Kiyohara knew that Rin did not believe him, so he did not try to explain further. He simply smiled faintly.
It would not be long before they set foot on the moon.
Without the Tenseigan, Toneri's combat strength would never reach the overwhelming level he displayed in the movie.
After all, he had been born disabled, with empty eye sockets that did not even contain eyes.
The only way he perceived the outside world was through a unique sensory ability.
However, the purity of Toneri's Ōtsutsuki bloodline was undeniable.
Strictly speaking, Naruto and Sasuke were both reincarnations of the Sage of Six Paths' sons, which meant they also carried the Sage's bloodline.
Yet when Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki, Ōtsutsuki Urashiki, and the others encountered Naruto and Sasuke, they never regarded them as fellow clansmen. One was merely the Nine Tails' jinchūriki, while the other was simply a troublesome opponent who had awakened the Rinnegan.
But the moment Urashiki saw Toneri, he immediately recognized him as a fellow member of the Ōtsutsuki Clan. Because of the clan's internal rule that forbade members from killing one another, Urashiki merely froze Toneri in time before sealing him away, sparing his life.
"You'll understand eventually."
After thinking for a moment, Kiyohara finally spoke.
"Okay."
Rin nodded.
She clearly assumed he was joking.
Kiyohara said nothing more.
The night breeze drifted past, lifting strands of her long hair.
Rin folded her arms and instinctively shrank her shoulders from the chill.
Without saying a word, Kiyohara removed his jacket and gently draped it over her shoulders.
She froze.
"Kiyohara-kun..."
"It's cold at night."
He interrupted her before she could continue.
Rin lowered her head and looked at the jacket wrapped around her.
It still carried the warmth of his body.
A warm feeling quietly spread through her heart.
She slowly raised her head and looked at him.
Within those soft brown eyes, his figure was reflected perfectly.
"Thank you..."
Kiyohara looked back at her.
Bathed in the moonlight, her cheeks had become slightly flushed.
"You can't just thank me like that."
A playful smile appeared on the corner of his lips.
Rin blinked in confusion.
"Th... then... how should I..."
Before she could finish speaking, Kiyohara had already leaned down.
Her entire body stiffened instantly.
Her eyes widened as his face filled her vision.
Her heart pounded violently inside her chest.
If someone had been measuring her heartbeat at that moment, they would have seen the number climbing higher and higher without stopping.
The clarity within her eyes gradually faded, replaced by a dreamy haze.
At that moment, Rin suddenly realized something.
Although Kiyohara had kissed her once before, it had only been the briefest touch before they separated.
So why did he suddenly seem...
...so incredibly experienced?
"Ki... Kiyohara-kun..."
She wanted to ask him.
But Kiyohara showed absolutely no intention of stopping.
His movements were remarkably skillful.
Before long, Rin became increasingly dazed.
Her body softened until she could barely remain standing, forcing Kiyohara to wrap an arm around her waist to support her.
Seeing her completely flustered appearance, he could not help smiling.
Only after quite a while did Rin finally have the chance to pull away and take several deep breaths.
Unable to withstand any more, she lightly pushed against his chest, quickly turned around, jumped down from the rooftop, and hurried away as fast as she could.
…
Several days later.
Just before they arrived at Konoha, Kiyohara opened one of his sealing scrolls and took out a neatly folded set of clothes before handing it to Konan.
It was an ANBU uniform.
A black skintight combat suit.
Silver armor.
And an animal mask.
Konan accepted the clothing and lowered her eyes to examine it.
"...ANBU?"
"That's right."
Kiyohara looked at her calmly.
"You'll infiltrate Konoha as an ANBU member. It'll make moving around much more convenient."
Konan remained silent for a moment before lifting her head.
"What about Nagato..."
"I'll regularly travel to the Land of Rain."
Kiyohara interrupted her.
"I'll collect his cells and continue researching a treatment."
"You only need to protect yourself and wait for my news."
After thinking it over, Konan realized there really was no better solution.
"...Alright."
She nodded.
Taking the uniform, she removed the black cloak of the Akatsuki.
Beneath it, she was wearing a sleeveless skintight outfit that left her smooth waist completely exposed.
Rin glanced over casually.
Her eyes immediately widened.
Near Konan's navel was a metal ring.
A belly piercing?
Rin suddenly felt that everyone in the Akatsuki was... rather strange.
Nagato was so emaciated he looked like a skeleton.
Those Six Paths puppets had black rods protruding from every part of their bodies.
Konan already had a lip piercing.
And now she even had a belly piercing.
Although Konan possessed a cold yet alluring beauty, Rin simply could not appreciate that particular style.
Even Kiyohara looked a second time.
In the relatively conservative shinobi world, Konan's appearance could truly be considered daring.
