Chapter 41: Do You Believe Fate Brought Us Together Here?
Recovery
"Lady Tsunade, I'm really completely fine now."
In a fairly clean and tidy room, Uchiha Kazuki—wrapped up like a mummy in bandages—looked utterly helpless.
"No way. I'm the doctor here—or are you the doctor?"
Tsunade lay sprawled casually beside him on the bed, completely lacking any sense of propriety. She wore a loose, tea-green kimono that had shifted to reveal a dangerous amount of her ample cleavage, exuding an alluring mature charm.
At the hem of her kimono, her two shapely legs were crossed casually, her delicate toes curled slightly—smooth and perfect as white jade.
This woman... has no shame whatsoever!
Uchiha Kazuki covered his eyes with one hand and sighed deeply. "Lady Tsunade, I've told you many times already—please show some modesty, would you?"
"Oh my~ What are you so afraid of?"
Tsunade licked her lips and shot him a teasing look. "Kid, you're not thinking about anything inappropriate, are you?"
"Sorry, but I don't have any interest in women older than me."
Uchiha Kazuki retorted flatly.
"Tch~"
Tsunade pouted and waved her hand dismissively. "Stop being so full of yourself! I don't like bratty kids like you anyway!"
The atmosphere suddenly became awkward and tense.
"By the way, where did Hikari go?"
Unable to endure Tsunade's occasional resentful glances any longer, Uchiha Kazuki coughed twice before changing the subject.
"Tsk, you little pervert."
Tsunade rolled her eyes dramatically. "Don't worry—I sent Hikari out to buy some supplies. It's quite far from Amegakure proper, so we're safe here."
"I see."
Uchiha Kazuki said nothing more.
"Hey, tell me honestly—do you like Hikari?"
Tsunade suddenly leaned in close, her expression mischievous and teasing.
Uchiha Kazuki was caught off guard, not expecting Tsunade to suddenly invade his personal space. The intoxicating fragrance wafting from her made him acutely aware that with just a slight tilt of his head, he could see directly down the woman's dangerously low neckline. His thoughts raced briefly, and he nearly slipped out of his detached 'Spectator' mindset.
"No, you misunderstand."
Uchiha Kazuki adjusted his glasses with one finger and replied calmly. "I don't harbor romantic feelings for her. It's simply concern for a comrade—nothing more."
"Tch~ Such a hypocrite."
Tsunade seemed completely convinced he was lying about liking Hikari. She muttered under her breath: "Dishonest brat. Don't come crying to me when reality slaps you in the face later!"
Uchiha Kazuki simply shook his head, ignoring her commentary.
Like someone?
No. He would never truly like anyone.
From the moment he consumed the Sequence 9 'Spectator' potion of his pathway, any extraneous emotions had become an unaffordable luxury.
An Errand
As the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly awkward, Hikari pushed open the door and entered. "Lady Tsunade, I'm back."
"Ah, thank you for your hard work, Hikari~"
Tsunade reclined lazily on the bed like a contented cat, her eyes half-closed in satisfaction.
Uchiha Kazuki glanced at the bags Hikari carried—Tsunade had mostly ordered sake and takeout food. He covered his face helplessly. "Lady Tsunade, didn't you say you were going to stop drinking?"
"Huh? Did I say that?"
Tsunade blinked innocently, a sudden idea forming in her mind. "Haha, I think I might have said something like that... but the mission is over now! A little celebratory drink won't hurt~"
Before long, she'd gotten herself thoroughly drunk and passed out cold.
Poor alcohol tolerance but still loves to drink—is this what they mean by having a weak constitution but strong addiction?
Uchiha Kazuki shook his head in exasperation and turned to Hikari. "Hikari, I need to go out for approximately two days. During that time, could you please help me implant a false memory in her mind? I'd appreciate it."
"No problem."
Hikari nodded obediently, then bit her lip nervously, fidgeting with her fingers as she asked cautiously: "Um... may I come with you?"
"No need—I can handle this alone."
Uchiha Kazuki ruffled the girl's hair affectionately and smiled gently. "Besides, I think you staying here will actually be more helpful to my plans."
