If there are fans of the Mecha reading this, then I would suggest seeing "Pacific Rim". It's basically a homage to the genre (you won't be surprised by the scenario, but it's still interesting to see the genre made into a movie; makes me wish we had a live Gundam, Code Geass, or Evangelion movie).

Anyway, thanks ABitterPill for betaing.

Disclaimer: a platypus is a venomous mammalian four-legged duck. Why? 'Cause nature was drunk when she made this beast.


Chapter 13:

Crimson Dawn

The invasion had been stopped, but at a great cost.

The day after Suna retreated, Jiraiya stood atop the outer wall, gazing morosely across the city as the first rays of dawn illuminated it. Konoha had suffered, the Hokage Monument having been destroyed alongside a good chunk of the city. While the military hadn't suffered much, the decimation of Danzo's entire regiment being the exception, he civilian casualties were heavy and the property damage severe. It would take time to rebuild, and at least years for the Leaf to return to full strength.

Jiraiya doubted Akatsuki or the other nations would give Konoha such a respite.

The faint sound of a Shunshin caught his attention. Tsunade stood at his side, observing the world below. "I thought I would find you here," she whispered. "You had trouble sleeping too?"

"I needed some time alone to think." Jiraiya crossed his arms and briefly closed his eyes. "Where did we fuck up?"

The last Senju chuckled weakly. "I would usually suggest you to drown your sorrow, but I doubt the next Hokage can afford such a habit."

"The old geezers nominated me?" Jiraiya sneered in disgust. "Sarutobi isn't even buried yet."

Tsunade glanced away, causing Jiraiya to curse his foolishness. The woman blamed herself for her failure to save her teacher. The toad sage knew with Sarutobi's age and wounds nothing could have been done, but survivor's guilt was a bitch to overcome. Especially since it was Tsunade's hemophobia that had led to their sensei's demise, and it wasn't the first time she failed to save a loved one on the brink of death.

"Promise me, Jiraiya, Tsunade… that you will watch Konoha… for me…" Sarutobi smiled, blood dripping from his mouth. "This is… an old teacher's last request…"

"What is done is done," Tsunade finally decided, her voice betraying her sorrow. "This village needs a new, strong leader in face of a crisis. That is what they said, word for word. And Naruto needs someone with the resources needed to locate him."

"Gaara, Han, Fuu, and Naruto have all been kidnapped," Jiraiya guessed, "By Nagato."

"Who?"

"The boy with the Rinnegan I taught in Ame." Tsunade didn't bother to hide her surprise. "Two hours ago, a few of Naruto's friends came to see me. They had brought Naruto's pet snake, Apophis, who had apparently managed to escape his owner's capture. The reptile explained me what happened yesterday, in detail. Sasori and Kakashi were both killed during the battle in the streets-"

"It wasn't hard to guess," Tsunade cut in, "We've found hundreds of his unwilling sleeper agents whose brainwashing broke after his death. As for Kakashi… are you certain?"

"Naruto's attacker took the corpse with him." Jiraiya took his breath. "Apophis' description of his eyes matches that of the Rinnegan. I thought Nagato had been killed by Hanzo in a failed uprising, but I was mistaken. I'm guessing he might be this 'Pain' who's leading Akatsuki. I can't believe I tutored our greatest enemy."

"You couldn't know how the kid would turn out," the Senju consoled him. "If Nagato is indeed Akatsuki's leader and came in person to Konoha, then he might also be the reason Danzo is missing. He might have destroyed his regiment before coming to help Sasori, albeit too late to save the puppeteer."

"All I can say is, Akatsuki hurt us badly and with four Jinchuuriki in their custody, it will get worse." The toad Sannin cracked his fingers. "The Jinchuuriki are most probably somewhere in the Land of Rain, or in a discreet hideout somewhere on the continent. With my spy network being nearly nonexistent in Rain, it will be a pain to find them. Doubly so, as we can't afford to waste any ninja since either Kumo or Iwa might try exploiting our temporary weakness."

"Mei Terumi has offered her help in locating the Jinchuuriki," Tsunade pointed out. "I don't fully trust her, true, but we need all the help available."

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to be both Godaime and in charge of recovering Naruto." The pervert locked eyes with Tsunade. "You have to be Godaime."

Tsunade observed him in silence for a brief moment. "You know it's impossible," she explained, "I abandoned this town for years, remember? They will never accept me. I've lost touch with this city for too long."

Jiraiya's stare turned cold. "Tsunade, you remember our conversation in the stadium?" The woman slowly nodded. "I'm sick of running away. I've been running away from my godson for more than a decade, and when it mattered most I wasn't there. I need to make up for that. I… I will never be a good Hokage, Tsunade. I've never been responsible in my life, and I would probably jump into action without a second thought. You and Orochimaru were always the brains to my brawn."

"And yet you did more good than the two of us put together," Tsunade shot back, "You should be proud of who you are, Jiraiya. I am happy that at least one of the Sannin turned out alright."

Jiraiya suddenly felt incredible joy, and cracked a smile. "Have you finally succumbed to my charms?"

To his surprise, Tsunade smiled back. "I think with the burden you're trying to hand me, I'll be mean and leave you in the dark."

Jiraiya took his breath. "Tsunade, Konoha is yours. It has to be yours. Not to someone like the elders, or a Clan Head. Yours."

Tsunade glared at him. "Even sensei's platypus?" she deadpanned, before shrugging. "Alright… I will do it. Not for Konoha, or for this post. For you. And if you wish to one day take the position, I will step down. Just… just don't let Pain kill you, okay?"

Jiraiya gave her a thumb up. "Hey, I'm still the master!" he joked. "I've got a few lessons to teach that Nagato brat."


Iruka Umino sighed, as he explained to his students how they could help the adults rebuild the village with basic techniques. Everyone had been mobilized to support the reconstruction, and the Academy was no exception.

