Chapter 55: **Chapter 54: Konan**
**Amegakure!**
Itsuki didn't know much about this secluded village.
Although he had planted secret agents in many places across the ninja world since childhood, unfortunately, Amegakure was the one place he couldn't infiltrate.
This village is extremely xenophobic, which is understandable given their need for self-preservation.
Amegakure is a pitiful and sympathetic village.
Every time there's a great ninja war, they always end up getting beaten.
Don't want to participate in the ninja world wars?
Think again!
Located at the intersection of three major nations, such a critical position isn't something you can simply opt out of.
If you cooperate, they might go a bit easier on you.
If you don't… well, then you don't!
Either way, you're getting hit.
Even lying down doesn't stop the beating.
That's Amegakure.
"Tsk, I don't know the way, but there's no need to worry about getting lost, because someone will show up soon."
Itsuki stretched out his hand, catching a few drops of rain, and smiled faintly.
Sure enough!
When Itsuki reached a particular building, his body tensed slightly, and his expression became somewhat astonished.
He slowly lifted his head.
Before him stood a beautiful young woman.
The woman appeared to be in her early twenties, dressed in a black cloak adorned with red clouds, the iconic attire of the Akatsuki.
Her hair was a pale blue with a slight purple hue, and her eyes were a rare orange color. A light purple paper flower adorned the right side of her head.
Behind her was a pair of paper wings, gently floating in the air like an angel!
She was none other than the reason for Itsuki's visit—Konan!
Itsuki couldn't help but smile.
A very wicked smile!
His gaze toward Konan was filled with a predatory intent.
He had expected to run into Deidara or Sasori.
Kakuzu and Hidan were unlikely since they were usually out making money.
As for Orochimaru, he was probably holed up in some lab somewhere.
Kisame… Oh, right, Zabuza Momochi!
At this point in time, Zabuza should still be alive.
Since Itachi hadn't joined the Akatsuki yet, it's possible that these two members of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist could be working as partners.
Unless Kisame hadn't joined the Akatsuki yet.
But that's unlikely!
Itsuki's spy in Kirigakure had informed him that the Hōzuki clan's Fuguki Suikazan hadn't been heard from in a long time.
He was probably already taken out.
Then there's Black Zetsu, the true "world's number one filial ninja." While he wasn't much of a fighter, it was quite possible that he might show up in front of Itsuki.
And then there was the fake Uchiha Madara—Obito Uchiha, the mid-boss of the early stages of this ninja world.
He could also appear.
In short, Itsuki had considered many possibilities, but he never expected that upon entering Amegakure, he would immediately run into Konan.
This beautiful woman, who in the original story didn't appear until the Akatsuki officially began their operations and not until much later, was now standing right in front of him.
Well, as they say, good things come easily!
Itsuki had come here specifically for her.
Unable to contain himself, Itsuki began to hum a tune: "Who was it that brought you to my side…"
"Uchiha?" Konan's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly as she looked at Itsuki.
"Yes!"
Itsuki responded gracefully, "Beautiful Lady Konan, greetings!"
"You know me?"
Konan was taken aback.
Her identity was supposed to be top secret.
Even within the Akatsuki, only a few knew who she truly was.
How could an Uchiha know her?
"Of course!"
Itsuki smiled, "A girl as beautiful as Miss Konan, even if you were thousands of miles away, I would have heard your name and come to your side."
Konan's expression turned strange.
Was this the first time she had encountered such a talkative Uchiha?
Was this the first time she had heard such flowery words from an Uchiha?
Was he really an Uchiha?
**If it weren't for the clan emblem on his back, she wouldn't have believed it.**
Moreover...
**Girl?**
Konan felt a slight twinge of melancholy. Although she looked like she was in her early twenties, Konan had to admit that she was already in her thirties.
She glanced around Amegakure.
This village, which had changed her life and which she had dedicated her life to changing, had also undergone many changes.
Just like her!
The only thing that remained constant was the never-ending rain.
At that moment, as she looked up at Amegakure, she realized her own insignificance.
Because she was so small, the village had never changed for her.
Yahiko...
When will we be able to fulfill your wish?
Konan slowly closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, the usual coldness had returned.
"This is not a place you should be, Uchiha. Leave."
"Alright!"
Itsuki responded so readily that it took Konan by surprise.
"But, Miss Konan, I came here for you. I wonder if you'd be willing to have a meal with me?"
Konan sneered, "What do you think?"
"I think you will!" Itsuki replied with a smile. "Because... Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko! Oh, and let's not forget about the Rinnegan. How about that?"
"What did you say?"
Konan's expression changed drastically, her tone turning severe. "How do you know?"
It was already shocking enough that he knew her identity, but the fact that he knew about Nagato and Yahiko...
The Rinnegan?
That was an absolute secret.
There must be a spy!
And it had to be someone very close to them.
Someone they trusted completely!
Konan's gaze turned icy as she stared at Itsuki.
He cannot be allowed to leave!
"So, Miss Konan, will you join me for a meal?"
Itsuki's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Konan, smiling. "I have a secret to tell you. It's best if you come alone. If a certain someone shows up, well, you know he's being watched."
"If this secret gets out, Nagato's life will be in danger."
"Konan, I'll leave the rest unsaid."
Konan's expression shifted, and she gritted her teeth. "Follow me!"
Whoosh!
The wings on her back fluttered as she flew off to the side.
Itsuki's form flickered as he used the Body Flicker Technique to follow.
The first step was complete!
"Hmm?"
Somewhere in Amegakure, a man sitting in a wheelchair suddenly opened his eyes.
His eyes were a pale purple, with concentric circles radiating outward, resembling a ripple.
Nagato!
He turned his head slightly and asked, "Konan, why did your paper clone leave with that Uchiha?"
Konan was about to respond when she remembered Itsuki's earlier words.
Nagato was being watched.
That masked man... is dangerous!
I'll keep it a secret for now and tell him when the time is right.
Nagato won't blame me!
Konan's voice was calm as she replied, "He came to make a deal. I thought I'd see if we could acquire some information on Konoha."
"Is that so?"
Nagato didn't suspect anything, only chuckling coldly. "Uchiha, huh?"
He thought he understood Konan's intentions.
The Uchiha clan was on the brink of open conflict with the Third Hokage and Danzo Shimura.
Danzo had already made secret deals with them.
If Danzo could do it, why couldn't the Uchiha?
"Be careful, Konan."
Konan laughed softly. "Nagato, you're overthinking this. It's just a clone. Even if it falls into a trap, what's the harm?"
Nagato nodded slightly.
Unnoticed by either of them, there was a faint ripple in space.
"Uchiha..."
A soft whisper, audible only to itself, echoed.
(End of Chapter)
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone