After Deidara and Kisame were killed by Zenkichi, the only Akatsuki members left attacking Konoha were Pain, Konan, and Kakuzu.

Kakuzu was an incredibly formidable opponent. The fact that he had managed to escape from the hands of Senju Hashirama already explained much about his resilience.

His willingness to join forces with the enemy despite being unable to defeat Six Paths Pain showed his pragmatic nature.

Kakuzu did not rush into battle but quietly observed Pain's fight.

The Akatsuki's numbers were dwindling. It was clear this would be their final battle.

Kakuzu thought if Pain prevailed, it would be the right moment to strike and finish things himself.

If Pain faltered, Kakuzu wouldn't hesitate to add insult to injury, after all, he's only in it for the money.

Facing Six Paths Pain were Might Guy, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.

Jiraiya summoned two toads from Mt. Myoboku, speaking seriously, "You two buy me some time, I want to enter Sage Mode."

Tsunade and Might Guy nodded and launched their attack on Six Paths Pain.

As before, the three Paths who were not skilled in combat stayed on the flying beast with the Rinnegan eye, overseeing the battle and providing a tactical overview.

When Asura Path Pain moved, various modern weapons appeared on his body—a chainsaw emerged from behind him, rotating and emitting a terrifying hiss, turning him into a deadly hedgehog.

Rockets launched from his arms in quick succession as he targeted Jiraiya.

One tracking rocket struck Jiraiya, forcing him to retreat silently.

Jiraiya could only move in Sage Mode, which differed from others' modes.

He summoned two toads but couldn't condense natural energy like others.

Sixth Gate—Open!

Green flames flickered on Might Guy's body as he unleashed a flurry of punches. The fiery bombs struck the Hungry Ghost Path Pain.

Toward the Preta Path!

Might Guy's physical attacks countered the chakra-absorbing Preta Path, a strategy planned long ago.

Pain raised his hand to fire Shinra Tensei, condensing a powerful repulsive shield to block the flame bombs.

"There's a limit to rebound attacks,"

Might Guy sneered and suddenly appeared behind the Preta Path.

"My physical attacks have no limits!"

A powerful whirlwind struck from Konoha.

One kick landed, destroying the Preta Path instantly.

Might Guy immediately followed with a backhand punch to the Deva Path.

His speed and close combat skills were unmatched. Deva Path flew back with a single hit.

However, Deva Path was different—Nagato infused him with Yahiko's will, hoping peace could be fulfilled even after death.

Nagato's determination kept Deva Path standing despite repeated attacks.

Chakra Path!

Might Guy attacked again, releasing dense flames and air bombs at Deva Path, who dodged while cooling his ultimate technique.

At the critical moment, Shinra Tensei's countdown ended, releasing a violent repulsive force.

Might Guy's eyes blazed with fighting spirit as he roared, "This is youth!"

Seventh Gate—Open!

Blue flames engulfed Might Guy, his momentum violent as he blocked Shinra Tensei's repulsion.

"Tch!"

Tsunade watched in shock, amazed by Might Guy's physical prowess.

Though she knew the Eight Gates were powerful, this was her first time seeing such skill.

Might Guy formed hand seals, punching the air to create a tiger-shaped chakra construct that roared and struck Deva Path.

Boom!

Shinra Tensei couldn't save him this time. Instead, the Asura Path saved Deva Path as he was sent flying skyward.

"One more!"

Might Guy yelled, sending another tiger-shaped attack into the sky, destroying the flying beast and seriously wounding several Paths aboard.

"Not destroyed yet?"

Might Guy frowned as several Paths fell but survived.

His chakra dropped suddenly as he closed the Eight Gates.

"Good job, Guy!" Jiraiya's voice called as the two toads appeared on his shoulders, helping him complete Sage Mode.

"We know a lot about Pain now. Illusions based on sound will work best against him!"

Jiraiya sneered, holding an auditory illusion technique.

"I don't know what's going on with you, but…"

"No matter what, I won't let you destroy Konoha!"

Jiraiya's eyes grew sad as he looked at Deva Path and Konan.

He had long suspected a connection between Akatsuki and his three former students but said nothing.

Since Deva Path attacked Konoha, there was no room for talk.

Deva Path had declared his will, and Jiraiya doubted his words could change their resolve.

So he acted decisively, knowing that in this battle, victory was the only way to speak.

Sage Art—Toad Song!

The two toads began an awkward duet. Their piercing croaks represented one of the strongest illusions in the ninja world.

Six Paths Pain was caught off guard and became immobilized, causing Nagato, controlling him from afar, to react.

"Six Paths Pain—the entire force wiped out?"

Nagato refused to accept his loss of power without Pain.

He had been hollowed out by outsiders, his legs disabled by fire release techniques.

"Nagato, shall we retreat?"

Konan asked with a serious face.

For some reason, her clone had also appeared nearby.

"No retreat necessary."

"Nagato, hand me the Rinnegan!"

A deep voice sounded as Uchiha Obito, masked, appeared before Nagato and Konan.

"Madara, what are your orders?"

Konan asked seriously.

"You said, give you the Rinnegan?"

Nagato frowned.

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