Iruka himself hadn't seen most of the invasion. He and the children had been evacuated to a bunker hidden underneath the southern part of the city. They had been fortunate, for the bunkers placed inside the Hokage Monument had been utterly destroyed, their inhabitants nearly all killed. Iruka was grateful none of his students had perished during the battle.

Of course, there was the problem of emotional scars. Many of these kids had lost a parent or more during the battle, and as their teacher Iruka had offered to welcome orphans at his home. They reminded him of his own situation, after the Nine Tails' rampage.

Koohamaru had been hit the worst. The loss of his grandfather and role model had been a crushing blow, and Iruka had done his best to mentor him during this ordeals.

"Iruka-sensei," Hanabi Hyuuga raised her hand, "Can I ask you a few questions, alone?"

The teacher raised an eyebrow, before smiling; Hanabi had been one of his most promising, if asocial students. He blamed it on her formal demeanor. "Of course." After dismissing the rest of his class, he massaged his neck. "So? What do you have to ask?"

"Do you know what happened to Naruto-san?" Hanabi asked. "I heard you and him were close, and I haven't seen him since the invasion."

Iruka narrowed his eyes. He had heard Naruto had performed an… inexcusable behavior with the young Hyuuga, and he was slightly curious. "Why do you seek him?"

"Because he's my rival and I have to defeat him in a fair duel," she explained with all the seriousness in the world.

Iruka couldn't help but chuckle with amusement. Her rival? My, that's the first time I've heard of this. "I see." His face turned grim. "I am afraid to say Naruto has been missing in action since the invasion. We heavily suspect him to have been captured by the enemy as a prisoner of war. For now, I have next-to-no information on his whereabouts."

Iruka had a few hours before heard a Chuunin say either Naruto had deserted or, better, been killed in action. The teacher had punched the man so hard he nearly broke his own hand.

"I see." She appeared genuinely worried an instant, before correcting her expression. "I mean, this is a terrible loss."

"Yes. He was my favorite student in the last graduating class, to be truthful." The teacher inhaled sharply. "I hope he's okay."

Hanabi frowned. "How was he?" she asked. "I do not know much about him beside our interactions and what my sister told me."

Iruka kept his mouth shut for a few seconds, struggling to find words to describe his old student. "He was my pupil," he admitted. "Not because he was a genius in the ninja arts, or good in a special area. He wasn't as bright as a Nara or as strong as an Akimichi… but I've never seen someone so stubborn and determined, beside Rock Lee. Naruto was my best student because he didn't know when to give up and his resolve never faltered."

He chuckled. "I'm pretty sure he's making his captor's life hellish as we speak."


"Hey, Hinata," Kiba started, "Congratulations on your promotion!"

"You have performed admirably well," Shino added.

"I am very proud of you, Hinata," Kurenai finished, "I am extremely happy, and you should be too."

"Thank you," the girl answered with a blush, her new Chuunin jacket still feeling too heavy for her shoulders.

"I'm so jealous," Ino complained, "Shika and Hinata are both promoted, while all my efforts were for naught…"

"Don't complain, I've got too much work now," Shikamaru whined, Chouji offering him his chips as a gift.

"Well, with Shikamaru and Hinata being promoted as Chuunin," Asuma continued, "Tsunade-sama asked us to form a single scouting platoon. We will do missions near the borders from now on and observe movements around them, in case we see signs of activities." Inwardly, he wondered how he and Kurenai could get some… private time… without their students watching.

"What about Team Gai?" Ino asked. "Or Sasuke-kun?"

Asuma and Kurenai exchanged a worried glance. "Sasuke is still missing in action and our intelligence is trying to locate the prisoners of war," the Genjutsu specialist stated, "As for Team Gai, since they have all been promoted to Chuunin I guess they will be sent on more difficult missions."

Hinata frowned. While she trusted Tenten and Neji to take care of themselves, something was amiss. "And Naruto-san?" she asked. "What will he do?"

Asuma coughed. "Naruto Uzumaki… is missing too. But I'm certain he's fine," he hastily added.

The looks the teens sent him showed they weren't especially convinced.

Naruto-kun… Hinata thought, Please be safe…


"… and this is how, after dad remembered what… what this Sasori had done to him… he decided to surrender to Konoha and share his knowledge," Ayame explained, "Gai-dono… how long do you think they will keep him in custody?"

"I cannot say," the man admitted, "If Inoichi-san can prove he was an unwilling pawn of Sasori, then he will be freed once all useful information has been extracted from his mind. It might take a while, however, but do not despair! I'm sure he'll be fine!"

Ayame lowered her head, unconvinced. Tenten couldn't help but feel pity for the poor waitress. Her father, no, hundreds of people, had suddenly realized their role as unwilling agent in the last phase of the invasion, which had resulted in mostly guilt, and sometimes open desertion. Teuchi had been one of the few brave enough to surrender to the authorities.

After learning about it, Team Gai had come to offer their support to the waitress, inviting her to Tenten's home until Teuchi was freed. With the destruction of Ichiraku's during the conflict, Ayame needed help, badly.

Neji had been the most helpful. The Hyuuga compound had been heavily damaged by incendiary bombs, and he understood the loss of a home more than anyone. "I am certain Teuchi-san will be released soon," he told Ayame. "He's a victim, not a criminal."

"Any news about Naruto-kun?" Tenten asked, petting Apophis' head.

"No," Neji shook his head, "Jiraiya-sama told me he would bring us information as soon as he could."

As Jiraiya's official apprentice, the young Hyuuga was the closest to the Toad sage. Tenten was slightly worried he would pick up his teacher's habits, but fortunately she had yet to notice a change in the boy's behavior, beside the loss of his bitterness. Naruto had done wonders indeed.

Lee glanced at Apophis. "Can't the snakes help us, Apophis-san?"

"The White Snake Sage told me he may or may not surrender information if he believes it to be worth the risk," the beast replied. "He does not want wish an open conflict with Akatsuki."