"Yes... I won't let her interfere with your objectives."
Hikari's mood dipped slightly with disappointment, but she still forced herself to cheer up and made her promise with determination.
"So reliable."
Uchiha Kazuki changed out of his bandages into dark traveling clothes, donned a wide-brimmed straw hat, and pressed down the brim with one hand before opening the window. "Then, I'm leaving everything to you, Hikari."
Under the cover of darkness, he leaped out silently.
Whoosh!
With several fluid bounds across rooftops, he vanished into the night like a phantom.
Wandering in Grief
Amegakure.
The same dreary, gloomy weather persisted as always—a light drizzle falling endlessly.
Pedestrians hurried along the streets, businesses operated as usual, and the busiest establishments were undoubtedly the small izakayas and ramen shops lining every corner.
Everything seemed unchanged, just as it always had been.
"As expected... they've concealed Hanzō's death from the public."
Wearing a black hooded cloak and carrying a paper umbrella, Konan silently observed the familiar village streets, her heart filled with profound sorrow. "It's such a shame that this brief peace will soon be shattered completely."
In just two days, her entire life had been turned upside down.
Yahiko's tragic death had left the Akatsuki organization leaderless and directionless. Nagato—the only person who could possibly stabilize their dire situation—had pushed himself too far using that forbidden summoning technique. The massive chakra drain had left him frighteningly emaciated, barely able to stand on his own.
The only positive development so far was that the Rain shinobi seemed to have identified Tsunade—one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha—as Hanzō's killer.
This unexpected scapegoat had given the already chaotic Akatsuki organization a desperately needed chance to catch its breath.
"Yahiko... can you hear me? Please... tell me what I should do now..."
A lost and bewildered Konan wandered aimlessly through the rain, her paper umbrella held loosely above her head. Her lonely figure seemed completely isolated from the bustling world around her.
For reasons she couldn't quite explain, her wandering eventually brought her to a simple street stall.
This modest setup was located at a secluded intersection with almost no foot traffic. It borrowed the eaves of an upstairs building for shelter, barely managing to occupy a space of less than three square meters.
The Mysterious Stranger
A middle-aged man dressed in a simple white robe sat behind the stall. A cross pendant hung around his neck, and his demeanor radiated a gentle, peaceful aura. He was quietly reading through a black leather-bound book.
What a strange person.
That was Konan's first impression of him.
The noisy, chaotic environment around him seemed to have absolutely no effect on his concentration. He radiated a captivating aura of tranquility that made her subconsciously choose to approach.
Perhaps it was this profound 'sense of security' that attracted her wounded soul.
"Lost lamb..."
The man carefully set down his book, slowly raised his head, and spoke in a gentle voice that felt like warm sunshine: "Do you believe that fate itself brought us together at this very moment?"
"What... what are you saying?"
Konan—who had been drowning in confusion and grief—seemed struck by lightning at his words.
She stared at him in shock, his dark eyes as clear and pure as a newborn child's, somehow reflecting all the turmoil and unease churning in her heart.
"I can see that your eyes are filled with profound confusion and pain."
The middle-aged man spoke gently, his hands clasped peacefully over his stomach with one leg crossed casually over the other. "If you don't mind sharing your burden... you can confide in me. Perhaps... I can help carry some of that weight."
"No... I don't need—"
Konan shook her head bitterly. "No one can help me with this. But... thank you for the offer."
She turned to leave. After all, she'd only ventured out to purchase daily supplies, and it was past time to return to the hideout.
However, she had only taken a few steps when that voice called out once more.
"Fate... is cruel, isn't it?"
Konan's eyes narrowed sharply. Upon hearing those words, her entire expression changed drastically. She whirled around to stare intently at the mysterious man.
"Every gift that fate bestows upon us comes with a hidden price tag attached."
The middle-aged man spoke with deep, layered meaning. His eyes remained clear and pure, yet they seemed to swirl with countless hidden depths—like whirlpools concealing unfathomable secrets.
"But I wonder... are you truly satisfied with the 'price' fate demanded from you?"
[End of Chapter 41]
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