Chapter 146: Pre-Battle Preparations

Night.

Amegakure, Hidden Rain Village.

"Are you sure there's no problem?"

On top of a high tower in Amegakure, Konan of the Akatsuki looked at Tendo Pain beside her with a worried expression.

Tomorrow was the day of Pain's battle against the Flying Thunder God user.

Although she had absolute confidence in Nagato's strength, the Flying Thunder God user clearly wasn't someone easy to defeat.

No matter the outcome, Nagato's body would undoubtedly suffer some damage after this battle.

"Don't worry. I've had Sasori enhance the other five Paths of Pain, making them even stronger."

"Besides, I have a backup plan."

"As long as the Flying Thunder God user doesn't escape, I can definitely take him down."

Tendo Pain reassured Konan, taking his gaze from the villagers below and returning it to her.

"This is the person you wanted."

With a spatial distortion, Uchiha Obito appeared before Tendo Pain, dragging an unconscious person behind him.

"Excellent."

Tendo Pain looked at the figure lying at Obito's feet and nodded in satisfaction.

Having this person increased his chances of defeating the Flying Thunder God user.

"I'll go scout the Valley of Death to ensure the opponent doesn't lay any traps beforehand," Obito said, preparing to enter his Kamui space.

"How are things with the Gedo Statue and the White Zetsu?" Tendo Pain asked, looking at Obito.

Obito paused and then said, "The Flying Thunder God mark on the statue has been removed, and it has been relocated. As for the White Zetsu, I've made the main body mark each clone and set up a barrier around the cave where the statue is stored to prevent any unfamiliar Zetsu from entering."

The last time the Flying Thunder God user infiltrated using a Zetsu clone, it caught both Nagato and Obito off guard. They immediately moved the Gedo Statue and set up defenses against such an intrusion.

"That's good," Tendo Pain replied, returning his attention to the villagers below.

Obito then entered Kamui space to scout the Valley of Death.

"Pain, the modifications you requested are complete. Anything else?"

With bright red hair and a puppet-like appearance, Sasori approached Tendo Pain and Konan, his tone cold and indifferent. He had come out of his hideout specifically to enhance the other five Paths of Pain.

"Perfect timing. I have another task for you," Tendo Pain said coldly, looking at Sasori.

Fire Country, Hotspring City.

"Are you confident about tomorrow?"

Uchiha Mikoto lay in Shishou's arms, tracing circles on his chest with her finger, her face still flushed from their earlier intimacy. She had already heard from Shishou about his upcoming battle with the leader of the Akatsuki.

"I never do anything I'm not confident about."

"You know that, don't you?"

Shishou kissed Mikoto on the forehead, smiling at her.

Seeing Shishou's confidence, Mikoto gave him a coquettish look, her demeanor seductive.

Mikoto's inadvertent display of allure was the most captivating to Shishou.

"Don't start anything. You have a battle tomorrow."

"If you must, go to Eri."

Seeing Shishou's mischievous intent, Mikoto's expression was both happy and helpless.

She was happy that Shishou was so infatuated with her, yet helpless because he always found new ways to tire her out.

Moreover, he needed to conserve his energy for the battle tomorrow.

Eventually, Shishou conceded and left Mikoto's room.

"I'll go to Miroku…"

Rejected by Mikoto, Shishou went to Miroku's room.

Since the battle was imminent, he had brought Miroku, Eri, Yugao, and Izumi to Hotspring City to make it easier to travel together.

However, as soon as Miroku let him into her room, she quickly ushered him out.

"Go to Eri." Miroku smiled gently at Shishou and then closed the door.

Miroku's thoughts were the same as Mikoto's: Shishou needed to conserve his energy for tomorrow's fight.

Thus, they both recommended Eri, whose unique constitution would ensure Shishou remained vigorous.

"Sigh." Shishou sighed and returned to his room to rest, not bothering to visit Eri.

He suspected that visiting anyone else would yield the same result.

Since that was the case, he decided to respect their good intentions and not disturb anyone further.

The next morning.

Shishou teleported to the Valley of Death with Pakura using the Flying Thunder God technique.

After Pakura summoned several giant ink eagles, Shishou began teleporting the others.

At Shishou's suggestion, everyone wore concealing clothing and masks to prevent their identities from being revealed.

Shishou even prepared ten matching white robes for everyone.

"That bastard!"

"How many women has he charmed?"

In the air, wearing robes and masks, Tsunade, Shizune, and Miroku stood on an ink eagle, observing the people around Shishou.

Though everyone was similarly dressed, Tsunade could tell from their figures that they were all women.

Miroku, standing beside Tsunade, averted her gaze from Tsunade's exaggerated curves and remained silent.

Elsewhere.

Mei Terumi observed the group with gritted teeth. She knew Shishou had other women but didn't expect there to be so many.

Pakura, Mikoto, Yugao, and Anko formed one group on an ink eagle, while Mei, Eri, and Izumi were another group.

Each group had significant strength, capable of handling potential incidents.

Shishou wasn't worried about any conflict arising.

He brought all his women to broaden their horizons and to get them acquainted with each other.

Maintaining a harem required facing such situations with courage and strength.

Since it was inevitable, he preferred to have them meet now, knowing that the imminent battle would keep them focused.

After the battle, witnessing his true strength, they would likely have nothing to say.

Once Tsunade, Mikoto, Mei, and the others were in the air, Shishou stood in the Valley of Death, waiting for Nagato.

Before long.

Tendo Pain arrived, leading the Akatsuki on a giant bird, flying rapidly towards Shishou's location.