Naruto World, Akatsuki Organization.
Though little time had passed since the last video, the Akatsuki convened again.
The organization was always busy, yet the previous clip had ended with staggering news.
Everyone who'd seen it clicked on the new one without hesitation.
Who knew what future scenes might be exposed?
Even Kakuzu, ever money-hungry, arrived early to watch with the rest.
Hidan, devoted to his Jashin rituals, came straight after finishing a ceremony.
In the past he'd have lingered to savor the rite before strolling in.
I sense a reversal coming," Deidara declared confidently. Knew it couldn't be that simple."
What kind of twist will it be?"
Kisame was curious too—after all, reversal could mean almost anything.
Just now, Mami Tomoe was in danger, but she decisively triggered a trap she had set earlier and killed the Rose Witch—an unexpected reversal.
The screen dimmed slightly and everyone assumed no.10 was over, feeling a little let-down.
It was simply too dull; battles of this sort were a dime a dozen in the Ninja World.
Kisame, for one, had more than once turned the tables and slain enemies while on the brink of defeat.
Most members of the Akatsuki Organization had similar feats; if that counted, Hidan could make the list too—his heart had been pierced by himself more than once.
Yet every time he bounced back as lively as ever, as if nothing serious had happened.
Fortunately, the picture returned, showing the video wasn't finished—only switching scenes.
The Akatsuki members quietly exhaled in relief; after the first clip, their expectations for the second had naturally soared.
"But what exactly is a Magical Girl?"
White Zetsu asked, ever-curious—he always questioned anything he didn't understand.
Back when he was with Obito, for instance, he had asked what it actually felt like to take a dump.
"No idea, perhaps a power from another world," Black Zetsu rasped. "After all, besides our world, the multiverse projection connects to others."
"It looks like something sweet for girls," Konan said, watching Mami Tomoe and Madoka Kaname on-screen. "She's called a Magical Girl, and her fighting style—and that unique transformation—feel heart-warming."
Yes, heart-warming: that was the impression no.10 gave everyone.
It was like a group of girls granted power, fighting to save the world, their enemies monsters straight out of dark fairy tales.
After wiping them out, these adorable girls could happily sip tea, chat, and talk about their future lives.
"Heart-warming?" Uchiha Itachi watched Mami and Madoka on the screen without a word; to him, battle and warmth were opposites.
In his mind, battle inevitably meant sorrow.
Inside the video.
Mami planned to charge in with Madoka and rescue the captive.
Kyubey cautioned, however: "It shows no sign of hatching; rashly using large amounts of magic to stimulate the egg would be worse. Don't rush—can you approach quietly?"
"Understood." Mami trusted Kyubey completely; she glanced at Madoka.
Though still frightened, Madoka nodded and followed Mami into that world.
Unlike the Rose Witch's realm, this one held no flowers—only scissors and countless sweets.
Countless sweets.
You could clearly see chocolate, pudding, lollipops, cookies, doughnuts, and more.
"We made it in time." Madoka exhaled in relief, her hand in Mami's.
The two advanced deeper; Mami remained in her school uniform, not yet in battle mode.
Looking ahead, Mami smiled at Madoka's relieved sigh. "I'd love to scold you for being reckless, but this time you did right—now the witch can't escape."
As she spoke, Mami turned, sensing something behind them.
Madoka turned too and gasped at the figure that appeared.
Mami regarded the newcomer coolly. "I told you I didn't want to see you again."
The girl who appeared—black-haired and beautiful—had flickered across the screen minutes earlier. Calmly she said, "This prey is mine. Stand down."
Her name was Homura Akemi, and though her tone was flat, it carried an unyielding will that brooked no refusal.
In short, she didn't want Mami to proceed.
But Mami, abandoning her usual gentleness, answered firmly, "No. I still need to pick up Sayaka Miki and Kyubey."
Homura looked at her. "I'll guarantee those two's safety."
"And I'm supposed to trust you?"
The ever-mild Mami was now hard—she clearly didn't trust Homura.
She raised her hand; yellow light flashed from her ring, and red ribbons sprang from the ground to bind Homura and hoist her into the air.
"I-idiot," Homura said weakly. "This isn't the time for this."
The ribbons had greatly sapped her strength.
"Of course I won't hurt you." Mami could have shot her dead, but she wouldn't. Recalling Kyubey's words, she warned, "If you make too much trouble, I can't promise anything."
Though bound, Homura persisted: "This witch is different from the ones before."
Mami ignored her. "Behave, and I'll release you when we return."
"Let's go, Madoka." She turned to leave.
"Okay…"
Madoka nodded, ready to follow.
"Wait!!" Homura tried to stop them, but the ribbons tightened, drawing a pained grimace.
Mami and Madoka disappeared into the dim corridor ahead.