Silence filled the scene.
Seeing that no one was paying Kabuto Yakushi any attention, Kakashi Hatake pointed at Shihōin Naraku, who was surrounded by the Sealing Squad's ninja, to ease the awkwardness.
"Oh, over here." Kabuto narrowed his eyes slightly, then walked over.
As he approached the motionless Naraku, Tsunade warned in a low voice, "Don't do anything unnecessary."
"Understood." Kabuto glanced back with a smile.
"With Naruto and Sasuke here, I wouldn't dare get out of line."
"As long as you know."
Since they had already invited Kabuto Yakushi, however much they disliked him, they couldn't object to his helping now.
The gray, hazy sky of the Alternate Space hung low, and wind swept through the valley, making the Sealing Squad ninja's clothes flap.
Kabuto Yakushi stood before Shihōin Naraku and studied him carefully.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on him.
Tsunade stood three paces away with her arms crossed, her chin slightly tucked.
Kabuto seemed completely oblivious to their gazes.
He began walking around Naraku.
His gaze swept from Naraku's head to his feet. Then he bent slightly, looking at the pale blue chakra patterns on the ground around Naraku.
A young ninja from the Sealing Squad couldn't help taking half a step forward, but a companion caught his arm.
"What was your conclusion?" Kabuto asked without looking up.
The Sealing Squad ninja exchanged glances.
The Yamanaka Jonin glanced at Tsunade, who gave a slight nod.
Only then did he take an unfurled scroll from his ninja tool pouch. After a moment's hesitation, he handed it over.
Kabuto took the scroll and spread it out with one hand, slowly running the fingers of his other hand over it.
His eyes moved quickly, but paused at every key junction, his lips silently mouthing something.
The densely packed formula patterns, chakra