The next day, Hiruko officially began the bloodline fusion.
The fusion would take place nowhere else but the central tower of Amegakure.
Following Shinnō, Neji and Orochimaru arrived near the central tower.
Among those here to witness the fusion ceremony were Kakuzu, Hidan, Juzo Biwa, Kisame Hoshigaki, and others.
Caught in the tiger's den, Neji didn't dare use the Tenseigan carelessly.
His gaze silently swept over the Akatsuki members one by one.
"No Nagato, Konan, or Obito. Wait, given how much the Akatsuki values the Chimera Technique, there's no way Nagato would miss this."
At that moment, a square frame had been erected at the central tower, with dozens of specially treated mirrors arranged around it.
These mirrors could refract the light from the sky toward the very center of the tower.
Hiruko stood alone atop the tower.
His expression was as calm as ever, but his hands trembled slightly. Everyone could clearly sense the excitement shining in his eyes.
Neji studied Hiruko closely, anticipation showing in his eyes.
Because he had used the Curse Seal of the Mind on Hiruko, Neji could feel Hiruko's current emotions more acutely than anyone else. During the bloodline fusion ceremony, he would also be able to experience the process firsthand.
Just then, the sky, which had been drizzling, was suddenly covered by a large mass of dark clouds.
The Akatsuki members, who had been somewhat laid-back, suddenly turned serious.
Neji looked up at the clouds and muttered, "Rain Tiger at Will Technique?"
Pain's Sensory Ninjutsu covered all of Amegakure at all times.
How much chakra must that require?
This alone was enough to prove Nagato's strength beyond doubt.
A few seconds later, the Deva Path, the Akatsuki's public leader, and Konan descended from the sky and landed atop the tower.
Orochimaru studied the