In response to Konan's greeting, Shin merely nodded from his seat, pushed his teacup toward her, and said:
"Thanks for your hard work, Konan. Have some hot tea to warm yourself up."
At Shin's gesture, Konan, who had been perfectly composed a moment earlier, began to blush.
After glancing at the two women beside Shin who were watching her, she picked up the teacup anyway and took a small sip.
Perhaps it was the tea, but as the rising steam washed over her, Konan's cheeks grew rosier.
Shin then turned his gaze toward the man who had followed Konan upstairs without saying a word.
Seeing Shin looking at him, the man took two steps forward and bowed slightly, a complicated look in his eyes.
"Good day, Clan Leader."
Shin nodded and said:
"Itachi, thanks for your hard work. Was the journey smooth?"
"Yes, Clan Leader, the journey went smoothly. After all, the clan and Konoha issued their wanted notices rather late.
"By the time they reacted, I had already reached the border of the Land of Fire. After crossing it, I came to the Land of Rain and found Lady Konan. I only arrived yesterday."
Shin nodded and said:
"Make sure you stay safe in the Akatsuki, too. If anything comes up, you can tell Konan. You can consider her one of my people."
"Understood, Clan Leader."
Itachi acknowledged his instructions.
Beside them, Konan had been holding Shin's teacup and sipping from it. After hearing their exchange, she stole a glance at Shin, and her cheeks flushed even deeper.
Since those present did not know one another very well, silence soon settled over them, broken only by the patter of rain on the roof.
Seeing this, Uchiha Ye playfully stuck out her tongue, then bustled about like a busy little