I've decided. Jun Ma Lu will lead this mission as captain. The three of you will head to Sunagakure immediately and assist in the rescue of Gaara."
"Yes, sir!"
The three accepted the order and departed without delay.
---
After they left, Chen Xing rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
"What is it?" Mei asked as she noticed his expression.
Chen Xing shook his head.
"I'm not worried about Gaara. Extracting a Tailed Beast takes time. Even with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, the process isn't completed in a matter of hours."
His gaze shifted toward the Land of Rain.
"What concerns me is Uchiha Obito. Three years have passed, yet he hasn't made a move regarding Kakasi's Sharingan. Given how important that eye is to him, it doesn't make sense."
"Uchiha Obito?" Mei frowned.
Chen Xing nodded.
"Our intelligence network hasn't uncovered any trace of him during these past three years. Whatever he's planning, he's been keeping it hidden."
---
Sunagakure
Less than a day later, Jun Ma Lu, Smel, and Karin arrived at Sunagakure.
The village was heavily fortified. Patrols guarded every entrance, and the narrow mountain paths leading into the village were under constant surveillance.
After confirming their identities, the guards escorted them inside.
Along the way, they learned that Konoha's rescue force had already arrived.
The team consisted of Kakasi, Might Guy, Team 7, Team 8, and Team Guy. Hinata was among them as well.
The Celestial Village team was led to a large meeting hall where the rescue forces had gathered.
The moment Kakasi and Guy saw Jun Ma Lu, both instinctively became cautious.
This boy is dangerous, they thought.
Meanwhile, Kurenai, Hinata, and the others had never met Jun Ma Lu before and could only observe him curiously.
---
At that moment, Maki and Temari entered the hall.
Maki's eyes widened when he saw Jun Ma Lu.
"It's you!"
Temari immediately recognized him as well.
Three years ago, Jun Ma Lu had left a deep impression on Sunagakure.
Jun Ma Lu remained calm.
"Is this how Sunagakure treats its allies?"
Temari frowned.
"What are you doing here?"
Before the atmosphere could worsen, Smel stepped forward.
"Jun Ma Lu once served Orochimaru, but he is now a shinobi of Celestial Village. We've come to assist in rescuing Gaara."
Hearing this, the tension eased slightly.
Although Maki and Temari still held reservations, they understood the situation. Regardless of his past, Jun Ma Lu's strength would be invaluable in the coming battle.
---
Not long afterward, Chiyo and Ebizō arrived.
The moment Chiyo saw Kakasi, her expression darkened.
He resembled too much of his father, the White Fang of Konoha, whom she blamed for the death of her son.
Fortunately, Ebizō persuaded her to remain calm.
Meanwhile, Sakura had already begun developing an antidote to the poison used by Sasori of the Red Sand.
---
Akatsuki Hideout
Deep within a sealed cave stood the gigantic Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
The statue's appearance was terrifying. Nine spectral figures stood upon its fingers, channeling chakra into the statue.
At the center of the formation lay Gaara.
His chakra was continuously drawn from his body and absorbed into the Demonic Statue.
As time passed, one of the statue's eyes slowly began to open.
The extraction was nearing completion.
Among the gathered members were the projections of Pain, Konan, Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, Sasori, Kakuzu, Hidan, and Tobi.
"Just a little longer," Pain said calmly.
"We'll complete the sealing soon."
Sasori glanced toward the cave entrance.
"Sunagakure, Konoha, and now Celestial Village have all sent rescue forces. Are we simply going to wait for them?"
Tobi tilted his head.
"If the Peacock King shows up, things could become troublesome."
Several members fell silent.
Three years ago, Chen Xing's strength had already left a deep impression.
Pain remained unconcerned.
"If he comes, we'll deal with him."
The extraction of the One-Tail could not be interrupted.
No matter what happened, Akatsuki intended to complete their plan.