Nagato's expression was somewhat serious as he watched the swift and powerful Uzumaki Naruto in action, unable to suppress his amazement: "The Nine-tails truly lives up to its reputation as the strongest of the Tailed Beasts. Its Chakra and strength far surpass any other Tailed Beasts by an entire level!"
Nagato suddenly recalled what Uehara Naraku had once said. During the Chunin Exam in Konoha, Uehara Naraku personally witnessed the rampage of the Nine-tails and the power it displayed.
That's why Uehara Naraku always advised him not to attempt capturing the Nine-tails lightly. It is the most powerful Tailed Beast in the Ninja World, not inferior to the combined strength of all other Tailed Beasts!
Facts have proven that Uehara Naraku was right.
Even though the Nine-tails only released the power of four tails now, Nagato felt slightly troubled by its overwhelming speed and attack power!
Nagato was unaware.
The amount of Chakra in Uzumaki Naruto is only half of the real Nine-tails... all because the legendary Six Paths Sage was so biased!
Boom!
An Energy Cannon landed around Nagato, forcing him to dodge swiftly. The Nine-tails' Energy Cannon is not something an ordinary person can withstand.
Even Nagato's body couldn't endure such power.
However, Nagato indeed had ways to handle it.
He just needed to wait for the right opportunity...
The chance came quickly.
A figure slowly flew in from afar!
Flying in mid-air, Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand almost in unison reminded Nagato, speaking out the code they had prepared in advance.
"Hey, their reinforcements are coming!"
"That bastard Uehara Naraku from The Hidden Rain Village is chasing us!"
It's uncertain if they deliberately wanted to curse Uehara.
In any case, this message immediately reached Nagato's ears.
This was the signal for Nagato to act and suppress Uzumaki Naruto!
Nagato focused on Uzumaki Naruto from afar, whose entire body emitted a sinister red Chakra, quickly stretching out his palm, pulling the Nine-tails towards him with a force!
Nagato dodged the Nine-tails' claws by lowering his body, ramming his arm into the Nine-tails' abdomen, and murmured: "Preta Path!"
Inside Uzumaki Naruto, the Chakra Armor gradually dissipated, as Nagato quickly absorbed the Chakra from the Nine-tails into his own body!
At the same time, Uzumaki Naruto's mind gradually cleared completely.
The first thought in Uzumaki Naruto's mind was still to launch an attack at Nagato, wanting to strike Nagato's face with a punch. However, in the next moment, he was sent flying by a kick from Nagato!
Nagato suddenly clasped his palms together, the Chakra on his body instantly soared, as he roared fiercely: "Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
A powerful gust of wind blew towards Uzumaki Naruto!
Gale after gale slashed through Uzumaki Naruto like blades, creating cuts on his body!
As a genius ninja who mastered various Chakra nature transformations at fifteen, Nagato had great proficiency in Wind Release Jutsu. A C-class Wind Release Jutsu became as strong as some sharp B-class or even A-class Jutsu in his hands!
Not only did Uzumaki Naruto suffer from the Gale Palm's attack, but Granny Chiyo and Sai in the air were also caught off guard and affected by the powerful gusts released by Nagato, all three fighters were immediately blown away!
Even the people in the back like Haruno Sakura had to tightly hold onto Hatake Kakashi to maintain balance.
Just when everyone was struggling, a voice like an oasis in the desert came to their rescue.
"Wind Release: Wind Barrier!"
A wind wall landed on the ground, blocking all incoming strong winds.
Haruno Sakura heaved a sigh of relief, her face lighting up with delight: "That's Senior Uehara's Jutsu! Our comrades have arrived!"
"Hey, Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, are you all okay!"
"We're fine!"
Haruno Sakura and Uzumaki Naruto responded in unison before hurriedly waving at Uehara Naraku: "We're right here!"
"Hmm!"
After replying, Uehara Naraku landed gravely between them and the Akatsuki members, scrutinizing the Akatsuki Members clad in Cloud Black Robes opposite.
Deidara, riding his Clay Giant Bird, happily descended, provocatively teasing with a light laugh: "Ahahaha! Isn't this Uehara, the little brat? We have three people here now!"
Sasori of the Red Sand slowly descended from the air and, seeing Uehara Naraku, nonchalantly asked: "Uehara, we had a great rapport before. Why not join us?"
"Indeed."
Nagato, hooded and cloaked, slowly clasped his hands, urging earnestly: "Uehara Naraku, that deceitful Hanzo isn't worth your loyalty. Why not join our organization, our leader has always admired you greatly!"
"Hmph, shut up, I won't associate with you renegades!"
Uehara Naraku clenched his fist disdainfully but turned back to tell Sakura and others: "You all protect yourselves. We just need to hold on for a while until Mister Guy's support arrives!"
"...Yes!"
The members of the Seventh Class and Lady Chiyo trusted his words deeply.
At least, from Uehara Naraku's conversation with these Akatsuki members, Uzumaki Naruto, Chiyo, Sai, and Haruno Sakura could sense their meaning.
Uehara Naraku was evidently a ninja whom even the Akatsuki had to take seriously.
Which seemed really normal.
After all, everyone present had gathered intelligence on the Akatsuki Organization.
The Akatsuki's establishment was attributable to Hanzo of the Salamander, who, influenced by Uchiha Obito, recruited a bunch of renegades, with considerable help from Uehara Naraku as well, only to have these renegades betray Hanzo in favor of Uchiha Obito...
Imagine how saddening it must be for Hanzo of the Salamander.
The Konoha Ninja and Chiyo liked to consider what Hanzo and Uehara Naraku and these Hidden Rain Ninja felt; after all, the people they painstakingly recruited were snatched away by others.
While Deidara, Sasori, and Nagato on their side found it a bit perplexing.
They too heard Uzumaki Naruto, Chiyo, and Haruno Sakura and others respond to Uehara Naraku in unison, evidently highly trusting him.
It's utterly perplexing!
Do these ninjas from the Five Great Countries have any sense? They're trusting a future Akatsuki leader as their ally?
Uehara Naraku coldly eyed the Akatsuki members, speaking righteously: "Hey, Deidara, where is the Fifth Kazekage? Tell us, or you won't leave here unscathed today!"
"Hahaha... you think you can stop us?"
Deidara laughed arrogantly, tapping on the Clay Giant Bird under him, and provocatively motioned towards Uehara Naraku: "That Kazekage is right here in my possession, if you've got the skills, try taking it back!"
"No need to waste words!"
Sasori, glaring at Deidara, coldly declared: "Uehara Naraku, we only have you here, step aside, and we can spare your life..."
"Uehara Naraku, just step aside."
Nagato slowly positioned himself between them, spreading his palm: "Let us take the Nine-tailed Jinchuriki, and we can overlook the past grievances."
"What a pity."
Uehara Naraku steadied himself, his Chakra and aura gradually surging upwards: "The Nine-tailed Jinchuriki Uzumaki Naruto is my friend. If you want to capture him, you'll have to get past me first!"
"Uehara..."
Uzumaki Naruto felt somewhat moved.
"Don't speak, Naruto!"
Uehara Naraku's eyes narrowed as he focused on Deidara's Clay Giant Bird, softly uttering: "That idiot Deidara never used to deceive anyone. Perhaps the Fifth Kazekage is inside Deidara's Clay Bird!"
"Uehara is right."
Granny Chiyo also voiced her response: "When Gaara was captured, that person indeed hid him inside the Clay Bird..."