Chapter 314

Shinji on the Cliff

Standing on the cliff, Shinji watched Konan search for him for a while before leaving empty-handed. He was puzzled.

Why was Konan looking for him? Could she really be seeking revenge? After all the displays of his abilities, she should have realized she wasn't his match, right?

"Women's hearts are indeed hard to fathom," Shinji muttered, shaking his head before turning away.

In the Cave

As Shinji approached the cave, he sensed that the three kids were lying in ambush, but he pretended not to notice and walked in.

As a result, during dinner, the three little ones sat at the table with swollen lumps on their heads, silently eating the meal that Minato had prepared. While Haku and Kimimaro seemed fine, Karin had tears brimming in her eyes, on the verge of spilling over.

Fortunately, there was Minato, who was almost like a mother to them. He scolded Shinji for being too harsh while applying ointment to the kids' bumps. Shinji acted as if he didn't hear, quickly grading the morning's tests while helping himself to tender fish slices from the hot pot.

As Shinji savored a slice of sauerkraut fish, he chewed thoughtfully and his eyes lit up. "Hmm, very fragrant, tender, and smooth, with firm texture. Minato, well done."

Minato, about to modestly brush off the praise, suddenly felt something was off with Shinji's comment. It seemed to carry some ambiguous meaning.

Ignoring Minato's subtle embarrassment, Shinji set the graded papers aside and continued, "Since it was your first coordinated attack and you did well, I'm thinking of rewarding you three."

"Really? Sensei!" Karin, who had been sulking, immediately brightened up. But before she could get too excited, Shinji added, "However, because someone failed the test, the merits and demerits cancel each other out, so there's no reward."

"Eh? Eh—!?" Karin dragged out her protest, but it was to no avail.

"Listen up, you three. It's impossible to complete the final task I give you on your own. Your teamwork is still lacking. You need to share joys and sorrows to improve your coordination."

"Yes, Sensei," the three replied in unison.

"Ah, I wanted to go out and play," Karin sighed.

Shinji retorted, "You're the one who failed and dragged the others down. What right do you have to say that?"

"But I copied..." Realizing her slip, Karin quickly covered her mouth.

Surprisingly, Shinji didn't dwell on it. Instead, he said, "Cheating is your choice. I won't stop you. But if you ever fail because you relied on cheating and didn't truly understand the material, don't complain."

"Sorry..." Karin mumbled, looking down.

"Well, that's it for today. Starting tomorrow, besides ninjutsu in the afternoons, I'll teach you some self-defense techniques and swordsmanship. Be prepared."

Midnight

Late at night, after the three kids had finished refining their chakra and fallen asleep, Shinji sat at the cave entrance, looking into the darkness with interest. Minato approached, carrying freshly brewed tea.

Seeing Shinji standing in the rain yet remaining dry, Minato found it quite amazing but didn't let it distract him from the real concern.

"Mr. Anri, about that woman..."

"What's up?" Shinji glanced at Minato. "Didn't I already answer your question?"

Thinking of some unspeakable words, Minato awkwardly smiled and asked, "Are you sure she didn't have a breakdown?"

"Why would she?"

"Normally, wouldn't a girl in such a situation be suicidal?"

Shinji looked skeptical. "Really? I've never met such a woman. The women I encounter all end up falling for me and then wanting to kill me after I leave them."

Minato: ...

Eventually, Minato decided not to dwell on it. He stood up. "Anyway, it's a blessing that she's alive."

"Indeed," Shinji agreed, folding his arms. "A woman like her dying easily would be a waste."

Minato wanted to tell Shinji to stop saying such things but knew it was pointless, so he held back.

"By the way, I saw some of her memories."

"Mr. Anri, I'm not interested in that. I'm going to rest."

"Really? She has a connection to someone you know."

"Who?" Minato paused.

"A man named Jiraiya. From what I saw, he was her teacher."

"What?!" Minato was shocked. He recalled Jiraiya mentioning three students he had in Amegakure. If his guess was correct, that girl was one of them.

