By the time dawn broke the next day, Amegakure was still as gloomy as ever. Not a ray of sunlight could be seen.
Nagato had woken early and stood by the window, watching the rain stretch into the distance.
The night had been unusually quiet, and for the first time in a long while, they had both gotten a good rest.
Yahiko looked at Nagato and said softly, "Stay here and get some more rest, Nagato. I'll make the rounds!"
Though Nagato was far stronger than Yahiko, Yahiko was unwilling to send him out. He only wanted him to rest.
But Nagato happened to be thinking the same thing. "No, let's go together!"
Without waiting for Yahiko to object, he turned and walked out.
The two of them patrolled the center of the village, mainly to see whether anyone was in danger.
As long as everyone was safe, Yahiko could rest easy.
After all, he firmly believed that as long as people were alive, any future was possible.
In the past, when they walked through the streets, the villagers would greet them first, their faces full of gratitude and respect.
Now, though, the villagers looked at Yahiko and Nagato with cold eyes.
Some even muttered that they were doing nothing and had no intention of saving the village.
Hearing that hurt Yahiko deeply.
But he could not bring himself to be angry. All he felt was endless helplessness.
Even if he tried his best to explain why they had chosen this course, the villagers probably would not understand.
So Yahiko gave up trying to explain.
Let them think what they wanted. As long as they stayed put and remained under his protection, that was enough.
Nagato's heart ached to see Yahiko like this, but he could not find any words