Black Zetsu's appearance was like a sudden interlude for Jiraiya and the others.
But it revealed plenty.
Jiraiya's spine chilled, his lips curving into a classic grimace.
That overwhelming aura, like a higher lifeform's pressure.
Unfathomable power.
No hand seals—just a wave, and a terrifying seal was cast.
And his casual words.
Sealing someone for centuries? Releasing them if he remembered?
Jiraiya felt like he'd been away from Konoha for years, only to return to a world he couldn't comprehend.
"Where were we? Oh, right."
Shen Mo suddenly squinted at Jiraiya. "Ikaros is my most important assistant. If you keep leering at her, I'll turn you into a woman permanently—orientation and all."
Jiraiya felt a chill down below, jolting upright.
His instincts screamed: this man wasn't joking, and he could do it.
"Jiraiya's a lecherous fool, but he's not without limits," Tsunade interjected.
"I know, I see clearly," Shen Mo nodded. "But I wasn't kidding."
Shen Mo cherished his companions.
Be it Hiju or Ikaros.
He entrusted his most human side to those he trusted, who'd stay by him long-term.
"Got it," Jiraiya nodded solemnly, avoiding Ikaros's direction. Then he grabbed Naruto. "Let's go, kid. Time's tight. Show me what you've got."
"I can walk myself!"
Naruto squirmed but followed obediently.
He'd given up on Shen Mo training him.
As Jiraiya left, he shot Tsunade a look, clearly wanting an explanation later.
After they were gone, Tsunade turned to Shen Mo. "You're letting him go just like that? Your 'interesting person'—you meant someone to sell cans to, right? Jiraiya's got plenty of money."
"True," Shen Mo didn't deny it but wasn't rushing to sell to Jiraiya. He glanced at Tsunade, casually adding, "He's an interesting guy. Deeply loves this village—and you. Though, the village comes first."
"…"
Tsunade fell silent, her breathing audible to Shen Mo.
Then, a faint voice.
"I know."
Tsunade gazed where Jiraiya left, a flicker of guilt in her golden eyes.
She shook her head, sighing. "I told him long ago he's not my type, and he's always like that… He knows it too."
After her first rejection, Jiraiya never confessed again.
She'd convinced herself it was over.
But Shen Mo's words brought it back.
Sensing Tsunade's heart, Shen Mo shrugged. "Knowing's one thing, but feelings can't be controlled. For him or you."
Tsunade turned, staring at Shen Mo's profile, eyebrow raised. "Now I'm curious. Someone like you—ever been in love?"
"Heh…"
Shen Mo just smiled, stroking Hiju, who yawned on his shoulder.
"Can't imagine you with a crush," Tsunade teased. "But you seem to see into people's hearts. That's a bit scary. Emotions are private…"
She trailed off.
She knew, for those lost, Shen Mo had a fatal allure.
Like he could provide answers to their hearts, bringing inexplicable peace.
"Alright," Shen Mo cut the topic short, beckoning Ikaros, who stared at him. "Let's go. Strolling like normal people is kind of fun."
His gaze swept Konoha.
The story's heart.
He saw things here the anime never showed.
Then…
Shen Mo looked in a direction, a playful, expectant smile creeping up.
He'd just learned something interesting from Black Zetsu's mind.
Akatsuki's Nagato hadn't sent him to investigate the mysterious figure.
He'd sent Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki.
Those two were likely hiding in Konoha now.
And Shen Mo knew where.
…
Meanwhile, in the Uchiha clan's ruins, two figures in black-and-red-clouded cloaks hid quietly in a tree.
Itachi and Kisame.
"This is your old home, huh, Itachi-san," Kisame said, scanning the area with boredom. "Dried crimson bloodstains still visible. Konoha never cleaned this up?"
"…To Konoha, this place is one they avoid," Itachi said, staring ahead, unsure if he spoke to Kisame or himself. "Always has been."
He thought he'd never return.
Yet here he was.
That night's pain still haunted him, vivid in his dreams.
"Sounds like Konoha, all about 'comrades,' isn't so united," Kisame said, turning to Itachi. "Heard you left a brother here. Why spare just him?"
Kisame didn't know Itachi's past or heart.
He had no interest in prying.
But being here sparked curiosity.
"…I don't know," Itachi said, gazing at his family's courtyard. "Maybe weakness. Maybe curiosity. But I wanted to see if hatred could make him grow… enough to kill me."
Kisame mulled over the words but saw no death wish in Itachi's eyes.
He leaned back, hands behind his head, watching the fading sunset. "That won't be easy."
Silence fell.
No one spoke.
As night descended, under bright moonlight, both men opened their eyes.
Someone was coming.