"Do you want to try?" Sasukae laughed in anger, a dangerous smile appearing on his face. His three-tomoe Sharingan activated, glaring at Kabuto, while his right hand slowly reached for the Kusanagi sword at his waist.
Thanks to Orochimaru's training and his own relentless efforts, Sasukae had now gained full control over the power of the Curse Mark. His eye power was far superior to what it had been before.
As soon as Kabuto met Sasukae's gaze, he felt as though he was sinking into an endless abyss. Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
Just as Sasukae was about to strike, Orochimaru intervened.
"Enough, Sasukae. Don't waste your energy." He smirked, his golden snake-like pupils narrowing. "From today onward, I'll be giving you special training. Go to the training ground and wait for me."
"Consider yourself lucky," Sasukae muttered coldly. He spared Kabuto one last look of disdain before turning and leaving.
Orochimaru chuckled as he patted Kabuto's shoulder. "Don't take it to heart, Kabuto. You're still my most trusted subordinate."
Kabuto forced a smile. "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
But as soon as Orochimaru turned away, Kabuto's expression darkened.
Five Days Later – Hidden Rain Village
Inside the cave of Akatsuki's base, the sealing ritual had reached its final moments.
The Five-Tails Jinchūriki, Han, who had already lost his tailed beast, lay lifeless on the ground.
Fū, the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, was on the brink of death, her vitality barely holding on.
"It's almost done." Pain remained calm. "Everyone, hold on a little longer."
"This sealing ritual is so dull." Deidara groaned in frustration. "I mean, come on, Leader, can't you improve this process? Five days is just too long. Hm."
Pain ignored him and turned to Sasori. "How are your preparations going?"
"It's nearly complete," Sasori replied, his voice hoarse and emotionless.
"Good. After the sealing is finished, you and Deidara will rest for three days before heading to Sunagakure to begin the One-Tail capture mission."
Hearing the mention of One-Tail, Deidara's eyes lit up.
"Leave Gaara to me, Leader. I'll show him true art!"
"Sasori, you're not just dealing with the One-Tail Jinchūriki," Pain reminded him. "You'll be facing the Fifth Kazekage and the entire Sand Village. If you're not properly prepared, you'll die."
Before Sasori could respond, Kirito suddenly spoke up.
"In that case, I might as well join in." He smirked. "I have nothing else to do anyway."
The entire cave fell silent.
Every Akatsuki member turned toward Kirito, stunned.
Did the sun rise from the west today?
The man who always sent shadow clones to complete his assignments was now voluntarily joining a mission?
"Hey, Kirito, didn't you just finish your own quota? Why are you trying to steal mine? Hm." Deidara frowned in dissatisfaction.
Kirito chuckled. "Relax. I won't interfere with your artistic performance. The intelligence missions I've been assigned were just too dull. But this time… it's different. You and that Kazekage both have interesting abilities. I can't miss the show."
"As expected of Brother Kirito," Deidara smirked. "You really know how to appreciate art!"
"He's not talking about your kind of art," Sasori scoffed. "You're both fools."
"Hey! Are you trying to pick a fight, Sasori?" Deidara turned to glare at him.
Seeing that an argument was about to break out, Pain interrupted, "Enough. Deidara, Sasori, stop wasting time."
"Tsk," both Sasori and Deidara clicked their tongues in irritation and turned away from each other.
"Kirito," Pain continued, "since you're interested, go with them. But if Deidara fails, you'll finish the job."
"No problem," Kirito nodded. "As long as Deidara doesn't get too emotional when people mock his art, I think he'll do fine."
Hearing this, Kisame chuckled. "You really analyzed him well."
"It's obvious," Kirito smirked. "Deidara always loses his composure when someone insults his art."
"Just like when Itachi recruited him—he nearly blew himself up because of a simple Genjutsu."
Deidara immediately exploded with anger.
"YOU BASTARD! Are you looking down on my art?! Hm!"
"See?" Kisame smirked, turning to the others. "What did I just say?"
"You're dead, Kisame! I'll blow you to pieces!" Deidara roared.
Boom!
Suddenly, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path shuddered violently.
Sasori narrowed his eyes. "Deidara, calm down. You'll disrupt the seal!"
"I didn't do anything!" Deidara looked confused.
"No, this isn't his doing," Pain muttered, his face serious. "The statue has reached its limit."
"It seems I was too hasty," he admitted. "Originally, we were supposed to seal the tailed beasts in order, but we rushed because of the opportunities with Five-Tails and Seven-Tails."
Black Zetsu, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.
"If the statue collapses, the plan will fail," he said grimly. "From now on, we must seal the tailed beasts in order to prevent the statue's chakra balance from destabilizing."
Pain nodded.
"Kisame, Itachi, Kakuzu, Hidan—your missions are temporarily suspended. We'll capture One-Tail next before proceeding in order."
Just as he finished speaking, the sealing of the Seven-Tails was completed.
The Demonic Statue's mouth absorbed the final wisp of chakra, locking it away.
All members of Akatsuki simultaneously released their hand seals.
With the tailed beast gone, Fū's body went limp—lifeless, she plummeted toward the ground.
Just before she hit, a dark figure suddenly flashed forward—and caught her.
(End of this chapter)
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