, Naruto peered around him taking in the other rooms and decor on his wall. For a terrorist organization, these people really had style, many walls were littered with expensive art and rich decor. As he walked alongside Madara, multiple red doors were visible to the one he just came out of. He assumed that was where the other Akatsuki members had their private sanctions considering he had been inside a room already.

They approached a steel cage, where Madara opened and fed chakra. He motioned Naruto to step onto the platform with him. The blonde boy was hesitant at first but ultimately went where he was told.

"This lift is fed by only Akatsuki member's chakra, and once you get accustomed to the system, it will filter you into the system. For now I or the person who trains you will take you to the surface."

He placed his palm on the metal frame and the lift shot up. After a couple minutes of minimal chatter, they reached a metal like surface inside a luxurious penthouse. He couldn't quite make out how high up they were, but it seemed like a decent ways above ground level.

Both exited the lift as Naruto continued to shadow Madara. The jinchuriki noticed the opulence of the penthouse. It was large with wide hallways and low stooping archways. The carpet was a red and exsquit brown mix, with designs of tomoe and wings. The simple yet splendor art, littered the hallway, maybe too much expense for his test but elegant.

Madara approached a door before he paused and placed his hand on the doorknob. With a twist and a slight croak the wooden door opened where two others dressed in red and black cloaks sat in black leather chairs.

Naruto heard the droplets of rain knock against the concrete surface of the surface on the outside of the opening in the wall. He quickly refocused himself to the two stationary characters in the chairs.

The Uchiha spoke up amongst the impending silence, "Konan, Pain, I have brought the boy."

A figure with orange hair stood from his sitting chair. Piercings protruded from every feature on his face and purple ringed eyes met his blue orbed gaze. The other figure which looked to be a woman with purple hair, stayed seated and did not turn her head to the visitor.

The man with about the same height as himself declared his presence, "Naruto Uzumaki. Since you are here it is clear you are to assume your position in the Akatsuki then. Come, take a seat." The man pointed at an empty seat in between him and the woman adjacent to their own.

Naruto walked over and sat where his eyes curiously met the purple haired woman. Her eyes were an orange tint with a match of pale skin, and a piercing just below her lips. A light colored flower was on the left side of her hair, and cropped perfectly into it. He couldn't get a read on her, she seemed almost emotionless. Perhaps a cover to mask her true feelings to his presence.

He returned his attention to the mystical man with the ridiculous eyes. "I am Pain. I am the leader of the Akatsuki. This is Konan, a trustworthy partner and another member of the Akatsuki."

"I am pleased to meet you." Naruto bowed his head in both directions.

"I am sure Madara filled you in on what our goals are. We believe your skill will help us capture the bijuu. Considering you yourself are one is no problem if you can live up to your end of the bargain when it is called for. Otherwise, your own life will be paid for I assure you." Pain crossed his hands in his lap.

Kurama continued to rustle in the back of his head. Something about this Pain was really giving Kurama unrest. 'Those eyes, I haven't seen them in a long time.'

'What do you mean? What's with his eyes?' Naruto questioned his bijuu partner.

'Remember years ago when we first met, and I said there was someone you reminded me of. The Rikudo Sennin, the Sage of the Six Path. He possessed a powerful Dojutsu, the Rinnegan, which is the eyes you see before you. If what I concur to be true, then this Pain may possess such power as the Rikudo Sennin.' Naruto flinched at the explanation, but ultimately chose to believe his partner's words.

Naruto returned from his trance to meet the purple ringed eyes. A stern look on his face should've made Pain at least shuffle in his seat, but no reaction was made. "The Rinnegan, it's unbelievable to see someone have such visual prowess. I am impressed to no end, it is not what I would expect, yet here we are."

"Indeed. I'm also impressed that you know of such, but considering your knowledge, I have no doubt your reputation precedes you." Pain quirked an eyebrow at the blonde whiskered boy.

Naruto began to speak knowing he had a plan so that his life wasn't forfeit. "From my knowledge, I know of three people who possess Kyubi's chakra. I believe it shall be very easy to acquire their power. A boy named Sora, a monk child, who resides in the Fire Temple has trace amounts of bijuu in him. He has about a third of my own. In history, there were two Kumo shinobi, The Gold and Silver brothers. Kinkaku and Ginkaku, both ate the stomach linings of the Fox in order to survive after they were swallowed alive. These three shall be sufficient to my own source of chakra. Although they do not possess the same amount of potency as I do."

"What are you suggesting?" Pain shot a brief glance at Konan after her response.

"As said before, my services for this organization can be fruitful given the allotted time I've been given. Continuing on, I will offer a tenth of my power when the time comes, along with the previous implications of the others."

