Night fell, and curtains of rain hung outside the high tower's reliefs. The heartrending patter of rain beat against the heart, while the occasional rip-like thunder rumbling from deep within the downpour somehow felt especially soothing.
Today was a day of extraordinary significance.
He had reached a kind of closure with his former mentor, Jiraiya. At the very least, Jiraiya now understood Nagato and Konan's current stance.
They had resolved the "Orochimaru crisis," dispelling Obito's doubts—at least for the time being—and clearing away obstacles for Kaede's successful birth.
Then there was Pain-Mu's induction, which marked a preliminary achievement for the Six Paths of Pain, both in practical combat terms and symbolic ones.
For a while, there was no longer any need to run all over the place in search of someone's corpse.
Stability. This meant an especially great deal to Konan. At this moment, she cherished the quiet time she could spend with Nagato more than ever.
Remaining in this dim yet peaceful tower, listening to the wind and rain, without becoming embroiled in the Shinobi World's conflicts.
Well... to put it in a more stylish way: "Leaning against a tower to hear the wind and rain, watching the ninja path with detachment."
But Konan also knew that was unrealistic. That was why she found these stolen half a year of peace so precious.
Tonight, she seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood, so she suggested,
"Nagato, let's have a little drink tonight to celebrate."
"Huh? Is that appropriate?" Nagato looked at the face of the woman he loved in surprise. "We're only nineteen. We still have half a year to go before reaching the age at which drinking is permitted under the Ninja Three Prohibitions."
Ever since hearing Orochimaru talk about Kabuto's disciplined lifestyle at the bathhouse, Nagato