Chapter 380: Intelligence Superiority, Part II
Despite being over a hundred meters away from Guy, even Nagato felt a hint of dread as he controlled the Preta Path from afar.
"An S rank technique? No, even beyond that...chakra absorption "
Before Preta Path could fully activate its chakra absorption, the ferocious white tiger of the Daytime Tiger technique was already upon it.
The Rinnegan, an evolution of the Sharingan, retained the ability to sense chakra patterns. But in an instant, the Preta Path's world went dark, and Nagato realized the attack wasn't chakra based. The Preta Path's last moments had revealed to him that Guy's attack relied on pure physical force.
Through the Hell Path's perspective, Nagato's face contorted. Preta Path's chakra absorption ability was critical to the Six Paths, and its loss was a significant blow. The Hell Path's purpose was primarily support, utilizing the King of Hell to repair damaged Paths. However, such repairs required relatively intact bodies. After enduring Guy's Daytime Tiger, Preta Path was obliterated, leaving only fragments scattered across the battlefield.
"Damn it!" Nagato cursed as Preta Path went offline, sharply reducing the Six Paths' overall power. The Paths' abilities were not simply assigned but required both the Rinnegan and complex modifications. Now, creating another Path was out of the question. Nagato would have to continue the fight with the remaining four.
But Guy's attack didn't stop.
"Youth!"
With a fierce cry that sent chills through the spine, Guy launched his next move.
"Morning Peacock!"
To the untrained eye, it appeared as though Guy merely clapped his hands, unleashing a torrent of fire. But those with chakra vision knew better. These flames weren't produced by chakra but generated from the friction of Guy's fists moving at such speed and intensity. The flames themselves were secondary to the overwhelming force behind each strike.
In seconds, the remaining four Paths were under attack.
The Deva Path held its ground, deflecting with Shinra Tensei. Asura Path's defense was substantial, though caught off guard, it emerged scorched and disheveled. The Human and Hell Paths, however, fared poorly. The support focused Hell Path held on momentarily before being blasted to pieces by the relentless barrage of punches, scattered in a grisly display.
"Another one down?!"
Watching from his hidden position, Nagato felt something was wrong. It had barely been ten minutes, and half his Paths were already incapacitated. Clearly, his opponents had a detailed understanding of his abilities and a plan to counter them.
In any world, intelligence is paramount; a leak can turn even the strongest into a liability. Today, Nagato, a figure shrouded in mystery, faced the consequences of compromised information.
"Who leaked my information? My abilities should have been top secret. Was it Konan? No, she would never betray me. Could it be that masked man, the one calling himself Madara? He's been nothing but suspicious since he first appeared. Still, given his battles against Konoha, it seems unlikely he would betray me to them...but damn! This situation is quickly deteriorating. I need to adjust my strategy, or the Six Paths will be wiped out."
The confidence Nagato once held now wavered. However, he quickly regained his composure, a resolve forged through relentless hardship and loss.
"Shinra Tensei!"
A massive area of effect blast surged outward from the Deva Path, disregarding the intricate terrain of Amegakure.
The Konoha shinobi sensed it instantly and scrambled to retreat. While the blast's reach was vast, every shinobi here was a battle hardened elite. They swiftly adjusted in midair, landing almost unscathed.
Witnessing this, Nagato felt a deep frustration. Clearly, his foes had come prepared.
Instead of feeling defeated, Nagato narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning predatory.
"They're coming!" Kakashi's voice warned the group.
The Asura Path, now battered, launched itself toward the Konoha shinobi, propelled by jets of flame as it rocketed forward. In one hand, it carried the Human Path, now altered into a Pain.
Through their brief skirmishes, Kakashi had deduced that the Human Path was likely Juzo Biwa, with an ability tied to physical contact.
"Everyone, stay clear! Avoid any contact!" Kakashi commanded.
Nagato's lips curled into a sinister smile, directing the Asura Path to hurl the Human Path directly into the midst of the Konoha forces.
Though Juzo Biwa appeared young, he was an ancient relic from the days of the Ninja Wars. While he only commanded the basic five element techniques, his true strength lay in his heart based jutsu Jiongu, the Earth Grudge Fear.
This forbidden technique allowed him to harvest others' hearts for extended life and use them as sacrificial bodies. Combined with his conversion into a Path, his potential for widespread destruction was terrifying. Once thrown, he could inflict massive casualties.
Even with Kakashi's warning, the Asura Path's speed meant the Konoha shinobi could barely evade. A few were caught in its grasp, powerless to resist.
As he saw his comrades fall, Kakashi's frustration mounted.
"Damn it!"
"Lightning Blade: Chain Lightning!"
Kakashi summoned a shadow clone, both clones wielding the Lightning Blade technique. They joined the twin currents of lightning, forging a giant blade of crackling electricity that sliced toward the Human Path.
With Preta Path down, Kakashi no longer held back on offensive ninjutsu.
Meanwhile, Guy had pinpointed his target.
Kakashi had already warned him to avoid the Human Path, as it was a natural counter to his physical prowess. Instead, Guy leapt at Asura Path.
"This is youth in action! Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"
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