Qingyun watched the little rascals playing in the courtyard, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Such a heartwarming scene was rare in this blood-soaked shinobi world, and it was precisely what he had always sought.
As Qingyun basked in the warmth of the scene, someone knocked on the courtyard gate again.
Qingyun opened the gate and found one of the ninja guarding the sealing barrier at Konoha's entrance. "What is it?"
"Lord Qingyun, a female ninja has arrived at the village entrance. She wants to see you. Oh, she said her name was Konan!"
Gang Zitong bowed respectfully to Qingyun, then explained why he had come.
Qingyun was immensely powerful and had single-handedly brought the Third Shinobi World War to an end. To a low-ranking ninja like Gang Zitong, he was an unreachable figure. To get a chance to meet Qingyun in person, Gang Zitong had even fallen out with his partner and fought him, winning this opportunity only after that fight.
Now that he stood before Qingyun, Gang Zitong gazed at him with burning eagerness, hoping Qingyun would recognize his talent. Even being kept on as a gatekeeper would do.
But Qingyun had no such intention. He had not even hired servants for his home, so why would he keep Gang Zitong around?
At Gang Zitong's report, Qingyun frowned. Why had Konan come to Konoha and asked for him by name?
Had the truth about Yahiko come out?
After a moment's thought, Qingyun used Sun and Moon Shine Together and vanished from the spot.
Gang Zitong froze at Qingyun's disappearance. Then he came to his senses and left, his face full of disappointment.
At Konoha's entrance, Qingyun looked at Konan standing coldly before him. She had grown into a graceful young woman, no longer wearing the adorable expressions