The night air was slightly cool. In a valley somewhere in the Land of Fire, far from Konoha.
On a mountain ridge, two figures sat side by side. A faint mist rose from the valley in the darkness, constantly shifting in the wind, creating a scenery all its own.
Shin turned to look at Tamamo beside him. Ever since she had passed the position of Mizukage to "Cangshi," she had been free of duties. During this time, she had lived in this valley, leading a relaxed life together with Shin.
Akabane Koromo and Xing Ruluo were looking after Akatsuki, and with people like "Sasori," "Kakuzu," and Orochimaru as well, it did not require much thought or effort.
Just as they enjoyed this rare moment of tranquility, an eagle's cry rang out. Beneath the night sky, a War Hawk swept in on spread wings and landed beside Shin.
Shin raised a brow slightly and reached out to remove the intelligence report from the War Hawk's leg. After unfolding it and reading it, the War Hawk vanished in a puff of white smoke.
The report had come from Akatsuki headquarters and concerned news from Konoha. The one who delivered it, "Goshawk," was a member of Akatsuki, though he was a native-born Konoha ninja...
Of course, he was also Akatsuki's highest-ranking planted operative within "Root" at present.
"The Uchiha are finished!" Shin said quietly after reading the report. Seeing the questioning look in Hyuga Tamamo's eyes, he handed the report to her.
Its contents were simple, consisting of only one sentence: "Shimura Danzō is going to make a move against Shisui Uchiha."
Hyuga Tamamo's gaze shifted slightly. A sneer curved across her exquisitely beautiful face, though her tone remained unusually calm. "So they're finally making their move? First the Senju, then the Uchiha.