"Cheers!"
In the secret base left behind by Jiraiya, Nagato and Yahiko raised their glasses, drinking in celebration.
At this moment, both of them were all smiles, a stark contrast to their tense confrontation earlier in Hanzō's meeting room.
After a drink, a light flush spread across Yahiko's face.
As he watched Konan, who was wearing an apron and carrying a plate of food, Yahiko couldn't help but sigh with a touch of sentiment.
"Ah, sensei was right. Konan has really grown into a beautiful woman. Why didn't I see it back then? Shigeo-senpai is so sly. What do you think, Nagato?"
"Ugh!"
Konan rolled her eyes at Yahiko, setting the plate on the table with a slight huff before heading back to the kitchen.
Nagato simply smiled without saying a word.
At this time, he seemed nothing like his usual "Crimson Reaper" self—aloof and intimidating. Instead, he resembled a shy young man.
Suddenly, Nagato put down his drink and stood up, a hint of joy appearing on his face.
"Senpai is back!"
Almost as soon as the words left his mouth, the door swung open, revealing a figure cloaked in a crimson hooded robe standing in the doorway.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Yahiko also stood up, exclaiming excitedly, "Senpai, you're finally back! We've been waiting for you—come on in!"
"..."
The newcomer didn't respond to Yahiko's enthusiastic invitation. Instead, his gaze shifted to the three plaques hanging on the wall, their red sides turned outward.
After confirming this, he removed his hood, revealing a handsome face wearing sunglasses.
It was none other than Shigeo Aburame.
Seeing his cautious behavior, Yahiko sighed helplessly. "Senpai, you're as cautious as ever."
"Because it's necessary," Shigeo replied as he adjusted his sunglasses and turned to Nagato.
"Nagato, were you followed on your way here?"
"No," Nagato replied with a confident smile. "I've completely gained Hanzō's trust. Most of the ANBU now work under me."
"Well done, Nagato," Shigeo praised before taking a seat at the table and picking up a pair of chopsticks.
"Let's eat first. Make sure to clean up thoroughly when we're done—no traces of our meeting should remain."
"Understood, Senpai!" Nagato nodded and joined him at the table.
Feeling ignored, Yahiko crossed his arms in frustration.
"Hey, Senpai, you didn't even ask me! I've been working really hard, too!"
"Hmm," Shigeo replied with a nod, "Noted. Now, eat."
"Uh..."
Yahiko stood there, speechless, mouth agape.
Seeing Yahiko's bewildered expression, Nagato couldn't help but laugh.
"Yahiko, don't worry. Senpai will definitely acknowledge your efforts later. Just eat for now!"
"Fine..."
Reluctantly, Yahiko sat down, eating absentmindedly, his face clouded with thought.
Shigeo, however, paid him no mind, finishing his meal before placing his bowl and chopsticks down. He then turned to Nagato.
"Nagato, Hanzō will likely send you north soon to fight the Iwagakure forces. Do you know what needs to be done?"
"Yes," Nagato said, his expression turning serious.
"Target their elites, leave no survivors, and make them fear my name. They should abandon their missions at the mere sight of me."
"Exactly," Shigeo said with a nod, raising one finger.
"And remember one more thing: until the right moment, show absolute respect to Hanzō and absolute hostility toward Yahiko."
"Must it be this way?" Nagato frowned, clearly reluctant.
"It must."
Shigeo's smile returned.
"Don't worry. We're nearing the final phase, thanks to your efforts. This charade won't last much longer."
"The final phase?"
Yahiko stood abruptly, bowl in hand, his face lighting up with excitement.
"We're finally going to overthrow Hanzō? That's amazing! I'd say we have at least a 70% chance of success now."
"Seventy percent isn't enough," Shigeo replied, shaking his head as he adjusted his sunglasses.
"We've spent too long planning this. If we act, we need absolute certainty. To change this country, you must first learn patience, Yahiko."
"Fine..." Yahiko rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Then, what should I do next? Continue guerrilla warfare with the Sand forces—'advance when they retreat, retreat when they advance'?"
"Exactly," Shigeo said with a chuckle, patting Yahiko on the shoulder.
"Your strength isn't on par with Nagato's, so you'll need strategy to secure victories. Sunagakure is already at its limit; it won't be long before they crumble. When the time comes, negotiate peace."
"Negotiate?" Yahiko raised an eyebrow. "Like last time—demand as many concessions as possible?"
"No, this time, you ask for nothing," Shigeo replied, waving his hand dismissively.
"Simply ensure they agree to leave. Consider it a goodwill gesture to the incoming Fourth Kazekage. We'll need his favor in the future."
"Got it," Yahiko nodded. "So, when do we move against Hanzō?"
"When Konoha defeats Iwagakure."
Shigeo's eyes narrowed.
"The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, is ruthless and cunning—a shark that smells blood and strikes. We must tread carefully with him."
"He won't get the chance," Nagato said, his voice cold and resolute.
"If Iwagakure dares to come, they'll find no way back—even Ōnoki himself. I'll make sure of it."
"Good," Shigeo said approvingly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Once we've dealt with Sunagakure and Iwagakure, we can make Hanzō step down. I'm sure he'll cooperate; otherwise, the memorial stone awaits him."
Yahiko hesitated. "Do we really need to go that far? Hanzō has been..."
"Good to you?" Shigeo cut him off, his tone dripping with disdain.
"Let me tell you, Yahiko: Hanzō doesn't spare threats to his rule—even if that threat is you."
Yahiko fell silent, his face conflicted.
Seeing his hesitation, Nagato placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Don't forget our goal, Yahiko."
Yahiko nodded bitterly. "I know. To change the Land of Rain, we must overcome Hanzō. But still..."
"But nothing. Stop being so sentimental!"
Shigeo stood abruptly, pulling his hood back over his head. He glanced at Nagato.
"Nagato, ignore him. Come outside. I have something to discuss with you alone."
"Yes, Senpai," Nagato replied, rising and following Shigeo out the door.
*(End of Chapter)*