Oh no, I've really messed up!

Responsibility

"Mr. Anri, could you take responsibility for that woman for my sake?"

Shinji, seeing Minato's face with a big slap mark, replied without hesitation, "I already took responsibility by saving her. We're even."

"I mean the responsibility between a man and a woman."

"Why should I? We're even now."

"That's not even! You planned it all along! It's your responsibility!"

"Wait a minute," Shinji stopped him. "Let's clarify. First, who hurt her?"

"Well, I did, but..."

"No buts."

Shinji continued, "You volunteered. I didn't force you. I saved her and she chose to pay the price. We're even now. The rest is on you."

Realizing Shinji's logic made sense, Minato was frustrated. Mr. Anri indeed didn't force him; he went willingly. If he hadn't, Konan would still end up with Mr. Anri, but at least it wouldn't involve him.

"Mr. Anri, I think my junior would make a good wife. Will you consider it?"

"No. Go away."

"Just a little? Consider it for a moment?"

Shinji ignored him, despite Minato's pleading.

Minato decided to prepare a lengthy self-reflection letter for the day this matter was exposed. If that happened, he would use it and then commit seppuku.

"To think she survived. I heard she died in the Third Shinobi War," Minato mused.

"Exactly. A woman like her dying easily would be a waste. That shyness and shame are priceless."

"Mr. Anri, please stop saying such things!"

"Request denied."

Two Days Later

At the Rain Country border, Konan, despite having the option to return to Amegakure, continued her mission. Perhaps it was due to a mix of emotions, including shame and anger, that she couldn't face Nagato and Yahiko's body just yet.

The task wasn't difficult. After a day's search, Konan found the rogue ninja from the Earth Country rumored to know about a tailed beast and its jinchuriki.

However, Konan was disappointed. The rogue ninja had only seen the Five-Tails jinchuriki from afar and had no detailed information.

Looking at the rogue ninja's corpse, Konan sighed. She had gained nothing and lost her dignity.

Still feeling a bit unsettled, she started back with the rogue ninja's body.

As she traveled, Konan suddenly sensed something wrong with the ground beneath her. Too late, countless explosive tags buried underground detonated, enveloping her in a massive explosion.

A Miraculous Survival

Waking from unconsciousness, Konan gasped for air, staring at the rain-soaked sky. Her last memory was of the massive explosion she couldn't avoid. She had prepared to die.

"I'm alive. It's a miracle."

Konan slowly got up, clutching her torn abdomen. Despite the explosion, she was unharmed.

She noticed a wound on her shoulder rapidly healing. Within a second, it was completely healed.

Simultaneously, she felt something inside her being rapidly consumed, restoring her energy.

Once fully recovered, the foreign energy was entirely depleted.

"What is this..."

Konan frowned, then recalled the blue-haired, blue-eyed man she had tried hard to forget but couldn't.

"Though we're even now, a little extra service isn't out of the question..."

Had he left something in her?

"Damn it! I thought we were even, but now I owe him again!"

Konan clenched her fists, trembling with anger. She had two choices: kill the man or repay him and cut ties forever.

Unbeknownst to Shinji, Konan was devising plans to either kill him or repay her debt.

Changing Paths

On her way back, Konan chose a different route, realizing only Nagato, Zetsu, and Tobi knew her original path. Attacks indicated a traitor among them.

Konan suspected either Tobi or Zetsu, but she needed more evidence.

After she left, Tobi and Zetsu appeared at the scene.

"Didn't expect Nagato to give Konan such life-saving power," Tobi said, regretting it. "If Konan died, Nagato's hatred would deepen, and his darkness..."

"Konan has always resisted us," Zetsu's black half noted.

"Initially, Yahiko warned her against us. She still remembers that," Tobi replied.

"But as long as Nagato needs her, she won't betray us."

"True. We need Nagato to stay sane. Too much darkness and he'll lose control."

"Stop targeting Konan?"

"Yes, let her live for now. Nagato needs her. We have other matters to attend to."

"Alright, I understand."

