Amegakure, atop a high tower.
Rain fell endlessly from the sky, its patter soft and unbroken.
In this village shrouded in rain and mist all year round, even time seemed steeped in dampness.
Konan stood at the edge of the tower, letting the rain slide down her cheeks.
Moisture soaked her long hair. Sheets of paper floated silently around her before dissolving, an unconscious reflection of her emotions.
Below, the lights blazed on a makeshift stage.
The Uchiha Dawn Girl Group's performance was underway.
The voices of the three lead singers-Chinatsu, Akari, and Akane-pierced the curtain of rain, carrying a brightness and hope utterly at odds with this gloomy land.
Twelve backup dancers spun and leaped in the rain. Water blossomed beneath their steps, blending with the downpour in a strange harmony.
The melody of "Blue Bird" echoed over Amegakure.
"If you took flight, you said you would never return-"
If you spread your wings and soared, you would say you had never looked back.
The corners of Konan's lips lifted in an almost imperceptible smile.
"Konan, it's been a while. You haven't changed a bit."
A familiar voice came from behind her.
Konan did not turn, but the curtain of rain around her quivered slightly.
Genya Uchiha walked up beside her and stood shoulder to shoulder with her at the tower's edge, overlooking the stage below.
His black clothes showed no sign of being bedraggled. The rain slid away three inches from his body, as though blocked by an invisible barrier.
He glanced sideways at Konan, amusement in his eyes.
"Beautiful."
Konan turned to look at him. Her eyes reflected the boy she had not seen in years-no, she could no longer call him a boy.
Genya now stood tall and straight, his features carrying a steadiness they once