章 220: Chapter 220
In a dark cavern, the enormous Gedo Statue sat towering with its ten thick fingers extended, each supporting a person in either an ethereal or physical form. These seven individuals stood, hands forming seals, remaining still.
In the center of the seven, Han, the unconscious Jinchuriki of the Five-Tails, hovered mid-air. Chakra belonging to the Five-Tails leaked out from his body, flowing into the mouth of the Gedo Statue.
One of the statue's closed eyes gradually showed signs of opening.
Apart from the sound of Chakra flowing, the cavern remained silent.
At a certain moment, Deidara, whose body appeared as a multicolored projected form, glanced around with a bored expression. Maintaining his seal, he yawned and couldn't help but complain:
"With a new boss, I thought the Akatsuki would have some fresh tricks. Who knew the first task would still be this? Boring! Standing here the whole time, there's not an ounce of artistry in this. Hmm."
Hearing this, Sasori, standing to Deidara's left, continued with his work, eyes closed, ignoring Deidara's comments.
To Deidara's right, in a similarly projected form, Kisame grinned, "Be thankful, Deidara. Previously, the Gedo Statue required two days to absorb a Tailed Beast. With the new leader, it only takes a day. That's an improvement."
"Yes, that saves time to make some extra money on the side," Kakuzu, in his physical form, opened his eyes and agreed.
As one of the Akatsuki's longest-standing members, Kakuzu knew well the importance of showing loyalty to a new leader.
Nearby, also in their physical forms, Izumi and Zankai opened their eyes, looking curiously at the assembled Akatsuki members.
They had only ever known the organization as a mysterious force. Even Uchiha Itachi, who had slain the Uchiha clan, had joined and become a member.
Who would have thought that one day they would fight these same people, and now be standing alongside them?
It was truly unexpected.
This time, those present for the Tailed Beast extraction included Uchiha Izumi, Uchiha Zankai, and Kakuzu in their physical forms; Deidara, Sasori, and Kisame in projected forms. Lastly, a projection of Gensou was present.
Sasuke, due to distance and lacking the Akatsuki ring forged with Rinnegan powers, was unable to participate in the extraction and had returned for now.
Standing on the thumb of the Gedo Statue where Pain once stood, the projection of Gensou slowly opened its eyes, revealing purple, swirling Rinnegan.
The original Gensou did not implant the Rinnegan into himself, understanding well that activating Infinite Tsukuyomi would require him to become the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki, absorbing the Shinju's power to open the Moon Eye — the Rinne Sharingan, marked by the Rinnegan's swirls and Sharingan's red and tomoe.
However, the Rinne Sharingan was originally Kaguya's. In the canon, Madara's use of it effectively tapped into her power. Even without Black Zetsu's interference, the act of absorbing the Shinju's power and unlocking the Rinne Sharingan would ultimately allow Kaguya to return.
Not interested in allowing anything foreign to merge with his body, Gensou decided the task of casting Infinite Tsukuyomi would fall to his clone.
He had previously enhanced this clone, replacing Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan with Rinnegan, allowing the clone to master both the Rinnegan and the Gedo Statue.
To wield the Gedo Statue as Madara had — instantly extracting all nine Tailed Beasts with ease — was out of the question. This wasn't a matter of strength but of control; Madara's authority over the Rinnegan and the Gedo Statue far exceeded even Nagato's and, now, Gensou's clone.
The clone of Gensou could quicken the extraction process, but for now, his true self had other tasks.
Listening to the idle chatter among his subordinates, Gensou's projection interjected:
"It won't be a single day. This extraction will take two days. Soon, the Jinchuriki of the Six-Tails will arrive."
"A new Tailed Beast added so quickly — impressive efficiency, Gensou-sama," Kisame remarked, pleased.
Driven to serve Gensou primarily for the Moon Eye Plan, Kisame was glad to see progress accelerating.
Deidara simply huffed, not thrilled, yet unwilling to openly challenge Gensou , especially now, facing the intimidating Rinnegan. With his authority reinforced, Deidara felt no option but compliance.
Both Kakuzu and Sasori, who had recently joined under Gensou's command, expressed no dissent, while Izumi and Zankai remained obedient.
The task went smoothly.
...
Mount Katsuragi.
Upon returning, Gensou found that Hotaru, Utakata, and Tonbee had remained obediently indoors.
"Prepare to move," Gensou instructed them directly.
"What?" Hotaru and Tonbee looked confused.
Gensou, offering them a choice, watched as Tonbee wasted no time, quickly pulling Hotaru along to pack.
The importance wasn't Mount Katsuragi but rather Hotaru herself; as long as she remained, the Tsuchigumo clan would continue to exist wherever they went.
"Good. At least you're useful," Gensou mused, watching Tonbee bustling around.
Soon, the aftermath of today's battle near Mount Katsuragi would attract attention from across the shinobi world, bringing the secluded Tsuchigumo clan into the spotlight.
Though Gensou didn't fear Hotaru leaking anything, the clan's newfound prominence could easily pull them into future conflicts, potentially with a destructive end.
Considering the risk, he decided to bring Hotaru along, ensuring her loyalty early on.
The Tsuchigumo clan was settled.
Now, only the Six-Tails' Jinchuriki remained.
Turning to Utakata, Gensou spoke calmly:
"The Six-Tails within you, I will take it."
Utakata's face turned pale.
The removal of a Tailed Beast was fatal to a Jinchuriki.
Most Jinchuriki would fiercely resist this fate, no matter how they felt about the creature within them.
But seeing who stood before him, Utakata, understanding the disparity between their powers, unclenched his fists in resignation.
Just as he prepared himself for the inevitable, Gensou's voice rang out again:
"Even without the Tailed Beast, you can survive."
In an instant, Utakata's head snapped up, eyes gleaming with hope.
(End of Chapter)
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