The Artist's Demise

After another half hour, Zetsu spoke again. "Another enemy has appeared. It's Konoha's Copy Ninja, Kakashi."

Pain said, "It's really noisy this time, Deidara."

Deidara looked somewhat flustered. "This Jinchuriki is hard to deal with."

Sasori said, "That's why I told you to prepare properly."

"Brother Sasori, you're hardly qualified to criticize me. The traps you prepared were pretty outrageous too."

"What did you say, bastard?!"

"Stop fighting among yourselves!" Pain looked at Itachi. "Since the enemy has a Sharingan, you go."

"I understand."

About half an hour later, the two of them returned to consciousness.

"We failed, but they were injured and have to rest and recover. We at least succeeded in buying time."

"Then that's enough. Focus now."

Time slowly passed, and they finally reached the final stage.

Zetsu said, "Those annoying people are moving faster than expected. What should we do?"

"It doesn't matter. The delaying tactic worked well, so there's no need to concern ourselves with them anymore. Sasori, Deidara, once the sealing is complete, give these guests a proper welcome."

"So we're the ones cleaning up the mess in the end after all. Honestly."

"Enough nonsense. Hurry up and finish this. I'd like to rest for a while before welcoming our guests."

"Enough chatter. Complete the sealing quickly."

Another two hours passed. As the eyes on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path opened one by one, the sealing was finally complete.

Gaara, already devoid of life, fell to the ground with a thud.

"It's finally over. I'll leave the rest to you, Sasori and Deidara. One of the approaching enemies seems to be the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki. The Jinchuriki must be captured alive. Everyone else, disperse."

"Understood. But Itachi, can you tell me the characteristics of the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki?"

Itachi remained silent. He did not