Kita's days were almost entirely idle. Except for certain treatment days, she had nothing to do. Her previously busy life had become leisurely, which was somewhat uncomfortable for her. Even so, Nagato didn't assign her any tasks. As he put it, "Don't give me trouble. Go stay wherever it's cool."
Indeed, that was Nagato's style. Watching the rest of Akatsuki gradually get busy, Kita felt guilty being so idle.
"If you're bored, then hurry and train the Strength of a Hundred Seal."
Orochimaru still believed the Strength of a Hundred Seal could be effective. This time was different from years ago—Sakura wasn't hiding anything. The conversation happened at home on a clear afternoon. Konan had shirked work again, leaving Shigure to suffer.
"G–g–gradual progress," Kita said, only to get a playful tap on her head from Konan, followed by a mock scolding: "What's your problem?"
Her stutter had improved significantly, only occasionally appearing. Apparently, this was one of those rare moments. Probably only Konan would ever be so 'harsh' with her.
Grabbing the mischievous hand on her head, Kita held it gently in her own. Her gaze softened completely as she looked at its owner.
"You're beautiful, smart, kind, decisive, ambitious, and strong. But your taste… you chose me. I have nothing else going for me—average looks, personality neither good nor deceitful, just… mediocre. Why did you choose me?"
"You already said it's my bad taste. What can I do?"
With that, Konan looped her arms around Kita's neck and leaned into her partner's embrace. Looking closely at this familiar face, she laughed.
"Hmm… indeed, you're… ordinary. People say thick eyebrows and big eyes are attractive, but yours are too light. Single eyelids, and one eye different from the other? Oh, these genes…"
Her tone was full of playful regret. Kita laughed, patting Konan's butt with a loud smack.
"Pa!"
"Ouch!"
"I was just being modest, and you got excited. Looking for a beating?"
Konan chuckled, straddling her and resting her arms around Kita's neck. She tilted her head.
"Would you really hit me?"
"What's to hesitate about?"
"How?"
How it should be done? Then so be it.
Kita bit her lips—red, icy, pierced—and kissed her back.
A kiss returned, deep and intentional.
At this moment, the question of how to 'hit' didn't matter. Inside, passion flared; outside, spring was perfect. Why did Konan choose Kita? Was it good taste or bad? After so many years, it was no longer a question worth pondering. In truth, love wasn't something to reason through—it was just lived. Even as they lay sated on the bed, they hadn't figured it out. Some things can't be explained—or maybe don't need to be.
Konan turned to Kita, who lay peacefully on the bed.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Hmm?"
"When you lied to me, saying you hadn't been with anyone else… what did that mean?"
Kita fell silent. Revisiting old wounds, she didn't want to answer, so she slyly asked,
"Then what did it mean when you said you'd been with ten people?"
"To piss you off."
Kita had expected no answer, but hearing this simple reply left her feeling helpless. In verbal sparring, she was never Konan's match. Back then, she thought it was her slow hand in sign language; now, even with sharp words, she couldn't outwit her.
Fine, she thought. If I can't win, I'll act.
She flipped Konan beneath her.
"Zaraki Kita, if time could rewind, would you still want to know me?"
"That's a life-or-death question! How am I supposed to answer?"
"Say you would."
Konan laughed, caressing the face that had her completely bewitched.
"I wouldn't."
Kita laughed too. She knew it would be this way. Even if time reversed, even if they chose again, Konan would never act as she wished. Leaning down, Kita kissed her lips, hair, and collarbone, whispering,
"Konan, even if time reversed and mountains and rivers changed, I'd never let you go. I want to live, with you. That year, I was wrong; I should have stayed with you. That day, I was wrong; I shouldn't have taken your memory. Konan… I'm sorry."
Tears fell from her eyes. This long-overdue apology was finally heard. Konan felt the journey had been incredibly difficult and full of obstacles, but now, the result had blossomed. She had no regrets—none for meeting Kita, none for her choices.
Nagato had said, "Being with her will bring you suffering."
Indeed, there was suffering—dodging, reckless decisions, unpredictability, emotional distance.
But she didn't regret it. Not Kita's stubbornness, not Kita's foolhardy determination.
"You only set her free, fulfilling her life's wish. But what about me? Where does my life's wish go?"
It couldn't be released, couldn't be escaped. Kita's stubbornness had caused her suffering for so long.
"You wasted so much of my time. Can one apology make up for it?"
Kita shook her head, licking the salty tears. Pain tugged at her heart.
"I'll give you my life. You'll have to make do with that."
Konan smiled.
"And the next life?"
"One lifetime isn't enough. Your interest rates are too high."
"What do you think?"
"Then the next life too, the one after that too… until you feel satisfied, then I'll—"
A long finger pressed to her lips, stopping all words.
"I'm Yoru Nan, you're Kita. What a coincidence. We're destined for each other. Accept it."
Kita laughed, softly pecking her lips.
"Coincidentally, I think the same."
If they didn't deepen this kiss, this perfect moment would be broken. Just having been together once, why not again?
…
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