Kazekage Gaara sent an invitation, asking Naruto to visit Sunagakure for a chat.
Konan couldn't help worrying. "Could this be a trap? The Kazekage heard you'd visited Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure in succession. Knowing Sunagakure would inevitably be next, he might want to strike first and kill you..."
Naruto smiled. "No. I know Gaara. He wouldn't do something like that."
Had Ōnoki sent the invitation, Naruto would certainly have had reservations. But Gaara was one of the few people he trusted unconditionally.
Yet Konan still worried. "What if, like the Mizukage before, the Kazekage is being controlled by someone? They could exploit your relationship to set a trap and wait for you to walk into it!"
Naruto scratched his head. "Konan... haven't you been a little suspicious lately, ya know?"
Konan explained, "I'm not being suspicious. I'm wor... you've been drawing too much attention in the shinobi world lately. There must be plenty of eyes on you. We have to be careful!"
Naruto grew serious. "I've considered that possibility too, Konan. If that's the case, I have all the more reason to go. Because Gaara is my friend!"
Konan said, "Then let me come with you this time."
Naruto said, "The Pervy Sage only just came back to life. He's still adjusting to life here and needs someone around to look after him. Orochimaru is away, and Kisame is recovering. You'd better stay and take care of the Pervy Sage, Konan."
"..." Konan lowered her eyes.
Naruto stepped forward and patted her shoulder. "This is a perfect chance to atone to the Pervy Sage-for yourself and our fellow student."
"Yes, I understand." Konan nodded, then suggested, "To be safe, take someone with you!"
Naruto said, "Are the Sannin here? They can come along. It'll be a good opportunity for me