Orochimaru No. 1 tracked down a subordinate of Orochimaru No. 2, as the latter had implanted a cursed seal in the subordinate's body.

The cursed seal began to swell unnaturally, and moments later, a white snake burst forth from the distorted flesh. The snake opened its mouth, spitting out a soaked, weak Orochimaru No. 2.

Staring at Orochimaru No. 1 with a complex, melancholic expression, Orochimaru No. 2 muttered, "Looks like I failed."

"I've completed what you asked me to do," Orochimaru No. 1 replied flatly. "Now it's time for you to uphold your end of the deal."

Without further words, Orochimaru No. 2 handed over the long-sought research—an advanced version of the Edo Tensei technique.

"A fully perfected Reanimation Jutsu... finally," Orochimaru No. 1 whispered with a faint smirk, his eyes gleaming as he clutched the scroll.

"Next... are you planning to undo your hand seals?" he asked, glancing toward the weakened No. 2. "Want me to come along?"

"There's no need," Orochimaru No. 2 shook his head calmly. "I've got this."

---

Inside the Raikage's Office – Kumogakure

The Eight-Tails' jinchūriki, Killer Bee, and the Two-Tails' jinchūriki, Yugito Nii, were both staying in the Raikage's office for protection. Killer Bee, rapping in his usual rhythm, voiced his frustration.

"Bro, why we hidin'? Let's throw some fists and keep slidin'! This place ain't the Bee's style, y'know what I'm sayin'?"

They'd been living and eating inside the Raikage Building ever since news spread that the Akatsuki was hunting jinchūriki.

"I say we fight back," Bee continued. "Let's show 'em what Bee can do. Runnin' ain't gonna solve nothin'. Time to throw hands!"

Mabui nodded, her expression cold. "I agree. It's better to deal with the Akatsuki directly."

The Fourth Raikage scowled. "You think I don't want to? The problem is, we don't know where they are."

"If they dare come to Kumogakure, I'll crush them myself."

His assistant warned him, "Raikage sama, please don't underestimate the enemy. Even Sunagakure was directly attacked."

"Hmph, Sunagakure?" the Raikage scoffed. "That village has fallen far. They let someone kidnap the Kazekage—pathetic."

"And they let a child become the Fifth Kazekage. That village's decline is obvious."

"Chiyo and Ebizō may be respected, but they're relics of the past. Their strength has long faded."

"Kumogakure is now the most powerful of the Five Great Nations. Even Konoha can't compare."

"The way Sarutobi Hiruzen handled things left that village weak. I heard their Nine-Tails jinchūriki was captured... wonder if they've recovered him."

"But if they've given up on rescuing the Nine-Tails, it could benefit us."

"If we destroy the Akatsuki, we'll take the Nine-Tails and keep it in Kumogakure."

The Fourth Raikage boasted, unaware that elite members of the Akatsuki had already assembled outside the village.

Pain (Tendō), Konan, Kisame Hoshigaki, Deidara, Hidan, Kakuzu, and the Red Sand Scorpion had arrived—an overwhelming force even the Five Kage would struggle to match.

Tendō Pain stood at the front of the group, eyes cold. "Our target is the Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails of Kumogakure. Begin the operation."

Beast Path Pain formed a seal and summoned a massive, monstrous bird.

Konan spread wings made of paper and took flight alongside the other Paths of Pain, flying toward the village aboard the summoned creature.

Deidara pulled a clay bird from his pack. Tossing it in the air, it grew into a large rideable bird made of white explosive clay.

"Scorpion, come on!" Deidara called. But the Red Sand Scorpion shook his head.

"I can't fight in the air. I'll head in on the ground," Scorpion said coldly.

"I want to get up close anyway," Hidan chimed in, slinging his bloody triple-bladed scythe over his shoulder. "Can't offer sacrifices from the air."

"I want to stop by the treasury," Kakuzu added darkly. "Kumogakure might have valuables worth collecting."

Deidara pouted. "Geez, no one appreciates art..."

At that moment, Kisame stepped forward. "Deidara, mind if I join you?"

Deidara lit up. "Kisame senpai, you get it, don't you? You understand true art!"

He excitedly welcomed Kisame aboard the clay bird. With Samehada slung over his back, Kisame climbed up.

They flew forward as Deidara grinned. "You know what art is, Kisame san? It's...an explosion!"

Meanwhile, Deidara scattered small clay birds across Kumogakure. Each bird exploded with massive force upon impact, damaging buildings and sending Kumogakure ninja flying.

At the same time, summoned beasts with the Rinnegan eyes tore through the village. Giant white raptors swooped down on buildings, causing chaos. It was the Animal Path's strategy to split enemy forces and eliminate lower-ranked ninja.

Inside the Raikage's office, an explosion shook the room. Screams and distant crashes filled the air.

The Fourth Raikage's eyes widened in rage. Blue lightning crackled violently around him as he stormed out without hesitation.

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