Masked Man and Nagato's group clearly did not know that Obito Uchiha could use the Flying Thunder God Technique. Therefore, no one noticed the Flying Thunder God mark on Asura Path.
Deva Path carried the heavily injured Gaara toward the border of the Land of Fire. His destination was the Land of Rain. Because of Uzumaki Kuming's presence, Akatsuki did not dare establish its base within the Land of Fire, fearing Uzumaki Kuming's attacks.
Thus, the vessel needed for the Tailed Beasts—the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path—had been secretly hidden in a concealed base within the Land of Rain. By the time Deva Path brought Gaara to this base in the Land of Rain, two days had already passed.
"Start quickly. Konoha has already noticed our movements and will probably send ninja to pursue us soon."
"If troublesome people latch onto us, we may not be able to get away."
Inside Akatsuki's base, Masked Man leaped onto one of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path's fingers and spoke.
"I've called Konan and Yahiko over. The four of us will carry out the sealing together."
Deva Path Pain casually tossed the unconscious Gaara onto the ground, then likewise jumped onto one of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path's fingers and spoke in a low voice. At the same time, the other five Paths of Pain emerged from the shadows and headed toward the cave entrance.
This base had been built inside a mountain in the Land of Rain, concealed by dense forest outside and not easily discovered. A defensive barrier had been set up outside the entrance, intended to prevent anyone from entering and interfering while they extracted the Tailed Beast. It also served as an alarm.
Before long, two people clad in red Akatsuki Cloud cloaks entered