Tenten prepared to snap at Apophis that Naruto was their summoner and in great danger, before being interrupted by the opening of a door. "My scout has confirmed it," Mei Terumi, Godaime Mizukage, exchanged words with Jiraiya, "Kisame Hoshigake and Itachi Uchiha were sighted fleeing with two prisoners in the direction of the Land of Rain. The captives match the description of both Gaara of the Sand and Han of Iwagakure."

"Nearly all of Sasori's agents we interrogated told us they sent their information to the Land of Rain, probably so Sasori could examine their reports first and then give orders," Jiraiya stated, "This confirms the Land of Rain is Akatsuki's main base of operation. Which means we'll have to infiltrate it before the Tailed Beasts are extracted."

"According to my sources, the extraction jutsu used by Akatsuki is dependent on its membership and their rings," Mei said. "I do not know how many of them are left, but I am certain with the loss of Orochimaru, Sasori, and maybe other members, they will be slowed down Jiraiya-dono."

"You're talking about Naruto-san, right?" Lee asked, before realizing who he was addressing. "Forgive my outburst, I didn't mean-"

"No harm done, I was never a fan of formalities," Jiraiya cut in, "The situation is complicated and it will take some time to explain you everything, so let's make it short: we heavily suspect the organization that captured Naruto Uzumaki is based in the Land of Rain. And your team is going to help me rescue him."

"Us?" Neji blinked, for once losing his stoic demeanor.

"Them?" Mei frowned. "Forgive my skepticism, Jiraiya-dono, but wouldn't it be wiser to bring more experienced troops, like ANBU?"

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "Maito Gai is Konoha's top taijutsu master. His students are among the most promising Chuunin of this year-"

"Wait, Chuunin?" Gai's eyes widened. "Jiraiya-sama, does it mean-"

"You haven't been informed? Due to their exceptional work during the Invasion, the genin who reached the third stage have all been promoted to Chuunin." The pervert chuckled at the newly promoted ninjas' expressions. "Hey, don't make those faces, all of you have more than earned it. Tsunade will hand you your jackets once she's fully instated as Godaime."

While Gai and Lee made a victory pose, Neji simply lowered his head with stoic pride. "This is an honor for me to promoted. I will do my best to serve the Leaf for the best."

"Me too." Tenten was both proud of herself for reaching Chuunin, and silently happy Tsunade would become the Godaime Hokage. Her idol and somewhat tutor would be the leader the city needed in such hard times. "You said we could help Naruto?" she said, focusing more on her friend's well-being than her own.

"Yep. Since the ANBU has taken a hit during the Invasion, the rescue of Naruto Uzumaki falls on me and whoever I recruit." Jiraiya coughed, "As you are all his friends and proved yourselves during the invasion, I decided to have Gai's team be my taskforce. Lady Mizukage will also offer her nation's support in this mission. The pet snake can come too."

"I'm not a pet!" Apophis hissed in irritation.

"We will rescue Naruto-kun in no time, I swear it!" Lee boasted with bravery.

Ayame narrowed her eyes. "Just… come back alive, not only with Naruto, but with his friends too, okay? I worry about them."

"I promise," Tenten smiled, although inwardly, she was anything but confident. If an organization could kidnap so many Jinchuuriki, then what were their chances?

I've seen worse, Tenten thought, I mustn't lose focus.


"If I remember well, this is the first time in the last five years we're all gathered, in the flesh, in one place," Kisame mused, sitting around the long table between Itachi and Kakuzu, "Although we lost several seats."

Deidara snorted. With Hidan's 'punishment', the disappearances of Tobi and Zetsu, and the deaths of both Sasori and Orochimaru, Akatsuki was reduced to six members, an unusually low number. "Seems like Sasori-dono found out the hard way no art is ever lasting-"

"Enough," Pain cut in, "I would like us to observe a minute of silence for the fallen, who gave their lives so our organization may prosper."

The different criminals obeyed, although in a few cases with reluctance. Kisame briefly glanced at the room around him, finding it to be equipped with a large windows showing Ame's main districts. The building itself was the highest in the city, with the exception of the memorial tower. Kisame guessed it fitted Pain's megalomania: when looking through this window, no one escaped his gaze.

After the minute of silence ended, Pain invited his underlings to report. Kakuzu coughed, and the god wannabe let him speak. "The loss of Sasori and Orochimaru will put a premature end to many of our projects," the bounty hunter observed. "With Sasori's death, many of his agents were freed of his mind control. A few might keep working with us, but many have switched loyalty already. As for Orochimaru, many of his men were loyal to him, not to Akatsuki. I'm pretty sure most will turn into roaming bands of missing-nins."

"There were deserters, true, but we salvaged most of his staff," Konan replied. "The invasion might have only been a partial success, but we can roll with it."

"Speaking of the invasion, what about Tobi?" Deidara asked. "I heard he was killed. And where the hell is Zetsu?"

"Worrying about your partner?" Kisame mocked. "I thought you couldn't stand him?"

"Oh, shut up Kisame, what kind of senpai doesn't keep an eye on his kohai?"

"Tobi and Zetsu are still missing in action," Pain told the group, "Since there has been no evidence they survived, consider them dead unless their survival is confirmed."

Itachi did his best to hide his joy, much to Kisame's amusement. The Uchiha probably hoped the masked man would be gone for good. However, Itachi couldn't help but be skeptical. Madara was harder to kill than a cockroach after all.

"I received news confirming Sarutobi's death at the hands of Orochimaru-san," Konan coughed. "Jiraiya and Tsunade were nominated, but Konoha hasn't yet designed the Sandaime's successor."

"At least Orochimaru managed to make the invasion a mixed a victory," Kakuzu snorted. "Suna is crushed. With the death of the Yondaime and most of the Sand's officers, Chiyo should be elected as Godaime Kazekage. I bet she asks for peace, if only because Onoki will exploit the situation to try seizing Suna's territory. Konoha suffered little damage overall."

"Define little damage," Kisame countered, "The four Jinchuuriki were captured, and between Leader's actions and the urban fights a good chunk city is in ruin. I call it a victory, albeit a costly one."

