Nagato opened his eyes and looked at the boy wreathed in black flames before him. "Sasuke Uchiha?"
Sasuke said coldly, "Nagato, fight me with everything you've got!"
Nagato smiled. "Let me ask you this: what is your purpose in going so far as to fight a dead man like me?"
Sasuke replied coldly, "I want to grow stronger-so strong that no one can stand in my way!"
Nagato remained calm. "Growing stronger is a goal almost every ninja pursues for a lifetime. I was no exception. But strength must be supported by the right convictions if you want to avoid going astray. I made far too many mistakes in the past, so I understand that well. Tell me why you seek strength. Your answer will determine whether I accept your challenge!"
Sasuke said coldly, "I, Sasuke Uchiha, seek strength to take revenge on those who inflicted suffering on the Uchiha in the past. That's right! I'll turn the flames of vengeance into the fires of war!!"
"I'll slaughter every last one of those ignorant people in Konoha who laughed so freely amid the tragedy of the Uchiha Clan Massacre!!"
Nagato's expression darkened. "Revenge... Konoha... So you intend to destroy everything Naruto risked his life to protect!"
Sasuke sneered. "Hmph... Naruto? To tell you the truth, he and Amegakure, where he's staying right now, are both targets I intend to crush!!"
"Oh?" Nagato's gaze sharpened. "Naruto and Amegakure? It seems leaving you alive would cause a great deal of trouble!"
"Heh." Sasuke sneered. "So you're saying you'll kill me? Fine. If you think you can, go ahead and try! I won't let Kabuto interfere with you through Impure World Reincarnation! Fight to your heart's content!"
"Then I'll gladly oblige!"
Nagato reached out toward him.
Banshō Ten'in!
Whoosh!
Gravity dragged Sasuke forward,