A short while later, at an upscale inn in the city that the Uchiha had booked out.
In the hot spring pool.
Genya, Shisui, Itachi, Elder Yashiro, Uchiha Hozuki, and Uchiha Arashi.
They soaked in the warm spring water, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.
Elder Yashiro had his eyes closed, seemingly savoring Genya's earlier feat.
Hozuki and Arashi were still excited, quietly discussing the might of Susanoo's earth-shattering sword strike.
Shisui leaned against the edge of the pool and let out a long breath.
"It was a little risky, but... after this, the Land of Fire won't dare treat the Uchiha with even the slightest disrespect for at least a few decades, much less make trouble for us. It's just... I wonder how Konoha will react."
He looked at Genya.
Genya drawled lazily.
"The Third Hokage? He's probably tearing his hair out right now, wondering how to explain things to the Daimyo and appease the other nobles..."
Itachi sat beside Genya, quietly wiping down his Ninja Blade, then suddenly spoke.
"Those two... from the Akatsuki. Were you serious when you agreed to join?"
At that, the corners of Genya's mouth lifted.
"Half-serious. It's a good way to establish contact, and I can find out what they're really after."
"Mostly, though, it's Konan... she's a really nice big sister."
Everyone: "..."
Wasn't your way of collecting big sisters a little too unusual-and fast?
Are you sure this isn't just like what happened with Kurenai Yuhi?
You chatted for a while and somehow ended up at her house?
"All right, enough about that."
Genya stood up in the hot spring.
"I've soaked long enough. You guys carry on. I'm heading back to my room. I've still got debts to collect tomorrow."
He wrapped himself in a bathrobe and left the hot