With the cursed seal in place, Kazuyama Gekkō had no concerns whatsoever about the two stirring up trouble. That power was in Orochimaru's hands. If they ever tried to run, he only needed to use Flying Thunder God to reach Orochimaru, and the problem would be erased within minutes.
Samui and Mabui felt the rain falling on them. They exchanged a glance, each seeing resignation and sorrow in the other's eyes.
"Come on, don't be so down."
"The one ruling Amegakure now is no longer that Demi-God. Your talents will find their place here."
"After all, you're both exceptional individuals I personally selected."
Kazuyama Gekkō's cheerful expression only infuriated the two further. Personal selection? He had flat-out kidnapped them, forcing them to endure considerable suffering at Orochimaru's hands.
But their angry glares bounced right off him. His face had long been tempered to an unmatched thickness; such looks meant nothing to him.
Eventually, they were led into an office. Along the way, they curiously observed their surroundings. This village was nothing like Kumogakure—no white clouds, only gray skies and rain. Compared to the Cloud Village, Amegakure was lacking in many ways.
"Kazuyama, you're back?"
"Oh? These are the two elites you mentioned? They're girls?"
"You bastard, don't tell me you went to another village to snatch people?"
"From Kumo, aren't they?"
Konan had been working when Kazuyama returned. She was happy to see him, but her eyes quickly landed on Samui and Mabui.
The two girls' presence was striking. People from Kumo were always distinct—either pale as snow or bronzed like wheat. These two were the perfect examples of each, leaving Konan quietly impressed.
"Not bad. You've really sharpened your eye these past years."
"You can tell just like that?"
"Of course. They're from Kumo. I brought them back myself. They've already gone through training with my sensei, so go ahead and assign them tasks."
"As for their pay… that's up to you. Just don't let them feel slighted, haha."
Samui and Mabui looked at Konan. No matter how they judged her, she seemed far easier to approach than Kazuyama. And Konan was undeniably beautiful. Beautiful people always gave off a glow of kindness.
At that moment, the door opened again.
"Konan-sis, the repairs on the east gate are running out of funds. Could you give me more?"
"Huh? Sensei, you're here?"
"And these two are…?"
Terumi Mei walked in with an armful of reports. She had come to request funds—because running a big village required money for everything.
But when she entered? Two gorgeous women and her utterly unreliable sensei.
The atmosphere shifted at once, and Terumi instantly sensed something. Forgetting about money, she turned to examine Samui and Mabui instead.
"Don't tell me—same as me? Snatched up by you?"
"Judging by their skin and bearing… Kumo shinobi?"
"Sensei, I'll admit—even if you're as sneaky as they come, your taste in people is spot-on."
Samui and Mabui also noticed the newcomer. She was a girl around their age, though a little older, with a more mature air.
But Terumi knew what it meant if Kazuyama brought people to Amegakure: it was to strengthen the village's network. The thought of her workload being eased made her secretly thrilled.
"Pfft, what do you mean 'sneaky'?"
"Am I sneaky?"
"Nonsense!"
Kazuyama waved his hand casually. Crystal Release flared, and once again the office furniture transformed into chairs. After settling into his seat, he continued:
"But you're right. These two are talents I dug out of Kumo."
"From here on, they'll be under Konan's guidance."
"Terumi—my student. Her story is much like yours: a prodigy from Kirigakure, also brought here by me."
"So don't think your circumstances are unfortunate. In fact, being chosen by me is a blessing."
"Oh, and Konan—you can teach them the technique I gave you."
It was the Heavenly Transfer Technique. Mabui had originally mastered it, so this was merely returning it to its rightful user.
Konan nodded. She had been too swamped lately to even look at the new jutsu.
"I'll leave the rest to you both."
"Konan, don't forget what I told you. I'm off."
Kazuyama still had new missions waiting in the village, so he needed to prepare. The Flying Thunder God was the perfect way to travel. In the blink of an eye, he was gone.
After he left, Konan looked at the stunned Samui and Mabui and said softly:
"His methods may not be kind, but the fact that he chose you means you truly have talent."
"My name is Konan. This is Terumi Mei. From now on, you will follow us."
"Amegakure will be your new home. As for Kumo, it's best you forget it."
"From here on, you'll have no connection with them."
Hearing this, Samui and Mabui could only nod.
Then Terumi stepped forward and grabbed them both by the hand.
"Hey, don't look so gloomy. My sensei may be unreliable,"
"But in terms of strength and vision, he's ahead of the times. You can rely on him."
"Huh? What's this?"
Terumi suddenly noticed a three-tomoe-like mark on Samui's neck and asked curiously.
Samui sighed.
"It's a cursed seal. Orochimaru gave it to us. A gift of power… and a curse."
At the mention of Orochimaru, Terumi shivered.
"That bastard sensei of mine. Still the same. Finds new people only to throw them straight at that monster."
"I was under Orochimaru once. He's terrifying. Come on! Let's get out of here—I'll treat you to something good and help wash away the fear of being under his thumb!"
At Orochimaru's name, Terumi instantly felt a bond with the two and dragged them outside.
Konan couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Was Orochimaru really that scary?"
"I never thought so."
Konan had dealt with him many times before. Back when Takigakure collaborated with him, she and Yahiko had been the ones in direct contact.
He seemed cold, yes, but terrifying? Not to that degree.
Terumi Mei: Hmph! He was terrifying. Absolutely terrifying!