120. [Nothing]

Sitting cross-legged at the head of the room, Pain allowed a small smile to curl at the corners of his mouth. Even he had to admit this was entertaining. Without a doubt, Hinata was using some kind of body-duplication method akin to the Six Paths Technique. But unlike the previous projection that had felt frail, this one radiated overwhelming chakra. With his Rinnegan, Pain could clearly sense the immense power in this body. Judging by her dramatic entrance, it was likely she now possessed powerful, possibly rare kekkei genkai or secret techniques.

"Thanks to your benevolence, Lord Pain, I've found something truly precious to me this time."

Standing proudly, Hinata spread her arms as if to display her creation. She relished the feeling of showing off this beautiful body—especially one that carried such power. Though she wasn't entirely sure, the chakra reserves and regeneration rate alone suggested that her current body already matched at least half of the original Hashirama's. Combined with the Byakugan and Ice Release, it wouldn't be exaggerating to place her at Kage-level already.

"Hoh~ I see. Suigin Tō really is the kind of girl who loves pretty things. But I must say, this look is quite charming."

Now recognizing her identity, Kisame relaxed again and leaned back into his seat, looking at Hinata with a gaze of admiration. It was clear that the beauty Hinata now radiated fit the shinobi world's brutal ideal: power that was beautiful.

In a world like this, beauty without power was nothing but a fragile flower, easily crushed by any passing storm. Only beauty forged from strength—like a flower made of steel—was worthy of true admiration.

"Man, scared the hell out of me. Though now that I look at you, you do remind me of Konan—those wings and all."

Hidan chuckled from the side. At the window, Konan's brows twitched faintly. Though her expression remained unreadable as ever, it was clear even she was intrigued by Hinata's transformation.

"Power and beauty go hand in hand. Now, shall we get to the point?"

Graciously accepting the Akatsuki members' praise, Hinata knelt on the cushion directly across from Pain and cleared her throat.

"Then, Lord Pain, may I begin?"

"Of course. You helped Kakuzu and the others plan the operations in the Land of Waves—you've earned the right to speak."

Pain nodded slightly. To him, it didn't matter how Suigin Tō looked or how strong she had become—what mattered most was whether her mind and insight could continue guiding the Akatsuki forward.

"Then I'll speak plainly."

Placing her hands neatly over her knees, Hinata's tone turned calm yet assured.

"Please assist me in gaining the identity of a princess, or even heir, to the Land of Waves."

"I need that identity to truly bring this country back to life under proper leadership."

---

In the ninja world, political power and tradition remained extremely archaic. The rulers of the five great nations were their respective daimyō, and the smaller countries were each governed by their own daimyō.

Before the ninja era, daimyōs relied heavily on samurai and noble lords to maintain control. Tradition, for them, was a crucial tool of governance. Consider this: if a commoner tried to rise up, they'd never gain support simply due to their status. That in itself was an effective method to quell rebellion.

Even whispers of ambition could be snuffed out by investigating a person's family tree, unearthing dirt from generations back, and weaponizing it. In short, hereditary elitism and divine right were deeply entrenched in this world.

To the nobles, commoners were commoners—incapable of success or significance. If one wished to rise, their only option was to serve someone of noble blood and be granted nobility themselves.

Thus, no matter how rich someone like Gato was, or how powerful the Akatsuki became, they couldn't obtain true authority through money or force alone. Gato had to stay hidden in the Land of Waves, bribing the local daimyō just to get limited control. Even Pain, after killing Hanzo the Salamander, dared not publicize it—doing so might provoke united retaliation from neighboring nations and ninja villages.

But Hinata wasn't constrained like they were. With her disguised form, she could assume any role. And with someone like Itachi using his unparalleled genjutsu, it would be easy enough to convince the daimyō that Hinata was his long-lost daughter.

Truthfully, aside from a few ambitious ones, most daimyōs were idle gluttons. The era of feudal wars had passed, and the five great nations dominated the world. With little left to do, they were happy as long as their coffers were full. Anyone who could bring in money would be tolerated—even celebrated.

The daimyō of the Land of Waves was a perfect example. His country had little to no resources, so he welcomed a moneymaker like Gato with open arms.

