"They really don't trust me at all."
The Elite Jōnin at the entrance never left his post, so even Muzan could not pull any tricks.
"Muzan, you will never leave this place. Give up your futile struggle."
The ninja guarding the prison watched Muzan's little movements. The flesh that had just begun to grow was incinerated by the flames above before it could even emerge.
This prison had been built in the deepest part of a volcano. The high temperatures could weaken one's strength, not to mention the surrounding lava.
"It truly won't be that easy."
But he was in no hurry to escape. The hidden thread had already been planted; now he only had to wait for it to take root and sprout.
The rattling chains fell silent once more. Apart from the occasional burst of scorching bubbles, the entire underground prison was utterly soundless.
Outside in Konoha, Sakumo Hatake wiped down the blade in his hand. For some reason, a faint unease had risen in his heart.
At that moment, Akatsuki and Blood Moon had arrived together in the Land of Fire. The weakest person present was still an Elite Jōnin, with Zabuza standing at the very back of the group.
In terms of strength, he ranked at the bottom. One had to know that Zabuza had once been one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
Tonight, their target was Konoha!
Akatsuki was here for the Nine-Tails, while Blood Moon was here for Muzan! Their goals differed, but they needed each other to divert part of the pressure along the way.
Konan led the group. Nagato's body could not move quickly, so he could only rely on these puppets.
Every one of them possessed the Rinnegan, the legendary eyes of the Sage. Six pairs had appeared at once, leaving