Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded at the door.
Takumi opened the door, and outside stood Yugito.
She lived in the house next to Takumi's and had faintly heard sounds coming from next door last night.
This made her restless.
She waited for Takumi to come to her.
But unfortunately, after a whole night, she still hadn't waited.
So, she decisively took the initiative.
"You're back?"
Yugito looked at Takumi with a hint of resentment in her eyes.
Hearing the resentment in her voice, Takumi smiled softly and pulled her into his arms.
"I couldn't help myself yesterday. Don't worry, I'll make it up to you."
Takumi smiled and led her to the bedroom.
Looking at Kurenai, who was still sleeping soundly with a satisfied smile on her lips, Yugito felt a twinge of jealousy for no reason.
But this jealousy quickly dissipated.
She knew her place.
Just one of Takumi's many women.
Someone as charming and powerful as Takumi, and also a womanizer, definitely wouldn't have just one woman by his side.
She had known this long ago.
Ever since Takumi revived her, she had lost the right to choose.
Her life was destined to be one of the women by Takumi's side.
She had already accepted this identity.
But that didn't mean she wouldn't have feelings.
"Hmph."
She let out a soft snort, expressing her dissatisfaction. Not at Kurenai, but at Takumi.
After all, Takumi hadn't even come to see her after returning.
"Alright, it's my fault."
Takumi comforted her. "Wait here for a moment. I'll make you a delicious breakfast to apologize."
He placed his hands on her shoulders, guiding her to sit on the bed, then returned to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast.
…
In the Land of Rain, at the Akatsuki's secret base.
In an open space, Pain summoned the Outer Path Statue.
Everyone was already in their positions, waiting to absorb the Three-Tails into the statue.
"Before we start, I have something to announce."
Pain looked around. "I think some of you have already noticed."
The others turned their gazes to an empty finger.
That was originally Deidara's position.
"That's right, Deidara has defected."
Pain said calmly.
His attitude was as calm as if he were saying he had porridge for breakfast this morning.
And everyone else's expressions were also very indifferent.
Or rather, they had expected this.
It could only be said that Deidara's previous behavior made them not at all surprised by his defection.
It was only a matter of time.
"What about Tobi's partner? Should we choose another backup candidate?"
Kisame looked at the masked Tobi. "Should we let him join our team?"
"Not for now."
Pain shook his head. "There's no suitable candidate at the moment. Tobi will temporarily act alone."
Hearing Pain's words, the others looked at Tobi with eyes full of doubt.
Previously, they had heard that Obito had returned alone and brought back the Three-Tails.
They originally thought Deidara had defeated the Three-Tails but defected for other reasons.
Now it seemed that the one who captured the Three-Tails was probably Tobi.
'This seemingly funny guy seemed to have pretty good strength.'
Capturing a Tailed Beast was something everyone present was confident they could do alone.
But Tobi, a guy they saw as a fool, also had this kind of strength.
Thinking about it, it made sense.
Without this level of strength, he wouldn't have been recruited into the Akatsuki.
"Please take care of me from now on, everyone!"
Tobi bowed deeply, so quickly it seemed he might throw himself off balance.
The others were noncommittal and didn't respond to Tobi.
"Alright, let's begin now."
Seeing that everyone had accepted, Pain began to preside over the Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals.
With no one to disturb them, Pain didn't speed up this time.
Silence persisted for a while.
Finally, someone couldn't stand the boredom.
"Um, isn't anyone concerned about Deidara-senpai?"
Tobi cautiously looked at the others. "Is Senpai really that disliked? Before, when Sasori-senpai left, everyone went to see him."
"His defection was expected sooner or later."
Kisame opened his small eyes and replied. "We were surprised by Sasori's betrayal before, which is why we went to see him."
"Deidara's defection was expected. Barring any unexpected circumstances, the place he'll go is definitely Konoha. Only that guy Takumi would make him defect."
Kakuzu said in a hoarse voice. "Enough useless talk, just a waste of time."
"Oh."
Tobi obediently closed his eye.
Tobi had originally wanted to test everyone's thoughts.
He knew the people in this organization had no loyalty.
They all gathered for their own interests.
He wanted to see if anyone else had thoughts of defecting.
But no one spoke, preventing him from making a judgment.
"Zetsu, have you found the location of the Four-Tails?"
Pain looked at Black Zetsu at this moment.
"We have a clue."
Black Zetsu nodded, delivering some good news.
"Then the task of capturing the Four-Tails will be left to you two, Itachi and Kisame."
Pain quickly made the assignment decision.
"No problem, I've been getting impatient."
Kisame immediately grinned.
They hadn't participated in the previous few capture missions.
This was their first time capturing a Tailed Beast.
He certainly wanted to perform well.
"Mm."
Itachi nodded faintly in response, his attitude very cold.
But everyone was used to it.
Itachi faced everyone with the same expression, as if he was not only cold on the outside, but also cold on the inside.
After that,
The conversation fell into silence again.
…
After making breakfast,
Takumi returned to the bedroom and found Yugito had fallen asleep on the bed.
She had even wrapped her arms around Kurenai like a body pillow.
Yugito hadn't slept at all last night, so as soon as she touched the bed, sleepiness immediately overcame her, and she fell asleep.
Seeing them sleeping soundly, Takumi smiled softly and didn't wake them.
Instead, after eating his own portion, he quietly left the house.
Then, he headed straight for the Hokage Tower.
Standing outside the Hokage's Office, he didn't hear any sound this time.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in."
Hiruzen's voice came through the door.
Takumi pushed the door open and entered. There was no one else in the room besides Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama."
Takumi bowed slightly.
"Good work, Takumi-kun."
Hiruzen nodded with a smile. "How is our guest being treated?"
"Very well. He seems to want to settle here permanently."
Takumi said with a smile.
"That's good."
Hiruzen nodded with a smile.
"Regarding this guest, I have an idea."
Takumi revealed a meaningful smile.
"Oh? Let's hear it."
Hiruzen's eyes lit up, looking at Takumi with expectation.
"I plan to recommend him to the mine."
Takumi revealed a brilliant smile.
"..."
Deidara looked curiously at the enormous cave in front of him.