After the sparring session, Hyuga Sho tightened his collar and stared at Ryuzetsu, who was sprawled on the ground.
"Deliver this scroll to Konoha in person at the fastest speed possible...!"
Hyuga Sho tossed a scroll beside Ryuzetsu and left immediately.
The matter of Nagato preparing to attack Konoha.
Hyuga Sho had made no preparations against it.
The one who had devised the strategy was Rin Setsu'a.
Rin Setsu'a had written Nagato's plans in the scroll, along with a detailed analysis of Nagato's strength and the members of the Akatsuki Organization.
Next.
He had pointed out a strategy that would allow Konoha to turn defeat into victory.
With his genius-level mind, he had arranged everything at once.
But there was a problem.
Why did Rin Setsu'a want to help Konoha?
The reason, of course, was that Rin Setsu'a was someone who loved watching the fun.
He had joined the Akatsuki.
And it was not to fulfill Nagato's wish.
He wanted to see the ridiculous expression on the face of the world's greatest villain when, at the very moment victory was within his grasp, someone snatched the fruits of victory away from him.
Something like that... would definitely be interesting.
Some things could only be obtained by stealing them.
That thing... was the grace of a victor!
Hozuki Castle.
Today, a new batch of prisoners had arrived.
"This is everyone, right?"
The guards had lined up at the entrance.
"Yes, Lord Tōgan. All five people who were due to arrive today are here."
The fat man, shaped like a pug, was the chief guard of Hozuki Castle, Tōgan.
Before him.
Were five shackled prisoners who had just been escorted in from outside.
"Next, the lord of Hozuki Castle... Lord Mui, will speak to you!"
Tōgan stepped back.
Mui stepped forward.