Sakura slightly pushed Kaito back, unbelieving that he just kissed her like that. Something rose from deep inside her, sending signals to get away.

"Kaito…"

"I-I'm sorry!" The man was quick to try mend the situation. It seemed he was surprised by it himself. "I don't know what came over me."

Stunned silent, Sakura fought the overwhelming urge to deck him for stealing a kiss like that. She gave him no signal or proposition, completely unwanted. "W-Why?"

"Something just came over me! I mean, you're beautiful, Sakura. And any guy would be lucky to have you as their girlfriend. Just…don't let my stupidity ruin our friendship, please." Kaito sighed. Rejection was a new feeling to him. "I guess, I'll see ya around. Good night, Sakura."

Still too stunned to create a full sentence, Sakura watched Kaito leave and disappear into the night. She still couldn't believe that Kaito did that. Lost in her stupor, she returned to her tent.

I had no idea Kaito felt like this…

This was new. An uncomfortable new. Sakura felt odd, out of place even. Having someone interested romantically in her somehow carried differently than before. It just didn't feel right that Kaito would have that kind of boldness. It wasn't gentleman-like. She didn't like it.

Naruto would have never done something like that.

Sakura froze. Unable to move.

Naruto.

That name carried so much weight. So many emotions flowed like river through her body every time his face appeared in her thoughts and his name fell from her lips. Memories of their time together as teammates and friends to lovers and partners. She missed those days dearly.

Mother.

But she missed her mother just as much. Those vivid nightmare memories came with his face in her thoughts, and venom soiled her throat when she spoke his name. His very presence created such a state in her that could only be diagnosed as panic induced fear.

Was she justified for calling him what she did? If she was, why did it hurt her so bad?

Digging into her bag, Sakura pulled out the flower she had given him on the day they first met. And the day he gave it back. She couldn't bring herself to leave Konoha without it. Preserved to last forever. Examining the special clear paper, Sakura wondered if it was time to let go and free the flower.

Could she even let go?

Naruto held such importance to her. Even separated and scarred, she cared deeply about him and only wanted to be by his side.

But her fear and nightmares prevented her from reaching out. Every time she looked at him, thought about him, the events of that day cycled through her brain and she lived it over and over again. The Kyūbi's roar filled her ears and trembled her like an earthquake.

But through all that, Sakura still loved Naruto with all her heart.

It hurt her heart more knowing that he was in pain. That he was struggling with so many things without her. As angry and devastated as she was, Sakura knew it wasn't Naruto's fault that her mother died. She knew, through her nightmares and fears, that he would never kill in cold blood like that. No matter what.

It was guilt, she realized. Guilt wouldn't allow her be with Kaito, or anyone. Guilt for hurting him with her words and actions. Even if she tried to ignore it to gain some resemblance of happiness, Sakura would be eaten alive by the guilt and, eventually, be consumed by it. It would destroy her even more.

Sakura just needed time to forgive. To move pass the guilt, shame, and fear. And she hoped Naruto would be waiting for her at the end of it.

I'm sorry Kaito. But it won't work.

It would break his heart. But Sakura needed to speak her mind. There was no other choice.

Looking off in the night sky, Sakura hoped her mother was looking down on her. Her only wish was that Mebuki could have known Naruto like she did. Then, maybe, all of this heartbreak could have been avoided.

Please, wait for me, Naruto.

-Deployment, Day Seven-

Battle plans were set. Orders were pushed down from higher and dispersed throughout the ranks. The time for movement towards the enemy had finally come.

Accountability formations for teams, squads, and platoons were scattered throughout the camp. Missions were already being assigned. Konoha and Suna were going to hit the enemy hard and fast.

Genma stood next to the Kazekage, watching their troops deploy. He could the stoic Kage fidget with a small clump sand.

"Nervous, Kazekage?"

"Only for the unknown, Commander."

Genma fiddled the senbon with his teeth. Solid fear, I guess. "When will the main garrison set off?"

"Within the next two hours. We're waiting on the all clear from Charlie Company that the route is clear. Then, we head towards Gateway, the forward operating base on the border of the Land of Iron."

Genma nodded. He had missed the briefing this morning. He had a little too much to drink on his final night in Suna. He needed to see how Suna partied compared to Konoha.

Sai approached from the rear. "Captain Genma."

"'Bout time you showed." Genma turned and saw only one of his team. "Where are the other two?"

"Ino went to search for Naruto. He wasn't at the accountability formation this morning. She believes she knows where he is."

"Well, I can't get upset because even I wasn't there this morning. Just make sure the runt isn't dead. He's our ace in the hole."

Sai nodded. "Understood, captain. I'll join Ino." Sai quickly left to go join up with Ino.

"Fucking teenagers." Genma sighed heavily. He didn't want to deal with fighting in a war and a delinquent subordinate, which he didn't even want to begin with. "I don't anymore headaches."

"Then I suggest you step down as Commander."

Genma couldn't stop the chuckle. It was a rough joke, but humor was humor. "I guess you're right."

-With Naruto-

At night, when the sun set, the heat disappeared. The drastic shift plummeted the temperature and held the opposite effect. Hot in the day and cold in the night. Making a warm body to sleep next to a near absolute. And Naruto had to admit, Hinata was a great personal heater.

Through the thick lining of his shelter, the sun shined through and stirred Naruto awake. As did the rising tempature.

Damn. Missed formation. Realizing that his new team wouldn't be far away, Naruto sat on the edge of the cot to fight off the grogginess. He slowly began putting his gear on.

The Hyūga princess was quick to stir awake as well. "Morning, Naruto."

"Morning." Naruto fastened his sandals. "How'd you sleep?"

"Good, thank you." Once you finally let me go to sleep. Having a crush on the blonde jinchūriki from an early age, Hinata always imagined what a night together would be like. And having spent the last three together, her imagination was nowhere near what reality was. "What about you, Naruto?"

"Fine."

Short answer. Hinata quickly learned that Naruto was not a morning person. She followed suit and got ready for the day. Even though it had been routine the last three days, Hinata would never be used to his warm liquid running down her leg when she first stood up in the morning.

A surreal moment that shocked her back into reality.

"Naruto! Get up! You missed formation!"

