The Shopkeeper of Konoha

Konan appeared to blend in completely with the crowd while wearing period-appropriate clothing for women, but her distinctive blue hair, like Naruto's yellow hair, was recognizable from a distance. She was eating a piece of pork and periodically glanced around as she sat alone in the restaurant's single chair and table area.

Everything appeared normal, but as she glanced at some of the Konoha's shinobi, Aoto noticed that she had moments of anger in her eyes. Aoto could detect compassion and even some annoyance in those beady eyes, albeit it was very subtly present.

Konan and her two friends, had a very hard life. Living in destitution, receiving training from a Legendary Sanin, and ultimately losing Yahiko. Because she had gained so much knowledge from someone who belonged to Konoha but also lost out at the end at the hands of the same people who belonged to this place, Konan had both contempt and compassion for this place.

Fuck you, Danzo.

Shikuro, who was standing next to him, also observed that Aoto was intently focusing on Konan. He initially believed that Aoto was simply admiring one particularly stunning woman, but soon he sensed that something wasn't right. He immediately went on guard.

After spending months with them, Shikuro realized that Aoto wasn't easily fazed and that he wasn't particularly attracted to the attractive girls who seemed to be keeping an eye on him. Aoto had lately established himself as a renowned businessman. Even though Arya managed the Victoria's Secret store, Aoto remained the original owner, which made girls more drawn to him because he could create such seductive clothing for them.

Aoto was a young man who was considered to be marriageable age. However, he had never before expressed any interest in these girls. Why, therefore, did Aoto seem to be drawn to this woman?

He made a conscious effort to recall who this woman was, but he was unable to do so. Shikuro's anxiety increased as he continued to think. Something obviously felt odd to him.

"Shikuro, don't do any foolish things here." Aoto forewarned. Though he was scared a bit since he was out of his safe circle but he had many people by his side like Shikuro and the Yamanaka chief. Plus, this was Konoha. There was nothing to fear up to and unless Nagato appeared in person.

Konan being by himself out here meant that Nagato was in his own village, protected by the six paths. Aoto, however, was perplexed as to Konan's presence at this particular time.

"Is there anything wrong with her?" Shikuro prepared for action in an instant by lightly touching the kunai in his little bag. He was convinced by Aoto's statements that she was obviously suspicious.

"Not quite. Not now at least." Added Aoto.

"Why do I feel like I have seen her somewhere but can't remember? Is she a spy?" Shikuro mumbled as he struggled to remember where he had seen her, but he was sure he had. Aoto turned and looked at Shikuro. Surprised that he had said those words. It indicated that he was present and with Danzo when Yahiko passed away at the Hidden Rain village.

"You saw her in the Hidden Rain village." When Aoto responded, he was honest with him. Shikuro tensed up at that point as memories began to flood in. He recalled how he had accompanied Danzo to the village of the Hidden Rain. He had recently served in the war and was still pretty young.

There, for the first time in his life, he witnessed one of the horrors of the shinobi. He had witnessed how one man could take the lives of many others, and he was one of the fortunate men to live, along with Danzo. The woman who Hanzo had apprehended and threatened the man with afterwards caused chaos and left a lasting impression on the men who had survived that assault. He assumed that the man had eventually passed away because he was completely burned, but after seeing the woman here, he became less certain.

But here was the question. How the fuck does Aoto know what he had seen in Hidden Rain village. At the time, he was only a newborn infant? What on earth was he?

"How.. How.. do you know?"

"Shikuro.. You are ignorant of a lot of things in the world. Survive now and maybe you will see the wonders the world has to offer." Aoto gave a cryptic response and then slowly stood up. He moved gently in Konan's direction. Shikuro wanted to stop Aoto but ultimately decided against it.

He had no idea what Aoto had meant by those words, but he made a vow to himself right then. He would protect Aoto in all walks of life and would like to see what this 'world' Aoto was talking about.

Aoto was finally standing next to Konan at this point. She was perplexed as to why Aoto had approached her and worried that perhaps her cover had been compromised, but when she saw Aoto's cheerful face, she realized that he was probably there for another reason.

"Can I help you?" Konan enquired.

"Umm ma'am.. You are beautiful.. Can I buy you a drink?" Using techniques he had picked up in a prior life, Aoto spoke. In any case, he didn't have much success with ladies, and it was quite unromantic. But he hoped he could succeed in this situation. Not to court Konan, but just to chat in general.

"Buy me a drink?" Konan was confused as their society didn't have such norms when a man courts a woman. It mostly starts with bring friends introduced by others.

"Yeah.. It's like I will buy you a drink so that I can get a chance to talk to you." Aoto said being upright and clear in his approach.

"Want to talk to me? But I am just a chunin from the Hidden sand village, here on a mission for them." Konan replied as she showed him her headband and also making sure that he wasn't a local here. It also indirectly meant, it was useless to pursue her.