In front of Kaguya was a simply yet elegantly decorated dango shop.
"Boss, two skewers of red bean dango, and a bowl of mung bean soup."
"Coming right up."
In no time, the dango and mung bean soup were brought over. Feeling her mouth water, Kaguya was about to dig in when she noticed someone beside her.
With light bluish-purple hair, a delicate face, and light orange eyes, wearing a light purple paper flower on the right side of her head, it was none other than Konan from the Akatsuki.
"Didn't expect to see you here," Kaguya put down her dango and stood up, gazing deeply at Konan. "Is this fate? In that case, let's have a sweet hug."
With that, Kaguya extended her arms and hugged Konan, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek with her eyes closed.
"Slap!"
"Ouch, ouch," Kaguya crouched down, holding her head and sucking in a breath. "That was too hard."
"Who told you to talk nonsense all the time," Konan said with a smile. "I knew I'd find you at a dango shop."
"That's called a heart-to-heart connection." Kaguya wagged her right index finger.
"Enough fooling around," Konan took Kaguya's hand and whispered. "I have something to discuss with you."
"What is it?" Kaguya picked up another dango, dipped it in sauce, and took a bite, her face filled with happiness.
"Why did you do that this time?" Konan asked, her eyes fixed on Kaguya.
"What did I do?" Kaguya tilted her head and put down the dango, using her finger to scratch her cheek in confusion. "I don't think I did anything."
"Have you forgotten about the Konoha ninja from a few days ago?" Konan whispered. "Sarutobi Asuma."
"Oh, that," Kaguya realized. "I thought it was something major. Actually, I had my reasons."
Kaguya cleared her throat and continued, "Sarutobi Asuma is insignificant to us. Killing him doesn't benefit us at all. Thirty-five million ryo may seem like a lot, but it's actually not that much. Plus, it would alert Konoha. Right now, Konoha doesn't know about our plans. If we rashly kill their people, it might attract their attention. By stopping Hidan and Kakuzu, it makes them think we're not targeting them, making it easier for us to act later."
Konan listened quietly to Kaguya's long explanation, not showing any reaction, just staring intently at Kaguya.
Kaguya knew her reasoning was flimsy and unconvincing.
She sighed and waved her hand, saying, "Alright, alright, the main reason is that I find Kakuzu annoying."
"Hmm." Konan nodded lightly at this reason.
Everyone in the Akatsuki knew that Kaguya and Kakuzu were arch-enemies, constantly fighting. If not for Nagato, they might have fought to the death.
This reason made Konan more convinced.
"But your recent behavior has been very poor. Nagato is a bit unhappy," Konan said softly.
"Let him be unhappy," Kaguya said indifferently. "It's not my problem."
"Kaguya," Konan frowned. "Don't be so reckless."
"Alright, I got it. Don't mention that guy," Kaguya waved dismissively, then her face changed, smiling sweetly at Konan. "But, Konan..."
"No respect for your elders. You should call me Sister Konan," Konan said, giving Kaguya a light knock on the head.
Kaguya quickly held her head, grinning at Konan. "Sister Konan, have you considered what I asked you before?"
"What thing?" Konan looked confused and puzzled at Kaguya.
"You didn't forget, did you?" Kaguya said with a displeased face. "I mean you agreeing to be my girlfriend."
"Oh, you mean that," Konan suddenly realized. "No, that won't do."
This matter started a few years ago. When Kaguya first joined Akatsuki, she was all alone and couldn't completely trust anyone. While other members eyed her warily, it was Konan who stepped in to help her, sparing her a lot of trouble.
One major problem was Kakuzu, who never gave up on ambushing Kaguya, always aiming for the hundred million ryo bounty on her head. This was also why Kaguya disliked Kakuzu so much. At that time, Nagato was conveniently absent, and Kaguya's Tenseigan was in its nascent stage, unable to fully unleash its power. Just as Kaguya was about to face a life-and-death battle with Kakuzu, Konan intervened, warning him off and helping Kaguya through her most difficult period. Konan, like a gentle, kind, and beautiful elder sister, naturally attracted affection, and Kaguya developed feelings for the caring Konan.
Kaguya then began to pursue Konan, but with her current behavior, it was impossible to succeed. Tired of the harassment, Konan casually dismissed Kaguya's advances, not expecting Kaguya to take it seriously.
"You clearly agreed," Kaguya protested.
"I only said I would consider it," Konan smiled, tapping Kaguya's forehead with her finger.
"Fine, just keep brushing me off," Kaguya sighed, placing her hands behind her head. She knew that with her current appearance as a girl, it was a bit difficult.
"After all, we're both women, so how could that be possible?" Konan laughed, patting Kaguya's head.
"So you're saying that if I were a man, it would be okay?" Kaguya suddenly turned and asked.
"I'd consider it."
"Again with the 'considering,' no sincerity at all."
Leaving the dango shop and following behind Konan along the road, Kaguya curiously looked around and asked, "Where are we going?"
"To the Land of Earth," Konan replied, turning to Kaguya. "Your recent behavior has made Nagato unhappy, so I'm here to accompany you on a mission."
"Really?" Kaguya secretly thanked Nagato.
"Yes, our mission this time is to the Land of Earth," Konan explained. "The One-Tail, Two-Tails, and Three-Tails have already been sealed. Next is the Four-Tails."
"I heard that Sasori died," Kaguya asked curiously.
"Yes, he died fighting Chiyo and a rookie," Konan said seriously. "You must also be careful. Although your strength is good, never be careless. Being from Konoha, you should know that there are a few notable figures in Konoha."
"Understood," Kaguya nodded, though she didn't fully agree. If Sasori hadn't held back at the end, an elderly Chiyo and an inexperienced Sakura wouldn't have stood a chance.
"Alright, we should get going," Konan said. "We need to strike before they become alert. If discovered, the mission will be much harder."
"Okay."
The Land of Earth is located in the northwest of the continent, covered with rocks and deserts. The landscape is barren, with only rocks in sight. Due to the lack of vegetation, the surface is exposed to the wind, causing severe erosion. When the wind blows, it stirs up a sandstorm.
Kaguya had been to this place a few years ago to recruit Deidara. Now, returning, she found it hadn't changed much—still as desolate as ever.