"You're one heck of a monster, kid!"
While Jiraiya was still reeling in shock, Nagato swiftly dispatched the Chikushodo (Animal Path), Gakido (Preta Path), Ningendo (Human Path), Shurado (Asura Path), and Jigokudo (Naraka Path).
They joined Konan, heading straight for the spot where Kazama and Jiraiya stood.
The massive red flames that had engulfed the entire village moments ago were enough for Nagato to know this intruder was no pushover. He needed all Six Paths of Pain to engage.
What Nagato didn't realize, though, was that even with all Six Paths, they might not be a match for Kazama.
"Konan!"
When Konan appeared, Jiraiya's eyes widened in shock. He had no idea that the leaders of Amegakure were his former students, Nagato and Konan.
"Jiraiya-sensei, it's been a while," Konan said coldly, clearly not in the mood for a reunion. She launched a deadly attack right away.
"Shiu!" (Paper Rain)
The two pairs of paper wings behind Konan unleashed a relentless barrage of razor-sharp paper blades, aimed straight at Jiraiya and Kazama.
"Damn it!"
Jiraiya moved to counter with a jutsu, but Kazama's Susanoo enveloped him in protection.
"Kazama, what's the deal? Why're you stopping me from fighting?" Jiraiya protested.
"I promised Lady Tsunade I'd bring you back to Konoha alive. So from here on, I'll handle this alone!"
"Hmph! You're young, but you sure talk big!"
Konan didn't take Kazama seriously at all. Unbeknownst to her, the ninja with chakra surpassing Kage-level—sensed by Nagato—was none other than Kazama.
"Baku!" (Explode)
With Konan's hand seal, the paper sheets attacking Jiraiya and Kazama detonated. Jiraiya, shielded by Susanoo, was unscathed. But Kazama took the full brunt of the remaining explosions.
"One down. You're next, Jiraiya-sensei!" Konan declared.
"If your eyes are only on Jiraiya, I'm gonna feel a bit awkward here!"
"You—how is this possible?!"
Just when Konan thought Kazama was done for, he stepped out of the explosion's smoke, completely unharmed.
Konan realized her hundreds of explosive tags hadn't left a single scratch on him.
*Ding! Successfully absorbed Shiu (Paper Rain). Congratulations, host, you've gained the Jutsu of Paper Spear!*
"Konan, let me show you my Kami no Jutsu (Paper Release)!"
With a wave of his hand, Kazama formed a spear made of countless paper sheets.
"You can use my ninjutsu?!"
Konan was stunned to see Kazama wield her unique Kami no Jutsu, now charging at her with it. Too shocked to dwell on it, she quickly summoned a paper shield to defend herself.
But just as Konan thought she could block Kazama's attack, the paper spear transformed into a blazing fire spear.
"He infused Katon (Fire Release) into Kami no Jutsu!"
Konan abandoned her paper shield and backpedaled frantically to avoid being burned.
"Not bad! Since your specialty is Kami no Jutsu, you're perfectly countered by me. My specialty is Katon—Goka Mekkyaku!" (Great Fire Annihilation)
A torrent of flames erupted, surrounding Konan completely.
"So you're the one surpassing Kage-level!"
With just these two moves, Konan realized she was no match for Kazama. She cursed herself for underestimating him earlier.
But even if she hadn't, she wouldn't have stood a chance. Against absolute power, resistance was futile.
"Shinra Tensei!"
At that moment, the Six Paths of Pain finally arrived.