Inside the Akatsuki.
"What?! There are performances planned for the opening ceremony too?!! Why didn't anyone invite our Akatsuki?!" Yahiko sprang to his feet in excitement after hearing Konan explain.
"They already did. Sasori and Hidan have arranged everything with their classmates at the Ninja Academy. They'll be performing onstage together," Konan said with a smile.
"Sasori and Hidan are going with their classmates. They can't represent our Akatsuki! We don't get many chances to show our faces to the whole world! We need to perform too!" Yahiko said urgently.
Konan thought about what Yahiko had said and decided he had a point, then picked up her phone and called her father.
"Hmm? You want to perform at the opening ceremony too?" Kakuzu asked in confusion as he listened to his daughter.
"Yes, Dad. Could you arrange a slot for us too?" Konan asked with a little laugh.
"Yes, exactly! Uncle Kakuzu! Could you give us a chance?!" Yahiko hurried over and called out.
"Hmm... Yahiko, you need to spare a thought for your Uncle Kakuzu's difficulties too. This is rather tricky. An event this important, with the whole world involved—even an extra minute or a second less could have a huge impact. The basic program has already been finalized, so suddenly adding another performance now... Hmm..." Kakuzu said slowly after some thought.
"Huh? Is it really impossible, Uncle Kakuzu?" Yahiko asked dejectedly, his voice weak after hearing Kakuzu's response.
"Yes, it's very difficult." Kakuzu nodded.
"Boohoo... Konan, Uncle Kakuzu can't do it!" Yahiko sobbed pitifully, utterly heartbroken.
Kakuzu: What do you mean, I can't do it?
"All right, Dad. Difficult doesn't mean impossible, does it?" Konan shook her head helplessly and took the phone, resting a hand on Yahiko's blond hair to soothe him as she asked.
Yahiko