### End of Small Flashback
It's strange, and under normal circumstances, they wouldn't think Naruto would have a chance. Then again, he is anything but conventional, so some unconventional ways of thinking are required. Once you accepted that, all the ridiculousness, idiotic, absurdity and craziness would simply go away. When Sasori clears that up, his partner was surprisingly silent as he too was both confused but he had no way to refute it.
"..."
He tries to open his mouth but nothing came out.
The puppet master knew he understood it when he blinked not once but twice than with a silent open mouth and close 'goldfish' expression. Deidara wanted to argue but he found no grounds to support his argument.
"Save it, I know. It's unconventional but you already know how he is."
He could only nod in response, he still didn't know how it made sense and he had no idea where to start. So he kept his mouth shut.
When he thought back, Orochimaru was a fine example. When he told them about that event, their reaction was pretty much like Jiraiya's. After all the stories he told them, they learned not to underestimate him. Naruto is extraordinary like that, he and his painting didn't just change them he changed the whole ninja world. When his first painting (Desert Lotus) came out, it triggered an evolution in a ninja village never seen before followed by an international hunt on him.
Once they came to know him, they realized it wasn't just his paintings that are out of ordinary. The creator himself is just as abnormal. As a matter of fact, now that they think about it everything that surrounds him is just as crazy. So before they knew it, they too were wrapped up with the flow. They too were affected by the change but for the better. By the end of the day, they found themselves enjoying being followers of true art than destruction. What Naruto said was right, art is more about creation and they never felt better for their own accomplishments.
So however way you see it and according to the puppet master, he thinks Naruto in some way or another has an uncanny ability to change people. Of course, there are some extreme types like the Konoha prisoners but he categorizes them as exceptions. So the biggest question is which category does Pain fall in? Perhaps it's his bias, when it comes down to it Sasori knew which side he will be placing all his bets on. Funny enough, Deidara's no exception and he had no explanation.
This is essentially pitting a civilian against a 'god' ninja. It wasn't an exaggeration, to any ninja, Pain is could be considered 'god'. Especially when they realize who the 'Rinnegan' was originated from. The 'Sage of Sixth Path' was rumored to be the creator of ninjutsu (ninshu), but over time very few knew about that. Those that knew, they knew those eyes are more powerful than 'Sharingan' and 'Byakugan'. Hence, logically a civilian Naruto has zero chance against him. Yet, deep down in their gut, it's telling them otherwise.
As odd as it may be, the knucklehead artist has his own way of doing things. It sometimes makes you wonder whether this was all his doing or just dumb luck. Then again knowing him it is probably both, they had seen his luck and heard it through many of his stories. Sometimes they had to wonder if he was joking most of the time. Being his friend is also an oddity as missing-nins and civilians don't usually mix. Their lifestyle is simply just too different.
However, as being said Naruto had ways to connect with people. No matter who you are, you simply can't help but lend a hand. As oddly as it may seem Orochimaru was one of those he connected with. Despite their relationship, the blond did somehow connect with the Snake Sannin thus he too changes in an odd way. Sasori and Deidara did hear about Orochimaru's strange behaviors when he fought his fellow Sannins. Unfortunately, he had since made very little appearances in the ninja world. There are rumors that he has Konoha's last Uchiha and training him.
Anyway, including themselves and their personal experiences with him that's 3 missing-nins he made connections with. Although it's not a lot, they strongly believe Pain too will most likely join them. At least they think it would be a 50/50 chance. Again they too had to factor in the motive because with Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin was never in him. The same goes for both of them as their interest at the time was solely on 'Art'. With Pain, however, it will be very different because Naruto will be his target. So, unless he can split out Kyubi they can't see the 'Rinnegan' user giving up. Hence, they will wait to see what happens.
### End of Sasori & Deidara Flashback
Pain did a double-take at how forthcoming he is. He's also surprised that its those two because they were harmless and always going on about some kind of art. Out of the entire organization, he thought they would be least likely to deflect.
'So what changed them?'
