"Come here, come to Big Sis." Konan beckoned gently.
Naruto nodded, then turned to give Kisame and Itachi a quick look, signaling them not to expose him.
To Konan, however, this looked like fear. She assumed Naruto was nervously seeking Kisame and Itachi's approval. This interpretation made her feel even more protective.
"Don't be afraid. With Big Sis here, they won't hurt you. Come quickly."
"Okay!"
Naruto used Chakra to adjust his voice, making it soft and childlike.
He hurried toward Konan, all the while debating where he could sneak a touch… or better yet, use the opportunity to grope her under the guise of fear.
Just as he was about to act, darkness engulfed his vision, and an enticing fragrance filled his senses.
It took Naruto mere moments to realize Konan had covered him protectively with her Akatsuki's cloak.
Seizing the moment, he added to the act with a trembling voice, "Big Sis, I'm scared!"
Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Konan, attempting not only to test his self-control but also to see how far his 'training' in Konoha's women's baths had improved his mental fortitude.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, since Konan is about 169 cm and more than 170 cm when wearing her sandal, Naruto's height of 150 cm resulted in him colliding perfectly into a rather soft area of Konan's figure.
Although it didn't seem particularly large at a glance, Naruto discovered, to his surprise, that it was far more substantial than expected.
No misunderstanding here… Naruto was clearly referring to Konan's height. What else could he possibly mean?
"Don't be scared. Big Sis is here." Konan reassured him, placing her arms around Naruto protectively.
With this, any gap between them disappeared as they pressed closely together.
Naruto immediately 'saluted', unable to suppress his body's natural reaction.
In the end, Konan was not an innocent little girl, so she instantly noticed something amiss. Her face stiffened, and she quickly pushed Naruto away.
"I was almost fooled by you. Who are you?"
Konan demanded, her narrowed eyes blazing with anger.
To think she had been taken advantage of by a complete stranger.
No matter how much Naruto resembled a princess, a boy was still a boy!
Naruto, however, refused to back down. With a wounded expression, he cried, "Big Sis, it's me! What are you doing? You said you'd protect me, so why are you pushing me away? Don't tell me you were lying to me?"
Seeing that Konan wanted to explain, Naruto didn't let her get a word in, "Ah, I was too naïve. I thought I'd found an angelic Big Sis to protect me… No, no, it's not your fault. It's my fault. I'm not worthy of being protected by you. Don't worry, I won't bother you anymore. Just let me fend for myself."
Even knowing Naruto was a boy, Konan couldn't help but be affected by his pitiful demeanor, and her heart ached again.
"I-I didn't mean it that way! I just didn't realize you were a boy!" Konan stammered.
"But I never lied to you. I never said I was a girl. You're the one who asked me to come over, and you're the one who pushed me away. That's fine. From now on, I'll walk this world alone, and I'll never trust anyone again!"
Naruto shook his head in despair as the rain cascaded down his face, blending with the tears he pretended to shed. His sobbing voice sold the tragic scene perfectly.
If this had been uploaded as a short video in his previous life, it might have gone viral.
"I didn't mean it like that…" Konan mumbled helplessly, struggling to find the right words.
Meanwhile, Kisame and Itachi, who had been watching the drama unfold, were left speechless.
"So… this is Naruto-kun's acting?" Kisame whispered, rubbing his temples, "It's so over-the-top that it's honestly embarrassing. I'm starting to regret following him."
"Shut up and keep watching." Itachi replied coolly, "Unless you want Naruto-kun to take his frustration out on you."
Hearing this, Kisame quickly clamped his mouth shut, opting to remain silent.
Naruto silently observed the drama unfolding before him, unbothered by the awkwardness as long as he remained a spectator.
"Not what you meant? Then what did you mean? Or are you not even going to explain yourself?"
Naruto's voice quivered with a hint of a sob, "I understand... I'm not worthy, I don't deserve to ask questions or make things difficult for you. I'm sorry, it's my fault. I'll leave!"
He turned decisively, heading toward the village's entrance.
Seeing this, Konan's expression instantly returned to calm, and she flickered and stood in front of Naruto.
"Big Sis, is there something else? Or do you plan to silence me too?" Naruto continued his melodramatic performance, one that could make anyone cringe.
Konan's eyes narrowed as she said coldly, "Drop the act. You've been working with them all along."
"What are you talking about? How could I be working with them? I was captured!" Naruto's expression froze for a moment.
Konan snorted coldly, "You said earlier that you were captured and feared they'd hurt you. Yet now, as you attempt to leave the village, they don't even try to stop you. Stop pretending!"
"Uhh…"
Naruto had planned everything, but he didn't expect to be dragged down by these two insensitive guys.
But how can this minor flaw affect Naruto?
Naruto quickly shifted gears, dropping the tearful tone. With a deep sigh, he said, "Is there no basic trust between people anymore? I called you 'Big Sis', and yet you suspect me. If that's how it is, there's nothing more to say."
"Oh? Still not convinced? Then explain… why aren't they doing anything?" Konan pressed.
"Does it matter if I explain or not? If you've already decided I'm lying, my words are useless." Naruto forced a bitter smile, radiating melancholy.
Seeing this, Konan couldn't help but frowned: "If you're not lying, give me a proper reason."
"Since you insist on listening, I'll explain this one last time."
Naruto pointed at Wartortle and explained to Konan, "This is my closest companion. I was captured because I tried to protect it. Those two villains have complete control over my partner. How could I possibly escape when its life is in their hands? They knew I wouldn't leave because of that, so they stayed idle."
"Is that so?"
Konan hesitated, her rational side acknowledging that Kisame and Itachi were capable of such actions. However, there was still one thing she didn't understand.
"Then why would they capture you specifically?"
"Because I am the Kyubi's Jinchuriki."
As he said this, Naruto activated the Kyubi's Chakra and released the Biju Chakra Cloak.
The sheer ferocity and dominance of the Chakra left Konan utterly dumbfounded.
She couldn't believe that the sobbing, pitiable boy before her was actually the Kyubi's Jinchuriki… and one who could control the Biju's power with such precision.
A perfect Jinchuriki like Naruto hadn't been subdued or dragged here but had willingly surrendered himself. Given his bond with his turtle companion, Konan couldn't imagine any other explanation for his actions.
The evidence spoke for itself, and Konan couldn't help but feel slightly guilty.
"It seemed I really misjudged you."
Konan felt a little guilty, but she changed the subject and said coldly, "But as the Jinchuriki, you're a crucial part of our plan. I'm sorry, but you must die!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Konan used waterproof paper to tie Naruto up.
Naruto offered no resistance as the paper chains wrapped around him. Instead, he fell into deep thought.
His original plan was to infiltrate the Akatsuki by breaking their ranks one member at a time.
So when Konan came, Naruto hurriedly thought about acting, using Konan's innate maternal love to persuade her.
However, reason and logic trumped emotion. Konan's principles were too strong to be swayed by mere words.
The first step of his plan had encountered a significant obstacle, leaving Naruto momentarily stumped.