On the other side.
The Six Paths of Pain continued their slow march towards Konoha.
The Asura Path Pain transformed its body into a radar capable of sensing Chakra, and softly spoke, "Konan, someone is coming, among them seven have very intense Chakra reactions, and behind them, there are thousands…"
"Oh."
Konan frowned slightly, waving her hand to scatter pieces of origami, and said coldly, "So, do you want to engage them directly in battle now?"
"The main body is at the rear."
The Deva Path of Pain slowly raised its palm and softly said, "A battle wouldn't matter; as long as the main body is intact, even if all six bodies are damaged, they can be repaired. This way, they can experience… despair."
"Let's clear the battlefield first!"
As soon as the Deva Path said this, a powerful repulsive force surged from its palm, instantly overturning the forest ahead!
The earth and trees, carried by sand and dust, rushed violently towards the direction of the Konoha people!
"And then let's say hello…"
The Asura Path Pain opened its chest and spoke in a gruff voice.
Under its Chakras radar, cruise missiles emerged, soared into the air, and under its precise control, shot towards Jiraiya and the other seven!
"Earth Release: Earth Flow City Wall!"
Jiraiya was the first to clasp his hands, forming hand seals, releasing a wide wall that blocked the incoming debris and giant trees!
"Quicksand Torrent!"
Gaara stood on a sandy mat, watched the incoming missiles, and raised his hand to turn the ground into waves of yellow sand that swept into the air, engulfing the missiles.
Pain's first wave of attack was intercepted by those two.
"Is this the power of Pain?"
Terumi Mei sweated slightly from her forehead, and said quietly, "In an instant, it flattened all the obstacles in our sight…"
"Just this single strike…"
Rock Lee spoke with intensity on his face, "It already possesses the destructive power comparable to Guy-sensei's Hirudora!"
Jiraiya nodded heavily, and said in a deep voice, "This is the power that Yahiko created for Pain… Repulsive Force! The missiles that flew earlier were abilities from a monstrous-looking Pain…"
After finishing, Jiraiya spoke again, "Perhaps Nagato just wanted to clear a suitable battlefield and greet us…"
"..."
Everyone fell into silence.
"Alright."
The severity on Jiraiya's face faded away, revealing a slight smile, "Since the enemy has greeted us, we must return the favor! Let's go!"
The group quickly ascended the Earth Flow City Wall.
When they stood on top of the wall, they saw the Six Paths of Pain and Konan waiting for them—this time, they were facing formidable enemies!
And these were just puppets controlled by the enemy.
"Jiraiya-sensei."
The Deva Path Pain slowly lifted its head, the Rinnegan in its eye sockets was motionless, and it calmly spread its palms, "Although it's foolish for mortals to challenge a god, your courage is worthy of me creating a suitable burial site for you."
The Deva Path's gaze slightly shifted, looking at Naruto beside Jiraiya, and softly said, "That must be our youngest fellow disciple, Uzumaki Naruto… then let him be the trophy of this battle."
"..."
Uzumaki Naruto bit his teeth in frustration, looking at the Deva Path Pain and said, "I don't understand your actions. I heard from Ero Sage, if your purpose is to bring peace to the Ninja World, why did you let Uehara Naraku destroy the Hidden Sand Village and the Hidden Mist Village!"
"Naruto!"
Jiraiya frowned and glanced at Uzumaki Naruto.
Uzumaki Naruto ignored Jiraiya, only clenched his fist, and spoke to the Deva Path Pain, "This war is unnecessary if it is for peace…"
"Enough."
The Deva Path Pain interrupted Naruto's words, slowly raising its palm toward Naruto, its cold voice echoed, "I don't like hearing nonsensical reasons, what you all need to do next is to accept your fate and endure the punishment bestowed upon you by a god!"
Does every blonde in the Ninja World talk too much?
Akatsuki's Deidara is annoying enough, and Konoha's Uzumaki Naruto also loves to babble; these blondes talk too much.
Jiraiya patted Naruto's shoulder, softly said, "Alright, Naruto, let's first deal with all the Pain present here! Until Nagato sees a power capable enough to change this Ninja World, he won't believe you."
"Yes, Ero Sage."
Uzumaki Naruto slowly nodded.
"Then… are you ready, everyone?"
Jiraiya clenched his left fist, pounding his right palm, and shouted, "If you're ready… we can go!"
"Yes!"
The group loudly responded, each jumping off the wall, rushing towards the Six Paths of Pain and Konan!
"Haah!"
Might Guy and Rock Lee were the fastest, both in the Six Gates state, first finding their targets and charging towards them!
"Hmm? Planning to attack separately?"
The Deva Path Pain's gaze slightly wandered, watching the seven enemies, and softly sighed, "Still so naive, Jiraiya-sensei…"
Crack, crack…
The Asura Path standing before the Deva Path quickly changed forms, revealing thick barrels on its body!
In the next moment, gunfire erupted!
Numerous bullets sprayed out of the barrels!
A continuous stream of bullets formed a line of firepower, sealing off all paths the seven ninjas could advance, forcing them to dodge or block!
Following that, a particularly thick sniper barrel emerged from the chest of the Asura Path, from which a gigantic bullet shot out, directly flying towards Rock Lee at the front!
This shot was truly insidious!
"Kamui!"
Hatake Kakashi instantly activated the Mangekyo Sharingan, using Dojutsu to narrowly absorb that powerful bullet into the Kamui Space. He turned his head and shouted, "Be careful! The weapon on that Pain…"
Boom!
The second bullet flew in!
A blossom of blood spread from Hatake Kakashi's chest!
Because he had just used the Dojutsu to save Rock Lee, Hatake Kakashi simply couldn't react in time, and was hit directly in the chest by the Asura Path's concealed second shot!
The battle had just begun...
The first casualty had already appeared!
On the distant Hokage Rock.
Yakushi Kabuto pushed his glasses, chuckling softly, "Unexpectedly, the first one to die in battle was Mr. Hatake Kakashi…"
"What?"
Uchiha Obito turned incredulously to Yakushi Kabuto, coldly questioning, "Impossible! Kakashi, that guy, is too sly; how could he possibly die!"
It was hard to tell Obito's true feelings from his words.
Perhaps he didn't want to see Kakashi fall in battle, or maybe he wanted to slander Kakashi's character?
Namikaze Minato clenched his fist, powerless to hit the ground, his voice somewhat somber, "No, Kakashi has indeed died in battle, to save a young fellow, to remind his companions…"
At this moment.
Uehara Naraku and others were still on their way to the Hidden Cloud Village.
Uehara Naraku frowned slightly, rubbing his temples, remotely observing the battle at Konoha, receiving firsthand information.
Kakashi, after all, died saving someone?