Torchlight flickers across the hall, casting jittering shadows on the stone walls. Deidara steps in, cloak swirling, a fresh clay sculpture under his arm, sparks drifting faintly from the edges.

Pain stands at the center, arms crossed, calm and commanding. “One misstep and this hall becomes a crater. Again.” His older-brother stare pins the chaos in place, the weight of authority keeping even Tobi in check.

Kisame leans lazily against the wall, grinning. “Relax, boss. Let him show off. Could be fun to see what happens this time.” Hidan bounces behind them, cackling with barely contained excitement, hands twitching as if to spark chaos at any moment.

Konan watches silently, eyes precise and sharp. “Keep it under control. No one dies today. That includes our little explosive artist.” Her tone is clipped, patient, and full of quiet authority.

Tobi slouches from the shadows, mock-wonder in his voice. “Ooooh, sparks! Pretty!” He drifts around, weaving between the tension like a playful snake, drawing a thin, annoyed glance from Kakuzu, while Zetsu silently observes, half-smiling, half-judging.