Yahiko went back to see Konan and told her that he had already visited Hokage Konan.
"She seems to be doing well and even has some enthusiasm for the future," Yahiko said in a soft voice.
He then briefly recounted his conversation with Hokage Konan.
Konan fell into silence after hearing this and then asked, "Was she… like that with you as well?"
Yahiko was puzzled. "Why? Is something wrong?"
"…Nothing."
Konan didn't want to say more.
There were some things she really didn't know how to bring up with Yahiko.
After thinking about it, she still felt it was best not to let him know.
"Yahiko…"
"Yeah?"
"If… one day, His Majesty suddenly decided to do something you didn't want to see happen, what would you do?"
Yahiko was stunned by the question.
He looked at Konan, realizing that she wouldn't ask such a thing for no reason.
"Konan, did something happen with His Majesty?"
"…Just answer my question first."
Yahiko frowned.
The answer to such a question was obvious.
Was there anyone in this world who could go against His Majesty's will?
"Have you forgotten what happened to those who once opposed His Majesty? They were only spared from a worse fate because of His Majesty's mercy."
"…"
Yahiko looked at Konan seriously and suddenly asked, "Konan, you've been acting strange lately. Tell me what's really going on."
"…"
"Konan!"
Seeing Yahiko's firm attitude, Konan realized she could no longer brush it off, but she still didn't want to tell him the truth.
After a quick thought, she came up with an excuse.
"It's about the other me… the issue of whether she should stay or leave. His Majesty wants her to leave this place and return to her original world."
Yahiko immediately believed her and couldn't help but say, "That world wasn't good for her, was it? Isn't there nothing left for her there?"
Konan lowered her head and murmured, "…Yeah, I think so too."
Yahiko frowned in deep thought.
After meeting the other Konan today, was everything she told him just a lie?
Was she only saying those things to keep him from worrying?
But since it was His Majesty's decision, he couldn't help but clench his fists.
After a long silence, he said, "I… will go and plead with His Majesty."
Konan quickly said, "Don't go!"
At this moment, she felt a bit flustered and confused.
She didn't even know why she had come up with such an absurd excuse or why she had spoken so thoughtlessly.
Why did she even ask Yahiko that kind of question in the first place?!
"I mean… this is His Majesty's decision. It's best not to interfere."
Yahiko's brows furrowed. "Konan, do you realize what you're saying?"
Konan also realized how cold and heartless her words sounded, leaving her at a loss for how to respond.
Yahiko said, "Didn't Lady Tsunade set a precedent? I believe the Emperor can be persuaded."
Lady Tsunade…
Konan thought about the relationship between Tsunade and His Majesty.
It seemed a little strange, didn't it?
Originally, Tsunade had even worked as His Majesty's assistant.
But that wasn't something she could say out loud.
Konan took a deep breath and said, "I… already have a solution. You shouldn't get involved in this. You've earned His Majesty's trust, and if you do something that goes against His will, it won't end well for you."
Yahiko looked at her suspiciously. "Really? What solution?"
"I told you, don't ask. I'll handle it smoothly."
Yahiko felt that Konan's behavior was strange, but he couldn't figure out what she was really thinking.
Feeling helpless, he could only sigh and say, "Alright, Konan. But if there's ever something you can't handle, promise me you'll let me know."
"…Mm."
Not long after Yahiko left, Pakura came to visit.
Konan looked at Pakura standing outside the door and felt a bit uncomfortable.
She recalled what Pakura had said that night when they drank together, unsure whether it was just drunken rambling.
But since they were still friends, Konan forced a smile and said, "Pakura, is there something you need?"
"Yahiko and Nagato have left, right?" Pakura asked with a smile.
"Mm."
"I've prepared some food and drinks at my place. I'd like to invite you over for a bit."
"But I… just had dinner."
"The things I said that night while drinking weren't very pleasant. I want to apologize to you and hope you'll do me the honor of coming over," Pakura said with a bright smile.
Hearing this, Konan felt much better, and her smile became more genuine.
"I didn't take that night's conversation to heart, so you don't have to worry about it."
Pakura chuckled. "The food is already set on the table."
Konan thought for a moment and said, "Let's invite Mei along too."
"No need. There are some things I want to talk to you about alone."
Konan found it a bit strange but still followed Pakura upstairs.
