The Ambush on Konan
The reason Tobi set up an ambush for Konan was simply because he had been feeling too bored and frustrated lately.
In short, it was pure idleness.
He was picking fights with everything—heaven, earth, and even the air. Anything that came to mind, he would challenge.
This kid was beyond saving. In a way, he had completely given up, embodying the sentiment of "I don't care about this world anymore."
Returning to Amegakure
Konan's return journey was much faster. Perhaps she wanted to avoid any further incidents. It took her just over a day to reach Amegakure.
The village was devoid of color, filled with endless gray. Its only features were the unceasing rain and the towers that stood against the sky.
Despite the oppressive atmosphere and the ever-present gloom that seemed to weigh on the heart, Konan felt a wave of relief upon returning to this familiar sight.
Without lingering, she glanced around the familiar surroundings, feeling a strange sense of comfort. Then, she headed straight for one of the high towers.
Pain was waiting for her.
At the Tower
At the top of the tower, on what could be called a rooftop or a platform, a familiar figure was waiting for her.
It was Yahiko, now transformed into Pain Tendo, with his expression devoid of joy, sorrow, or anger. His body was pierced with deep-set piercings, and his eyes were those of the Rinnegan.
"You're nearly a day late. Was it troublesome?" His familiar voice brought a moment of disorientation to Konan, but she knew that Yahiko was dead. The person before her was Pain Tendo, controlled by Nagato.
Nagato, the real one, was always hidden in Amegakure, suffering alone in a dark room.
Emaciated, with protruding ribs, he clung to hope in a world of despair, using his chakra to inch towards peace.
Though the peace he now sought was somewhat different from the one they once aspired to.
Regaining her composure, Konan calmly gazed at Pain's back and said softly, "No, just a bit slow on the journey. There were no unexpected incidents."
Konan concealed the fact that she had almost died twice on the way. She didn't want Nagato to worry about her because he was already bearing too much.
"Hmm, the result?"
"Just as Madara said, the Iwagakure rogue ninja did see a jinchuriki in Iwagakure but did not know their identity or whereabouts."
"Understood," Pain responded coldly, then added, seemingly with concern, "Madara visited again. We talked. For efficiency, future Akatsuki missions will be conducted in pairs."
A hint of warmth filled Konan's chest, mixed with a touch of bitterness. She had caused Nagato to worry again. Although he spoke of efficiency, she could hear the concern in his voice.
"Alright, get busy."
"Yes," Konan replied, turning into countless paper pieces and leaving.
Busy Days
As Pain's representative in Amegakure, Konan had a lot on her plate—not only managing ninjas and assigning missions but also addressing the village's daily affairs.
In her tower, in a dimly lit room, Konan, now out of her Akatsuki cloak and in a crop top and tight pants, diligently went through documents by the light of a lamp.
These documents pertained to Amegakure's affairs, not Akatsuki missions. Konan took them seriously because she knew she could only help Nagato so much. Handling these matters kept him from worrying about them.
The last document detailed a discovery of ancient ruins near Amegakure a year ago.
The ancient treasures and jewels had long been converted into funds for the village. The artifacts with ancient inscriptions were placed within Amegakure.
The document contained interpretations of the ancient texts by some scholars. Finding them to be just fairy tale-like ancient myths, Konan lost interest and set the document aside.
After finishing her tea, she suddenly thought of something, picked up the document again, and checked the ruins' location. A mix of emotions welled up inside her, remembering the cave where she had experienced something unspeakable.
The ruins were near the cave where that despicable blue-haired man had been. Just thinking about him made her blood boil and her legs tense.
She wanted to kill him!
Konan wished to kill him but knew she wasn't his match and wasn't even sure if he would still be there.
After much deliberation, Konan made a decision.
She had to investigate!
Only by resolving this could she calm down and focus on other matters, such as investigating the assassination attempts during her mission.
The Investigation
"Ruins?"
Pain was puzzled.
"Yes, near Amegakure. Villagers discovered them last year. I think there might still be some artifacts. I want to check it out."
Hearing Konan's explanation, Nagato didn't think much of it. Konan was always frugal.
"I'll have Tendo accompany you."
"The ruins are only a few hundred meters away. It won't be dangerous. No need to waste chakra on this."
"Alright, be quick."
For some reason, that last sentence felt like a stab to Konan's heart.
Returning to the Cave
Early the next morning, Konan set off. Given the proximity, it took her only a few minutes to reach the cave where so much had happened four days ago.
However, the man wasn't there, and the cave's arrangement remained as she had left it.
Some remnants still made her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
She had burned all the bedding when she left, thinking there would be no further ties. Yet, she had been saved by him again!
Her unresolved feelings were overwhelming, and she had been restless, unable to sleep.
Clenching her fists, Konan bit her lip, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
Without him here, she couldn't resolve her feelings. She needed closure for the complicated emotions he had stirred.
Searching
After half an hour of fruitless searching, Konan felt a surge of anger.
That bastard had really disappeared after using her! How dare he?!
Just as she was about to lose her temper, she sensed something. Her paper fragments had detected something.
Finding Shinji
Hovering silently near the cave, Konan frowned at the indistinguishable rock wall.
There was no visible entrance, but her paper fragments told her he was inside.
She hesitantly reached out.
Her hand felt nothing, though it touched solid rock.
How could the disguise be so realistic?
Inside the Cave
Before Konan entered, Shinji sensed her presence, as did Minato, who quickly altered his appearance.
This cave was much larger than the other. Just inside was a nearly 90-degree turn.
Konan hid behind the corner, watching Shinji teach the kids while Minato, with black hair, did chores nearby.
Feigning ignorance, Shinji telepathically communicated with Minato.
Minato responded with his eyes and continued his housework.
"Over a thousand years ago, during the period from 1100 to 1000 years ago, significant events occurred that transitioned into the era known as the Shinobi World as we know it."
"I know, I know! It's because ninjas appeared."
Karin raised her hand.
"Correct," Shinji nodded.
"Sensei, what happened during the blank century? What's the origin of ninjas?" Haku asked, with Kimimaro also looking curious. Even Minato glanced at Shinji.
Smiling, Shinji raised a finger. "Don't worry about it. Just know that after this, ninjas emerged on the historical stage. If you're really interested, consider it a homework assignment. Find out for yourselves."
"Class dismissed. Tomorrow, we'll discuss the evolution of national systems and ninja sects since the Shinobi era began. Remember to prepare."
"Okay," the kids chorused.
Their clear voices made Konan nostalgic, reminding her of her own past with Yahiko and Nagato.
"Fifteen-minute break. Next is math."
"I hate math," Karin muttered.