Having single-handedly defeated numerous Tailed Beasts and unlocked incredible new abilities, Ashveil could finally pursue his true intentions without hesitation.
Meanwhile, within the Akatsuki's stronghold… an uninvited visitor appeared in the Rain Hidden Village. It was none other than the legendary Jiraiya, one of the Sannin.
Jiraiya was locked in fierce combat with Pain. The moment he realized their identities, shock overtook him.
"You… if I'm not mistaken… you're my disciples?" he stammered.
Above, Konan, her form ethereal and angelic, moved her lips slightly before unleashing a barrage of terrifying Fire Style Ninjutsu.
But more Pains appeared relentlessly. Jiraiya's eyes widened.
"Damn it… your individual strength is… incredible!" he exclaimed, disbelief etched across his face. "What… have you endured all these years?"
His former students had become the very demons of the Rain Hidden Village. Yet standing before Nagato, bearer of the Rinnegan, Jiraiya was ultimately overpowered. He fought valiantly but, just as in the original tale, fell to the combined might of his disciples.
Before his final moments, however, Jiraiya left a mark—imprinting vital information onto the body of a toad, which was carried safely away from Rain Village.
Outside, the rain fell heavier with each passing moment. Obito, Deidara, Ashveil, and others returned one by one.
"You don't understand… capturing the Eight-Tails required enormous effort," Deidara said solemnly.
He placed the corpse of Killer Bee on the ground, but only a single tail remained.
"Did he escape?" voices murmured.
"Ashveil, there's a new mission—capture the Nine-Tails immediately," someone commanded.
The Five Kage had convened to respond to Killer Bee's disappearance. Obito recognized this as the perfect opportunity to seize Naruto.
In Konoha, after Naruto's return, Jiraiya arranged for him to train on Mount Myōboku. The sense of an impending crisis spread throughout the ninja world.
Meanwhile, the Akatsuki continued issuing orders.
"Deidara, this mission falls to you and Ashveil. Tobi… is a distraction with other tasks," the voice directed.
Tobi, ever the mischief, protested.
"I am Tobi! Who said I'm a hindrance?"
Deidara laughed, amused. "Just finish your other missions honestly. Capturing the Nine-Tails is ours."
Ashveil, allowed a subtle smirk to cross his face. If he faced the Nine-Tails, his strength—and even his Golden Conqueror's Haki—would be enough. Handling the entire Shinobi World would be no problem.
Right now, all that mattered was confronting the Nine-Tails. Whether it would be captured was secondary. Once all nine Tailed Beasts were dealt with, the Akatsuki's usefulness would end. Then, Ashveil would find new challenges, and the most effective way to seek them would be through war—the Third Great Ninja War.
His lips curved in confidence. The Akatsuki thought they were using him, but in reality, he had been using them all along.
Without hesitation, Ashveil and Deidara flew toward Konoha. Tobi absent, their approach was silent and deadly. Three days later, they reached the Fire Country.
High above, Ashveil's eyes narrowed.
"Might Guy isn't here… otherwise, this battle would be more entertaining," he murmured.
Below, a massive clay bomb exploded. The village guards panicked.
"Someone is attacking Konoha!"
Deidara unleashed a storm of clay bombs. Explosions erupted across the city, magma igniting in waves. Feeling the tremor of the world itself, Tsunade stepped forward.
Seeing Ashveil mounted on his giant bird, her eyes narrowed.
"It's the Akatsuki… how dare they attack Konoha?"
Kakashi arrived instantly, recognition striking him.
"That's him… Hokage-sama, be cautious. He defeated Onoki. He is no ordinary ninja!"
Ebisu, tasked with protecting young Konohamaru, rushed to warn him.
"Master Konohamaru, be careful… these are not ordinary opponents!"
Konohamaru smirked, vanishing in a blink.
"Konohamaru!" the others cried as giant clay bombs rained down. Shikamaru's father attempted to restrain Deidara using Shadow Paralysis Jutsu, but Night Feather had no interest in distractions.
"These small fries… I'll leave them to you, Deidara. I have a more important task," he said, landing with heavy steps while Deidara remained frustrated in the air.
As more ninjas approached, Ashveil observed them, recalling the prolonged battles Nagato once faced. Smiling, he ignored the advancing squad, letting their anger show.
A ten-man squad launched Fire Style attacks, magma scorching the air. Ashveil remained calm.
"Your attacks are weak. You don't think mere fire can harm me, do you?"
Despite relentless onslaughts, the Fire Style jutsus vanished upon contact. The remaining Chunin gasped in disbelief.
"… he is a devil!" they cried.
Tsunade raised her voice across the city.
"Do not act rashly! That man is not someone Chunin or lower can face. Everyone, retreat!"
As the city retreated, Ashveil advanced steadily toward the Hokage Office, where elite Jonin awaited. A calm smile on his face, he unnerved even Tsunade.
She summoned her massive slug, while Kakashi activated his Sharingan, charging forward with lightning-speed Chidori attacks. Lightning crackled as it struck Ashveil, yet his smile remained.
"You don't think this will harm me, do you?"