Konan noticed both of them looking at her.
She did not say anything.
Instead, she quietly changed into the ANBU uniform.
"Let's go."
Once everything was finished, Kiyohara led the group toward Konoha once again.
Arranging for Konan to enter Konoha as an ANBU operative required almost no effort on his part.
After all, he was already the captain of an ANBU squad.
He still possessed that much authority.
Furthermore, considering Kiyohara's current position and reputation within the village, very few people would dare investigate him.
"Kiyohara-kun."
"Hm?"
"Do you think Konan will be able to get used to living in Konoha?"
Rin looked toward Konan as she asked.
Kiyohara withdrew his gaze.
"She will."
He firmly believed that for Nagato's sake, Konan would devote herself wholeheartedly to whatever work she was assigned.
...
Konohagakure.
As the village gates finally appeared in the distance, Guren's eyes lit up with excitement.
"So this is... Konoha?"
she asked eagerly.
Rin smiled and nodded.
"That's right."
Guren stared at the enormous entrance.
Beyond the towering gates, she could vaguely make out bustling streets filled with people.
Her eyes overflowed with curiosity.
Konoha truly deserved to be called a massive city.
She had never seen a place this lively before.
"It's so huge..."
Kiyohara walked in front, leading them through the village gates.
The streets were crowded with an endless stream of pedestrians.
Guren stayed close beside Kiyohara and Rin, yet her eyes constantly wandered in every direction as she eagerly took in every unfamiliar sight.
Konan quietly followed behind them at the very end.
After passing through several streets, Kiyohara finally stopped in front of a spacious courtyard.
He pushed open the gate.
"Come in."
Guren hesitated briefly before stepping over the threshold.
Several flowering plants grew inside the courtyard, their branches covered with countless tiny white blossoms.
"Kiyohara?"
A woman's voice came from inside the house.
Guren turned toward the sound.
A woman wearing a green coat walked out.
Her long blonde hair hung loosely over her shoulders, with several strands falling naturally across her chest.
Her beautiful face carried a hint of laziness.
But the moment she saw Guren, one eyebrow rose ever so slightly.
"And this is?"
Tsunade walked over to Kiyohara.
Her gaze settled upon the little girl holding Rin's hand.
"Guren."
Kiyohara answered calmly.
"A war orphan."
"I brought her back."
Tsunade lowered her eyes and carefully examined the girl.
Those golden brown eyes lingered on Guren for several moments before narrowing slightly.
A thin face.
Pale skin.
And hidden deep within those eyes...
...a cautious vigilance.
She had seen far too many children like this.
On battlefields.
Among ruined villages.
Within the countless homes swallowed by war.
Back when Jiraiya first met his three students, they had looked almost exactly like the little girl standing before her now.
Tsunade bent down until they were at eye level.
"Kid."
"What's your name?"
Guren looked straight at her.
"...Guren."
"Guren?"
Tsunade nodded approvingly.
"That's a good name."
She stood up and clapped her hands together.
"Alright then."
"Since you're here, you'll stay here."
She turned toward the house.
"There are plenty of rooms."
"You'll have somewhere to sleep."
After taking several steps, she suddenly stopped and looked back.
"Oh, right."
"Have you eaten yet?"
Guren froze before shaking her head.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"Then what are you standing there for?"
"Come inside and eat."
Guren remained where she was.
She looked at Tsunade.
Then she lifted her head and looked toward Kiyohara.
"Go ahead."
Kiyohara nodded.
Only after receiving his approval did Guren quietly nod before following after Tsunade.
At that moment, Tsunade's gaze shifted toward the final figure standing near the entrance.
The slender woman wore an ANBU uniform.
An animal mask concealed her face.
She stood perfectly still.
"And who is this?"
Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kiyohara walked over beside her.
"My subordinate."
he answered evenly.
"My personal bodyguard."
Tsunade's eyebrows climbed even higher.
"Personal bodyguard?"
She carefully looked Konan up and down.
"You?"
"Since when did you become so concerned about your own safety?"
Kiyohara smiled faintly.
"It's a special period."
He offered no further explanation.
But Tsunade understood immediately.
The Hokage selection.
Every candidate possessed the possibility of becoming the next Hokage.
At a time like this, it would be perfectly normal for other villages to send agents to stir up trouble.
"Fine."
She nodded.
However, Tsunade still felt that the masked woman looked strangely familiar.
As though she had seen her somewhere before.
"Konan?"
she suddenly called out.
"Yes."
Kiyohara did not intend to hide it from Tsunade.
"I brought Konan back to temporarily serve under me."
He briefly explained Nagato's situation.
After listening, Tsunade frowned.
This matter was certainly... sensitive.
Still, she trusted Kiyohara's judgment.
