Rain fell outside, water streaming from the eaves with a steady patter as shallow puddles gathered across the courtyard.
Shin sat in the reception hall, slowly sipping the tea Konan had served him while Kamado stood quietly at his side.
A cold wind blew in. Yahiko, who was also seated, slowly narrowed his eyes, looking thoughtful.
"I wonder, what does the Hokage mean by this?"
Standing beside Yahiko, Konan spoke as well. "Byakuryu is our companion. He could never have done such a thing."
Shin merely smiled faintly. "Right and wrong, truth and falsehood—it will all be clear soon enough."
Yahiko's heart sank slightly. The Hokage has come to hold us accountable—and in person. This probably won't end well...
The rain outside was dense and relentless. Konan and Yahiko had different thoughts, but both were somewhat restless.
Not long after, Nagato arrived with someone else.
After entering the reception hall, Nagato first nodded to Yahiko, then bowed toward Shin in greeting. "Hokage."
But Shin's gaze lingered on Byakuryu at Nagato's side. To be honest, he could not see a single trace of Orochimaru in this man. Even if this man had stood before him earlier, he would not have recognized him as Orochimaru!
This level of disguise was practically flawless.
Yahiko pondered for a moment. "Byakuryu, the Hokage has something to ask you."
Nagato could not help feeling puzzled, but Konan pulled him aside at that moment.
Byakuryu then bowed to Shin as well. "What does the Hokage wish to ask?"
Shin merely watched Byakuryu for a few seconds before suddenly speaking. "Kamado."
Kamado's expression shifted slightly before he immediately understood. With a sharp movement, he vanished from the reception hall using the Body Flicker Technique.
Yahiko looked startled. "Hokage, this..."
Shin simply said, "Don't worry, Mr. Yahiko."
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