Chapter 138: Naruto's Captivity
After capturing Naruto on the battlefield, Jura teleported to Amegakure, the village hidden under an incessant rain. Naruto, unconscious, was suspended on Jura's shoulder, his lifeless body betraying the brutal combat he had just endured. Upon his arrival, Jura passed through the heavy doors of a dark room where the members of Akatsuki were waiting.
Nagato, with his emaciated body connected to metallic rods, stood at the center, surrounded by the imposing statue of Gedo Mazo. At his side, Konan observed with a grave expression, while Tobi, in reality Obito, hidden under his orange mask, displayed a childish and bizarre behavior. The other members of the organization were present: Kisame, Itachi, Hidan, Kakuzu, Zetsu, and of course, Jura.
— "Well done, Jura," Nagato said in an authoritative but tired voice. "The Jinchuriki of Kyûbi is finally in our hands."
Jura placed Naruto on the ground with a cold indifference.
— "It wasn't without difficulty," he replied, casting a quick glance at his companions. "Shikai, the heir of Minato, and Kakashi, the Copy Ninja, gave me a hard time, but they weren't up to the task."
Nagato raised his eyes towards the statue, his features impassive but his gaze filled with determination.
— "Naruto Uzumaki..." he began. "It's nothing personal. What we're doing is not out of hatred towards you."
Konan, always calm, added:
— "It's for a greater goal, for peace. Every sacrifice, even yours, is necessary to free this world from suffering."
Tobi, still eccentric, made a dramatic gesture.
— "Yes, yes, all this to save humanity. But let's get started, Nagato-chaaan, we have work to do."
Kisame chuckled.
— "It's always fascinating to see Jinchuriki succumb to the power of Gedo Mazo."
Itachi remained silent, his red eyes shining in the dim light, observing Naruto without apparent emotion, even though he was very worried. He wanted to do something to save him, but with monsters like Nagato and Jura, and even the mysterious ally of Akatsuki, making a wrong move could mean his death.
Nagato formed complex mudras, and the statue of Gedo Mazo slowly came to life, its eyes glowing with a sinister light. The spiritual chains erupted from its mouth, wrapping around Naruto.
Naruto, half-conscious, felt indescribable pain as the chakra of Kyûbi was torn from his body.
— "Aaargh!" he cried, his scream resonating throughout the room.
Hidan, amused by the scene, chuckled.
— "He screams like a baby. It's almost disappointing coming from a Jinchuriki. He should be more resilient."
Kakuzu, pragmatic, growled.
— "Focus, Hidan. The process is long, and we can't afford to fail."
Naruto eventually fainted, his body twisted by pain, while the chakra of Kyûbi continued to be siphoned.
After what seemed like an eternity, Naruto woke up abruptly. His entire body was wrapped in bandages, and a throbbing pain reminded him of the previous events. He was lying on a cold platform, his breathing heavy.
As he raised his eyes, he saw two figures in the shadows. One was Nagato, still seated on his metallic throne. The other was a hooded figure, his face hidden, but an imposing presence emanated from him.
— "You're awake," Nagato said in a calm voice.
Naruto growled, trying to sit up despite the pain.
— "What have you done to me?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
Nagato looked at him with an indecipherable expression.
— "We have extracted Kyûbi from your body. And you're still alive. It's a rarity, only the Uzumaki lineage can do that. Naruto Uzumaki, we must talk."
Naruto clenched his fists, trembling with rage and pain.
— "Why? Why are you doing this?"
The hooded figure finally spoke, a deep and grave voice resonating in the room.
— "It's not against you, kid. It's for a greater goal. The suffering you feel right now is a fraction of what this world endures every day."
Naruto fixed the silhouette, his eyes shining with anger.
— "You really think stealing Kyûbi will bring peace? You're all mad!"
Nagato raised a hand to calm Naruto.
— "You don't understand yet, but you will one day. We're using the Bijûs to forge an ultimate weapon, a weapon that would force this world to submit and, by extension, achieve peace."
Naruto, despite his weakness, replied with defiance.
— "Peace through terror? That's your plan? You're nothing more than tyrants!"
Konan, observing the scene, murmured:
— "Nagato... he won't understand."
Nagato leaned slightly forward, his ringed eyes fixing Naruto with intensity.
— "Maybe not. But it's not up to you to decide. Your role in this story is only beginning, you'll understand soon enough, Naruto Uzumaki."
— "Consider this a second chance. You're alive. Few other Jinchuriki can say the same."
Naruto, although terrified, couldn't help but respond with courage:
— "I won't let you do this. No matter what it costs."
Nagato turned away, fixing his gaze on the rain that fell endlessly on Amegakure.
— "We'll see. For now, rest. You'll need your strength for what's to come."
Konan made a gesture, and two paper clones entered the room, ready to watch over Naruto.
Naruto, despite the pain and exhaustion, fixed Nagato and the hooded figure with unwavering determination.