A/N: Hello, everyone!

Disclaimer: I own nothing relating to Naruto!

WARNINGS: None this chapter

Nagato (Pein)

It was something he found he had a knack for, despite appearances.

He knew he hardly looked like a comedian. With his strange red hair (damn Uzumaki genes), creepy Rinnegan eyes, ghostly pale skin, and seemingly gloomy disposition, he looked more at home in the constant rainfall of Ame than he felt he did.

His father was a doctor, his mother a nurse, so it wasn't uncommon for injured people from the nearby village to seek aid at his house. He was a shy kid, but he enjoyed listening to the stories the ninja would tell. It was during one of these visits that he heard his first joke.

He could never forget the day. His parents were in the kitchen, getting everything they'd need to set this man's broken leg, while he sat in the living room with him. He had always been an older soul; a kid beyond his years, he could clearly see the man trying to keep a calm façade for him despite the obvious pain he was in. The man was in the middle of another short story of a recent mission when he paused.

He had tilted his head, wondering if something was wrong. The man coughed, face pinching and eyes shut, before he released a long, shaky breath. He contemplated going to get his parents when the man looked at him. "Hey, kid," he started, his voice gruff. "Wanna hear a joke about a piece of paper?"

He nodded, not really understanding what a 'joke' was.

The guy waited a moment before shaking his head, smiling broadly. "Never mind. It's tearable!" His boisterous laughter rang out in the quiet living room. His brow furrowed in confusion, wondering if delirium was causing the man to lose his mind. Perhaps it was time to go get his parents.

The man noticed he was the only one laughing at this 'joke'. "What's the matter, kid? Don't you get it?" When he shook his head, the man frowned. "Tearable? Y'know, like tearing? Paper tears, so it's a play on the word." The man sighed. "I mean, it's not that funny if I have to explain it."

As the explanation processed, he found himself slowly smiling. The man noticed the change, starting to grin also. "Hey, kid, do you get it now?"

He nodded quickly. "Yes," he replied, his soft voice painted with uncharacteristic excitement. "Can you tell me another?"

From that day on, he asked for jokes from every patient that visited his home. While some denied his request, he found most willing to share at least their favorite one with him. Before his parents were murdered by the Konoha ninja that invaded his home, he had amassed quite the collection of jokes. In his wandering days, he would recite his jokes to himself or his furry companion Chibi to make his situation seem less grim. Once he met Yahiko and Konan, they became his new audience, as did Jiraiya-sensei once the veteran ninja took the ragtag orphans under his wing.

He never would have imagined it, but in those days of turmoil and strife the silly puns and quips became his source of joy and peace. He felt a sense of purpose and satisfaction once he finally got someone to laugh. Seeing their amused expressions almost made him forget about all of life's pain he had endured.

Then Yahiko died, and he began to think he knew nothing of the word 'peace.' If it wasn't for Konan, he was sure he'd still be lost. He remembered how she held his broken body against her, tears streaming down her face as the aftermath of his rampage laid around them. Her voice was shaky as she asked him if he wanted to hear a joke about a piece of paper. He had laughed mirthlessly as he responded with 'no, it's probably tearable.'

Slowly life moved forward after that day. He took outward leadership of the Akatsuki, with Madara calling shots from the shadows, using Yahiko's body with his Six Paths to bring about true peace to this awful world. Despite all that, he still found solace in his jokes, even though he really only shared them with Konan now. The future God of the world can't be much of a comedian, after all.

His blue-haired friend had stopped by to check on him, as she usually did. Her visits often brought up feelings of melancholy, a sense of longing for simpler days, but he welcomed them all the same. Yet, he couldn't help but notice she seemed distracted by something today, a troubled air around her. He knew how to cheer her up though.

"Konan," he called as she turned to leave. His raspy voice was a sad reminder of all they had been through together.

"Yes, Nagato?" she replied, glancing over her shoulder. "Did you need something else?"

"You want to hear a joke about a piece of paper?" She turned fully, nodding as she crossed her arms over her chest. He shook his head, lips already tilting upward. "Never mind, it's tearable."

He saw Konan's eyes roll, the scant light of their secret hideout glinting off her labret piercing as she smiled uncontrollably. "It is every time." Her stare softened as she looked at his pathetic state. "You know, I think that one is my favorite."

He had to agree. It was his favorite, too.

A/N: According to Google, the Japanese find puns ("dad jokes") funny. :)

Nagato is such a doom-and-gloom character. I thought it'd be nice to give him a little reprieve. ^_^ Who says he can't be a little comedian!