Naruto: Spiral Into The Darkness

In the heart of the Hidden Rain Village, within the imposing structure of Pain's Tower, the real Pain, Nagato, lay motionless, his frail body a stark contrast to the powerful and intimidating persona he projected through his Deva Path. The dimly lit room was heavy with the scent of incense and the faint tang of medicine, a constant reminder of Nagato's fragile state. Konan stood beside him, her eyes fixed on Nagato's gaunt face, her brow furrowed with concern.

"What is your plan now, Nagato?" Konan asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the sound echoing off the cold stone walls. "How do you think he'll feel about this news? Despite bringing the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, do you think he'll accept this change of plans?" The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Konan awaited Nagato's response.

Nagato's eyes fluttered open, his gaze sunken and haunted, like two dark wells that seemed to suck all the light out of the room. He coughed, a dry, hacking sound that seemed to rack his entire body, his chest heaving with the effort. The sound sent a shiver down Konan's spine, a grim reminder of Nagato's mortality.

"I know I didn't bring Naruto Uzumaki the way Madara and I initially discussed... but I'm certain he'll be more than thrilled to know that Uzumaki Naruto himself, unforced, decided to join us, abandoning his village and friends in their time of need." Nagato's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried a weight that seemed to settle heavy on Konan's shoulders.

Konan's expression turned skeptical, her eyes narrowing as she studied Nagato's face. "Do you trust him, Nagato?" The question hung in the air like a challenge, the silence that followed oppressive and heavy.

Nagato's gaze drifted away, his eyes clouding over like a stormy sky. "Silence, Konan. He has no reason to betray us. Besides, his pain equals mine now, and I can see it in his eyes... that he's left the ideology of bringing peace in his own non-violent way. His hate for this world overwhelms his desire to be the savior and carry everyone's burden. His own burden is too much to carry, but with Madara's help, we can unlock his full potential and put our plan into action."

The air seemed to grow heavier, the shadows deepening, as if the very darkness itself was responding to Nagato's words. The flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the walls, making it seem as though the darkness itself was closing in. Konan's eyes never left Nagato's face, her expression a mask of concern and curiosity. Outside, Naruto waited patiently, unaware of the conversation unfolding within the tower, a conversation that would change the course of his life forever.

A few moments later Konan's voice was laced with concern. "Should I let him in, then, Nagato?"

Nagato's response was barely above a whisper. "Yes, I'll call him in."

Konan's eyes narrowed. "No, Nagato, you're in no state to use the Deva Path. Let me call him. Please, save your chakra for when you've recuperated."

With a subtle nod, Konan created a paper clone that appeared outside the room, in front of Naruto. "So, it's time?" Naruto asked, his eyes locked onto the paper clone.

Konan's clone nodded. "Yes, Naruto. Nagato is ready for you."

Naruto entered the room, his eyes scanning the space before coming to rest on Nagato's frail form. He was shocked to see the real Pain was nothing more than a half-dead person, but there was no doubt about it - he had to be Nagato, for he possessed the legendary Rinnegan eyes. Naruto walked over to where Nagato lay, his movements cautious, as if he feared disturbing the fragile balance of Nagato's life force. Konan stood beside him, her eyes fixed intently on Naruto, her expression a mask of wariness.

Nagato's voice was barely audible, but it carried a weight that seemed to settle heavy on Naruto's shoulders. "I can see you're surprised, but you should know, Naruto, the reason why I'm now confined within this machine and fragile body... my only way of being is using Pain's bodies to explore the world, using the power of my Rinnegan."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, his gaze locked onto Nagato's. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Nagato's eyes seemed to cloud over, his gaze drifting away into the past. "It's because of shinobi from the Hidden Leaf, Naruto... A man named Danzo, working with Hanzo, the former ruler of the Hidden Rain Village, betrayed us."

Naruto's eyes snapped back into focus, his gaze burning with intensity. "What do you mean?" he repeated, his voice laced with a growing sense of anger.

Nagato's voice was a mere whisper, but it carried a weight that seemed to crush Naruto's very soul. "The Deva Path is the body of Yahiko, a friend and comrade who died at the hands of the Leaf, a result of the ambush... Naruto, I see. You see, Naruto, the Hidden Leaf isn't what you thought it was. By telling you this, I hope you'll understand my reasons for invading it... It was not only to capture you but to give them the pain they gave me when they killed my parents, killed my friend, and my comrades, whom we created the Akatsuki with, together, as a way to overthrow the government at the time, Hanzo, and help rebuild the nation the Leaf had destroyed with its war."

Naruto's eyes turned red, and whiskers began to form on his face, a testament to the growing rage within him. Nagato's eyes snapped back into focus, his gaze locked onto Naruto's. "Naruto, I can see the anger boiling up, but beware, lest the Nine-Tails take over. You've yet to master it... And, oh, another matter..."

Just then, Madara (Tobi) materialized in the room, his presence seeming to draw the very air out of the space. The tension was palpable, and Konan glanced at Nagato, who had stopped talking, his eyes fixed intently on Madara. Madara's voice was majestic, dripping with an air of superiority like a tone of a monarch addressing his subjects. "I see, so you've managed to bring back the Nine-Tails, just as we planned... Although it seems I interrupted something."

Naruto's confusion was evident, his eyes narrowing as he studied Madara's unfamiliar face. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with a growing sense of unease.

Madara's smile was enigmatic, his eyes glinting with amusement . "Naruto Uzumaki, is it? You've grown quite a lot.

Naruto's voice laced with confusion and curiosity" What do you mean by that and I asked you a question? Answer me" 

Konan eyes snapped towards Madara, her expression wary, but before she could intervene, Madara continued, his voice dripping with an air of superiority. "I'm Madara Uchiha, Naruto."