Chapter 174: First Walkthrough

After notifying Shino, Kirito parted ways with Kakashi. Kakashi mentioned he'd meet Yamato later for a drink, so Kirito didn't feel the need to tag along. Except for Shino, Kirito felt no obligation to notify the others personally, as they were already familiar with the mission. However, Sakura's fragile state had prompted him to accompany Kakashi to her house the previous day.

The following morning, under the warm sun, the decapitation squad gathered at the Third Training Ground on the outskirts of Konoha.

This was the same training ground where Team Seven had once undergone the bell test, and the old tree stump where Naruto had been tied up as punishment stood prominently. Seeing it again brought back memories for Sakura, who couldn't help but feel melancholic thinking about Sasuke's current situation.

"Alright!" Kakashi's firm voice broke through the silence. Noticing Sakura's somber mood, he continued with authority, "You all know the mission details from yesterday. Over the next few days, we'll focus on cooperative drills to prepare for the formidable enemy ahead."

As everyone turned their attention to him, Kakashi gestured to Kirito. "Since Jiraiya-sama is occupied training Naruto, Kirito will brief us on Pain's abilities and the strategies needed to counter them. He's the only one here with firsthand experience against the Akatsuki leader."

Kirito nodded and stepped forward, his tone calm but commanding. "Our primary target is Nagato, the true leader of the Akatsuki and Jiraiya-sama's former disciple. Pain is simply a puppet controlled by Nagato from a distance."

He then detailed the nature of the Six Paths of Pain, explaining that each body had a unique ability, making them easier to target individually. However, Nagato himself could wield all their abilities simultaneously, making him far more dangerous.

"Be warned," Kirito emphasized. "Nagato is not alone. By his side is Konan, another of Jiraiya-sama's former students. She specializes in a technique called the Dance of the Shikigami, which allows her to manipulate paper with devastating versatility. You'll need someone to deal with her while the rest focus on Nagato."

Hearing this, Kakashi analyzed the situation aloud. "If Konan's mobility relies on paper, she'll need to be countered by someone just as versatile. Shino, your insects will likely be the best match for her."

"Understood," Shino replied, though his mind was already strategizing. "If she uses paper, wouldn't fire techniques be effective against her?"

Kirito shook his head. "No. Jiraiya-sama and I tested that. She's developed a resistance to flames. Only substances like oil can effectively disrupt her abilities."

Shino fell silent, contemplating alternative ways to deal with Konan using adhesive or viscous materials.

The group spent the next hour discussing strategies for Nagato. Kirito listened but refrained from joining the planning. His role was to test their battle plan during the drills, ensuring its feasibility under pressure.

By midday, the team prepared for their first walkthrough. Kirito transformed into the likeness of Pain's Deva Path, his chakra radiating an overwhelming pressure that made the group's breathing hitch for a moment.

"I'll simulate Nagato's abilities," he announced. "I'll limit my strength to Pain's level, but don't hold back. This is your chance to test your coordination."

He weaved a set of hand signs and declared, "Summoning Jutsu!"

Instead of traditional summons, several fierce wooden beasts emerged from the ground, each adorned with replica Rinnegan eyes and black chakra rods. They charged at the team with terrifying speed and ferocity.

"What? He's starting at this level already?!" Kakashi exclaimed.

At the front of the charge were a massive hell rhino and an equally menacing hell yak. Their heavy footsteps shook the ground as they barreled toward the squad.

"Go to hell!" Sakura roared, channeling chakra into her fist and delivering a thunderous punch to the hell yak. The beast shattered into splinters, leaving her standing confidently amidst the debris.

"How's that?" she asked triumphantly.

Before Kirito could respond, a thick vine shot out from the ground, wrapping around Sakura's waist and yanking her back.

Smash! An invisible force struck the spot where she had just stood, leaving a deep crater in the ground.

"What just happened?" Sakura asked, startled.

"That was likely the invisible summon Kirito mentioned earlier," Kakashi explained. "Shino, locate it now!"

"On it!" Shino replied, releasing his insects to search the battlefield.

As Shino worked, a massive, winged wolf-like beast lunged at him, snarling.

"Yamato!" Kakashi called out.

Yamato leaped into action, slamming his hand to the ground. "Wood Release: Multiple Pillar Prison!"

Thick wooden beams erupted from the earth, forming a cage around the wolf-like summon and pinning it in place.

"Don't attack the dog," Kakashi warned. "It'll split into more if you damage it!"

"I've found it!" Shino suddenly announced. A swarm of insects swirled in a concentrated circle, marking the invisible summon's location.

"Lightning Blade!" Kakashi's voice rang out as he charged toward the marked area. Blue lightning crackled around his hand as he drove the attack into the empty air.

With a pained screech, the chameleon summon appeared, writhing as it was struck.

"Got it!" Kakashi exclaimed.

But before the team could celebrate, golden spears of lightning rained down from the sky, striking with explosive force.

KABOOM!

The battlefield was engulfed in smoke and debris as the explosions subsided.

"Not bad," Kirito's voice rang out from within the chaos. "But you'll need to do better if you want to defeat Nagato."

(End of this chapter)

>>>>>

If you would like to read 80 Chapters ahead , check out Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)

Gimme power stonesssss

And, leave a review please 

50% discount code (DDBFC)