"What I mean is, while the Leaf is weakened, its military is not crippled." Kakuzu crossed his arms. "We'll be able to sell weapons in the future Suna-Iwa war, but Kumo won't risk a conflict it can't win. Especially since we captured their last Jinchuuriki two days ago." He glanced at Konan. "We have you to thank for it."

The woman did not answer, and Pain brushed off the matter. "You would be surprised what Kumo will do," he said, "The plan is approaching its final phase. Unforeseen events have caused it to progress faster than I anticipated."

The other Akatsuki exchanged glances. "I'm not a strategist," Deidara pointed out, "Yet with the Great Nations mostly standing, I'm not sure we're nowhere near the end."

"No, I did not mean Akatsuki's plan," Pain corrected, "I mean my plan."

Kisame frowned, just as everyone but Konan did.

"I am ashamed to say I deceived you. Only Sasori and Konan were aware the plan I fed you, the basic guidelines you followed… were nothing more than a glorified smokescreen. A trap for the Great Nations to fall in."

Pain glanced at Itachi. "I know the truth, Itachi," the god wannabe whispered, causing the Uchiha's eyes to widen in dread, "About the massacre. Where your true allegiance lays. I have known ever since you joined Akatsuki. Your role as double agent ends now."

Itachi nearly thought he would be killed on the spot, only for Pain to disabuse him. "A Kage would have you executed, but I am generous and forgiving. Since the reasons for your actions were noble, I pardon your treachery, this once."

Pain inhaled calmly. "However, this is a one-time amnesty. Should you be found betraying Akatsuki again from this point forward, I will have your brother nailed to a cross."

It wasn't a threat. It was a fact. There was no mistake in the cold tone: Pain wouldn't bat an eyelash about punishing Itachi through his sibling. The prodigy clenched his fists. Sarutobi, I told you to protect my brother, he silently cursed the dead Hokage.

Yet, inwardly, the person Itachi Uchiha blamed the most was himself. "Understood," he whispered weakly.

"As much as I find this scene entertaining," Kakuzu coughed, "What is the real plan then Leader?"

The god wannabe joined his fingers. "Has anyone told you why Uzushiogakure was wiped out?"

"Because their seals were feared?" Kisame suggested.

"This is only the tip of the iceberg, the veil hiding a more sinister truth," Pain explained, "The Uzumaki were wiped out because they had invented the ultimate weapon. A Kinjutsu so powerful it could destroy a country in the blink of an eye."

"That's absurd," Deidara complained, "Even Tailed Beasts and Iwa's strongest techniques can't do that!"

"The ultimate Kinjutsu can," Pain corrected, "But for it to be used, nearly limitless chakra reserves are needed. Originally, the Uzumaki intended to fuel it by building up chakra in seals over a century, but as you can guess, there is a faster, more efficient solution. The nine Tailed Beasts together can power this technique."

"Let me guess," Kakuzu snickered, "You found and mastered this 'ultimate technique'?"

"Yes. All I needed were the Tailed Beasts to fuel it. I was aware the Hidden Villages wouldn't let me capture them without fighting back, and hence, I created this organization to counter the five Kage." Pain held his breath. "When the ultimate Kinjutsu will be completed, Akatsuki shall use it to intimidate the continent into submission and establish eternal peace, through unmatched strength. A power so great no number, no tactic, no jutsu can overcome it. The flags of the nations will be replaced by a single, red one, and we shall emerge as the supreme rulers of a new world. A world without lies, without ninjas, a world of purity and stability."

Pain extended them his hand. "Who is willing to follow me?"

Konan of course accepted, while Itachi didn't have much choice in the matter. Kisame shrugged and went along. Kakuzu said as long as he got paid a shitload of money he couldn't care less what his boss' plan was, and Deidara agreed for the same reason he joined the organization: because he wanted revenge on Itachi first and foremost. Kisame inwardly wondered if the madman would find Leader's jutsu 'artistic'.

"Then this is settled," Pain finished, "We shall start the extraction of the Ichibi later, but for now… we rest."

When Itachi and Kisame left the room, the swordsman gave his partner a light tap on the shoulder. "Sorry for your brother," he said. "It's not your fault."

"It's entirely my fault," Itachi shot back, "I should have dragged him away from the fighting when I had the chance." The Uchiha glanced at his friend. "You didn't seem enamored with Leader's vision. I thought you wanted to see a world of truth?"

"I've been fed that lie too many times already, it doesn't stick anymore." Kisame shrugged. "Madara and Pain are both liars. The first wears a mask, the second pretends to be a god. Can you honestly trust a liar to create a world of truth?"

"Point taken," Itachi said, already trying to figure out how he could free Sasuke.


Once the Akatsuki members left, Pain ordered Konan to check on the prisoners while he focused on an important task. Retreating in his personal tower, the god wannabe entered a white, immaculate morgue. Hundreds of compartments contained the corpses of potential Paths, all selected for their strength, vigor, or special abilities.

Zetsu was nailed to a wall, chakra transmitters embedded in his flesh. "Bastard…" the white half cursed the Deva Path, who ignored his prisoner and opened one of the compartments. "Why… Why?"

"Because you are Madara's ally, not my own." Pain examined the newest corpse he had acquired. Danzo seemed strangely peaceful in death, the seal on his body shining on his skin. Nagato inwardly regretted not to have killed the man himself, yet found relief in the fact Yahiko was fully avenged at last. "I intended to remove you both when all Tailed Beasts were collected. Danzo's actions simply facilitated my task."

"You betrayer…" the black half coughed. "What…"

"What are my intentions?" Pain coughed. "I will keep Madara sealed and safe in this tower, in case I need him again. In your case… the chakra rods I implanted in your body will alter the frequencies of your chakra, allowing me to influence your clones." Pain chuckled briefly at Zetsu's astonished face. "You thought I hadn't done my research?"