Then he realized if the teen knew he's coming. Why hadn't he left?!
"So, why are you still here?"
Somehow he's more interested in his reason then Sasori and Deidara's betrayal.
It's something he couldn't understand.
'Is this all a trick to drive a wedge between us?'
'If that were true, how would he know their names?'
'Wait a minute, he's just a civilian. So what he said must be true, otherwise, he wouldn't know who they are.'
Again if Sasori and Deidara did somehow betrayed the organization, why is he still here?
"There's nowhere else to go. Besides, I said to myself a long time ago, I wouldn't run anymore."
"I am tired of running, if my life comes to an end today, it will be my decision."
'He's serious.'
Pain knew because he can see his determination through his eyes. He may not be a ninja but Pain found him likable.
For a moment, Naruto reminds him of Yahiko. But he quickly squishes it, this is his target. It's all for the purpose of peace. At least that's what he tells himself, it was his, Konan's and most importantly the real Yahiko's dream.
Naruto didn't know what he was thinking but he wasn't finished with his own speech.
"I was once abandoned by my own village. I guess I am still angry and could never quite forgive them."
"However, when I start painting I found peace. Hence, even if it's my last act, I would still want to paint one last time."
#### Naruto's attitude (Explanation)
Some readers might wonder and disagree with this new attitude. Why isn't he more forgiving and less fate orientated like in the manga/anime. One reason would be this being a 'Naruto civilian' story, so his attitude would be more 'civilian thought' based and less 'ninja duty' based. While he's still strong 'willed', he's mostly brought up by civilians. Or more precisely, prisoners and inmates civilians.
Hence, in this case, it's Kirito and Ryoma, and perhaps a little Dojima. From Kirito he learned how to paint, whereas Ryoma teaches him what it means to be family. Although Dojima-san may have very little influence he's someone that replaces the Sandaime. I am not saying this will apply to everyone, but it's one possibility. A person's personality can change through various circumstances, they are no different from variables to an equation. Even then, if another person goes through the same ordeal it doesn't mean they will turn out exactly the same. It is as they say - 'everyone's unique to themselves'.
In the original manga/anime, his meeting with Haku had a huge impact on his ninja career. It's probably true because that's how it shaped his motto - a person is only strong when he has someone to protect. The same can be said with Iruka because without him he wouldn't have the drive to continue as hard as he did. Even Kakashi plays some role with his 'those who don't follow rules are trash and those who abandoned their teammates are worst than trash' speech.
Unfortunately, in this story he had nothing. As a matter of fact, he was literally abandoned and forgotten. Hence, to say his spirit being crushed would be an understatement, one might say his 'Will of Fire' burnt itself out. When he met Pain, he would be around 16 so that means 10 years of abandonment. Additionally, there's also his last message in the form of 'Konohagakure' (Wall Painting), he's more or less done with Shinobis (Konoha Shinobis).
#### Back to the story
Pain didn't know what to say. His words moved him but most of all it was his civilian way of thinking that had him doubting himself. It reminded him of his own childhood, how ninjas came uninvited into his home and murdering his parents. Perhaps that's his own guilt.
In order to create everlasting peace, some sacrifices are necessary. War got started because of the Bijus, so it would only make sense to use them to end it. It is exactly the saying 'The end justifying the means.'. At least, that's what he tells himself time and time again.
However, having listened to Naruto's speech and observing him with his Rinnegan, he knew he meant every word.
'It's just bad luck.'
Ultimately, the one that should be at fault should be the Yondaime and the village that abandoned him. Sadly, at this very moment, it wouldn't change anything. Since his target claims he wouldn't run, his mission is more or less half completed.
'What a strange day.'
Even for him, this is one very unusual mission. He was well prepared to destroy the ninja village to get what he wants only to find out that the ninjas had been telling the truth. Through the Hokage's aid, he uses the new information to track the Jinchuriki all the way to the old prison and eventually making it to the capital. It was as if the whole scenario wasn't bad enough, the Jinchuriki turn out to be a defenseless civilian.
