Nagato stood up and walked step by step to the window, watching the rain falling continuously outside.
Finally, he turned around, looked into Konan's eyes, and said earnestly, "Let's go, we have to see Yahiko."
After he finished speaking, he strolled to the front door, pushed it open, and a wave of humid air rushed in. Without him making any movement, an invisible force lifted Nagato's body, making him float in the air.
His body soared higher and higher, heading towards the distant Shinjō.
A pair of white paper wings appeared behind Konan. The wings flapped gently, propelling her body into the sky, following Nagato's direction.
The countless residents of Amegakure cheered as they saw two figures in red clouds and black robes in the sky.
A man stretched out his arms toward the sky and shouted, "God! Angels!" His words inspired the surrounding villagers, who also shouted loudly toward the sky.
Countless villagers opened their windows, looking at the two figures high in the sky, their faces showing complex emotions.
But soon, they seemed to be infected by those around them, and loudly proclaimed their loyalty to the two figures in the sky.
It is a sin to remain unloyal when everyone else is demonstrating it.
Ignoring the thunderous cheers below, Nagato and Konan flew over the residential area and headed out of the village.
Hearing the loud cheers in the distance, Shinjō looked up at the two black dots flying towards him and said to the two people beside him, "They're here."
Yahiko was a little nervous. Since arriving in this world, he had already inquired about the Akatsuki. Being in Konoha, he had naturally heard all sorts of bad rumors.
Jiraiya patted Yahiko's head and gently comforted him, "Don't be afraid, we'll protect you."
Yahiko swallowed hard and clenched his fists to calm his nerves.
Rain continued to fall from the sky, landing on the three of them.
Yahiko was soaked to the bone by the rain, and he was trembling all over, unable to tell whether it was from the cold or fear.
Two figures flew closer and closer, landing in front of the three people in Shinjō.
Jiraiya's expression was complicated as he called out softly, " Nagato... Konan... it's been a long time."
Nagato stared blankly at Jiraiya: " Jiraiya-sensei, you actually came here. If you've come to stop me, then I have no choice but to kill you."
Shinjō suppressed a smile; he really didn't want to spoil the tense atmosphere.
Nagato was defeated last time, yet he remains so arrogant. Does he really think he's a god?
Ninjas continued to arrive, separating the surrounding residents.
Jiraiya put his hand on Yahiko's shoulder and said to Nagato, " Nagato, Konan, do you still remember Yahiko?"
Nagato turned his eyes and stared at the thin boy in front of him.
Konan opened her mouth, wanting to call his name, but she couldn't say it.
The boy before her was so much like Yahiko from her memories, or perhaps they were the same person, just living in two different worlds.
Shinjō has found a parallel world; this is no secret in the ninja world.
They had already met Minato Namikaze on the sea off the Land of Water, and now they had brought Yahiko with them.
Even though Konan told herself that the two of them were not the same person, she couldn't help but overlap their images when she saw Yahiko.
Seeing the boy shivering from the rain-soaked body, Konan sent countless sheets of paper flying from her wings, covering Yahiko's head with rainwater.
Even though Yahiko in her own world had died, Konan still couldn't bear to see the Yahiko in her heart shivering from the cold.
Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief Jiraiya saw Konan's actions. He was afraid that Nagato would come up and attack the three of them without saying a word.
Yahiko looked up and saw a white piece of paper shielding him from the rain. He whispered to Konan, "Thank you, Konan."
After saying that, he felt it was inappropriate and quickly added the word "sister".
Is this the woman before me what Konan will look like when she grows up? She is indeed very beautiful. The wings on her back are gorgeous. I must tell Konan what she looks like when I get back.
I wonder if Konan's Paper Release technique can achieve that now.
The atmosphere was much better than before; at least it wasn't tense anymore.
Shinjō smiled and said to Nagato, " Nagato- kun, Konan- neechan, we're not here to fight. We're guests from afar, we can't just stand here getting soaked in the rain, can we?"
Konan glanced at Shinjō in surprise, seemingly shocked by his shamelessness.
To be precise, the two had met from afar on the sea off the Land of Water before this was their first meeting.
What's more, they are enemies. This genius boy from Konoha is calling me Konan. Although I am indeed much older than him, something still feels inappropriate.
She glanced at Nagato beside her, but said nothing.
Shinjō didn't seem worried at all; Konan's actions just now had, in a sense, already shown goodwill.
Aside from the conflict over the Tailed Beast, there was no hatred between them. Even if the Akatsuki hated Konoha, it was none of his business as a child.
Nagato looked calmly at Yahiko, remaining silent for a long time. Finally, he turned and walked towards the village. "If you're not afraid, come with me."
Konan turned and followed Nagato.
Jiraiya laughed heartily and patted Yahiko on the shoulder, "I am the white-haired sage of Mount Myōboku, the Toad Sage, why would I be afraid? Nagato, I'm not old yet!"
After saying that, he nodded and strode after Nagato.
Shinjō shrugged and followed behind. A small Amegakure wasn't enough to frighten Great Sage like himself.
As the Nagato advanced, the villagers on both sides kept making way for them. The crowd that had been cheering just moments before was now completely silent.
What a strange village.
Shinjō observed the villagers around him. Most of them seemed to be living in poverty; they were all rather thin, dressed in simple clothes, and forced smiles on their faces, but one could see the fear hidden in their eyes.
It seems that the people ruled by the gods are not as happy as imagined. I don't know if it's because of Nagato's rule or simply because Amegakure is poor and weak.
The group stopped in front of a tall building, and the surrounding ninjas lined up and bowed to Nagato and Konan.
Nagato ignored him and continued walking into the hall.