Though Nagato Uzumaki was far from skilled in taijutsu and appeared severely drained—like someone who had indulged excessively—he was brimming with confidence due to the abilities granted by his Rinnegan. He was certain that if Kakashi engaged him in close combat, victory would undoubtedly be his.
Kakashi took a deep breath, then channeled his chakra, using Yang Release to rapidly enhance his physical body.
While Might Guy's Eight Gates Technique was undeniably impressive, both Guy and Rock Lee, who would later emerge, were shinobi without any talent for ninjutsu. Their aptitude for elemental techniques was virtually nonexistent. Though the Eight Gates allowed them to showcase their mastery of taijutsu, it was undeniable that adding specialized ninjutsu would only make them stronger.
Although Kakashi had previously been slacking off, his innate talent was unquestionable. After being empowered by Ye Wen's divine strength and now amplifying his chakra, Kakashi's physical prowess had reached a level comparable to Might Guy's. This also indicated that Kakashi now possessed the ability to open the first seven gates of the Eight Gates Technique.
"Gate of Opening, Gate of Rest, Gate of Life, Gate of Pain, Gate of Closing, Gate of Joy—Eight Gates—Open!!!"
With a thunderous roar, Kakashi's body turned crimson, and a powerful surge of chakra radiated outward.
"This technique!"
Nagato's eyes widened in disbelief. Though he hadn't fully studied this technique, he recognized it as the same one used earlier by the freak who obliterated two of his Paths of Pain.
Moreover, there was one particularly troublesome characteristic of the Eight Gates Technique in this state.
"The upcoming attacks won't involve much chakra, effectively sealing the Preta Path's abilities. Impressive, Fifth Hokage Hatake Kakashi—a truly formidable opponent.
I admit, there's no one in the current ninja world I fear more than you."
Kakashi ignored Nagato, who stood nearby, muttering to himself.
Might Guy was a hardworking genius with exceptional talent in taijutsu, but mastering the forbidden Eight Gates Technique had taken him twenty years. For Kakashi to acquire such power in such a short time, there was bound to be a cost.
The essence of the Eight Gates Technique was breaking the body's limits to forcibly draw out power sufficient to destroy oneself.
Feeling the intense tearing pain throughout his body, Kakashi gritted his teeth silently.
"For peace! For the ninja world!"
"Ninja Art: Yin Healing Wound Destruction!!!"
The blue steam emanating from Kakashi now mingled with white smoke. In an impossible state of exertion, Kakashi flawlessly integrated advanced medical ninjutsu, rapidly repairing his body while unleashing immense power, achieving both prolonged endurance and explosive strength.
"Nagato Uzumaki, as the Fifth Hokage of Konoha, I hereby declare—victory belongs to Konoha!
Swift Shadow!"
Though the original work didn't elaborate much on the White Fang of Konoha, Ye Wen, watching from the shadows, acknowledged the swordsmanship passed down through the Hatake clan.
Precise movements combined with explosive force—his blade danced like art.
Unlike Might Guy's Daytime Tiger, Kakashi's Swift Shadow was calm as still water, yet struck like thunder.
"Strange? When did he get in front of me?"
Though the Rinnegan granted Nagato unparalleled insight, human reaction times inherently lagged by fractions of a second—and Kakashi's speed had surpassed even that limit.
*Swish swish swish—*
Before Nagato could react, Kakashi had already dismembered him, leaving him collapsed on the ground, powerless.
Because the attack had been so swift, Nagato's pain receptors hadn't yet registered the damage.
Suddenly, a searing agony akin to being submerged in molten lava engulfed Nagato's mind.
"AHHHH—"
Overwhelmed by the excruciating pain, Nagato could only instinctively scream, unable to form a coherent sentence.
Though the scene was horrifying, Kakashi's heart remained as cold as a fishmonger who had spent decades slaughtering fish at a supermarket.
"All of Nagato Uzumaki's abilities stem from the legendary Sage of Six Paths' Rinnegan. The moment the enemy is defeated, his eyes must be seized and sealed, or there will be dire consequences."
Fully aware of how troublesome this man was, Kakashi dared not slacken for even a moment. After consecutive battles, he could feel his chakra reserves nearing depletion.
But just as Kakashi moved to extract the Rinnegan, the space before him twisted violently.
"What?! No good!"
Kakashi was instantly alarmed. He was all too familiar with this phenomenon.
As Kakashi moved to seize Nagato, White Zetsu suddenly erupted from his body, delaying him momentarily.
"Spore Technique?! When did I get caught?!"
But this wasn't the main issue. Within moments, Kakashi eradicated the White Zetsu clinging to him and prepared to resume his advance.
However, in that brief span of less than a second, Nagato Uzumaki vanished without a trace.
Kakashi's expression darkened. After all this effort, just as victory was within reach, someone had snatched it away. Who could endure such frustration?
Frowning irritably, Kakashi took several deep breaths to calm himself. Then, he pulled out a few soldier pills, swallowing them to replenish his depleted chakra.
"It's fine. They only managed to snatch the target for a moment.
Obito, Obito… I was already prepared to atone to my god for failing this mission, but since you've come looking for trouble, don't blame me for not showing mercy."
"Sensor Division, search for the target's chakra with all your might," Kakashi ordered coldly.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Meanwhile, deep underground in Amegakure.
Nagato Uzumaki, now reduced to just his torso, was unceremoniously thrown onto the ground. After some time adapting, Nagato had barely managed to endure the pain.
"Mmm…" Nagato groaned in anguish, then turned his gaze toward the masked Uchiha Obito.
"Madara… I never expected you to save me."
Obito didn't respond, silently staring at Nagato in the dim basement, his presence chilling.
After a brief moment, Nagato seemed to realize something and let out a sinister laugh.
"Heh… Though I always knew you harbored ill intentions, have you finally decided to bare your fangs at me?"
Seeing that Obito still hadn't responded, Nagato pressed on regardless.
"Madara, go rescue Konan. I know you want my Rinnegan—I'll give it to you! But you must save Konan! Otherwise, I'll destroy these eyes, leaving you with nothing!"
Staring at the now deranged Nagato, Obito remained silent. At that moment, a figure materialized behind him.
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