'What was Konoha thinking putting a Biju in a civilian?'
The whole notion was so stupid, he had no idea where to begin. They even left the Jinchuriki unguarded.
'Shouldn't there be at least be one shinobi, what about those Fire Guardians?'
So when he gives him a deadline, the Jinchuriki chose to paint?!
"Do you want tea?"
Pain almost face-planted. Is the teen trying one ditch effort to poison him? But he doubts it because he sounded sincere. He responded negatively anyway.
"No, thanks. Just do your thing."
However, he couldn't help but find himself relaxing. Why?! Well, civilian or not, his target is likable and very easy talk to. So without himself realizing, he starts to open a little to him.
"Do you want to hear why we are gathering the Bujis?"
Since he will be here for a while he thought he could pass the time by telling him a little about himself. At least he thought he owns him an explanation for sending him to a death row.
Naruto didn't seem to mind and he's also curious so he responded "Sure!". He might not care much about ninja affairs but he's more interested in the man in front of him. Although, there are 6 of him Naruto had a feeling there's only one person altogether. So Pain tells him about how it all started, and ironically it was all because of Leaf ninjas.
(This will be the same story he tells him in the manga or anime during his attack on Leaf.)
However, as Pain tells his story Naruto too starts to work. For a moment he's confused thus had to stop to see what he's doing.
"Please continue, I can work and listen."
Shrugging his shoulders, he continued. He didn't mind either way, whether he listens or not doesn't matter but he wants it out of his chest. In his mind, as long as he can deliver 'peace'. Anything's worth it, right?
It may seem like a noble cause, a small sacrifice for the greater good. Depending on the circumstance, a lot of people might agree but that's as long as they weren't the one doing the sacrifice. The world is changing, some might call it an evolution thus wouldn't condemn the act. It's just one man, right? As the saying goes 'Ignorance is bliss', so long as you don't see it no-one would care about the consequences.
Hence, in this case, Pain didn't want to feel that way. His family was killed just because they lived in the path of two warring nations. Was Konoha blamed? Was anyone blamed? They weren't even shinobi, so why were they killed? Seeing Naruto as a civilian reminded him of that.
So in a sense, Pain wanted to ease that guilt by going easy on him or at least let him know why he's doing this. He wants him to understand what he's doing for the betterment of the world. What better way to start than his own painful past. However, unknown to even himself. What Pain didn't realize is it's his subconscious speaking.
He could have simply taken him and get it over with, but instead, he's delaying the inevitable. It wouldn't have made a difference because either way, the Jinchuriki will be dead. The mind is a strange thing, some see it as a chibi-angel and chibi-devil sometimes battling one another over choices. However, in reality, this could be just part of your conscious and subconscious. In this case, Pain's chibi-devil would be his conscious which is capturing the Kyubi. This, in turn, means, his chibi-angel would be his subconscious trying to delay the inevitable.
#### Nagato & Konan
Meanwhile, on the outside, the two Akatsuki members are starting to move.
"What's going on Nagato? Didn't you find the Kyubi Jinchuriki?"
The reason she asked is that this is the 3rd place they searched. First Konoha, Second the Fire Prison and nowhere the Fire Capital.
"Yes, we did. I am giving him until Sundown before we take him."
Konan did wonder why but didn't question his choice.
Nagato can sense her curiosity thus answered her anyway.
"He's a civilian!"
"Oh."
Even she had to do a double-take.
'A civilian?!'
'A Jinchuriki, a civilian?!'
Aside from that, she understood also something else. When they were young, all they had was one another so it's no surprise how they knew each other's pasts. So she understands why he's doing this.
"I see... So you offer him a 'last meal' kind of thing?"
"Yeah, civilians aren't prepared for this. Especially considering what awaits him."
The Biju extracting process is painful, it's like being tortured and having your life slowly sucked out of you for days to no end. They knew this because they have seen it done. Then again, there had never been a Jinchuriki that's just a civilian so they are at a loss in the process. Jinchuriki had always been a ninja village's military power, so it made no sense that he isn't trained as one.
