Although the return journey covered the same distance, Nagato and Kakuzu spent far less time than it had taken them to get there.
After landing at the dock, they took a boat, crossed through the Land of Iron, and arrived in the Land of Taki.
Because of the trouble caused by Hanzō, the samurai of the Land of Iron weren't exactly friendly toward people from the Land of Rain.
Even if they weren't easily recognized, better to be safe than sorry.
But in the Land of Taki, things were simpler. Taki ninja rarely traveled outside their village.
Once on land, Nagato and Kakuzu boldly crossed two countries back to the Land of Rain.
Before even entering the village, they saw Yahiko and the others waiting at the entrance.
"Thought you guys weren't gonna come back."
Yahiko wasn't the type to say something polite like "Welcome back."
He had a teasing smile on his face, with no sign of asking about the Tailed Beast.
"We almost didn't make it back this time."
"I even gained some weight these past few days," Nagato said, rubbing his stomach like he actually had one.
The two played off each other so well that everyone burst into laughter.
"If you gained weight, just lose it," Yahiko shot back.
"Careful—Nonou might start losing interest."
Yahiko joked, and Nonou stepped forward immediately.
"A few pounds of fat? Just slice it off." She sliced the air with her hand, quick and decisive.
"Just don't go overboard," Yahiko gave her an amused look, clearly thinking something dirty.
Konan stepped back, clearly disgusted. They all got the dirty joke immediately.
"Dog mouths can't spit out elephant tusks." Nagato gave Yahiko a speechless glance. This guy was turning more and more like their teacher.
"If you ever need help, feel free to ask," Nonou said, not someone to mess with anymore—at least not verbally.
"Cough cough!"
"No, no—I'm fine, really." Yahiko almost choked on his own words. Girls like that were seriously intimidating.
"Hmph~"
Nonou shot Yahiko a look that said, "You really think I can't handle you?" looking quite smug.
"Alright, let's go." Nagato chuckled softly before naturally reaching out and taking Nonou's hand.
Kakuzu stayed quiet, but his expression made it clear he was pretty happy too.
His smile hadn't faded since arriving—a complete contrast to his usual cold demeanor back in the Cloud Ninja Village.
As Nagato passed by Yahiko, the group began walking toward the Akatsuki Headquarters.
"There ya go. The Two-Tailed Beast is inside here." Looking reluctant, Kakuzu unsealed the black tank-shaped container from the scroll.
This brief ownership was something he wished had never happened.
"That's all? Just a jar?"
Konan curiously stepped forward and tapped on the black tank, which responded with a dull thud.
"How sturdy is this thing anyway?"
Yahiko frowned. It looked almost identical to the pickling jars at their teacher's house—maybe not exactly the same, but close enough.
It was hard to imagine such a thing could securely seal a Tailed Beast.
"Of course it can. This must be something inherited from the Uzumaki Country." Nonou sounded like she knew what she was talking about as she moved closer for another look.
Lately, she'd been studying Tsunade's Yin Seal technique, so she was developing an interest in sealing arts.
As she smiled and reached out to touch the black tank, something went wrong.
The previously motionless black tank-shaped container suddenly shook violently, sending Nonou darting backward several meters in shock.
She would've fled who-knows-where if the office weren't so cramped.
Even after regaining her footing, her stunned look still hadn't worn off.
At this point, Nagato had already stepped in front of her, wearing the exact same stunned expression.
"T-t-this—"
Still shaken, Nonou stared at the now-calm tank-shaped container, her heart pounding wildly.
At such close range, if the Tailed Beast decided to strike, her small frame wouldn't stand a chance.
"Damn it! What junk did the Cloud Ninja Village even give us?"
It was rare for Nagato to curse, but he spun around and pulled Nonou into a quick hug regardless.
Meanwhile, Yahiko and Konan also took several steps back, while Kakuzu remained rooted to his spot.
"This kind of long-neglected equipment simply lacks strong sealing strength."
"What's happening inside affecting the vessel itself is perfectly normal."
Kakuzu wore an indifferent expression, as if nothing unusual had happened. He had seen plenty of these broken jars back when he was in Taki Ninja Village.
One contained the Two-Tailed Beast, another held the Seven-Tailed Beast. That's the only difference.
"You're saying… this is normal?"
Nonou finally exhaled in relief. She really had been scared badly just now.
Being that close to the tank, even Nagato might not have reacted in time.
"Yeah."
Kakuzu gave a slight nod, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
This was the first time seeing all of them panic like that simultaneously—and so badly.
"Man, you scared the hell outta me."
Konan patted her chest—no longer flat by any means.
If she had been tapping on it earlier when the movement started, she wouldn't have done any better than Nonou.
"In your opinion, how long will this thing hold up?"
Yahiko asked Kakuzu, showing why they say "having an elder in the family is like having a treasure."
"Not sure."
"My suggestion? Deal with it as soon as possible."
Kakuzu shook his head. Truthfully, he couldn't tell, nor did he plan to reinforce the seals.
"Then we'll handle it immediately."
Nagato's eyes narrowed slightly, making up his mind right away.
During the return journey, it had stayed within the Storage Scroll the whole time, so he didn't expect this situation at all.
Now according to Kakuzu, he realized that leaving the black tank-shaped container unattended in the village for even a single day would keep everyone on edge.