Jiraiya's failure to enter Sage Mode carried enormous implications.
If achieving Sage Mode would have given him a fifty percent chance of defeating his enemies, now his odds of survival had dropped below one-third.
But there had been no alternative. The situation dictated that if he had continued pressing his palms together to absorb natural energy, he would have been blown to pieces before completing the transformation.
With two poofs, both summoned toads returned to Mount Myoboku.
Now only Jiraiya remained. He rose with a tragic expression, facing his overwhelming foes.
Five figures—the Deva Path, Asura Path, Naraka Path, Preta Path, and Animal Path—positioned themselves at different points, completely surrounding Jiraiya.
"Resurrected again?"
Looking at the Animal Path standing before him without a single scratch, Jiraiya couldn't comprehend how his opponent had recovered to pristine condition in such a brief time.
He had been caught in the bombardment and missed seeing the Naraka Path summon the King of Hell, who had consumed the defeated Animal Path and restored it through his regenerative process.
At this moment, Jiraiya appeared thoroughly battered, gasping for breath as he observed the five Rinnegan-wielding figures assembled before him, his thoughts somewhat scattered.
Even at this critical juncture, Jiraiya couldn't stop trying to understand what had happened to these people.
Why did his student Nagato's Rinnegan appear in so many different individuals!
"Jiraiya-sensei, God's judgment cannot be questioned!"
"Please proceed to your death!"
"God?"
"I see... Since you address me as sensei, that means you're either Yahiko or Nagato!"
"So you must be Nagato!"
"Correct!"
Jiraiya studied the Rinnegan-bearing figures before him, and the sense of familiarity became increasingly clear until realization struck.
These people were puppets!
Including the shinobi who bore such strong resemblance to Yahiko—he was also a puppet!
They must be specialized combat puppets created by Nagato using the Rinnegan's power.
"As expected of Jiraiya-sensei—you discerned Pain's true nature so quickly."
Tendo Pain spoke coldly, regarding Jiraiya with eyes devoid of warmth.
"What happened to Yahiko?"
"You transformed Yahiko into a puppet. Has something terrible befallen him?"
The Deva Path remained silent, saying nothing. After a long pause, he stepped forward and announced in a low voice:
"The pain of Yahiko's death enabled my ascension to godhood. As a god, I will bring true peace to this chaotic world!"
"Before that occurs, as an obstacle to peace, Jiraiya-sensei, you must die by my hand."
After hearing the Deva Path's declaration, Jiraiya understood that his student had taken a catastrophically wrong turn—otherwise such words would never have been spoken.
"As your teacher, I failed to protect you properly."
"But now I'm here to correct your misguided thinking, Nagato!"
"This is my responsibility as your sensei!"
Jiraiya declared firmly that even if he died here today, he would find some way to reverse Nagato's twisted ideology.
Then he glanced meaningfully toward the concealed position, hoping Naruto would recognize his disadvantaged state and refrain from rushing out recklessly.
Otherwise, the situation would become truly problematic.
The next second, both sides launched into fierce combat.
However, the battle had barely begun when Jiraiya found himself in mortal peril.
Even when Orochimaru suddenly emerged from underground and they cooperated to defeat the Animal Path again—reducing Pain's forces by one—their situation remained desperate.
Orochimaru had lost an arm and leg while Jiraiya bore numerous deep wounds across his body. Both appeared thoroughly wretched.
On one side stood five Pains in excellent condition; on the other, Jiraiya and Orochimaru in extremely poor states. Given the strength disparity, reaching this point was already remarkable.
"Ah—you bastards!"
Jiraiya looked toward the distance with mounting dread. The Konoha shinobi had finally failed to restrain Naruto, allowing him to break free.
Violent chakra aura spread everywhere—even from this distance, everyone could sense it clearly.
This is bad!
Naruto had already manifested four tails!
Jiraiya's pupils contracted slightly. This was not good at all.
Naruto, having transformed into a half-tailed beast state, sprinted forward with wild abandon. As he ran, another tail emerged behind the one already visible.
Dark red chakra erupted from his body, completely covering Naruto and forming a distinct Tailed Beast Cloak.
The violent momentum resembled a hurricane, sweeping up and scattering wood chips and debris throughout the sky.
"Oh? So this is the Nine-Tails jinchuriki!"
Tendo Pain turned to observe the charging Naruto, interest flickering in his eyes.
Although the time for capturing the Nine-Tails hadn't yet arrived, he felt that testing Uzumaki Naruto's strength would serve as valuable preparation.
Under Nagato's control, the Animal Path and Preta Path took the lead, rushing toward Naruto.
Tailed Beast Bomb!
Boom, boom...
Naruto, no longer resembling anything human, had become a wild beast. During his frenzied charge, he opened his mouth wide and suddenly expelled an explosive chakra sphere.
The Animal Path and Preta Path rolled aside to avoid the explosion while accelerating toward Naruto.
Seeing the collision was imminent, Naruto—now transformed into a savage creature—suddenly extended his arm. The dark red Tailed Beast chakra formed a chakra hand resembling a demon fox's claw, slapping violently toward both opponents.
Bang!
Bang!
The ground was instantly shattered by the chakra appendage, but both the Animal Path and Preta Path had already evaded.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Chakra hands continued extending, attempting to grasp both targets, but with their shared Rinnegan vision, they easily dodged all of Naruto's attacks.
Bang!
The Animal Path, suspended in mid-air, quickly formed hand seals and summoned an enormous rhinoceros that charged forward at tremendous speed.
"ROAR..."
The rhinoceros suddenly accelerated with its massive frame, crashing toward the enemy like solid stone.
"ROAR..."
Naruto, having transformed into a half-tailed beast, roared back, extending his arms and smashing down violently at the rhinoceros, knocking its charging body aside.
Boom!
A Tailed Beast Bomb successfully condensed in the air before being launched by Naruto.
Boom, boom...
The horrific explosion completely engulfed the rhinoceros, sending it flying.
Whoosh, whoosh...
Several black receivers materialized in the air, shooting downward to pin Naruto's four tails to the ground.
Buzz—
Uzumaki Naruto's heart trembled violently as his chakra quickly became chaotic. His movements ceased abruptly and he screamed wildly, but couldn't break free from the black receivers.
"Naruto!"
Seeing Naruto restrained, Jiraiya immediately wanted to rush over and rescue him first.
"Truly a beast!"
The Deva Path glanced at Naruto and paid him no further attention. Even with four tails manifested, Naruto lacked sufficient power to break free from the black receivers.
"Universal Pull!"
Jiraiya lost control of his body, flying toward the Deva Path.
"Farewell, Jiraiya-sensei!"
Orochimaru lay motionless on the ground, completely unable to move while other enemies watched him.
Rumble...
Suddenly, muffled thunder resonated from the sky, causing everyone to look upward.
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