"You cannot…"

"I can. Zetsu, you and I are similar. We are a single mind controlling a network of bodies." Pain's hand touched the plant man's torso, checking out his heartbeat. "It will be easy to take over your clones, to make your network an extension of mine. Of course I cannot fully control so many vessels as I do my Paths, so I will settle on rewriting the minds of your remaining clones. They shall be loyal to me instead of Madara now."

As the control of his clones slipped away from him, as he felt the rods destroy him from the inside, Zetsu found himself looking inside Pain's cold, shining eyes. "Your role is over, foolish one," the fake god whispered serenely, "Return to dust."


When Naruto woke up, it was with one hell of a headache and in a warm, king-sized bed. His eyes snapped open, then examined his surroundings.

The blonde was in a suite. Probably a Daimyo's, considering the great size and the multiple rooms. The walls of the room were bright red and golden, and clean clothes had been deposited on a large brown wardrobe for him to take. They were simple, common clothes.

All his equipment was gone.

Remembering Pain's assault, it didn't take long for Naruto to guess he was imprisoned. Putting the clothes on, after checking to see if there were hidden bugs on them, the blonde examined the suite. It contained a bathroom, a salon, a kitchen, and a cocktail bar equipped with what appeared to be a radio. The place was fitted with windows, and Naruto gazed outside through them.

The city he was currently imprisoned within was suffering from a downpour, to the point it was difficult to see past the rain. It was night, but neon lights illuminated the streets. From the black buildings to the ominous tower in the center of the city, the atmosphere outside seemed gloomy.

It took him two minutes to find the door of the suite, a closed wooden gate standing between the ninja and the world outside.

Naruto first knocked gently on it. Then when nobody answered, he knocked harder. In the end, he decided to be loud. "Hey! Hey, what's up? Pain? Pain, open that door we've got to talk!"

The door opened, forcing Naruto to take a step back.

"You should stay quiet, you annoying brat," a giant warned softly, entering the room and overshadowing Naruto. The creature was vaguely humanoid, and it ended there. The fingers ended with claws, the teeth were fangs. The creature's skin was slightly red in tone. His height reached nearly eight feet, his body being a mass of muscles. He was wearing bandages over the head and chest, and short black pants. He even had little horns on the back of his skull.

Naruto briefly glanced in case there was an opening, but he backed down upon realizing the giant was backed up by two masked guards. "Who are you?"

"I know I've gained a few pounds," the creature said with a deep, yet slightly familiar voice, "But I am saddened you don't remember me, Naruto. After all, am I not the one who introduced you to Orochimaru-sama in the first place?"

The blonde's eyes snapped open. "Dosu?"

"Surprised?" The monster snickered. "I told you Orochimaru could give you great power should you join us. As you can see I underwent a… metamorphosis. A pity you decided not to cast down this feeble body of yours to get an improved one. Trust me, you would feel better."

"Where am I?" Naruto clenched his fists. "Where are my friends? Where's Pain?"

"Pain-sama is currently occupied and apologizes for being too busy to give you some of his precious time," Dosu replied softly. "However, Konan-sama, his second-in-command, will visit you very soon. Until then, it would be better for you to find a way to kill time in silence, while the men behind me and I guard the door."

Naruto gritted his teeth. He hated being powerless. "You didn't answer my first questions."

"Your friends are the least of your worries right now," Dosu shrugged his shoulders. "As for the 'where'… haven't you looked through the windows? I thought with your intelligence you would have guessed by now." The giant slowly closed the door, upon leaving the room. "Welcome to Amegakure, Naruto."

After waiting for several minutes, Naruto indeed found a way to kill time: observing every corner of his new suite and looking for a way to escape. He found none. At best he could break the windows, but the height was too great. Naruto was probably on the fifteenth floor, and the fall would kill him.

Cursing, the blonde decided to kill time another way. Reaching the cocktail bar, he started examining the radio. What was it doing here? Without tools he couldn't exploit it, so he simply turned it on.

The radio first produced some music, a song Naruto found calming. After a short time, the song ended and was replaced by a singing, masculine voice. "Welcome on Radio Ame ladies and gentlemen! Here is your pal Mr. Rainbow! If you want to hear the news, stay tuned!"

Naruto blinked. The hell?

"Did I tell you that you were the most lovely, wonderful listeners in the world? Because this is the first news!" The voice adopted a slightly more serious tone. "Yesterday, Konohagakure was attacked by their once close allies, Sunagakure, in the middle of the Chunin Exams organized for the continent's southern countries. According to our information, it appears to be retribution for the border incident which happened nearly two months ago. Missing-nins were reported to have fought on Sunagakure's side. The authorities suspect they had been hired-"

The voice on the radio continued to give what appeared to be a civilian report on the set of events now nicknamed the 'Invasion of Konoha'. It was a source of good, if impossible to check out, info. Sunagakure's forces were helped by shock missing-nin troops, including the infamous Orochimaru, who was killed in action. The Kazekage was missing in action, and overall, Konohagakure's army barely lost a fifth of its military strength. Naruto was glad to hear that.

Then the voice announced the death of the Sandaime Hokage.

The details weren't clear. According to witnesses, it was Orochimaru who gave him the fatal blow. Others pretended they saw the ghosts of the Shodai Hokage do the deed through a purple wall, which made little sense. However, the Sandaime's death had been confirmed by Konoha. A Godaime would be chosen in the following, with Jiraiya and Tsunade being the most likely candidates.

Naruto wasn't sure what he felt at that instant. Sadness? Anger? All in all, it felt awful. His grandfather figure was gone, and with him, the possibilities of learning the truth about his past.

Then it got worse. While Konoha's army didn't suffer much, at least a fourth of the city had been destroyed, along with the entire Hokage Monument. The blonde blinked at that, doubly so when he learned thousands of civilians and ninjas that had been trapped in the area were dead or missing. The Hyuuga Compound had been nearly entirely destroyed.

Could that brat Hanabi and Hinata have been killed? Absurd, he told himself. Both were in the stadium at the time, but they could have been killed there too. Could Ayame and her dad have died during the chaos? Was Iruka alive?

