But all of that wasn't the real issue—what truly mattered was whether or not Sora should tell Konan the truth about Black Zetsu's intentions.
Sora simply couldn't stand by and watch Konan die. He was someone who always repaid kindness with kindness—and vengeance tenfold. Back when he was helpless, it was Konan who picked him up, saved him from being killed by other shinobi, taught him ninjutsu, and treated him like a real younger brother.
How could he possibly ignore that? It reminded him so much of Kushina back in the day. In such a case, how could he possibly remain indifferent?
But Nagato was still a necessary pawn. Sora couldn't afford to bring him back to Konoha.
Taking Konan alone wouldn't be easy either. It was unlikely she'd agree.
Still, even if the odds were slim, it was worth trying. "Konan, why don't you join Konoha? I could arrange it for you."
"Impossible," she answered instantly, brows furrowed. "I'm leaving."
The tragedy of her becoming an orphan had everything to do with Konoha. How could she ever accept such a thing?
"Wait!" Sora called out, reaching for her delicate hand and quickly placing a specially crafted shuriken in her palm. "This is my custom shuriken, it's marked with the Flying Thunder God formula. I can teleport to you anytime—just keep it on you!"
Only after forcing the shuriken into her hand did he release her.
If she refused to join Konoha, at least he could keep an eye on her—be ready to step in at a moment's notice.
Konan looked suspiciously at Sora, then clutched the shuriken and flew off without another word.
"Make sure you keep it on you! Don't lose it no matter what!" Sora shouted after her, unsure if she even heard.
Only after she was completely gone did Sora resume controlling the wooden airship.
"Lord Sora, who was that woman? Why were you so afraid of her?" Hyūga Ryūya's gossipy instincts flared up, eyes gleaming as he asked eagerly.
Whack! Sora gave him a hard flick to the forehead, and Ryūya collapsed onto the boat's deck, a large bump visibly forming.
After a bit of playful banter, Sora finally answered, "She's one of the legendary three Sannin Jiraiya's disciples. You could say… she's like a big sister to me."
The kids all nodded thoughtfully, understanding not to press any further.
Their journey continued uneventfully, and soon they arrived just outside Kirigakure in the Land of Water.
Sora gently lowered the flying boat and led the group toward the village gate. "Stick close. This place isn't exactly safe."
Mei Terumī might be a decent leader, but Sora wasn't sure how much progress she'd actually made in three years.
Before they even reached the gate, Ao had already received word and came out to greet them personally.
He wasn't just any ordinary shinobi—his status made him the perfect person for the task. "Lord Sora, it's been a long time. I didn't expect you to personally lead the team."
Ao still remembered being instantly defeated by Sora three years ago. Who knew how much stronger he had grown since then?
Even with his Byakugan, Ao didn't dare scan him. What if he triggered Sora's hostility?
Better to be respectful and cautious—that was the safest path.
And Ao wasn't the only one. As Sora aged, the entire shinobi world had started taking him more seriously. They might have once looked down on him for being young, but now? Only fools would risk provoking someone like him.
Sora nodded politely. "It has been a while. Kirigakure looks like it's recovering nicely."
After arranging the kids' lodging, Ao made a formal request. "Lady Mizukage would like to meet with you, if you're willing…"
"Sure." Sora grinned. He didn't mind meeting a beautiful woman like Mei Terumī. "Lead the way."
"This way, please," Ao said with a look of relief, guiding Sora to the Mizukage's office.
Once there, Ao politely excused himself to wait outside.
Sora opened the door and stepped in.
Mei's face lit up when she saw him—but almost instantly, her smile shifted to seriousness. Just standing there, Sora gave off immense pressure. Her first instinct was: I can't beat him.
Three years ago, she hadn't felt that way. But now—just how much stronger had this boy become?
The shock only deepened her desire to get on his good side.
"Little Sora, welcome to my village. Did you miss your big sister?" Mei asked sweetly, flashing a dazzling smile.
Damn it, she thought, with my charm, I should be able to win over a kid like you, right?
Sora gave a helpless laugh. "Alright, alright, just get to the point. If you don't have anything serious, I'm heading to bed. I've been traveling all day."
Realizing he wasn't joking, Mei dropped the act and got serious. "As you can see, I'm the only Kage-level shinobi left in the village. We barely even have any Jonin."
She paused to gauge his reaction, then continued. "That's why… we want to reclaim the Three-Tails. You can name your conditions—if I can do it, I will."
"Absolutely not," Sora said without hesitation. "You're the ones who sealed the Three-Tails inside a Konoha shinobi. Why should we return it?"
"Besides, if we take it out now, the Jinchūriki will die. You know that, right?"
When Mei looked like she was still considering it, Sora added, "That Jinchūriki happens to be the Hokage's disciple. Are you sure you still want the Three-Tails?"
At that, Mei's expression changed dramatically. Her face darkened.
If she insisted, it would absolutely mean war with Konoha—something Kirigakure couldn't possibly afford.
Could Konoha have planned this from the start? she wondered. Using the identity of the Jinchūriki to ensure the Three-Tails stays with them?
But before she could voice the suspicion, Sora cut in. "Don't overthink it. That girl was already Minato's disciple before he became Hokage. She was kidnapped by your people, and I was the one who rescued her!"
"…Ugh." Mei was nearly speechless. She clenched her teeth so hard they creaked, wishing she could drag Yagura out of the grave and kill him all over again.
What kind of brain-dead moron kidnaps the Hokage's disciple and seals a tailed beast into her?!
Still, there was nothing she could do now. With a long sigh, she finally let go of the idea of reclaiming the Three-Tails.
Just then, Sora added casually, "Actually, it's not completely impossible for you to have the Three-Tails back. You'll just have to wait until the current Jinchūriki dies of old age."