Gentō gave the two of them a moment to compose themselves before leading Nagato and Uchiha Hikari into the house.
"Come on, let's go inside."
"Yes, yes, don't stand out here. Come in first."
Konan nodded repeatedly. Her usual quiet competence had vanished, and she instinctively ushered her guests inside.
Upon entering, they could see an elaborate Paper House large enough for an adult to enter standing in the center of the living room, where the tea table had once been.
Tailed Beasts and building blocks woven from paper lay scattered across the floor.
Not far away, the little tyke who had been pushing a Paper Ball while supporting herself against the wall spotted the guests and babbled a greeting to Nagato and Uchiha Hikari.
The little girl held on to the wall and tentatively took a step. Then she wobbled, hurriedly grabbed the wall to steady herself, and giggled.
"Yuzu, behave."
By then, Konan had finally composed herself. She went over to the little girl, picked her up, and placed her in Nagato's arms. "Nagato, help me watch her. I'll go prepare dinner."
"Wait..."
Nagato had just started to stop her when Konan rushed out to buy ingredients.
"Konan probably needs to find somewhere private to cry first. After all, the family she's depended on since she was young has finally regained his health."
Gentō settled Uchiha Hikari, who was still trapped in an illusion, into a seat and teased his and Konan's daughter with his index finger.
"Konan."
Nagato opened his mouth, then closed it again. In the end, he studied the tiny life Konan had just placed in his arms.
The little girl's skin was soft and smooth, with a faint smile dimpling her cheeks.
Her bright black eyes gazed quietly at everyone, near and far alike,