Chapter 766: The Art of Diplomacy
In a dimly lit cave, several phantom bodies flickered into existence, standing atop the ominous fingers of the massive Gedo Statue! Their forms distorted as the eyes of the Akatsuki members lay on Nagato. Hidan immediately complained, "What is it this time? Did we already capture the second Jinchuriki?"
Nagato answered, "Not quite. However, there has been an interesting development."
Everyone followed his gaze and looked at Zetsu. White Zetsu reported, "Konoha was attacked by Sunagakure and Otogakure half a day ago. It was quite a shocking battle!"
Sasori chuckled and said, "So they finally broke that ridiculous alliance. Took them long enough. What about Orochimaru? Did he show up too?"
As his partner, Sasori was well aware of the fact that Orochimaru led Otogakure. White Zetsu answered, "Yes, he was the main attacker. His methods were quite terrifying. As expected of a Legendary Sannin. Maybe it's a good thing you didn't find him, Sasori. I'm afraid it'll take a lot more than one group to take him down."
Sasori frowned but before he could reply, Itachi asked, "So, did Konoha lose?"
Black Zetsu answered, "The opposite. The Third Hokage is a force to reckon with despite his old age. And, Konoha was prepared for their assault."
Deidara complained, "Stop increasing the suspense and just tell us what happened already."
White Zetsu informed the Akatsuki about the events in Konoha. Despite their aloofness and arrogance, almost all of them were shocked by what had happened. Needless to say, what shocked them most was the improvement in the Edo Tensei jutsu. After all, if Orochimaru had reanimated a dozen dead Kage against them, they would be in extreme danger. Forget defeating him, even escaping would be a challenge. The only ones who still had confidence in facing him were Nagato, Itachi and Hidan.