With the sealing completed, the atmosphere at the scene relaxed noticeably, if only slightly.
"Kū (Ye Zi), I need a favor," Sasori suddenly spoke up.
Everyone turned their attention to Sasori.
"What kind of favor?" Ye Zi asked.
Sasori replied calmly, "Accompany me to the Land of Water. I need a new human puppet."
"The Land of Water?" Ye Zi's eyes flickered. "Are you talking about the Kaguya clan?"
During a previous team mission, Sasori had expressed his interest in the Kaguya clan. He'd gone alone to the Land of Water back then but returned empty-handed and seemingly in rough shape, likely having encountered significant difficulties without gaining anything.
"Yes, I need members of the Kaguya clan as materials for human puppets." Sasori was unsurprised that Ye Zi guessed this, and his shadowy figure flashed a cruel smile.
Hearing the mention of the Kaguya clan, Jūzō was slightly surprised. "The Kaguya clan, isn't that the group that can use their bones in combat? I've heard they're a fierce clan, though few in number."
"Correct. The Kaguya clan possesses remarkable physical strength, and with their kekkei genkai, they make ideal human puppet materials," Sasori replied with a cold smile. Ever since he learned about the clan's unique abilities, he had been fixated on obtaining them. However, with his abilities alone, it was too difficult; his previous attempt had ended in failure.
Based on the limited available information, the Kaguya clan's kekkei genkai allowed them to manipulate their bones. While there were no detailed records, this alone made them highly desirable human puppet material.
First, they provided exceptional durability, and even if damaged, as long as the chakra core remained intact, the bones could serve as a repair material.
Though it was only a theory, if successful, they could create ten 'indestructible' human puppets.
"I'm injured, otherwise, I'd go with you," said Jūzō, who, being originally from Kirigakure, would make their journey easier. However, he needed time to recover, so he couldn't accompany Sasori and Ye Zi to the Land of Water.
"Ye Zi is enough," Sasori said, looking at Jūzō. He had a decent impression of Jūzō.
Jūzō nodded slightly. Ye Zi's display of power in the previous skirmish had changed his perception; with someone as powerful as Ye Zi accompanying them, they should encounter few problems.
Sasori's request would indeed delay progress on the Edo Tensei, but strengthening Akatsuki's core members would aid in capturing the tailed beasts. Thus, it seemed necessary to accompany Sasori to the Land of Water.
After a moment's consideration, Ye Zi asked, "Shall we leave immediately?"
"As soon as possible," Sasori replied, his eyes flickering with anticipation, understanding Ye Zi's agreement.
"Then let's meet at Amegakure," Ye Zi nodded.
"No problem."
At this point, Kakuzu chimed in, "I also need to find suitable hearts. Too bad the Kaguya clan isn't what I'm after."
"Keep in mind that the Kaguya clan is small, but each member is strong. Be cautious," Jūzō advised.
Kotoe and Shin both wanted to ask if they could accompany Ye Zi, but decided to wait until the Illusionary Projection Technique was lifted before asking in person. So, they remained silent, observing quietly.
"If there's nothing else, let's adjourn. Recover quickly before the next step," Nagato said, preparing to release the Illusionary Projection Technique.
Hearing Nagato's words, the shadows nodded, and Nagato lifted the technique.
The dim underground cave was left with only the Gedo Statue, Nagato, and the lifeless body of the One-Tail Jinchuriki lying on the ground.
Nagato ignored the corpse, which held no value to him, and left the cave, heading for the exit.
With the Illusionary Projection Technique lifted, Ye Zi and the others in the Iwagakure hideout slowly opened their eyes.
"White Zetsu," Ye Zi said as he looked toward White Zetsu in the corner.
White Zetsu turned to him, "What's up?"
"Retrieve the body of the One-Tail Jinchuriki. One of your clones should be nearby," Ye Zi instructed calmly.
"No problem." Though White Zetsu wasn't sure why Ye Zi wanted such a young corpse, he didn't ask further.
"Ye Zi, can I go with you to the Land of Water?" Kotoe suddenly asked.
Shin said nothing but intended to go as well if Ye Zi allowed it.
Ye Zi glanced at Kotoe and said, "Stay here at the hideout."
Kotoe looked disappointed but nodded, understanding that Ye Zi wouldn't change his mind.
"I'll be leaving soon. Kotoe, teach those kids when you have time. Jin, get your leg strengthened and ready; more battles are coming." Ye Zi instructed them before departing.
Kotoe and Shin nodded in acknowledgment.
Ye Zi always acted decisively. Once a decision was made, he immediately prepared and executed it. Leaving them behind, he made brief preparations and informed Nanako before leaving the hideout for Amegakure.
He and Sasori would meet in Amegakure, rest briefly, and then depart for the Land of Water.
Before the next mission arrived, he needed to help Sasori gather materials for his human puppets as soon as possible.
Ye Zi understood little about the Kaguya clan, but if Sasori regarded them as the best human puppet material, they must have exceptional qualities.
If Sasori became stronger, it would only benefit Akatsuki.
Hastening his pace, Ye Zi arrived in Amegakure and settled down to wait, as Sasori was not yet there.
Nagato and Konan were immediately aware of Ye Zi's arrival, though neither felt the need to greet him.
Nagato was unbothered by the matter, as it was a trivial issue.
Today, the wind and rain were stronger than usual.
Listening to the intense storm outside, Konan softly asked, "We don't know what Konoha's next move will be. If they respond strongly, what's your plan?"
Nagato replied calmly, "Then we'll bypass the Five-Tails Jinchuriki and target the Six-Tails and Seven-Tails Jinchuriki instead."
The Five-Tails Jinchuriki was an Iwagakure shinobi. Although Jinchuriki were generally not well-regarded, openly capturing one in the village would provoke Iwagakure, which, even if disinclined to rescue a Jinchuriki, would retaliate.
If Konoha reacted intensely, to avoid antagonizing too many at once, Akatsuki would refrain from targeting the Five-Tails Jinchuriki in Iwagakure and instead focus on the Six-Tails in Kirigakure and the Seven-Tails in Takigakure.
The sealing order only required the Nine-Tails to be sealed last.
With each captured tailed beast, the Gedo Statue's power grew stronger, the vast chakra contained within it serving multiple purposes. Hence, as more beasts were captured, Akatsuki's strength would increase.
Since they had already provoked Konoha, they would avoid clashing with the now-powerful Kumogakure, especially given their current alliance.
So long as the objective could be achieved, a slower pace was acceptable.
As for considering Ye Zi's feelings, that was unnecessary.
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Currently on Chapter 389 - A Clash of Fates