"Come on, let's go."
It may seem strange, why would they risk exposing themselves by entering the city with their real selves. They could always wait until the extraction time limit, his paths should be able to do that. However, the real reason is Nagato wanted to meet him and see him with his own eyes. So what's so special about the Kyubi Jinchuriki? They had encountered many powerful and legendary ninjas, Hanzo of the Salamander, Manda, etc. So what made this civilian Jinchuriki stand out?
Despite what people say, the 'first impression' is everything. Perhaps it was because of that, he caught his interest. While his clones are just as real as himself but the facts are they are still clones. Hence, he wants to meet him in person, see with his own eyes and sense with his own senses. He may not want to admit it, but blond civilian interests him. The blond is an enigma, so when he finished his story he wants him to see his reaction with his own eyes.
While they are Akatsuki, very few actually knew their existence. Unless you are a top executes or a ninja in charge of a spy network like Jiraiya, very few recognize who they are. Even in a wheelchair, the two didn't draw much attention. By timing their entrance even the palace didn't see them.
(Note: Naruto's place is right in front of the guard station and the entrance to the palace.)
Combine with Nagato's 'Paths' they arrive through the main door without any suspicion. By the time they step on to the porch, they opened the door and let them through. All done in a blink of an eye. Perfectly timed and perfectly executed, nobody saw them.
From the inside, it's another story. The 'clones' while is strategically positioned, but they were like marionettes. Hence, when one starts to move towards the door it caught our blond artist's attention. Then to his surprise, it let in 2 strangers. However, one look at their cloaks he immediately knew they are all part of the same group.
What caught his attention however is that they are real, real people. The clones were obvious because apart from their eyes, their movement was very wooden. They may walk like a human being but he notices they walk in exactly the same manner. This is strange because no one person is alike, thus he deduced they are all the same person.
Having spent so much time with Sasori made him easily recognize what puppets are. That also surprised the puppet user as Naruto suggested he add a little personality in each of his puppets. Again, that's why they like him as every now and then he would surprise them with his incredible insights.
So aside from the distinctive pattern, our resident artist finds even the talkative 'Pain' very odd. He may seem alive and talking but somehow his eyes and body language don't correspond to one another. The blond may not realize it, but his skills in reading people made him very observant.
Hence the moment Nagato walked in, Naruto immediately knew. People's behaviors are like fingerprints, they are each unique. Thus, when the clones move the blond immediately knew something's off. They're maybe in different gender and sizes but through his eyes, they are all one person.
He may be in a wheelchair but Naruto recognized him as his true guest. Also, the moment their eyes met, he knew he's the real 'Pain'. Like his female partner, they give off human feel. At least through his eyes, they are both living and breathing human beings.
When he pushed himself toward and took over telling him their story, Naruto wasn't too surprised.
"Don't worry, you will find out who we are in the story."
Seeing him nod and going back to his painting, the red-head continues the story. Also from Nagato's point of view, he knew the teen can see this is his real self. It fascinates him that a civilian can see this much from just one meeting, so he's glad that he took the trouble coming over.
Unfortunately, this still changes nothing. They needed the Kyubi and despite the Jinchuriki being a civilian, it doesn't change his mission. One way or another, the elemental nation will have peace. On the other hand, Konan too made herself comfortable as she causally went behind the Jinchuriki to make sure he's not trying anything sneaky. While Nagato's confident that he wouldn't try anything, but there's no harm in making sure, right?
Well, it's just as he says he's just painting. However, something familiar caught her eye but she dismissed it because she had a more important task to do. Like scouting out the place and checking out who and what this civilian Jinchuriki is. Sometimes a person's living standards can tell you many things so that's what she will do. At least that's probably the excuse she gives herself so she has something to do.
As she wanders, she came across many paintings and eventually leading to a room full of them.
'So, he really likes to paint. I guess he's telling the truth after all.'
