Night fell.
After dinner in Amegakure, Natsuki, Konan, and Nagato returned to Konoha.
Nagato was now in charge of the Ninja World Police Force, so he was staying in Konoha for the time being.
He stayed with the ninjas from the Ninja Village Alliance, however.
As the head of Konoha's Anbu, Konan lived at the Anbu Base.
"See you tomorrow, Teacher Natsuki, Konan."
Seeing that they had reached the Ninja Village Alliance's building, Nagato spoke up.
"See you tomorrow."
After saying that, Natsuki opened another Spatial Gate.
He and Konan arrived at the Anbu Base.
"Teacher Natsuki."
Konan stopped. "Thank you for today." "It was nothing."
Natsuki smiled. "You've already given me a thank-you gift."
Konan froze for a moment.
Only after thinking it over did she understand what gift he meant.
Truthfully, she didn't know why she had been so bold, either.
"Then... I'll head back first, Teacher Natsuki."
Konan spoke with a faint blush.
Natsuki suddenly reached out and caught her wrist.
Konan looked back at him in confusion.
"Your earlier thank-you gift wasn't sincere enough."
Natsuki pulled her into his arms, lowered his head, and kissed her soft lips.
Konan's body stiffened involuntarily. Before she could react, she was forced to undergo a lesson in the art of kissing.
Inexperienced as she was, her blush deepened, but she didn't refuse. Instead, she learned very earnestly.
"Good night."
Natsuki stroked her head as he spoke.
Konan panted. Rather than nodding, she simply gazed at him with a dazed expression.
A moment later, she finally came to her senses and fled.
A new day dawned.
Natsuki walked into the Hokage Office.
"Good morning, Natsuki."
A gentle, delighted smile appeared on Uchiha Mikoto's face.
Natsuki walked forward.
As he passed her, he raised a hand and squeezed her rounded bottom.