This Time, A Different Dance

by karkashan

With that man's death, she was certain things would be different. This time she would carve her own future, free of that man's influence. Good thing then, that influence works both ways. Oneshot.

A breeze rushes in through the opening door, and Konan greedily inhales the cool air that flickers across her face. It's during moments like this, so different than the first time, her first life, that she is grateful for this second chance at life. She smiles softly when she notices the identity of the man who had entered her room.

I don't know why we were given this second chance, but I do not intend to squander it.

"Jiraiya-sensei," she says softly, the warmth in her voice bleeding through her normally reserved tones. "It's good to see you."

So, it's done. Madara is dead.

Her former mentor frowns, and cuts right to the chase. "Are you sure about this, Konan?" he asks. "I know you were the one to come up with this idea, but is a political marriage what you really want? And to one of the members of that clan no less?"

Oh? "Jiraiya-sensei?" Then you must be the student our respective sensei talked about in his book.

Konan laughs lightly and gently threads her arm through the one proffered by her sensei, allowing him to escort her to the ceremony that would change her life forever. "Sensei," she whispers with humor, "most fathers, or in your case father-figures, would be thrilled that I could manage to catch a member of such an honored and noble clan as my husband. And besides, he's going to be Godaime Hokage after all, so there is no better match for me politically."

Naruto! My students' hair is not meant to be chewed, you little terror.

"Somehow," drawls Jiraiya, "I doubt that you put this in motion simply to politically bind Rain and Leaf together." He glances at her with meaning, "I also doubt that this is a purely love match either, at least on your end. Sure you might have saved his life all those years ago, but…"

You underestimate the ocular power of the Uchiha, girl!

Konan's eyes soften at the sight of her future husband waiting patiently for her near the altar. "Let's just say that this feels like a victory I had been cheated out of being corrected, sensei."

Are you okay? My name is Konan, I'm from the Hidden Rain. Jiraiya-sensei sent us here to help, and I'm glad I got here in time, or else you would've gotten crushed. What's your name?

My name's Obito Uchiha.