Akatsuki Hidden Village.
At the mahjong table in the village chief's office.
After losing several hands in a row, Obito felt something was off.
He eyed Nagato beside him suspiciously.
"Senior Brother Nagato, are you shuffling those tiles properly?"
Nagato smiled.
"What are you saying, Junior Brother? We're fellow disciples. Would I cheat you?"
Well, now!
Obito closed his eyes and tried to find the right feeling.
When he opened them again, it was as though he had become Uchiha Huaqiang.
"Senior Brother Nagato, I asked whether you're shuffling those tiles properly."
Nagato didn't know why.
But under his junior brother's stare, he suddenly felt guilty.
"Ahem. Of course I am."
After the four played a few more hands.
At Yahiko, Konan, and Obito's strong insistence.
The four switched to shuffling the tiles by hand.
The next day.
Sporting dark circles under both eyes, Obito yawned and said.
"Senior brothers, Senior Sister, I'm heading back to Konoha. See you later!"
Konan had won all night.
In excellent spirits, she smiled brightly and said.
"See you, Junior Brother."
Yahiko had already fallen asleep on the table.
After draping a coat over him, Nagato turned to Obito.
"Junior Brother, we'll meet at the border when the time comes."
Obito nodded slightly.
"(๑‾ ꇴ ‾๑) Okey-dokey!"
He forced his eyes open and returned to Konoha, exhausted.
"Ahh, I'm so sleepy!"
Yawning nonstop, Obito made his way to the Anbu.
After changing into his uniform, he hurried to the meeting point.
"Uh..."
When he reached the village gate.
He was stunned to find the convoy had already vanished.
One of the Anbu under his command said helplessly.
"Captain, you're late again. The Diplomatic Mission has already left."
Obito clicked his tongue.
"Ah... Then let's hurry and catch up!"
The eight Anbu bounded out