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Though the Super Shinra Tensei wasn't a targeted single-target attack, its vast coverage combined with the inherently fragile nature of ninjas in this cultivation system meant that even Kakashi had sustained significant injuries.
As a green glow enveloped his body, Kakashi's wounds began to heal rapidly.
From a young age, Kakashi had been hailed as a genius ninja. However, this title wasn't solely due to him graduating from the Ninja Academy in less than a year—it was also because Kakashi was born with the innate ability to wield all five basic chakra natures.
Ordinary shinobi were naturally limited to at most one chakra nature, while more talented individuals might possess two or three. However, those who could simultaneously master all five elemental chakra natures were exceedingly rare throughout the ninja world.
The only other figure to achieve fame through mastering all five elements was none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen, once known as the "God of Shinobi."
Now, Kakashi had surpassed even that legacy.
Through Ye Wen's divine empowerment, Kakashi's natural talents had been further amplified. In a short time, he had mastered medical ninjutsu derived from Yang Release, and with the Sharingan granting him mastery over Yin Release, Kakashi was now one of the rarest shinobi in history—a ninja capable of wielding all five elemental chakras.
"Hokage-sama, the specially marked target is rapidly approaching your position. Please prepare for battle. We will dispatch reinforcements as quickly as possible."
A hurried report echoed in Kakashi's mind. Clearly, the shinobi behind the scenes were deeply wary of Nagato Uzumaki, the mastermind behind the Six Paths of Pain.
Kakashi calmly responded, "There's no need. Inform any able-bodied shinobi to stay clear of my location. The upcoming battle isn't one they can interfere in."
"..."
The communicator fell silent for a moment, though Kakashi could faintly hear murmurs of heated discussion on the other end.
Finally, Yamanaka Inoichi's voice, heavy with guilt, came through.
"Understood, Hokage-sama. May your battle fortune shine brightly."
"Mm."
Kakashi gave a brief reply before turning his gaze toward the horizon. Nagato Uzumaki had arrived.
After the previous battle, Nagato dared not underestimate the Hokage before him. He cautiously halted at a distance.
Neither side rushed to attack, instead sizing each other up.
For Kakashi, who was low on chakra, the sight of Nagato Uzumaki before him was truly enviable.
"After such an intense battle, you still retain such an immense amount of chakra. Truly terrifying, Nagato Uzumaki."
"You first fought head-on with the Deva Path, then endured a direct hit from the Super Shinra Tensei. Yet here you are, already healed. Fifth Hokage Hatake Kakashi—you are no ordinary opponent."
Nagato's sense of caution had reached its peak.
As the weaker party, Nagato knew full well that no matter what, the enemy wouldn't release Konan. Now, there was only one path forward.
In an instant, both sides moved. Nagato raised his right hand first.
"All-Creation Sealing Technique!"
*Boom~*
Another Shadow Clone Technique! But the precision was extraordinary—even his Rinnegan couldn't see through it. Nagato was stunned.
Unbeknownst to him, Kakashi had emerged from underground. Earlier, Kakashi had used Earth Release to move beneath the surface, concealing himself behind Nagato.
"Rasengan!"
Since the Chidori was too loud and unsuitable for assassination, Kakashi opted for this silent yet devastating technique passed down by his teacher.
"Preta Path: Sealing Technique Absorption!"
But something unexpected occurred. A transparent white light appeared on Nagato's surface, absorbing Kakashi's Rasengan.
"What?! The Preta Path's ability! But doesn't this technique require both hands as a medium?"
Confused, Kakashi quickly created distance. After all, the man before him was a monster capable of integrating all the abilities of the Six Paths of Pain.
Watching from the shadows, Ye Wen scratched his head sheepishly. After all, he had provided the intelligence for Kakashi's battle against Akatsuki.
But upon reflection, hadn't the absorption of ninjutsu chakra by the Ōtsutsuki clan always required them to reveal their hands?
It seemed his memory of the past had grown hazy with time. Still, this showed that the ninja world wasn't entirely without merit—especially in its innovative use of the Rinnegan, surpassing even its origins.
Just as Kakashi intended to capture Nagato Uzumaki alive to present to Ye Wen, Nagato similarly aimed to capture Kakashi to force the Konoha shinobi to release his childhood friend, Konan.
"Don't think about running! Asura Path: Mechanized Arm!"
Nagato mentally commanded, and his raised right arm shot forward, trailing a long chain. But that wasn't all—his upper body began to writhe unnaturally.
The once-normal Nagato transformed into a six-armed Asura, launching a frenzied assault on Kakashi.
Nagato had already made up his mind: the moment he touched Kakashi, he would unleash the Human Path's ability to incapacitate him.
But as the old saying went, a ninja's battle was a battle of intelligence. With most of Nagato's combat capabilities leaked, how could Kakashi not be prepared?
"Kamui!"
Though Nagato could directly absorb physical chakra attacks, the spatial manipulation of the Mangekyō Sharingan Kamui couldn't be absorbed. Instantly, the space between them distorted, tangling several of Nagato's arms into uselessness.
However, Nagato's cooldown period had also ended.
"All-Creation Sealing Technique!"
An eerie pull emanated, causing Kakashi's expression to shift. This time, he didn't have time to use the Shadow Clone Technique to evade.
Close combat risked the Human Path touching his soul—not an option. Long-range ninjutsu would be absorbed by the Preta Path—equally unfeasible.
"Kamui!"
The strange distortion of space returned, forcing Nagato to hastily terminate the All-Creation Sealing Technique and dodge.
Though Kakashi no longer identified with Obito, the power of Kamui was undeniably effective.
"Damn you, Kakashi!"
Hidden in the shadows, Obito seethed with anger. The two sides had already torn off the mask of civility, yet the opponent continued to flaunt his stolen ability. What could be more infuriating?
But don't get too cocky, Kakashi! This won't last long!
Cursing Kakashi under his breath, Obito resumed his covert operations.
After the brief skirmish, Kakashi had clearly realized that if this continued, neither side would emerge victorious even if they fought to the death.
"This carries great risk, but I have no choice."
Kakashi's expression hardened as he drew a short blade.
Seeing this, Nagato's face lit up. Kakashi's stance suggested he was preparing for close combat.
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