The desert of the Land of Wind.
Night fell quietly, and the once-scorching weather turned bitterly cold. Even ninja struggled with the temperature drop of several dozen degrees and pulled on their sandproof cloaks.
As Shukaku's revival drew closer, the Sand Ninja in the desert grew busier, searching every location where he might reappear. The concentration of natural energy in the desert was rising as well.
The Kazekage, who had sheltered in his tent during the day, now stepped outside and gazed at the distant starry sky, waiting for that moment to arrive.
The Kazekage, the Sand Ninja, and Team Kakashi all knew one thing.
Besides the reborn tailed beast, they would also have to face the Akatsuki, who had yet to show themselves.
Soon, the Sand Ninja responsible for checking natural energy concentrations appeared before the Kazekage and reported the location of the densest nearby gathering.
In truth, specialized instruments were unnecessary. The Kazekage had already sensed its direction.
Standing atop a cliff, the Kazekage waved to the Sand Ninja in camp. A large contingent of masked Sand Ninja immediately followed him deeper into the desert.
Kakashi's ANBU Squad slipped into their ranks as well.
Once they reached the designated location, the Sand Ninja spread out. While keeping watch over their surroundings, they also brought out stone slabs and arranged a Sealing Jutsu Formula capable of restraining the One-Tail.
Although sealing the One-Tail required the Kazekage's Magnet Release, the Sealing Jutsu Formula was not intended solely for the beast.
Hidden in the shadow of a sand dune, Kakashi, Guy, and the others ate with their weapons in hand, studying their surroundings as they pondered the situation.
Though they had not actually spotted the Akatsuki, reports of attacks on Sand Ninja kept coming in.
Those brazen Akatsuki members did not