Chapter 382: Intelligence Superiority Final
Marusei Kosuke, though not directly trained by Tobirama Senju, had inherited the Second Hokage's water style mastery. His Water Release techniques had become so refined they were nearly unparalleled. As Konoha's longest serving genin, Kosuke's true abilities were known only to the few who understood the depth of skill required to remain in such a unique role for so long.
Although the Water Dragon Bullet Technique was a B rank jutsu, in Kosuke's hands, it became a powerful force, especially given the misty climate of Amegakure. Within moments, the once dominant Deva Path was forced skyward by the torrent's strength.
"This isn't over! Water Release: Severing Wave!"
Kosuke's face hardened in concentration. While Water Dragon Bullet was a B rank technique requiring 44 seals, the Severing Wave was A rank and no less intricate. Yet, as a prodigy of the Second Hokage's lineage, Kosuke was well versed in seal reduction techniques, knowing just how to make the most of these precious seconds.
The cutting water beam slashed through the Deva Path with unerring precision, bisecting it on impact.
"Yahiko..."
The last flickers of Deva Path's vision sent a pang through Nagato. Even though Yahiko had no special talent for jutsu, his genuine heart and determination had cracked Nagato's childhood defenses, ultimately saving him from despair.
"This is unforgivable! They will all pay!"
In an instant, the Asura and Human Paths collapsed, their control severed. Alert to the shift, Kakashi immediately noted the change but couldn't determine the cause.
With what little movement it had left, Deva Path spread its arms.
"Super... Shinra Tensei!"
A blast of unprecedented force erupted, leveling Amegakure's landscape in seconds, reducing it to a wasteland. The Super Shinra Tensei was Nagato's trump card, drawing on every ounce of energy and concentration to amplify the Deva Path's technique. The effort strained his frail body, and a trickle of blood ran from his nose as he labored to catch his breath.
The few surviving Paths lay in ruin. With Deva and Asura crippled, Nagato knew any hope of victory had slipped away. Though bitter, he accepted that this battle had been lost.
"Sooner or later, Konoha... you'll face retribution for today's humiliation."
Determined to regroup, Nagato summoned the Deva Path's remains, intending to reconnect with Konan. He had complete confidence in her the Paper Release jutsu she wielded was a rare and deadly art.
"It's incredible that Konoha has pushed her this far," he mused, reluctantly signaling the retreat. Thanks to Konan's flight ability, escaping the now compromised barrier above Amegakure was still possible.
For Nagato himself, retreat meant little more than a temporary setback. He activated his Akatsuki ring, contacting Zetsu.
"Zetsu, stop hiding. I need you to collect Konoha's survivors' blood, especially Kakashi's and the one with thick eyebrows. I want them to suffer."
"Understood," Zetsu's voice echoed, unwavering. In the chaos of the Super Shinra Tensei, Zetsu had indeed found little opportunity to act, but this was his chance to reap some reward from the battle's devastation.
Nagato, meanwhile, channeled his bitterness into a chilling command.
"Let them suffer at the hands of Hidan's dark arts."
Then, with a summoning jutsu, he called forth his invisible lizard, pausing only to siphon the chakra sealing tag from its body with his Rinnegan's Preta Path ability. Just as with his Paths, Nagato had reanimated these creatures with his power, using them as extensions of his will rather than independent beings.
Commanding the creature to bring Hidan along, Nagato sighed deeply, his fatigue gnawing at him. The battle had shown him the strength of Konoha's elite. He vowed to approach the organization's next moves with care.
"I underestimated Konoha's might. From now on, every step must be carefully calculated."
Closing his eyes in an attempt to find calm, he felt a sudden shock. He opened his eyes wide in disbelief.
"How...?"
Unbeknownst to Nagato, Konoha's forces had penetrated deep underground. Standing in the shadowed recesses of Amegakure's hidden caverns was none other than Itachi Uchiha, facing off against Hidan, who, with a crazed grin, seemed oblivious to the severity of the situation.
In front of him, in Konoha's standard issue jonin attire, Itachi's gaze was piercing, and Hidan, seeing it, broke into a demented, mocking dance.
(End of Chapter)
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