As the words fell, the Astral Projection Technique was released.
One phantom after another dissipated, and the inside of the tower returned to silence, with only the endless, drizzling sound of rain outside.
Inside the quiet room at the top of the tower.
Nagato, the true body behind Pain's Deva Path, slowly opened his eyes.
His violent coughing shattered the brief silence.
Konan silently pushed open the door and entered, worry written across her face.
"Nagato, isn't this too hasty? Akatsuki has just lost two core members. Shouldn't we first find suitable people to bring into the organization..."
Nagato's gaze was grave. After coughing lightly a few times, he said hoarsely, "Konan, there is no time. Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki are both among the strongest in the shinobi world, yet they could not even force the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to show himself. Do you know what that means?"
Konan frowned slightly and thought it over before replying, "It means Konoha is very powerful? That we shouldn't clash with them for the time being?"
Nagato's gaze turned faintly cold as he said in a deep voice, "That is true, but that isn't the point I'm making."
"Although the Land of Fire's border deployment is defensive in nature, it does not prove that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's declaration of unifying the shinobi world is mere bluff. All of this may simply be the calm before the storm."
"His path runs counter to our 'peace,' and he may even become an obstacle."
"Then we must eliminate him before he fully matures and unifies the strength of the Five Great Nations, even if..."
"We have to use that power."
"The plan to gather the tailed beasts and create the ultimate weapon cannot afford any mistakes. We must seize the initiative."
Konan was somewhat puzzled. "The key