Naruto sighed. He quickly found Ino's yelling annoying. "Yeah, yeah." With his top in hand, Naruto left the tent. "We moving out already?"

Ino shook her head. "Not for another few hours. You just missed the accountability formation this morning. Captain Genma will probably write you up for that. Now c'mon, Captain Genma and Lord Gaara are waiting for us."

Unbothered, Naruto zipped his hoodie and slid his arms through his flak vest. He pulled his hood over his head and walked on.

Ino sighed. This new attitude of his is really starting to get on my nerves. I wonder what crawled up his…

Hinata slowly emerged from same tent, coming face to face with the Yamanaka.

"Hinata?"

While her smile was innocent, there was a hidden message behind it. Whatever that message was, Ino couldn't figure out. Like she was telling Ino that she had won or something. It bothered Ino.

"Good morning, Ino." Hinata shifted her hoodie as to display her large bosom enough to gather a little extra attention. Obviously trying to show off to Ino. "Do you need anything from me?"

"What were you doing in there?" Ino questioned rudely. Why did this strike a nerve with her?

"Me and Naruto…well, I'm not going to kiss and tell. I have to go. Bye Ino!" Hinata took off running towards a different part of the camp, probably to meet up with her platoon.

Ino watched the Hyūga princess run off, trying to wrap her brain around this. It was obvious what Hinata and Naruto were doing in there. Or did. Ino wasn't dumb. Or innocent. Hinata being with Naruto seemed wrong. Out of place. They weren't supposed to be together.

It should be Sakura.

Sakura.

Things were making more sense to Ino as she put together some of the pieces. Ino felt if she talked to Sakura then more pieces could be put together. But then, that gave Ino a dilemma.

Should I tell her?

Ino would have a long deployment to think about that.

-Amegakure-

The rain fell. It was nonstop and heavy. Even the eldest of citizens couldn't remember a time when it wasn't raining. But it was comforting. The people knew what the rain meant. Their protector, their God, was protecting them. And their Guardian Angel kept watch with him.

Cloaked and hidden, Jiraiya and Tsunade tied their small paddle boat at the first dock. It was on the lowest level. An easy entry point.

"Are you sure it was a good idea to enter here? I mean, it's a little on the nose, don't you think?" Stealth and espionage wasn't Tsunade's expertise

"Sometimes a direct approach is the one they don't see coming." Jiraiya had years of experience to make up for Tsunade's lack of. They climbed several flights of stairs until they reached the main city. "Just follow my lead and do what I say. Things should go smoothly enough."

Tsunade's breathing was heavier than usual for doing something so simple as going up stairs. "Yeah...right."

"You good? It was only four sets of stairs. How are you winded?"

"Just shut up!" Tsunade berated. "The ocean air is just messing with me. Give me some time to get used to it. Don't worry about me. "

We were at sea for a whole day. She should be used to anything by now. Deciding it was too public to argue further, Jiraiya let it go. But he didn't forget. "Fine. Our first order of business is to gather some information. Intel on this village is sparse. We need anything we can get our hands on. But, most importantly, we need to learn where Nagato is."

Tsunade nodded. "Right. Lead the way."

-Pain's Tower-

The tallest tower in Amegakure. The base of operations. It was unlike any other of the buildings in Amegakure, but somehow fit in with the industrialized hidden village. The four humanoid faces on each side gave the villagers peace of mind that their God was watching over them. Protecting them.

On the tongue of the main face, resembling that of a god, stood the leader of Akatsuki. The wielder of the Rinnegan. Pain.

The rain fall did not stop for his presence. In fact, it only fell harder. Stronger than what he intended. There were intruders among his people.

"Konan."

The Angel of the Akatsuki assembled from the mass of small paper squares. "Yes?"

"Have you felt the disturbance as well?"

Despite being to his back, Konan nodded. "Yes. The rain falls harder. I believe there are two hiding."

Pain nodded. He gracefully held his hands in the air, channeling his power. Controlling the weather. "When I stop the rain, hunt down these intruders with your jutsu. They must be found at once."

"Understood." Konan held her seal, waiting for the signal.

Projecting his power through the skies, the rain began to slow to a drizzle. Then the final drop splashed against Pain's metal symbol of his forehead protector with a slight cling.

"Now, Konan. Weed out the intruders."

"On it."

The purple haired angel began to fall apart in hundreds upon hundreds of small papers, each folding into origami-like butterflies. Hundreds of paper butterflies descended like an army of angels into the city, seeking those out who have infiltrated.

Pain looked back to the sky, feeling the sun beginning to shine through the dark clouds. He turned away from the sun, not wanting to feel the warmth. He entered the tower, coming into a secret chamber with six different capsules. He laid in the only open capsule.

The hood slowly closed over the Rinnegan.

Only for another open and rise with the same Rinnegan.

"The time has come…"

Emerging from the chamber was a completely different body. A completely different power came with it.

A mass of butterflies returned and parts of Konan assembled. "I found the intruders."

"Well?"

"…It's Jiraiya and another one of the Sannin, Tsunade."

A rise of long forgotten memories and emotions. "I see…Master Jiraiya…How nostalgic for us."

Konan reassembled more, becoming near full again. She kept a small mass near by the intruders so that she could be alerted. "What's next, Pain?"

"Kill them, of course. Do you have any lingering attachment to him? I came forth in this form in order to kill the intruder. If you are having doubts about our former mentor, then take me to him and I'll deal with it myself."

Already drifting in the wind, Konan's paper mass flew back down the tower. And Pain jumped with her, following her trail straight to them.

-With Jiraiya and Tsunade-

Standing back at their docked vessel, a small toad floated in the water. Jiraiya summoned a storage toad to held their captives and transport them back without trouble.

"Head straight for Ibiki and the Intel Division. They'll find whatever it is those two weren't telling us."

A quick nod and the toad dove underneath the water, disappearing completely. Tsunade flipped her hood off now that the rain had stopped completely. And for some reason, that gave her the chills.

"You feel it, too?" Jiraiya could see Tsunade's unease.

"Yeah. We're being watched."

"Nagato's probably found us then. That's probably why the rain stopped. I'll bet the rain is just a cover up for some type of sensing barrier."

"Like what Konoha uses. Then, we've been watched the entire time."