Despite that, she still fails to recognize the significance of the 'UZU' signed paintings and what they represent. Had she knew, she would have realized who he is and how each of these paintings could fetch her several S rank missions payment.
However, that's not what concerns her at the moment. Having seen this many paintings, she could clearly see how unfair this is to the blond civilian. But it is as Nagato once said, in order to achieve true peace some sacrifices are inevitable. Of course, at the time he said that he meant himself. She understood that because of the power he put into the Rinnegan, his health deteriorates. Having seen the length he would go to keep their childhood pact (bringing peace), she too found herself following him and if needed all the way to the very end.
When she returned, she's just in time to hear her childhood friend finish recounting their past.
"Just so you know, the one that's been talking to you was Yahiko."
"Of course, he's already dead but I re-animated him just so that he can lead the Akatsuki."
"Yahiko was a leader then and he will always be the leader when Akatsuki was first formed it was to bring peace to the land so we won't stop until peace is attained."
Seeing Naruto acknowledging Yahiko, Nagato continued.
"By now I am sure, you've probably figured out who we are. I am Nagato in the story and that's Konan."
Konon too came forth to give a nod to the blond and stand by him. Normally, she would have moved to Nagato's side but unconsciously she was drawn to his painting. Anyway, Nagato continued.
"Even in death, we as his friends will continue his dream."
"This means collecting all the Bijus, only then the elemental nations will listen and stop the war."
"So, do you understand why we needed the Kyubi?"
That's when he had to pause as he noticed her tears.
"What is it, Konan?"
A little surprised by the question directing at her, she quickly realized why. Without herself knowing, her face's full of expressive tears. It only took her a moment then she understands, they weren't tears of sadness they were tears of nostalgia.
Not trusting in her emotions, she waved him over.
"Nagato, look!"
Curious and concerned about the tremble in her tone, the red-head swiftly wheeled himself towards her. It's very out of character even for her. So without suspecting anything, he turns to see what she's seeing. It took a little while longer but he too sees what she saw.
"What's this?"
Even Nagato's stunned. However, it wasn't the art that shocked him. It's what's on it that took him by surprise. It's Rain country, and at the end of that path, it's a small cottage with the sunlight beaming down on it. What's even more amazing is what's in the background, it was the rumored paradise.
A thick forest filled with wildlife, what's making it more appealing is the waterfall. Although in real life it's not there in Naruto's painting it was obscured in the background. It's like a trick, two paintings joining into one. Their nostalgia home in plain sight whereas the hidden paradise under it. It felt as if you wipe away the first layer, the paradise would be revealed.
Then again, once you catch a glimpse of it, it became clear as day. It was quite fascinating, it was like the mist was disappearing. However, the moment you blink or lose concentration the painting is back to normal. Both Akatsuki members are no art experts nor art enthusiasts but the theme drew them in. To them, this is like looking into old nostalgia photos, only more.
It's hard to call his work a painting because this is like stepping into its realm. So how can he create something he doesn't know or never seen before? The answer is he didn't. Everything he painted came from Nagato and his stories. When something isn't clear or he can't get a picture of, he either blurs them, paints them small or just cleverly hides it in the background. Hence, what Nagato and Konan are essentially seeing are his partial creations, whereas the rest were filled by their own minds. This is the same principle when reading an article filled with spelling errors. Despite the mistakes, your mind can still filter thus understand what it's saying.
Again not everybody is that into art or paintings, and neither Nagato or Konan had time for them. They are leaders of the Akatsuki, so both were extremely busy running the show and looking after the country (Rain Country). So how did Naruto do it? Some might call this his luck because without himself knowing he somehow managed to connect his captors to his art world. He did it through their memories.
"Is that?"
He can't believe it.
"But, ... how?"
It was their home, without even seeing it Naruto managed to paint it based on their description.
"Well, I didn't know what else to paint for my last work so I took a page from your stories. Sorry about that."
"No way, I barely described it."
A little insulted, the blond voiced his proof.
"Hey I couldn't have made it up, I have never left Fire Country and I didn't even know about the place until you tell me."
