Chapter 378: The Wealthy Woman and Pain
"Damn it!"
Uchiha Obito cursed under his breath, activating Kamui to avoid a fatal attack as he made a hasty retreat. His Kamui ability let him phase parts of his body into the Kamui dimension, making him nearly untouchable. However, with Kakashi now present within Kamui's space, using it too often was dangerous; he could be ambushed from the inside. Fortunately, Kamui's space was vast enough that Kakashi couldn't immediately strike, giving Obito a brief window to escape.
Uzumaki Nagato, observing from the shadows, noted Obito's disheveled state with a hint of disdain. Although he didn't know what had transpired, it was evident that the attempt to attack Kakashi had failed.
"Hmph. Useless," Nagato muttered. "Fifth Hokage Hatake Kakashi he's truly a formidable opponent, able to counter Obito's unpredictable abilities so swiftly."
Unaware that Kakashi had divine assistance, Nagato remained cautious. Even with the seemingly invincible power of his Rinnegan, he couldn't afford to be complacent.
Back in the main dimension, Kakashi returned to the battlefield, glancing at his ninja squad and issuing a command. "Continue the mission."
"Yes, sir!"
Having tracked Kakashi's forces all the way to Amegakure's gates, Nagato finally let a cold smile cross his face.
Kakashi noticed something amiss and activated his Mangekyo Sharingan to inspect the terrain.
"This is...?"
"Ninjutsu: One Billion Paper Bombs!"
Konan's Paper Release surged outward, transforming the ground beneath the Konoha forces into a sea of paper bombs.
"Regret your arrogance and die here, Konoha!" Konan, wings spread and angelic in appearance, declared judgment from above, as the air was filled with the unending roar of explosions. The sheer number of bombs awed everyone who saw it one billion paper bombs was an inconceivable number, capable of destroying entire countries.
Ye Wen, watching secretly, raised an eyebrow. The lore about Konan siphoning funds from Kakuzu's savings was amusing, but with such a large stockpile of military grade explosive tags, it was clear this attack was Konan's original work.
As the relentless chain of explosions began to settle, a golden light emerged from the dissipating smoke, catching everyone's attention.
"Is that…Susanoo? No, that doesn't look right," Obito murmured from afar, realizing it was something else. Observing Kakashi closely, Obito quickly surmised the reason for Kakashi's presence in his Kamui space earlier it had to be the connection between their Mangekyo Sharingan. But Obito knew that even he, a true Uchiha, couldn't summon Susanoo with only one eye. How could Kakashi?
As the dust finally cleared, Konoha's elite team was unscathed, though Kakashi seemed troubled, internally reproaching himself for his carelessness in underestimating Konan's attack and wasting his divine protection.
Settling himself, Kakashi dispersed his Divine Aspect projection and turned to his team. He gave a calm nod to Shibi Aburame, the skilled and versatile jounin. "You take care of her."
"Leave it to me, Hokage sama."
With his wide robes and dark sunglasses, Shibi Aburame was as inconspicuous as ever, yet his confidence in facing Konan remained firm. Kakashi gave a quick nod and pressed onward, focusing on the next objective.
"Don't think you can continue advancing! Paper Shuriken!"
Konan, sensing Kakashi's threat, launched her shuriken barrage, though she was well aware of the challenge before her. She stood her ground nonetheless. Shibi Aburame, however, intercepted the attack, his massive swarm of insects blocking the paper shuriken effortlessly.
"This fight is mine, miss."
Konan's Paper Release was powerful but vulnerable to certain elements. Water, oil, and fire could degrade her attacks, and now even Shibi's insects were devouring her paper creations. The battle quickly turned into a grueling struggle as Konan resorted to her remaining supply of paper bombs in an attempt to outlast her opponent.
"Konan..."
In his secluded location, Nagato murmured with concern. Yet, he shook it off, refocusing his resolve on the real threat Kakashi.
"If I fall, everything is lost."
Nagato quelled any doubts. "The Rinnegan's power has awakened I won't lose! If Konoha wants war, then we'll bring it. I will teach these nations true suffering!"
The Six Paths of Pain descended.
Led by the Asura Path, outfitted with advanced mechanical weaponry, the six paths initiated the attack with a missile barrage aimed at the Konoha force. Anticipating the assault, Kakashi activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, using Kamui to warp the incoming missiles into the Kamui dimension, leaving them to disintegrate harmlessly.
But the Six Paths continued pressing forward Deva Path, Naraka Path, Asura Path, Human Path, Preta Path, and Animal Path each unleashed their unique abilities. Powerful shockwaves and terrifying summoned creatures clashed with the Konoha forces, leading to intense skirmishes throughout the streets of Amegakure.
Obito, hidden nearby, watched the spectacle with clenched fists.
"So, Kakashi really has my Kamui!"
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