Konan's search for Byakuya led her to the training grounds, where he was engaged in a rigorous taijutsu session.
Despite the burgeoning potential of Paper Release, Byakuya understood the fundamental importance of taijutsu. In the crucible of real combat, ninjutsu's effectiveness could be hampered by unforeseen circumstances, but taijutsu remained a constant, reliable tool. Even clashes between Kage, the pinnacle of ninja power, often devolved into taijutsu brawls.
Of course, there was another, more pragmatic reason for his focus.
He'd noticed Konan's arrival and deliberately switched from Paper Release to taijutsu.
Whether copying techniques was a forbidden practice within Akatsuki remained unclear, but Byakuya wasn't eager to unveil his newfound mastery of Paper Release to Konan.
After all, if they were to utilize the same technique, the less skilled party would suffer the inevitable embarrassment.
Coming to a halt, Byakuya pivoted towards the blue-haired kunoichi leaning against a nearby tree.
At fourteen, Konan was a far cry from the formidable woman Byakuya remembered from his previous life. Clad in her Akatsuki uniform, she exuded an air of innocence, a far cry to the ominous black robe with crimson clouds she would one day wear.
Konan, in turn, studied Byakuya. He appeared younger than her, his clothes spotless, almost blindingly white. His eyes, however, held a maturity that belied his age, hinting at a past laden with hardship. Respectful of the unspoken code of silence around past experiences within Akatsuki, Konan refrained from prying.
A beat of silence hung heavy in the air before Byakuya spoke, his voice devoid of emotion. "Konan-senpai, did Yahiko send you with a task for me?"
Konan offered a curt nod, then a hesitant shake of her head. "Yahiko wasn't particularly forthcoming, but there is indeed a matter requiring your assistance. Our supplies are dwindling, and I was hoping you might accompany me on a procurement mission to the village."
Byakuya's lips curved into a knowing smile. "This must be Yahiko's doing, isn't it?"
"…"
Before Konan could respond, Byakuya gleaned the answer from her conflicted countenance, offering a smile as he nodded. "Alright, I'll come along. It always amuses me to see Yahiko's conflicted expression – fuming over my methods yet relying on me nonetheless."
Konan's brow furrowed in confusion.
This dynamic between Byakuya and Yahiko – when did it develop? Why were she and Nagato oblivious to it?
Despite the swirling questions in her mind, Konan held back. Social interactions weren't her forte. In fact, outside of Yahiko and Nagato, her conversations were typically brief and to the point.
---
The night had fallen thick and heavy by the time they reached the border.
With the sun dipped below the horizon, shadows stretched long and menacing, a chilling reminder of the precariousness of their situation.
To blend in and avoid attracting unwanted attention, especially given Hanzo's waning influence, Byakuya and Konan had discreetly removed their Rain Village headbands.
Huddled around a crackling fire they'd built in a hidden cave, the warmth offered little respite from the biting wind that whipped through the desolate landscape.
The savory scent of grilled fish wafted through the air, momentarily distracting Konan from the ever-present tension. Despite their contrasting personalities, Konan was beginning to understand the depth of Yahiko's trust in Byakuya. It wasn't just his competence in completing missions, but a quiet dependability that resonated beneath his gruff exterior.
From meticulously planned routes to ensuring they had a safe place to rest, Byakuya approached everything with a calculated efficiency.
However, this newfound respect was tinged with a sliver of unease. Byakuya's paranoia, a constant low hum beneath the surface, manifested in his hypervigilance towards even the most ordinary passersby.
It felt like a coiled spring, perpetually on the verge of snapping. What horrors, Konan wondered, had Byakuya witnessed before finding solace within Akatsuki's ranks?
Their meal of grilled fish and rice balls finished, Byakuya sat in solemn silence, his gaze fixed on the rain-streaked canvas of the night sky.
The rhythmic patter of raindrops against the leaves added a melancholic touch to the scene. Konan followed his line of sight, a frown etching itself onto her brow.
Suddenly, the quiet night was shattered by the ominous whine of arrows tearing through the air. Sparks erupted as they found their mark, scattering the embers of their campfire.
A group of hulking figures, clad in raincoats and exuding a menacing aura, materialized at the cave entrance. Konan's blue eyes narrowed, her hand instinctively reaching for the paper tags strapped to her thigh.
These weren't mere bandits; yeah, their bloodlust was unmistakable.
The leader, a man with a cruel scar marring his face, surveyed them with a predatory glint in his eyes. Seeing the absence of headbands, a cruel smirk twisted his lips.
"Camping out in the wilderness isn't exactly the wisest choice, especially in these borderlands. Now, hand over your valuables, and maybe we'll let you live... a little longer."
The audacity of their threat, demanding not just their possessions but their very lives, sent a surge of anger coursing through Konan. Fear wasn't an emotion she entertained easily, but the casual cruelty of these men chilled her.
Byakuya, on the other hand, seemed to shrink back behind Konan, his expression feigning terror.
However, a flicker of something akin to amusement danced in his eyes, unseen by the approaching rogues.
This unexpected turn of events wasn't a setback, it was an opportunity – a chance to deliver a harsh but necessary lesson to Konan.
He had deliberately chosen a risky campsite, a gamble that had paid off.
These rogue ninjas were the unsuspecting prey, caught in the web he'd carefully spun.
While Byakuya formulated his next move, Konan decided to take matters into her own hands. With a deft manipulation of her chakra, she conjured a flurry of paper shuriken, which swirled around her like a deadly storm before hurtling towards the rogue leader, stopping mere inches from his face.
A silent warning, a plea to stand down before things escalated further.
"Stand down! Another step, and I won't hesitate to kill you all!"
"You're ninjas yourselves!" The leader scoffed, his bravado momentarily shaken by the display of power.
But the sight of a young girl wielding such a jutsu reignited his malice.
With a snarl, he lunged forward, a kunai glinting in his hand. Before he could even complete the hand seals for his intended jutsu, a blur of white sent the kunai flying.
A second later, a kunai of its own pierced his chest, silencing his murderous intent forever.
The remaining rogues gaped at their fallen leader, their bloodlust momentarily replaced by sheer bewilderment.
Seizing the moment, Byakuya stepped forward, his eyes cold and calculating.
"Looks like your little leader forgot one important rule. Never underestimate your opponent."