บท 36: Chapter 36 Hideout
Konan didn't respond immediately, her gaze locked onto Hiro's.
He could see she was trying to gauge his reaction, to see if he could be swayed. It was a dangerous game, but he was willing to play it.
"And if we agree to this... cooperation," Hiro said, keeping his tone even, "what happens then? What's the next step?"
Konan's expression didn't change, but there was a slight shift in her stance, as if she was pleased with his response. "We take you to a safe location, where you can decide your next move. From there, we'll discuss how we can work together."
Hiro maintained his calm exterior as Konan finished her pitch, but his mind was racing with possibilities. He needed to turn this situation to his advantage, and he knew exactly how to do it.
After a brief pause, Hiro spoke, his tone measured. "Your offer is... intriguing," he began, carefully choosing his words. "But if we're going to consider this, there's one condition that has to be met first."
Konan raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "And what would that be?" she asked, her voice steady.
Hiro took a step closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made the air between them feel heavy. "You don't inform your organization about us—at least, not yet."
Mikoto and Pakura exchanged quick glances, their surprise evident. It was a bold request, but Hiro had his reasons.
Konan's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze scrutinizing him.
"And why would I agree to that? The Akatsuki doesn't take kindly to secrets, especially from its own members."
Hiro smiled faintly, as if he had anticipated her response.
"Think of it this way: you said yourself that you're offering this alliance because you see potential in us. But if your organization knows about us too soon, we become just another pawn in their game.
If you keep our existence off the radar, we remain an ace up your sleeve—something you can use when the time is right."
Konan was silent, her mind clearly working through his logic.
Hiro could tell he had piqued her interest, but she wasn't fully convinced yet. He needed to push a little further.
"Besides," Hiro continued, his voice dropping to a more serious tone, "we're not interested in being hunted or forced into a situation without knowing all the players.
If you keep this between us, it gives us time to build trust, to see if this cooperation is truly beneficial for both sides."
Konan's gaze softened slightly, though she still maintained her guarded posture. "You're asking a lot," she said quietly. "But I can see the value in what you're proposing."
Hiro nodded, sensing she was close to agreeing. "It's not just about trust," he added, his voice calm but firm. "It's about survival—for all of us. If you can guarantee that our presence stays hidden for now, then we'll consider your offer seriously. Otherwise, we're better off taking our chances on our own."
Konan seemed to weigh his words carefully, the silence between them stretching out. Finally, she gave a small nod.
"Very well," she said. "I won't inform the Akatsuki about you—for now. But understand this: if you betray that trust, there will be consequences."
Hiro's smile widened slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I wouldn't expect anything less," he replied smoothly.
"But for now, let's focus on what we can achieve together."
Konan nodded. "Pack your things and follow me," she said.
Pakura and Mikoto glanced at Hiro, seeking confirmation. He nodded, and soon they had everything packed.
"Let's leave before the pursuers arrive," Konan muttered as they followed her through the snowy mountains.
Konan led Hiro, Mikoto, and Pakura away from their previous location, guiding them through a series of dense, uncharted forests and winding paths.
The journey took several days, as they navigated hidden trails and obscure routes known only to Konan.
Their destination was a remote area known as the Whispering Glade, an isolated forested region far from the prying eyes of Konoha and other ninja forces.
The Whispering Glade was situated in a secluded valley, surrounded by high cliffs and dense foliage that made it nearly impossible to detect from a distance.
The entrance to their new hideout was a concealed cave entrance, hidden behind a thicket of vines and moss.
Once inside, the cave opened up into a spacious underground chamber, well-fortified and equipped with natural amenities like fresh water and a ventilation system.
The walls were reinforced with a unique, magically enhanced paper Konan had used to keep the cave's presence concealed from detection techniques.
Konan gave a brief tour of the cave's interior, pointing out key areas like the sleeping quarters, storage, and a hidden exit route.
"This place is well-hidden and protected. It's unlikely to be discovered by conventional means," she explained. "The cave's location and its natural camouflage make it nearly invisible to any searching parties."
Hiro, Mikoto, and Pakura set about unpacking their belongings and settling into their new surroundings. The cave was far from luxurious, but it was safe and secure—exactly what they needed.
As Konan prepared to leave, she offered a final piece of advice.
"Stay vigilant. This place is well-hidden, but you never know when someone might stumble upon it. I'll check in periodically, but for now, this should give You the breathing room."
Hiro nodded.
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