Late at night, in Konoha, at Fugaku's House in the Uchiha Clan Compound.
The living room.
Uchiha Fugaku sat at the head of the room, the invitation from Amegakure laid before him, his brows tightly furrowed.
Uchiha Mikoto knelt to one side, pouring tea for everyone.
Shisui, Itachi, and Genya took their seats in turn.
The storeroom door had just closed. The billions of ryo in cash and the vast quantity of gold had been safely stored away, but no one cared about that money right now.
"Amegakure..."
Fugaku spoke gravely.
"That place is no ordinary performance venue."
"I know."
Genya picked up his teacup and blew on it gently.
"It's Akatsuki territory. It rains all year round, and the atmosphere is gloomy. But they sent a very sincere invitation, complete with a detailed performance contract and security guarantees. If we refuse outright, it'll only make us look like we have something to hide."
Shisui nodded.
"That may be true, but the risk is real. Akatsuki has kept a low profile over the years, but the signs of its covert activities have never disappeared. Besides, Obito is there."
"Obito..."
Fugaku mulled over the name, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
"If you really run into him in Amegakure, what do you intend to do?"
Itachi spoke calmly.
"If he dares to show himself, then... we'll get some answers."
"Get some answers?"
Genya laughed.
"Itachi, do you think that lunatic will obediently answer our questions?"
Itachi said nothing.
Mikoto interjected softly.
"Whatever happens, the girls in the Girl Group are innocent. If there really is danger, we can't put them at risk."
"Of course."
Genya set down his teacup.
He stood, walked to the window, and gazed out at the pitch-black night sky.
"Amegakure... Konan... Pain..."
He murmured to himself.
"Perfect.