Naruto : Rise From The Rain

Konan privately approached Asahi again.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Asahi responded with a calm smile, "I didn't do much. Yahiko had already made up his mind. I just happened to show up at the right time."

"I... I overheard what you two were saying in the room."

"..."

Konan took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I have something I need to tell you."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "It's about why I... kissed you before."

Asahi's heart skipped a beat.

Konan continued, "The night before the meeting with Hanzō, I suddenly heard a strange voice in my head. It was about you..."

Asahi looked at her, confused. "About me?"

"The voice said... I was a Tier 2 Authority holder bound to you, and it said that if I... kissed you, I could gain three times the chakra. It was a dangerous situation, so I..."

She looked at him, seeing that Asahi was silent. She quickly added, "I know this sounds absurd, but it's the truth... I'm not just making excuses for what happened."

She spoke the last part with hesitation, unable to meet his eyes.

"You also suddenly learned my secret technique afterward. It might be related. In any case... what I'm saying is the truth."

"I believe you," Asahi replied.

Konan's expression softened slightly as she lowered her gaze. "Mm."

She trembled slightly but didn't mention the part about the second-tier reward.

"Have you explained this to Yahiko?" Asahi asked.

Konan shook her head gently. "I can't tell anyone else about it. It's like there's some sort of restriction. No matter what I try, I can't make others know."

Asahi felt a little more at ease.

"Asahi..." Konan bit her lip and softly called his name. "I know you like me... and I truly appreciate your feelings, but I..."

"That's in the past," Asahi interrupted her, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Konan, don't worry about it. That kiss is in the past now. I won't do anything overstepping."

Konan suddenly felt anxious. She had intended to clear things up with Asahi, but now she felt no relief.

She stood there, unsure of what to say next. She had thought Asahi might take the opportunity to confess his feelings again or act disappointed.

But his calmness and composure made her feel uneasy. Moreover, he had so easily believed what she said.

She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt, which prompted her to mutter an apology, then quickly turned and left.

Konan didn't even know why she apologized—maybe it was for that kiss, just as an apology for it...

Asahi watched Konan leave in a hurry, then couldn't help but silently laugh.

"To be dumped and still able to laugh—no wonder you're Asahi-senpai,"

Just then, a voice interrupted his thoughts, making his heart skip. He hadn't noticed the person approaching.

Looking over, he saw Tobi casually leaning against the wall, watching him.

Asahi quickly regained his composure and said, "Eavesdropping on others' conversations is not a good habit."

Tobi grinned and said, "Oh, is Asahi-senpai mad? Then I'll apologize."

He gave Asahi a deep bow.

Asahi didn't want to engage in unnecessary chatter or spend time alone with Tobi, so he was about to leave.

But Tobi spoke first, stroking his chin. "I feel like Asahi-senpai is a little wary of me."

Asahi's heart skipped a beat, but before he could say anything, Tobi flashed a big grin and said, "Don't worry, I won't go around talking about this. I'm very good at keeping secrets!"

Asahi remained silent as Tobi continued, "You're highly trusted by Yahiko, and I have so much I want to learn from you, Asahi-senpai! Could you teach me more?"

Asahi looked at his overly eager expression and responded, "Maybe when there's an opportunity."

Tobi's smile widened. "Alright then!"

The next day, Yahiko took the group to meet with Hanzō in the Hidden Rain Village.

Upon arriving, the atmosphere of the village had changed drastically, now filled with tension and a sense of oppression. The news of the impending war had spread throughout the village, and many were anxious about what was to come.

When Hanzō met Yahiko, his first words were, "I'm glad you came."

Yahiko replied firmly, "The Akatsuki is willing to fight for the Rain Country!"

Hanzō chuckled. "Yahiko, you're quite bold, but I don't mind. Everyone here is willing to fight for the Rain Country. The fact that you've realized so much and come back here shows you're not a fool. I'm getting old, and I won't be around for much longer. The Rain Country needs fresh blood."

Yahiko remained calm and asked, "Does Lord Hanzō have any tasks for us?"

"Do you remember when I mentioned that Konoha had sent people to ask for an alliance?" Hanzō said. "We are in a unique position geographically, and Konoha is in desperate need of us as an ally. We need them as well. This time, I've raised the conditions to twenty times what they were before."

Yahiko was taken aback.

"Twenty times?!"

The conditions that Genma had previously given him had already seemed like a significant sum, and Yahiko had always suspected that Konoha's refusal to form an alliance had something to do with those terms. But now, it seemed that Hanzō's demands were outrageous.

Hanzō rested his chin in his hand, watching Yahiko with interest.

"Before we declared war on the Grass Country, even with twenty times the original conditions, Konoha would still have been willing to negotiate. But now that we've declared war, they have room to bargain. Yahiko, do you accept this mission?"

Yahiko quickly composed himself and met Hanzō's gaze. "Of course!"

Yahiko could sense something hidden in Hanzō's eyes.

This was a test, a trial.

As Hanzō had said, he was growing old and needed someone to take his place. However, whether or not that hint was true, Yahiko didn't care.

He was the leader of the Akatsuki, and he had to make himself worthy of that position!

Hanzō's eyes glinted with amusement. "Once you succeed, the benefits Konoha provides will serve as logistical support for our forces on the frontlines. Yahiko, I'm looking forward to your good news."

"I won't let you down, Lord Hanzō."

After leaving Hanzō's residence, one of the Rain Ninjas informed them that Konoha's ninjas had arrived in the village. Yahiko was asked to prepare, as he would be given detailed information for the negotiations tomorrow.

"Twenty times... Hanzō really knows how to ask for it," Kyusuke muttered.

Yahiko chuckled and turned to Asahi. "What do you think, Asahi? Do you think Konoha will agree?"

Asahi simply replied, "It all depends on us."