The Rain Shadow's office in Amegakure.
A man with orange hair, dressed in an Akatsuki uniform, was bent over his desk, poring over documents.
Nagato and Konan suddenly appeared in the office.
The man who had been writing furiously with his head bowed noticed them and looked up, revealing a warm, delighted smile.
"Nagato, Konan, you're back!"
"Yeah, Yahiko. We're back."
As in the old days, the three of them sat down together, happily talking about everything under the sun.
Konan pulled Yahiko close and told him all sorts of amusing stories from their mission. Yahiko listened intently. When she got to the part where the mission had failed, he grew terribly anxious.
Nagato sat off to the side, quietly watching the two of them interact, a faint smile on his lips.
"Yahiko, thank you," Nagato murmured unconsciously.
"I should be thanking you!"
Yahiko grinned and slung an arm around Nagato's shoulders.
No matter what, Yahiko, we'll always be each other's light...
Nagato fell silent, quietly savoring this reunion with his old friend.
After catching up, the three turned to business.
"How are things in Akatsuki?" Nagato asked.
"The outer members are all doing fine. As for the core members, neither Juzo Biwa nor Kisame Hoshigaki has caused any trouble. Kisame went on a Reincarnator mission, just like you two, and hasn't returned yet. Juzo should be at the Bounty Office."
Though Yahiko had only recently been revived, he had quickly gotten the hang of running Akatsuki. He was currently in charge of coordinating personnel and planning the organization's development, along with other non-combat matters.
"What about Zetsu and Tobi?" Nagato asked with a frown.
"They should both be in Kirigakure. They don't seem to trust me and don't want much contact. Besides, doesn't Tobi claim to be Madara Uchiha?"