Plans Change, Three Villages Betray Their Allies

"Sure enough, when it comes to ninja strength, Nagato, you're the one. When you defeated the Mizukage, all those ninjas from the Five Great Ninja Villages looked like their jaws had hit the floor."

On the way back to the Ninshu headquarters, Yahiko vividly described the shocked expressions of the ninjas in the stands during Nagato's battle.

"Lots of ninjas were surprised, but if I remember correctly, Yahiko, you were one of them too."

Konan teased.

Yahiko had also stared at the arena in astonishment then, clearly not expecting it.

"Well, it had been a while since we'd seen each other. I didn't know Nagato's exact strength."

Yahiko scratched his head as he explained.

Seeing with his own eyes his brother, who had grown up alongside him, defeat a Kage standing at the pinnacle of the ninja world had truly been a huge shock.

"And Konan must have been surprised too. I just didn't notice."

Yahiko spoke with absolute certainty.

No matter how much she wanted Nagato to win, his opponent had ultimately been a Kage. Seeing Nagato win had to be surprising.

"Mm."

Konan did not stubbornly deny it. She smiled generously and admitted it.

Yahiko looked at Nagato as if to say, See? I was right.

"On the other hand, Sasori, who has known Nagato for less time, believed in Nagato's strength even more."

Konan shifted the topic to Sasori, who had remained silent.

Among the crowd of shocked spectators, Sasori's expression had been particularly conspicuous. Konan still remembered the details of his expression.

Sasori had merely worn a faint smile, as if he were somewhat pleased. There had been no surprise or astonishment in it.

"It wasn't that I believed in his strength. I just didn't think the Third Mizukage would be very strong."

Sasori explained blandly.