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...
The following noon following Raikage's return to Kumogakure,
Somewhere outside of Kumogakure,
"Are you truly intending to capture the Jinchuriki of the Eight Tails alone? It's highly risky, considering there's a strong possibility that Kumogakure might possess information about our weaknesses and strengths," remarked Konan.
"I'm confident. I'm a god; no one can defeat me. Can mortals defeat a god if they know the god's strength? Never," replied Nagato, though he coughed heavily as he spoke.
"I've said countless times that you need rest, but you never listen to me. I'll stay here with you to protect you," said Konan, then fell silent.
----
Due to the constant threat of attack on Kumogakure for capturing Jinchuriki, the entire village was on high alert. Nearly all of Kumo's ninjas were present within the village due to this imminent danger and the looming war.
"I sense invaders," announced one of the Sensory ninjas stationed on the outskirts of Kumogakure. "Seven individuals are approaching our location, and their strength is formidable."
Sensory ninjas, such as these, were deployed throughout the village because Kumo lacks a sensory barrier that covers the entire village like Konoha. This deployment ensures that Kumo's ninjas can be promptly alerted to approaching enemies.
As soon as the Sensory ninja's voice rang out, the ninjas on duty around him immediately snapped to attention. However, when the Sensory ninja mentioned that the attacking enemies were formidable, one of the on-duty ninjas wasted no time and swiftly launched a flare into the sky.
The moment the flare ascended, another ninja, stationed to watch the path, spotted the silhouettes of seven individuals approaching. His expression shifted abruptly upon witnessing multiple missiles hurtling towards them. With urgency, he shouted, "INCOMING!"
Unfortunately, the ninja's warning fell on deaf ears as the checkpoint was swiftly obliterated, resulting in the deaths of five to six ninjas in one fell swoop.
Soon, at the site of destruction, seven individuals arrived. These seven individuals were none other than the 'Six Paths of Pain' and Konan's clone.
"As expected, Kumogakure is on high alert," remarked the 'Deva Path.'
As soon as the 'Deva Path' finished speaking, multiple ninjas began approaching their location.
"It's the leader of the Akatsuki. Remember all the details, and everyone attack with full force. Utilize ninjutsu against these 'Paths of Pain,'" instructed one of the Anbu ninjas who had arrived.
And as soon as the voice of the Anbu ninja fell, almost half of the ninjas started using different ninjutsu techniques to attack the 'Paths of Pain'.
To counter this onslaught of multiple ninjutsu, the 'Preta Path' stepped forward, and a small invisible barrier appeared around him, absorbing all the ninjutsu attacks.
"Now, attack," ordered the Anbu ninja.
And as soon as the Anbu ninja's command was given, countless kunai, each tied with explosive tags, were thrown in the direction of the 'Paths of Pain'.
From the very beginning, the motive of the Anbu ninjas was not to launch a Ninjutsu attack; rather, their primary objective was to utilize the kunai tied with explosive tags. The Ninjutsu attack served merely as a diversion for the 'Paths of Pain'.
But their meticulous calculations were abruptly shattered by a commanding voice, "Almighty Push." This single utterance caused a profound disruption in the carefully orchestrated assault. Suddenly, all the kunai hurtling toward the 'Paths of Pain' were not only halted but redirected with amplified force back toward the unsuspecting ninjas of Kumogakure. The resultant backlash wrought havoc, claiming the lives of almost ten ninjas instantaneously while leaving over twenty others grievously wounded, their bodies bearing the scars of varying degrees of injury.
"It appears our estimation was flawed," remarked the Anbu ninja, his voice strained as he attempted to rise to his feet. Yet, before he could fully regain his bearings, he found himself engulfed in an ominous shadow, signaling the presence of an adversary looming before him. With a cautious glance upward, he beheld the ominous visage of one of the 'Paths of Pain'.
Uncertain of the specific identity of this particular 'Path of Pain', the Anbu ninja's thoughts were swiftly diverted as the 'Human Path' seized his head with a relentless grip, forcibly extracting every morsel of information contained within his mind. In a moment of chilling realization, the Anbu ninja understood that the enigmatic figure standing before him was none other than the 'Human Path' itself.
"Now that we have acquired the necessary intelligence, let us depart," declared the 'Deva Path', the authority in his tone brooking no dissent.
The 'Animal Path' utilized a summoning technique, conjuring forth a massive bird.
"Konan, you will ride on the bird with the 'Animal Path'. We will persist in causing destruction here to divert the Raikage's attention," instructed the 'Deva Path'.
Konan nodded in understanding. She then joined the 'Animal Path' on the bird, and together they took off, swiftly departing from the area.
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