09 - A Test of Loyalty

To plan for Karin's mother, the first step is to go to Kusa. Fortunately, a reason was already in place.

After Mashiro died, his secret warehouse naturally fell into the hands of the Akatsuki organization. Mountains of supplies filled the space—weapons, medicine, food, and other valuable goods.

Yahiko stood among the crates. "These supplies could help so many people," he said. "We could expand our influence, show them what Akatsuki stands for."

"And how long would that last?" Shin asked. "A month? Two? Then what?"

Yahiko, with his usual kindness, first thought of using the supplies for charity and to recruit new members. However, the amount of materials was far too much, and even with his overabundance of goodwill, it couldn't be used all at once.

So, Shin suggested selling a portion of the supplies to nearby regions to recover some funds. He thought Kusa seemed like a good choice. Most members of the Akatsuki agreed with this plan. Some even teased him, saying it was rare for him to come up with such a reasonable suggestion.

"Wow, Shin actually suggested something reasonable for once!" one member laughed.

"No hidden daggers this time?" another joked.

Shin just smiled, not saying a word. You might be saying this a bit too soon...

Given the current wartime situation, transporting valuable supplies abroad was not a safe matter. He proposed that Nagato accompany him on the journey.

Yahiko frowned, studying Shin's face. "Nagato? Why specifically him?"

"Given the value of these supplies and the current situation, we need strong protection. Who better than Nagato?"

Yahiko thought about it, sensing something might be off, but unable to find a reason to refuse, he agreed, saying, "Alright, I'll leave this to you."

However, an unexpected twist soon occurred.

Konan stepped forward, and saying, "I'll go too. I've recently made another batch of explosive tags, and we can sell them in Kusa to get some more funds."

Yahiko was surprised. "Konan, what about base logistics if you leave?"

"I'll take care of everything before I go," she replied.

Yahiko was left speechless.

He had a vague feeling that something important was happening beyond his knowledge, but he couldn't grasp it. It had only been three days since his last conversation with Konan. What had happened in those three days? Sadly, no one was there to answer his questions.

After a few days of preparation, Shin sealed about one-fifth of the high-value materials from Mashiro's warehouse in a scroll and set off for Kusa, carrying the scroll on his back.

The terrain changed as they traveled, forest giving way to expansive grasslands. "This route is unusually quiet for a war zone," Nagato observed.

"The best paths are often the ones others overlook," Shin said. And some knowledge can change everything.

Like Ame, Kusa was caught between larger nations. Its strategic importance wasn't as significant as the Land of Rain, but its situation wasn't any better. The country lacked a strong figure like Hanzō, who had once earned the respect of the Great Ninja Villages.

As a result, Kusa hid in a remote location to avoid the chaos of war. Ironically, the most prosperous town was near a major transportation route, not far from Kusa, but the village didn't dare to build its base nearby, fearing that Konoha or Iwa might one day attack while resupplying in the town.

"A shinobi village without a strong leader," Shin mused aloud, "hiding from war while profiting from it. Interesting approach, wouldn't you say?"

"You sound like you disapprove," Nagato said.

Shin shrugged. "Disapproval implies caring. I'm merely observing."

Shin, Konan, and Nagato traveled for half a day, and before nightfall, they arrived in a town. While selling the supplies, Shin secretly contacted Akatsuki ninjas. Many were from his previous team, including Tanaka, whom he had persuaded a few days prior.

"Captain, what are we doing this time? Where are we going? Who are we killing?" he casually asked Shin after fully accepting his role.

"Always so negative, Tanaka," Shin replied, his lips quirking. "Can't we just be on a peaceful mission?"

Tanaka's eyes narrowed. "With you? Never."

Over the past few days, he had realized that Yahiko couldn't control Shin. Even if he resisted, he would end up 'falling', so he might as well go along with it from the start and enjoy it.

Shin waved his hand, "Don't always think about fighting. Our organization's ideal is mutual understanding between people."

Tanaka squinted, I don't believe you at all.

Sure enough, Shin's tone quickly shifted. "But some people refuse to understand each other, so we need to show them a bit of respect."

As he spoke, he spread out a map. "This is a simplified map. I need you to scout the village and confirm if they have recently taken in an outsider. The target is a woman, about twenty years old, not necessarily a ninja, with striking red hair and possibly thin and frail. Once you find her, confirm her treatment in the village, but don't act hastily. Wait for my next instructions."

Tanaka's eyes widened slightly. "Red hair? Like..."

"Exactly like that," Shin cut him off. "But let's keep that observation between us for now."

