Boom!
From Kaito's fist erupted a violent surge of energy, compressing into a massive construct of force shaped like a colossal fist. It clashed head-on with Pain's repulsive wave, the impact splitting the earth beneath them in an expanding web of cracks.
The storm above reversed its flow, rain scattering upward under the sheer pressure.
Jiraiya and the two elder toads were frozen in disbelief. That fist wasn't just holding back the devastating shockwave of Shinra Tensei—it was steadily pushing forward, like an unstoppable mountain advancing step by step toward the Deva Path.
Pop! Crack!
With a sound like a balloon bursting, Kaito's strike tore straight through the wall of repulsion, breaking apart the technique's defense. In an instant, his glowing fist was only inches from the Deva Path's face.
Whoosh!
The Preta Path leapt in front of his leader, arms outstretched to absorb the energy. But the moment his palms touched the force, his eyes widened in horror. The energy didn't diminish—it devoured him instead.
The massive fist swallowed him whole, reducing the Preta Path's body into shredded fragments scattered across the rain-soaked ground.
The backlash carried forward, surging toward the Deva Path. With a sharp motion, he shifted aside, narrowly avoiding destruction. The attack roared past him, colliding into a distant wall with a thunderous boom, leaving a gaping hole in the structure.
Deva Path's expression turned grim as he glanced at the mangled remains of the Preta Path. His voice was low, almost unwilling to admit it. "That… was pure taijutsu?"
Jiraiya's eyes were wide with shock. For a moment he thought it was a dream and even slapped his own cheek, only to feel the sting of reality. "When… when did this kid become so powerful?" he muttered.
A single punch had shattered the Deva Path's strongest defense, obliterated the Preta Path who could absorb all forms of energy, and forced Pain himself to retreat. More shocking still—the attack was raw physical power, no ninjutsu or chakra techniques.
Pure taijutsu at such a level was terrifying. Even Might Guy, master of the Eight Inner Gates, could not display such devastating force with a single strike.
"Unbelievable…" Fukasaku murmured. "I never expected to see someone wield Sage Mode like this. And it isn't temporary, his body itself is brimming with natural energy. Boy, you surpass even little Jiraiya. Since Hashirama's time, no one has achieved this kind of Sage state."
"What?!" Jiraiya blinked in disbelief. "You're saying Kaito is using Sage Mode? But his body doesn't look transformed at all!"
Deva Path remained silent, watching, analyzing every word.
Fukasaku's tone grew firm. "When one enters Sage Mode, their body fills with natural energy. In this boy's case, he is natural energy. The surrounding flow is being drawn into him constantly. I would wager he has awakened the same body as the First Hokage— the Sage Body."
"Exactly," Jiraiya said at last, his face solemn. "Kaito carries Senju blood. He recently awakened the Sage Body, and Tsunade formally recognized him as the last male heir of the Senju line."
Fukasaku nodded gravely. "Not just awakened… He's surpassed even Hashirama in refinement. A living Sage Body. Little Jiraiya, this time we may yet survive."
"A Sage Body…" Deva Path's eyes narrowed, the Rinnegan glowing faintly. His voice was unusually heavy.
Kaito straightened his posture, turning his head slightly to acknowledge Fukasaku. "Good eyes, old man. You see things clearly."
The elder toad chuckled. "I've lived nearly nine centuries, seen countless talents, but none like you. You're in a league of your own."
Jiraiya, meanwhile, couldn't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at him. Weren't they supposed to be escaping for their lives? Yet here these two sages were, treating the battlefield like a classroom discussion.
"Oi," Jiraiya interjected, his voice tight. "Don't forget where we are. This is enemy territory, and we're still outnumbered. Don't relax just yet."
"Foolish as ever, little Jiraiya," Shima scolded. "Can't you see? If this boy remains calm against the Rinnegan itself, then he must have the strength to back it up. Even if we lose, he can get us out safely. Trust him."
Kaito smirked faintly. "Well said. Jiraiya, just watch."
The next instant, he vanished.
The remaining Pains snapped to attention, eyes darting around.
"Behind you," Kaito's voice came casually from the shadows.
The Hell Path's head snapped upward in alarm, but too late. A crackle split the air.
Kaito's finger extended, a spear of black lightning erupting forth. The thunder took shape like a gaping abyss, swallowing the Hell Path whole. His body disintegrated, leaving only one of the black receivers clattering to the ground.
Deva Path's gaze darkened, a rare ripple of unease stirring in his expression. "He destroyed one of us under my very eyes…"
Jiraiya could barely breathe. His chest tightened as he pointed toward Kaito, shock etched on his face. "This… this is insane…"
Even for him, the scale of what he was witnessing defied reason.
Deva Path's thoughts sharpened coldly. Dispersing won't work. We'll be picked off one by one. From now on, we attack as one.
Two more bodies shifted closer to his side, forming a tight guard around him.
But Jiraiya's gaze remained locked on Kaito, awe and confusion warring within him. Just who are you really, Kaito?
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