"Okay."
Konan never objected to Nagato's orders.
But after the matter was discussed, she didn't immediately take action, and Nagato knew she had something more to say.
"Is there something else?"
"I conducted an experiment this time."
"An experiment? What kind of experiment?"
Nagato didn't immediately grasp Konan's meaning.
"I injured someone's leg with an explosive tag, causing a wound similar to yours. Then, I had Kimimaro heal them. In less than half an hour, he had fully recovered."
Hearing this, Nagato's hands clenched the white bedsheet tightly.
"I've told you, I don't want anyone to heal my legs! Why are you doing something so pointless?"
Nagato never got angry with Konan, but this time, there was a noticeable trace of irritation in his voice.
"Stop torturing yourself. If Yahiko were still alive, he'd want to see you stand up again."
Since Nagato became Pain, Konan's emotions had rarely been this stirred.
She knew that Nagato's refusal to heal his legs was partly because it was difficult and partly because of his guilt toward Yahiko.
He saw his crippled legs as punishment for killing Yahiko.
It made him feel slightly better inside.
Nagato was stunned by her words.
Would Yahiko want him to stand up again?
The answer was undoubtedly yes.
But could Nagato forgive himself?
The opportunity to heal was right in front of him, yet he still hesitated.
His gaze shifted to the nearby Deva Path Pain.
That familiar face would no longer show the bright smile it once had.
The cold expression was Deva Path Pain, not Yahiko.
That warmth would never return.
"Konan, let me be alone for a while."
Nagato didn't agree or refuse; he just wanted to calm down.
"Nagato, it's not just Yahiko; I also want to see you stand up again."
Konan said her piece and then turned to leave.
Nagato sat frozen on the bed, staring at his legs that had been crippled for many years.
"Stand up again?"
He clenched his fists, looking at the Deva Path Pain as if time had stopped.
Inside the cave, Kimimaro continued his research.
This time, his research subject was Hidan's flesh and blood.
Having studied under Orochimaru, such experiments were second nature to him.
While researching Hidan's flesh, he also brought out the Hashirama cells he had been studying halfway.
Yes, these were the Hashirama cells obtained from Danzo's severed arm.
When it comes to regenerative abilities, the two are equally exceptional.
Hidan's immortality does have its limits.
His body cannot regenerate all injuries.
For example, when Asuma severed his head, it was sewn back on with Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear, and it showed no signs of self-healing afterward.
Similarly, a small piece of his ear sliced off by Asuma's shuriken never grew back.
This indicates that although Hidan's immortality provides self-healing, it is not unlimited.
Or rather, his immortality is more focused on internal organs.
"My Shikotsumyaku can produce endless bones, and the fusion technique I'm developing with Earth Grudge Fear and thread stitching is infinite vitality for blood vessels.
"If I can fuse Hashirama cells and Hidan's cells, I should be able to obtain infinitely regenerating flesh and organs.
"With that, my pursuit of immortality could be more than halfway complete."
Thinking of this, Kimimaro felt a rush of excitement.
He felt he was one step closer to achieving immortality.
Of course, this was no small feat, and it wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight.
Just the fusion of Earth Grudge Fear and thread stitching had taken him more than half a year to nearly complete.
This research might take another year or two to finish.
Outside the cave.
Kakuzu was bored, counting money, while Hidan leaned lazily against a tree.
"Hey, you've been counting for half a day, at least a hundred times over. Haven't you got it right yet?"
Bored, Hidan tried to strike up a conversation with Kakuzu.
"Leave me alone. Or I'll kill you."
"You're no fun. What's Kimimaro doing in the cave? He's been in there for half a day."
Kakuzu didn't respond further.
Hidan grew even more bored.
Fortunately, at that moment, Kimimaro emerged from the cave.
"You're finally out. Are we finally going to do something? It's been days since we've offered a sacrifice to Lord Jashin; he won't be happy."
Hidan was so bored that he just wanted to kill someone; he didn't have Kimimaro's patience.
"No rush, Konan-senpai should be back soon."
As soon as Kimimaro finished speaking, countless paper sheets descended from the sky, forming Konan's figure.
"Pain has issued new orders. Hidan, you'll be teaming up with Kakuzu. Kimimaro, you'll take Sasori's place."
"What? I have to team up with that ugly old man?"
Hidan protested.
Kakuzu was also slightly surprised.
He had enjoyed working with Kimimaro, so why were they suddenly being split up?
"Pain's orders are non-negotiable."
"Has Sasori died? And now this brat has to fill in for him?"
Kakuzu asked.
"He's handling personal matters and doesn't have time for Akatsuki missions right now. Kimimaro will team up with Deidara as a temporary measure."
Konan explained, looking at Kimimaro.
"Let's go."
Kimimaro nodded slightly in agreement.
He had no objections; this was all within his expectations.
"Kakuzu-senpai, it looks like we'll be apart for a while. Get along with Hidan-san; I think you'll get along well."
"Hmph, you'd better not die too quickly. Once I kill this guy, you should be back. Then, I'll kill you. None of my teammates have escaped their fate of being killed by me, and you won't be an exception."
After spending more than half a year together, Kakuzu felt quite reluctant to part with Kimimaro.
After all, very few people could stay around him for so many days and still be alive.
Even though he wouldn't admit it, Kakuzu had already acknowledged Kimimaro's presence.
Splitting up so suddenly wasn't easy for him.
Though reluctant, admitting it out loud would be odd.
It would seem as if he was eager to keep Kimimaro around just so he could kill him.
"Didn't expect Kakuzu-senpai hasn't given up on killing me yet."
Kimimaro quipped.
"I still remember you said you'd handle my affairs after death, but before that, I want to host your funeral."
Kakuzu's bloodlust hadn't waned, and Kimimaro stepped forward, patting Hidan on the shoulder. "Hidan-san, you'd better watch out. Hopefully, we'll see you alive next time."
After a brief farewell, Kimimaro and Konan left.
"Thank you, Konan-senpai."
Along the way, Kimimaro expressed his gratitude.
"There's no need. Someday, I might have a favor to ask of you; then you can repay me properly."
(End of Chapter)