Three days later, Anyo had brought himself to peak condition, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Even if he ultimately proved no match, he still had the Spirit Transformation Technique as his trump card. He refused to believe that the soul of a decrepit Madara Uchiha could be stronger than his own.
"Kurotsuchi, we're here." Sasori approached with a smile, with Kakuzu beside him, also there at Anyo's invitation.
Anyo nodded to them both and said cautiously, "I'll go in first. Wait for my signal."
Looking around at the deathly silent surroundings, Kakuzu asked in puzzlement, "Kid, what could there be in a place like this to make you so cautious?"
Kakuzu knew very well just how many trump cards Sasori had prepared. Although everyone in Sunagakure had paid less attention to the Third Kazekage since Rasa took power, Sasori had actually brought him along too, taking an enormous risk in doing so. In other words, the equivalent of four Kage-level experts had gathered here. This lineup could even take on an army of the Shinobi World, provided it had no Kage-level expert commanding it.
Anyo did not explain, merely replying offhandedly, "A taboo."
"Hmph." Kakuzu snorted but did not press him. He knew Anyo never acted without reason. There had to be some unusual presence here.
Sasori noticed more. With Dragon Vein Power, his ability to sense certain things had undergone a qualitative leap. His sharp eyes surveyed the surroundings as he said with a trace of concern, "Kurotsuchi, be careful."
"I will."
Anyo took a deep breath and headed straight along the route he had already decided on.
Clang...
A blade rang out, and an invisible barrier shattered outright. Treading over layers of fallen leaves, Anyo advanced step by step. The Unintentional Blade, returned to its sheath, began gathering momentum.