"Always bossing me around,"

Shinji stood on the cliff, watching as Konan, after a fruitless search, finally left. He was puzzled.

Why was Konan looking for him? Could she really be seeking revenge? After all, she should have realized she wasn't his match by now.

"Women's hearts are indeed hard to fathom," Shinji muttered, shaking his head as he turned away.

At the Cave

As Shinji approached the cave, he sensed the three kids lying in ambush, but pretended not to notice and walked in.

The result was...

During dinner, the three little ones sat at the table with swollen lumps on their heads, silently eating the meal Minato had prepared. While Haku and Kimimaro seemed fine, Karin had tears brimming in her eyes, on the verge of spilling over.

Fortunately, Minato, who was almost like a mother to them, scolded Shinji for being too harsh while applying ointment to the kids' bumps. Shinji acted as if he didn't hear, quickly grading the morning's tests while helping himself to tender fish slices from the hot pot.

As Shinji savored a slice of sauerkraut fish, he chewed thoughtfully and his eyes lit up. "Hmm, very fragrant, tender, and smooth, with firm texture. Minato, well done."

Minato, about to modestly brush off the praise, suddenly felt something was off with Shinji's comment. It seemed to carry some ambiguous meaning.

Ignoring Minato's subtle embarrassment, Shinji set the graded papers aside and continued, "Since it was your first coordinated attack and you did well, I'm thinking of rewarding you three."

"Really? Sensei!" Karin, who had been sulking, immediately brightened up. But before she could get too excited, Shinji added, "However, because someone failed the test, the merits and demerits cancel each other out, so there's no reward."

"Eh? Eh—!?" Karin dragged out her protest, but it was to no avail.

"Listen up, you three. It's impossible to complete the final task I give you on your own. Your teamwork is still lacking. You need to share joys and sorrows to improve your coordination."

"Yes, Sensei," the three replied in unison.

"Ah, I wanted to go out and play," Karin sighed.

Shinji retorted, "You're the one who failed and dragged the others down. What right do you have to say that?"

"But I copied..." Realizing her slip, Karin quickly covered her mouth.

Surprisingly, Shinji didn't dwell on it. Instead, he said, "Cheating is your choice. I won't stop you. But if you ever fail because you relied on cheating and didn't truly understand the material, don't complain."

"Sorry..." Karin mumbled, looking down.

"Well, that's it for today. Starting tomorrow, besides ninjutsu in the afternoons, I'll teach you some self-defense techniques and swordsmanship. Be prepared."

Midnight

Late at night, after the three kids had finished refining their chakra and fallen asleep, Shinji sat at the cave entrance, looking into the darkness with interest. Minato approached, carrying freshly brewed tea.

Seeing Shinji standing in the rain yet remaining dry, Minato found it quite amazing but didn't let it distract him from the real concern.

"Mr. Anri, about that woman..."

"What's up?" Shinji glanced at Minato. "Didn't I already answer your question?"

Thinking of some unspeakable words, Minato awkwardly smiled and asked, "Are you sure she didn't have a breakdown?"

"Why would she?"

"Normally, wouldn't a girl in such a situation be suicidal?"

Shinji looked skeptical. "Really? I've never met such a woman. The women I encounter all end up falling for me and then wanting to kill me after I leave them."

Minato: ...

Eventually, Minato decided not to dwell on it. He stood up. "Anyway, it's a blessing that she's alive."

"Indeed," Shinji agreed, folding his arms. "A woman like her dying easily would be a waste."

Minato wanted to tell Shinji to stop saying such things but knew it was pointless, so he held back.

"By the way, I saw some of her memories."

"Mr. Anri, I'm not interested in that. I'm going to rest."

"Really? She has a connection to someone you know."

"Who?" Minato paused.

"A man named Jiraiya. From what I saw, he was her teacher."

"What?!" Minato was shocked. He recalled Jiraiya mentioning three students he had in Amegakure. If his guess was correct, that girl was one of them.

Oh no, I've really messed up!

