Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Knowing Yusuke's Sharingan could ignite targets, the Preta Path approached the Deva Path.

"Chakra Absorption Technique!"

The Preta Path raised its hands, creating a translucent shield to absorb chakra, protecting itself, the Deva Path, and the Naraka Path.

The shield appeared just as red flames ignited upon it, being absorbed.

Though Yusuke and Pain exchanged blows, this happened in a few breaths. Shinra Tensei's duration was ending.

In the end, Pain couldn't repel Yusuke with Shinra Tensei.

Without Shinra Tensei's repulsion, Yusuke's Zanpakutō sliced through.

The Deva Path, Naraka Path, and Preta Path were too close to dodge.

The Naraka Path and Preta Path were bisected; the Deva Path was pulled away by the Asura Path.

Nagato, seeing Shinra Tensei was ineffective, used the Asura Path's mechanical arm to pull the Deva Path away before the attack landed.

The Deva Path escaped, abandoning the plan to capture Chōmei.

The Asura Path charged at Yusuke, a sacrifice to ensure the Deva Path's escape.

For Nagato, the other Paths were replaceable; only the Deva Path, using Yahiko's body, was irreplaceable.

The Asura Path, the only mechanical Path, was equipped with powerful weaponry.

As a sacrifice to buy time for the Deva Path's escape, Nagato activated the Asura Path's self-destruct mechanism.

The Asura Path's head spun; a blinding light erupted.

A deafening explosion; a mushroom cloud rose.

The blast sent the Takigakure ninjas flying.

"The enemy retreated, but is Konoha's Chief Advisor dead?" Gen asked uncertainly.

Yō shook his head, "That power… even iron would be vaporized. The strongest ninja is dead."

Ryūto sighed, "He saved us. Let's find his remains and return them to Konoha."

Someone patted Ryūto's shoulder. A young man's voice, "Thank you for your concern."

Ryūto waved, "You're welcome. It's my duty."

Then he realized something was wrong. Everyone was here. Who was speaking?

He turned and saw Yusuke, unharmed.

The explosion was easily avoided using his fire crow clone. The attack was useless against his illusionary body.

The Takigakure ninjas were relieved; Fū jumped for joy.

She grabbed Yusuke, "You're amazing! You saved us! Let's be friends!"

Ryūto stopped her, "Fū, be respectful."

Turning to Yusuke, Ryūto said respectfully, "Thank you, Advisor-sama! Without you, we would have lost. If Fū fell into enemy hands, we'd be traitors."

Yusuke waved, "You're participating in the Chūnin Exams; Konoha has a responsibility to protect you."

Yusuke explained Shibuki's request, and they understood why he was there.

Ryūto was still surprised that Yusuke, a high-ranking official, had personally come.

But he didn't question it, understanding Konoha's concern for the tailed beasts and its friendship with Takigakure.

"What's wrong?"

Konan, in Amegakure, noticed Nagato's worried expression.

Nagato wasn't in his life-sustaining device; he wore an Akatsuki cloak and stood beside Konan.

Thanks to Obito's Hashirama cells, his legs were healed, his chakra replenished. He was no longer frail.

His grey hair was bright red; his skin was healthy; his sunken cheeks and eye sockets were full.

The Senju and Uzumaki clans had blood ties; Uzumaki's life force made them compatible with Hashirama cells.

Nagato was at his peak; the Yang Release chakra enhanced his Rinnegan.

"I never imagined such powerful spiritual energy existed!"

Nagato sighed, "The Seven-Tails capture failed, but the jinchuriki went to Konoha for the exams. Let's capture all the tailed beasts at once."

Konan frowned, "The Six Paths of Pain failed?"

Nagato nodded seriously, "I encountered Uchiha Yusuke. I wasn't his match before, but now… the outcome is uncertain."

"Next time, it won't be the Six Paths, but the Seven Paths, led by me!"

A cold light flashed in his Rinnegan; three black tomoe appeared on the purple rings!

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