Root's ninja squad was flabbergasted. Kakashi and Gai had fled at unbelievable speed—so fast, even the squad's speediest shinobi, their captain, couldn't catch them. No matter how much chakra he used, those two always reappeared with a flicker, their teleport-style Shunshin widening the gap relentlessly. In just three to four minutes, he'd lost nearly one-third of his chakra, and the rest of his team was falling behind.
Ahead lay a dense forest, and suddenly, a massive Fireball Jutsu erupted from within, with a thunderous blast. Just as the two ninjas vanished, leaving a crater, Root's squad came to a halt at the forest's edge, coldly anticipating their return, assuming the two were Kakashi and Gai.
Inside the forest, Nagato's Tendo Body and Konan waited. Spotting a small figure, Nagato unleashed a Wind-Style Jutsu at them, then cast a massive Fireball before vanishing. Nagato realized the attackers were using clone-style tactics: one droid meant to draw out enemies into a trap in the clearing beyond.
Root's shinobi closing in—well-trained and dangerous—when Nagato called out coolly, "You're Konoha Anbu—come here to the wrong place."
Konan clenched her fists, furious at Konoha—they'd colluded with Hanzo to kill Yahiko. Seeing Leaf shinobi made her blood boil.
Root's squad leader asked, "Did you see them pass here?"
Nagato just smirked. With a solemn voice, he whispered, "All of you... now die."
He raised both arms: "Shinra Tensei!" The squad found themselves helpless as an invisible force dragged them forward, unable to break free.
Konan's paper wings unfurled. Hands shaping seals, she snarled, "Paper Shuriken!" Instantly, the wings released a flurry of razor-sharp paper shuriken, riddling every squad member like a swarm of hornets. In moments, none survived. Their well-honed skills proved moot.
Nagato's head turned slowly to the forest's edge. The fallen ninja lay in shock, eyes wide with fear. "You brought them here to fight? Now explain yourselves!" he commanded in chilling authority.
Tobi (Tō) stiffened. Seeing Nagato's control over the battlefield with ease, he prepared to flee—but he froze when his eyes locked on a toad-like summoning beast beside Nagato. That was Nagato's animal-path summon. In the moment its tongue flashed, Tō vanished with Shunshin.
Nagato spoke, "Shinra Tensei." A shockwave threatened to crush Tō—but in a heartbeat, Tō reappeared before Nagato, ready.
Suddenly, Pikachu cried out: "Pikachu!" In that instant, Nagato was struck with 100,000 Volts, freezing him mid-stance. Tō summoned his Chidori in response. Then, "Gedo Path!" an apparition materialized above Tō and struck him, sending him flying dozens of meters—the impact cracked his lips, and a vein throbbed in his temple. The scuffle was overpowered; Tō's martial arts couldn't keep up.
Nagato furrowed his brow. "Konan, this beast… uses jutsu without chakra. He paralyzed me as soon as his lightning hit."
"Pikachu!" the creature leapt, proud.
Nagato and Konan exchanged shocked looks—a child, and from Konoha's Anbu? Tō bowed hastily. "I'm Uzumaki Tō, a Konoha genin. I offended Danzo, so he's hunting me."
Nagato narrowed his eyes.
"You're a Konoha ninja?"
Tō continued: "I don't like Konoha, but my mother is held there, so I have no choice. Please, be merciful—I'm also from the Uzumaki clan. If you spare me, I can serve as your spy, feeding you secrets: impending Danzo moves against Uchiha, Konoha's barrier tech, entry methods…"
Nagato and Konan deliberated. After a long silence, Nagato's voice came, cold and unwavering.
"Leave the rodent on your shoulder. You belong to Akatsuki now. And remember: every year, at this date, deliver Wood Leaf intelligence to us."
Tō nearly collapsed—but seeing Pikachu, he relented. He produced a scroll and wrote frantically: Konoha's vulnerabilities, notable ninjas, their signature jutsu, barrier defenses, infiltration routes. Handing it to Nagato, he braced himself—but Nagato's hands moved, sealing Tō in place.
Tō realized: he wasn't afraid of sealing—he feared... losing his freedom, his identity, and the burden of being Akatsuki's asset.