Naruto fixed his gaze on Sasuke, his expression firm yet tinged with sorrow.
"Before coming here, I learned the truth about the Uchiha Clan massacre," he said, his voice carrying both weight and conviction. "What happened to your clan was truly tragic, something no one should ever have endured. But right now, I have only one goal—and that is to bring you back to Konoha. The rest… we'll talk about later."
Sasuke let out a cold, mocking chuckle as his eyes narrowed on Naruto.
"So, it's just you who came to capture me? Then save your breath. You're nowhere near strong enough to stand against me. If anyone here could capture me, it would be Inoiki—not you. You're not worthy."
Naruto's hands clenched into fists, his determination unwavering despite Sasuke's taunts.
"We'll see about that," he replied, his voice steady. "Whether I'm worthy or not… I'll prove it with everything I have."
Without another word, Naruto formed the familiar hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
In an instant, a dozen shadow clones burst into existence, surrounding him in a blur. They wasted no time, rushing forward in coordinated movements, launching themselves toward Team Taka, who stood poised above the towering gates of Amegakure.
Sasuke drew his sword in a swift motion, the blade gleaming under the dim light, and intercepted the incoming strikes from Naruto's shadow clones. His movements were fluid and merciless. With blinding speed, he cut through the clones one after another, each strike dissolving them into bursts of white smoke. Despite his clones being destroyed with ease, Naruto's expression remained unshaken, his determination as firm as ever.
The relentless exchange forced Team Taka to retreat, slipping deeper into the narrow streets of Amegakure. Behind Naruto, Sakura and Sai pressed forward, following his lead without hesitation, ready to back him up in whatever came next.
Kakashi too was about to advance when a sudden surge of killing intent made him halt. He spun around, kunai already in hand, just in time for steel to clash with steel like skin—the curved edge of Samehada met his blade with a resounding clang. Standing before him was Kisame, a sinister grin stretching across his face.
"Well, if it isn't the Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi. It's been a while."
Kakashi remained silent, his lone eye narrowing as sparks flew with every clash of kunai against Kisame's monstrous sword. Without another word, the two warriors engaged in a fierce exchange, their battle pulling them away from the gate and into the surrounding chaos.
Now, only Inoiki and Jiraiya remained standing before the gates of Amegakure. They exchanged a brief glance—no words were needed. The inevitability of battle hung heavy in the air. Both men advanced, their steps measured and resolute. By this time, the Ame guards who had been stationed nearby began to disperse, slipping away as though they had been ordered to stand down. Without resistance, Inoiki and Jiraiya passed through the towering gates of Amegakure, their presence unhindered, the silence of the deserted path ahead amplifying the weight of the confrontation to come.
Jiraiya and Inoiki pressed forward, their footsteps splashing softly in the rain‑soaked streets. Minutes passed in tense silence until a shift in the air made them pause. Both men looked up sharply, their instincts alert.
High above, descending through the gray skies of Amegakure, appeared two figures. Konan, the Angel of Amegakure, hovered gracefully with her paper wings unfurled, their edges gleaming like sharpened blades. Beside her floated the Deva Path of Pain, his presence radiating an oppressive weight that seemed to press down on everything below.
Jiraiya's expression tightened. Memories flooded him—the days of teaching three orphans in the chaos of war, their innocent eyes full of hope. Now, staring at what they had become, his heart was torn between pride, regret, and sorrow. Forcing a small laugh, he tried to mask his emotions.
"You two… you're certainly making quite a ruckus in the world."
The Deva Path's voice was calm yet cold, echoing with an unnatural resonance.
"We were your students once, Jiraiya-sensei. This path we walk… it is our way of bringing peace. Sacrifices are necessary. We only wish to fulfill Yahiko's dream of a world free from endless war."
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, the faint smile fading.
"Don't twist his dream. What you're doing now—this isn't peace. It's nothing but more chaos, more suffering."
The Deva Path's gaze was unflinching.
"You cannot understand our goal, nor the burden we carry. This conversation ends here."
Without warning, Konan raised her hands. Sheets of paper fluttered outward like wings breaking apart, instantly folding into sharp shuriken laced with explosive tags. She unleashed them in a deadly storm aimed directly at Jiraiya and Inoiki.
The two men reacted instantly, springing in opposite directions as the barrage rained down. The paper shuriken struck the ground with a thunderous series of explosions, shockwaves rippling through the street and scattering debris in every direction.
Separated by the blasts, Jiraiya and Inoiki steadied themselves. Konan's piercing gaze followed her sensei alone—she had no interest in pursuing Inoiki. She already knew his opponent would not be her, but the Six Paths of Pain. Her battle, the one she had prepared for, would be against Jiraiya.
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