Akatsuki Lair: The Art Duo

Guided by the system, the squad quickly locked on to the exact location of the Akatsuki Organization's stronghold. It was a cave hidden deep in the mountains of the Land of Rivers, its entrance cleverly concealed by a genjutsu barrier.

"This is it." Ling's Sharingan clearly saw the flow of chakra across the barrier.

Kakashi studied the barrier's structure carefully. "This barrier is very complex. Forcing our way through will alert the people inside."

[Analyzing barrier structure...]

[Detected composite defense of genjutsu barrier and alarm barrier]

[Recommended cracking method: use Lightning Release to disrupt the barrier nodes]

Following the system's prompt, Ling gathered Lightning Release chakra at his fingertips and precisely tapped several key nodes of the barrier. The barrier rippled slightly, temporarily opening a gap.

"Move!" Kakashi said in a low voice.

Everyone quickly slipped into the cave. The interior was dark and damp, and the air was filled with a faint smell of blood and the sharp reek of some chemical.

[Warning! High concentration of explosive components detected]

[Warning! Highly toxic substances detected]

The system's warning made Ling immediately alert his teammates. "Careful. There are explosives and poison here."

No sooner had he spoken than an explosion suddenly came from ahead. Naruto rushed over at once, and the others followed close behind.

Deep within the cave was a massive hollow, and the sight before them made everyone suck in a cold breath.

Gaara was pinned to the stone wall, his fate unknown. A blond young man stood atop a giant clay bird—it was Deidara. As for the other figure, shrouded entirely within Hiruko, it was undoubtedly Sasori.

"Mm~ you got here fast." Deidara toyed with the clay in his hand. "Perfect timing. I'll let you witness my art, mm."

Sasori's hoarse voice sounded. "Don't waste time. Finish them quickly."

[Battle analysis initiated]

[Target 1: Deidara]

[Ability: Explosion Release: Clay Explosion]

[Weakness: Lightning Release counters clay explosions]

[Target 2: Sasori]

[Ability: Puppet Technique: Third Kazekage Human Puppet]

[Weakness: true body hidden inside Hiruko]

The system provided key intelligence just in time. Ling immediately relayed the information to Kakashi.

"Deidara is mine and Naruto's." Kakashi formulated a strategy in an instant. "Ling, you and Sakura deal with Sasori. Team Guy provides support."

The battle erupted at the slightest spark.

Deidara made the first move. Countless clay spiders rained down from the air.

"Art is an explosion! Katsu!"

Kakashi quickly formed hand seals. "Water Style: Water Wall!"

The water current blocked the first wave of explosions, but Deidara had already ridden his giant clay bird into the air.

"Useless, mm!" he laughed as he dropped even more clay bombs.

At the same time, Sasori's Hiruko also launched an attack. Poison needles shot toward Ling and Sakura like a downpour.

"Sakura, watch the poison needles!" Ling blocked with a kunai while observing Sasori's movements.

With the help of the Sharingan, he could see the small, thin figure inside Hiruko.

"Found you!"

Ling suddenly accelerated. Lightning Release chakra erupted beneath his feet, and he instantly charged in front of Hiruko.

"Lightning Release: Chidori!"

The lightning pierced straight through Hiruko's outer shell. But Sasori's true body detached in time, revealing his real appearance—a delicate, red-haired boy.

"To think you could force me to reveal my true form..." Sasori said coldly. "Then I'll let you witness true art."

He unfurled a scroll, and the Third Kazekage Human Puppet slowly rose.

"Careful!" Ling shouted in warning. "That's the Third Kazekage Human Puppet with Magnet Release!"

Iron sand gathered in the air, forming all kinds of shapes, and began attacking indiscriminately. The entire cave trembled. The iron sand's attack range was enormous, forcing everyone to keep dodging.

[Magnet Release chakra detected]

[Suggestion: use Lightning Release to disrupt iron sand control]

Ling immediately poured Lightning Release chakra into the ground, trying to interfere with the Magnet Release. Sure enough, the iron sand's movements slowed for an instant.

"Sakura, now!"

Sakura understood at once and slammed a monstrous-strength punch toward the human puppet. But Sasori's control was exceptionally precise, and the iron sand returned to defend in time, blocking the blow.

"Useless," Sasori said indifferently. "My puppets are eternal art."

Just as the battle fell into a stalemate, good news came from Naruto's side. With Kakashi's coordination, Naruto successfully caught Deidara using shadow clone tactics.

"Damn it!" Deidara struggled. "How could my art possibly lose to you people, mm!"

But what was even more shocking was that after seeing Deidara captured, Sasori actually stopped attacking of his own accord.

"Enough." Sasori withdrew the human puppet. "This farce should end."

He looked at Gaara, who was pinned to the wall. "Your goal is to save him, right? I can tell you this: the Tailed Beast extraction still needs some time."

Everyone froze, not understanding why Sasori would help them.

"Why?" Ling asked warily.

A complicated look flashed through Sasori's eyes. "Perhaps... I'm simply tired of this eternal art."

He tossed Ling a scroll. "This is the method to undo the seal. But be quick. Pain will notice the abnormality here soon."

With that, Sasori turned and walked toward the depths of the cave, his figure gradually disappearing.

Though they did not understand Sasori's motives, the most important thing now was to rescue Gaara. Following the method on the scroll, Ling began undoing the seal.

[Parsing sealing formula...]

[Five Elements Seal variant detected]

[Cracking progress: 23%...47%...]

With the system's assistance, the seal was quickly undone. Gaara fell from the wall and was caught by Naruto in time.

"He's still alive!" Sakura said in surprise after checking him. "But his chakra is almost completely drained."

Just then, the entire cave suddenly began shaking violently.

[Warning! Powerful chakra approaching]

[Identification: Six Paths of Pain]

Ling's expression changed. "Go, now! Pain is coming!"

Everyone quickly withdrew with Gaara. Not long after they left, six figures wearing the Akatsuki Organization's attire appeared inside the cave.

"Are we too late..." Deva Path Pain said expressionlessly.

In the distance, the rescue squad was retreating at full speed. Ling glanced back in the direction of the Akatsuki Organization's stronghold, his heart heavy.

This was only the beginning. The Akatsuki Organization's true strength was far more terrifying than what they had seen today.

And the system's mission prompt sounded again:

[Main mission completed: successfully rescued Gaara]

[Reward issued: Sealing Technique: Four Symbols Seal (Improved Version)]

[New mission issued: raise strength to Kage level]

[Time limit: six months]

Ling clenched his fists. Six months... there was not much time left.

(End of Chapter Thirty-Four)