"We can begin."
With Deva Path's permission, Hiruko and Orochimaru removed the Sealing Jutsu Formulas from the test subjects, then stood well back, eager for the data the coming battle would yield.
As the seals were released, the test subjects swelled further, radiating a chaotic, violent chakra that seemed to distort even the raindrops around them.
Their chakra naturally fell short of anyone present, but it far exceeded that of an ordinary Jonin.
Their actual combat strength and how well they could be controlled remained unclear. If they could rival ordinary Jonin, Akatsuki's core fighting force would be the equal of any shinobi village, fully making up for its shortcomings.
After Amegakure had been exposed as their headquarters, Nagato's greatest concern was an attack on the village. He could, of course, retaliate in kind or stake everything on a direct attack against another shinobi village.
But afterward, he would no longer be able to fulfill his wish of collecting the tailed beasts, creating the Ten-Tails as a deterrent, and achieving peace.
Just then, the two test subjects let out a series of roars and fixed their gazes on Konan, who was closest to them. Their feet shattered the rocks beneath them as they lunged toward her high in the air.
Konan's delicate brows furrowed slightly. With a casual wave, she sent countless sheets of paper fluttering toward the test subjects below.
Just before the paper reached them, a gust of wind rose, attempting to scatter and shred it.
Yet the paper remained effective, instantly turning into Explosive Tags that erupted in a series of blasts.
The unbroken explosions blazed with fire, sending out shock waves that seemed to bring the surrounding rain to a momentary standstill.
Watching the scene, Zou Hyuga's breathing quickened slightly. He could not make out the