"Naruto, my heart feels very complicated."
Konan looked at Naruto as she spoke.
Naruto looked back at her and asked gently, "Why are you so conflicted, Konan?"
Konan took a sip of water. Since she had chosen to open up, she decided to speak honestly. She looked Naruto in the eye and said, "You know, back then—Nagato, Yahiko, and I—all of us experienced the ravages of war. Our families were destroyed. We became orphans... and we clung to each other to survive.
Yahiko was always the oldest among us. Ever since we met, he took care of both Nagato and me. At first, I saw him as my older brother.
But as time went on, subtle feelings began to develop within me."
Later, we encountered Master Jiraiya. He taught us ninjutsu and how to survive in this harsh world. After he left, Yahiko pushed for the establishment of the Akatsuki. I followed him closely, almost like a secretary, helping manage Akatsuki's internal affairs.
Watching him charge forward with unwavering determination—it deeply attracted me. His dream of creating peace through Akatsuki moved me greatly. It was then I realized—I had fallen in love with Yahiko."
As Konan spoke, her eyes shimmered with the kind of light that only love could bring. Naruto could tell from her expression that she had been genuinely happy during that time.
But suddenly, Konan's gaze dimmed. "Before I had the chance to express that love, Yahiko died... during a confrontation with Hanzo of the Salamander. That was when Nagato lost control. His Rinnegan awakened in full, and Pain was born—Nagato began to view himself as a god.
Tempted by Obito, he began collecting the power of the tailed beasts, one by one."
Naruto nodded solemnly. He knew this part well. In his previous life, he had fought against Pain, who had brought destruction to Konoha. Hinata had been gravely wounded protecting him. That pain, that rage, that fight—it had changed everything.
Konan continued, "After Yahiko died, I felt completely hollow inside. But I still had Nagato. At that time, I regarded Nagato as my only remaining family. Even though I disagreed with his actions, his will was too strong. I had no choice but to support him.
As time passed, my dependence on Nagato grew stronger. I became terrified of losing him too. My feelings for Nagato deepened, so much so that eventually... I felt that his life was more important than my own."
Naruto blinked, then asked carefully, "So, Konan... you fell in love with Nagato too?"
Konan's face turned red with embarrassment. She nodded, barely whispering, "Yeah..."
Naruto thought deeply for a moment. Then his eyes widened in realization, and he asked, "So, Konan , you're afraid that if I resurrect Yahiko, you won't know how to face him?"
Konan's eyes trembled as if Naruto had uncovered the final veil in her heart. She nodded silently.
A few seconds later, she raised her head, looked at Naruto, and asked hesitantly, "Naruto, do you think I'm... a terrible person?"
Naruto chuckled softly. "How could that make you a terrible person?"
Then, with sincerity in his voice, he asked, "Did Nagato know you had feelings for him? Did you ever confess to him?"
Konan shook her head.
Naruto clapped his hands together. "Then there's nothing wrong here! You never confessed your feelings to either of them. This is all just your internal struggle. That doesn't make you a bad person, not at all."
Hearing Naruto's words, Konan seemed to receive a breath of redemption. She smiled gratefully and said, "Really, ? You really believe that?"
Naruto nodded seriously. "Of course."
He continued, "konan , I think you shouldn't overthink this. Don't try to hide from your feelings.
Think about it—if you truly love Nagato, and Yahiko reappears and you feel shaken, that's natural. He was your first love.
First love... that's something no one ever forgets. It's deeply imprinted, just like me. Even now, when I see Sakura, I still feel happy. But that isn't love anymore.
True love... is when no matter who appears before you, your heart doesn't waver. If Yahiko returns and your love for Nagato falters, then it was never truly love. It was something born from desperation, from mutual pain. It felt deeper than family, like a bond between soulmates forged in crisis. But because you're a man and a woman, it became labeled as romantic love.
Now, if Yahiko returns, and you find yourself loving him once again, then go ahead—love him openly.
I believe Nagato wouldn't resent you. Because I think, deep down, you know that Nagato's love and loyalty for Yahiko runs even deeper than yours."
Konan nodded in agreement. She understood that well. After all, Nagato had created the Six Paths of Pain using Yahiko's body. That alone showed Yahiko's irreplaceable place in Nagato's heart.
"Thank you, Naruto. Thank you for enlightening me," Konan said, her voice warm with gratitude.
Naruto smiled. " Sister, don't be afraid to face your heart. Don't suppress it. When the time comes, and both men are before you, ask yourself—who do you truly love? That's your answer."
Konan nodded again, then looked at Naruto with a gentle smile. "Yes, I understand now, Naruto . But you have to promise me one thing—don't tell anyone about this, alright?"
Naruto grinned. "No problem. I'll pretend you never came by tonight."
Konan nodded with satisfaction, then stood up and said, "Alright, I won't disturb your rest any longer. I'll take my leave."
Naruto stood and walked her to the door, then turned back and entered the lab beneath Orochimaru's base. He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Sure enough, Orochimaru was still awake.
Naruto chuckled. "Still up at this hour, Uncle Snake? Not surprised."
Orochimaru smiled thinly. "I could say the same about you."
Naruto walked over to the lab table and leaned against it, arms folded. "Get ready. Tomorrow, I'm resurrecting Yahiko."
Orochimaru continued his experiment without pause. "We're resurrecting someone again?"
Naruto took a deep breath. "For now, yes. We'll see what happens after that."
Orochimaru swirled a test tube thoughtfully. "Obito and Kabuto have been very quiet lately."
Naruto nodded. "If I'm right, your beloved student must have awakened the Rinnegan under Obito's guidance."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, impressed. He didn't know where Naruto was getting his information, but if Naruto said so, there had to be a reason.
"So what's your next move?"
Naruto replied calmly, "We've nearly finished gathering our strength. I expect Obito and Kabuto are preparing to act soon. The Allied Shinobi Forces will be officially assembled in a few days."
Orochimaru chuckled. "Naruto... I'm truly glad I chose to stand by your side. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to witness any of this."
Naruto smiled knowingly. "It's mutual, Uncle Snake. You're the greatest scientific asset in the entire shinobi world."
He truly understood Orochimaru's value. After becoming Hokage in his past life, Naruto realized how much technological advancement Orochimaru had secretly contributed to Konoha.
No wonder the Third Hokage had turned a blind eye to his deeds. Emotions aside, it had all been a part of thick-skinned political calculation.
That was why, in this new life, Naruto made sure Orochimaru stood on his side.
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