And what the hell Pain did to his friends? Fuu was needed for Akatsuki's plans, and Sasuke had been targeted by Sasori in the past, but what about Yugao?

Naruto found the uncertainty and his own doubts more troubling than the news.

Then the news were over and the radio produced a happy melodious song, which utterly failed to improve the blonde's mood.

"Hello, Naruto-san."

So lost in his thoughts, the ninja hadn't heard when someone had slipped in. His eyes drifted until they found the voice's source, a woman in her mid thirties, with short blue hair and amber eyes. She was wearing black civilian clothing and very beautiful, but her emotionless face chilled Naruto to the bone.

"This is a pleasure to meet you," the woman bowed politely, "My name is Konan. I am Pain-sama's second-in-command and assistant."

"It's a pleasure to see a wonderful lady visiting a poor boy such as myself," Naruto faked a smile, doing his best to hide his tension and fear. If this woman wanted to exchange fake politeness, he would answer in kind.

As expected, Konan was not disarmed in the slightest and moved behind the bar. Naruto did not let her escape his gaze. "Would you like some refreshment?"

"Does fresh air count?" Naruto deadpanned.

"You will get outside, eventually. I hope you understand we did not go through so much troubles to bring you here, only to release you on the spot." She placed a glass full of a mix of fruit juice and alcohol. Aware she could kill or drug him anytime without him being able to fight back, Naruto reluctantly brought the liquid to his lips. "I am certain you have questions."

Naruto did the only thing he could: glare at her. "What did Pain do to my friends?"

"Nothing. They are alive and safe in other areas of the city. We prefer to keep you in different buildings, to prevent your from organizing a possible escape attempt." Konan shrugged. "I assure you Fuu of Takigakure, Sasuke Uchiha, Han of Iwa, Gaara of the Sand, and your ANBU protector are treated-"

"Han?" Naruto's eyes widened. "Gaara?"

"Yes, we captured them both." Konan cracked a small, faint smile. "With my recent capture of Yugito Nii, all Jinchuuriki have been captured."

Naruto paled. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because Pain asked me to check on you, and I don't see why I shouldn't be honest with a guest." Konan glanced at the radio. "This was a gift from me. Ame has been trying to popularize a national radio, and I thought you might appreciate learning news from the outside world."

While Naruto experienced brief genuine gratefulness, his suspicious nature prevailed. "If we're in Ame, then it means Salamander Hanzo is behind Akatsuki? Funding it?"

"Hanzo is dead and buried." Konan's tone was full of anger, which surprised Naruto. "Pain killed him and took over. The event is very recent, so most of the world at large ignores this information. Pain rules Amegakure with an iron fist, both as leader and god."

Since Hanzo had wasted the three Sannin together, it spoke volumes about Pain's power. Considering the ease he had restraining opponents who managed to stand up to Sasori, it wasn't very surprising. "Who is Pain exactly?" Naruto asked. "Who are you to him? What does he want?"

Konan glanced at the windows. "You should ask him yourself."

When Naruto saw a man floating beyond the window, the rain trailing down his face, the teen's blood froze in his veins.

"Naruto," Pain started, "I will show you the real me."


The tower in the center of Amegakure was Pain's HQ, and the highest floor his home.

When Pain told him he would see the 'real' him, Naruto briefly thought Pain was a figurehead for a nastier, more elusive missing-nin. Maybe a legend like Madara Uchiha, or Hanzo faking his death. When the false Pain guided him inside, revealing the tower as a giant morgue and memorial for the fallen, the Konoha-nin briefly wondered what kind of man would willingly live in such a graveyard.

The top floor was however much different from the rest of the building. It was a fairly simple apartment, with the only noteworthy room being a large, cubic place equipped with screens, computers, and maps.

And in the center, the real Pain waited on his throne.

He was a redhead, emaciated man in his mid-thirties, who moved inside a floating throne preventing Naruto from seeing anything underneath the naked torso. The ninja's skin was pale, pierced with black rods. His eyes were the same as the fake Pain's, and his fingers were intertwined. He was a hunter observing a prey.

The all-powerful, terrifying leader of both Akatsuki and Amegakure, was a man in a glorified wheelchair.

It would have been a huge letdown, if Naruto couldn't feel the power emanating from this man. The redhead's mere presence was nearly unbearable. Even Sasori or Orochimaru never frightened Naruto to this extent.

This man could probably crush the teen without lifting a finger.

"I am certain you expected something else," the redhead whispered. "My name is Nagato Uzumaki, bearer of the Rinnegan and the new god of this world. Pain is but a vessel of my will, a puppet I control through projecting my chakra. Sasori and I shared more than blood. Why did you try killing him? The body was in such a poor condition even I couldn't recreate it."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Because he harmed my loved ones."

"A kinslayer is said to be cursed, and Itachi may be the living proof of it." Nagato narrowed his eyes, the fabled Dojutsu said able to undo creation itself. "Although I understand your grievances, I cannot help but think this was a mistake from my part. Akatsuki should have approached you earlier, on better terms. If I had simply had more foresight, you might have joined us willingly."

The tone was genuinely regretful, and Naruto paused, unable to decide if this was a trick to earn the teen's sympathy. "But you are not here to discuss Sasori, correct? The past is the past." Nagato raised his head. "As Konan probably told you, your friends are fine and being treated as guests. Contact with them will be limited, for your security, but I can arrange a visit once per week, if this is alright for you?"

Naruto clenched his jaw. This was a crappy deal, but this was the best he would get. "What will you do to them?"

"If you and they cooperate, nothing. I need the Bijuu for my plans, but I do not need to extract them… simply for a Jinchuuriki to provide their chakra and support once a while. Of course, if a Jinchuuriki is disloyal, the extraction of his Tailed Beast is a more sensible alternative. It would be a shame to do so to a family member, but the needs of the world outweigh the life of a single man."

The message couldn't be clearer: If you do not obey and convince others to obey, you will all be gruesomely killed.

"What are your plans?" Naruto asked, trying to gather information.

