Recent events had spread through every channel of information, and by now, no one was unaware of them.
Insect Princess had fallen.
She had been imprisoned by the Fourth Hokage.
Like a bird with wings, the news quickly spread throughout the Shinobi World.
But on the surface, Konoha remained unchanged, peaceful and harmonious. Only ignorant children still thought that way.
Some people were delighted. Most of them had been beaten badly by Insect Princess at one point or another, and felt as though a long-suppressed anger had finally been released.
Others were anxious and began taking action.
Some swore loyalty to the Fourth Hokage, some remained silent, and others decided to act.
The former Rain Country, now Konoha's Rain Province, Rain City.
As the nominal leader of the local shinobi forces, Yahiko had not participated in the administration of Rain Province, and the Akatsuki was already close to disbanding.
As a Jonin employed by Konoha, Yahiko performed ordinary work and lived a peaceful daily life.
Yes, he had gotten married.
His wife was Konan.
Holding the hand of a little girl of about three or four, with a paper flower pinned in her hair, Konan silently watched her husband pack his belongings and prepare to leave.
If she wanted to stop him, she could not bring herself to say it.
She was that kind of woman. When the person she loved made a decision, she would become a bridge, firmly supporting his actions.
Sensing Konan's feelings, Yahiko spoke in a low voice as he packed.
"The teacher cannot fall."
"Absolutely not."
"Everything about our happy life today is built upon the teacher and the Fourth Hokage working together with one heart."
"And the Fourth Hokage has lost control."
"She defeated the teacher, seized all authority, and established a de facto