Yahiko went to meet Genma, who had accompanied him on the rescue mission.
"Thank you for your hard work today. The Akatsuki will always remember this kindness," Yahiko said sincerely.
Genma smiled faintly and replied, "You're too kind, Yahiko. We're all shinobi of Amegakure, and from now on, we're comrades. It's only natural to help each other."
He paused for a moment and added, "Besides, Hanzō mentioned that if you ever need anything in the future, you're welcome to come to Amegakure. Should the Akatsuki face any problems and you'd prefer not to trouble Hanzō, you can always come directly to me."
As the two exchanged formalities, Nagato approached them. Noticing this, Genma left to assist with the cleanup of the battlefield.
"Is Konan alright? She seemed a bit off," Nagato asked.
Yahiko chuckled softly, "It's nothing. She'll probably be fine after some time."
The conversation shifted.
Yahiko quickly regained his composure and said, "By the way, how much do you know about Asahi?"
Nagato paused to think. "He joined us quite early, along with Kyusuke and Daibutsu. However, he doesn't seem to talk much on regular days. When it comes to missions, though, he's incredibly efficient—a reliable comrade."
Yahiko nodded. "When Kyusuke was detained by Hanzō, I doubted my own judgment. Yet, Asahi remained steadfast in his belief that Hanzō bore no hostility toward us. Silence often hides wisdom."
As he spoke, Yahiko's gaze drifted toward Asahi, who stood in the distance with Kyusuke and Daibutsu.
In his heart, he silently reflected: You can't have it all.
Nagato broke the silence again. "The list of fallen comrades has been compiled."
Yahiko fell silent for a moment before replying, "I see… I already know."
He remembered every member of the Akatsuki vividly. Upon returning, he could immediately tell who was missing.
Nagato's expression darkened with anger. "Those bastards from the great nations! They invade other countries so brazenly!"
Yahiko said firmly, "We will change all of this. The world will one day have peace and stability."
Nagato nodded resolutely. "Yahiko, I believe in you!"
At this moment, Konan had disappeared somewhere.
After bidding farewell to Genma and the others, the Akatsuki members gathered the bodies of their fallen comrades and held a simple farewell ceremony. Only then did Konan reappear, standing silently behind the group.
The atmosphere was heavy. Yahiko led the members in a bow of respect before overseeing the burial of their comrades.
As the ceremony concluded, the somber group dispersed one by one, leaving Yahiko alone in front of the makeshift gravestones, lost in thought.
From a distance, Konan quietly watched him.
"Konan."
A soft voice suddenly broke her reverie.
Turning to see the speaker, Konan instinctively averted her gaze.
"I have something I want to say to you," Asahi began.
Lowering her eyes, Konan replied, "Don't misunderstand. I don't have those kinds of feelings for you. At the time… I had my reasons for what I did."
Asahi shook his head. "You've misunderstood, Konan. I know your heart has always belonged to Yahiko. I'm not expecting anything. But I do have something else to tell you. Could you come with me for a moment?"
Konan finally looked at him. Asahi was around her age, his features clean and refined—quite different from Kyusuke, who always had his face painted with vibrant colors. With his deep brown eyes and neat appearance, Asahi was one of the more handsome members of the Akatsuki.
The two walked to a secluded corner.
Raising one hand, Asahi did something that left Konan astonished. His arm dissolved into countless sheets of white paper, scattering into the air.
Whoosh—
The sound of paper fluttering in the wind filled the silence. Konan's wide, beautiful eyes reflected her disbelief.
"You…"
Asahi spoke calmly, "I found it strange too. It's as if certain knowledge has appeared in my mind out of nowhere. Somehow, I've learned your secret technique."
Konan snapped out of her shock and quickly asked, "What else do you know?"
"Konan, what do you mean by that?" Asahi asked, his expression puzzled.
Konan's throat moved as she struggled to say the words.
"Tier 2 Authority."
Asahi frowned. "What is that?"
