Amegakure.
Atop the high tower, a fine rain fell through the wind.
Pain stood on the tower roof, looking down at the village veiled in rain.
Steam billowing from the pipes condensed into white clouds in the rain, then slowly drifted away.
He held a note delivered by a Message Bird. It contained only one line—
"The Hidden Sand Village's Gourd Mouth base has been destroyed. They recovered only some of the supplies."
Pain's lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile.
Clay Bombs were indeed devastating against fixed targets that could not move.
Even if the Hidden Sand Village recovered some supplies, it would do them little good. The source of the thermally conductive crystal ore lay in the Land of Earth. As long as Ōnoki kept its exports blocked, their devices had no future.
This intelligence had not come from Sasori. It had spread through the Black Market.
In other words, the entire Shinobi World knew.
Pain did not mind that Sasori had not reported every development. Sasori was a seasoned Akatsuki member now.
He had never sent real-time updates on long-term missions. He would make contact once he had results.
And with Deidara following Sasori, nothing major should go wrong.
Pain slipped the note into his sleeve and turned to go back inside the tower.
Just then, the ring marked "Zero" on his hand suddenly vibrated.
The Astral Projection Jutsu!
Pain stopped and answered the call.
Kakuzu's figure appeared within the jutsu, far blurrier than usual, though his voice came through clearly.
"Leader."
"What is it?"
Kakuzu seemed to hesitate for an instant before speaking. "Something's happened with the Hidden Sand Village."
Pain said nothing, signaling him to continue.
Kakuzu's voice dropped. "The Hidden Sand Village just declared war on Amegakure in Kazekage Pakura's name."
"Their statement was