Following behind the members of the Akatsuki, Zou Hyuga let his gaze drift between them from time to time, paying particular attention to Hiruko, who lay on a puppet.
Although Hiruko was weak, he had regained consciousness. He kept his head lowered and said nothing.
In the battle just now, Hiruko had displayed strength on par with a Kage, holding out for a long time while surrounded by Ōnoki and a group of Jonin.
Although Ōnoki and the others had not used their full strength, Hiruko had likewise been in a chaotic, unstable state.
It stood to reason that once he eliminated his underlying problems, Hiruko's strength would soar further, reaching a level equal to or even surpassing the Five Kage.
The others were also watching Hiruko discreetly, though they kept stealing glances at Zou Hyuga as well.
Hiruko had certainly grown stronger, but he had been nowhere near as composed as Zou Hyuga.
After today, they would undoubtedly see both men in a new light.
Before long, after they reached the border of the Land of Earth, two figures in Red Cloud Robes appeared before them. They were Pain and Konan.
Zou Hyuga was not remotely surprised by their appearance.
Although Pain and Konan had not shown themselves before Ōnoki, they had been watching the situation all along, secretly giving Sasori orders to ease the conflict with Iwagakure.
Perhaps they had stayed out of sight because they feared Ōnoki would notice something.
Both sides stopped. Pain slowly walked into the middle of the group and looked coldly at Hiruko. "I'm disappointed with your ritual."
Hiruko panicked and tried to explain.
He had never expected the experiment to go wrong, or that he would run all the way into the Land of Earth after losing his mind, only to encounter