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Naruto's hands had just been pierced through by black rods when he suddenly felt it—two pairs of Rinnegan eyes staring at him from the darkness.
"So you'll finally settle down a little, Nine-Tails," said the Deva Path.
Naruto's rage boiled over.
"Who the hell are you? What are you trying to pull?! Why would you do this?!"
Pain's voice was calm, almost detached."You ask me why? Things in this world happen suddenly—reasons only become clear afterward. If you insist, I can explain a little. But even if I gave you my reasons, nothing would change. Still… maybe it's worth telling you once more."
Naruto glared up at him."I've got nothing to say to you!"
"My goal," Pain said evenly, "is to finish the mission Jiraiya-sensei could not. I will bring about peace… and justice."
Naruto's voice was icy."Peace? Justice? Don't make me laugh." His anger erupted. "You killed my master! My teacher! My friends! You destroyed my village! And you dare talk about peace and justice? What right do you have to preach those words?!"
Pain looked down at him without flinching."Then what about you, Naruto? What's your goal?"
Naruto roared, "To defeat you! To make this world truly peaceful!"
Pain stepped closer."Impressive. But you see… the ones who destroyed my family, my comrades, my home—were the ninja of Konoha. You talk about peace and justice, but you don't understand what those words mean to the people who suffered because of your so-called great nation."
Naruto's head snapped up. "What are you talking about?!"
"The Land of Fire and the Leaf Village grew too powerful. To protect their own interests, they waged wars that starved small nations like mine. Our villages became the battlefields for your prosperity. That is the reality. You and I both seek what Jiraiya dreamed of—peace. We are not so different. You fight for your 'justice.' I fight for mine. Both of us have known the pain of losing what's most precious. And when we act in the name of justice, all we're really doing is seeking revenge."
His eyes darkened."But revenge called justice only breeds more hatred. It creates a chain of hatred that never ends. History has taught me this truth: humanity will never truly understand one another. So tell me, Naruto… how would you break this chain?"
Naruto's eyes closed, then opened slowly."I don't know…"
"That's why I founded Akatsuki," Pain continued. "To stop the endless cycle. With the power of the Tailed Beasts, I'll create weapons strong enough to wipe nations from the map in an instant. Only when the world feels unimaginable pain will they learn to fear war. That fear will force peace—however temporary."
Naruto's fists clenched."That's not peace! That's a lie!"
"Humans aren't wise creatures," Pain sneered. "Only through suffering will they ever know peace!"
He walked closer, and in a flash, black rods pierced Naruto's body. His limbs went limp as Pain's chakra surged through him.
"I avoided your vital points," Pain said coldly. "The wounds are shallow, but you won't be moving anywhere."
"Stay strong, boy!" croaked Fukasaku. "Don't listen to a word of this fool! You're the Child of Prophecy—the one destined to save this world! Jiraiya and your parents believed it with their lives. You can't lose here! If you die now, I'll never forgive you!"
"Shinra Tensei!"
BOOM!
Fukasaku was blasted away like a ragdoll.
"Annoying frog," Pain muttered. "Enough of this. Time to take you away."
But then—a flash of white. A slender figure darted in, palm glowing.
BOOM!
Dust exploded into the air. Pain leapt back to avoid the strike.
In the real world, watching through the scrying jutsu…
Jiraiya stared at Pain in disbelief."Yahiko… how did you end up spouting such twisted nonsense? Who brainwashed you? And those Rinnegan eyes… how did he get Nagato's?"
Tsunade's brow furrowed."That's one of the kids you once took in, right? To think his ideals have become so warped…"
The Third Hokage exhaled smoke, troubled."That someone like him wields the Rinnegan… it's a dangerous omen for Konoha's future."
Danzo smirked from the shadows."This Pain is… interesting. Perhaps worth reaching out to."
Hinata stepped forward, planting herself in front of Naruto."How cruel… using those rods to pin him down. I won't let you hurt him anymore!"
"Reinforcements?" Pain muttered.
Naruto's eyes widened."Hinata?! Why did you come?! Run! You can't fight him!"
Her gaze was steady, unwavering."I came here of my own will."
"What are you saying?! This is too dangerous!"
Naruto couldn't understand her choice—but Hinata didn't back down."This is my decision. This time, I'll fight beside you. I used to cry and give up, stumbling down the wrong path over and over… but you always pulled me back. You showed me the right way. I've always chased after you, Naruto… always wanted to walk beside you. I've always wanted to stay by your side. You changed me. Your smile saved me. So if it's to protect you, I'm not afraid to die!"
Her expression softened, her voice turning gentle."Because… I love you, Naruto."
The wind stirred her dark hair, making her look more beautiful than ever.
Naruto froze, stunned.
Hinata immediately dropped into her stance—the Eight Trigrams palm at the ready.
Pain conjured more black rods in his hand.
"Byakugan!"
She struck, sending one of the rods flying with a sharp kick.
Both Naruto and Pain stared at her in surprise.
Hinata lunged to strike again, but a crushing wave of force slammed into her. Her small frame was flung backward, blood spilling from her lips.
"Hinata!" Naruto shouted, panic in his voice.
She wiped the blood away and forced herself up, charging at him once more.
Pain raised his hand casually. Another wave of repulsive force blasted her through the air, rolling her across the ground.
"Hinata!!!" Naruto's cry tore from his throat.
"..."
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