Jiraiya closed his eyes, allowing his senses to take control. He felt the air around them shift. A great number of projectiles were coming straight for them.

"Run Tsunade!"

A mass of paper tags flew like a horde of angry bees. The two Sannin were quickly encased from head to toe in the square papers. Two figures stood ridged, frozen from the paper becoming clay.

Then the shadow of the larger figure morphed into Jiraiya's real form. "Katon: Endan!" (Fire Style: Flame Bombs)

The flaming bomb shot from Jiraiya's mouth, dispersing the paper tags. The horde of papers rejoined together and Konan's body became to materialize. "Manipulating your shadow with toad subjugation…you still use the same tricks, Master Jiraiya."

Tsunade used her immense strength and shattered the clay-like paper around her. "Y-You?!"

Steam slowly bellowed from Jiraiya's mouth. "When I first heard about all this Akatsuki stuff, I never imagined that you'd be part of it, Konan. It seems you've honed your technique beautifully. I'm impressed."

More paper converged and Konan ascended higher with the wings of an angel. "You should have never come back to this place."

"No can do. I've got some things I need to take care of. Now, tell me, who or what is Pain?"

"…This doesn't concern you, Master. Leave now or your lives will be lost."

Tsunade smirked. "Don't count on it! It's time the Akatsuki be dealt with once and for all!"

More paper tags began to float around Konan, commanding them with her jutsu. The tags folded sharply, creating deadly edges. Forcing them to shoot, Jiraiya and Tsunade dodged the projectiles with ease.

"Gamayudan!" (Toad Oil Bomb)

Jiraiya converted his chakra into an extremely sticky oil and spit it out in a huge mass, capturing Konan within it oily grasp. She plummeted to the ground, unable to maintain her flight. Then, his long white pony tail extended from his head and grabbed Konan. She had been captured in less than two minutes.

"You're soaked in oil and can't peel apart anymore." Jiraiya had figured out that weakness a long time ago. "You used to love origami…what the hell happened to you three?"

Konan had moved on from the past. "What do you want, appearing before us here and now? I've done nothing to you, Master."

Jiraiya chuckled in a way Tsunade had never heard before. "You've put a target on my godson. That's not a good idea, no matter who you are." The grip slowly tightened. "I know Nagato is the one in charge."

Konan's eyes shot open. It was impossible. "How'd you know?!"

"The Rinnegan isn't something that can be replicated. He's the only one."

"You're right, Master. I am the only one. The God of this realm." Standing above them all, Pain appeared before them. He looked down upon them like a deity, from the heavens into a hell.

Tsunade was in awe. The rippled eyes, the purple tint. It was the unmistakable Rinnegan. She never believed that she would ever see the all-powerful dōjutsu. Not even her grandfather had to deal with such a legendary ability.

Jiraiya remembered Nagato differently. As a child, Nagato had vibrant red hair, much like Kushina. But this man with the Rinnegan had long orange hair, like Yahiko had. Facial features were different. Everything about this man did not resemble the Nagato Jiraiya taught. Only the Rinnegan.

"Something isn't right here…"

"What do you mean? It's him, isn't it?"

"He looks nothing like he did before. But the Rinnegan is there, telling me that this is Nagato. But…it's not right."

Pain gracefully descended down to them, further showing them that he was their new savior. "I have moved towards the divine, Master. There is no need for this."

"The divine? Is that what you call hunting down jinchūriki?" Tsunade questioned loudly.

"The Akatsuki's goals are different from my own. They are means to an end." Nagato slammed his hands together. A large summoning seal appeared on the wall behind him. Bursting through the seal was a large crab that spewed foam everywhere. "Just like our time with you."

Jiraiya cursed, landing on the adjacent wall from Nagato. He was hardly surprised that his former students would know a weakness to his oil. The foam nullified and washed away the oil, freeing Konan.

The crab jumped out from the foam, ready to snatch Jiraiya and split him in half.

"Tsūtenkyaku!" (Heavenly Kick of Pain)

Tsunade contracted all her chakra strength into her heel and swung her leg down on the crab's thick shell. The shell shattered like glass and the crab was torn in half from the fierce blowback of the chakra release. Though, she was breathing heavier than usual…

"Ranjishigami no Jutsu!" (Raging Lion's Mane)

Growing longer from the influx of chakra, Jiraiya's hair roared like a lion as it surrounded Nagato and held him tight, like he was trapped in steel wire. Within seconds, the Sannin had defeated one of his summons and had him immobilized.

I may have underestimated these two. Perhaps another will even the odds…

Back in Pain's Tower, inside the secret chamber, another capsule opened…

"I have too many questions for you, Nagato. But first, and most importantly, what happened to Yahiko?"

Despite his position, Nagato snickered like he was in control. "That name…I haven't thought about him in a long time. He…died."

The lack of emotion. Jiraiya could hardly believe he was talking to the same person. The memory of him that never left Jiraiya's mind.

I just want to protect them. No matter how much pain it causes me. I will never let anything happen to them.

"The old you…what in the world…Yahiko was your best friend." The Sannin was distraught, barely able to convey his questions.

"It was nothing. Just war." Nagato answered. "There were too many deaths in this land. That pain forced me to grow up. Forced me to realize that pain is the only thing in the world that makes those foolish children grow up and face that their beliefs and thoughts are meaningless."

"Adults don't forget their comrades! Their friends!" Jiraiya shouted, getting in Nagato's emotionless face.

Nagato could feel the breath of his master on his chin. It was hot with fury. "You are merely human, Master. I lived through endless pain and suffering that moved me away from humanity…towards divinity. These people think of me as their savior, a deity to which I have become. You, and the people of this city, are mortal. It's not your fault that you don't understand what I'm saying."

"How far have you fallen, Nagato…?"

"Now that I'm a God, I see things differently. I've evolved to look past the impossible for mere mortals."

Tsunade approached from Jiraiya's flank. "What are you planning with the bijū? I can only imagine the kind of destruction you want to inflict on the world with those beasts under your thumb."

"I am going to bring an end to this war-riddled world. The ludicrous idea that war is the only answer. The bijū are the key to a forbidden jutsu that only I can develop. This jutsu of such magnitude and power will destroy entire nations with swift action. My scared deed to the world. My service to everyone as their God."

