The Tenth Akatsuki

Chapter Eight: The Savior of This World

Konan and I stood next to Nagato, ready to protect him from whatever comes next. Over at the edge of the mountain I heard Konan's camouflaged paper rustle as Naruto opened it and walked in. We walked in and looked confused and angry. I watched Naruto with a neutral face but thought to myself that he is the hope that will fill the void from all the darkness Pain has created, he is the beacon of light that vanquished all of the inevitable death and destruction that questioned demise. "So, you're Pain's real form, huh?" said Naruto with thoughtless hatred. "You want your revenge, don't you?" said Nagato as Naruto glanced at him with gritted teeth. "You, who couldn't answer anything, can't do anything," said Nagato. "I came here because I wanted to talk to you. Even now, I want to kill you so badly I can't stop trembling!" yelled Naruto as his eyes raged on fire with the power of the Nine Tails. His eyes soon faded after he realized that his aggression was pointless. Naruto understood the consequences Pain should face because of his actions as he slouched in despair. "Now, I finally understand what he meant. It's not that easy," said Naruto talking about Jiraiya. 

"What Jiraiya sensei was talking about was nothing more than old fashioned idealism. Reality is far too different. Can you really believe in Jiraiya sensei's nonsense after seeing what reality is like? The people of the Fire Country knowingly support war, yet they hypocritically speak of peace. As long as mankind continues to exist, so will hatred. Let me hear your answer," said Nagato as Naruto closed his eyes, seeking his past. "I will believe in what Ero Sennin believed in! That's my answer!" said Naruto dramatically and affirmatively. 

"Don't screw with me! How can you believe in what Jiraiya sensei said at this time?! There is no such thing as true peace!" yelled Nagato. "I'll never give up!" said Naruto as we opened our mouths, shocked with Naruto's response. We turned to Nagato as I anticipated his response. "You -" said Nagato humiliated. Naruto took out Jiraiya's book and explained his dedication for writing it. "On the last page, he wrote of a student who gave him the inspiration to write this book. It was you, Nagato," said Naruto. Nagato's eyes started glistening as he saw the light, the sliver of hope that emerged out of the darkness. "You are - the savior of this world - I know you can - do it -" said Nagato astonished at what he's viewing, the hope and people who care for him, the euphoric love eradicating his agonizing pain as the boom of terror and cries for assistance muffled into his inconstant hope. The joyful memories and the innocent wellness amplified into his exuberant existence, tearing down the barriers that once laid his cold blooded soul. The vision of hope, the ideals to make this world a better place tore through his mind. When he realized what he did to reality, his mind transformed into a guilty conscience, entailing his desperation. "Why? How can you stand there and declare that you will never change?" said Nagato. "I have experienced pain too - no matter what pain may come, I'll go on. That's who Naruto is!" said Naruto as Nagato's eyes widened. 

"You're a mysterious guy - you remind me of my old self," said Nagato depressed. "Nagato -" said Konan understanding the repercussions that laid ahead, as tears began to flow down her face. I knelt my head down, looking away from Konan, understanding that comforting her in this instance wouldn't be professional. I thought about forgiving Nagato, the love and care I still have for him. "I think I shall try to believe in you -" said Nagato as he began to grasp his hands together. 

"Gedou, Rinne Tensei no Jutsu!" said Nagato as he focused on reversing his ability. "Nagato's ocular power is a technique that governs life and death. The seventh Pain," said Konan as Naruto's eyes widened in astonishment. "Then -" said Naruto attempting to understand what happened. I stood there next to Konan, speechless and dumbfounded about Nagato's change of heart, but a decision I respected nonetheless. "There's nothing harder than accepting the death of a loved one. And so we convince ourselves that they cannot die. Naruto, I truly believe you can -" said Nagato as blood started dripping onto the floor, Nagato's blood, a sacrifice to save all the damage caused in Konoha. I looked as Nagato's body started turning into a pale white, and I glanced at Konan, scared I was about to lose Nagato. I noticed that Naruto had already left to check up on what happened to the life in the village, seeing people again that he thought he lost forever.