Pain thought the offer over for a second. This amount of power the boy already held and could hold in the future would be detrimental to success in the future endeavors of the Akatsuki. His raw, untamed power, would give them a valuable weapon and asset in times of collecting the bijuu.

"Very well, Naruto Uzumaki. I accept your offer. As for the other matter you were sent her for. I will train you considering the others are engrossed in the field at the moment. Konan will offer her support as well. You will become a weapon, as you know, emotions and sentimentality have no room on the battlefield of a shinobi. Prepare yourself for what is to come. Now return to the barracks and meet the others who are not on mission at this current point in time." Naruto nodded and stood with a slight bow.

Although he didn't like the idea of becoming someone else's tool, he still agreed with the plan.

"Thank You, Leader-sama." Pain nodded his head in acknowledgement and told Konan to stand.

"Escort Uzumaki back to the barracks and have him acquainted. Return when he is situated." Konan gave her understanding and motioned Naruto to follow her.

Naruto and Konan alike, returned the way Madara had brought him. Comfortable silence between both of them the entire way.

As they rounded an earth pillar which led into a newly furnished corridor, Naruto noticed 6 silhouettes gathered in random areas of the large room. As he got closer he noticed the men all turning their heads to the new member arriving in stride with Konan.

The first man darted towards Naruto, with an evil smirk on his face. A large scythe on his back with 3 red spires encompassing the weapon. His silver-purple slicked backed hair gave him the embodiment of a lunatic. His Akatsuki cloak was undone down to his waistline showing bare midsection. The first words to come out of his mouth were not what Naruto expected.

"Do you follow the ways of Jashin-sama?" His eyes sparkled with a pleading question of anticipation.

"I'm not a very religious person." Naruto's answer was received with a tick mark from the Jashinist's temple.

"Not religious huh? You're lucky I can't offer you up to Jashin-sama. Seems you're the talk around the elemental nations right now, Uzumaki. Killing the Third Hokage in cold blood, man that turns me on a little, though I wish I could have done it myself." The silver haired man gave a cynical grin before slapping the blonde haired boy on the back.

Naruto looked over the insane Jashinist to the others in the room who all turned to see the newest addition to their band of misfits and murderers. Along with Konan, he approached a circular table where a broad shouldered man sat looking through a book. He briefly peered over his book at the boy approaching his personal space.

The man had a Takigakure headband strapped across his forehead with a mask like the copy-nins. His ghoul green eyes protrude in front of bloodshot eyes, and a slight crinkle of his nose at the obvious annoyance of hearing the Jashinists voice.

The large man grovely spoke up, his eyesight never betraying the book in front of him. "Naruto Uzumaki, age 15, 5'11, blonde-hair blue eyes, noticeable whisker birthmarks on both sides of his face. Nuke-nin from Konohagakure and Kumogakure. Son of the Minato Namikaze or the Fourth Hokage and Kushina Uzumaki or the 'Red Hot Habanero.' Is known for containing the Nine-Tailed Fox. Ranked from A to S ranked across the elemental countries. Known for the assassination of the Third Hokage and Konoha Elders as well as the Third's son Asuma Sarutobi. Known Natures: Fire, Lightning, and Wind. Taijutsu: Jonin Level, Ninjutsu: Kage Level, Genjutsu: N/A, Fuinjutsu: Highly Proficient. Chakra Reserves: Kage Level. Other Skills: Known to use Father's Hirashin. Known to use Chakra Weaving. Known to be able to control biju's chakra. Bounty Reward: 75 mil (Iwagakure) Dead or Alive, 60 mil (Otogakure) Dead or Alive, 45 mil (Konohagakure) Alive, 40 mil (Kumogakure) Dead or Alive, No bounties set elsewhere. Warnings: Proceed with Extreme Caution." Naruto looked on impassively, he didn't know that a Bingo Book placement would come so soon, but it mattered nonetheless.

"If we weren't told to not attack you considering Leader-sama believes your usefulness, I would have collected that hefty bounty already. I am Kakuzu, that's all you need to know. I will capitalize on that bounty that I am sure will increase in the Future, once you've outlived your usefulness." A deep chuckle escaped the masked man as he now glared at the new addition.

"I don't doubt your motives, I don't like myself either Kakuzu-san." The threaded man sent a puzzled glance in Konan's direction but ultimately decided to drop it. A strange character this boy was, although he had the stature of a grown man. As long as he didn't have a few scattered brain cells like his partner, then they would get along well enough.

Konan placed her hand on Naruto's shoulder to lead him over to two men in a corner workshop huddled under one bright light shining over what looked to be a human mechanism of some sort. Although that intrigued him, the two men seemed to be having an argument of some sort, about what, he did not know.

