Chapter 56 – A Man Full of Suffering in the World of Naruto
A lazy voice echoed through the training field, drawing the attention of the Akatsuki members toward the young man who radiated an overwhelming presence.
Konan and the other two leaders turned to face him, surprised by the contrast in his demeanor. Just moments ago, he had stood like a god of war, overwhelming the battlefield with his aura. But now, he looked like an unmotivated slacker with not a single care in the world.
"You did well," Yusuke muttered in a flat tone. "You actually pushed me this far."
Those around him rolled their eyes. Pushed him? Really? The only thing that looked even remotely damaged was his slightly torn outfit. His body was perfectly fine!
"That's enough. The combat simulation ends here. I acknowledge your strength," Yusuke declared, disappearing in a flash before reappearing directly in front of the three Akatsuki leaders.
"Your comrades… they're not bad," he added casually, glancing at the resting ninja.
"They're not subordinates," Yahiko replied firmly. "They're comrades."
Hearing that, the group below looked up with pride and admiration. Yusuke silently acknowledged it. Yahiko wasn't faking it. His leadership came from the heart.
"Well then, I'll be resting for a bit." Yusuke turned around, his voice indifferent. The battle had given him a lot to think about. Although he had held back his Devil Fruit abilities, pushing through that barrage of elemental ninjutsu with only his sword skills was no easy feat—even for him.
And yet, in the middle of that overwhelming pressure, he'd entered a strange state of mind. A heightened awareness, as if a door had opened. The gateway to the domain of the True Swordsmen. He wasn't there yet—not at the level of a Sword Saint—but the path was now in sight. It was only a matter of time.
(Note: The Third Raikage could face thousands of enemies alone because of his incredible speed and natural defense. Most of his enemies used basic taijutsu and couldn't even form hand signs in time. In contrast, the Akatsuki's coordinated ninjutsu barrage was the pinnacle of elemental combination. If Yusuke relied solely on swordsmanship, he wasn't quite on par with the Raikage's natural endurance—yet.)
Back in his room, Yusuke dropped onto his bed and stared at the ceiling in silence, reviewing the fight in his mind. His thoughts drifted to the people closest to him in this world.
Without realizing it, he dozed off.
When he woke up again, the sky had darkened.
His stomach grumbled, reminding him of a more basic need. He stepped outside, deciding to look for food. The Akatsuki base wasn't located in total isolation—there had to be somewhere to eat nearby.
As soon as he stepped out, he ran into Konan coming from the opposite direction.
"So, you're awake," Konan said coolly.
"Yeah. Hey, is there any good place to eat around here? Mind showing me around?" he asked casually.
Konan thought for a moment, then nodded softly. "There's a dango shop over there. It's pretty good."
Yusuke smiled faintly and followed her lead.
When they arrived, the shopkeeper greeted them warmly. "What can I get you two?"
"I'll leave it up to her," Yusuke said, nodding toward Konan.
Without any fuss, Konan placed the order.
Soon after, a plate of colorful dango was set in front of them.
Yusuke took one skewer and bit into it. A slight frown appeared on his face.
"Not to your liking?" Konan asked, noticing his expression.
"It's not that. Just… a little too sweet," Yusuke replied.
"That's the charm of dango," Konan said softly, continuing to eat hers.
Watching her gentle smile, Yusuke couldn't help but smile back. It was rare to see this side of Konan. The look made her slightly flustered, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
Yusuke sighed quietly. So this is what the world of Naruto has become…
That thought pulled his mind toward one of the most tragic figures in the entire series—Uchiha Itachi.
"…Haaah."
"What's wrong?" Konan asked curiously. He had just looked happy, and now he was sighing?
"Nothing," Yusuke replied, his gaze drifting to the window. "Just remembered someone."
His tone was far too heavy for someone his age.
Konan picked up on it immediately and—perhaps instinctively—asked, "Someone like… who?" But she instantly regretted the question. They weren't close enough for that.
"He was a man who loved sweets," Yusuke began softly, "but lived a life filled with bitterness. He shouldered the hatred of the world to protect the younger brother he loved… and the village he respected. Even when that village was rotten. Even when his own brother wanted to kill him. He protected them all in his own way."
Konan fell silent. Even she could feel the weight behind those words. Not all suffering is visible from the surface.
After all, she too was someone who lived with grief. Once, she was a gentle girl. Everything she did was for Yahiko and Nagato. After Yahiko's death, she buried her heart and became cold, walking forward only to fulfill his dream. When Nagato died as well, she had no pillars left to lean on. Her life ended in a battle against Tobi—a tragic conclusion to a soul burdened by endless pain.
Yusuke looked at her again, his gaze softening. Seeing that gentle smile on her face, he couldn't help but pity her.
That look made Konan lower her guard completely. In that moment, she wasn't a kunoichi or a leader—just a woman. A woman who, for once, felt truly understood. And it made her nervous.
"Was he… your friend?" she asked after a moment of silence.
"Friend?" Yusuke paused. "It's more accurate to call him… a junior."
"A junior?" Konan raised an eyebrow. But when Yusuke didn't elaborate, she didn't press further.
Silence returned as the two of them finished their meal in peace.
"…Do you think you'll win?" Konan eventually asked.
"I will," Yusuke replied firmly.
Konan said nothing, though her thoughts stirred. She never trusted Hanzo and didn't believe he was someone worth relying on. But she supported Yahiko no matter what.
"Don't worry," Yusuke added calmly. "Even if your opponent is the so-called 'Demi-God of the Shinobi World'… as long as I'm here, he won't lay a finger on you."
That line sent a strange jolt through Konan. She found herself blushing again. What did he mean by that? Was that… a confession?
While Konan got lost in her own thoughts, Yusuke didn't give it a second thought. To him, it was just a statement of fact. Besides… in the original timeline, wasn't it Hanzo who captured her?
After finishing their meal, the two walked back quietly. But all the way home, Konan seemed distracted. Her gaze was distant, as if lost in her own mind.
Yusuke didn't dwell on it. Something else had caught his attention.
A system notification had just appeared:
[New Mission: Change the Fate of Yahiko's Death]
Reward: Random Devil Fruit
His mood instantly shifted. He had already planned to save Yahiko, but now there was an added incentive. A new Devil Fruit? That could change everything.
If he obtained another one—and fused it—his power might rise to a level that could even surpass Sarutobi Hiruzen… as long as the Third Hokage didn't resort to techniques like the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
Back in his room, Yusuke sat quietly, reviewing his plans.
His strategy was simple: Direct Assault.
With his current strength, Hanzo couldn't threaten him. Low-level troops? One burst of Conqueror's Haki would flatten them. And the Tremor-Tremor Fruit alone could devastate large areas.
Not to mention, Akatsuki wasn't just some small-time group.
They had their own formidable power.
And Yusuke was more than ready to lead them into war.
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