"Yo, what's this? A touching farewell between life and death?"
The mocking voice echoed across the battlefield, startling everyone. A figure appeared at Jiraiya's side without warning.
Both Jiraiya and the Six Paths of Pain turned toward the newcomer.
Jiraiya's face hardened the moment he recognized him. "You! What are you doing here?" His voice carried both shock and worry. He shouted quickly, "Leave now, Kaito! These people aren't opponents you should face!"
The Deva Path's expression didn't waver as he spoke. "Ayanami Kaito, the one who captured Deidara alive and killed Kakuzu and Hidan. Now the disciple of the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade of the Land of Fire."
Kaito smirked faintly. "So, even Akatsuki keeps a close eye on me. I didn't think my name had spread that far."
Fukasaku's brows furrowed, his concern showing. "Boy, you coming here alone is suicide. Jiraiya-chan and I will hold them off, you must find a chance to escape!"
"Escape?" Deva Path's cold tone cut through the air. "Too late. As the leader of Akatsuki, I'll personally avenge Hidan and the others."
Two more Pains moved forward, encircling Kaito.
Kaito tilted his head, his smile sharpening. "Surrounding me with just two bodies? Nagato, are you underestimating me?"
Deva Path stiffened slightly. "You… know my name?" It made sense that Jiraiya would know, since he was once their teacher, but how did this young man know?
Kaito's voice remained calm, almost casual. "The Six Paths of Pain are nothing more than puppets controlled through the Rinnegan. Heavenly Path, Asura Path, Preta Path, Animal Path, Human Path, Naraka Path. I only see five here, which means Jiraiya must have sealed one already. And your real body… should be on that tall tower, isn't it?" He pointed directly to the highest spire in Amegakure.
For the first time, Deva Path's expression cracked. His usually unwavering gaze flickered with unease, the ripple-patterned eyes narrowing in shock. "How… how did you know that?"
Nagato's secret was one he had guarded fiercely. Aside from Konan, no one knew the truth. His real body remained hidden away in that tower, linked only by chakra threads to these puppet bodies. For this stranger to reveal it so casually unsettled him deeply. For a moment, doubt even crept in—had Konan betrayed him? But he quickly discarded the thought. She had never left his side. No, it was impossible.
Still, the fact remained: this boy knew too much.
Nagato clenched his resolve. Then I cannot allow him to live.
Kaito, sensing the shift, chuckled softly. "Want me to tell you more? Perhaps the real reason Akatsuki is collecting the Tailed Beasts?"
Even Jiraiya froze at those words.
"You know… that as well?" Deva Path asked, though his voice steadied quickly. If Kaito could uncover his most guarded secret, then knowing Akatsuki's true purpose was hardly surprising.
"What are you doing with the Tailed Beasts?" Jiraiya demanded, unable to stop himself. His tone carried bitterness. He had nearly given his life here to uncover even fragments of information, only for Kaito to speak it aloud so easily.
Kaito ignored Jiraiya's glare, his eyes fixed calmly on Deva Path. "You intend to create a weapon of unparalleled destruction. A weapon that could obliterate an entire village in a single strike. With that power, you plan to force the world into peace. By making nations fear overwhelming pain, they'll hesitate to wage war. But peace born from terror is never real. After decades, when fear fades, hatred will return, and so will war. Then your weapon will be used again, and the cycle will continue."
The two great sages on Jiraiya's shoulders stiffened, appalled. Even Jiraiya himself was shaken. This twisted version of peace, this idea of guiding the world through fear and pain… was this truly the belief of the bright-eyed student he once taught?
"Nagato!" Jiraiya cried out, sorrow heavy in his voice. "How could you fall so far?!"
Deva Path's eyes never left Kaito. He ignored Jiraiya entirely. "How do you know our plan? Who are you, really?"
Kaito's lips curved, but he didn't answer.
"Enough," Deva Path declared, his voice like steel. "It doesn't matter who you are. You've learned too much. You will not leave this place alive."
The killing intent directed at Kaito surged, sharper than even what was aimed at Jiraiya. Deva Path extended his hand, and power swelled like a gathering storm.
"Shinra Tensei!"
The impact erupted outward in a devastating wave. The ground shattered, collapsing into a massive crater. Rain itself was hurled skyward by the force, as if the heavens were being torn apart.
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Not good! Kaito, run! You can't withstand that!" His hair shot forward, weaving into whips to pull Kaito away from the blast.
But Kaito dodged effortlessly, his movement smooth and precise. His voice was calm, steady, almost bored. "No need, Jiraiya. Tsunade wouldn't have sent me here if she doubted my ability. Just watch."
He raised his hand slowly, deliberately. As the colossal shockwave bore down upon him, Kaito clenched his fist and drove it forward.