Early the next morning, Naruto was roused from his slumber by Konan's gentle knock on the door.
As Konan entered bearing breakfast, her expression bore a complexity that didn't go unnoticed by Naruto. Instead of her usual elaborate dishes, breakfast consisted of simple fare: bread, a generous glass of milk, and a few strips of bacon.
Noticing Konan's demeanor, Naruto couldn't help but inquire, "What's wrong? Has Black Zetsu arrived? Or is there troubling news from our sources?"
Konan met Naruto's gaze in silence, her expression inscrutable.
An uneasy feeling crept over Naruto as he touched the mask adorning his face, ensuring it remained securely in place.
"Could it be that my performance last night wasn't up to par?" Naruto teased, attempting to lighten the mood.
Konan rolled her eyes. "Honestly, you have a lot to learn at your age," she retorted, before finally voicing her question. "Tell me, Naruto, how old are you really?"
Naruto's surprise was palpable as he realized the reason behind Konan's demeanor.
Calmly sipping his milk, Naruto responded, "I'm eight years old, as I've mentioned before."
"That's the problem! If you had mentioned it yesterday, do you think we would have bought into your claim?" Konan snapped, visibly irritated.
It dawned on Naruto that Konan and Nagato had discovered his true age before, causing them considerable shock and disbelief.
"Are you investigating me?" Naruto asked casually, his mask concealing any trace of his true emotions.
Konan hesitated, realizing that despite his tender age, Naruto exuded a sense of maturity and strength far beyond his years. The depth of his cunning and determination was unsettling.
"Don't let age define you. Even at eight, I'll take down Danzo. You know that," Naruto stated firmly.
Konan nodded, acknowledging Naruto's resolve, but also recognizing the complexity of the situation. She quickly clarified, "We didn't investigate you, but your wanted poster was issued this morning."
Handing Naruto the warrant, Konan revealed that both Naruto and Uchiha Itachi were now wanted by Konoha Village.
While Itachi's crimes were clear-cut, Naruto was perplexed as to why he was being implicated as Itachi. Reflecting on the situation, Naruto realized it might be a strategic move by Konoha to portray him as a lesser threat compared to the notorious S-class traitor, Itachi.
Despite the discrepancy, Naruto understood the message behind the wanted poster – Konoha was not yet ready to face him head-on.
As Naruto was not officially registered as a ninja in Konoha Village, his departure was seen as defection rather than betrayal. The narrative circulated was that he had a quarrel with others in the village and left in a fit of anger. This made him a defector, and anyone who found him could claim a significant bounty. However, the information about Naruto being the Nine Tails Jinchūriki, the son of the Fourth Hokage, and his true strength was kept secret.
Realizing the cunning plan devised by Konoha Village, Naruto couldn't help but laugh. He understood that they might assume he would attempt to return to the village, making it easier to capture him.
Konan, observing Naruto's reaction, lifted the corner of her mask, revealing a sneer. She couldn't comprehend the deep resentment harbored by an eight-year-old towards his village and the world. Despite having seen Naruto's memories, they found it challenging to empathize with his situation.
Realizing that Naruto could easily be discovered with the wanted warrant, Konan felt a sense of concern and pity for him, considering that they, too, were war orphans.
In a whimsical moment, Konan suggested to Naruto, "Why don't you join Kirigakure?"
Naruto, taken aback, looked at Konan with surprise. Konan, with pride, continued, "Since Konoha Village doesn't want you, join us in Amegakure. You can receive an education at our school, become a Genin, and then advance to Chūnin and Jōnin ranks. Besides, you want to disguise your identity, so isn't this a good choice?"
Naruto, somewhat helpless, reminded Konan, "Suddenly going from being the mastermind behind the scenes to being a Genin? That's a joke."
Konan continued to persuade with a smile, "Don't say that; it's quite interesting. You can take on tasks if you want, and if not, then don't. Nobody really cares what you do. Just treat it as a pastime, why not?"
Her words struck a chord with Naruto, who thought, "Yeah, it's just a pastime, so why not do it?"
"Then sign me up under the name of Vengeance. I've got some free time, and I've always wanted to be a ninja," Naruto finally agreed. He realized that, despite being in the world of ninjas, he had never actually been one.
Konan found this amusing and shook her head. She reminded Naruto that this wasn't a game; it was real ninja work.
"Eat first, and I'll go register you. Then I'll get you a forehead protector from the Amegakure," Konan said, quick to act as always. She turned and left immediately.
Naruto could sense a change in Konan. Perhaps it was the memories of their past, or the possibility of Yahiko's resurrection, or the influence of Nagato's change. Regardless, Konan seemed less ruthless and guarded than when they had first met. She now resembled a gentle big sister who cared for others.
When Konan returned with the forehead protector, Naruto immediately drew a line across it.
"What are you doing?" Konan asked.
"Isn't this how Pain wears it?" Naruto replied.
He didn't want to seem like a traitor right after joining the Amegakure. He was here to be the boss, not an underlying.
.....
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