---
As the first light of dawn breaks, Naruto stands with Konan at the edge of the forest, the village just barely visible in the distance, newly restored yet bearing the scars of battle. Konan looks to Naruto, her face calm but conflicted.
"Konan," Naruto says, breaking the silence, "I'm grateful for your help, and I know you share Nagato's dream for peace. But... it's not safe for you to come with me to the village right now."
Konan's expression falters for a moment, but she nods, understanding the weight of his words. "I see," she says, her voice quiet. "I was one of the people who attacked the village. They'll see me as an enemy."
Naruto nods, his gaze serious but respectful. "Right now, they wouldn't understand. And I need time... time to help them see Nagato's and your vision." He pauses, feeling the responsibility of Nagato's wish press down on him. "Go somewhere safe. When the time is right, I'll find a way to help everyone see that you were a part of this dream, too."
Konan smiles faintly, a mix of pride and sadness in her eyes. "Thank you, Naruto," she says softly. "I'll go back to Amegakure. It's where we all began this journey, and it's where I'll wait. When the time comes... I'll be ready to help."
Naruto nods, grateful for her understanding, and watches as she disappears into the early morning mist. Turning back toward the village, he steels himself. The villagers would have questions, and he knows some may be wary of the Rinnegan. But he has faith that, in time, he can earn their trust.
---
As Naruto approaches the village gates, his friends and comrades spot him and immediately rush over. Their faces are a mix of relief, shock, and confusion. The unmistakable Rinnegan glimmers in his eyes, and whispers ripple through the crowd.
"Is that... the Rinnegan?" whispers one of the villagers.
"How did Naruto get those eyes?" another voice murmurs.
Before long, his closest friends—Sakura, Kakashi, Sai, Shikamaru, and several others—gather around him, their eyes wide with surprise.
"Naruto," Kakashi begins, his gaze studying the Rinnegan carefully, "what happened? How are the dead back to life, and... how did you end up with those eyes?"
Naruto pauses, his expression guarded. He's grateful for their concern, but he knows the story is complicated and that revealing Konan's role might lead to distrust. After a moment, he decides to answer carefully.
"It's a long story," he says slowly. "Nagato... he used the last of his power to bring back everyone he'd killed. He wanted to give the village a second chance. And... he gave me his eyes so I could carry on his wish for peace."
The group falls silent, taking in the magnitude of what he's saying. They look at Naruto with awe, respect, and a lingering sense of disbelief.
"So... this was Pain's last act?" Sakura asks softly, still trying to process everything.
Naruto nods. "Yes. He wanted to make things right. That's why I have these eyes now. To try to create the peace he never found."
Shikamaru, always perceptive, studies Naruto carefully. "You're carrying a heavy burden, Naruto. But if anyone can find a way to honor that wish, it's you."
Naruto gives him a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Shikamaru."
Several others step forward, offering their support and silently acknowledging Naruto's resolve. Though they don't yet know the full story, they can sense the weight of his new responsibility and respect the quiet strength he carries.
As the villagers disperse, Naruto feels a mixture of relief and caution. He's kept Konan's role a secret for now, not out of distrust, but because he knows that revealing too much too soon could jeopardize the fragile peace Nagato's sacrifice has brought.
Looking out over the village, Naruto silently vows to find a way to unite both Nagato's vision and his own. For now, the journey ahead is uncertain, but with the Rinnegan as his guide, he feels ready to carry the hope of his fallen friend into the future.