As he got closer he could make out their forms better. The blonde man standing just off to the side of the man in the chair was brooding about...Art? The other was hunched over in a chair glancing over his mechanism. His hair was spiked back in three separate cornrows. To Naruto he was a menacing figure, he could've even been frightening to someone that wasn't him.

The blonde with his hair cropped over his left eye noticed the impending figures making their presence known. "Ah Sasori my man, the fresh meat has arrived. New timer, do you like Art? Yeah." Naruto was kind of caught off guard by the question, and wasn't really what he was expecting. He could only guess that his, 'Art', was an important thing for him.

"I suppose. I couldn't help but overhear you arguing about 'Art' of some sort." Naruto kept his gaze on the two men. They both shared a brief glance before the blond nin erupted in laughter.

"Sasori my man, can't seem to agree that TRUE Art is an explosion, but what does he know, he fiddled with wooden cocks for a living, yeah." For his comment the now identified puppet on the table backhanded the man across the face sending into a wall a few feet away. After the small amount of collision smoke cleared, Naruto could only see the nin on the ground groaning rubbing the small lump on his head.

"Deidara you fool, Art lasts lifetimes for all to admire. Pyromaniacs claiming 'Art', how laughable." The puppet user, Sasori, never even looked up once as he spoke, settling for continuing to arrange the joints of his creation. For the few things Naruto loved, causing a commotion was one of them. With a small grin, he opened his mouth to continue.

"I see, I have to agree with you both," both men had small stars in their eyes trying not to gleam at the praise, although Sasori held himself a lot better. "Why not make your...Art...that can do both." Sasori dropped the tool that was in his hand, how could he have never thought of that before? The one thing that would keep Deidara off his back.

Deidara shot off the ground towards Naruto, "I like you Naruto Uzumaki. An Art that is everlasting but also explodes. I...I...I think I might shit myself, yeah. Sasori my man, you heard the Macho! Time to get to work, I can already feel the ecstasy from using this new project on the outside world, yeah." The puppet user sighed, but gave in. He motioned for the Pyromaniac to sit next to him.

Konan felt familiarity in seeing their new addition interacting with the others. Looking at him now, she could see the orange-haired leader she loved once upon a time. A light flush crept into her cheeks before composing herself as he turned around to meet the next members.

What was happening to her? The butterflies in her stomach continued, even after trying to compose herself. The small smile he gave her didn't unease her like the others. What was so different about this boy. It was making her...no what was she thinking, more observation was needed of this...highly attract...no!

Naruto saw the conflicting emotions on Konan's face, but decided to ignore in turn for confronting the next members. He already knew who it was going to be. It had been such a long time since he had seen Itachi, what had he been doing all this time? He may not get answers from Itachi, just knowing how he usually was. But, it would be good to see him again and for him to call him little brother once more after all these years.

It seemed the two figures sitting idly in the corner were waiting patiently for the Uzumaki to grace them with his presence. A shark like man was drinking straight from a high proof Sake bottle. The stench of alcohol got stronger as Naruto got closer to him.

Red eyes bore into Naruto's soul. An almost invisible smile displayed underneath his cloak. Nine years it had been since he had seen his surrogate younger brother. The reasons for Naruto's appearance in the Akatsuki were not of his choice, he wanted Naruto to stay as far away from Madara as he could. The elder Uchiha was extremely manipulative, even he fell into occasional scenarios that were pre-determined in the masked man's favor.

Flashback

"I see." Itachi remained impassive. He couldn't afford to lose his demeanor around Madara.

"Zetsu and you will intercept the boy soon. Be prepared, he is strong as you know, but your visual prowess is still superior to his will. He will become a valuable asset, jinchuriki or not." He motioned Itachi to leave him.

Itachi was still undercover for the Leaf Village, and this was just another one of his sacrifices that would be for the greater good. If his brother had to become an S-Rank missing nin in a criminal organization, then so be it. A Shinobi life is not a gracious one, sacrifices were necessary, and Naruto would come to see that in the end hopefully.

"Itach-nii it has been a long time. I hope we can properly talk." Naruto remained decent even though he wanted to clomp Itachi for abandoning him.

"Hey I'm here too blondie. I don't like your kind of hair color, you're an eyesore. The name's Kisame Hoshigaki. Wanna sip?" Kisame pushed the bottle of sake towards the blonde boy whilst alcohol sloshed around leaving a few drips on Kisame's cloak. He politely declined and asked for Itachi to speak alone.

