Inside the Amegakure tower, in the corridor leading to Nagato's room.
The lighting here was dim. Only the scattered torchlight on the walls cast their shadows onto the cold, damp stone.
Konan spread her arms without hesitation. A pair of enormous paper wings unfolded behind her as she stood resolutely in Jiraiya's path.
Her violet eyes held countless complicated emotions.
The last vestige of respect she held for her teacher, along with her absolute resolve to protect Nagato, Yahiko, herself, and the shared ideals of the original Akatsuki, had fused into a determination she could not abandon.
"Jiraiya-sensei, this is as far as you go." Konan's voice was cold, yet filled with a determination that would not yield. "I will not let you take another step forward and interfere with Nagato's dream..."
Her slightly trembling hands also revealed the conflict and hesitation within her.
Jiraiya looked at the disciple before him, who had long shed her youthful innocence and become mature and resilient. His feelings became even more complicated.
He also understood that, at this moment, anything he said might be powerless.
So he slowly drew a breath, his gaze narrowing. Though he had no killing intent in his heart, in order to prevent an even greater tragedy and guide the Child of Prophecy who had strayed down the wrong path, he was prepared to force his way through, even if it meant seriously injuring her.
Chakra slowly began to gather within his body, and an invisible pressure accumulated throughout the corridor.
A fierce battle was on the verge of erupting.
Just as the tension reached its peak...
"Konan... let Jiraiya-sensei come in."
Nagato's weak yet clear voice came from behind the tightly shut door, carrying an unmistakable trace of exhaustion.
Konan's body trembled as she turned to look at