Tanaka was surprised. This time, the captain didn't ask for anyone to be eliminated. "Is this woman the person you want to show respect to?" he asked.

Shin smiled meaningfully, "No, no, she hasn't done anything wrong. She's the kind of person who desperately needs understanding. Unfortunately, our leader's ideal of understanding is fragile and idealistic. Soon, during your reconnaissance, you'll see firsthand what happens to those who truly need understanding."

"So, who is this woman?" Tanaka asked aloud.

Shin didn't answer directly, instead prompting him, "The target's main feature is her red hair. Who else have you seen with such vivid red hair?"

Tanaka's face changed instantly, realizing something. If there's really an Uzumaki here, Nagato needs to know.

Shin added, "Don't tell him yet. This woman could be someone very important to him. Wait until we confirm."

He deliberately blurred the distinction between clan and family, further provoking Tanaka's inner anxiety. Shin knew that he wasn't fully loyal to him, as he still followed Yahiko more.

The last time Shin had tricked him into eliminating those rogue ninjas, he had used Tanaka's sister as leverage. Although Tanaka completed the task, he never fully agreed with Shin. Now, with such crucial information at stake, the more Shin withheld it, the more likely Tanaka would leak the information to Nagato.

After all, in the hearts of the senior Akatsuki members, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan still carried more weight than Shin.

He wasn't angry about this. On the contrary, he was glad to have someone like Tanaka in the group. This way, the information would reach Nagato for a perfect reason. Even though it was Shin who had set up this truth for Nagato to discover, no one would suspect his motives afterward. Everything would unfold naturally.

All the pieces are in place, Shin thought, looking out over the town. Now to watch them fall.

It was just a matter of whether Kusa would cooperate. On this, Shin had no doubt. Given the original story, the crimes the village committed against Karin and her mother were truly heinous. There was no need to worry about Nagato staying calm after witnessing it.

Afterward, things developed just as Shin had expected. Tanaka did not disappoint him and went to deliver the message to Nagato that very evening. Steam rose from the cooking pot as Shin hummed, the rich aroma of stew filling his small room. By now, Tanaka should have planted the seeds of doubt in Nagato's mind.

Shortly after the group set out for Kusa, Nagato quietly followed them, as predicted. Everything was progressing smoothly.

Shin stayed behind in his room in town, taking his time with dinner preparation. He planned to follow them after finishing his meal, savoring this moment of peace before the coming storm. But things weren't as simple as he had thought.

Just as he was preparing various cuts of pork, there was a sudden knock on the door. His ninja instincts quickly alerted him to the identity of the person outside. That chakra signature... Konan?

Why was she here? This wasn't part of his plan.

He had no time to think as Konan had already opened the door. Paper butterflies drifted in behind her, their edges sharp as razors, ready to strike at a moment's notice. The steam from his cooking seemed to dance with them, creating a strange scene.

No new death predictions—Damn, I should be fine, right?

[48.5% chance of death in 2 minutes, cause: multiple paper-cut lacerations from Konan's jutsu after giving unsatisfactory answer about loyalty to Akatsuki]

"Konan, what brings you here? Have you eaten yet? Want to try my cooking?" he asked with a friendly smile as he cut the vegetables.

He believed his performance was impeccable, but in the next moment, Konan pierced through his facade with just one sentence.

"Nagato just left, secretly. Even I didn't know about it. This must be another one of your schemes, right, Shin?"

His expression stiffened slightly. He had underestimated Konan's sharpness. Before he could come up with a new excuse, Konan quickly continued, solidifying her accusation.

"Before Nagato left, I saw Tanaka come to him through one of my paper butterflies. You probably don't know, but over the past month, he has complained to Yahiko several times, saying that you are very skilled at manipulating people, often coercing others with cunning words. He even said you're like a demon who toys with people's minds."

Her eyes narrowed, as the paper butterflies multiplied, filling the room.

"There's no point in lying to me. I'm certain this is your doing. I haven't told Nagato about this yet—I came here to get an answer from you."

At that moment, Shin was at a rare loss for words. How could I be so careless?

Not long ago, he had repeatedly reminded himself not to underestimate Konan. She wasn't just a pretty face; he needed to take her seriously and win her over. Yet, in the end, he had still underestimated her.

Perhaps it was because she had been too obedient since that day. She listened to him during battles and trusted him completely, often speaking on his behalf when they returned to the base. This had made him think that he had successfully won over her. But it turned out that she remained clear-headed at crucial moments. I've been treating her like a child when she's anything but. Another miscalculation...

"What answer are you seeking from me?"

