Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 57

"Looks like Deidara and Sasori succeeded, Yukari. Now it's going to get even more boring—we've been ordered to assemble," Kisame says with a wide grin, lazily resting Samehada on his shoulder.

I glance at him briefly, keeping my expression neutral. "Fine. Let's get this over with," I reply curtly, taking a seat on a nearby rock. My hands form a precise hand sign, and I focus my chakra. In an instant, I feel my projection flow across the distance, manifesting before the massive Gedo Mazō.

The towering, ominous statue looms like a nightmarish behemoth. Its gaping mouths and chains bound to its hands give it a grotesque and unsettling appearance. Deidara and Sasori are already there in their physical forms, while the other members begin to appear one by one as flickering projections.

"Now that everyone is present, let us begin," Pain's monotone yet commanding voice resonates. He stands atop the statue, an imposing figure that brooks no argument.

The members silently take their designated positions, each standing on a finger of the Gedo Mazō. Their projections flicker faintly, the light amplifying the ominous and surreal atmosphere. Kisame, ever at ease, casts a sideways glance at me. "So, Yukari, ever felt this much boredom all at once?"

I don't respond, keeping my gaze fixed on the statue and the powerful waves of chakra emanating from it. Before the ceremony can commence, Pain speaks again.

"Zetsu," he commands with sharp authority, "you will stand guard in your physical form. No one must interrupt this process. We cannot afford any disruptions."

Zetsu's split form nods in unison. "Understood. Leave it to me." His dark grin hints at ominous intentions before he sinks into the ground.

"Tsk, that guy still gives me the creeps," Deidara murmurs, crossing his arms as he turns to Sasori. "Hopefully this tedious procedure doesn't take forever. We've got better things to do, hmm."

"Better things?" Sasori retorts dryly. "You mean making bombs no one but you finds impressive?" His tone is as cold and mocking as ever.

"Tsk, art is never understood by philistines like you," Deidara huffs, throwing a sharp look at Sasori before turning to Pain. "How long will this take?"

"Three days," Pain replies concisely, unfazed by the question. His gaze remains fixed on the Gedo Mazō. "Focus. We begin now."

"Three days," Kisame repeats with a broad grin. "Well, this might actually turn out to be entertaining. Let's see if our sand handler in there can last that long." His laughter echoes through the chamber, but no one else shows even a hint of amusement.

As the other members begin to focus, I let my gaze sweep across the gathering. Hidan mutters something about "boring rituals" and "no proper sacrifices," but Kakuzu silences him with an exasperated glare.

I close my eyes and concentrate on the chakra flow. The energy of the Gedo Mazō pulses powerfully, demanding precision to support the sealing process. The air around us grows heavier with each passing moment, as though the statue itself is devouring the atmosphere.

"Focus," Pain commands, his voice cutting through any distractions. "We are sealing the Ichibi into the Gedo Mazō. Any mistakes will not be tolerated."

The ritual begins. The demonic seals on the Gedo Mazō glow ominously, and I feel my chakra become part of the vast network slowly encasing the Ichibi. The process is underway, and the oppressive aura in the room intensifies.

It's hard to tell how long we've been at it. Time seems to stretch endlessly within the oppressive presence of the Gedo Mazō. The monotonous focus is broken only by the pulsating chakra emanating from the statue, dulling our senses.