By virtue of his immortality and the forbidden technique that allows him to take others' lives just by obtaining their blood, Hidan was able to kill the majority of the Jonin. He could even pose a certain threat to the Kage-level ninja.
However, possessing such a strange ability made Hidan indifferent to other aspects of ninja training, only having decent physical skills.
After all, his head could be cut off and he still wouldn't die, so what was there to fear?
But relying solely on such physical skills, at such extremely close range, he couldn't escape the attack range of the "Blazing Blade" (Kusanagi no Tsurugi).
Furthermore, with Hidan's crazed attacking style and his immortality, he would not choose to retreat immediately when facing danger;
So he lost the chance to dodge at the very first moment!
Therefore, the flames capable of burning everything firmly held Hidan, creating a unique cremation scene.
Because this was the power of the "Blazing Blade" itself, Uchiha Sasuke only needed to supply the chakra control and some necessary physical strength.
The Death God weapon, the Blazing Blade, is terrifying!
"Hidan… actually died!?"
Suppressing the trace of fear in his heart, Kakuzu watched as Hidan was surrounded and killed by the flames, turning into dust in the air within a single breath. Such shocking power made Kakuzu shudder in fear.
"No wonder it's the treasure of the ninja Shura Uchiha Madara; the power is incredible!"
Thinking this, Kakuzu noticed the gaze Uchiha Sasuke threw over, and remained silently for a few seconds, feeling very subtle.
Then he immediately vanished, leaving those four heart clones behind, and his true body quickly fled.
"A flame with such power, touching it means death, what a damn thing!"
Kakuzu was no fool; having lived for many years, of course part of it was thanks to Earth Grudge Fear (Jiongu), but more so because of his caution.
"······"
Seeing Kakuzu's body leave, Hatake Kakashi and Amegakure's Tenzō remained silent, astonished by the power of the Blazing Blade's flames;
They did not think of pursuing but instead cooperated with Uchiha Sasuke's Blazing Blade to quickly kill those four heart clones;
Then they left with Dazna and the others to continue on to the Land of Waves.
Because reinforcements would soon arrive, and the mission had to continue without damaging the reputation of the Konoha ninja.
After Kakuzu escaped, he found a safe hidden place and immediately used the ring's function to contact the Akatsuki ninja.
"Hidan is dead!"
A simple sentence shocked all the Akatsuki members.
"Hehehe, that guy Hidan actually died, it seems he really isn't immortal after all, what a joke!"
Hearing this, Kisame smirked, his mouth full of sharp teeth grinning darkly.
"Hmph! That disrespectful guy Hidan, so what if he's dead?"
Deidara said disdainfully, seemingly pleased by the news.
"Art isn't understood by everyone. You can't expect a simple-minded guy like Hidan to understand art, Deidara…"
Sasori said gloomily.
"So, how exactly did Hidan die? As far as I remember, Hidan's ability, that rare cursed technique of 'death by blood', made it almost impossible for him to die?"
Jūzō, the information expert, said solemnly.
"Jūzō is right! Hidan's strength isn't impressive, but it's really hard to kill him. Did you… run into some trouble?"
Pain (Tendo) opened his Rinnegan eyes and stared at the disheveled Kakuzu, whose aura was significantly weakened, seemingly badly injured.
"It's Uchiha Madara's treasure!"
"Uchiha Madara?"
Upon hearing this, Pain fell into thought, recalling the masked man who claimed to be Uchiha Madara.
"Is that guy behind this? But it doesn't make sense…"
Expressionless, Pain continued to listen to Kakuzu.
"Recently, there's been a rumor in the Fire Country's Hidden Leaf Village about Uchiha Madara, almost known to everyone, and the Uchiha descendant?"
"Apparently, Uchiha Sasuke found this treasure and obtained a weapon named 'God' that can control powerful flames, burning Hidan alive into ashes!"
"The temperature of that flame, I feel, you can't touch it even a bit…"
Kakuzu was still somewhat shaken to this day.
"Sasuke?"
Upon hearing this, the always silent Uchiha Itachi suddenly widened his eyes in worry,
"My brother… did he gain some opportunity? Uchiha Madara's treasure, that's incredible news. But why have I never heard of this treasure of Madara?"
"Uchiha Sasuke? That name sounds familiar…"
Kisame clicked his mouth and then seemed to suddenly realize,
"That's the Uchiha clan member, Itachi's younger brother, right? Itachi, you're in danger this time. According to Kakuzu, that weapon that releases high-temperature flames rivals Amaterasu. What will you do?"
There was a hint of gloating in his tone.
"Apart from that flame weapon, there is also a stone tablet called the Six Paths Heavenly Scripture, said to be a relic of the Sage of Six Paths, but its use is unknown…"
At this moment, Kakuzu recalled Madara's domineering posture, and said heavily:
"I saw Uchiha Madara!"
"?"
The Akatsuki members all fell silent.
"More precisely, I saw Uchiha Madara's spiritual remnant. Although it didn't last long, that figure, that posture, that imposing aura — there's no mistake, that was Uchiha Madara!"
"······"
All the Akatsuki ninja were silent.
"Kakuzu, I understand now!"
Pain could confirm that Kakuzu was telling the truth.
But precisely because it was the truth, the information he revealed shocked the entire Akatsuki.
Therefore, to obtain more information, Pain looked at Jūzō seriously and ordered without doubt:
"Jūzō, immediately go to the scene and then to Hidden Leaf Village. You must investigate the cause and effect of this incident and get to the bottom of it!"
Pausing, Pain continued:
"Also, try to retrieve the Six Paths Heavenly Scripture!"
"Leave it to me!~"