At that moment, the researchers around the ritual site and Yakumo and Haku, watching from beyond a mountain, all wore grave expressions.
They were not only anxiously awaiting the ritual's outcome, but also enduring the terrifying presence spilling out from the site.
The presence was difficult to describe. It wasn't particularly potent Chakra, nor was it any sort of killing intent or obsession. It was a presence in the literal sense. The ninjas nearby felt it like prey sensing a predator, instinctively growing uneasy and afraid.
"Damn it, did it work or not? There's no reason for there to be this much smoke!"
Hiruko was growing agitated because he detested the presence spilling out from the ritual site!
Kabuto Yakushi asked Ranmaru nervously, "How is it going?"
Delta also looked toward Ranmaru.
Ranmaru shook his head.
He had activated his super Red Eye long ago, but whatever was inside the smoke was wrapped in a highly unusual Chakra. Even his Red Eye couldn't see through it.
Beep, beep, beep.
Just then, one of the instruments suddenly let out a shrill alarm. A second one followed, then a third. Soon, nearly all of them were blaring.
The researchers operating the instruments exchanged glances, then could only turn helplessly toward Amado.
Amado took a deep drag on his cigarette.
All the instruments had stopped working—or rather, every instrument had reached its detection limit in an instant. Even he didn't know what to make of it!
At that moment, every means of detection had failed. All they could do was wait.
Whoosh.
A moment later, a strong gust swept through, scattering the dust and vapor shrouding the ritual site and finally revealing what lay within.
"Gasp!"
"That's..."
"A cocoon?!"
Some cried out, others sucked in a breath, and still others stared in confusion.