Konan froze in place. This was something she could never bring herself to discuss with Yahiko, but strangely, she found herself able to mention it in front of Asahi.
Was it because she was somehow bound to him?
[First-Level Reward: Triple Chakra (Unlocked)]
[Second-Level Reward: Tenfold Chakra(Locked)]
[Second-Level Reward Unlock Condition: First Night]
First night…
Konan's eyes trembled slightly. She could feel the immense surge of chakra within her—an overwhelming, almost unnatural power. The absurdity of this world struck her deeply.
But why had this power chosen her of all people?
She thought of Yahiko's forlorn expression when he looked at her, and her heart clenched painfully.
"Konan, do you know something about this?" Asahi asked again, breaking the silence.
"…No," Konan replied, choosing to hide the truth.
Finally, she said to him, "Let's just forget about this. From now on, we're nothing more than comrades."
Asahi nodded. "Understood."
After they parted ways, Asahi returned to the base only to be intercepted by Kyusuke.
"Hey, you sly dog! When did you manage to pull that off?" Kyusuke asked, his face a mix of envy and teasing.
Asahi hesitated. "You've misunderstood. Konan and I aren't in that kind of relationship."
"If you're not, then why would she… take the initiative to kiss you?" Kyusuke pressed, his tone filled with curiosity and disbelief.
Asahi noticed several others casting curious glances his way. It seemed that the incident had already become common knowledge among the group.
"At that life-and-death moment… Konan probably just pitied me. That's why she acted that way," Asahi explained.
Kyusuke looked unconvinced.
Asahi added, "It's better not to bring this up again in the future."
Kyusuke scratched his head, finally realizing it wasn't a matter to be openly discussed within the group. He decided to remind the others to keep it quiet as well.
That night, rain began to fall again. In the Land of Rain, most buildings were constructed on elevated terrain or as tall towers to avoid being submerged by the perpetual downpours.
Yahiko sought out Asahi and invited him to the veranda outside.
The night was as dark as ink, with thick clouds obscuring the sky. No stars were visible, and even on clear days, the sun rarely graced the Land of Rain.
"Don't misunderstand, Yahiko. Konan and I have no such relationship," Asahi said preemptively.
Yahiko tilted his head slightly and chuckled. "It's you who's misunderstood."
"No matter what choices Konan makes, I won't interfere. I've already decided to dedicate my life to the ideals of the Akatsuki."
Asahi didn't press the matter further.
Yahiko changed the subject. "Today, during my meeting with Hanzō, he asked me to become his deputy. I refused."
"Why?"
"While I respect Hanzō deeply, I can't fully agree with some of his actions over the years."
Asahi paused, unsure if Tobi or Zetsu might be secretly observing them. He chose his words carefully.
After a moment of silence, he said, "The Akatsuki needs a bigger platform."
Yahiko's smile widened. "I know. Earlier, before Genma left, he told me Hanzō wants to meet Nagato. I agreed."
Asahi's mind raced, quickly piecing together the significance of Yahiko's decision.
"Brother Yahiko, are you planning for Nagato to eventually stay by Lord Hanzō's side?"
Yahiko gazed at the rain in the distance and said slowly, "Nagato is different from me. He possesses the legendary power… Perhaps he is the one destined to bring change, and I'm merely a guide along the way."
"The Akatsuki needs a larger platform and a broader perspective," Yahiko said, his tone resolute. "Otherwise, we'll always be stuck in this cycle of minor operations. Helping others is meaningful, yes, but it's still far too distant from the ultimate goal we aspire to."
Yahiko was fully aware of his own limitations. He hoped that Nagato could one day take his place and carry the dream forward.
Asahi's expression remained calm as he responded, "Yahiko, we will always support you."
Yahiko turned to glance at Asahi, then smiled. "I read that love letter you wrote. It was pretty well done. At least, it conveyed your sincerity."
Asahi froze. "..."
Yahiko sighed thoughtfully, his tone filled with trust. "You'll be someone worth entrusting important things to."