Chapter 87: The Hunt for Pain (Deva Path) and a Bewildered Nagato

Chapter 87: The Hunt for Pain (Deva Path) and a Bewildered Nagato

For a ninja capable of traveling at full-speed Body Flicker, reaching any corner of the continent in a week, the ninja world was a small place.

This was especially true of the main continent, where most of its landmass had been divided among the Four Great Nations, making it feel even smaller.

Thus, whenever something major occurred in one of these nations or their hidden villages, the news spread rapidly across the entire ninja world.

The Uchiha Clan’s annihilation years ago had been this way, and now the Hidden Leaf Village’s collapse and the deaths of two “Kage” were no different.

To ensure Sunagakure paid dearly, to make the Hidden Leaf appear justified and avoid being cornered themselves, both villages openly disclosed details of the event rather than hiding it.

They coordinated their accounts into a concise narrative:

Orochimaru, an S-Rank Missing-Nin from the Hidden Leaf, assassinated the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure and disguised himself as him to unilaterally break the alliance treaty between Wind Country and Fire Country. Collaborating with the notorious Akatsuki organization, he led a faction of Sand Ninja and his own Otogakure forces to launch the Hidden Leaf’s destruction plan during the Chūnin Exams.

In this battle, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, perished.

Root’s entire army was wiped out, including its leader, Danzō Shimura, who fell to Akatsuki’s Sasori of the Red Sand and the group’s mysterious member wielding the legendary Rinnegan—the so-called “First of the Three Great Dojutsu.”

Sai, the surviving artist spared by Izayoi, sketched a vivid portrait of Pain (Deva Path), capturing his likeness with unsettling accuracy.

The Hidden Leaf’s leadership swiftly placed bounties on Sasori of the Red Sand and Pain (Deva Path) in the Black Market, offering rewards so astronomical even Kakuzu would envy them.

Simultaneously, the Hidden Leaf released intelligence about Sasori’s ability to control countless Human Puppets without chakra threads, the Rinnegan’s limitless use of Repulsive Force and Gravity Release, the suspected slaying of the “Half-God” Hanzō, and Akatsuki’s base in Amegakure.

As expected, this revelation sent shockwaves across the world.

Whether the Hidden Leaf’s claims were true or not, the emergence of the legendary Rinnegan—the mythical eye of the Six Paths Sage—combined with news of Hanzō’s death and Akatsuki’s headquarters, successfully shifted all attention to the previously overlooked Rain Country.

Suddenly thrust into the global spotlight, Nagato and Sasori of the Red Sand were left stunned.

“You’ve gone too far, Nagato!”

“I know Danzō Shimura was involved in past events, but you’ve endured this long—why couldn’t you wait a little longer?”

“Now the Rinnegan and Akatsuki’s base are exposed. The Three-Tails’ revival will take time. What do we do now?”

Obito Uchiha and White Zetsu confronted Pain (Deva Path) immediately.

If Pain had killed Hiruzen Sarutobi or anyone else from the Hidden Leaf, Obito and White Zetsu might have doubted their account.

But Danzō Shimura’s death? That was plausible.

Only a plot to kill Danzō could explain Nagato forgiving Orochimaru.

After all, the Rinnegan ring remained in Orochimaru’s possession. He could contact Nagato directly.

Even now, though Pain’s body was just a corpse, his expression faltered slightly.

Yet he maintained his composure, coldly stating, “It wasn’t me. I haven’t left Amegakure since our failed ambush on that mysterious enemy.”

Konan emerged from the shadows, backing him up. “I can confirm neither Nagato nor Pain left Amegakure.”

“So the mysterious enemy did this?!”

Obito’s masked face darkened.

He didn’t doubt Pain’s claim—someone of his caliber had no need to lie.

“A Transformation Technique requires a reference,” Black Zetsu rasped. “The leader rarely appears in public. Those who’ve seen him are either our allies or dead. Logically, this enemy couldn’t have seen the leader’s face unless…”

“Unless he could see us, but we couldn’t see him,” Konan interjected grimly, adding her analysis. “That day, he didn’t leave. He watched us the entire time, observing our departure and return to Amegakure.”

