Nagato looked at the message on his phone, his heart heavy with gloom...
"Don't be so pessimistic, Nagato. It's just another job for our Akatsuki, not like we're sending you off to war," Yahiko said with a grin, patting Nagato on the shoulder.
"That scene was even scarier than war," Nagato said, his face deathly pale, as though he had remembered that traumatic incident from years ago.
"It'll be fine, Nagato. What's she going to do to you? Out of everyone in the Akatsuki right now, who could beat you? Am I right? I'm strong too, but even I have to admit that you're a notch above me," Yahiko said with a helpless sigh.
Nagato gave Yahiko a resigned look.
"Go on. You can visit Aunt Fusō back in Konoha while you're at it," Yahiko said, patting Nagato.
"...Fine, but this is the last time! Don't give me any more jobs from Kirigakure!" Nagato relented, nodding reluctantly.
The next day, Nagato set out.
"We're just letting Nagato go like that? What if something happens to him again?" Konan asked worriedly, watching the exhaust trail as Nagato flew away in his spaceship.
"Don't worry. When it comes to protecting himself, I trust Nagato!" Yahiko had unwavering faith in his good friend.
"...True. He's better at protecting himself than anyone else. No need to worry about him, then."
Meanwhile, at Danzo's place...
"Zang! It looks like the leader of the Akatsuki has gone to Konoha Star!" Guang said anxiously, bringing Danzo intelligence he had received from their clansmen out in the universe.
"What else?" Danzo remained perfectly composed, as though everything was under his control.
"Shouldn't we take some precautions? What if the Akatsuki and Konoha Star join forces and attack us together?!" Guang asked anxiously.
"Heh. If that really happened, what