"Kakuzu, have you thought about it?"
Konan's voice came out low and cold, immediately making Kakuzu's shoulders tense with guilt.
Of course, Konan wasn't actually directing her tone at him. She only sounded like that because Uchiha Hikaru's wandering hand was still teasing her beneath the table (￣///￣). She had no choice but to force her tone sharper so no one would notice her reactions.
If anyone realized what was happening, it would be a true social catastrophe.
Hikaru, seated beside her, finally withdrew his hand—for now. He would deal with her later (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
"Kakuzu," Hikaru said calmly, "tell me your decision. Will you join Konoha, or Amegakure? Whichever you choose, it's your freedom."
Hikaru's tone made Kakuzu relax slightly.
After a long silence, Kakuzu finally looked straight at Uchiha Hikaru.
"I've decided to join the Hidden Rain."
"Adding icing on the cake is worthless compared to giving charcoal in the snow."
He stopped speaking there.
Nagato, who had been waiting nervously, suddenly brightened in relief.
A shinobi as powerful as a Kage, with experience and business genius—this would elevate the Rain Village's economy instantly. That mattered even more than raw combat strength.
At that moment, Hidan, who had been lounging in his chair, perked up. He looked around dramatically, then pointed proudly at himself.
"Alright, alright, it's finally my turn. Obviously the most important person always shows up last."
"I'm the finale after all."
"Come on! Ask me where I'm going!"
Everyone turned their gaze toward the overly dramatic Hidan. Silence fell. Only Hidan continued pointing at himself enthusiastically.
"…Then where do you want to go?" Biwa Jūzō asked before he could stop himself.
Hidan flicked his hair back confidently, trying to keep his slicked-back style perfectly neat.
"Don't ask me. I don't know where I'm going."
Biwa Jūzō's fists hardened instantly.
What kind of idiot is this? Why did he beg people to ask just now!?
I can't believe I thought he had a functioning brain! Am I really that easy to fool!? (╬ Ò﹏Ó)
Konan and Hikaru exchanged a silent look, and Konan finally spoke.
"Hidan, you should go to Konoha. Konoha needs… talents like you." She cleared her throat. "Besides, the Rain Village is too humid. It's bad for your healing… and inconvenient for your jutsu."
Hidan's eyes lit up as if Konan had spoken divine wisdom.
"You're right! Then I'll go to Konoha!"
Hikaru was about to remind him of something, but suddenly froze.
"…? (°ロ°)"
"…(つ///⊂)"
He hadn't expected Konan to catch his wandering hand again under the table.
Forced into temporary surrender by this wicked woman, he smiled stiffly at Hidan.
"Then Konoha welcomes you."
With everyone's choices decided, they each found a room to rest.
Nagato even pushed the wheels of his own chair, entering a room and lying on a large bed with suppressed excitement.
Tomorrow, Uchiha Hikaru would escort him to Konoha Hospital. With Konoha's current medical technology, it was extremely likely his legs could be healed.
The thought of walking again—standing again—made him so thrilled he could barely sleep.
Konan quietly prepared to slip away, pretending nothing had happened. But Hikaru simply smiled at her back.
"Konan, you're the Secretary-General of the Ninja Association. Don't rush off. I still have something important to discuss with you."
"It concerns the Hidden Rain Village."
Konan froze, turned silently, and walked back to sit beside him. Her cheeks flushed faintly as she stole a glance at Hikaru. She knew he wouldn't let her escape so easily.
Saya covered her mouth and laughed softly. When she noticed Konan looking, she immediately straightened her face as if she knew nothing (๑>ᴗ<๑).
Hikaru took out a scroll, released the seal, and placed a stack of documents covered in dense writing onto the table.
He hadn't lied—this really was a commission for the Rain Village. He wasn't only using it as an excuse to bully Konan… though that part was definitely included (〃∀〃)ゞ
"Take a look first."
He pushed the file toward her. Konan exhaled quietly in relief… but also felt an inexplicable disappointment.
So he still thinks I'm composed and untouchable? Hmph…
She picked up the document, reading every line seriously to mask her flustered emotions.
But the moment she processed the contents, her entire body tensed, her knees tightening together instinctively.
"What's wrong?" Hikaru asked lightly. "Is there a problem with the document?"
"Or does the Hidden Rain Village not intend to accept the commission?"
He sipped from his teacup as if absolutely nothing unusual was happening.
Konan grit her teeth, her blush spreading as she forced herself to remain composed. The document's contents were extremely important to the Rain Village—solutions for flood control, massive economic benefits… all crucial.
Her body's instinct and her rational mind collided violently, each fighting to take control.
"This commission… will be accepted by the Hidden Rain Village." Her voice trembled, but she held on.
"But… we have… one condition."
"For the farmlands irrigated by our systems… twenty percent of the annual grain production must be allocated to us."
She forced out every word, holding herself together with pure willpower.
As soon as she finished, Konan clamped a hand over her mouth, bending forward. Her other hand braced against the table as her body trembled uncontrollably.
Hikaru rose to his feet.
"Konan, are you unwell?"
"Let me take you back to your room. Saya, please gather the documents."
Konan opened her mouth, but no words came out. A soft, helpless sound escaped instead, and a faint, shameful expectation stirred in her chest.
Hikaru lifted her into his arms. Konan's hands reflexively clutched at him, the scent of his chakra and warmth overwhelming her senses (〃///〃).
Saya calmly collected the documents, glanced at the damp spot on the chair, and cleaned it up.
"It seems Sister Konan spilled a lot while drinking," she said with a gentle smile. "She really can't hold her liquor~ Someone needs to take care of her."
After finishing, she went to the rooftop and knocked.
"Master Hikaru, Sister Konan might have drunk too much and is feeling unwell. I'll help you take care of her."
"…Alright."
(⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄)
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