Nagato


 * Ring: 零 ("nothing", "zero")
 * Ring position: Right thumb
 * Partner: Konan

is the leader of Akatsuki and a missing-nin from Amegakure. When he was younger, Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko were left orphaned by one of Amegakure's many wars, forcing them to fend for themselves. The three eventually encountered Jiraiya, who looked after them and taught them ninjutsu. Jiraiya believed Pein to have died with the others under unexplained circumstances, and Pein has since lost any affection he once held for his former teacher. Pein eventually began a civil war within Amegakure, which he subsequently ended by singlehandedly killing the village's leader, Hanzo. To make sure there were no sympathizers of Hanzo remaining in the village, Pein killed all of Hanzo's family, friends, and affiliates, elevating him to god-like status amongst the townspeople. He now uses the village as his base of operations for Akatsuki, where he is partnered with Konan. Although he directs the actions of the other members and maintains authority over them, Pein takes orders from Tobi.

Pein initially appears as nothing more than a shadowy figure with unusual eyes, having several increasingly lighter gray circles around the pupil. Pein is shown to have six bodies in total that he can switch between via a machine. Of the two bodies he has been seen in, the only consistent physical characteristics are a large number of piercings and his unique eyes. He implies that each of the bodies have a specific purpose, as he switches to one body solely to kill an intruder. The only named ability he is seen using, the Shapeshifting Technique, also deals with bodies; using human sacrifices, Pein can create clones of his subordinates, which are under their control, and can be used to engage their enemies without risking their own lives. The clones formed are perfect copies of the original, possessing any unique genetic traits or weapons they may possess. The clone's abilities are proportionate to the amount of chakra given to the clone. Pein has displayed the ability to control rain, and can detect the movements and chakra levels of people traveling within it. Although he has not been seen in battle, Konan states that Pein has never lost a fight.