After finishing his task, Hoichi deeply bowed toward Anya and said, "Thank you for your help. Without you, this sealing formation would have failed. I underestimated just how massive the bodies of the two tailed beasts would be."
Anya smiled slightly and replied, "Master, there's no need to be so courteous. You've worked hard."
Hoichi nodded once more toward the two people before him, then vanished from the spot with the lute in his arms.
Sasori looked at the two unconscious figures on the ground and asked, "Big Brother Kurotsuchi, what should we do about them?"
"To prevent any complications, they shouldn't be seen in public for now," Anya said after a moment's thought. "Let them stay with that Aburame clan member who uses insects in battle."
Sasori took out a scroll, and several puppets were summoned. They picked up the two unconscious bodies and walked away in one direction.
"This time, the Akatsuki sent Kakuzu and Hidan. Their target is the Seven-Tails. They're likely planning to make their move after the Chunin Exams conclude. I estimate the two are already near Sunagakure Village."
As a spy embedded within the Akatsuki, Sasori was completely clear on inside information.
Anya picked up the two sealing vessels from the ground, handing the One-Tail's vessel to Sasori while keeping the Seven-Tails' vessel for himself.
After distributing the tailed beasts, Anya asked, "For this Chunin Exam, Tenten's squad has also arrived. Don't you want to go take a look?"
Sasori silently shook his head.
Anya asked curiously, "What's wrong? Did you two have a falling out? It's been about two years since she last visited Sunagakure."
Sasori sighed. "Exactly. Ever since you previously asked me about my feelings for Tenten, I've felt confused. If that's the case, it'd be better if we didn't meet at all. After all, I won't be lonely by myself—with my puppets as company."
Anya sighed and rubbed his forehead, genuinely surprised that his earlier words had backfired. After all, matters of the heart were never something outsiders could easily interfere with.
"I'll go meet Kakuzu. Since the Akatsuki has begun their tailed beasts plan, it's time for our organization to take action as well."
When Anya brought up official business, Sasori's expression quickly turned serious. "Sunagakure is completely under my control. Iwagakure suffered heavy losses during the Third Battle and has taken in many wandering ninja in recent years—most of our agents are hidden among them. Kumo has fewer undercover agents, but I've turned quite a few within the Elder Council there. Our infiltrators hold high positions—actually, infiltration there was relatively easy."
Sasori frowned when he mentioned this part.
Anya continued, "Don't worry about Kirigakure. That village has always been closed off, and every ninja there signs confidentiality agreements. Some shinobi never even see the Mizukage their entire lives. No need to waste energy on them."
"What about Konoha?" Sasori asked in return.
Anya's eyes narrowed slightly, and with a faintly distant tone, he replied, "Konoha will experience great upheaval. It won't become an obstacle to us."
"Good, then there shouldn't be any problems." Sasori sounded more energetic. "My Mechanical Army has already started moving into position slowly. Once war breaks out, we'll be able to launch aerial attacks on several major villages instantly."
"Hm, that's our worst-case scenario. I hope we won't need to use it."
Anya waved at Sasori, then disappeared in a chosen direction.
In a forest, two ninjas dressed in black cloaks adorned with red clouds walked at a leisurely pace. One of them grumbled, "Hey, Kakuzu, why do I have to be paired up with someone like you? All you care about is money, money, money. Isn't that annoying?"
Kakuzu remained silent as he walked forward.
The speaker became irritated. "Hey, Kakuzu, are you even listening to me?"
Kakuzu replied flatly, "Hidan, you talk too much."
"What did you say?"
"Stay quiet and keep moving." Kakuzu appeared extremely cold and aloof.
Hidan stood still, still upset over Kakuzu's earlier indifference. "You didn't even listen to what I was saying, did you?"
Facing Kakuzu's silence once again, Hidan helplessly shrugged his hands. "You again won't speak."
Kakuzu finally lost his patience. "Shut up! Don't make me repeat myself. Stay quiet and follow me."
Hidan sighed. "Ugh, so where exactly are we going now?"
"Didn't I tell you before? We're out here to capture the Seven-Tails from Takigakure. According to the intelligence report I received, she's currently participating in the Sunagakure Chunin Exams. All we need to do is wait on the route she'll definitely take back."
"Oh right, so there will be another offering for Lord of Evil. Then let me play with her first properly, and then..."
Before Hidan could finish speaking, Kakuzu's expression suddenly changed, and he sharply warned, "Careful, enemies incoming."
"Eh? What?"
Before Hidan could react, countless blades rained down from above, densely packed like falling stars, directly plunging toward their location. Even before the blades arrived, icy glimmers flashed ominously, concealing an extremely sharp and bloodthirsty force that seemed to carve a rift across heaven and earth.
Hidan was frightened but barely managed to whirl the scythe-like weapon above his head, [Defense].
"Zheng..."
A sharp blade noise rang out — a single flash of brilliance cutting through countless flashes. The long blade shot forth so fast that the human eye couldn't follow, like a bolt of lightning, draining all air and life in its path. This devastating slash smashed through Hidan's defense, piercing him through the back and pinning him to the ground.
With his defenses shattered, Hidan could no longer prevent the onslaught of blades. Blades pierced his body like a storm of steel, leaving blood splattered everywhere.
Kakuzu instantly recognized the ninja blade that had struck Hidan first, and a flash of shock passed through his eyes. He silently thought to himself, Mū has gotten stronger again.
"Ahh, it hurts!"
Pinned helplessly by countless blades piercing his body, Hidan couldn't move at all, but his mouth wouldn't stop moving. "Hey, Kakuzu, don't just stand there like an idiot! Hurry up and save me, damn it! Who the hell is this enemy anyway? To injure me without even showing himself? This offering will definitely please Lord of Evil."
Kakuzu showed no intention whatsoever of rescuing Hidan. Coldly, he responded, "This opponent isn't simple. I'll deal with him first before I have time to save you."
As Hidan watched Kakuzu walk off without a hint of mercy, he paused in shock for a second, then began cursing loudly.
After the sound of Hidan's commotion completely disappeared beyond earshot, Kakuzu stopped walking. "Mū, come out now."
A figure leapt down from a tree and walked over with a smile, saying, "Uncle, it's been years since we last met. Did you miss me?"
Kakuzu's expression briefly shifted before he coldly chuckled, "Kid, so much time has passed, yet your methods have become even harsher. Aren't you afraid you might accidentally kill my partner and raise the Organization's suspicions?"
"Fun to behold, Hidan is a rogue ninja from the Hot Springs Country, Uncle. Don't you remember? The Hot Springs Country is my Stronghold," replied Anya, her smile unwavering. "I intentionally sent him to Akatsuki. An immortal like him suits you quite well as a partner, doesn't he?"
Hearing that, Kakuzu couldn't help but sigh, "Not only are your hands dark, but your heart is dark too."
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