From Sakura's information, Naruto and Konan set out together to locate Kabuto Yakushi's hideout—a rare opportunity for the two to travel side by side.
In recent days, Jiraiya, having been resurrected, had been under Konan's care for his daily needs.
Now that Jiraiya had adjusted to life in Amegakure, he no longer required Konan's constant attention.
To ease Konan's mind, Jiraiya had specifically asked Naruto for a telescope, claiming it was for research on his new novel.
The two shared a knowing look. Since then, Konan had stopped visiting the open-air hot springs, instead asking Naruto to use Wood Release to build a private bathhouse.
As they journeyed, Naruto and Konan naturally started chatting.
Konan: "So, Jiraiya-sensei is writing again. What kind of work will it be this time? Could it be a sequel to Make-Out Paradise?"
Naruto: "Probably not."
Konan: "Why do you say that?"
Naruto: "Oh, I see. So you don't know, Konan-nee? Make-Out Paradise is actually the first book in the Make-Out series. The sequel is Make-Out Violence, and the final installment is Make-Out Tactics. In the industry, they're known as the Make-Out Trilogy!"
Surprised, Konan asked, "Apart from the continuity of the story, is there any other difference between the three?"
Clearing his throat, Naruto placed a hand under his nose and replied, "In terms of... explicit content, Make-Out Paradise is entry-level—it can serve as an introduction for beginners. Make-Out Violence is expert-level, enough to be appreciated even by seasoned veterans."
"As for Make-Out Tactics, that's master-level! Its content is so intense that it was banned. You can't find the published version of Make-Out Tactics on the market anymore. However, manuscript copies are widely circulated among hardcore fans. A collector's edition of Make-Out Tactics can even fetch tens of millions at auction!"
Shocked, Konan exclaimed, "Tens of millions!? The bounty for a top-tier ninja's head on the black market doesn't even reach that amount. And yet, it's comparable to a single book!?"
Naruto sighed with admiration: "It's no longer just a book—it's a belief."
"To treat something like that as a belief... I really don't understand," Konan remarked, pinching her delicate chin in deep thought. "But for Make-Out Paradise, a work already unsuitable for children, to be considered entry-level? Speaking of which, Jiraiya-sensei's recent codes can no longer be deciphered using Make-Out Paradise. I thought it was because I hadn't studied hard enough. Could it be that his latest codes are based on Make-Out Violence or even Make-Out Tactics? If that's the case..."
Stopping her train of thought, Konan came to a direct conclusion: "Naruto, later, find me those two sequels as well—Make-Out Violence and Make-Out Tactics!"
"Huh?" Naruto was startled. "T-That's not really appropriate, is it? I mean, the content is just too..."
Konan, however, responded calmly: "It's fine. I'm not a little girl anymore. Though, I can't compare to your... vast experience."
As they ran, Naruto rubbed his chin, thinking: Is that so? Come to think of it, Konan-nee and Yahiko were once lovers. Although they didn't marry, it wouldn't be surprising if they had... that kind of relationship.
And indeed, they had.
In the early days of the Akatsuki's rise, Konan and Yahiko had become lovers. They had shared the kind of intimacy that lovers naturally would. The turning point came when Yahiko was injured, and Konan tended to his wounds. Two youthful faces, two hearts stirred with emotion—it was only natural for sparks to fly.
(See Chapter 511 of the manga, where Konan's memories before her death reveal this.)
However, shortly after their relationship was established, Yahiko died, willingly impaling himself on Nagato's kunai to protect Konan.
Yahiko's death became a lifelong source of pain for both Konan and Nagato.
Naruto, with a serious expression, asked: "Konan-nee, if it were possible, would you want Yahiko to be resurrected?"
Konan, momentarily stunned, then replied with deep sincerity: "The dead should rest in peace. Cherishing the living is what Yahiko and Nagato would want to see."
"Naruto, I understand your intentions, but there's no need for such things between us. I genuinely support your ninja way and want to help you from the bottom of my heart. You don't owe me anything in return."
"Is that so..." Naruto's expression softened, deeply moved.
Even so, the weight of this kindness was too overwhelming for Naruto to accept without feeling indebted.
He silently vowed: Konan-nee, this time, I will lead Amegakure to prosperity! I don't seek dominance over the ninja world, but I will ensure that no one dares to look down on us!
Hours later, the two stopped in a forest outside the location mentioned in the intelligence.
Through the gaps in the leaves, Naruto gazed at the pitch-black mountain face. "That's the place Sakura remembered."
Konan suggested, "I'll send in a paper clone to scout the area."
"No need," Naruto replied. "Kabuto is always cautious. He should be aware of your abilities, and it could alert him unnecessarily. Let's rely on my new invention instead."
As he spoke, Naruto opened his palm to reveal a small, disk-shaped mechanism embedded with a black rod at the back and a mechanical Rinnegan at the front.
"This is the Yata Drone I created using the Asura Path. It's perfect for reconnaissance."
Naruto held the drone aloft, sending it into the air with a gesture. With two fingers raised, he activated it.
Whoosh! The Yata Drone vanished, silently flying above the hideout.
The mechanical Rinnegan at the front rotated, its infrared sensors penetrating the thick mountain walls. The drone captured the interior of the hideout and transmitted the images directly to Naruto's vision via the Rinnegan's shared sight.
The cave was empty, but signs of intense battle were evident. This was undoubtedly Kabuto's hideout, but it seemed they had arrived too late. Still, Naruto remained cautious. "Kabuto might have left traps. Since he's not here, there's no need to risk going inside."
Having lived a second life, Naruto had developed a habit of acting prudently, especially when dealing with high-intelligence opponents like Kabuto.
"Hm?"
Just as Naruto was about to leave and search elsewhere, the Yata Drone detected a fleeting, indistinct light source, catching his attention.
Sizzle!
Entering Sage Mode, Naruto confirmed it.
In Sage Mode, there was no special chakra reaction. This meant it could only be detected by the Rinnegan.
Naruto's gaze deepened as he analyzed: Kabuto also knows Sage Mode. To deliberately avoid its detection while leaving a message specifically for me... there's only one person who would do this.
Click!
The Yata Drone descended through an opening at the mountain's peak, entering the hideout.
Whoosh!
Using the Flying Thunder God seal left on the drone, Naruto and Konan teleported into the hideout.
Retrieving the Yata Drone, Naruto fixed his gaze ahead.
Whoosh!
The prismatic light coalesced into a familiar silhouette.
Konan's eyes flickered. "This is a Phantom of Light!?"
The Phantom of Light Technique, a power of the Rinnegan, allowed Pain to convert the chakra waves of Akatsuki members into amplified thoughts, which then manifested as holographic projections in specific locations.
Unlike ordinary projections, these phantoms could channel various jutsu through Pain's relay. The projections glowed with vibrant, multicolored patterns.
Early Akatsuki meetings had all been conducted through this technique. It not only facilitated communication among members across vast distances but also ensured the safety and secrecy of their gatherings. Even if the meeting location was discovered, enemies would find nothing but empty space.
An old acquaintance appeared, smiling warmly through the Phantom of Light. "Naruto, Konan, I didn't expect we'd meet again so soon."
Nagato.
Both Naruto and Konan were filled with emotion.
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