"To replace the ninja system with something better, to establish global peace. A noble goal, you will agree, yet impossible to fulfill without resorting to radical measures." Nagato shrugged. "I will not tell you the details until you earn my trust, and believe me, you have a long ways to go."

Naruto instinctively scowled. "Why? Why are you doing all this? How do you intend to bring peace by spreading chaos and mayhem?"

Nagato stayed silent an instant. "Have you not understood yet the ninja system is doomed from the start?" he asked. "It is in its nature to consume itself, a beast devouring its own limbs. It would collapse on its own before another half century had passed. I am simply hastening the process and making sure a better society will replace it."

The blonde narrowed his eyebrows. "Konoha and the other Hidden Villages lasted for nearly a century."

"And at what cost?" The redhead shrugged. "The ninja world's economy is based on a war market, meaning there has to be constant conflict for the Hidden Villages to stay afloat. Wars are secretly incited between nations so ninjas can get employment. People cannot challenge the inefficient, unjust feudal system since they cannot defy ninjas. The development of technologies that could make the world a better place, but with the side effect of making ninjas obsolete, is halted. Children with a bright future are indoctrinated and sent to die for nothing. Iron which could be used to build medical equipment is wasted on shaping kunai, stone which could build roads is used for fortifications. The Hidden Villages' war effort is absorbing resources which could be used to develop trade and a more sustainable way of living than pillaging your neighbors. Hidden Villages spread suffering merely by existing. They did not stop war, only made it bigger in scale and better organized. The only difference between the current world and the clans' era is that children are killed at twelve instead of nine."

Naruto opened his mouth, and closed it.

"Such a way of living can only last as long as there are resources to waste, and the time when they are exhausted is approaching. When the Hidden Villages won't be able to sustain themselves, the world will return to anarchy and chaos, unless a new system comes to replace them. A homogeneous culture which would prevent mankind from fracturing itself, a one world order which will bring long term stability to the world. This is Akatsuki's true goal: an utopia which transcends nations themselves."

The argument would have sounded convincing for many people, but Naruto was too jaded to buy it. "You would have to change human nature to achieve that."

"Human nature is a social construct. Your own values were conditioned by Konoha since the moment you attended their Academy. But I have found a factor which allows one to reach enlightenment." The leader of Akatsuki locked eyes with his fellow Uzumaki. "Suffering. And you are the living proof of it."

"Enlightenment through suffering?" The Jinchuuriki was genuinely confused. "You'll have to explain me because I am having troubles understanding."

"Those who cannot understand true pain cannot understand true peace," Nagato replied, "Pain awakened you. It gave you the gift of resilience and determination. You were born with twin curses, and you lived rejected. Yet, the pain you experienced only inspired you to strive, to aim ever higher. It made you learn empathy for others, it taught you the value of true friendship. I have gone through a similar process myself, and this suffering is what drives me. This is what I am: the pain that shall teach the world the value of peace."

Yeah, he's a complete megalomaniac. "When you see Sasuke, you can't help but think pain makes people bitter."

"We are all bitter Naruto. And this same bitterness is what makes us appreciate the good in the world instead of wasting it." Pain cracked his neck. "I am surprised you did not use my blood to gain Chakra, to be honest."

Naruto's eyes widened. "The Samsara-"

"One of its elements is my blood. You have seen the body I use as decoy: by injecting my blood inside the corpse and using special rods to transfer them my chakra, I am able to enhance its abilities and control it remotely. The great Sage once taught mankind ninjutsu through a similar, less crude process." Nagato smiled. "Have you never wondered how exactly mankind learned to use chakra?"

"Since I couldn't use it, I wasn't truly interested."

"You should have, for it would have cast a new light on yourself." The self-proclaimed god cracked his fingers. "In truly ancient times, before the Sage, all of mankind was like you. Chakra was unknown. In fact, beside the natural Chakra used by animals and sages, it did not exist."

Naruto frowned. "What the hell-"

"Then one day, a terrible beast fell from the skies. A creature of untold might. A god or a demon, no one can tell. Perhaps it was an invader, a parasite which had consumed other worlds and now came for ours. Whatever its nature, one thing was certain: this creature had limitless chakra and warped the earth with its very presence, threatening to destroy all of life. This was the first Tailed Beast."

"The Kyuubi?" If the story was true, then did it mean the beast inside his belly was linked to the origin of chakra itself?

"No. I speak of the Kyuubi's ancestor and progenitor. Anyway, when the world was close to death, a savior with immense power appeared out of nowhere and defeated the beast. This man would later be known as the Sage of the Sixth Paths." Nagato extended his hands. "And I bear his eyes.

"The beast was too strong to be killed, so the Sage decided to divide it. He shaped nine creatures out of its Chakra, the Tailed Beasts. But even this was not enough to completely defeat the original demon. So he found an alternative."

Naruto understood instantly. "He transferred the demon's chakra to mankind?"

"Yes. Every man and woman was gifted with a spark of chakra, which would grow stronger with the individual, often inducing mutations like bloodline limits, and be transferred to their children. There lies the origin of ninjutsu. The Nine Tails destroyed your spark and chakra system because it was both aware man could survive without it if his body had not grown dependent on it, and because it hoped you would rely on it to win your battles. Repeated use of its chakra would weaken the seal, probably resulting in the Nine Tails escaping. With slight adjustments, I can prevent this scenario... in exchange for your cooperation."

Naruto frowned. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because what the Sage did with mankind, I can do with a mere man." Nagato offered his hand to Naruto. "If you are loyal to me and Akatsuki, I will gladly gift you with what the Kyuubi deprived you of at birth."

Naruto silently observed the hand, without uttering a word. The offer was tempting, true, but he didn't trust Pain in the slightest.

"There is still time for you to make up your mind." Nagato coolly dismissed him. "Konan will guide you to your friends, so you may share a few minutes of camaraderie with them. Afterward, she will ask you if you wish to join us and put your resolve to test. You may leave now."

