Chapter 385: The Ultimate Showdown
Though the Super Shinra Tensei was not a targeted attack, its vast range and destructive force had caused considerable damage even to Kakashi. Now, as a green glow pulsed over his body, his injuries began to heal rapidly.
Kakashi had always been a prodigious shinobi. From a young age, he displayed an affinity for all five basic chakra elements a rarity in the ninja world, where most could only master one or two at best. But the title of genius was not just because he graduated from the academy in under a year; it was his mastery over all five chakra elements that set him apart, similar to the legendary Hiruzen Sarutobi, who once bore the title of "Ninja Hero."
However, after receiving divine power from Ye Wen, Kakashi's talents had reached an even greater height. Now, he had gained mastery over Yin and Yang Release, allowing him to wield healing ninjutsu and enhance his Sharingan abilities. This granted Kakashi the near mythical status of a shinobi proficient in all chakra natures, a rarity even in the long history of the ninja world.
"Lord Hokage," came an urgent voice over the mental link, "we have identified the primary target rapidly closing in on your position. Please exercise extreme caution. Reinforcements are en route."
Kakashi remained composed, replying, "No need. Alert all available units to avoid my position. The upcoming battle is one they cannot intervene in."
A stunned silence followed on the other end, only broken by muffled voices debating his order. At last, Yamanaka Inoichi's reluctant voice responded, "Understood, Lord Hokage. May you find victory."
"Hmm," Kakashi replied simply, then cast his gaze to the distance. Nagato was coming.
After the fierce battle earlier, Nagato was also cautious. Stopping a safe distance away, he sized up the Hokage who had managed to stand firm after surviving his Super Shinra Tensei. This man was not to be underestimated.
Kakashi, too, was wary. Even after all the chakra he expended in battle, he still has an overwhelming reserve. Nagato truly is terrifying.
Nagato narrowed his eyes, thoughts whirling. This Kakashi fought the Deva Path, then endured a direct hit from the Super Shinra Tensei. Yet he's already healed... This man is formidable.
As they eyed each other, their intentions were clear: neither would yield. In an instant, they both moved. Nagato raised his right hand first.
"Banshō Ten'in!"
A thundering impact sounded as Kakashi's form burst into smoke a Shadow Clone again! Despite the Rinnegan's capabilities, Nagato couldn't detect it in time. Behind him, the real Kakashi emerged from underground, where he had moved stealthily with Earth Release.
"Rasengan!"
Knowing the noise from his Lightning Cutter would ruin his ambush, Kakashi used the silent yet deadly technique he had learned from his mentor, the Rasengan. But to his shock, a transparent shield of energy shimmered around Nagato, absorbing the attack on contact.
"This ? The ability of the Preta Path? But doesn't that require using both hands?"
Nagato's versatility baffled Kakashi, but he quickly leapt back. This was no ordinary opponent; Nagato could integrate all Six Paths of Pain abilities in one body.
Observing from afar, Ye Wen scratched his head. Seems I got the details wrong. In my memory, the Rinnegan needed physical contact to absorb chakra techniques. It appears the ninja world has surpassed the limitations I remember.
Just as Kakashi intended to capture Nagato for Ye Wen, Nagato planned to seize Kakashi to exchange for Konan's freedom.
"You're not escaping! Asura Path: Mechanical Arm!"
Nagato's right arm shot forward, connected by a long chain. But he wasn't done yet; his entire upper body shifted, revealing additional arms. Now a six armed mechanical demon, Nagato charged at Kakashi in a relentless assault.
Determined to render Kakashi defenseless, Nagato was ready to use the Human Path's ability to rip out his soul on contact. But with Nagato's abilities fully revealed, Kakashi had prepared a counter.
"Kamui!"
While Nagato could absorb chakra based attacks, he couldn't negate the space warping nature of Kamui. The distortion tore into Nagato's mechanical limbs, twisting them into a useless tangle.
Yet, at that moment, Nagato's cooldown ended.
"Banshō Ten'in!"
The intense gravitational pull caught Kakashi off guard. He had no time to form another Shadow Clone.
Close combat was out of the question contact would allow Nagato to rip out his soul. But using long range ninjutsu would only end with them being absorbed. Kakashi's options were limited.
"Kamui!" he shouted, activating the space warping jutsu again. Nagato, realizing the threat, released his jutsu and dodged to avoid the attack.
This Kamui... it's infuriatingly effective, Nagato thought.
Watching from his hidden location, Uchiha Obito seethed. Damn Kakashi, flaunting my ability. You won't be so smug for long! He clenched his fists in frustration, mentally cursing Kakashi.
The fleeting skirmishes had shown Kakashi the stalemate they faced. If this keeps up, neither of us will land a decisive blow.
He steeled himself, reaching for his short sword. This risk was necessary.
Seeing this, Nagato smirked. So, Kakashi intends to close the distance. Perfect.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10