Chapter 107: Nagato and Jiraiya

"Hmph, do you really think you can escape?" Orochimaru's gaze locked onto Danzo like a predator eyeing its prey. Without hesitation, he lunged forward in pursuit.

"Kakashi, let's go." Deidara spat out a clay clone—not just any ordinary clone, but one meticulously crafted. 

More than enough to deal with Danzo.

According to the plan, Danzo was Kakashi's designated opponent. After all, if Kakashi had to fight against Konoha's shinobi, he might hesitate.

"You won't get past me!" A Root member stepped forward, forming a hand seal for a Fire Release jutsu, attempting to block Orochimaru, Deidara's clone, and Kakashi.

"Hah! Such a pathetic little flame."

"Fire Release!"

Rather than countering with Water Release, Kakuzu deliberately used Fire Release as well, overwhelming the enemy's flames with sheer intensity.

A surge of searing fire roared back at Konoha's side, forcing them to retreat slightly.

Seeing an opening in their defensive formation, Nagato rose to his feet.

"Let's go, Konan."

"Jiraiya-sensei… we'll leave him to them."

Originally, Kisame and Itachi were assigned to handle Jiraiya. Kisame, after all, had a natural advantage against ninjutsu-based fighters, and with Itachi's near-divine level of genjutsu backing him up, they could hold their own—even against Jiraiya's instant Sage Mode activation. They might not win outright, but they certainly wouldn't lose.

But since Nagato and Konan wanted to face their former master, they might as well take the opportunity. Even with only one Rinnegan, Nagato was still incredibly powerful.

"You're not going anywhere!" Tsunade charged forward, her monstrous strength ripping through the conference hall, destroying at least half of it with a single punch.

"Tsunade-chan, your opponent is me~" Deidara's real body stepped forward. His abilities countered Tsunade's perfectly, making him the ideal matchup.

"You damn brat!" Tsunade's face flushed red. Just what the hell had she done back then? That was so embarrassing!

She wanted to crawl into a hole.

No! Killing this little punk was the better option!

That was the terrifying power of Kotoamatsukami—it didn't just control a person's mind, it subtly altered their way of thinking. Other than matters concerning Danzo, Tsunade acted exactly like her usual self, making it impossible to detect any difference.

"Wood Release: Smothering Binding Technique"

Simultaneously, Yamato and Sasori both activated Wood Release, their thorn-covered vines intertwining in midair. Yamato had intended to ambush Hidan, but Sasori intercepted him.

"Heh, Wood Release? Interesting."

"Looks like my puppet collection is about to gain another masterpiece." Sasori smirked.

"Itachi-san, it's time to move." Kisame turned to Itachi.

"Let's go." Itachi nodded. Their mission was to extract Konoha's defectors and act as a mobile support force, assisting wherever needed.

After all, Konoha still had the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and Might Guy.

"This battlefield is too cramped. Why don't you follow me somewhere more open, sister~?" Deidara soared into the sky atop his clay bird. Furious, Tsunade stomped the ground, shattering it into rubble before immediately giving chase.

"Uwahahahaha!"

"The thrill of slaughter!"

Hidan, now in his second-stage transformation, cackled wildly. With the wings granted by his Cursed Seal, he hovered in midair, brandishing his scythe like the Grim Reaper, reaping lives indiscriminately.

"What do we do?"

Konoha's shinobi exchanged uneasy glances. Hidan's immortality was far too troublesome—his fighting style was all offense, no defense. He could trade blow for blow without consequence, making him nearly impossible to deal with.

"I'll handle it."

"Shadow Imitation Technique!"

A Root member from the Nara Clan stepped forward, easily capturing Hidan's shadow.

Since they were still indoors, with people and objects densely packed around them, using their shadows to extend his technique was almost effortless.

"Oi! Why can't I move?!"

Hidan stood frozen in place, struggling to lift his scythe.

"Hurry! Use explosive tags! He's too strong—I won't be able to hold him for long!" The Nara shinobi shouted urgently.

But he didn't need to say anything. The Konoha shinobi present were all Jonin-level at the very least, and their battle instincts were sharp. Explosive tags rained down on Hidan, aiming to blow him to pieces.

"Tricks like this won't work on me!"

"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"

A heart infused with Fire Release spewed out a massive wave of scorching fire, engulfing the entire Konoha squad. Naturally, Hidan was also spared from the attack.

"Kakuzu! Couldn't you use a gentler jutsu?! That was way too hot!" Hidan yelled from within the flames.

"My apologies, Hidan."

"And Sasori! I was in serious danger just now—weren't you planning to help me?"

"My apologies, Hidan."

...

Meanwhile, inside a bar in Konoha, Jiraiya was enjoying a drink, laughing and flirting with a few hostesses.

But despite the lively atmosphere, his expression was far from carefree.

He knew about Danzo's plan. It was insane. But Danzo was the Hokage now, and with Tsunade's support, Jiraiya had no say in the matter.

He could only drown his frustrations in alcohol, avoiding the issue altogether.

Suddenly, he stood up sharply, turning toward the conference hall in the distance.

So it had finally started…

Even if he didn't approve of Konoha's actions, he couldn't just ignore this.

Just as he was about to leave, two figures appeared before him, making him freeze in place.

"Nagato! Konan!"

Jiraiya stared at them in shock.

"I received intelligence that you and Yahiko were dead… So you survived?" Jiraiya said, his voice filled with surprise and relief.

But his joy was short-lived. His expression quickly darkened.

"You're wearing Akatsuki's robes… Something must have happened over the years."

"And… why do you only have one Rinnegan left?"

Nagato ignored the barrage of questions and simply stated, "I am the leader of Akatsuki—Pain."

"The ones currently invading Konoha are my subordinates."

"What will you do, Jiraiya-sensei? Will you kill us?" His voice dragged slightly at the end, tinged with hatred.

Hatred not just from losing Yahiko, but because Konoha had shattered their dream—their hope of achieving peace through kindness and cooperation.

"Nagato… you…" Jiraiya never imagined that the timid boy he once mentored would turn into this.

"Why? Have you abandoned your dream?" he asked, struggling to understand.

Nagato laughed—a hollow, bitter laugh filled with both anger and sorrow.

"Jiraiya-sensei, as a Konoha shinobi, you have no right to speak to me about ideals."

"Look at what Konoha has done lately—waging war everywhere. Why didn't you stop Danzo?"

"I…" Jiraiya was at a loss for words.

"If words won't change anything…"

"Then let's settle this in battle." Nagato had no desire to continue arguing.

Jiraiya sighed, but his gaze was resolute. "No matter what, Nagato…"

"I will bring the old you back!"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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