“Perhaps even more troubling,” Obito muttered. “He knew about Hanzō beforehand, meaning he’s been tracking us for years. That Rinnegan might truly exist in a second pair of eyes.”

Black Zetsu stayed silent, already certain the enemy was from the Moon—a descendant of the Byakugan’s evolution, possessing enhanced long-range vision and X-ray vision.

He might even be watching them now.

This was their retaliation for the incident.

The thought weighed heavily on Black Zetsu.

An enemy who could observe them undetected was terrifying…

Because that was precisely his own strength.

Thankfully, for decades, he’d remained hidden in the shadows, existing in a Mayfly Technique state.

His return was as the embodiment of Uchiha Madara’s will—a Yin-Yang Release construct.

As the mother’s son and the Chakra Sage’s Yin-Yang Release progeny, even his “older brothers” lacked his immortality.

Thus, Hamura must have died long ago. His descendant here was likely a recent generation born in the past few decades.

This descendant probably didn’t know his true identity.

Relaxing slightly, Black Zetsu eased his tension.

As long as his identity remained secret, he still held the advantage.

Still, this threat needed elimination. Left unchecked, it would become the greatest obstacle to the Infinite Moon Reading Plan.

Perhaps it was time to deploy the White Zetsu army.

Black Zetsu mused silently.

Unless the enemy fled to the Moon immediately after attacking, the White Zetsu clones—merged with the land and vegetation—would detect him the moment he struck again.

No one knew Black Zetsu’s thoughts.

Soon, Sasori of the Red Sand arrived.

“Leader, have you found that guy’s trail?” Sasori’s voice, unusually agitated, broke the tension. “He’s a genius! How did he master controlling countless Human Puppets without chakra threads? It’s nothing like my own Human Puppet techniques—or yours, Leader! He’s a born artist!”

For being smeared with false accusations, having a high bounty placed on his head by Hidden Leaf Village, and even having his organization and location exposed, Sasori of the Red Sand couldn’t care less.

Right now, he and Deidara both held Izayoi in the highest regard.

This guy was their kindred spirit—an artist who understood both the beauty of fleeting moments and eternal art!

“I don’t know,” Pain (Deva Path) replied indifferently.

Obito Uchiha and the others fell silent, speechless.

With outsiders interfering, they abandoned their discussion about the Rinnegan and the mysterious figure. Black Zetsu asked, “Now that we’ve become the Ninja World’s focal point, even if factions doubt the rumors, they’ll certainly send spies to investigate. Capturing or killing them would expose us. Should we relocate the base?”

Pain (Deva Path) remained cold. “No need. No matter how many come, they’ll all die.”

White Zetsu nodded. Obito didn’t argue either.

Because… the Six Paths of Pain had that power.

Unless the Five Great Ninja Villages launched a full-scale siege to drain Nagato’s chakra, even the most elite squads—including teams led by the Five Kage—would die if they dared infiltrate Amegakure.

Nagato had no equals in the Ninja World, save for the Rinnegan/unknown dōjutsu-wielding mystery man.

Without his invincible Kamui, Obito wouldn’t even dare stand before Pain (Deva Path).

…

Thud! Thud! Thud!

That morning, in a Hidden Leaf Village inn…

Knocking at the door woke Izayoi.

“Who’s there? It’s so early—who knocks at this hour!” Izayoi grumbled.

He knew Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga wouldn’t knock. They’d wake him with gentle teasing or playful mischief.

No need to release his sensing ability—the visitor wasn’t the Hyuga sisters.

Click!

The door creaked open as the lock turned.

A black-haired youth in a navy short-sleeved shirt and white shorts stood there, frowning at Izayoi. “It’s already 9:30. Why are you still sleeping? Izayoi, you’re too lax.”

It was Sasuke Uchiha.

“Haha… I’m not used to new beds. Couldn’t sleep until late,” Izayoi yawned, slowly pulling on his shoes.