"Everything's gone smoothly. Your new title is Suikyō-hime—Princess of the Land of Wave. Publicly, you're the long-lost daughter of the Land of Waves' daimyō. Coincidentally, the daimyō's former heir suddenly passed away last night, so now... you're the sole legitimate successor."

Kneeling behind Hinata, Konan's soft, emotionless voice filled the room as her cool fingers gently arranged Hinata's pale hair into a traditional coiffure.

"Oh~ How tragic. I was just getting to know my dear brother, and now he's gone…"

Clad in a voluminous black jūni-hitoe, Hinata raised a wide sleeve to her face, her voice trembling with emotion as a single tear glimmered at the corner of her eye. Her expression and tone were perfectly honed.

"Yes, just like that."

Konan remained unreadable, calmly evaluating Hinata's performance like a disguise instructor. Picking up a decorative hairpin, she secured it in Hinata's hair.

"You'll be paraded through the capital in the daimyō's palanquin so everyone sees you as the nation's princess and rightful heir. Once the image is planted, your authority will be unquestionable."

With a puff of face powder, Konan sat beside Hinata and continued helping with her makeup. Hinata relaxed, her brows softening slightly. Konan's gentle movements brought back a familiar warmth—one that reminded her of Haku.

(Again it was cruel of author to not write that event and I am not that talented to write it myself.)

"Will Pain stay? Will you be here with me?"

Tilting her head while letting Konan apply her makeup, Hinata could already guess the answer. Pain wouldn't trust her entirely. Sending Konan personally was more than assistance—it was surveillance.

"Deidara and Sasori will remain for a while. Pain and the others will leave once things settle. As for me, I'll stay to assist you."

Konan's words confirmed Hinata's hunch. She opened her eyes and looked at the woman before her. Though their appearances were different, Konan's serene expression and inner selfless conviction were strikingly similar to the Haku who had merged with her.

It wasn't their faces that resembled one another—but their shared spirit of sacrifice.

"Are you sure this is okay? Won't Pain be lonely without you?"

Leaning her chin on her hand, Hinata glanced sideways. "Or maybe... won't you feel lonely without him?"

"...The Akatsuki's goal comes before all else."

Konan hesitated briefly, then answered softly.

Hinata's smile faded. She studied Konan's eyes, then slowly shook her head.

"Just as I thought."

"You're exactly the same."

---

To the citizens of the Land of Waves, recent events had been a whirlwind.

First, their coast had mysteriously been blocked off. Then the completion of the Team 7 Bridge. Then Gato's gang had suddenly vanished. And just last night, the daimyō's only son died under strange circumstances. Now, he was suddenly presenting a long-lost daughter as the new heir—soon to be paraded publicly through the capital as a proclamation of authority.

"Fate sure is strange. Heard the daimyō's son was perfectly healthy—then just up and died?"

Standing among the crowd, Tazuna looked on curiously as people gossiped. For commoners, anything about the daimyō's family was prime discussion material.

"Princess Suikyō approaches! Clear the road!"

With ceremonial fanfare, two lines of guards led the way. Hinata, dressed in flowing black robes, sat formally in an open-top palanquin carried by four of the daimyō's elite. All eyes followed her with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

"Mmm~ Not bad at all, little Suigin. You're really playing the part of royalty."

Among the onlookers, Akatsuki members in straw hats were scattered along the street. Deidara commented first, clearly impressed. Next to him, Sasori had chosen to appear in his real body for once. The red-haired puppet master gave a rare nod.

"As long as she can fully take control of this country, the figurine factory's operations will go much smoother."

"Mmm, but Leader-sama, does this mean you're splitting teams? Letting Konan team up with little Suigin? Sure, 'Team Angel' sounds cute and all, but won't you get lonely?"

Adjusting his hat, Kisame asked with veiled meaning. As Madara's personal recruit, Kisame always had his own thoughts.

"Everything is for the Akatsuki's grand plan. Besides, Konan is the only one who could team up with Suigin Tō right now. Though... she's not officially part of Akatsuki yet."

Pain kept his gaze fixed on Hinata's distant figure in the palanquin. His words echoed Konan's: both had already committed to their roles.

"Her power is truly remarkable. This new body is worlds beyond the previous one. As long as she maintains her intelligence, it won't be long before her strength rivals ours."