Nagato watched Yahiko and Konan embrace, a smile on his face as he followed Kawasaki out of the room. "Konan," he said, just as he might have years ago, "remember to tell Yahiko about what's been happening."
He followed Kawasaki around a corner, leaving the couple, who had been separated for over a decade, to themselves.
Though Konan had grown strong over the years, the sight of Yahiko alive again still brought tears streaming down her face like a torrent.
After Nagato and Kawasaki had left, Konan's emotions gradually calmed. Yahiko looked at her, and as his consciousness sharpened, he realized she had changed a great deal from his memories.
"Konan, what happened? Why am I not dead?"
Konan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and looked at Yahiko's bewildered expression. A small laugh escaped her. "Yahiko, you did die. We just resurrected you."
Outside, Kawasaki and Nagato stood together. "I didn't expect it to be so successful," Nagato remarked with a sigh of relief. "It's all thanks to you, Kawasaki. I never imagined you possessed such an immense amount of life force."
Although Nagato didn't know how Kawasaki could give away so much life energy and remain unharmed, he didn't press the matter. Since Kawasaki said he had a way, Nagato respected his privacy.
Kawasaki shook his head. "After removing the black rods, can you still sense the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path?"
Nagato shook his head in response. "The connection has weakened. It's almost impossible for them to track me here from the statue. But when I pulled out the rods, I briefly reconnected with it. The anomaly with the statue might be discovered, which means I could be in danger here. I plan to proceed with the Hashirama cell fusion ahead of schedule to increase my strength."
With his body restored, Nagato's overall power had increased by a massive margin. Now, all the power of the Six Paths was concentrated within him, making him incredibly formidable. However, Obito's spatial abilities were too unpredictable; a single moment of carelessness could still lead to death. If Obito didn't notice the disturbance with the statue, all would be well. But if he did, he would undoubtedly spare no effort in hunting Nagato down.
Kawasaki was well aware of Zetsu's surveillance capabilities.
He had given Nagato the Hashirama cell solution some time ago, hoping it would help repair his body. He hadn't expected his own life-giving jutsu to be the one to heal him first. With Nagato's healthy Uzumaki clan constitution and the power of his Rinnegan, injecting the Hashirama cell solution should be a foolproof process.
Reflecting on his experience using the reanimation jutsu, Kawasaki felt he had gained some insight into the secret technique. Perhaps he would be able to master it himself soon.
After hearing Nagato's plan, Kawasaki thought for a moment. "That's a good idea. Once you fuse with Hashirama's cells, Obito will be no match for you. It will also ensure your safety."
"Kawasaki," Nagato said, "I want you to take Konan and Yahiko away from here."
Kawasaki's eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you worried about?"
Nagato shook his head. "I'm not sure. I just have a bad feeling. I want to wait until the fusion is complete."
"Don't even think about leaving us behind!"
A voice cut in. Yahiko and Konan had emerged.
Yahiko first bowed deeply to Kawasaki. "Thank you, Mr. Kawasaki, for allowing us to be reunited."
Nagato and Konan were slightly older than Kawasaki. But Yahiko had died when he was only fifteen, and fifteen years had passed since then. Nagato had been controlling his body for just as long, which would technically make him thirty. But upon his revival, Yahiko's self-perception was still that of a teenager, younger than Kawasaki.
Kawasaki shook his head. "Your age is a bit complicated. Just call me by my name."
Yahiko nodded, then turned to Nagato. "Were you just planning to face the danger alone?"
Nagato was silent. Yahiko had just been revived and was extremely weak. Moreover, Konan had waited fifteen years for his return. He didn't want them to be put in danger because of him again.
Yahiko punched Nagato lightly on the chest. "We're brothers," he said earnestly. "How could you leave your friends behind to face danger alone?"
Just as Nagato was about to speak, a sharp thud echoed.
A heavy blow landed on Yahiko's head, and he slowly crumpled to the ground.
Nagato stared blankly at Konan, who was lowering her hand, his face filled with disbelief. "Konan, what are you doing?"
Konan cast a gentle look at the unconscious Yahiko. "Yahiko is right. We are the closest of partners. That's why I have to face this danger with you."
"Konan, the safest thing for you is to leave with Yahiko," Nagato argued, not wanting her to stay. He knew the path ahead was even more dangerous and didn't want her to risk her life.
Konan's voice was firm. "We've been through so much together for so many years. We have a perfect understanding. I can't leave you to face this alone. Yahiko is too weak right now. I hope you can help take him to safety."
Nagato's brow furrowed. "No. You have to go with Yahiko. You two have only just been reunited."
Her eyes were resolute. "I will never leave you by yourself."
The atmosphere tensed.
Kawasaki sighed. "Nagato, stop arguing. Konan isn't going to leave you."
Nagato was at a loss for words. He knew she wouldn't leave, but he truly didn't want her to face danger again. He couldn't bear to relive the past.
Konan, having cared for Nagato for fifteen years, understood his thoughts perfectly. Because of this, she refused to back down an inch. "Together, we can handle most dangers. You're more likely to run into trouble on your own."
Kawasaki clapped a hand on Nagato's shoulder. "Besides, you can't inject yourself with Hashirama's cells without someone to watch over you."
Nagato's resolve began to waver.
Kawasaki made the final decision. "Alright, both of you stop fighting. It's settled. Otherwise, I'm not taking Yahiko. In fact, I might just wake him up and let you two explain this to him."
At Kawasaki's words, Nagato and Konan ceased their argument. They knew him well enough to believe he would do exactly that.
Nagato's expression softened. "Then I'll be counting on you, Konan."
A smile appeared on Konan's face. It seemed she was only at ease when fighting by his side.
"Kawasaki, time is short. You should leave with Yahiko as soon as possible."
Kawasaki checked his chakra levels. If he wanted to make it back, he needed to leave soon. Carrying an extra person would slow him down, and he wasn't sure how long the journey would take. Nagato and Konan still didn't know he was a shadow clone.
"Are you going to start the infusion of the Hashirama cells now?"
Nagato clenched his fist, feeling the vibrant life force coursing through him. "I'm in excellent condition. I'll begin the fusion as soon as my visual prowess has fully recovered. Obito and Black Zetsu could arrive at any moment. I can't delay any longer. Kawasaki, please take Yahiko and go."
There was a hint of pleading in Nagato's voice. Understanding his friend's feelings, Kawasaki didn't ask any more questions. He pulled a book from his coat and pressed it into Nagato's hands. "Brought this for you. Thought it might be useful."
Nagato looked down and saw the title: *The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Ninja*.
The sight of the book sent a jolt through him, and memories he had buried for years came flooding back. He clutched the book to his chest. "Thank you, Kawasaki."
Kawasaki nodded, then bent down and hoisted Yahiko onto his shoulder. "You two be careful. Konan, remember the box I gave you."
Konan's face bloomed into a smile. "I will."
At the Mountain's Graveyard, a swirling vortex appeared in the air, and Obito emerged. He was alone; Kakuzu was nowhere to be found.
"How are things with Danzo?" Obito immediately asked Zetsu upon his return.
"Forget Danzo," White Zetsu said with a hint of schadenfreude. "There's been a disturbance with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path!"
A flicker of alarm went through Obito, but his face remained impassive. "What happened?"
Black Zetsu answered, "The connection between the statue and Nagato has weakened. It seems he's no longer supplying it with his chakra. I tried to contact him with the ring, but there was no response."
Obito's expression darkened. "Just as I suspected."