As Nagato thought back into his story, he did describe it as a war-torn country with hardly any vegetation. He supposes the blond could have created the rest. However, as he turns back to the painting, what's there is surprisingly accurate. Well, he can't complain too much because he can barely remember everything. Perhaps this was the nagging feeling why he had to come personally to meet him.
Despite that, Naruto did capture 'Rain Country's' essence. It was what drew him and Konan in. Over the years, although a civilian Naruto learned to enhance his art by connecting them with his audiences. Like his church painting, for example, he painted them in relation to the original.
Before picking up his brush, he researched about them, asking their origins and why they were created. Only then he links them to his creativity thus producing art never seen before. Although marked with his own signature, he kept the original's style. In a sense, he had surpassed the original creator by enhancing their art but that's only as a respect to the original artist.
Anyway, it was through that connection that his painting has a higher meaning to the recipient. It's no secret as both Sasori and Deidara knew thus are using his method. When composing art, the artist should consider who his audiences are. It's a fundamental rule in nearly everything (movie-making, marketing, carpentry, etc). For example, when making a car, you need first to know who it's for and for what purpose (family, single man/woman, location/terrain, etc).
It's what made him a success. Then again, that wasn't what made UZU a success. While the portrait does have more value to the main recipient, many see his art extraordinary thus came to like it. Here, in this case, Nagato and Konan belong to the former. Naruto may not have drawn it for them but they were nevertheless connected thus belonging to the recipient category. Again, you can call it his luck.
However, naruto did not end there as what truly caught their attention is the long path in the middle. It's confusing yet at the same time filled with a lot of sentimentalities. Overall, the long and exhausting path has very deep and meaningful value to both of them. Clearly, there's a connection but only on the back of their minds. They knew they know the answer but not able to understand it.
That's the beauty in his arts because not even the recipient can understand it. Somehow Naruto has the uncanny ability to read into a person's or persons' true desire and paint it in his paintings. He may be oblivious to its meaning, but not the receiver. Like Nagato and Konan, they will be drawn and what followed would be a nagging sensation they're missing the bigger picture.
Although in their story, Nagato spoke of a dream (world peace). But in the portrait, that's not what Naruto had illustrated. Instead, what he added is oddly a paradise (in the background). It's something both Nagato and Konan had long forgotten.
Then they realize what they desire was never about war, it was a place that they can call home and away from the war. Unfortunately, some-when down that road, they were dragged into the war they despise. From then on, they ended up fighting to escalate into a revolution and eventually taking over Rain Country. World peace became their new goal and now they are actually seeking war with the ninja nation!
Seeing Naruto's painting made him rational as it gave off a tranquil feeling that allows him to think. Collecting Bijus to control the ninja village will only work for a time. Because sooner or later, the ninjas would fight back and another war will break out. So why are they going through all the trouble in capturing the Bijus in the first place? When Nagato realized this, he immediately links the whole deal with Madara. By then, he realized he's been played.
Like Sasori, he too came to the same conclusion that something is going on and it is centered around the Akatsuki. Knowing her childhood friend, Konan knew something's up.
"Nagato? What's wrong?!"
"Konan, something's wrong. Something's very wrong."
"What?! What do you mean?"
"Think back, since when do we care about the ninja nation? Why do we want to bring peace to the whole world."
"Wasn't it to stop the war? Once we control the Bijus, we control the ninja villages. Isn't that what we wanted?"
"Think Konan, do you seriously think that the ninja villages would stop fighting when we have all the Bijus?"
"!"
Her friend's right, the ninjas wouldn't give up that easily. Surely, they may surrender but it will only be temporary. Soon or later, they will rise again.
"So what do we do?"
"We will retreat, for now, we hide. Someone is controlling the Akatsuki from behind the curtains, eventually, he/she will reveal themselves."
Turning to his host.
"Naruto, thanks to you. I think something's really wrong with Akatsuki."
"So today, I will not take you."