"It will just cause more war and death! How does that bring about peace, Nagato?!"

The Rinnegan burned through Jiraiya's soul, showing him the visions of Nagato's scared deed. "Tell me, Master, what's the quickest way to stop countries from fighting each other? Showing a power beyond what they can achieve. That's what they bijū are for. Combining their power into a single vessel that will wipe out millions of people at once. And mankind would fall to their knees in terror! They would know PAIN!"

A third body came crashing in, slashing through the charka infused hair and freeing Nagato. Jiraiya and Tsunade fell back to a safe distance, waiting to see the new foe. Another Akatsuki member?

"It's the fear that would give rise to the end of war. All conflicts would cease."

The voice was the same. The new enemy sounded exactly like Nagato.

The new foe stepped into vision. As did their own Rinnegan.

"Someone else has the Rinnegan?! How is that possible, Jiraiya?!"

The new Rinnegan user was dubbed the Asura Path. It was one preferred Path's to deal with stronger opponents. Durability and strength were on equal levels. The ideal Path to fight two Sannin.

Jiraiya was at a loss. It didn't make sense. How could someone else have the Rinnegan? This must be a jutsu of some kind. It's the only explanation that makes sense. But to project something as powerful as the Rinnegan into another person like this…Nagato, you've gotten strong.

Nagato slammed his hand on the ground, creating another large summoning seal. Appearing through a powerful force, a large green chameleon with odd looking purple eyes, much like the Rinnegan.

"Another summon?" Tsunade questioned. How many summons could one person have?

"Pain forces one to grow up." Nagato stated, with the Asura Path to his left. "Just like it did for us. In order for the world to progress and develop to the point it can be self-sufficient, it needs a God's help. This world is still a child. An undisciplined, horrible child."

"So, that's your mission? To teach the world pain so it can develop?"

"Precisely. I am…a pacifist God." The Asura Path answered.

Jiraiya snickered, beginning to realize Nagato had fully lost his grip on reality. He no longer was the child he met all those years ago. No, that Nagato died, like he had heard. This wasn't Nagato.

Slamming his own hand on the ground, Jiraiya summoned his own creature. From the distant land of Mount Myōboku came forth the chief of the toad army, Gamabunta.

"It's been a long time, Jiraiya."

"It sure has, Bunta. We've got a good one on our hands today."

The large toad looked towards the odd looking chameleon. He blew a large cloud of smoke from his pipe. "Is that what I think it is, Jiraiya? The legendary eye…"

"Yeah, it's the Rinnegan." As if it could be as simple as that. Nothing about this was simple.

"That kid is alive? I thought you said he died some time ago."

Grimacing, Jiraiya glared at the Rinnegan wielder. "He did. The one you see now is an imposter. The Nagato I knew died. And that took his place."

Tsunade looked stunned. Jiraiya was not one to give up on a person so easily. She didn't know Nagato like he did, but it was obvious that Jiraiya was hurt by Nagato's fall from grace. He was feeling guilty.

Drawing blood from his wrists, Jiraiya finished his face paint design. Crying tears of blood from the rage in his heart and soul, he slammed his hands together. "Against a foe like this, there isn't going to be making any mistakes. We need to go all out from the start! I'm going to enter the Honored Sage Mode!"

Gamabunta quickly drew his equally sized tanto blade, knowing the plan. "Yeah, I get it!"

Tsunade slammed fist into her open palm. "I'll be your protector! Do what you have to!"

The two Rinnegan wielders jumped into the mouth of the chameleon and vanished with the chameleon's cloaking ability. Realizing that they were now at a disadvantage, Tsunade held a hand seal and focused her chakra to create a sensory barrier around them. If that chameleon or Nagato entered it, she would see them immediately.

Nagato could see the barrier with his Rinnegan. This barrier…it'll show my movements as if we're visible. Better distract them with a direct assault.

A three headed dog with the Rinnegan plowed through the summoning seal and went straight for Gamabunta's neck. The large toad intercepted the mouth with his tanto and fought the three headed beast all the way up the tower, explosions and craters following their path.

Gamabunta had the tanto deep in the beast's shoulder blade, but the beast had two sets of its teeth in Gamabunta's arm and leg.

Tsunade jumped in and used her chakra strength to kick the tanto by the butt of the hilt and shove it straight through the beast's body. Then, while descending, the Sannin caught the sword and threw it back with great velocity. The blade sliced through all three heads at once, the heads and body exploding in smoke.

"Good shot, Slug!" Gamabunta caught the handle.

A screeching hawk came flying in and hit Gamabunta off the tower. The large toad landed roughly but upright, only to be face to face with an ox with horns that could pierce through anything.

Tsunade landed back on Gamabunta's head, next to Jiraiya. "How many summons can this guy have?!" She tried to control her heavy breathing. There was no way she was this out of shape? "I thought the Rinnegan was supposed to have all these crazy abilities that only the Sage of Six Paths could use? Why is he only using summons against us?"

"…It is odd, don't you think?"

Tsunade glanced out of the corner of her eye. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't think it was odd."

"Nagato mastered every jutsu I taught at him with ease. It was because of that Rinnegan that he was able to do that. So many abilities and advantages come with possessing the Rinnegan. And yet, he's only using the summoning jutsu against us. I know can do more than just summon creatures."

Tsunade glared back at the ox. "Does he think we're beneath him?! I'll show that bastard!"

Jumping in, Tsunade gathered all her chakra into one fist. The ox charged at her with its horn, ready to shred her. The impact from Tsunade's fist against the hard headed bull echoed for miles, breaking the sound barrier. The ox exploded in pieces, blood showering area and coating the hidden chameleon.

"There!" Tsunade shouted.

"Bunta! Oil!"

"Right!"

"Katon: Gamayu Endan!" (Fire Style: Toad Flame Bomb)

The mouth of the chameleon opened and only the Asura Path stood on its tongue. The spiked crown of its head opened and charka began to arch between the six spikes like unbalanced energy. Once fully charged up, as the flaming oil drew near, a powerful chakra blast shot through the flames. Leaving only embers to die out.

"What the hell was that?!" Gamabunta had never seen anything like it. And he went up against bijū before.