He knew where to draw the line between what should and should not be done.
"Do as you see fit."
She continued walking inside.
In any case, Kiyohara's current strength was already extraordinary.
Tsunade did not believe the Akatsuki posed much of a threat anymore.
"Lady Tsunade."
Konan greeted respectfully.
Even she had not expected that despite disguising herself, Tsunade had still recognized her.
Not long afterward.
Several small side dishes had been placed upon the low dining table.
A steaming pot of miso soup rested in the center.
Guren sat quietly beside the table, holding a bowl of rice with both hands.
She ate one small bite after another.
Every mouthful was savored as though she were tasting the greatest delicacy in the world.
Tsunade sat across from her with a cup of sake in hand, quietly watching.
"Slow down."
"No one's going to steal your food."
Guren looked up at her.
After a brief moment, she lowered her head again and continued eating.
This time, however...
...her pace had indeed become much slower.
Rin sat beside Guren, gently placing more food into the little girl's bowl.
"Eat a little more."
Guren obediently nodded and quietly ate everything Rin had served her.
After dinner, Rin took Guren to wash up.
Only Kiyohara, Tsunade, and Konan remained in the living room.
Leaning comfortably against the back of her chair with one leg crossed over the other, Tsunade casually swung her fair foot back and forth.
"What are you planning to do with that child?"
Kiyohara sat down across from her.
"First, I'll help her recover her health. After that, I'll send Guren to the Shinobi Academy."
He had already arranged for Kabuto to enter the Academy once before, so handling something like this had long since become second nature to him.
"The Shinobi Academy, huh? That's actually a pretty good place for her."
Tsunade immediately understood that Kiyohara intended to raise Guren as a proper shinobi.
"She possesses a bloodline limit. Her talent is excellent, so she's worth cultivating."
"What kind of Kekkei Genkai?"
Tsunade asked curiously.
"Crystal Release."
Kiyohara explained that it was a bloodline ability capable of producing all kinds of pink crystal formations for both offense and defense.
After hearing the explanation, Tsunade nodded thoughtfully.
"That does sound like a rather useful ability."
"Then that's settled."
She stood up and stretched lazily.
As she raised her arms, the hem of her green jacket lifted slightly, exposing a section of her smooth, toned waist.
"I'm sleepy."
"I'm going upstairs to take a nap."
She yawned as she walked toward the staircase.
"Oh, right."
She suddenly turned around and looked at Konan.
"Since you're one of Kiyohara's subordinates now, then just stay here and do your job properly."
Having said that, Tsunade continued upstairs.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
Konan answered respectfully.
Gradually, Tsunade's footsteps faded away.
The living room became quiet once again, leaving only Kiyohara and Konan behind.
Kiyohara rose to his feet and walked upstairs.
"Come with me."
Konan silently followed.
He first showed her the room where she would be staying temporarily before leading her into his own room.
Kiyohara sat down at his desk before turning around to face her.
Konan remained standing at the doorway without stepping inside.
Kiyohara looked at her calmly.
"You can take it off."
Konan was silent for a few moments before raising her hand and removing the ANBU mask.
Her cool, elegant face was revealed, while the paper flower nestled within her blue hair gently swayed.
"I'll begin researching Nagato's condition as soon as possible."
Kiyohara said calmly.
"For the next few days, stay here and familiarize yourself with the surroundings."
Konan nodded.
"I understand."
"Anything else?"
Kiyohara asked.
"No."
Konan replied quietly.
"Then go get some rest."
Kiyohara waved his hand dismissively.
Konan turned around to leave.
"Wait."
Kiyohara suddenly called after her.
She stopped and looked back.
Kiyohara met her gaze.
"I'm a little thirsty."
His tone remained perfectly calm.
Konan's brows twitched ever so slightly.
This man really was treating her like an actual subordinate.
Still...
When she thought about Nagato, she had no choice but to cooperate with him.
"Where's the tea?"
Her beautiful eyes swept around the room, but she saw no teacups, tea leaves, or teapot.
"In the kitchen downstairs."
"The cabinet on the left."
Hearing that, Konan opened the door and left.
A short while later, footsteps echoed down the hallway once again.
The door opened.
Konan walked in carrying a tray.
Upon it rested a teapot and a porcelain teacup.
She placed the tray on the desk before picking up the teapot and pouring him a cup.
The tea was crystal clear.
Thin wisps of steam slowly rose into the air.
She gently pushed the cup toward him.
"Please."
Kiyohara picked it up and took a sip.
The temperature was perfect.
He looked very satisfied.
Konan truly did possess the qualities of being a fine maid...
No.
A fine subordinate.
"What are you looking at?"
Konan shot him an annoyed glare.
Because she had been serving the tea, she was sitting formally on her knees beside him.
