Kita learned of Nagato's handling of the situation on the way back to the village. Nagato had decided to deal with Madara's corpse, after much deliberation, using Itachi's Amaterasu. The matter of Obito, however, was left unmentioned. Kita didn't voice an opinion—truth be told, she had never been accustomed to giving opinions. So when Nagato asked how she intended to handle Obito, Kita could only admit that she didn't know.
As for Itachi, however, Kita fully disclosed their private agreement to Nagato. In the end, Nagato concluded that the only option was a full revelation.
Like that day when Nagato and Konan had faced it together, Itachi had refused the mission, sulking in his room for three days before finally regaining his composure.
When the Amaterasu flames were unleashed, Madara's corpse turned to ash. Kita swept it away, sending the remains down the sewer via the toilet. This time, not even Edo Tensei could revive the dead. Afterward, Kita returned to her room to study the information she had copied from Kirigakure—about Infinite Tsukuyomi, gathered directly from the village.
Konan was visibly displeased, not because Kita was diligently working, but because she had discovered something unpleasant while organizing Kita's scrolls.
A luxurious kimono lay before her, intricately patterned with swimming koi. The fabric was soft, the workmanship exquisite, and six shades of red thread created the illusion of motion.
It was finely made, undeniably expensive.
Inside the kimono pocket was a Mizukage's token. Unlike the last time, this token bore a different name.
Fifth Mizukage Terumi Mei.
The previous token had belonged to Fourth Mizukage Yagura. And judging by the kimono itself—its model and size—it clearly belonged to Kita. Konan didn't explode on the spot, though she felt she might have been justified if she had.
"Kita, don't you have something to say to me?"
Truth be told, Konan rarely used Kita's full name. Kita, absorbed in Infinite Tsukuyomi research, looked at her with bewilderment, silently asking, What?
Three seconds later, Konan grabbed someone by the ear and dragged her out of the basement. On the sofa lay the expensive kimono and the Mizukage Token Kita remembered having returned to Mei.
"Explain this to me!"
Kita felt a chill down her spine, hair standing on end. She waved her hands frantically.
——I don't know! I really returned it! I don't know when she put it in my clothes!
Looking sincerely apologetic, Kita finally freed her ear from Konan's grip, stepping back and raising her hands in surrender.
——I didn't do anything! Trust me! I was gathering intelligence!
"It was in your clothes! How could you not know?!"
——I… I took off my jacket while sleeping.
Konan raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, staring at Kita in the corner, clearly displeased.
"Sleeping? Where? Didn't you say you were working on intelligence the whole time?"
Kita knew she shouldn't mention what had happened between her and Mei. Last time she had done so, Konan had been sulky for days. So she carefully omitted certain facts—where she had been copying files, and where she had slept.
——Just… slept when I got tired.
"Terumi Mei was there?"
Kita pursed her lips, sneaking a glance at Konan, but didn't answer.
"At her place?"
Konan's suspicion grew. Kita swallowed nervously and nodded sheepishly.
"Drinking?"
Her expression was dark, frightening.
Kita didn't dare nod, hands hanging naturally, fingers fidgeting with the kimono threads.
"Drunk?"
Kita shook her head frantically.
——Absolutely not. Just beer. I didn't say anything. She treated me like a friend. We just chatted. She even asked about you, but I didn't reveal any information. Not a word about the village or Akatsuki. Really! She just saw my forehead protector and assumed I had betrayed Hanzo.
"What did she ask?" Konan's voice was icy. Kita shivered, not daring to hide anything.
——She asked what kind of person you are.
"How did she know about me? Did you tell her?"
Kita waved her hands, shaking her head quickly.
——No. I don't know how she knew I liked someone. She just asked what kind of person I liked.
Kita stated this with utter seriousness.
——I didn't mention your name. Just said you're great, then she asked if I knew my own identity, I said yes, and that was it.
Konan felt a mix of irritation and amusement—irritated that Mei's obvious feelings weren't noticed, but amused at Kita's earnestness in describing it. She couldn't hold back and let out a small laugh.
Kita saw it, her guard relaxed, and she took a step forward—only to hear Konan bark:
"Did I tell you to move?!"
Kita froze, straightening against the wall, hands at her sides like a subordinate listening to a superior. Konan had intended to scold her, but seeing Kita's innocent expression, she couldn't maintain a stern face. Her features were gentle, her eyes wide and innocent.
Konan thought: This girl is too clever and too foolish at once. The only person in the world skilled enough to annoy Madara yet oblivious to her charm. Not brilliant in intellect, but emotionally astute—sensitive to those around her. Yet so pure she assumes no one could ever care for her.
"Do not meet the Fifth Mizukage again, understood?!"
Kita hurriedly nodded, not fully understanding, but accepting Konan's authority.
"I'm taking the clothes. I don't like them, hear me?!"
——I don't like them either. They are too expensive, can't wear them.
Konan glared. Kita lowered her head, thinking her response reasonable.
"Put the Mizukage Token away."
Kita shook her head.
——No need, I already returned it.
"Do what I say! Stop talking back!"
Kita nodded timidly, glancing at Konan.
——Uh… can I move now?
Konan chuckled. Too cute…
"Come here, I'll spank you."
Kita froze. No one likes being hit—but if Konan wasn't angry…
"Come!"
She approached, eyes on the raised hand, and closed her eyes as she anticipated the strike. Instead, it was a light tap on her head.
"Scram."
The words were firm, and Kita opened her eyes to see Konan turning back to organizing the scrolls.
She wanted to hug her. No—she really wanted to hug her.
It was daytime. Tomorrow was a day off. Konan had postponed work, leaving routine tasks for Shigure, so she wouldn't be busy until two in the afternoon.
Kita thought: I really want to hug her. Infinite Tsukuyomi can wait a few days.
She stepped forward, lifting Konan into her arms.
"What are you doing?"
That question vanished the moment Kita's hands rested on her hips. Konan swatted them, scolding, "What's wrong with you? It's broad daylight!"
Daytime has its own pleasures, Kita thought, hands wandering higher. The long skirt bunched, and her hand finally brushed against bare skin, touching her smooth, pale hips.
"Are you sick? Didn't you see me—uh—"
Her words were cut off as Kita covered her mouth, pulling her fully into an embrace. Slightly restless, slightly hurried, not entirely gentle.
Kita smiled, eyes narrowing at the now-quiet body in her arms.
She wanted to hold her—really hold her—so badly it could not be contained.
And then came the pleasure of body and soul entwined. On the soft bed, two shadows merged. Kita glanced at the slightly dazed Konan, immensely satisfied.
━━━━ ❖ ━━━
If you're enjoying the journey so far and want to read ahead, you can check out 50+ advance chapters on Patreon: Patreon.com/Crimson_Lore
Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
Add to Library!