An open underground space somewhere in the Land of Grass.
Beside Zetsu and Hiruko, the thought projections of Konan, Uchiha Shin, Uchiha Itachi, Kisame Hoshigaki, Sasori, and Orochimaru slowly appeared.
Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, was sprawled on the ground, already unconscious.
Deva Path Pain spoke. "Now that everyone's here, let's begin."
Deva Path Pain formed Hand Seals and summoned the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. Then he cast the Phantom Dragon Nine Consuming Seals and began sealing the Five-Tails.
"This is the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, right?" Orochimaru looked at Hiruko, his laughter hoarse. "You really benefited from Zetsu's efforts, Hiruko."
Hiruko gave a cold snort, too lazy to pay attention to that bastard.
"Where has the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki reached, Zetsu?" Uchiha Itachi suddenly asked.
"He's nearly at the border of the Land of Fire," Zetsu said.
Though his true body was here, his clones were scattered across the land. With Danzo's help, they had successfully latched onto Kakashi's team from behind.
Deva Path Pain said, "After sealing the Five-Tails, all of you should gather as well. The destination is the Rōran Ruins in the Land of Wind."
Then Deva Path Pain looked at Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki. "Your task is to locate Uchiha Houka's main base, then capture the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki!"
"Understood." Uchiha Itachi slowly nodded.
"If this operation goes smoothly, we can obtain the Three-Tails, Seven-Tails, and Nine-Tails at the same time!" Deva Path Pain's gaze swept over everyone one by one as he said gravely, "Everyone, don't drag us down!"
Orochimaru suddenly gave a sinister laugh. "Pain, this was your operation plan, and I've been doing my best to cooperate. But! In my view, this operation can succeed at most halfway!"
"What do you mean?" Deva Path Pain looked at Orochimaru and said calmly, "Zetsu and I