Xuandou gave the two of them a moment to compose themselves before leading Nagato and Uchiha Hikari toward the room.
"Come on, let's go inside."
"Yes, yes, of course. Don't stand outside. Come in first."
Konan nodded repeatedly. Her usual quiet composure and capable efficiency had vanished, and she instinctively ushered her guests inside.
As soon as they entered, they could see an exquisite paper house large enough for an adult to enter standing in the very center of the living room, where the tea table had once stood.
Tailed beasts woven from paper and building blocks lay scattered across the floor.
Not far away, a little tot holding on to the wall and pushing a paper ball saw the guests enter and babbled a greeting to Nagato and Uchiha Hikari.
The little girl steadied herself against the wall and tentatively took a step. Then her body swayed, and she hurriedly grabbed the wall to steady herself, giggling.
"Yuzu, don't be naughty."
By then, Konan had finally composed herself. She walked over to the little girl, picked her up, and placed her in Nagato's arms. "Nagato, help me look after her. I'll go prepare dinner."
"Don't..."
Nagato was just about to stop her when Konan rushed off to buy ingredients.
"Konan probably needs to find somewhere deserted to cry first. After all, the family member she depended on for survival since her youth has finally regained his health."
Xuandou settled Uchiha Hikari, who was caught in a genjutsu, into a seat and teased his and Konan's daughter with his index finger.
"Konan."
Nagato opened his mouth, then closed it again. In the end, he studied the little life Konan had just placed in his arms.
The little girl's skin was soft and luminous, her cheeks carrying a faint, dimpled smile.