At this point, there was no use in being clever. He put down his knife, turning to face her fully. He decided it was better to be honest. He didn't deny her accusations, essentially admitting to his scheming. The aroma of the cooking meat now seemed out of place in the tense atmosphere.

Moreover, since she hadn't told Nagato yet, it seemed like she had her own thoughts and objectives. He still had a chance to explain himself.

Sure enough, in the next moment, Konan activated her Paper Release technique with greater intensity, and paper butterflies filled every corner of the room. She stared intensely at him and asked in a serious tone.

"I've thought about it a lot since we returned from that mission. I have to admit, your thinking is more mature than Yahiko's—more mature than all of us. But I need you to answer me truthfully. To achieve your goal, for the sake of what you call true peace, would you one day betray Akatsuki, abandon the Land of Rain, or even use Nagato, Yahiko... and me?"

At that moment, despite the killing intent radiating from the paper butterflies, Shin felt unexpectedly calm. Each butterfly was positioned perfectly to strike vital points. She's prepared to kill me if she doesn't like my answer. 70.6%.

Now, he wasn't worried anymore. He realized he had finally figured Konan out. Among the original three core members of Akatsuki, she was actually the most normal one. Her obsession with ideals wasn't as deep as Yahiko's or Nagato's. What she truly cared about were the people around her—her friends, her companions, and her home.

In the future, when Nagato decided to make the world feel pain, Konan supported him unconditionally. But after he was defeated by Naruto and sacrificed his life, she didn't carry on Nagato's ideals or Akatsuki's mission. Instead, she focused all her efforts on trying to take down Tobi, who had been manipulating Nagato all along.

In the end, she never cared that much about Akatsuki's grand ideals. 

Once Shin understood this, he immediately knew how to turn the situation around.

"You don't need to worry. I've never thought about betraying Akatsuki. And aren't we companions?" he said sincerely. "Why would you think of me that way?"

He wasn't lying. After all, how could taking over the organization be considered betrayal? Akatsuki needed a leader—so why couldn't it be him? As for the last part—it perfectly struck deep into Konan's lonely heart, stirring guilt within her. The truth makes the best lie. I do want to protect them... in my own way.

Seeing an opportunity, Shin pressed on with his best performance, taking a step forward.

"I may not agree with Yahiko's ideas and often find them too naive, but I've never forgotten that you all saved me, that your helping hand kept me from freezing to death in that cold and starving rainstorm."

"I've always regarded everyone in Akatsuki as my companions, especially you, Konan. Everything I've done has been to prevent Akatsuki from being destroyed by Yahiko's one-sided idealism."

He met her gaze directly, letting her see the sincerity in his eyes. "I will never abandon you all, never! Don't you trust me?"

As the saying goes, 'If you seek purpose, let's talk of change and possibility. If your heart feels heavy, we'll speak of connection and belonging'.

This is the world of Naruto—there's always something that resonates with someone. His words broke down Konan's emotional defenses. She stepped back, recalling most of her paper butterflies, and the killing intent in the room completely dissipated.

"I'm sorry, Shin, I didn't mean it like that," she said. "I believe you are our companion. I was just scared. Your thinking is far beyond ours, and you oppose Yahiko so much that I fear one day you might use Nagato or someone else…"

Shin smiled lightly. Her intuition was sharp, and in some ways, she was right—he did plan to use Nagato. But considering the tragic outcome in the original story, who could say that using Nagato wasn't a form of salvation?

Sometimes manipulation is the kindest form of protection. Look what happened when they were left to their own devices. Like little lost lambs.

With that thought, he boldly stepped forward and gently touched Konan's cheek. Her skin felt warm and soft since she had deactivated her Paper Release technique, and he realized that, despite his earlier fear, things were turning out surprisingly well.

Out of guilt, she didn't shy away from his touch and allowed him to caress her face gently.

"Trust me, Konan. The ninja world is dangerous, and our situation isn't as optimistic as you think. Everything I've done has been to protect everyone, to save Akatsuki. Because we're all important to each other as comrades."

In the world of Naruto, bonds and friendship are always worth considering!

With these words, the tension in the room dissolved completely. Konan lowered her head, seemingly to hide her blush. The last paper butterfly landed on her shoulder, its wings folding like a white flag of surrender. After a moment, she looked up and softly asked, "Are you still planning to go to Nagato? I can take you there."

"Alright," Shin replied confidently, feeling a wave of relief.

He knew that he had successfully passed this test. Everything was proceeding according to plan—perhaps even better than planned.

"Let's go," he said as he extinguished the stove with a casual gesture. The forgotten dinner would be a small price to pay for such a significant victory.