Land of Rain, the cave at the Akatsuki Organization's old base.
"Have you found an opening?"
After each member had reported on their assignment, Pain looked toward Orochimaru.
It had been half a month since Orochimaru proposed kidnapping the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Half a month had passed.
During this half-month,
Black Zetsu, White Zetsu, the spies Orochimaru had planted in Konoha, and the Summoned Snake had been monitoring Hyuga Sho's every move.
"..."
Orochimaru shook his head.
"Five days ago, a group of craftsmen arrived in Konoha from the Land of Waves. It seems they were hired by Hyuga Sho..."
Hired craftsmen?
The members of the Akatsuki Organization immediately became interested.
What would a ninja need craftsmen for?
Even if he wanted to build an ordinary base, he could simply use Earth Release Ninjutsu to carve it out.
After all, ninjas weren't creatures that cared much about comfort.
"Heh heh... It seems he's opening a mountain path and preparing to build a Miko Shrine..."
"..."
Everyone suddenly understood.
The Miko of the Land of Demons had been kidnapped by Hyuga Sho.
He had brought her to Konoha.
He wanted to settle the Miko there...
To use her to deal with Mōryō's Power?
Was he afraid that Mōryō might go berserk and become difficult to handle?
According to this world's laws, certain powerful forces had limitations.
If they weren't properly controlled, they would turn on their user. That was understandable.
"Then let's wait a while longer... When we gather next time, we'll discuss this matter again..."
The next gathering would be at least half a month later.
Unless Hyuga Sho made a move during that time, the half-month would pass peacefully.
"It'll probably take at least another two or three months to finish construction."
Konoha.
Hyuga Sho gazed at the mountain