Chapter 49: Konan Takes Action
Konan's fingers traced the faded ink on the page as she read:
Hyuga Kiyonari said: The Land of Rain's most distinctive feature isn't just the endless rainfall. It's the massive pipeline system that forms the skeleton of the old Hidden Rain Village.
These pipes aren't merely architectural. They're an enormous hydraulic network, collecting rainwater and using gravity to drive turbines. That's how Rain Village generates its power.
Her eyes widened slightly. She continued reading, absorbing information about drilling operations, geothermal generators, steam turbines, and electrical generation systems. Terms she'd never encountered before.
"Land of Snow... Kazahana Koyuki... geothermal generator..."
Konan set down the journal, her brow furrowed in concentration.
If this were about ninjutsu, she could discuss it confidently. Principles and applications came naturally to her. But these scientific concepts left her completely lost.
She'd lived in Hidden Rain Village for over ten years. Only now, after reading this journal, did she discover the village had an entire dimension she'd never understood. Those metal pipes constantly flowing with rainwater weren't just drainage. They were infrastructure. Engineering. Technology.
This feeling reminded her of learning about chakra for the first time. Like discovering an entirely new world.
"Hyuga Kiyonari..."
She murmured the name softly. In this moment, she finally understood why the Third Tsuchikage always spoke of Konoha with such complex emotions.
What were the odds of finding someone genuinely good among ninja who only knew how to kill? Someone capable and willing to help?
Yet somehow, people like that always appeared in Konoha.
Konan pulled out a blank sheet of paper and began organizing the intelligence. Her pen moved in fluid strokes, weaving scattered information into coherent connections.
The Land of Snow lay at the continent's northernmost edge. A small nation, remote from the Five Great Countries and their constant conflicts. Yet it had demonstrated surprising technological advancement.
The daimyo, Kazahana Sousetsu, had dedicated himself to developing a geothermal generator. His goal was simple: change his country's harsh, frozen environment. But just as he completed the prototype, his younger brother Kazahana Dotou launched a coup.
Sousetsu entrusted the generator's key to his daughter, Koyuki, then commissioned Konoha ninja to escort her to safety. The mission succeeded. Kakashi, if she remembered the name correctly.
Dotou mistakenly believed the geothermal generator was a weapon. He'd been searching for Koyuki ever since. But she'd already assumed a new identity in the Land of Fire, living as an actress under the name Fuji Kazue.
Eventually, according to the journal, a genin named Hyuga Kiyonari took a commission. With his help, Koyuki returned home, overthrew her uncle, and restored her nation.
"That's the complete picture."
Konan set down her pen, thinking.
The journal hadn't mentioned specific timeframes. She had no idea whether the coup had already happened, or if Sousetsu still ruled peacefully.
If the timeline was early enough, two options existed. First, warn Sousetsu and help him prevent the betrayal. Second, wait for the coup, then help Koyuki reclaim her throne.
From Akatsuki's perspective, from the Land of Rain's interests, the second option was obviously superior.
Sousetsu had led the research, but he wasn't a scientist himself. The actual researchers were what mattered. And Koyuki, consumed by revenge, would be far easier to manipulate. Akatsuki could obtain everything the Land of Snow possessed. Perhaps even control the entire country from the shadows.
But...
Konan's gaze drifted to the notebook. Hyuga Kiyonari seemed to watch her through the pages.
"I need to confirm the current situation first."
Who should investigate?
Zetsu? Rain Village ninja?
She rejected both options immediately. No matter who she sent, she couldn't explain her intelligence source. Any risk of exposing the journal's existence was unacceptable.
Besides, the geothermal generator was designed for the Land of Snow specifically. It might not suit the Land of Rain's environment at all. Like using Water Release in the desert. Technically possible, but far from optimal.
She needed to gather intelligence and recruit the researchers personally. Other people wouldn't recognize the value of these civilians. They'd see ordinary people, not the treasure they represented.
"I'll have to go myself."
The next day, Konan stood before Pain.
"Pain, I need to leave for a while."
"Leave?"
Pain's normally emotionless voice carried a thread of tension. Nagato was clearly resisting this idea.
"I've been tired lately. I need some time alone."
She softened her tone, the way you'd soothe a nervous animal.
"Where?" he asked.
"The Fire Country capital." The Land of Snow was too far. A round trip would waste too much time. Besides, the key was with Koyuki. She only needed to confirm whether someone named Fuji Kazue existed. That would be enough.
The capital was far from ninja conflicts. She wouldn't encounter anyone dangerous. With her abilities, she could handle any situation.
Pain's tension eased slightly, though hesitation remained.
"How long?"
"Not long. Two weeks at most."
Silence stretched between them. Cold rain hammered against the tower. Only when the downpour intensified did Pain give a slight nod.
"Promise me," he said, voice firm. "Be careful."
"I will."
Before departure, she needed preparation.
Akatsuki hadn't been exposed to the world yet, but wearing the signature black robe with red clouds in the Fire Country capital would draw attention. To avoid trouble, she needed different clothes.
Back in her room, Konan opened her wardrobe. Inside hung her limited possessions. Several Akatsuki robes, and one pure black robe faded from countless washings.
This dated back to before Yahiko died. Before the name Akatsuki even existed. Their old organization's uniform.
Konan held it against herself, checking the fit. Her fingers unconsciously traced the sleeve, finding the spot where a kunai had torn the fabric. Only careful stitching remained now.
"It still fits."
When the black robe settled around her shoulders, Konan did something uncharacteristically girlish.
She rose on her toes and spun in a circle. The hem lifted, revealing the purple bodysuit beneath. In the mirror, her reflection seemed to split. The woman she was now, and the girl who'd once followed Yahiko, gazing at each other across years of loss.
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