The cool spring water soothed Konan's parched throat. The consequences of enduring the Explosive Tag were not only severe Chakra depletion, but also common injuries such as internal organ burns.
Where are you going next?
Konan didn't explicitly say she wanted to return to Amegakure because she knew Naoki Senju wouldn't agree. Logically speaking, she was already his prisoner, not sitting across from him drinking water, eating, and replenishing her energy.
Even if you want to escape, you should wait until your stamina and Chakra are fully restored to their peak before you run away. Otherwise, Konan doesn't believe that Naoki Senju would treat escaped prisoners as well as he does now.
" Sunagakure, my destination has always been Sunagakure, it's just that your Akatsuki's actions disrupted my plans."
Konan, who was drinking water and swallowing Military Rations Pill, almost choked. The atmosphere between the two was too calm, and Naoki Senju's strength was unbelievably powerful, causing her to almost forget that Akatsuki's goal this time was to kidnap Naoki Senju and extract the Tailed Beast...
Looking back now, this operation was impossible. Perhaps only a collaboration between the Masked Man and the Akatsuki would have offered any chance of success...
But such thoughts are just wishful thinking; they and the Masked Man are sworn enemies, and they are only one opportunity away from completely tearing off their masks.
The opportunity...
Konan's pretty face instantly turned deathly pale. Could there be a more fitting miracle than Nagato returning to Amegakure in a weakened state?
have!
That means even she wasn't by Nagato's side, leaving Nagato alone to fight against the Masked Man possessed Space-Time Ninjutsu.
"Go to Amegakure now, and I'll give you the Rinnegan!"
In despair, Konan pinned her hopes on Senju Naoki Senju, believing that Nagato would definitely return to Amegakure, the place he cherished most. She couldn't even imagine how the Masked Man would treat the severely injured Nagato.
The Rinnegan was her only bargaining chip.
But Naoki Senju, the only one capable of matching the Masked Man, shook his head and pointed in a direction. Konan looked in that direction and, sure enough, it was towards Amegakure. Nagato had chosen to return there after all...
"While we were engulfed by the explosion, Black Zetsu, who was covered in a pitcher plant and was one of your Akatsuki members, codenamed Genbu, had already taken the unconscious Nagato away. I've sent out Wood Clone to pursue him, but so far, the Wood Clone hasn't returned."
When Naoki Senju discovered Black Zetsu, he immediately mobilized his pre-prepared Wood Clone. Akatsuki's massive operation, Black Zetsu, being a cunning individual, had no reason to be absent, but unexpectedly, Black Zetsu's preparations were even more thorough.
White Zetsu surged out in overwhelming numbers, holding back Naoki Senju's Wood Clone, while Black Zetsu himself, along with Nagato and Pain's Deva Path, traveled underground.
Naoki Senju was slowed down by the Explosive Tag, and it was too late to give chase after the explosion ended. Moreover, given Black Zetsu's cautious (and sneaky) style, returning to Amegakure might just be a ruse. Who knows how many strongholds they have in the vast Shinobi World? There's no way to catch up.
Konan's pretty face turned even paler. She never expected that what would steal Nagato's last hope was the Explosive Tag she used to stop Naoki Senju!
"... How could it have turned out like this? Nagato..."
Even someone as resilient as Konan would find it difficult to bear such a blow, but she would never sit on the ground and cry. Tears can only earn her pity or ridicule, but cannot change the tragic reality. This is a lesson Konan learned after losing her parents.
She had just turned seven that year when she lost her parents and home in the war. Sitting on the street crying didn't earn her any food; all she received were insincere comforts, indifference, Byakugan, and even malicious glances...
On the third day, Konan, starving, went to the kitchen of a house and filled her stomach after three days of protests. However, due to her carelessness, she was discovered by the homeowner and received her first severe beating.
But Konan has no regrets, because she survived and met her most important companion.
Now that Nagato is in danger, she must help Nagato no matter what!
Konan's right hand was hidden behind her back, and a lifelike paper crane took shape in Konan hand, then a second, then a third...
If she could fool Naoki Senju for three minutes, she was confident that she could use her flying ability to shake Naoki Senju off and fly from the Land of Wind back to Amegakure in just one day!
It's not too late... it's still not too late! Nagato, wait for me!
Konan, who was using her limited Chakra to create Paper Clone, overlooked the biggest obstacle to her plan. Naoki Senju barely sensed it; just by looking at Konan's swaying body, he knew what she was doing.
He keeps overdrawing his Chakra. Since he doesn't have much Chakra, why not seal a Tailed Beast and make it Jinchūriki?
What! You say you don't have enough chakra to become Jinchūriki Chakra? Then seal a Tailed Beast...
There's nothing Tailed Beast can't handle. If it can't, then seal another one!
One-Tail Shukaku: "..."
Three-Tails Isobu: "..."
Eight-Tails Gyuki: "..."
"Unfortunately, many people don't understand this principle..."
Naoki Senju picked up Konan, who had fainted from exhaustion due to Chakra, from the ground, along with the origami she was clutching tightly in her hand, while unconsciously murmuring:
" Nagato... don't die, please... don't die..."
Even after fainting, Konan's Chakra couldn't calm down, and her consciousness remained highly active, which was clearly detrimental to Konan recovery.
So Naoki Senju swiftly and decisively knocked Konan unconscious. His technique was skillful and ruthless, showing he was clearly a veteran.
He then took out a pill made by Tsunade herself from a special seal on his wrist. It was specifically for treating Chakra overdraft, but with Naoki Senju's Chakra reserves, he no longer needed it; he could easily have nine times a night.
Fortunately, this kind of pill doesn't need to be swallowed; it only needs to be placed under the tongue to take effect. Otherwise, Naoki Senju would have had to be fed it mouth-to-mouth...
This is a huge loss...
Naoki Senju placed the pill under Konan's tongue, his fingers covered in Konan clear saliva. He then disgustedly wiped his fingers on Konan's clothes, except the area he was wiping was higher and softer than the rest of her body...
"Hmm, the overexertion isn't too serious. She should recover after a good night's sleep." Naoki Senju examined Konan's injuries with a serious expression. If you ignored his other unnecessary movements, Naoki Senju would definitely be a conscientious and selfless doctor.
This time, the trouble with the Akatsuki was resolved, which can be considered as clearing a major obstacle. Although the Rinnegan was missed, it's not much different whether the Rinnegan falls into Obito's hands or Nagato's hands.
Naoki Senju could defeat the Rinnegan once, he could defeat it a second time!
Whether it's Nagato or Obito!