The New Year's bells rang softly, and Konoha welcomed another year. Happy smiles appeared on most people's faces.
Similar festivities filled the rest of the Ninja World, as the major hidden villages celebrated the arrival of spring.
Except for one place...
The rain never ceased. Even in the depths of winter, this country was still drenched in rainfall. This land seemed cursed by the heavens; sunny days in a year were few enough to count on one hand.
Even in the season when snow ought to fall, not a single snowflake drifted down. In its place came freezing rain that pierced to the bone.
A figure stood atop the highest tower, gazing at the country with a complicated expression. Icy raindrops fell upon him, yet he made no effort to avoid them.
His crimson hair was soaked by the rain. Looking over this sorrowful country, he silently sighed.
From afar, occasional cheers drifted from taverns and villagers' homes. It seemed that some people were still staying up to welcome the new year.
"Nagato!" a woman's voice called from behind him.
He turned slightly. Beneath the black cloak patterned with red clouds stood a cool, aloof figure, like an angel untouched by dust—someone who should never have appeared in a country like this.
"Konan, is something wrong?" Nagato asked softly.
"Happy New Year." A faint smile curved Konan's lips, driving back some of the surrounding darkness.
Nagato froze. Ever since Yahiko's death, he had not seen Konan smile in a long time. After a moment, he smiled as well. "Happy New Year, Konan."
"It's getting late. I prepared a New Year's Eve dinner. Come eat with me," Konan said gently.
She had been in a good mood lately. For all these years, she had carried two knots in her heart. One