Responsibility

"Mr. Anri, could you take responsibility for that woman for my sake?"

Shinji, seeing Minato's face with a big slap mark, replied without hesitation, "I already took responsibility by saving her. We're even."

"I mean the responsibility between a man and a woman."

"Why should I? We're even now."

"That's not even! You planned it all along! It's your responsibility!"

"Wait a minute," Shinji stopped him. "Let's clarify. First, who hurt her?"

"Well, I did, but..."

"No buts."

Shinji continued, "You volunteered. I didn't force you. I saved her and she chose to pay the price. We're even now. The rest is on you."

Realizing Shinji's logic made sense, Minato was frustrated. Mr. Anri indeed didn't force him; he went willingly. If he hadn't, Konan would still end up with Mr. Anri, but at least it wouldn't involve him.

"Mr. Anri, I think my junior would make a good wife. Will you consider it?"

"No. Go away."

"Just a little? Consider it for a moment?"

Shinji ignored him, despite Minato's pleading.

Minato decided to prepare a lengthy self-reflection letter for the day this matter was exposed. If that happened, he would use it and then commit seppuku.

"To think she survived. I heard she died in the Third Shinobi War," Minato mused.

"Exactly. A woman like her dying easily would be a waste. That shyness and shame are priceless."

"Mr. Anri, please stop saying such things!"

"Request denied."

Two Days Later

At the Rain Country border, Konan, despite having the option to return to Amegakure, continued her mission. Perhaps it was due to a mix of emotions, including shame and anger, that she couldn't face Nagato and Yahiko's body just yet.

The task wasn't difficult. After a day's search, Konan found the rogue ninja from the Earth Country rumored to know about a tailed beast and its jinchuriki.

However, Konan was disappointed. The rogue ninja had only seen the Five-Tails jinchuriki from afar and had no detailed information.

Looking at the rogue ninja's corpse, Konan sighed. She had gained nothing and lost her dignity.

Still feeling a bit unsettled, she started back with the rogue ninja's body.

As she traveled, Konan suddenly sensed something wrong with the ground beneath her. Too late, countless explosive tags buried underground detonated, enveloping her in a massive explosion.

A Miraculous Survival

Waking from unconsciousness, Konan gasped for air, staring at the rain-soaked sky. Her last memory was of the massive explosion she couldn't avoid. She had prepared to die.

"I'm alive. It's a miracle."

Konan slowly got up, clutching her torn abdomen. Despite the explosion, she was unharmed.

She noticed a wound on her shoulder rapidly healing. Within a second, it was completely healed.

Simultaneously, she felt something inside her being rapidly consumed, restoring her energy.

Once fully recovered, the foreign energy was entirely depleted.

"What is this..."

Konan frowned, then recalled the blue-haired, blue-eyed man she had tried hard to forget but couldn't.

"Though we're even now, a little extra service isn't out of the question..."

Had he left something in her?

"Damn it! I thought we were even, but now I owe him again!"

Konan clenched her fists, trembling with anger. She had two choices: kill the man or repay him and cut ties forever.

Unbeknownst to Shinji, Konan was devising plans to either kill him or repay her debt.

Changing Paths

On her way back, Konan chose a different route, realizing only Nagato, Zetsu, and Tobi knew her original path. Attacks indicated a traitor among them.

Konan suspected either Tobi or Zetsu, but she needed more evidence.

After she left, Tobi and Zetsu appeared at the scene.

"Didn't expect Nagato to give Konan such life-saving power," Tobi said, regretting it. "If Konan died, Nagato's hatred would deepen, and his darkness..."

"Konan has always resisted us," Zetsu's black half noted.

"Initially, Yahiko warned her against us. She still remembers that," Tobi replied.

"But as long as Nagato needs her, she won't betray us."

"True. We need Nagato to stay sane. Too much darkness and he'll lose control."

"Stop targeting Konan?"

"Yes, let her live for now. Nagato needs her. We have other matters to attend to."

"Alright, I understand."

"Always bossing me around," Zetsu complained before disappearing underground.