Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Seeing the man suddenly appear, Fū slammed on the brakes.

The man had short orange hair and a Amegakure forehead protector with a horizontal scratch. He had black piercings, looking eerie.

More alarming were his eyes—lacking pupils, only concentric light blue rings, indicating a unique dojutsu or kekkei genkai.

"Hey! You look weird! Let's be friends!"

Fū approached him, unaware of the imminent danger.

This man was Pain, secretly controlled by Nagato. He had been lurking near Takigakure and followed Fū after she left the village.

He couldn't attack her in the village, but now he had his chance.

"Careful!"

Though Fū was oblivious, her three Takigakure jōnin weren't.

Two young jōnin attacked Pain with kunai and shuriken, while the older jōnin pulled Fū back, avoiding Pain's black rods.

Pain easily dodged the kunai and shuriken.

"Who are you? Why are you attacking us?"

Standing before Fū, Ryūto, the elite jōnin, asked calmly. Gen and Yō guarded Fū's sides, kunai in hand.

"Hand over the Seven-Tails, Chōmei, and you'll live. Otherwise, you'll die,"

Pain said flatly, his Rinnegan seemingly unfocused.

Hearing he was after the tailed beast, the three jōnin knew a fight was unavoidable. They decided to strike first.

Gen and Yō attacked from the sides, flanking Pain. Ryūto charged from the front.

But Pain was far faster, evading Gen and Yō, kicking Ryūto.

Ryūto blocked with crossed arms, but Pain's strength was immense. He was sent flying.

Pain lunged at Fū.

Fū retreated, releasing a cloud of glittering phosphorus powder. This covered the area, affecting vision and temporarily paralyzing those who inhaled it.

Pain hesitated; the three jōnin attacked again.

"Shinra Tensei."

Pain's cold voice echoed. A powerful repulsive force sent the three jōnin flying, spitting blood.

"Banshō Ten'in."

Repelling the jōnin again, Pain used Banshō Ten'in on Fū, extending his black rods.

Fū felt an irresistible force pulling her towards Pain. The black rods extended.

"No!"

Seeing Pain raise his rod to strike Fū, the three jōnin cried out in despair.

A flash of fire; a tall figure in a white coat appeared between Fū and Pain.

This figure placed a hand on Fū's shoulder and another on Pain's arm.

The three jōnin breathed a sigh of relief.

Fū was stunned; someone had arrived in time to save her.

She saw the golden-red Sharingan in the figure's eyes.

It was Yusuke, here to protect Fū.

"It's you. This isn't a coincidence, is it?"

Pain said gravely.

Nagato knew this man had spared him and Konan in Amegakure, but this wouldn't stop him. Personal life meant nothing compared to his dream of peace.

With a flick of his wrist, Yusuke threw Fū away from himself and Pain.

"I was taking a stroll and happened to see you. Is that satisfactory, Akatsuki's leader?" Yusuke smiled.

Six years ago, Pain had sent four members to attack Yusuke; even Kakuzu was captured. Pain wasn't surprised Yusuke knew his identity.

The Takigakure ninjas recognized Yusuke—his golden-red Sharingan and Konoha sleeve were distinctive.

"Konoha's Chief Advisor! He's near the border, but this isn't a coincidence. With him here, the enemy is no threat!" Ryūto said thankfully.

Gen and Yō nodded. Fū tilted her head, confused. She didn't know Yusuke.

Pain's eyes flashed with killing intent. "Since you killed the Fourth Raikage and captured the Eight-Tails six years ago, you're known as the strongest ninja."

"I'll kill you here!"

Five identical figures appeared beside him. They had the same blue-ringed eyes and black piercings.

"The Six Paths of Pain are here!"

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