Across the entire Shinobi World, only that man could perform the impossible feat of extracting a Tailed Beast while keeping its Jinchūriki alive.
"It was most likely him."
Pain's voice was low. "In other words, the Four-Tails is also in Kirigakure."
Zetsu said nothing, but this was already an accepted fact.
"I went to Kirigakure and made an even more startling discovery."
Black Zetsu's voice was hoarse and gloomy. If his expression could have been seen clearly, it would certainly have looked ugly at that moment.
"The Five-Tails Jinchuriki who should belong to Iwagakure-Han-is in Kirigakure. His Tailed Beast is still inside him, but he's wearing Kirigakure's Forehead Protector."
The Five-Tails Jinchuriki had defected to become a Mist Ninja?
This was practically grinding Ōnoki of Iwagakure's face into the dirt.
Even if they wanted to recruit talent, this broke far too many rules. If Iwagakure found out, they would absolutely go mad.
Both the Four-Tails and the Five-Tails had fallen into Gekkō Raito's hands.
A powerful sense of crisis rose within Obito.
Was Gekkō Raito collecting Tailed Beasts so frantically because Kisame had leaked the "Eye of the Moon" plan?
Damn it, that traitor Kisame!
"There are two more things."
Zetsu continued his report. "First, Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki just visited Kirigakure and fought the Mizukage. He seemed to be trying to persuade him to surrender."
The Nine-Tails!
Pain's previously impassive gaze instantly sharpened.
Everything else could wait, but the Nine-Tails alone was the core of the plan.
Once they obtained the Nine-Tails, the strongest power of all, they would have a better chance of taking on Kirigakure and reclaiming the other Tailed Beasts.
"Second, Sasuke Uchiha is also in Kirigakure and is making contact with the Sixth Mizukage."
Itachi, who had remained silent all this time, abruptly raised his head