"Nothing."
Although he answered that way, his eyes remained fixed on her.
From his current angle, he could clearly see the slender stretch of her fair neck.
Because she was sitting in the traditional kneeling position, the tight ANBU trousers clung closely to her body, outlining the graceful curves of her figure.
Occasionally, as she unconsciously shifted her weight slightly to one side, the curve of one hip became even more pronounced.
Kiyohara's gaze lingered on her for several moments.
Then he calmly withdrew his eyes and continued drinking his tea.
"You can go."
Konan nodded.
In the next instant, her body dissolved into countless sheets of paper before disappearing from the room.
Her real body had already hidden itself somewhere in the shadows.
After all, Amegakure also possessed its own ANBU.
Because Hanzo had always feared assassination, Amegakure maintained a rather large ANBU force.
As one of Ame's elite shinobi, Konan naturally knew exactly what an ANBU operative was expected to do.
...
The Root Headquarters.
Beneath the cold, pale lights, Orochimaru stood before an operating table.
He wore a pair of medical gloves as he calmly worked on something.
When he heard the laboratory door open, he raised his head.
"It's finished."
Orochimaru looked toward Danzo's right arm.
The arm was unnaturally pale.
Embedded across its entire surface were countless crimson eyes.
Ten Sharingan in total.
Each one rotated slowly, as though silently observing the world around them.
"It's complete?"
Danzo's voice was rough and hoarse.
Because he did not completely trust Orochimaru, he had refused anesthesia during the entire operation and had remained conscious from beginning to end.
Orochimaru nodded.
"The transplantation went very smoothly."
He removed his surgical gloves.
Previously, Danzo had undergone several smaller transplant procedures.
But today, the total number of implanted Sharingan had finally reached ten.
If they implanted any more, Orochimaru estimated that Danzo would no longer be able to control them.
Ten was the ideal number.
As long as Danzo did not exhaust every Sharingan at once during battle, he could simply replenish any expended eyes afterward.
Combined with the Uchiha Clan's forbidden technique, Izanagi, one could almost say that he had gained a limited form of immortality.
Danzo lowered his head and examined the arm.
It was not his original arm.
It had been taken from a man named Uchiha Shin by Orochimaru.
This arm served as the perfect vessel for both Hashirama Cells and the Sharingan, allowing Danzo to utilize both simultaneously.
He could clearly feel the immense ocular power contained within all ten Sharingan.
"This state needs to remain sealed."
Orochimaru spoke from beside him.
"Otherwise, you won't even be able to move your arm properly."
Danzo had long prepared for that possibility.
Without any trace of panic, he reached into his robes and removed an object.
It was a newly constructed restraint device.
Its interior was densely engraved with fuinjutsu formulas.
He carefully inserted the arm into the restraint before adjusting its position.
Then, one by one, he inserted several heavy bolts to secure everything in place.
Click.
The restraint closed tightly around the arm, completely sealing it inside.
Danzo flexed his fingers.
"Very good."
He turned toward Orochimaru.
"I have something I need you to do."
Orochimaru looked at him.
"What is it?"
"I want you to test Kiyohara's strength."
Danzo's voice became dark.
"I've heard he has mastered a forbidden technique called the Eight Branches Technique."
Orochimaru frowned slightly.
"The Eight Branches Technique?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I taught him that technique."
For a brief moment, Danzo wondered if he had misheard.
What had Orochimaru just said?
"...What?"
"That technique belongs to me."
Orochimaru answered calmly.
"I was the one who gave it to him."
Danzo's complexion visibly turned ashen.
"You gave it to him?"
He simply could not understand what Orochimaru had been thinking.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?!"
Orochimaru merely looked back at him without the slightest change in expression.
"I needed Kiyohara-kun's cooperation."
"Besides, the technique I created was only an incomplete prototype."
"I never expected him to perfect it to such an extent."
Danzo inhaled deeply, suppressing the fury boiling inside him.
"You..."
He pointed at Orochimaru, his finger trembling slightly.
"You're strengthening the enemy!"
Orochimaru did not argue.
He simply stood there quietly, waiting for Danzo's emotions to settle.
A few moments later, Danzo slowly lowered his hand.
"In a few days..."
Orochimaru spoke first.
"I'll go spar with him."
"I want to personally experience just how complete Kiyohara's version of the Eight Branches Technique has become."
He had already received battlefield intelligence reporting that Kiyohara had used the technique during combat.
However, he had never personally witnessed its power firsthand.
Danzo stared at him.
"Are you confident?"
"It's only a spar."
Orochimaru paused before slowly running his long tongue across his lips.
"And besides..."
"I also want to see whether Kiyohara-kun's body..."
"...has undergone any further changes."
(End of Chapter)