"It's about time."
"Things have been quiet for so long that Konoha and the Hidden Sand Village have gradually stopped making moves."
"Are we starting the final phase?"
Nagato's expression was somewhat strange. He pressed his lips together, his gaze unfocused, as though he were thinking about something.
"Kakuzu, Hidan."
The two men Nagato had named raised their heads.
"Go to Kumogakure and capture the Two-Tails jinchūriki as quickly as possible."
"All right."
"Wait!"
Obito's resonant voice suddenly rang out, and everyone's gaze settled on his mask.
"The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki... who are you planning to send after him?"
"The Eight-Tails... couldn't you capture him?"
"Sorry, but I won't be taking action myself."
Obito stood, delivered that cold remark, then turned and left the meeting room.
Black Zetsu lightly tapped his fingers against the table, the corners of his mouth curling upward.
Looks like Obito is getting ready to turn on Nagato...
Is he deliberately making Nagato send all the Akatsuki members away so he can settle things with him?
Nagato stared fixedly at Obito's retreating back. His facial muscles were stiff and his expression impassive, but behind his closed lips, he was clenching his teeth.
"Konan, you go capture the Eight-Tails..."
Yahiko and Konan both glanced at Nagato. Though they had questions, they knew this was not the time to ask.
"Understood."
"This will be a two-pronged operation."
His gaze fell on that conspicuous Aloe Head.
"Zetsu, take Kakuzu and Hidan to capture the Two-Tails jinchūriki, and take Konan to capture the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
Everyone must move quickly. And Deidara, Sasori."
Deidara raised his head.
Why am I involved too?
"Wait outside Kumogakure and be ready to provide backup at any moment.
If the Hidden Cloud Village discovers what we're doing, each of you will support one team."
"Got it."