Pakura's place was just above the apartment she shared with Mei—not far at all—which was why they often visited each other.
Pakura lived alone, but her home had a very different style from Mei's.
The decor was more refined, and there was even a liquor cabinet beside the fridge stocked with various types of alcohol.
On the dining table, there were a few dishes and a bottle of wine.
Konan had just eaten and didn't have much appetite, but she could still drink a little.
"I heard about your situation," Pakura said bluntly after they sat down.
"I mean, about the other you."
Konan hesitated. "Did Mei tell you?"
Pakura smiled lightly. "No need to ask about that—I already know."
Konan remained silent.
The matter that had been troubling and weighing on her mind was brought up once again, so she simply drank her wine without a word.
Pakura continued, "I think you really don't need to be so worried. Being noticed by His Majesty is a good thing."
Konan lifted her gaze to glance at Pakura before lowering her head again, muttering, "I'm not like you. We… don't see this as a good thing."
Pakura didn't argue with her and instead smiled. "Are you planning to go against His Majesty's will?"
That was exactly what Yahiko had implied earlier.
Konan's grip on the wine glass suddenly tightened.
She couldn't help but question, "Just because he wants something, does it have to happen? Just because he desires it, does that mean he can ignore other people's will?!"
Pakura shrugged. "That's just how this world works. His Majesty stands at the very pinnacle of it. Everything we have now, all the comfort we enjoy, was granted by him. It was His Majesty who brought order to this chaotic world—only because of him can we sit here now, drinking and chatting like this."
Konan remained silent.
She knew the emperor had achieved great feats, but she still couldn't accept the unfair fate that had befallen the other version of herself.
Pakura said, "His Majesty likes women—that's something everyone knows. Who would dare speak against it? If one can serve His Majesty well, they can obtain everything they desire. Konan, you need to face reality."
Konan bit her lip tightly.
Pakura continued, "You're so unwilling to let the other you be taken by His Majesty… unless—"
Konan looked at her. "Unless what?"
Pakura grinned. "Unless you take her place."
Upon hearing this, Konan's heart trembled violently.
............
Hokage Konan lay down early, repeatedly convincing herself to accept everything as it was, just as she had comforted the other version of herself and Yahiko.
But now, faced with the reality of the situation, she couldn't suppress her growing panic.
The bedroom lights had been turned off early, the curtains drawn tightly shut.
She lay under the blanket, only half of her head peeking out, hoping to fall asleep and wake up to a new day.
Yet, she could hear everything happening in the living room—Robin, Nami, and Hancock taking turns showering before chatting casually.
The room's soundproofing should have been decent, but for some reason, Hokage Konan's senses felt unusually sharp tonight.
After lying there for a while, still unable to sleep, she reluctantly sat up.
The laughter in the living room continued, sounding almost cheerful.
Were they happy because the Emperor was coming?
Hokage Konan turned on her bedside lamp and picked up a book.
She had always thought highly of Robin—an intelligent and mature woman.
But why would someone like her accept this kind of life?
Or was it precisely because of her wisdom that she believed submission was the right choice?
That was what Hokage Konan had been telling herself too—if she treated the Emperor's affairs as nothing more than an insignificant episode in her life, then everything would be fine.
But thoughts were just thoughts.
When it came time to truly act, it wasn't that simple.
She had never truly convinced herself—she had only been lying to herself.
Suddenly, the laughter and conversation outside fell silent, followed by a synchronized greeting:
"Your Majesty."
The words sent a tremor through Hokage Konan's heart.
She could no longer focus on her book.
Sitting on the bed, she found herself at a complete loss.
Placing the book aside, she pulled the blanket over herself once more, yet her ears remained sharply attuned to the sounds outside.
The people in the living room were speaking, but their voices were too low to make out clearly.
She simply noticed that after the Emperor arrived, the atmosphere between Robin and the others was no longer as lighthearted and carefree.
Gradually, the living room seemed to quiet down.
After a few minutes, strange sounds began to echo through the air.
Hokage Konan instantly realized what was happening.
Under the covers, her face felt hot—perhaps from being stifled, or perhaps from something else.
Amid this inexplicable shyness, she also felt a growing fear—fear that her bedroom door would suddenly burst open, fear that they would force her to join in.
