Land of Rivers.
Above a certain great river, Zetsu, Hiruko, and Sasori successfully rendezvoused there.
Beside them, within a towering river cliff, lay one of Akatsuki's secret bases, currently sealed shut by a massive round boulder.
"Sasori, I'll leave the matter of the sacrifices to you."
After relaying Deva Path Pain's words, Zetsu handed the task over to Sasori.
Sasori snorted. "Where am I supposed to find sacrifices at a time like this?"
"Don't you have spies in Sunagakure?" Hiruko said with a soft laugh. "Sunagakure's Jinchuriki has already fallen into our hands, so you can discard those spies as well."
Sasori was somewhat displeased, but he had no better solution at a time like this. The Land of Rivers had no hidden ninja village, so if they wanted to find sacrifices as quickly as possible, they could only target people they knew!
"I understand."
After agreeing, Sasori turned and left.
Hiruko then formed Hand Seals and released the boulder's seal before slowly entering with Zetsu.
Beyond the boulder was an enormous space. Deva Path Pain's Magic Lantern Body was already standing in the center, waiting for them.
"You've finally arrived. I've been waiting for you for a long time." Deva Path Pain opened his Rinnegan and stared coldly at Hiruko and Zetsu.
Zetsu stepped forward, and then his pitch-black form slowly peeled away from Gaara's body.
Gaara remained unconscious, his entire body covered in cracks, like a wooden puppet that had been smashed apart.
These were all injuries left behind by Hiruko's Explosion Release, affecting Gaara's internal organs!
"Hurry up and begin. If we wait any longer, this Jinchuriki will die," Hiruko said.
Deva Path Pain stretched out both hands and rapidly formed Hand Seals, directly summoning the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path from another base to this