A chakra blast? How could something like that be manifested? Before the blast was shot, Jiraiya could have sworn the inner parts of the head were mechanized. Modified body parts?

The strong, powerful energy began to flow through Jiraiya. He had gathered up the necessary amount of natural energy. It was time for the elders to come.

"Go home, Bunta. Thanks for your help."

Sheathing his tanto, Gamabunta offered no words as he returned home. And his replacements for to be summoned in the same instant. Lord Fukasaku and Lady Shima appeared on each shoulder. Jiraiya's outward appearance changed to show that the senjutsu was now flowing within his body.

"Summonin' us, eh, Jiraiya-boy? Must be dire then." Fukasaku never liked being summoned into battle.

"Lad, why do ya always hav'ta summon us in such ugly places?" Shima never left the mountain much. If the landscape wasn't green, she didn't like it.

"I apologize, but me and Tsunade are in a bit of a bind. Our enemies possess the Rinnegan."

"Aah…the eyes of the Six Paths!" Fukasaku looked at ugly creature, he could see the Asura Path's eyes clear through and through. "They really do exist, Ma!"

"It seems so, Pa!"

Tsunade returned to Jiraiya's side. "The Great Toad Sages…"

"It's been a while Tsunade."

"Nice to see yer again, Sluggie."

This was the second time that Tsunade has witnessed Jiraiya's transformation that came with Sage Mode. Last time she had seen it, they were in the final days of the Third War. It was an all-out final battle with their master leading the charge against Iwagakure and the Third Tsuchikage.

"Now then, this Rinnegan wielder…that him, coated in blood?"

Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah, that's him."

Shima rubbed her eyes. "Are mah eyes degradin' or there be two of them?"

"There is. I've been trying to figure that one out. It has to be some type of jutsu Nagato can use to project his Rinnegan through others."

Fukasaku stroked his beard, feeling familiar with that name. "Jiraiya-boy…is this that lad? The one from…"

Nodding slowly, Jiraiya locked eyes with his former student. "He's changed a bit since I last saw him. My former student, one of them at least."

Fukasaku knew the name was familiar. Jiraiya thought this particular student was the child that was prophesized about from that day all those years ago. "It seems he an't dead."

"No, he isn't. But he's fallen off the correct path. So, he's going to be soon."

The chameleon burst into smoke, its purpose could not be fulfilled being covered in the blood of an ox. Even with the Asura Path deployed, Nagato felt at a disadvantage. Tsunade was able to pulverize the giant ox with a single punch. No matter which Sannin, they were uniquely powerful in their own way. Truly worthy for their legendary moniker.

Two more.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

Wielding the same Rinnegan as him, Nagato brought forth two more bodies. The Human Path and the Preta Path appeared in powerful plumes.

"Four Rinnegan now? What in tarnation?"

"This must be some kind jutsu." Tsunade stated. "It's the only explanation as to why each one of them have the Rinnegan."

"It's certainly worth investigating."

"Let's wrap this up quick!" Shima shouted. "We need ta get him soon! I left supper on ta stove, Pa!"

"Forget 'bout supper, Ma! This ocular jutsu is top-notch! We need to focus!"

The Human Path stepped off first, beginning the coordinated assault. But Jiraiya's heightened speed, strength, and senses propelled him forward and connected with a powerful kick to the Human Path's face, directly over their eyes.

"Not bad…Senjutsu isn't something to underestimate."

"You haven't seen anything yet!"

"Jiraiya-boy, provide da oil! And Pa, bring up yer wind, would ya?!"

"Right!"

Cheeks blowing out from the gathering chakra, each member fired off their ordered substance. Powerful fire from Shima, a large volume of oil from Jiraiya, and strong wind from Fukasaku combined into one boiling explosion.

"Senpō: Goemon!" (Sage Art: Bath of Boiling Oil)

Within an instant, the area filled with oil that spread wildly and burned at temperatures of thousands of degrees. Everything that the oil touched burned it down to embers.

But the Preta Path stood in the center of the burning oil, absorbing it all without harm. Saving all four of the Rinnegan users.

"It all vanished?" Jiraiya questioned.

"They should all be toast!" Ma shouted.

Allowing the senjutsu to affect his body further, Jiraiya kicked off his sandals and his feet resembled closer to a toad's foot. As did his hands. Tsunade could see why Jiraiya hated using it. It wasn't attractive at all.

"Time to investigate!"

Springing forward like a toad, Jiraiya's hand created a Rasengan that quadrupled in sized. He slammed against the Preta Path, seeing how much the body could handle.

"Ōdama Rasengan!"

The massive ball of spiraling chakra and the Preta Path struggled for dominance. Soon, the Preta Path began to win out and the jutsu disappeared against the Path's shield. Being absorbed.

Shit!

The Asura Path appeared at Jiraiya's flank, ready to deal a heavy blow. But Tsunade wasn't going to let it happen. Leaping from her spot, she intercepted the Path with a rear attack of her own. But the Asura path blocked her attack without even looking.

How could it know I was here?!

A cloud of smoke covered them, thanks to Fukasaku. Jiraiya snapped around and kicked the Asura Path away. "Senpō: Kebari Senbon!" (Sage Art: Hair Needle Senbon)His hair began to fire hundreds of rapidly growing hair senbons. And with the cover of the smoke, there was no way they could react fast enough to dodge or block the needles.

A steel panda appeared to block the needles and save Nagato, the Human, and Preta Paths from death.

How is this possible?! Kebari Senbon is my fastest jutsu!

The Asura Path's forearm opened and multiple projectiles shot off like missiles. Flying in every direction. Tsunade acrobatically dodged through the missiles, explosions going off as they collided with the industrialized walls, and got in close with the Asura Path. Her fist was lit with fiery blue flame of her chakra

"Take this!"

The Preta Path jumped and took the front of the blow, absorbing all the chakra before being smacked with Tsunade's fist. There was no question that the Asura Path would have been killed if Tsunade's chakra enhanced attack collided.

They're so fast!

The Asura Path tossed it's Akatsuki cloak aside, revealing a long serrated blade. The blade violently buzzed as it came in fast towards Tsunade's stomach. The Preta Path grabbed ahold of Tsunade, not letting her get away.