“Hmph…”

Sasuke crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe with a petulant pout. “I heard you’re homeless now. Want to move in with me? I’ve got plenty of rooms.”

“Oh right! I almost forgot you’re the ‘clan head’ of the Uchiha Clan now,” Izayoi teased.

Years ago, Sasuke would’ve flared up at that.

Now, he just sweated nervously and laid down his condition: “You’ll have to pay rent.”

“Money’s not an issue,” Izayoi waved dismissively.

“I don’t want money.”

Sasuke’s eyes burned with intensity. “I want your secret techniques!”

“So that’s your real motive.”

Izayoi smirked. “Want to learn Judgment or Trinity Barrage?”

“I’ll take both!” Sasuke declared greedily. “And that Fire Release Gaia Energy Cannon—I want to learn that too.”

“Then the rent’s too steep. I’ll stick to the inn,” Izayoi joked, heading toward the bathroom with his white robe.

Sasuke’s brow furrowed as he stood at the door, mulling over Izayoi’s words.

"Not enough sincerity?"

He’d already offered everything—his Uchiha Clan Compound, his very body and soul.

What more could he give?

Unless… Izayoi wanted him to reclaim the clan’s land deed first as a gesture of goodwill?

Suddenly, Sasuke stiffened, his face twisting in conflict.

But thinking of the Gaia Energy Cannon’s power, the Storm Release, and the terrifying Trinity Barrage, he inhaled deeply and made his decision.

When Izayoi emerged from the bathroom, Sasuke stood rigid, stammering, “Big… brother. No, wait… Mas… Master.”

Izayoi blinked, staring at Sasuke’s crackling aura of embarrassment. He couldn’t help but shiver at the awkwardness.

Still, amusement quickly overtook discomfort.

“Ahem,” Izayoi coughed, nodding approvingly. “You’ve got sincerity, but your delivery needs work.”

“What do you mean?”

Relieved Izayoi wasn’t mocking him, Sasuke relaxed, curiosity piqued.

But Izayoi’s next words made the proud young master’s face burn crimson.

“You should say it like this,” Izayoi clasped his fists in a theatrical bow, “For years I’ve wandered, seeking a wise elder. Should you accept me, I humbly pledge my loyalty. Or perhaps… ‘If you’ll have me, I’ll follow you loyally—or even become your adopted son.’ Though we’re the same age, I wouldn’t mind gaining a younger disciple.”

He grinned mischievously at Sasuke’s steaming head, his face redder than a boiled lobster.

“Izayoi, I’ll kill you!”

The roar shook the inn as Sasuke lunged, and the two tumbled into a scuffle.

But Izayoi’s teasing defused the tension, turning the moment into a shared joke.

Eventually, Izayoi agreed to teach him, and a battered, swollen-faced Sasuke grudgingly forgave him.

After packing his belongings into a sealing scroll, Izayoi checked out of the inn with Sasuke.

On the way, Izayoi asked, “Got any food at home?”

“No. I’m too lazy to shop,” Sasuke shrugged. “If I’m hungry, I fish or hunt.”

“Let’s buy groceries then,” Izayoi suggested. “And some cookware and spices. Hinata Hyuga might drop by anytime.”

At the thought of Hinata’s appetite, Sasuke nodded grimly.

After their training sessions, during picnics, he’d spend an hour fishing just to get a single bite to eat.

Unless he hunted a giant beast.

That woman could eat like Akimichi Chōji at seven-tenths full, and when she really dug in, even Chōji couldn’t match her.

A total monster!

But then Sasuke smirked, thinking of her burdensome chest.

So what if she could eat more? So what if her chakra reserves surpassed his? Even if she mastered Lightning Release chakra’s cell-stimulating effects faster than him, her speed still couldn’t match his.

Unless she used her Byakugan to exploit his blind spots with her Tenketsu Striking, or landed that first hit with her Twin Lion Fists, which could instantly kill with the follow-up strike.

Without those, her taijutsu would never beat his.

Once he mastered Lightning Release’s shape transformation and Izayoi’s techniques, that woman wouldn’t stand a chance!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end