What did it matter if Reko was on the Nine-Tails' top of the revenge list? Reko would be able to beat the beast into submission again.
…
A very easy win!
"Alright Jiraiya boy, we are leaving. You will not be needing us in this training session."
The other elder nodded along with his friend's words. He tapped Jiraiya's shoulder as he bid farewell.
They were called by Jiraiya for backup but they decided to stay and watch the battle even after they realised that Reko would subdue the Nine-Tails.
Now that it was over, they had to leave. Perhaps, searching for the solution of the curse would help them gain a connection with Reko, a deeper bond.
That would be helpful in the long run for them and their tribe.
"With this pace of training, he would be done in a year."
As Reko walked back to Jiraiya, Jiraiya speculated.
"You think so?" Reko asked, surprised. He did not think the Nine-Tails could be forcefully subdued to get that chakra cloak. It needed cooperation from both parties.
Or at least a basic understanding.
And for Naruto to reach that level of understanding, he would need to be an S rank at the very least.
"We don't have much time. But it seems possible with this pace of improvement."
Jiraiya however was almost certain of it. He predicted that with this intensity of their training, it would not be an issue.
He had this premonition though, that something was going to happen. At his level, he could not assume it to be just thoughts.
So, he hoped that Naruto would be able to join their ranks as quickly as possible.
…
"What did you say? The Mizukage and Hokage's pupil had a meeting?"
Obito seemed surprised. His voice thundered as he stepped closer to Zetsu. His steps were heavy as he felt dissatisfied by Zetsu's information.
It was two days late. The clone had been killed, making it difficult for Zetsu to transfer information.
"Yes, in public."
Zetsu was intimidated from the pressure coming from Obito but he remained still.
It was not his fault that he got caught. Instead, the enemy was that strong.
"What is happening? Both of them have strong grudges against us, against me."
Obito muttered, contemplating. By now, Reko was already their enemy. As for Mizukage, what he did to their former Kage was bound to bite him back.
"We need to instigate this. Inform Nagato of this incident."
Obito thought for a while before he decided that he would let Nagato handle the situation.
"But there's a problem…"
Zetsu seemed to hesitate as he spoke.
"What problem? Don't play games with me. This is as important to you as it is for me. Keeping secrets from me should not even cross your mind."
Obito angrily spoke. He was already very agitated because of the delay in information.
And now, he was not even getting the full details. It enraged him.
"Konan was also present in the area."
Zetsu sensed that the situation was getting bad. So, he simply stated what he had seen.
He was not very sure of the speculation that is why he did not want to relay it to Obito.
"Konan?"
As he spoke, various speculations formed in his mind.
Nagato was never under his control and Konan was similarly unrestrained.
So, there could be a chance that the leaf would approach Konan for some deals, negotiation.
If it were Nagato then Obito could trust in his hatred for the leaf village. Konan however, was very practical.
"She seemed to have met Reko but then they did not fight and left instead."
Zetsu explained. He could only see that match before he felt that it was getting dangerous.
He did not wish for his clone to be killed once again. So, he left quickly.
…
"I apologise. I have been contemplating something and have been on edge for quite a while."
Konan spoke to Nagato before she walked out of the room. She did not wait for Nagato to reply or question further.
Her intentions were very obvious. She did not wish to explain about whatever it was that was going on in her head.
"I see. I don't expect you to explain this. But if it's bothering you, feel free to let me know. I will take care of it."
As Konan almost reached the door, Nagato spoke in a calm voice, reassuring her.
As long as he was there, he would not mind helping Konan.
He did not wish to force Konan for an explanation either. He let her do as she deemed to be correct.
"I appreciate it. I will do as you say. If it ever comes to that."
Konan mumbled, her lips moved softly as she replied with a smile.
She recalled the incident where she happened to meet that guy.
"You look gorgeous!"
She was sitting alone, enjoying her meal on a table for four when she heard the voice of a young man.
Normally, she would have ignored the individual and continued with her meal because she was busy keeping an eye on the Mizukage.
However, this guy was the one who had gone home with the Mizukage last night according to the rumours.
"What are your intentions? Do you think you can keep me trapped here?"
Konan spoke, her eyes staring directly into Reko's eyes as she tried to break out of the illusion.
She had gotten distracted and did not realise when she got pulled in.
Fortunately, Reko did not seem to have any intentions of harming her.
"Keep you? Well, I do intend to. Trapped? Not like that."
Reko chuckled as he sat down, laid back on the chair. Since Konan realised that she was in an illusion, he decided to remove the background from it.
It was only him and Konan in the illusion as he pushed a bottle of alcohol to her.
"I just pulled you in here because there were too many outsiders."
He explained as he offered her the drink, intending to have a conversation with her.
Konan's face stiffened as she heard him. She was trying to find the weak spot of the Genjutsu.
She realised that it was not harmful but still, it felt difficult to break out of it.
"So? Don't tell me you are not aware of my affiliation."
She asked. If it was him, then he was probably aware of her identity. Not like she hid her Akatsuki cloak when in public. It was very obvious.
"I am." Reko calmly nodded as he accepted that he was aware of it.
"And you intend to let me be? Has the leaf fallen so down that their shinobis have resorted to lies and treachery?"
She finally broke out of the illusion and stood up, ready to battle.
However, Reko was still seated, not at all bothered by Konan's actions.
…
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