It's a surprise but Naruto didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth. Truthfully, he isn't that fond of dying.
Having said that, he and everyone were about to leave but his eyes linger on the painting and Naruto immediately knew what he wanted.
Smiling in response. "Take it. If it would buy me my life I am happy to part ways with it."
Having said that, he picked up a brush and went to work on the portrait. In doing so, he explains.
"It's not quite finished, give me a few minutes."
Meanwhile, Konan too was watching. There's something in the back of her mind that's been trying to get out but she didn't know what. However, as she watches him work she slowly sees what he's trying to do. Tears once again slowly fall from her eyes as she cups both of her hands over her mouth.
The painting was already a masterpiece on its own. What made Konan cry was the unmistakable three bodies he added on the path. Through Konan's eyes, the three childhood friends were happily chatting as they walk through the long and never-ending path back home. However, as being said, in the background is paradise. Thus, what Naruto essentially painted is not just the three of them going home, they were heading to paradise. Of course, it may or may not exist but the painting gave them hope.
Once it's finished and Nagato's ready to leave, Konan suddenly realizes what that nagging feeling was.
"You are that 'painter'?!"
It was more of a statement than a question as she realizes who he is. While Akatsuki had no business with UZU painting but they did hear how the whole elemental nation was searching the painter.
"You are the one that had the whole elemental nation looking for you?"
Even though he's just a civilian, the short amount of time they had interacted with him made them realize he's no mere normal civilian. That's when Konan put two and two together as she remembers all the paintings she saw in the building. Most importantly of all, they all had the 'UZU' signature. A little embarrassed, they watch him scratching his head before answering.
"I guess so."
He didn't know much about the storm he had caused, but he did read about the aftermath. So he assumes that's what she's talking about. Sighing with exhaustion, Konan only now realizes what kind of celebrity he is and who's a place they are in. She should have known, only the 'painter' can give them such an emotional roller-coaster ride. Still, that only proves his painting is truly amazing. He may not be a ninja, but his art alone is truly 'S' class.
Unfortunately, as much as they want to continue their conversation, they had to leave.
"Thank you, ... Naruto."
"It's alright, it's yours by right. I've got a good story from you. Both of you take care."
Konan bowed a little in response, thanking him too for the precious painting. Whereas Nagato wanted to let him understand how grateful he is to him.
"Naruto, let it be known that we are in your debt."
"Without you, we would still be puppets for war."
However, the blond didn't see it that way.
"I didn't do anything, you figured it out on your own."
"Never the less, we owe you one."
Having said that, the group left. They had already caused him enough trouble by overstaying their welcome so it's time they go. Deep down he's really grateful for Naruto reminding whom he once was.
#### Back to Jiraiya
"What?! They just left like that?"
"Yeah, never seen him since."
"And all he took was your painting?"
"Yeah."
It's hard to believe, but then again his explanation wasn't that detailed. Well, Naruto's just a civilian, so he wouldn't know how to report any abnormalities.
Funny enough, despite Nagato telling him his story, Jiraiya's name was not once brought up. However, he did say it was Konoha ninja that killed his parents and a Konoha ninja that helped and trained them. Hence, Naruto didn't learn about the Toad Sannin until now. Then again, when he retold his encounter back to him a lot of the details are missing. Unlike Nagato giving him every detail, Naruto didn't like the 'Super Pervert' and he had no obligation to tell him everything.
As a matter of fact, the reason they had been talking this long was so he can get rid of him. He didn't need his protection, nor Konoha's. If he were to die, he welcomes it than going back to his home village. Jiraiya seems to understand this thus cursing himself.
'Damn, why did the Fire Lord forbid him from taking his godson?'
'It should be for his own good, we need to protect him.'
Unfortunately, he had no other options. The teen had already faced Orochimaru, the Akatsuki (Sasori & Deidara) and even their leader (Pain). Despite all that, according to him, he came out without a scratch.
