On the current battlefield, Jiraiya had released his Sage Mode. The opposing group's tactics were truly extraordinary; Nagato's invincible condition, the unlimited resurrection of the Six Paths Pain, Hidan's immortal body, Kakuzu's spare lives, plus continuous interference from Deidara in the air, made the Konoha ninjas exhausted in responding.
It had to be acknowledged that the Rinnegan as the evolved form of Sharingan had abilities that were too overpowered. The Shinra Tensei technique alone was enough to drive everyone nearly crazy because it was so difficult to break through.
Meanwhile, the Kyuubi inside Naruto's body had almost been completely extracted. Visibly, the red nine-tailed fox could be seen roaring to the sky, continuously struggling and screaming, but couldn't break free from the Gedo Mazo's suction at all. Finally, in its last roar, the Kyuubi's giant chakra body was completely sucked into the Gedo Mazo.
Naruto's body fell limp toward the ground. Jiraiya, Kakashi, and the others immediately dashed forward to seize Naruto back. However, Nagato moved his brow and immediately chanted Shinra Tensei to repel them all.
But in the next second, Nagato's expression suddenly froze. He sensed three strong auras approaching at terrifying speed from the distance.
"Leave!"
He didn't dare linger to seize the Grand Kotodama Grimoire in Naruto's hands; even if he got it now, he couldn't use it. Their main task this time was complete. Kakuzu and the others still looked unwilling.
Hidan grumbled chattily: "That Grand Kotodama Grimoire is a good thing, you know. If it were sacrificed to Lord Jashin..."
"Quiet!" Nagato swept them with a cold gaze, immediately withdrew the Gedo Mazo, and directly dashed away without looking back.
The other members also noticed Nagato's condition; the Everlasting Lantern on his shoulder was already flickering nearly extinguished—clearly couldn't last much longer. Once the lantern went out, his invincible condition would disappear.
Seeing Nagato so tense, could it be...
The Akatsuki members exchanged glances, then immediately followed Nagato's steps to flee quickly.
Ten seconds later.
Three figures appeared before everyone. Seeing the chaotic battlefield, Hashirama, Tobirama, and Hiruzen's faces looked very ugly.
Hashirama directly saw Guy lying unconscious in a pool of blood. With a serious expression, he immediately performed Body Flicker Technique to his side to check his condition.
At this time, Guy who had used the Eighth Gate had a body as soft as noodles; all his bones were shattered, blood flowed heavily, and he was already on the brink of death.
"How could it become like this!" Hashirama was filled with guilt; all this was because he arrived too late.
Meanwhile, Tobirama approached Jiraiya. Seeing Naruto unconscious, he asked with a gloomy expression: "The Kyuubi has been extracted?"
Jiraiya nodded full of shame: "Tobirama-sama, I couldn't prevent it... Sensei..."
Hiruzen gritted his teeth: "This isn't your fault—we came too late!"
Tobirama examined Naruto's condition and showed a strange expression: "Normally, a Jinchuriki whose Bijuu is extracted would die immediately. Why is he fine and just appears very weak... Oh, right, he's still in the Gold List protection period!"
Everyone felt relieved. Naruto was fine. You could say this was his fortune; normally forced Bijuu extraction meant absolute death, but because Naruto entered the Hidden Expert List and was ranked fourth, he was in a protection period that made him unkillable. This was what allowed him to miraculously survive.
"The Kyuubi was taken away by Akatsuki. They were so desperate to collect Bijuu that they even dared attack Konoha; it seems their plan is almost complete," Jiraiya said.
Tobirama glanced at him and nodded slowly.
Regarding this, the Hokages had discussed that the mastermind behind the scenes must be Uchiha Madara. Though the ultimate purpose of collecting Bijuu wasn't yet known, his plan must be nearing completion. For the ninja world, this was clearly not good news.
What kind of goal made Madara dare to attack when Konoha was guarded by three Hokage?
"Hashirama-sama, please save Guy!" Kakashi suddenly knelt, begging Senju Hashirama.
Everyone's gaze turned to Kakashi, who usually appeared cold and relaxed. This was the first time he begged for someone else.
Hashirama stared at Kakashi, then looked toward Guy on the ground, and slowly shook his head: "In his current condition... even I am helpless!"
Hashirama was the owner of a Sage body with extraordinary vitality; his Cells were even coveted by many people like Orochimaru and Madara. However, that didn't mean he could revive Guy.
Not everyone could merge with Hashirama Cells; the majority would experience rejection. If he forced his cells into Guy's dying body, most likely it would instead kill him instantly.
Hearing Hashirama say this, Kakashi's expression became dark.
The atmosphere became silent. No one expected the result would be like this.
At that moment, Hiruzen who had been silent began stepping forward. He took out a wooden box from behind his robe and handed it to Kakashi, then said flatly: "Use this. He is a Konoha hero—he deserves this."
Kakashi looked up stunned.
Hashirama furrowed his brow and asked surprised: "This is..."
The wooden box was opened—inside was a green pill the size of a baby's fist. The pill emitted soft green light and very concentrated medicinal aroma; just inhaling it made the mind feel refreshed. More amazing still, the green pill pulsed rhythmically like a beating heart.
"This is the reward I got from entering the Strongest List: Soul-Calling Pill. This thing can revive the dead and grow flesh on bones. Even someone who just died can be saved," Hiruzen explained.
Instantly there were shocked exclamations from everyone. Kakashi was stunned, feeling very emotional yet reluctant: "Third Hokage, this..."
Hashirama stared at Hiruzen, then nodded: "Don't be reluctant. Guy has sacrificed so much this time, risking his life to protect the village. He is a village hero and shouldn't die like this. As long as there's a way to save him, we must not give up. Hiruzen is right—he deserves this!"