"Hmph, do you think you can escape?" Orochimaru stared at the retreating Danzo with predatory eyes and immediately gave chase.
"Kakashi, let's go," Deidara said, spitting out a Clay Clone. This clone was not an ordinary one; it had been meticulously crafted and could release up to three C2-enhanced clay creatures. It was more than enough to deal with Danzo.
According to the plan, Kakashi's assigned target was also Danzo, as he would find it difficult to fight against Konoha ninjas.
"Don't think you can get past us!" A Root member stepped forward, forming Fire Release seals in an attempt to block Orochimaru, Deidara's clone, and Kakashi's pursuit.
"Hmph! Such a pathetic flame."
"Fire Release: Searing Migraine!" Kakuzu chose not to use Water Release but instead opted for Fire Release, overpowering the opponent with a brutal display.
The scorching flames rebounded toward the Konoha side, forcing them to retreat slightly and widen the gap.
Seeing the defensive circle break, Nagato stood up. "Let's go, Konan."
"We'll handle Jiraiya-sensei."
Originally, Kisame and Itachi were supposed to confront Jiraiya. Kisame was particularly effective against ninjutsu-type shinobi, and with Itachi's exceptional genjutsu support, even if Jiraiya had grown stronger and could instantly access Sage Mode, Kisame and Itachi would at least hold their ground.
But since Nagato and Konan wished to reconnect with their former mentor, they were allowed to go instead. Even with just one Rinnegan, Nagato was still incredibly powerful.
"Where do you think you're going?" Tsunade charged forward, unleashing her terrifying strength, demolishing at least half of the conference hall with a single punch.
"Tsunade, dear sister, your opponent is me," Deidara's true form stepped forward. His abilities were particularly effective against Tsunade, making him the best choice to confront her.
"You little brat!" Tsunade's face flushed red, recalling the embarrassing incident from before.
She felt like dying!
No! It's better to kill this brat!
This was the terrifying aspect of Kotoamatsukami; it altered a person's mindset from the foundation. Except for matters related to Danzo, Tsunade behaved as usual, with no discernible differences.
"Wood Release: Thorn Killing Technique!"
"Wood Release: Thorn Killing Technique!" Yamato and Sasori simultaneously used Wood Release, intertwining thorny vines. Yamato attempted to ambush Hidan but was directly blocked by Sasori.
"Heh, Wood Release, interesting."
"It seems my puppet collection will soon have another masterpiece," Sasori remarked.
"Well then, Mr. Itachi, we should get busy," Kisame said to Itachi.
"Let's go," Itachi nodded. Their task was to assist the Konoha defectors and serve as a mobile unit, providing support wherever needed.
After all, Konoha still had the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and Might Guy.
"This place is too cramped. Sister, you'd better follow your brother," Deidara said as he soared into the sky on a Clay Bird, leaving Tsunade fuming as she stomped the ground in frustration before quickly following.
"Muahahaha!"
"The thrill of slaughter!" Hidan, already in his second state, laughed wildly as he flew through the air using the wings of his cursed seal, wielding his scythe like a death god.
"What should we do?" The Konoha shinobi exchanged worried glances. Hidan's immortality was too unfair; he attacked without defense, trading injuries without concern, making it nearly impossible to fight him.
"Let me handle this!"
"Shadow Imitation Technique!" A Root member from the Nara clan stepped forward, easily capturing Hidan.
After all, they were indoors, surrounded by people and objects, making it easy to utilize their shadows.
"Hey! Why can't I move?" Hidan stood rigidly, trying to lift his scythe with all his might.
"Hurry! Use explosive tags; his strength is too great, and I can't hold him much longer!" The Nara clan member urgently called out.
But he didn't need to shout; the Konoha shinobi, all being at least Jōnin-level, had high combat proficiency. They quickly threw explosive tags, attempting to blow Hidan to pieces.
"Petty tricks!"
"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!" Kakuzu's fire-heart spewed scorching flames, engulfing the Konoha shinobi, naturally nullifying the attack on Hidan.
"Kakuzu, couldn't you use a less intense jutsu? It's so hot!" Hidan complained from within the fiery inferno.
"Sorry, Hidan."
"And Sasori, I was in danger just now; weren't you planning to save me?"
"Sorry, Hidan."
In a tavern in Konoha, Jiraiya was sipping sake and mingling with the ladies.
But his expression lacked the usual cheerfulness.
He knew about Danzo's plan—it was too insane. But Danzo was the Hokage, supported by Tsunade, and Jiraiya couldn't oppose it.
He could only avoid the headache by hiding here and drinking.
Suddenly, he stood up, looking out the tavern window toward the conference hall.
So, the fight had finally broken out?
He decided to go and check it out; he couldn't help but worry about Konoha.
Just as he was about to head over, two figures appeared, causing him to freeze in shock.
"Nagato! Konan!" He exclaimed, staring at the two in disbelief.
"I received information that you and Yahiko had died. So, you didn't die?" Jiraiya said with surprise.
But then his expression turned serious. "You've donned Akatsuki's robes. Something must have happened over these years."
"And why do you only have one Rinnegan left?"
Nagato didn't answer Jiraiya's barrage of questions; instead, he replied, "I am Pain, leader of Akatsuki."
"My subordinates are currently invading Konoha."
"What will you choose to do? Kill us, Jiraiya-sensei?" His voice trailed off, filled with hatred for Konoha due to Yahiko's death.
This hatred was not just the pain of losing a friend; it was because Konoha had completely destroyed their original ideals—the dream of creating a peaceful world through aid and friendship.
"Nagato, you..." Jiraiya was shocked to see how his once-shy disciple had changed.
"Why? Have you abandoned your original ideals?" He asked, struggling to understand.
"Hahaha!" Nagato laughed, filled with anger and sorrow.
"Jiraiya-sensei, as a Konoha shinobi, you have no right to talk about ideals with me."
"Look at Konoha's actions recently, instigating wars everywhere. Why didn't you stop Danzo?"
"This..." Jiraiya was left speechless.
"If neither of us can convince the other, let's settle this with our fists," Nagato said, unwilling to waste words.
Jiraiya nodded in agreement. "No matter what, Nagato, I will bring back the old you!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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