For the life of him, the white-haired Sannin still couldn't understand his relationship with all of them are like. However, one thing he can understand is that he isn't in any immediate danger. So by the end of the day, he came back out empty-handed. It felt like he was booted out his godson's house.
Well not literally, but he's more or less felt like it. He had tried everything short of kidnapping but his godson rejected everything.
'Why couldn't he understand?'
'Why is he so willing to throw away his life?'
'Is it because of pride? I know Konoha wronged him but isn't it better to swallow that pride to live another day?'
'Oh man. There's also Nagato. He's the leader of Akatsuki?! What the hell happened to those kids?'
'Oh, Sh*t! Nagato has the Rinnegan. If he's the enemy, he will be extremely dangerous. I need to warn Tsunade.'
Too bad he will find out how pointless that is. So she sent her a report through his toad messager. Naturally it will take a while but in the end, the Toad Sannin will find out what happened to his home village.
It's just so unfortunate that a lot had happened. He couldn't get the full version but the message was enough to summarize the major incidences. Akatsuki attack, Tsunade in Comma, Danzo Hokage, Kage Summit and Danzo dead by Sasuke were some of the highlights. His only consolation is that Tsunade's back to resume her Hokage position thus responding to his message.
Unfortunately, just from that, he can see the elemental nation swirling into chaos. Thankfully, in her message, she said she's in the progress of fixing the broken village and collaboration with other villages. This way, he can focus on his own end. That left him in a dilemma, because everything seems to be centering around his godson and now Nagato.
'The prophecy said his student would either bring peace to the world or destroy it.'
'Was it referring to Nagato? Because in terms of relation Nagato is in a sense his student.'
'The other is Minato but he's dead. So it's highly likely the former.'
The question is, should he pursuit him?
In the end, he chose to stick with his godson because he still has unfinished business with him. He reasoned that Nagato's long gone, so he should focus on what he has now. If he goes after his old student now, it would like searching for his godson all over again. So he might as well finish what he started, but first, he had to first understand why he's like that. And he knew just where he should start as he made his way again into the palace.
(Author's Note: He still has no idea what Naruto does or made the connection between him and the UZU paintings. Please note that in previous chapters I never said anything about Naruto telling Jiraiya everything about Orochimaru, Sasori, and Deidara. He only referenced some of the events that were presented in the story. That's just the trick in my writing style. Anyway, Jiraiya is a writer and probably an expert in brothels in every city but he knew nothing about art.
He may see his doodle but never quite understand why he does it. So as far as he's concerned his godson could be the same weirdo like Sasori and Deidara. The same can be said for Orochimaru, during the exchange Naruto never did tell him how much Orochimaru paid him. Actually, as I went back to chapter 10 (near the end), he didn't even say anything about getting paid. So all he got is more mysteries.)
Anyway, it's probably what he should have done before coming here. Finding out more about his godson. While in Konoha, he may have read about his abuse but what happened when he's in prison he had no information. So when he remembered his meeting with the Fire Lord. Something tells him he knew more than he let on. So this time, he hoped the Fire Country Leader can indulge him a little longer and explain to him what he knew.
Funny enough, the Fire Daimyo was expecting him.
"I take it, it didn't go so well?"
Clearly, it was more of a statement than a question.
"Yeah, but how..."
"I think it's better that you go see for yourself."
"?"
You can almost see all the confusion on his face so the Fire Lord had to elaborate.
"Head to the old prison, there you will find your answers. Tell Dojima-san that I sent you. He will know what to do."
"But.."
He was cut off before he can say anything.
"Go."
He knew a dismissal when he heard one, especially coming from royalty. That would usually mean he would get his answers as he says, or he got annoyed from talking to him or a bit of both. Since he didn't want their relationship to go sour, Jiraiya quickly left. Without even knowing all the answers, he at least has a destination. It's just too bad that this location is where grumpy Dojima is and for some reason the man hates him.
'Great, just great.'
There's no use complaining to the Fire Lord and explaining the circumstance as that would make him look bad to the Fire Country leader. So while going on his way, he hoped the man isn't as grumpy as they last met.