In the dimly lit base, Deva Path's steady voice rang out.
"Sasori, Deidara, you can begin your capture operation."
Deidara immediately spoke with complete confidence. "Leave it to me! It's only the One-Tail. Sasori and I will definitely get the job done. Hmm!"
"Understood!" Sasori replied, his muffled voice coming from inside Hiruko.
"One more thing," Deva Path continued. "Once you complete the capture, there is no need to bring the One-Tail Jinchuriki back to Amegakure."
"Then where do we seal him?"
"The Land of Rivers! You know where the base there is. Take Shukaku the One-Tail straight there. We will perform the sealing ritual there."
"Huh? We have to go that far? Hmm!"
Deidara was somewhat reluctant. Why not simply return to Amegakure? The journey to the Land of Rivers was hardly any shorter than the trip back anyway.
"Kumogakure's investigations have been probing deeper lately. To avoid exposing ourselves for now, you must not leave any leads for the enemy."
"Understood."
Sasori nodded, then called to Deidara, and his projection disappeared.
"Wait..." Deidara left right after him.
Two days later.
The Land of Wind, in the desert.
Two figures wearing black cloaks embroidered with red clouds and hats with bells attached walked through the desert amid swirling sand. They were Sasori of the Red Sands and Deidara, heading for Sunagakure after receiving their mission.
They did not seem to be moving quickly, but they were actually already very close to Sunagakure.
After finishing the sealing of two Tailed Beasts earlier, Sasori and Deidara had rested for a day before setting out.
Since fighting was certain to break out next, both had also prepared thoroughly.
"Sasori, let me capture the Jinchūriki! Hmm!"
"Make it quick. I don't like waiting for people."
"Hahaha, don't worry. Now let the people