The Jinchuuriki turned around and started walking toward the exit.

"Naruto."

The blonde stopped moving.

"Do not defy me," Nagato coughed, "While I would have you and your fellow Jinchuuriki side with us, I am not Sasori. If you oppose me, I will teach you a sharp lesson. Do you understand?"

"Yes," the teen rasped, "Yes I do."


As promised, Konan brought Naruto to the rest of his friends and then left him alone with them in an empty community hall.

It was obvious they had seen better days. They were pale and sickly-looking, with Sasuke looking to be the most affected of the bunch. Yugao had lost her mask and seemed truly tired, Fuu was shaking slightly, and Han waited, his arms crossed. "Chakra suppressing seals," Yugao explained, revealing her arm to Naruto. Black designs had been painted on it. "They suppress the individual's chakra to a minimal level. Enough to live, not enough to fuel any technique. Sasuke is too young not to suffer from a chakra-sickness."

"And in our case," Fuu began, "They reinforced our Bijuu seal so we cannot draw on their power. Probably did the same with you."

Naruto had guessed something like that would happen. "They treated you well?"

"They gave the Han a funny radio so he can listen to music, but otherwise, the Han has seen better days." The giant shrugged. "Pain blackmailed you, didn't he?"

"Yes." There was probably bugs in the room, but Naruto couldn't care less. "It's not like I've got a choice. I'll be allowed to see you once per week, apparently."

"They told me they would make us move from place to place," Sasuke guessed. "In case we try preparing an escape."

This greatly complicated things. "I see."

Yugao locked eyes with Naruto. Surprisingly, the teen didn't need words to understand the message she wanted to convey. It was as clear as water.

"Earn Pain's trust. Do what he's telling you. Try gathering information or contact the outside world. In other words, stay undercover."

Naruto silently nodded.

The rest of the discussion was quite short. Naruto shared them the radio's info, while stressing the fact the information might not be objective. Obviously, the rest of his friends were too weakened by the seals to react with clarity of mind.

"This sickness is a temporary side-effect of Chakra withdrawal," Konan admitted, once exiting the room with Naruto, "They will recover their strength over the next days. Do not worry, we have medics checking on them everyday."

Naruto kept his mouth shut, unwilling to talk. The blue-haired woman frowned. "I understand your reluctance, but I promise you all I care about is your welfare. If you ever need anything I will do my best to grant your wish, within the limits of my loyalty and competences."

The blonde inhaled deeply. "I will work for Pain."

"Not out of your own will," Konan noted, "But it's a start. Alright, in order to test your loyalty and let you acclimatize to your new home, you will be sent to do a few missions for Amegakure, under the watch of one of Akatsuki's main members."

Naruto raised his head with an obvious lack of enthusiasm. "My new home?"

"Amegakure is your home now, Naruto. Your arrival might have been… difficult… but you will find a better life in this place than in Konoha, trust me." Konan gave him a gentle smile. "You can go now."


Waiting outside the building, shielding himself from the rain with an umbrella, Itachi couldn't help but adopt a grim face.

When they came face to face, he and Naruto Uzumaki exchanged gazes. The teenager seemed to instantly recognize him, as Itachi picked a gleam of disgust in the boy's eyes. If his expression was to be trusted, the Jinchuuriki wasn't especially enjoying his current situation.

"Happy to meet you, Naruto-san," Itachi began, shielding the kid with his umbrella.

"The pleasure isn't mutual, Itachi-san," the blonde replied with venom.

Sasuke told him, the Uchiha guessed. Nice. Now any hope I had to make a good impression is gone. This complicates my plans. "Konan-san asked me to be your senpai for the duration of your stay in Amegakure," he explained. "Pain-sama gave you clear rules to follow. Breaking them will result in severe consequences."

Naruto lowered his head and obeyed. Itachi's activated Sharingan however picked the subtle hints of defiance the teen attempted to hide. He's bidding his time until he finds an opportunity, the Uchiha thought. Good.

"While you are completely free to walk around inside Ame as you please, you are forbidden from leaving the city. Pain removed the tracker Sarutobi put in your seal and replaced it with his own version, meaning while none of your allies will be able to track you down, Akatsuki can easily locate you anywhere, anytime."

The teen didn't appear surprised and kept listening. "You will receive a daily allowance so you can attend to your needs," Itachi explained, "However, guards will check out your belongings and are authorized to use force on you if you resist or are under suspicion. The people you will talk to shall also been kept under scrutiny, so if you convince someone to smuggle you out they will probably end up dead, by your fault."

As the boy didn't say a word, Itachi briefly wondered if that was how Kisame felt when they were doing missions. "You and other members of Pain-sama's army will do missions and exercises together. Our leader believes in team-building. After I show you the main areas in the city, you and I will have to help solve a few minor vandalism problems in the merchant district."

Finally finding Naruto's silence a little too unnerving, Itachi asked a stupid question. "Naruto," the Uchiha began, "Do you trust me?"

"No."

"You will have to," Itachi inhaled sharply, "If you and your friends wish to escape this place, that is."

This actually caused the teen's eyes to widen surprise. "What?" he asked flatly.

"I am your only friend in this city, Naruto-san," Itachi replied, before turning his back on the blonde, "You would do well to remember that."


A/N: and so the first half of the story is concluded. Next chapter will start after a timeskip.

I decided to make a backstory of Pain's 'ultimate kinjutsu' (which is totally not an atomic bomb jutsu). The idea had to come from somewhere. I also expanded the tale of the Sage of the Sixth Paths. It was never truly explained how he taught people to use ninjutsu, or where the bloodline limits came from (although I've got the feeling Juubi!Obito will probably give details during the final battle).

I've always planned to have Naruto and co be detained at Ame, although I changed a few details from my original plotline. This should give more insight into what it is to live in a minor nation instead of a greater one.

Oh, and Mr. Rainbow is a shout out to Mr. New Vegas from Fallout: New Vegas. I don't know, I absolutely love this character's lines.

Would you kindly review?