Realizing that she wouldn't be able to get away, Tsunade released her Byakugō seal from her forehead and the black lines scattered down her elegant body.

Sōzō Saisei! (Mitotic Regeneration)

Knowing her survival did not lessen the pain of being stabbed with a buzz saw. Blood splattered as the sickening sound of flesh being torn echoed through the area.

"Tsunade!" Jiraiya roared.

Grabbing ahold of the blade, Tsunade endured the pain of the gyrating blade against her palms. She kicked the Preta Path off her and summoned all her strength to pull the Asura Path to her. Concentrating her chakra to her fist once more, Tsunade punched through the Asura Path's chest. The Path exploded in multiple, mechanized pieces.

"One down!"

Then the breath in her lungs left her as her muscles convulsed.

Tsunade collapsed to her knees as the black lines receded to the purple diamond seal on her forehead, both her techniques instantly cutting off. What the hell? Am I that exhausted already?

"Tsunade!" Jiraiya leapt to her side, tending to her while Shima and Fukasaku watched their enemies. "Are you alright?"

"Y-Yeah." The Slug Sannin huffed. "I'll be alright."

Jiraiya had never seen Tsunade like this. It was concerning. Tsunade is the strongest kunoichi in the world, able to fight for hours on end and survive attacks that would otherwise be fatal to others. Her physical strength was, without question, the best in the world. Using the Byakugō seal and Sōzō Saisei together for a short period of time never drained her this drastically before.

Something wasn't right with her. Like another force was draining her energy without her knowing.

"Well, good work taking one down. But take a breather for now. I'll handle the rest."

"Jiraiya?!"

"I don't know what's going on with you right now, but I have this overwhelming protective feeling to make sure you don't get hurt anymore. Like a sixth sense. Just let me handle them now. Don't fight unless you have to."

The Toad Sage stepped off, facing the three remaining bodies. Leaving Tsunade to watch from the sidelines.

"Have you noticed yet, Jiraiya-boy?"

Jiraiya took a toad's stance. "Yeah, I'm beginning to pick up on it."

"Me and Ma have being watchin' em while ya fight. And I noticed the others were watchin' us. Even with no signs or signals, those bodies have been dodgin' our every move. And that's what dawned on me. It's their eyes, Jiraiya-boy. They share the same eyes."

"A shared vision…" Jiraiya wondered how Nagato was able achieve such a level of ocular power to share vision with these other bodies, including how he's given them all Rinnegan. "But still doesn't explain much. We're at a major disadvantage here."

"Then, I'll even the odds." Tsunade landed next to her partner. "You aren't going to treat me like some injured puppy. I'm one of the Sannin too!"

"Tsunade…"

"Don't worry about me! I'm betting my life here too! So, I'm not gonna lose!"

Jiraiya saw the determination in her, the fire in her soul that gave her strength. That same flame that she was convinced that died out a long time ago. Only for their godson to ignite. Naruto's unbreakable will had worked its way into Tsunade's. Jiraiya could see that.

"Betting your own life, eh? I can accept that wager."

Standing together against this powerful foe, the Legendary Sannin stood determined to figure out this mystery and win this battle.

Exactly who or what was Pain?

-With Naruto, Deployment: Day Nine-

Konoha's Third Division and Suna's First Combat Brigade had crossed the desert and continued their trek through the Land of Wind and towards the Land of Rock, aiming for the capital of Iwagakure. However, the first stop was the forward operating base named Gateway on the border between the two lands.

Gateway earned its name the fierce battles and ridged climate. The mountainous region on the Iwagakure side of the border and the flat plain were split down the middle from a large ravine.

Naruto sat perched on one of the cliff sides that looked over the ravine. On the other side, the Land of Rock, he could see enemy shinobi moving into positions and preparing for battle.

But that's not what his mind was on.

Naruto looked on towards the sky. The same sky his godparents were under.

He hoped they were alright.

He prayed they were coming home.

-Jiraiya and Tsunade vs. The Six Paths of Pain-

"Magen: Gama Rinshō!" (Toad Confrontation Singing)

Jiraiya was holding off Nagato as long as he could. Nagato had come flying to stab him with this mysterious black rod that grew from his sleeve. He was able to catch it before being impaled.

Fukasaku and Shima harmonized their chanting. Loud bellowing throat singing shook the walls and the sound waves bounced off every object until they subjugated the Nagato and the other bodies under the influence of the genjutsu.

The illusion itself sealed the victims mind and movements within a barrier of water by four toad samurai. Two bodies floated in the cubed water prison. Nagato and the Deva Path. Tsunade was able to overcome the Human Path and hold the body by the throat.

"You got us…" Despite being in a water prison, Nagato could speak freely.

"This genjutsu binds your psyche. You can't move unless I let you move."

Nagato could feel the extreme disappointment come from his former master. But it hardly mattered what he had to say. The others were already on their way.

"I thought I taught you to never let your guard down, no matter the opponent. Nagato, I wish you had moved on from the pain and harnessed your power to bring peace in a positive matter…instead, you drowned in your sorrow and allowed your mind to be twisted. Just for a while, I thought…you were the one…"

"The one what? After you left us, we stopped being your disciples. When we needed you the most, you weren't there. Our master had abandoned us." Nagato could still remember that day clearly.

"…Then it is my right as your master to end this once and for all." Jiraiya plunged two of the secret Stone Swords into the bodies' hearts. "…Farewell, Nagato…"

Jiraiya watched the life drain from Nagato's eyes, the Rinnegan slowly fading into blank pupils. The deed had been done. His selection was made. It was time to leave.

"You good, Tsunade?"

Tossing the Human Path aside, Tsunade dusted her hands off of the filth. "Yeah, I'll make it." She was somewhat roughed up, but nothing serious.

"Thank you both, Ma and Pa. I owe you two everything. Are you both alright?"

"That genjutsu song tuckers out one's throat somethin' fierce." Fukasaku's voice was rough and coarse, barely audible.

"It's real hard keepin' tempo like that. Damages the throat and sags the lower jaw! Creates all new wrinkles!"

"My apologizes. Please, take your rest. This battle is done."

"You taught me not to let my guard down…Master Jiraiya."

