Rain Village. To eliminate the fatigue from days of fierce battles, Naruto followed Konan's suggestion and visited a hot spring at a guesthouse in the village. Because it rained constantly in the village, the hot springs were always indoor. At this time, everyone was busy, making the large hot spring pool appear empty. Naruto leaned against the hot spring stones, covering his face with a towel, enjoying the pleasant hot spring time. "How long has it been since I fully relaxed like this..."

"Don't push yourself too hard, there’s still plenty of time," a gentle voice came from the other side of the hot spring stones. Over there, Konan was cleansing her body, her lavender eye shadow faintly visible through the misty steam. It is worth mentioning that even while soaking in the hot spring, she wore her paper flower, a special kind of paper that wouldn't deform or fade when wet.

From the other side of the hot spring stones, Naruto asked, "Speaking of which, Konan-san, I've always wanted to ask you something." Splash! Konan lifted her fair and slender legs from the water, gently brushing the water with her hands, her beautiful eyes twinkling as she said, "What is it? Ask away."

"Why do you like origami?" Naruto asked.

Konan paused for a moment before her expression softened. "I was born during the war-torn era of the Rain Village, where resources were scarce. I could use origami to satisfy my imagination..."

"Of course, that’s a deep way to put it. Basically, it’s just a girl’s hobby..."

"Ah, just like how I love eating ramen simply because it’s delicious, without any other reason. But Konan-san, I really admire you for combining your hobby with ninjutsu." Naruto then joked, "Unlike me, who can't combine ramen with ninjutsu to create something like 'noodle style.'"

Konan chuckled, "It's not that exaggerated. Integrating it into ninjutsu was to meet the needs of that time, as kunai and shuriken weren't easy to obtain, and the capacity of the ninja tool pouches was limited. So, I came up with the idea of making shuriken out of paper to save costs."

"Jiraiya-sensei had a keen eye and approved my method, even encouraging me to create my own style, which led to the birth of 'Shikigami Dance.'"

In her reminiscence, Konan's eyes flashed with guilt. "Many years later, I realized that maybe sensei’s intent was also to teach me not to forget my original intentions. In the end, I disappointed him..."

Naruto sighed, "It’s easy to say 'never forget your original intentions,' but how many people can truly do it? That’s why Pervy Sage is so great..."

Konan said, "As his successor, you're equally remarkable. It’s impressive that you went through such a future and didn’t lose yourself to hatred..."

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Naruto said, "Revenge only leads to a chain of hatred. It’s a lesson I learned early on from my senior brother, so in my second life, I chose to protect rather than seek vengeance!"

Konan nodded and murmured, "Yes... This time, I will also choose to protect." Protect Jiraiya-sensei's most outstanding disciple, Naruto Uzumaki! Konan said to herself.

Naruto said, "Konan-san, when we get back, I'll teach you the 'Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tags.' It’s a technique created by a senior in the Leaf Village. Although that senior wasn't great as a person, the technique is powerful and might enhance your strength even more..."

The hot spring time ended, and it was already evening. Naruto and Konan walked towards the tower together. On the way, Konan asked, "Naruto, what do you think about Uchiha Sasuke's next move?"

Naruto pondered, "Given Sasuke's personality, giving up on revenge is impossible. After experiencing this failure, he has two choices: first, attacking the Leaf Village again; second, seeking revenge on Danzo. He should know that the first option isn’t feasible in the short term, so it’s more likely he’ll go after Danzo."

Naruto's eyes showed some concern, "But it’s been dragging on for a while. Who knows what Kabuto has done to Danzo. Although the possibility of Sasuke failing again is low, it's not impossible..."

Konan asked, "What if Sasuke can’t defeat Danzo?"

Naruto's eyes filled with determination, "If Sasuke can't take down Danzo this time, I'll handle Danzo myself. I won't let him return to the Leaf Village to cause trouble again!"

Akatsuki’s Lair.

Sasuke stayed up all night, reflecting on his conversation with Black Zetsu during the day.

Black Zetsu: "To defeat Naruto, you must awaken the Rinnegan. To awaken the Rinnegan, you can seek out Kabuto. He is currently at an abandoned base in the Sound Village of the Land of Rice Fields!"

Sasuke: "I, Uchiha Sasuke, will become strong in my own way and won't let anyone dictate my path. So, I won’t listen to you!"

Black Zetsu: "I’m helping you..."

Sasuke: "Leave, or I'll execute you right now!"

Black Zetsu: "Heh heh, fine. But someday, to pursue greater power, you'll walk the path I mentioned!"

Back to his thoughts.

Sasuke stared unblinkingly at the pitch-black ceiling, muttering, "These eyes of Itachi still hold his sadness from when he was alive. I will see everything, including the darkness, with these eyes. So, I won’t covet that so-called Rinnegan!"

"As for Kabuto... I'll go find him, only for one thing, to kill Danzo!!"

Splash! Sasuke sat up from his bed, dressed in his robe, equipped the Kusanagi sword at his waist, and left the Akatsuki’s lair, blending into the night!

"...Sasuke has left, heading north..." As soon as Sasuke left, White Zetsu immediately informed Obito. Obito was adjusting his outfit in front of a mirror. "North, towards the Land of Rice Fields. Failing to take revenge on Konoha, is he now turning his sights on Danzo..." he muttered. "Well, let him go. His hatred needs an outlet, and Danzo is undoubtedly the perfect target."

"But make sure to send some White Zetsu clones to follow him, just in case something goes wrong. Most importantly, I can't let him make contact with Kabuto..."

White Zetsu responded, "Understood. Clones are already following him. But, strangely enough, it seemed Black Zetsu talked to him earlier today..."

Obito pondered, "Black Zetsu, huh. No matter if it’s a problem or not, better to be safe than sorry. Deal with him..."

White Zetsu exclaimed, "Are you sure? He is Madara's will after all."

"Whether it’s Madara’s will or anyone else's will, it no longer matters, because..." Obito turned around, now wearing a brand new white mask! The black pattern formed ripples, with holes for both eyes and the top, each with Sharingan tomoe! At the eyeholes, his two Kamui Mangekyou Sharingan shone brilliantly!

"My eyes are yearning for war!"