Sorry about the delay.
It occurred to me that I had sort of a different style for the last chaper. I didn't realize until recently.
Anyway, I think it's safe to say that the story will start drifting away from the manga.
Konohagakure.
Konan was fast approaching it. She could see its walls from here.
Security at the gates would probably be tight. Not that she really cared. It wouldn't be any trouble for her.
Still, she didn't want to cause a scene when there were a bunch of ninja around. That wasn't wise. As far as she knew, no one from Konohagakure knew her identity who was still alive to tell about it. Those fools didn't know she was an Akatsuki member. And since she wasn't dressed like one, she shouldn't run into any trouble, right? She looked like an ordinary female. So all that was left to do was act the part. If everything went right, she would give them no reason to suspect her.
This village was her best bet. That was what she had concluded. If she couldn't find anything of use here, she never would. She could find out about Sasuke's recent movements…or, if she was super lucky, he might even be lingering around Konoha. It was his home village. He was considered an S-rank criminal. There were bound to be some hard feelings. Sasuke had gotten revenge once, so he probably wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
Where was the right place to go? Who would have the right knowledge?
It required careful consideration. This werent' just ordinary morons she was dealing with. These were Konoha ninja. Did she, a lone kunoichi, really have the nerve to infiltrate one of the major ninja villages all alone?
Well, the answer was obvious.
So. What was the easiest way to get inside? Could she just walk through the gates? Or would she have to sneak in some other way? How had people in the past infiltrated Konoha?
She thought back. Itachi and Kisame had gotten in this village before. And before that, Orochimaru. How had they gone about it?
Perhaps, for her purposes, it was better to ignore Orochimaru's example, since he had had help. But what about Itachi and Kisame? That was a few years ago, back before Konoha was really concerned about the Akatsuki. But nonetheless, if Uchiha Itachi, an S-rank criminal, dressed in full Akatsuki attire, could infiltrate his home village, then that didn't say much for security. In Konan's opinion, she should have no problem at all getting in…
…right?
What was this…a small glimmer of doubt?! Second thoughts?! What the hell was up with that?!
No. To know how to defeat Uchiha Madara, she needed to seek help from Uchiha Sasuke. And she needed to defeat Uchiha Madara to get vengeance for Pein! Was this really all the resolve she had? How pathetic! That she would even consider turning back…it was too late for such nonsense!
I swore that even if my own life was taken in the process, I would avenge you, Pein. I will abide by that vow…if it's the last thing I do…!
So. There's nothing left to do then, but to move forward. Konohagakure's no great obstacle, so what is there to fear? Shinobi do not fear. So…there's nothing left to do but go forward!
Konan continued towards Konoha. This should be no problem at all.
Sorry for the shortness. I just didn't want Konan to appear in Konoha all of a sudden. This could be called a transition chapter, I guess.