There was a massive explosion set off directly on Jiraiya's back, completely destroying his left arm. The fire ball was so consuming and riveting that both Sannin were sent flying through the wall and into the waters below.

Tsunade quickly recovered and noticed Jiraiya's missing arm. "Jiraiya Your arm!" She immediately began treatment to stop the blood.

With the effects of Sage mode still in his body, his pain thresh hold was through the roof. He felt nothing. "I know…"

"In attendance…The Six Paths of Pain."

Fukasaku couldn't believe his eyes. "Six of them?!"

"Look, Pa! Da four of them we just did in are there too!" Ma shouted.

"How is dis possible? Some kind of revival technique?!"

"There can't be jutsu that can revive four fellas that were completely dead?! Are they even human?!"

Tsunade seethed in absolute blinding rage as she glared up at the six bodies. "Pain…just who the hell are you?!"

The Deva Path, Tendō, moved to stand before them, indicating that he was the leader of the Six Paths. "Pain…is an alias that denotes all six of us. We are one. We are Pain."

Rinnegan in all six of them, how is this possible?

Jiraiya's eyes fell on Tendō. Through the purple eyes and multiple black piercings, Jiraiya recognized the third and final member of his original students.

"That's Yahiko…It can't be!"

Tsunade tore her eyes away from Tendō and looked up at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya…that kid…"

What in the world was going on? Jiraiya couldn't keep things straight anymore. "You said Yahiko died…why does he have the Rinnegan?"

"You see me in Yahiko's body? You really are his former master." Tendō stated. "But, you're right. Yahiko did die. All that remains is Pain."

Jiraiya needed to figure this out now. None of this adds up. Yahiko never had the Rinnegan. And there was no way he could have somehow come into its power. I convinced myself that the first guy was Nagato, even though he looked nothing like him. And looking at them all now, none of them even resemble Nagato. How is any of this possible?!

"Just what the hell are you?!"

"We are Pain…" The Six Paths jumped down towards Jiraiya and Tsunade, ready to end their legend once and for all. "…and we are a God!"

Shit!

"Know Pain!"

The rumbles could be heard miles. Explosions rocked Amegakure, causing the citizens to run and hide in their homes. The rain had stopped because their God was battling, keeping them safe. They prayed for a swift end to the conflict.

Tsunade and Jiraiya put up one hell of a fight, but even they couldn't match up to the power of the Six Paths of Pain.

"Ma, Pa!" Jiraiya shouted, even though they were on his shoulders. "Get Tsunade out of here!"

"Like hell that's happening! We're in this together!" Tsunade slid underneath a missile, caught another and redirected it towards the Human Path. But with their linked vision, the Human Path was able to dodge the missile. "I'm not leaving without you!"

"I'm so close to figuring out who Pain really is! I'm not going jeopardize your safety!" Jiraiya created a Rasengan and aimed for the Naraka Path's back, only for the Preta Path to jump in and absorb the jutsu. This is too much!

"Fuck off! Quit looking out for me like I'm your priority, Jiraiya!" Missing wildly with a chakra punch, Tsunade back flipped away from the Asura Path. But the Animal Path summoned a large bird to try and pierce her with its long sharp beak. She caught the beak with her stomach, thus activating the Sōzō Saisei to keep her alive. "I'm done with this!"

Breaking off the beak from the bird's mouth, Tsunade ripped the tip from her midsection and threw it as hard as she could to the Human Path. Through a stroke of luck, the beak slashed the Human Path's eyes.

Yes!

Jiraiya came flying in with another Rasengan to the Human Path's spine and tore through the body with the fury of a demon.

One down. Five to go.

"Kekkai: Gama Hyōrō!"

Fukasaku summoned a small, gourd-shaped toad appeared with his wooden cork in his mouth. Quickly spitting out the cork, the gourd toad slung his massively long tongue and grabbed ahold of the Animal Path and pulled the body into the depths of Gamahyōtan's stomach. The toad fell into the waters below, and the Animal Path was never seen again.

Inside the belly of Gamahyōtan, there was an isolated cave barrier. Jiraiya and Tsunade had already entered the isolated cavernous chamber, standing on the one of the few pre-existing structures, and watched the Animal Path fall into the strong corrosive gastric acid. They needed to make sure this thing didn't come back.

But Animal Path somehow held on, crawling onto a shoreline. Half its body had been corroded away from the acid. But that's where its life would come to an end. In a last ditched effort, the Path tried to stab Jiraiya with an odd rod that extended from its arm. It didn't reach.

"What in the world are these things?" Jiraiya knelt down and broke off the rod from the Path's arm. "Such an odd weapon."

Pain shot through Jiraiya's hand, causing him to drop the rod. He briefly felt another entity overcome him and agitate his chakra. He saw the Rinnegan clear as day before dropping the rod.

"What the hell?!"

"What is it, Jiraiya-boy?!" Fukasaku shouted.

"Are you alright?!" Tsunade questioned. She focused her attention back to stopping the blood from his missing arm. She wasn't going to let him die.

"That rod…it agitated my chakra. I don't understand. How could something like this do something like that?"

The Animal Path's face was frozen in death, the Rinnegan in full view.

Nothing makes sense. That body…that was defiantly Yahiko. But he has Nagato's Rinnegan, like this fellow does in front of me. Did Yahiko steal Nagato's Rinnegan? That still doesn't explain anything. He said Yahiko died a long time ago. And how do the others have the Rinnegan too?

The acid traveled up the body, slowly decaying the Animal Path until there was nothing left. Just as the body was consumed, the Amegakure headband fell off. Revealing a scar across the forehead of the body. Awaking a long dormant memory in Jiraiya.

A quick slash of the kunai gave Jiraiya the moment he needed to disengage and fall back. While not intending to damage, he was able to cut the forehead clean. Leaving a deep scar on the enemy shinobi.

"That's it! This isn't Nagato!"

"Lad? What yer sayin'?" Shima questioned.

"This guy…I've faced him before. It was right after I set out on my journey that the Great Lord Elder dreamed about. He was a Fūma Clan member that attacked me on a mountain pass. I gave him that scar."

"Then what da hell is this feller doin' here?" Shima questioned again. Everything was getting harder to follow.

"Everythin' is so blasted confusin'!"