Carrying these worries, Hokage Konan endured the torment for nearly two hours.
Eventually, the noises outside subsided, and she heard Robin's voice:
"Your Majesty, take care."
The Emperor had left…
Konan, who had been on edge the entire time, finally relaxed.
Almost immediately, a wave of exhaustion washed over her.
She could rest easy—for now.
In the Living Room
Nami lay sprawled on the couch, groaning, "I'm exhausted. I can't move. He really knows how to wear people out."
Hancock had already dressed and said, "This empress is a little hungry."
Nami turned to her, teasing, "What, didn't get your fill just now?"
Hancock responded matter-of-factly, "How could that possibly be filling?"
Robin let out a long breath and said, "I'm hungry too, but I don't feel like cooking. Why don't we go out to eat? Some restaurants should still be open at this hour."
Nami lazily asked, "Can you bring me back something?"
Robin glanced at her. "By the time we get back, you'll probably be asleep."
Realizing she had a point, Nami reluctantly sat up and started dressing.
The three women then left together.
The Emperor didn't come here often—perhaps only once a week.
Occasionally, when he was in the mood, he would summon them to Samui's place instead.
The rest of the time belonged to them.
They had already gotten used to this.
Hokage Konan didn't fall asleep right away.
Instead, she waited until they had left before stepping out of her bedroom.
The living room was in complete disarray.
A strange scent lingered in the air, and clothes were strewn across the floor.
She picked up a piece of clothing and took a quick look—only to realize it was a torn pair of stockings.
Hurriedly, she threw it away.
She briefly scanned the room.
Robin and the others hadn't cleaned up before leaving.
If she were to tidy up now, it might make them overthink things.
Recalling the sounds she had heard from her bedroom earlier, her face heated up again.
She quickly turned around and hurried back into her room.
Meanwhile
After leaving the house, Robin, Nami, and Hancock headed straight for the new district.
Their home was in the old district, a quiet and remote area with little nightlife.
By now, it was already past 10 p.m., and most people had gone to bed.
In contrast, the new district was bustling with activity.
The three of them entered an izakaya together.
Their tall, strikingly beautiful figures immediately drew the attention of the entire establishment.
Fortunately, Konoha's security was excellent.
Even in a place filled with drunken patrons, no one dared to cause trouble.
Hancock cupped her hands over her mouth and exhaled before carefully sniffing the air.
Her brows furrowed slightly, and she took another whiff of her own scent.
"What are you smelling?" Nami asked with a playful smile.
Robin shot Nami a knowing glance—she was clearly asking just to tease.
Suddenly, Nami stood up and leaned toward Robin, deliberately exhaling right in her face.
A strong scent hit Robin immediately, making her instinctively lean back.
She shot Nami a glare.
Hancock ordered some staple dishes and side dishes, along with a bottle of sake.
The izakaya was brightly lit, and the air was filled with the clinking of glasses and lively conversations.
Some customers, caught up in the excitement, stood up and sang around their tables while others cheered them on.
The atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy.
"They look so happy," Nami said with a chuckle as she watched the group singing folk songs.
Her thoughts drifted back to the days of sailing aboard the Merry.
"This place is meant for enjoyment," Robin remarked, glancing at the drinks that had just been served.
"I thought His Majesty would have had Konan join in today," Nami said, quickly shifting the topic rather than dwelling on nostalgia.
Robin pondered for a moment before saying, "His Majesty doesn't lack women. In my opinion, having so many isn't just about physical desire."
Nami asked, "Then what is it about?"
The three of them were all considered beauties, as were the three women in Samui's house.
And at the palace, His Majesty had five wives…
Robin's expression turned thoughtful, her gaze flickering slightly before she quickly brushed it off with a smile. "Never mind. Forget I said anything."
Nami tilted her head and pouted. "You're being so secretive."
Robin simply chuckled, while Hancock remained focused on her meal.
"Do you think next time His Majesty visits, he'll call Konan to join in?" Nami asked again.
"You seem very interested in this," Robin noted.
Nami replied, "I just think Konan has a unique aura… I'm curious to see what she'd be like in that situation."
Hancock, who had been quietly eating, suddenly looked up and said, "She'll be just like Robin."
Robin's lips twitched slightly, while Nami burst into laughter, clutching her stomach.
"Now I'm even more curious."
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