According to Itachi, the man was named Hidan. His ability was unique: immortality. But his skill level? Average. Talkative, arrogant, self-righteous, with overly elaborate killing methods. First, he would take the enemy's blood, draw a cursed ritual, lick the blood, then harm himself—the damage would be transferred to the opponent. Simply put, he had a strange ability, but due to his personality, he could essentially be categorized as a mid-tier fighter—not particularly threatening. The reason Pain valued him was simple: no matter what happened, he couldn't die.
After hearing Itachi's description, Konan thought this might be someone who could keep Kakuzu in check. Honestly, Kakuzu's tendency to go on killing sprees whenever he was irritated had caused Konan countless headaches. Once, she had painstakingly rescued ChoChojuro, only for Kakuzu to kill him a few days later—it was infuriating.
"By the way, how's your progress going?" Itachi asked, referring to the sealing of Zetsu. Konan, having made no real progress in learning sealing techniques, had decided to take a break, reset her mood, and continue slowly. Itachi had come to spar with her, and after a few bouts, they finally had a moment to chat.
—Actually, I'm not good at sealing techniques.
"No progress at all?"
Itachi's tone was unusually sharp. Konan felt a sting; although true, hearing it so bluntly made her pride ache.
—Not entirely.
Her response was more tactful. Itachi understood—sealing techniques required talent. Some people were born adept; others could struggle a lifetime and never master them.
"I've heard a little. You don't necessarily need sealing techniques. Even if Zetsu's essence is consciousness, the current Zetsu is tangible. Anything tangible can be destroyed."
—You mean…?
"Amaterasu."
Itachi's voice was calm. Konan considered the possibility of using Amaterasu to eliminate Black Zetsu.
—Theoretically it should work, but I'm not sure if it'll actually be effective.
Konan said this, and Itachi nodded. He summoned a toad-sized black crow, handing it to her.
"This crow can use Amaterasu once. If you infuse it with chakra, you can control the flames. Even if it doesn't kill Zetsu, it'll immobilize him temporarily, and then you can seal him."
Itachi's sincerity was evident, and Konan hesitated, suspicious.
—Why are you… so helpful?
She asked cautiously.
Itachi smiled genuinely.
"Madara can threaten Konoha. You've uncovered the truth about Obito—I'm grateful. So regarding Madara's consciousness, I want to help as much as I can. If you don't trust me, then fine."
Well, that's a good reason, Konan thought. She placed her chakra into the crow, feeling the hidden Amaterasu fire within. Itachi hadn't lied. After finishing, she waved the summoned crow back to its place.
—Thank you.
Itachi shook his head lightly, relaxed.
"No need. You're right—humans are social creatures." Itachi's words were cryptic, but Konan remembered past conversations, recalling the boyish ease in his smile from years ago.
"I've spoken with Pain," he added.
Ah, that explains it.
"Pain said as long as I'm alive, he won't act against Konoha—except for the Nine-Tails jinchuriki."
It was exactly the kind of promise only Nagato could make—and keep.
"He's an extraordinary man. I think he's trustworthy."
Konan considered what she knew of Nagato. It made sense. He had a natural charisma, a subtle authority that compelled people to follow him. It wasn't overt leadership; Pain often left day-to-day matters to Konan, only offering guidance in broad strokes. If brute force could solve a problem, he didn't waste words. Only when complexity surpassed the reach of brute force would he intervene verbally—and if that failed, he'd act physically.
For example, with Konan herself: their first encounter was sheer force. Konan thought she'd die under Pain's hands—but he stopped and offered her an invitation.
—You're strong. I need your power.
Then came trust, or perhaps a sort of laissez-faire style. Nagato's confidence wasn't about ignoring problems entirely, but letting capable people act. As Itachi said, it was an almost unbelievable behavior—handling Obito, handling Itachi, handling Kisame.
"I'm starting to enjoy life in Akatsuki a bit," Itachi said with a smile. Konan thought, fundamentally, he was a gentle person.
—Remember, Akatsuki's goal is to dominate the Five Great Nations.
Itachi shook his head.
"Sometimes I just think about how to achieve world peace. Maybe Pain's methods are right—gather the tailed beasts, deter with force, prevent anyone from acting rashly. It sounds scary, but done correctly, it might be the only way. The tailed beasts disrupt balance; without them, humans accustomed to violence might find another solution. Whether it's sustainable? That's the hard part."
Oh no… Konan thought. This guy thinks like Nagato. Their level is too high—she could hardly keep up.
"Just occasionally, for fun. Humans fighting are just insects to the world anyway."
Well, not all is lost, she thought, approving silently.
—Anyway, there's still plenty of time. Study peace in your own way.
Finally, Konan said this. Itachi looked slightly surprised.
"You're not interested?"
Not at all.
She shook her head firmly.
—Probably a difference in thinking between men and women. My goal is simple: eliminate Akatsuki threats, assist you in your work. The Eye of the Moon Plan, the Tailed Beast Project—how you execute them is irrelevant. My duty is to ensure you move forward your way.
"Impressive," Itachi said. He stood on a rocky outcrop by the village sea, a quiet place with no one around.
"I'll head back. Thanks for today." Itachi said sincerely. Konan waved, thinking it was really the crow with Amaterasu she should be thanking.
Seeing the time was early, she decided not to bother with the difficult seals today. Obito wasn't around either, so a small break was fine. What's for dinner? Curry sounded good—recently it had been mostly grilled food. Konan stopped to buy ingredients: chicken breast, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, radishes, lemons, curry powder. Passing a fruit stand, she saw small red jujubes on sale—so tempting she spent the last of her change.
With her arms full, she moved downstream, streets mostly empty after recent rain. Curious glances and whispers were present as usual, but she wasn't bothered. The store owner sold the fruit at the promotion price, which made her smile. The villagers were slowly accepting her—though slowly, at least it wasn't like before.
Then she felt a tap on her back. Turning, she saw Konan smiling faintly—her partner. Early again, skipping work, as usual. She sighed inwardly. When she had been a subordinate, she had sympathized. Now, with a new boss, it seemed only Shigure suffered.
"What's for dinner?" Konan asked casually. Her partner's question felt natural. Konan glanced around—they were approaching the middle-to-lower stream. There were some people, but far enough away. Just to be safe, she gave a measured reply.
Seeing her partner deliberately give space, Konan felt slightly annoyed. It was as if being seen together was embarrassing. No one was around, yet Konan's partner acted distant—it was infuriating.
She stepped closer playfully, bumping shoulders.
"Hey, angel, I'm asking you a question. Are you going to answer?" Konan teased, a mischievous smile on her face.
Really… not yet downstream, people might appear.
Konan internally groaned, but seeing her partner's grinning face, she couldn't act indifferent. Angel… angel… she thought, recalling their earlier closeness. Like a triumphant cat.
"What are you laughing at?"
A playful scold, her delicate fingers pinching Konan's arm, her body brushing against his. She didn't push hard—just enough to sting slightly. Konan laughed more, holding the groceries with one arm, swatting at her mischievous fingers. She missed, and in under two seconds, her partner pinched again.
"What are you laughing at, you sneaky little devil? Planning mischief?"
Mischief? I've already planned plenty in my mind… Konan thought, laughing more heartily. Her partner didn't sense the bad intentions, but her mood was infectious. Their proximity naturally brought affectionate gestures, now second nature. Konan didn't push away; instead, she intertwined their fingers, walking together.
Well, we're already downstream…
…
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