Shigure spoke earnestly, trying to reason with Konan, but she merely blinked and refused to respond.
"I didn't have breakfast this morning. Can't you cut some slack for your Konan-sama? I haven't been shirking all day!"
"Well then, may I ask… what exactly is the ANBU doing by your side?"
"Making my life difficult."
From the shadows, the ANBU quietly whimpered. Shigure's heart sank—really sank. Eventually, he decided it was futile to argue further. After submitting the necessary documents, he let his Konan-sama ignore the drama of this little schemer.
"Do as you like. Those who need to know in the village already do, and those who shouldn't know… well, they probably already realize it. Just one reminder: don't make too much of a scene."
Konan blinked, pretending not to understand Shigure's warning. Shigure didn't press further, instead giving a brief report:
"Also, in the North District, there are a few kids of school age. Should they be placed in a separate class?"
"How many?" Konan asked.
"Three."
Konan smirked, casting Shigure a disdainful glance. Shigure flushed, feeling guilty. "Understood, I'll report to the principal and ensure it's handled."
Konan shook her head generously. "No need. Just give them a lesson."
Shigure paused, then exhaled slightly, a faint smile forming as he let slip words he normally wouldn't dare:
"Konan-sama… you really are too kind."
Konan was momentarily startled, then noticed the sincerity in Shigure's eyes. Her lips curved almost involuntarily, a trace of gratitude and warmth softening her expression.
"Having such a capricious direct superior must be frustrating for you at times," Konan remarked.
Shigure shook his head.
"No. Even though I constantly hear 'Konan-sama, Konan-sama,' you are still human. Don't worry—the villagers won't care like they used to."
He bowed deeply, then lifted his head solemnly.
"Over a decade ago, you and Lord Pain saved this village. Now, you, the others from Akatsuki, and that one lord… you are all heroes who have saved the world. No matter what others say, in our hearts, you are heroes. Your happiness is our wish, and for that, I, Shigure, am willing to give my life to protect it!"
Well, though Shigure was rigid, stubborn, and slow to open his mind, he was truly a loyal subordinate. When such a straightforward, honest man spoke genuinely, it was incredibly moving. Konan's eyes narrowed in a smile.
"So obedient~ Go do your work~"
The phrase, while meant to praise, shattered the delicate mood. Shigure was ushered out, carrying instructions from his Konan-sama. It was no surprise to see Zaraki Kita standing at a distance. As a ninja, her diligence was undeniable—even Shigure, usually critical, acknowledged this.
Honestly, it's a blessing she's alive.
Because of her presence, the aloof Konan-sama could smile.
"Eh, Zaraki Kita," Shigure called out, using her full name—the lowly surname, Zaraki, the simple given name, Kita.
Zaraki Kita looked at him, puzzled.
Having worked together before, from initial disdain to eventual equality, it had been hard for Shigure to accept a non-human as a comrade. But time had forced him to recognize the fact: her abilities, knowledge, and skill surpassed his. Disdain quietly vanished; he silently acknowledged her in his heart.
"W-what is it?"
"Nothing. Konan-sama wants you to come inside."
Shigure said simply. Zaraki Kita nodded and stepped forward, brushing past him.
Then Shigure said what he had longed to express but had held back out of pride:
"Hey… you came to this village, fought, survived… it's been good. I owe you, and… thank you."
Zaraki Kita was startled. Shigure waved his hand, urging her onward. "Go in." Then, he said nothing further, striding away.
Zaraki Kita, truthfully, was even more perplexed.
=======
She knocked and entered, waiting for acknowledgement before stepping fully inside.
Konan showed nothing that might confuse Zaraki Kita. Her smile was natural, as it had always been. Although she had once been told by Obito that Konan hadn't laughed or spoken to anyone for years, that was because a non-human named Zaraki Kita had been part of her life. Now, without that shadow, Konan had returned to her true self. It's wonderful, Zaraki Kita thought, wanting to applaud.
"You haven't been formally introduced. I'm Konan, also half-leader of this village. You're a ninja here, but since you're an external Akatsuki member, just call me Konan, like Kakuzu and the others," she said with a bright smile.
Her half-closed eyes made Zaraki Kita feel slightly uneasy, though she couldn't pinpoint why. She nodded, agreeing to Konan's request, and carefully placed the ninja registration form, which had been requested by the village the day before, onto the table.
"Is… there… any mission you… need me to do?" she stammered.
Konan thought for a moment.
"There's been some internal reorganization. You're not needed for now. You're part of the village anyway, and I need someone to run errands. You'll help me."
Uh… What a ridiculous excuse. Zaraki Kita was speechless. The ANBU lurking outside could handle errands, but Konan's logic suggested otherwise. She crossed her arms, wearing an expression that silently said: get to the point.
Konan ignored her expression, sipping water before issuing the order.
"I'm hungry. Go buy me lunch."
Really? That's it?
"What… should I get?"
"Have you always stuttered?"
It was blunt, slightly rude for a stranger. Zaraki Kita pursed her lips and nodded slightly.
"Do you know what you want to order?"
"…Yes."
"Can't change?"
She shook her head, stammering even more under Konan's gaze.
"Have you tried to control it?"
Zaraki Kita thought for a moment and said, "…I have."
Konan watched her silently for a while, then nodded. "Go do it."
"You… what should I eat?"
"Up to you."
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