Jiraiya had to admit—his disciple was saving the world through terrifying means. It wasn't just the massive rift in space, but also the projections on a screen-like entity that Jiraiya had once seen years ago: the true form of the Sage of Six Paths, the visage of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, and even the younger appearance of an ancient Myōboku sage. Every image was displayed vividly, as though the past itself were being replayed. If Obito's words represented the Akatsuki's official explanation, then the enormous rift and the golden eye were undeniable evidence. And now, what was needed to save the world was the missing half of the Nine-Tails.
Jiraiya sighed heavily, pressing a hand to his forehead. Where had that half gone when his former disciple sealed it? The thought was suffocating.
Hiding it had long since become impossible. Konan couldn't secretly erase Nagato's memories of what belonged to her. Instead of concealing it through force, it was far easier to separate her aide and tell the truth. By absorbing Zetsu, she had gained part of his abilities—at least the ability to recreate what had been seen, making explanations surprisingly simple.
"Why didn't you come to me?" Nagato said, eyes serious, looking directly at Konan. "The Deva Path's ability isn't just about extracting power."
Konan thought about why she hadn't returned at the time. Shaking her head, she let fate take its course. When she forced a smile, it was ugly and forced. Nagato noticed a rare trace of exhaustion in her eyes.
"Sorry…"
"No need. I can understand your thoughts, at least somewhat." Nagato recalled her past words, reaching out to take Konan's hand, stepping forward. "Go back and tell Konan, then tend to your wounds."
But as before, Konan pulled away. Nagato froze, seeing her halt in place.
"What's wrong? We're here for the Ōtsutsuki. What are you thinking?!"
"Forget it…"
They faced each other in silence.
"Is that the excuse you give yourself?" Nagato's tone sharpened, biting. Never had she spoken so piercingly to Konan, never pressed like a cruel friend demanding the impossible.
Konan said nothing. Obito said nothing.
Nagato's anger swelled—not at Konan, but at the self-destruction of someone she cared for, someone willing to give up life itself.
"I… I… I don't… have time anymore…"
"No. You've survived six years. You can keep going. You're stronger than anyone. A mere poison? What can it do to you? Nagato… believe in yourself, believe in us! We'll find a way to save you! Don't give up!"
It was a rare moment of passion—but the enemy wasn't to be defeated by force.
Konan smiled faintly, looking at Nagato.
"I… I'm really… so, so tired… Nagato… let's… just pretend none of this happened…"
"What about Konan?! What about her?!"
Konan… the one Konan wanted to protect for life. She smiled at the memory, recalling the fleeting days of happiness—laughter and joy that were hers to treasure in the midst of the remaining pain.
Days with Konan. Days with the Akatsuki.
"I… I've hurt her once already… why risk hurting her… again?"
By the time Konan came to Nagato in the evening, she entered directly and asked without preamble.
"How did it go with the Sensei?"
Nagato paused briefly, lost in thought. She had spent so long untangling the hidden truths Obito kept—from Zetsu being sealed by Konan to now. Over six years, Konan had survived on sheer willpower, just to eliminate a threat that might endanger them in the future. Spatial rifts? She didn't care. She cared about enemies far beyond the Akatsuki's reach. She cared about those unable to wield power on this scarred land.
Protection.
Nagato knew she should tell Konan everything: Zetsu's death, Konan still being alive, the years of secret guardianship, every single detail. Yet seeing Konan's frost-like, emotionless face, Nagato didn't know how to start.
Six years. Konan hadn't smiled since. She hadn't spoken a single word to Obito in all that time.
Konan doesn't have much time left. There's truly no other way.
Obito had said it.
If… it happened again… what would Konan do…?
"What's wrong, Nagato?"
Konan's voice snapped Nagato out of his thoughts. He avoided her gaze.
"Nothing."
Konan frowned slightly. Since Nagato returned from above that afternoon, he had been distracted. She could only assume something had happened up there. Observing Jiraiya's expression, it didn't seem like he questioned their actions. Allowing Naruto's seal to be lifted confirmed this. Now that Naruto was safely back at Myōboku, things were moving in the right direction—but what was Nagato still worried about?
"Something on your mind?"
Konan asked again.
He did have something weighing him down. Konan was alive—but he couldn't tell her.
"Not really. Let's not talk about that. Once the nine tailed beasts are collected and the Gedo Statue reactivated, our strength will still be insufficient. How about letting Sensei Jiraiya fill the gap?"
At least ten people were needed to activate the statue. Unlike being a Jinchūriki, it was far more exhausting in some ways.
"Fine. Let's take Karin too. She might be useful."
Few could endure sealing the Phantom Nine-Tails repeatedly. Karin was one of them—from the Five-Tails to now half the Nine-Tails, despite exhaustion, her strength had steadily grown with each sealing.
Nagato nodded.
"Alright. Fine."
In a sense, Uzumaki Karin was also Konan's disciple. The conversation could not continue. Nagato had never hidden anything from Konan, and Konan had never hidden anything from Nagato. So when Nagato tried to withhold something, it created a heavy, suffocating tension between them, like a boulder pressing on his chest.
Konan noticed it.
"Do you have nothing to say?"
She asked simply. She did not know what Nagato was hiding, and couldn't guess. She only wanted to know if he had anything to say. Protecting a family member wasn't a duty—it was necessary.
From the leader of Akatsuki's perspective, there was no reason to explain anything to Konan. But from the perspective of a friend—and family—the fact that Konan was alive was a truth she deserved to know. So Nagato hesitated for less than a second.
"No… just a little tired."
He would rather betray Konan than see her grieve a second time. She had already lost far too much in her life.
"Is that so…"
She doesn't want to hear it…
"Then rest well."
Konan's words left no sound in response as she turned and exited. Nagato didn't utter a single word until the door closed.