"Konan could I speak to Itachi for a few minutes? You can come if you want since you are my superior I suppose." Konan gave simple thought, but allowed Naruto to do what he wished. Was she already getting soft with this Adonis? She went to think about these feelings this boy was leaving her with. A 30 year old woman thinking of such disgraceful feelings, how unfitting of one such as herself. How uncomfortable she felt would be kept to herself.

"What do you wish to accomplish by being here Naruto-kun?" Itachi's impassive gaze quirked an eyebrow, but gave nothing beyond that. So many thoughts ran chaotically in his brain. The blonde haired, whiskered boy changed a lot from the last time he saw him. It was evident though considering his 9 year absence from his life. That is not to say he never checked up on his surrogate brother. He lost track of him for a couple of years after his apparent 'death' in which he had witness to. Did his own darkness as un Uchiha rub off negatively on someone who was meant to bring great light to the world?

Naruto composed himself before responding. Itachi was always the blunt type. There was no need for excess conversation, from what he remembered Itachi enjoyed intelligent conversation outside of talking to him and his own family. "I am here for the same reason you are here nii-san. But before anything, I want to ask you some questions. It doesn't matter whether you answer them or not, you are entitled to that. In return I'll answer more of your own."

Itachi nodded and his sharingan eyes never left Naruto's figure. He always wished for Sasuke or Naruto to be bigger and stronger than him when they matured. It seemed like Naruto was on his way to becoming a truly strong man and shinobi, one befitting of him considering his ravaged past. It was not unnerving to look at his cold blue eyes or his face that resembled the leader he respected from a long time ago. There was no bigger pride for an Uchiha then their eyes, but looking at Naruto, even after committing criminal acts, he couldn't help but feel satisfaction. Judging by Naruto's acts in the Leaf during the Chunin Exams, he could have killed many times over. Whether it was mercy or not, he only reserved the deceitful deeds for the even worse elders. Seeing as Danzo was gone as well, he couldn't help but feel some relief.

"What happened that night 9 years ago? The Pain in your eyes when you confronted me and told me not to listen to everything others said. Were you trying to tell me that there was something deeper than superficial genocide?" Naruto grit his teeth slightly, he wouldn't expect Itachi to answer...

"Deeper Indeed, but knowing you dealt with the Elders tells me you know more than you're letting on." Naruto hesitated a bit, but retorted nonetheless. He expected as such, the Elders were truly disgusting and pathetic vermin.

"I have had my fair share of trying to get inside your brain but came to no result in turn. My only conclusion was to believe the Uchiha Massacre was set stage for a larger conflict of forces a six year old child had no idea were amidst."

Itachi sighed before looking away briefly. His stress marks on his face betraying the emotions he pent up over the years. Despite being in his prime, he felt his life force draining from him. Whether that be his sickness from his eyes or just the unfathomable pain. "That night I made a choice. The Uchiha had been plotting against the Hokage for years. It had past the point for negotiations to be fruitful. So as an Uchiha and a Leaf Shinobi I was forced to choose the lives of the many over the lives of the few. I sacrificed everything because I was ordered to. I butchered them all in the cold of the night after I visited you. For one exception being my brother, considering he had no idea of the plans taking place.

He witnessed me behind my parents' corpses, and I...I used my Mangekyo Sharingan to make him experience the night over and over again. What seemed to be 72 Hours for him, was a mere second for myself. I told him to hate my existence, to cling to that hate because one day when he took my life, the Uchiha name would be resurrected not in shame but triumph. When we are done here I will give you a power bestowed to me by my very best friend. As you know, Shisui committed suicide right in front of me. In return my Mangeyko was formed. Before he died, he gave me his eye in which I keep on my person. I know you retrieved the other from Danzo. Promise me Naruto, no matter how much this world continues to wreak havoc on you, no matter how much the pain hurts, you will find a way to end all suffering. When I die by my brother's hand you must promise not to say anything to him if you ever come across him. This is what I want, please respect that." Naruto knew Itachi had a rough life just by looking at him. To this extent though, it would have broken anyone, yet Itachi still seems to have other's best interest at heart. A true Kage Itachi was, no, Itachi was better than the Kage, his sacrifices were way more than anyone could comprehend.

"I trust in you Itachi. But what do you mean about Shisui-nii's eyes?" He believed maybe they are for protecting. Or...transplantation. But Mangeyko would be useless in his own eyes, he had no visual prowess to exponentialize the Sharingan.

"I will give you his eyes for safe keeping. But, you must talk to Madara first. He will do something for you. Do not trust him blindly though, he is a man of odd desires. He has the power to back it up. Now go and seek him out. It was nice to speak to you again Otouto. You don't have to accept it, but I truly missed you." Itachi discreetly handed over the eyes which were encased in a scroll engineered for preserving organs for an extended period of time.

"Thank You, Itachi-nii."