The next day, the surrender negotiations went smoothly.
The two Akatsuki shinobi could hardly believe it. There were no arguments between the two sides—everything was so harmonious that it almost felt unreal.
It wasn't until Yahiko signed and sealed the documents that they finally snapped out of their daze.
Tucking the documents into his chest, Yahiko led the group back to the inn.
Tomorrow, they would be leaving again!
Fortunately, this time, they wouldn't be going alone. Nawaki and Minato would be leading the Konoha forces alongside them.
As for the army's objective, it was, of course, the Land of Wind and the Land of Lightning.
According to their agreement, Akatsukigakure would also dispatch troops, forming two joint forces to launch attacks on both Wind and Lightning.
Meanwhile, the reinforcements Tsunade had requested from the Fire Daimyō would soon be deployed to the territories conquered by the Akatsuki forces.
With such a vast territory under their control, Konoha simply didn't have enough manpower, so they had no choice but to request additional forces from the Daimyō.
The Fire Daimyō was more than happy to oblige.
He was beyond grateful for supporting Tsunade as Hokage back then.
Having a capable relative was truly a blessing—especially one who always made sure he benefited from the situation.
He had done absolutely nothing, yet in the blink of an eye, he was on the verge of becoming the most powerful Daimyō in the entire ninja world.
Life couldn't get any better!
...
"Why don't you two go out and take a walk today?"
"Konoha has a nice atmosphere."
After putting the documents away, Yahiko stepped out of the inn and ran into two of his subordinates.
Since it was their last day in Konoha, he certainly wasn't going to sit around inside. Taking a stroll with Konan sounded much more enjoyable.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
One of the Akatsuki shinobi was tempted but still hesitant, worried about the presence of Konoha's ANBU.
Being watched while wandering around wasn't exactly a relaxing thought.
"What's the problem?"
"It's not like the two of you are going to stir up any trouble here."
"Just relax and enjoy yourselves."
Yahiko, mimicking Nagato's style, playfully dismissed their concerns.
"Heh, well… you've got a point."
"Now that everything's settled, they probably aren't keeping tabs on us anymore."
The two of them didn't seem bothered at all and even started making their own assumptions.
"If you're really that uneasy,"
"I can ask the Hokage to assign you a guide."
Yahiko finally understood their concerns and couldn't help but feel a little exasperated.
As if Sensei and his wife would bother having them watched—what a ridiculous thought.
"No, no, that won't be necessary."
"We'll just explore on our own."
One of the Akatsuki shinobi waved his hand, quickly rejecting the idea. Having a stranger tag along would just make things awkward.
"Alright then, I'm off."
Just then, Konan stepped out of her room to join Yahiko. She had changed into her casual clothes—she had never liked the overly formal outfit she had to wear for meetings.
"Lord Yahiko, wait."
"Where did you buy the sake from yesterday?"
"It was really good. I want to pick some up to bring back."
One of the Akatsuki shinobi, a bit of a drinker, asked the question, though he seemed a little embarrassed.
"Uh…"
"Nagato bought it, I don't really know."
Yahiko froze for a moment. He obviously couldn't admit that he had taken it from the Hatake household.
So, he lied.
It wasn't a big deal—besides, Nagato and Nonō had left earlier than him.
Even if his subordinates wanted to ask, they wouldn't be able to find him now.
"Alright then."
"I'll try my luck."
Hearing Yahiko's response, the Akatsuki shinobi looked a little disappointed.
The thought of not getting to drink that delicious sake again made his heart itch.
"How about this? I'll ask Nagato to buy some more for you later."
Yahiko figured that since he was going home for dinner anyway, bringing some sake along wouldn't be a hassle, so he took the matter upon himself.
"That's too much trouble for you."
"Please thank Nagato-sama for me."
Though he said it was a bother, he showed no hesitation at all. The disappointment on his face had completely vanished.
"Alright, alright."
"See you."
With his back to them, Yahiko waved as he walked away, leaving the two Akatsuki shinobi standing there, quietly pleased with themselves.
...
After leaving the inn, Yahiko and Konan wandered aimlessly through Konoha like a pair of headless flies.
They had no destination in mind—just going wherever their feet took them.
For them, the plan was simple: do whatever they felt like, as long as they were together.
Nagato and Nonō, however, had a much clearer purpose.
Their first stop was the apartment where Nonō had once lived.
Despite having been away from Konoha for so many years, that small apartment still held countless memories for her.
Standing at the door, Nonō reached into her pocket and pulled out an old, slightly rusted key.
After wandering for so long, she had lost most of the things she had brought from Konoha, but this key had always stayed with her.
She inserted it into the lock, struggling slightly as she turned it. But after a bit of force, the lock clicked open.
Creak—
With a long, grating sound, the door swung open as Nonō pushed it forward.
"It's just as dusty as I expected."
She laughed at the sight of the mess inside.
"Looks like we've got some work to do."
Nagato sighed, spreading his hands helplessly. He knew there was no way Nonō would just take one look and walk away.
"You know me too well."
Nonō suddenly shut the door with a loud bang and grabbed Nagato's hand, pulling him along as she dashed downstairs.
"Let's go shopping!"
She called back as she ran, her long hair fluttering in the wind.
Nagato simply watched her, a small smile forming as he followed along.
After a hefty shopping spree, the two finally returned to the apartment.
"Time to get to work!!!"
Nonō shoved a mask onto Nagato's face, shouted with enthusiasm, and charged inside, broom in hand.
Nagato watched her for a moment before finally stepping in to help.
Sweeping, mopping, wiping down furniture, scrubbing the windows—by the time they finished, both of them were covered in sweat.
"We're amazing!"
Nonō looked around at the now spotless apartment, a strong sense of accomplishment filling her chest.
Everything was arranged exactly as it had been before she left, as if she could see her past self still living here.
"I'm starving," Nagato muttered, rubbing his stomach, abruptly breaking the moment.
"Yeah… me too."
Right on cue, Nonō's stomach let out a loud grumble.
"You make the bed, I'll cook."
She placed the new bedding in front of Nagato and carried the groceries into the kitchen.
Going out to eat would've been easier, but she wanted to cook here—just once—so she could share a meal with Nagato in this place again.
"After all these years, your cooking hasn't gotten worse, has it?"
Nagato made no effort to dampen her enthusiasm. He didn't even suggest eating out.
Instead, he picked up the mattress and got to work, his movements swift and efficient.
"As if!"
"Did you forget? I was once known as Konoha's Little Chef!"
Nonō hadn't cooked in years, and honestly, she wasn't sure how her skills would hold up.
But she wasn't about to admit that—especially not in front of Nagato.
"A self-proclaimed title still counts?"
"Just don't poison me."
Nagato gave a slight smile, his eyes carrying a hint of amusement.
"Hmph! Just wait and see."
"And try not to bite your tongue later."
Nonō huffed in defiance, tilting her chin up slightly.
Soon, the rhythmic sound of chopping echoed from the kitchen.
"Talk is cheap."
Their playful banter continued, neither willing to back down.
One was busy making the bed, the other cooking in the kitchen—yet their conversation never paused for a second.