The black-robed figure's movements were casual, almost nonchalant. Though similar in execution to Gaara's Sand Burial, her gestures lacked any apparent force.
With just a gentle clench of her fist, the long-haired ox and the maned dog froze in place. Moments later, green energy surged from their bodies, disintegrating them into grains of dust that scattered into the wind, vanishing as if they had never existed.
"What…"
Sasuke was momentarily stunned. Even with his Sharingan's keen insight, he couldn't detect any Chakra Fluctuations from her actions. The mysterious demise of the Summoned Beasts baffled him… it was both eerie and fascinating.
'Is this her real strength?'
'Her attacks were not just effective, but also profoundly enigmatic.'
Shaking off his thoughts, Sasuke redirected his focus and charged forward.
"This is your home turf, and I've let you make the first move. Now it's my turn!"
While growling, Sasuke dashed toward the opposing group.
Among the Six Paths of Pain, the only round figure, Preta Path stepped forward with a flick of his sleeve, summoning a black rod into his hand as if intending to single-handedly block Sasuke.
"Foolishness born of ignorance!"
Feeling underestimated, Sasuke couldn't suppress his anger. Raising his hand, he began to gather Chakra for Chidori.
However, before he could launch his attack, the black-robed figure's voice rang out behind him, "Sasuke, be careful, my Chakra probes were absorbed by that one. Ninjutsu will not work on that guy, he might even drain your Chakra if you're not cautious."
Just as the black-robed figure said, Preta Path's special ability is to absorb Ninjutsu and Chakra.
"I can't use Ninjutsu? Fine, let's see how he handles Taijutsu!"
Sasuke believed the black-robed figure's words, so he drew out the Kusanagi Sword, made a feint, and then aimed a deadly thrust at Preta Path's neck. It is a swift and precise strike intended to decapitate Preta Path.
However, much to Sasuke's surprise, the Preta Path dodged his feint with uncanny precision. Despite bending forward into a position where Sasuke's real attack should have been hidden from view, the Preta Path awkwardly dropped to the ground, avoiding the blow.
The movement was clumsy, seemingly reckless, and left him wide open. Yet it perfectly evaded Sasuke's deadly thrust.
By the time Sasuke pressed forward to deliver another strike, the Preta Path drew his black rod, parrying the Kusanagi Sword.
The two separated, distancing themselves to reassess.
Sasuke frowned. He couldn't figure out what method the Preta Path used to dodge his attack.
'How did he know? No one called out a warning. Could he somehow see what I was doing without looking?'
Just as Sasuke was thinking this, Preta Path rushed forward again.
As Sasuke waved his Kusanagi Sword to block, the voice of the black-robed figure came from behind him, "The six of them have the same eyes and the same Chakra Fluctuations. They should be controlled by the same person. It I'd bet their eyes are connected, possibly sharing the same vision. So, if you want to attack the blind spot, you'd need to avoid all six of their fields of view at once."
Understanding dawned on Sasuke, "Good to know. That makes things easier."
Sasuke leaped back, smirking with newfound confidence.
He didn't fear a strong opponent, he feared not understanding one.
"If that's the case, I'll make it so fast they won't have time to react, even if they see it!"
As long as he acts fast enough, no one will be able to react even if they see it.
His assurance wasn't just bravado, as it was rooted in his strength.
Channeling Chakra throughout his entire body, Sasuke's body crackled with lightning. His body surged with energy as he infused every cell with the Lightning Attribute Chakra, enhancing his speed and reflexes to their utmost limit.
Not stopping there, Sasuke clenched his fists and let out a low growl, "Gate of Opening, open!"
Though he lacked Taijutsu Talent like Lee, Sasuke has the black-robed figure.
After enduring countless medicinal baths over the past weeks, his body had been enhanced to the point where he could safely open the first gate.
Combining the cellular activation from his Lightning Release with the heightened abilities of the first gate, Sasuke's speed became nearly godlike.
In an instant, he covered the distance between himself and the Preta Path, moving so fast it mimicked the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Preta Path barely managed to react, attempting a clumsy defense. But Sasuke's figure flickered once more, appearing behind him with lightning speed.
Bang!
Sasuke delivered a devastating kick to the back of the Preta Path's head, sending him crashing face-first into the ground.
Seeing his advantage, Sasuke didn't hesitate. He unleashed a flurry of brutal kicks to the Preta Path's exposed midsection, targeting the lower body relentlessly.
Even if it's a puppet, the lower half might still be vulnerable!
True to Sasuke's instincts, the Preta Path crumpled completely under his assault, unable to display its Chakra absorption abilities even once.
From a distance, Pain glanced dispassionately at the fallen Preta Path, as though looking at garbage.
"Let's end this in one strike!"
The prolonged activation of the Eight Gates, combined with his enhanced speed and power, was draining Sasuke rapidly. He knew he couldn't afford to drag this out.
"Just surrender and hand over the seven Biju. We have no personal grudge against each other… there is no need for further bloodshed."
Pain said coldly.
Sasuke snorted coldly, "No personal grudge? It was your Akatsuki that helped orchestrate the massacre of the Uchiha Clan! Whether your men were directly involved or not, as the leader of Akatsuki, you have no right to speak of peace!"
Through Danzo's memories, Sasuke knew the truth… the Akatsuki had collaborated with Danzo, sending Itachi and the masked Madara to execute the massacre. Because of that Pain's involvement was undeniable in Sasuke's eyes!
The memories of his slaughtered clan surged through Sasuke's mind, filling him with a white-hot fury.
With rage boiling over, Sasuke raised his hands. Streams of lightning chakra coalesced between his palms, producing the piercing chirps of a thousand birds. It's his signature technique: Chidori.
Pain's expression remained calm, his voice heavy with the weight of his conviction, "You see the tree but not the forest. Sacrifices are necessary for the peace of the future."
"Shut the hell up!"
Sasuke roared, unable to suppress his anger any longer.
After all, Pain talk about sacrifice as if it justifies murdering his entire clan.
Even if Sasuke had got it wrong and Pain was not his real enemy, he would still kill him today!
Channeling his fury, Sasuke began transforming the Chidori in his hand. Its shape shifted, elongating and hardening into a deadly spear.
"Chidori Stream: Lightning Spear!"
The Chidori took the form of a piercing long-range weapon, and Sasuke hurled the spear with incredible force, sending it hurtling toward Pain with the destructive precision of a lightning bolt… It's a weapon of despair aimed to annihilate everything in its path.