NOVEL NEXT Chapter 86: Chapter:87
In the depths of the Root, Danzo listened as Yamanaka Fū spoke respectfully, "Our intel suggests that Sarutobi Asuma's unusual pregnancy came from a mysterious substance Fujiwara Kirito administered, which may have altered Asuma's physiology. It's possible, based on similar factors, that Kirito tampered with your tea the night before your clan's demise."
Danzo's brow furrowed. "Continue."
Yamanaka Fū pressed on, "If I may, it seems likely that Lady Shimura's ability to inherit the First Hokage's cells is due to a specific interaction of your own DNA... possibly facilitated by the tea."
This seemed to appease Danzo, and he resolved to try again once he had fully recovered. He couldn't accept not producing a second Wood Release user.
Meanwhile, in the Hidden Rain Village, the sun was just rising. Kirito had just finished his breakfast, donned his red-clouded Akatsuki robe, and was about to leave his suite when he bumped into Konan on the stairs.
"Your daughter's essentials need to be purchased outside, and with White Zetsu lurking, it won't be long before the masked man learns of her. I'll tell him she's Izumi's child," Konan remarked without preamble.
Kirito smiled appreciatively, pulling two wrapped candies from his pocket and handing them to her. "Thank you, Konan. Here's a little something for you. Where I come from, it's tradition to give 'wedding candies' to friends when a child is born. One's for you, the other's for the Leader."
Konan was taken aback. "Wedding candies?" she repeated, pocketing them. His genuine warmth chipped away at her usual reservations.
They soon arrived at Akatsuki's gathering cave, where they were the last to join. All members were present, including Kirito's shadow clone alongside Obito's alias, Tobi.
Seeing Kirito, Obito approached him with a grin, "Long time no see, Kirito-senpai."
Kirito nonchalantly handed him a bag of wedding candies before making a hand sign, instantly dispelling his shadow clone standing by Pakura's side.
Pakura looked at him, stunned. "So… the one following me this entire time was just a shadow clone?"
Kirito smiled. "It was necessary. I had some business to attend to, and rather than delay missions, the clone handled things."
Moving through the group, he continued handing out candies. Obito, the first to receive his, examined it curiously. "Uh, senpai, what exactly is this?"
"As I mentioned, it's wedding candy," Kirito replied, nonchalantly.
The rest of the group looked at him in shock, with Deidara finally daring to ask, "Wait… are you married, Kirito?"
"Not quite." Kirito's calm answer relieved them, but his follow-up stunned them even more. Obito and others, particularly those who assumed he had finally settled down with Izumi, were dumbfounded.
As Kirito neared Itachi, he paused and handed him a thick red envelope. "Here, Itachi. I didn't have enough candy, so this is for you."
After a moment's hesitation, Itachi accepted, his gaze tinged with guilt—aware of his earlier intentions to harm Kirito and Izumi. Konan and Pain exchanged knowing glances, recognizing Kirito's mischievous nod to Itachi's filial nature. The red envelope in the Naruto world traditionally represented blessings given by elders, making the gesture especially ironic since Itachi was unaware of his own mother's connection to Kirito.
Kakuzu looked at the envelope in Itachi's hands with envy. For him, wedding candy suddenly seemed lackluster, though he dared not ask for more, fearing Kirito's retribution.
Beside him, Hidan seemed amused by Kakuzu's reluctance, popping a piece of wedding candy into his mouth. "Kakuzu, you really want that red envelope, huh? I could ask Kirito for you if you're too shy," he teased.
"Shut up, Hidan, or I'll kill you," Kakuzu hissed, narrowing his eyes.
Standing away from the bickering, Kisame approached Kirito with a respectful nod. "A child already? As a fellow wanderer, I have to say, that's inspiring. Here, Kirito-san, something for your collection." He handed Kirito a scroll.
Kirito accepted the scroll with interest. "Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet? Thoughtful gift." He acknowledged, recognizing that Kisame's ability to infer his techniques was impressive.
This prompted others to step forward, each offering congratulations in their own way. Deidara handed him a harmless clay owl; Sasori gifted a small puppet with instructions on chakra strings; Kakuzu grumpily gave a handful of ryo notes, and Hidan presented an evil god's necklace, which Kirito politely declined. Konan handed over an elegant paper flower, while Pakura promised a gift upon returning from her next mission.
Even Itachi, moved by the moment, presented a custom kunai—though Kirito later handed it off to his next mission target.
Before long, what was meant to be a mission briefing had turned into a celebration, each member of Akatsuki temporarily putting aside their darker purposes for a rare moment of warmth and camaraderie.
Amid the cheer, Pain finally reassembled the group to distribute missions. Soon, everyone dispersed, heading off to various parts of the ninja world once more.
(End of the Chapter).
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