Within the dim Akatsuki base, atop the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, the Eight-Tails, Killer B, continuously poured chakra into the statue under everyone's control.
Just as they reached the final stage, there was a snap. "Killer B's" body transformed into an octopus tentacle and fell to the ground, plunging the scene into a second of silence.
"Hahahaha, looks like our Uchiha genius got played. After all that effort, he only brought back a tentacle. Tobi, it seems your judgment has gotten worse." Kisame burst into laughter, making no attempt to conceal his mockery.
Sasori lowered his hands from their seals and snorted. "Tobi, this is the strength you said wasn't bad? Someone who got toyed with by the enemy like a monkey can join Akatsuki now? Has our organization fallen this far?"
Kakuzu remained silent. Ever since narrowly escaping death that time, he had gathered new hearts and become unusually low-key. Even within the organization, he had grown increasingly taciturn.
Obito looked at the Eight-Tails tentacle on the ground, his Sharingan slowly turning as he pondered something. After a long while, he said, "I understand. I'll deal with Sasuke's side. Kisame, you'll take over the mission to capture the Eight-Tails."
"My, my, every troublesome task gets shoved onto me, doesn't it?" Kisame complained with a shrug, but he did not refuse.
Soon afterward, the figures vanished one by one.
Elsewhere, upon learning that Killer B had been captured by Second Pillar, the Fourth Raikage flew into a rage. He immediately sent people to Konoha to demand answers while also requesting a Five Kage Summit, inviting the other four Kage to discuss the Akatsuki issue.
The news was swiftly carried to the major villages by War Hawks. Konoha received the intelligence immediately, and the team dispatched by Kumogakure also