Tsunade could see the gears turning in Jiraiya's head. His mind was working overdrive to put all the pieces of this damned puzzle together. C'mon, Jiraiya!

"I dreamed you would walk the earth, writing books. Perhaps you'll see all things the universe has to offer."

"So…it's real then…"

Both elder frogs looked at the Sannin, wondering what he was murmuring to himself.

Then the others…

All six faces slowly materialized in his mind. Each one he now recognized from his past. That's it. They're all shinobi I've encountered before. With every piece of intel and information now instilled in his mind, Jiraiya analyzed the mystery of Pain and what was really going on.

That's it! I figured it out!

"It's time I make my choice!"

Quickly writing notes on a scroll with his blood, Jiraiya sealed the scroll with a chakra burn. He handed the scroll to Tsunade. "Here! Take this. This has Pain's true identity in it. I've figure it out!"

"Then what's the truth?!" Tsunade shouted. "Spit it out!"

"The real one's not among them. That's the key." Jiraiya was overcome with realization. "It explains everything!"

"What does it mean, Jiraiya-boy?!" Fukasaku shouted.

"It's too convoluted to explain everything right now." Jiraiya was having trouble voicing his thoughts because of how fast his mind was racing. "We need to get the hell out of here now!"

"Pa, reverse summon back home!"

"Right!"

But just as Fukasaku was about to put his amphibian hands together, the chamber violently shook and the ceiling ripped open. The devastating tear completely destroyed the barrier and forced the group back into the outside world.

The four remaining bodies landed and a square formation around Tsunade and Jiraiya.

"The Legendary Sannin. You are worthy of your titles." Tendō held respect for his adversaries. "But this charade ends now."

Jiraiya collapsed to one knee, his exhaustion overtaking him. His senjutsu had run out. Both Fukasaku and Shima had drained themselves completely. Damn, we won't make it.

"Sorry, lad. We can't keep this up."

"Jiraiya-boy.,."

"It's quite alright. Ma…Pa…thank you for everything."

Tendō looked down upon them, like a God over his creation. It was time to give them their final judgment. "Master Jiraiya…Hokage Tsunade…you have fought valiantly. Worthy for your titles in the history of shinobi. But now, it is finished. This is your final breath. Take pride in the fact that you've pushed Pain this far, for none have come this far before." Black rods grew out from all sleeves of each body. "Accept Pain."

The four jumped high into the air, coming down with the fury of God.

Everything slowed for Tsunade. The reality of her impending death slowed her heart and mind. She felt no fear. No regret.

Her eyes locked with Jiraiya. He was holding a small smile on his face. She could hear nothing. Only see the words fall from his lips.

This is my choice. I love you.

Jiraiya's hand grabbed both toads and swiftly tossed them at her. Using the last of his chakra, Jiraiya created a seal and the three were transported away.

Before she could react, Jiraiya disappeared from sight. Tsunade's last vision of her love was being impaled by all those rods.

No…

…

Darkness. Slow overtaking darkness. This wasn't how Jiraiya pictured death to look. He always dreamt death was more menacing. More threatening. Something substantially more looming than simple darkness.

Is this…how it ends? Did I fail?

The shinobi world was not just a way of life, but a manner of death. A shinobi was measured by not how they lived, but by how they died. And what they accomplished before death's darkness overtook them.

Have I failed at everything? Or is this worthy of a Hokage?

Compared to the great deeds and acts of the Hokage, Jiraiya felt his actions were trifling and insignificant.

I couldn't stop my best friend.

I couldn't protect my master or my student.

But then there was her. After years of rejection, heartbreak, and twists, Jiraiya finally could say that Tsunade felt the same. Was it worth it all in the end? To hold out for that one person who he loved more than anything in this world?

I just wish I could have died like each of the Hokage. Honorable.

A tale is only as good as its final twist. The plot twist that truly gripped the readers for the sequel. Mistakes were an important part of a story. Development. It was those failures that honed Jiraiya into what he was. The shinobi he had become. And he would accomplish something so grand, so honorable that it would wipe out all those mistakes and failures.

At least, that's how it was supposed to go.

This is my plot twist. The end of Jiraiya the Gallant. What a worthless story.

"No, I don't think so. I think it's a wonderful story!"

Minato's words clung to him.

"Each chapter is filled with your legendary exploits, master. It's like an autobiography!"

The sales tanked. Horribly. It made Jiraiya change genre and truly made him into the pervert.

"The main character…it's so inspiring. It's a lot like you, Master."

No, it wasn't. Not for someone who was dying like a failure.

"I'm so inspired that we're naming the child after the main character! And Kushina agrees! She loves it just as much!"

That's right. Naruto was the name for that character. Jiraiya named his godson. It made him the godfather.

"It's a wonderful name."

Naruto inherited Minato and Kushina's will. That's why he was so strong. He was the perfect mixture of the two people that Jiraiya believed in the most. The belief of never giving up.

That's the true choice.

Jiraiya forced himself back to the light, pushing death's darkness back with all his might.

Naruto, you're the Child of Prophecy. I leave the rest to you.

Pain had turned his to him, believing his former master to be dead. A signal came in roughly. A receiver rod had come into contact with a foreign chakra.

"I thought his heart had stopped."

Jiraiya brought himself back by sheer will alone. Unable to breath or speak, he used what strength he could to pull a black rod from his back and stabbed the Preta Path through the skull.

Now, he could truly end it.

Jiraiya stared down them all.

"Just give up!"

The Rasengan sparked. Slowly igniting to form in his hand. Fueled by his will and determination. The spiraling sphere tripled in size.

"You'll never…make me…"

He thrusted forward.

"GIVE UP!"

When the dust and water settled, Jiraiya laid flat on his back. The darkness filling his soul. Death had won the battle and had come for his soul.

In the final moments, Nagato stood over him.

Did I get them?

"…I am sorry, Master…I hope you can forgive me someday…"

No.

He felt the final rod pierce through him. Through his Will of Fire. The darkness completely overtook him.

This was a much better ending.

The final chapter.

The Frog In The Well Knows Nothing Of The Great Ocean.

Barely glorious. But still honorable. Like the Hokage.

Jiraiya the Gallant, the Toad Sage of the Legendary Sannin, was dead.