Yahiko looked at the Akatsuki members lying in the clearing and sighed helplessly, then hurriedly called to the onlookers, "Quick! Help them back to the base and get them treated."
Several members who could still move hurried forward, helped the wounded off the ground, and headed back through the continuing rain.
The one who had first stirred up trouble happened to come around just then. As he was half-dragged back, he met Tsukimi's calm gaze.
Tsukimi walked over to him and asked evenly, "Do you accept defeat now?"
A complicated look flickered in the member's eyes, and his face burned, both with the shame of defeat and with acknowledgment of her strength.
He neither avoided Tsukimi's gaze nor showed any sign of making excuses or refusing to accept the outcome. He obediently lowered his head. "I accept it. I'm not as skilled as you. There's nothing else to say."
He paused, then continued, "I was rash and rude just now. I won't trouble either of you again."
Seeing how honestly he admitted defeat, Tsukimi nodded.
At least he has some backbone. He isn't a sore loser.
The other Akatsuki members watching exchanged looks and murmured among themselves.
"Konoha Ninja are so strong..."
Then they dispersed as well, following those helping the wounded, with varied expressions on their faces.
The group returned to the simple dining room inside the base. As soon as they sat down, Yahiko looked apologetically at Yūto and Tsukimi. "I'm truly sorry, Mr. Yūto, Miss Tsukimi. My poor management allowed my people to offend you."
His tone was sincere, but also held a trace of helplessness. He was usually so mild-mannered that he had little authority.
Yūto shook his head, his expression barely changing. "There's no need to apologize. You did nothing wrong. Failing to recognize one's