Regarding who would go and who wouldn't, Nagato, including Konan, didn't specifically ask. They didn't ask, and Kita wouldn't bother checking either—who would participate in this seemingly suicidal mission wasn't a pressing question for the organization.
But for Obito, things were different. Because this involved a resurrected Kakashi. Therefore, Konan, along with Kita and Nagato, invited the Obito couple—or should I say, husbands—for a meal.
At the hot pot table, Konan asked directly:
"Obito, are you going?"
Obito was busy picking up some meat and didn't even look up.
"Why would I waste words? Of course, I'm going."
Konan frowned at his tone for a second, then shot back sharply.
"Who gave you the courage to talk to me like that?"
Obito instantly folded.
"No, no, Big Sis, your question just… made me feel uncomfortable. It's obvious, yet you still ask. Not really annoyed, just… a tiny complaint."
Konan didn't dwell on it. When she opened a bottle of beer, she poured herself some, filled Nagato's cup, and gave the remaining drink to Karin who had come to join the meal. As for Kita, though her condition was improving and her appetite returning, Konan had strictly forbidden her from drinking alcohol.
"You should be grateful. You get this treatment; I don't even bother asking anyone else," Konan said cheekily. Obito rolled his eyes, putting on an expression that said, I won't argue with a woman, then turned to Nagato.
"Look at your subordinate. What an attitude! I'm the second or third in command of this organization, and she talks to me like that. Can we even enjoy ourselves together?"
"Really? Not satisfied?" Nagato defended thoroughly, effortlessly teaming up against Obito. Obito was furious and wanted to whine, but he couldn't—not now. With Kakashi finally by his side, he turned to his partner for comfort, his especially asymmetrical face twisting into a pitiful expression.
"Kakashi, look at them. They're always bullying me. I'm so wronged."
Kakashi smiled warmly, indulgent as ever. He picked up some meat and fed it to Obito, speaking in a soothing tone like calming a child.
"Alright, alright, be good. Don't feel wronged."
Honestly, this couple lit up the entire Amegakure. Nagato, single and unimpressed, muttered, You two really know how to show off!
Obito pouted, "Hmph, it's not even like they're showing off."
Who "they" were was obvious.
Kita spat out a jujube pit from the hot pot calmly and shot back, "Even if we show off, it's not like you two. The whole village doesn't need to turn on the lights; everywhere is just… obvious." She glanced at Obito, disdainful. "Seriously, Obito, mind your image. You two are almost a landmark at the library entrance. Can you show some restraint?"
She was referring to Obito frequently escorting Kakashi to the library after he started working there. The gossip that spread from this… Nagato couldn't even bear to look.
Obito didn't feel ashamed at all—he even laughed.
"That's proof of our sworn love! You wouldn't understand, trash."
Honestly, Kakashi wanted to put some distance between them and pretend he didn't know Obito at all.
Konan reacted instantly to Obito calling Kitai "trash."
"Who are you calling trash? Think carefully!"
Obito shot back without hesitation,
"Hey, come on, Konan, you're wrong—"
"Who are you calling Konan? That's your line, trash."
Obito wanted to whimper, and Nagato felt like he'd taken a million damage points.
The conversation eventually returned to the main topic, with Konan speaking.
"Actually, I had a reason for inviting you all today." She took a sip of beer.
Obito, seeking a small revenge for the previous verbal jab, complained, "You invite us for a meal… just hot pot? That's so stingy!"
Konan bristled. Kita intervened, "Obito, don't be silly. Konan has something to ask of you."
The first part was for Obito, the second part for Kakashi, enjoying the hot pot.
"Huh? Me?"
Konan nodded, putting down her chopsticks, wiping her mouth with a napkin, then said seriously:
"Here's the thing. If Obito doesn't go, I'd ask him. But since he is going, I have to ask you—to watch over the village while we're away."
Kakashi was taken aback. He put down his chopsticks.
"Uh, isn't that… a bit much? I've already given up being a ninja. And besides, I am from Konoha—"
Nagato shook his head casually. "Ah, it's not what you think. Konan just wants to ensure the village isn't left undefended without strong ninjas present."
Obito, slightly puzzled, asked seriously, "Huh? Is something going on?"
Konan shook her head. "Not really. I'm just worried about any fallout. The Five Great Nations' target is Akatsuki, not Amegakure. I've informed Shigure: once we leave, the village will be sealed. When the Five Kage Summit troubles pass, it will reopen. It should be fine. But in the unlikely event something happens, I hope you can help Shigure as long as you stay safe. He's capable but sometimes stubborn; that worries me."
Kakashi guessed that Shigure was the director who had come to inspect the village. He didn't refuse, but he didn't accept immediately either.
"Helping isn't a problem, but I'm from outside the village. Shigure has a lot of authority here. I'm not sure I can speak freely."
Konan smiled and waved. "No, he's not prideful. I've already told him to consult with you if needed."
"I see," Kakashi said, smiling like a crescent moon. "Don't worry, Konan-sama, I'll protect this place with my life~"
Konan hurriedly waved.
"You absolutely mustn't!"
"Huh?!"
"Your life is precious. Think carefully. If something goes wrong, I can't compensate you."
Kakashi didn't understand at first. Nagato clarified, speaking to both Kakashi and Obito:
"It's nothing serious. Even if we weren't here, Shigure could manage the village. Konan is just cautious. If something happens, Kakashi, help if you can, but if it endangers you, step back. You're not a village ninja, nor are you Akatsuki. I can't demand anything. This is just for peace of mind."
Kakashi felt extremely embarrassed. He already owed a huge debt of gratitude, but Nagato didn't want to claim it.
He nodded slightly, showing respect.
"No, Pain-sama. I haven't properly thanked you yet. Regardless, I'm alive now because of you. Rest assured, I'll do everything I can to protect this place."
Nagato didn't know how to respond. He felt he was making things worse. If he said saving Kakashi wasn't for him but just a casual act, it would be insincere. He nudged Obito to explain because he couldn't put it into words himself.
"Obito, you explain. I can't make him understand."
"Huh?"
Kakashi was utterly confused.
...
The complete fanfic (Chapter 261) is already available on P@treon(.)com/Crimson_Lore