"What are you doing?" Konan asked curiously.
"We're sealing the acupuncture points and meridians all over her body. That way, she won't die immediately after the tailed beast is extracted," Kirito replied.
"Even if she survives, she's nothing more than a dead leaf in autumn—a futile effort," Pain glanced at Fū and said expressionlessly. "Enough idle talk. Let's begin the sealing ceremony."
After saying that, Pain formed hand seals, slapped his palm onto the ground, and whispered, "Summoning Jutsu."
Boom!
The cave floor suddenly shook.
A massive stone statue emerged from the ground, towering over everyone.
This stone colossus, shaped like a human, had nine closed eyes and an eerie posture, as if it were praying—it was the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, the vessel of the Ten-Tails.
"Get on." Pain leaped onto the right thumb of the Demonic Statue.
Kirito and Konan followed, jumping onto the corresponding finger positions of their respective rings on the statue's hands.
Pain formed a seal with his right hand, injecting chakra into his ring—immediately, a reaction occurred.
Buzz, buzz, buzz.
The remaining members of Akatsuki materialized onto the statue's fingers using the Phantom Body Technique. Their projections, though intangible, filled the cavern with an ominous presence.
Simultaneously, all members formed hand seals and chanted, "Nine Seals of the Phantom Dragon."
Zero, Blue, White, Red, Black, Void, South, North, Three, Jade.
Each word glowed upon the fingers of the Demonic Statue.
With a low hum, the statue's mouth opened, releasing a beam of energy that enveloped the two Jinchūriki—Fū and Han. Their bodies lifted into the air, suspended by the sealing jutsu.
Red chakra bubbles erupted from their eyes and mouths, floating into the statue's gaping maw.
"Since we're sealing two tailed beasts simultaneously, even with all ten of us, this process will take at least five days." Pain maintained his seal and spoke in a commanding tone, "Everyone, focus. The sealing will be completed soon."
"Oh my, I really envy Kirito's partner. If I had known I wouldn't have to participate in the sealing, I would've been the last one to join the organization." Kisame smirked, looking around.
Noticing Pakura's absence, White Zetsu chuckled, "It's not surprising. Kirito has always been very... considerate toward female comrades. He didn't even let Pakura join the fight against Han. She was just there to watch. I boldly suspect that something is going on between them."
Before White Zetsu could finish, Kirito's cold glare froze him in place.
"White Zetsu," Kirito's voice carried a dangerous edge, "if you're bored, I can loosen up your muscles next time. Maybe turn you into the second Orochimaru?"
"Don't…" White Zetsu quickly shut his mouth. Despite his immense vitality and regeneration, he knew he was no match for Kirito.
"Shut up, White Zetsu," Black Zetsu scolded.
This idiot always risked provoking the wrong person.
A dimly lit underground chamber, flickering candlelight illuminating the cold stone walls.
Medical equipment, scrolls, and bizarre experiments filled the space.
Ever since the Konoha Crush Plan, Orochimaru had secretly monitored Akatsuki's movements through his spies.
Right now, Kabuto Yakushi stood before him, reporting the latest intelligence.
"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto adjusted his glasses, "new information has just arrived. Akatsuki has finally begun their operations."
"A week ago, Han, the Five-Tails Jinchūriki, was captured at the Land of Earth's border. At the same time, Fū, the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, vanished after the Joint Chunin Exams in Konoha and Sunagakure—she is also suspected to have fallen into Akatsuki's hands."
Orochimaru's golden snake-like pupils narrowed in interest.
"Do we know who captured them?" he asked.
"The Seven-Tails Jinchūriki's captors are unconfirmed, but it's highly likely to be Kakuzu and Hidan."
"As for the Five-Tails Jinchūriki… the one responsible should be someone you're very familiar with among Akatsuki's members."
Kabuto smirked as he turned to face Orochimaru.
"Fujiwara Kirito?"
Orochimaru's eyes widened, his killing intent flaring instantly.
Three years ago, Kirito had done more than just sever Orochimaru's arms—
He had deliberately sabotaged Sasukae's defection, forcing Orochimaru to endure excruciating pain for a month, waiting for a student that never came.
In the end, he had been forced to prematurely reincarnate into a new body, just to survive.
The sheer humiliation was unforgettable.
Kabuto nodded, "Yes, it was him. And he's just as powerful as ever."
"The Third Tsuchikage, despite possessing Dust Release, didn't even bother sending a rescue team after hearing about Han's capture."
"In fact," Kabuto smirked, "the entire Iwagakure has blocked the news. The other four Great Nations still don't know that Akatsuki has taken another Jinchūriki."
Orochimaru chuckled coldly.
"Of course. Even if they did send a team, they would only be throwing away their lives against Kirito."
"However," Orochimaru's gaze darkened, "Ōnoki's cowardice is unexpected. He won't even reveal his village's humiliation to maintain its reputation."
"Not that it matters… As long as they don't interfere with my plans, I couldn't care less."
Elsewhere – Sasukae's Training
A tall, young man entered the dimly lit lab.
It was Uchiha Sasukae—three years later.
He had grown significantly taller, now clad in a pure white kimono, with dark blue pants. A small Uchiha emblem adorned his back, and dark gray arm guards covered his forearms.
A purple rope belt was tied at his waist, securing a Kusanagi sword.
He no longer resembled the angsty Genin from three years ago. His presence was cold, his eyes merciless, his demeanor chilling.
This was an Uchiha driven by vengeance.
Upon entering, Sasukae frowned at Kabuto.
"Still playing with corpses, Kabuto?" His voice carried undisguised contempt.
Kabuto smirked, unfazed. "I have news you might find… interesting."
Sasukae's crimson Sharingan gleamed. "Speak."
Kabuto chuckled.
"The man who humiliated you three years ago, after only training the Fifth Hokage's daughter for half a month—"
"He just captured the Five-Tails Jinchūriki."
Sasukae's face darkened instantly.
That shameful defeat—losing to a four-year-old girl—was something he could never erase.
For three years, he had trained relentlessly, seeking revenge.
"...Fujiwara Kirito."
His killing intent surged.
"I will kill him… sooner or later."
Kabuto smirked.
"If you can—but remember, even your brother Itachi couldn't."
(End of this chapter)
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