The next morning, the Land of Rain was blessed with a rare clear sky.
The rising sun drove away the clouds and cast warm light over this crying land.
The four-man team, consisting of Yahiko, his two companions, and Kakashi, emerged through the main entrance of the Akatsuki's base.
They would serve as bait to draw the snake from its hole, luring Hanzo out of his lair in Amegakure.
Earlier, Tsunade had already led some of the Akatsuki's elite away from the base in several groups.
On the rooftop across the street from the building that housed the Akatsuki's base, Obito stood at the edge, watching his prey leave its nest.
"Nagato, experience the darkness of this world for yourself!" Obito murmured.
Behind him, beyond his line of sight, Shiraishi stood atop a taller building. His powerful spiritual sense enveloped Obito and Yahiko's team as they left town.
The corners of Shiraishi's mouth lifted slightly. After waiting so long, the real show was finally about to begin.
Time trickled by. The stubborn clouds returned, once again taking over the sky and blotting out the sun.
Sparse raindrops fell on them as Yahiko and the others walked along the muddy path. In the woods ahead, a giant web woven by Obito awaited them.
Deep in the forest, Obito stood on a sturdy branch, wearing a mask. Beside him, Zetsu's upper body emerged from the trunk.
"They're coming in."
Obito said nothing. He simply watched the distance, waiting for the tragedy he had personally set in motion to unfold.
Having experienced pain himself, he understood that only by making Nagato suffer could he fundamentally change his personality and turn him into a pawn for gathering the Tailed Beasts.
Yahiko and the others entered the forest. The silence made the already wary group