Despite Kakuzu trying every possible ans to maintain his balance, the distance between his head and the ground kept shrinking.
Shinji knew that the broken sword in his hands couldn't pierce through Kakuzu's Earth-Style defenses. But if he could get his blood into Kakuzu's body to cause internal damage, there was a good chance he could take him down.
At that mont, however, the two mask monsters that had split off were already launching their attacks.
Shinji had two choices. One: rely on his immortal body to endure the assault and try to finish off Kakuzu.
But if he did that, he would soon face relentless pursuit from Konan and the rest of Akatsuki.
The second option was to prioritize his own safety while giving Kakuzu a lesson he wouldn't forget in a lifeti.
In the blink of an eye, Shinji made his decision—there was no benefit in fighting to the death for sothing pointless.
He leapt high into the air, narrowly avoiding the fire and lightning raging below.
At the sa ti, Kakuzu controlled the countless black threads to attack the airborne Shinji.
Shinji knew he'd beco a target in midair, but just that small amount of ti would be enough.
Crimson Blood Technique — Blood Scroll Remnants!
He slashed his wrist, letting the blood he had been carefully conserving spray recklessly. In the next instant, it condensed into countless blood blades, hurtling downward.
The outer layer of each blood blade was extrely hard, while the inside contained blood flowing at high speed, making them extraordinarily sharp.
Swish, swish, swish…!
The countless black threads were instantly sliced apart, unable to withstand the assault.
Kakuzu and the two mask monsters were completely engulfed in the onslaught.
When Shinji landed back on the ground, the terrain before him looked like it had been shredded a thousand tis over.
Looking at Kakuzu, his clothes were torn to shreds, and he looked utterly pathetic.
The severed black threads hung uselessly in midair, and blood dripped from the corners of his mouth.
As for the two mask monsters, they had been cut into pieces without any need for further comnt.
By this point, Kakuzu had already lost three of his hearts.
If he hadn't desperately protected the wind-attributed heart on his back, he would now be no different from a normal human. Not exactly what you'd call an "immortal ninja."
Kakuzu was both shocked and furious!
With only his main body and the wind heart left, he had almost no chance of victory. On top of that, he had been hit by that strange "ninjutsu," leaving him unable to move—any movent would send him crashing to the ground.
It was entirely possible he would lose in the most humiliating way today!
Shinji looked at the pitiful Kakuzu, contemplating whether to push himself despite the blood loss and deal him one more heavy blow…
Then a paper spear whistled across space.
Boom!
Shinji leapt back as the ground beneath him exploded into a large crater.
"This kind of power… there must be a hidden explosive tag inside."
At the crucial mont, Konan, who had just been thrown aside, finally returned.
Shinji weighed his options and decided to retreat—but before leaving, he left a parting remark:
"Relying on your numbers, huh? Just wait, I'll be back with backup!"
This ti, Konan didn't chase after him.
She wasn't confident she could hold him back and wasn't sure if this was so trick of his. Another attempt might see her collecting Kakuzu's remains.
And if what he said was true—if he had reinforcents who were strong—she would be walking straight into a trap.
There was no reason to risk herself for a stranger, especially with the organization's grand plan about to unfold.
"So… how are you?"
"I'm not dead."
Kakuzu's tone was sour, though not directed at Konan.
After taking such a massive loss and losing face in front of Konan, there was no way he could smile.
Konan didn't argue, but she asked, "Can you still walk?"
"I don't know."
Kakuzu frowned, feeling even more frustrated.
"Try taking a few steps."
Reluctantly, Kakuzu nodded and lifted a foot…
Slap!
Another face-plant.
Konan: "…"
Kakuzu: "…"
Unbelievable!
"Fine, I'll take you through the air." Konan shook her head.
"No need. I don't believe there's a ninjutsu effect that lasts forever."
Kakuzu wanted to hold on to his last shred of stubborn pride.
Konan frowned. "If that guy really went for reinforcents, you might not get out of this."
"Heh, as if I'd be scared! The more of them, the better—perfect for supplenting my missing hearts."
No question about it—Kakuzu was all talk. Even Konan could see that his strength was all on the surface.
But Kakuzu still had value to Akatsuki and couldn't just give up.
So Konan changed her approach.
"Soon, the organization will start that plan. Don't stir up trouble now… Hmm? Pain has new orders—we should return imdiately."
Kakuzu slowly straightened, expression serious. "Fine, no choice. Let's go. But next ti I et him, I won't let him off!"
Konan subtly rolled her eyes but said nothing.
In a short while, she lifted the battered Kakuzu with her paper wings and flew off.
With such an unstable factor suddenly appearing near the Land of Rain, it was naturally necessary to report to Nagato.
As for Pain's "new orders"…
Konan had made them up, and Kakuzu understood perfectly. Sotis, all that was needed was a tacit understanding between parties.
After all, the ninja world wasn't just about fighting—it was all about social tactics.
---
On the other side, Shinji returned to find Hidan.
But Hidan still hadn't recovered, and his combat strength was reduced.
Shinji considered trying to pursue Kakuzu, but even if he went back, they might not catch up. Reluctantly, he gave up.
He didn't understand why the system didn't trigger any missions. If there were bonuses to be had, he'd have carried Hidan on his back just to confront Kakuzu!
Hidan could have stayed lying in the ritual circle, drawing blood for Shinji, and he'd just stab away!
"Why are you shaking your head one mont and grinning the next?" Hidan asked.
"Do you know what the head and the butt have in common?" Shinji asked suddenly.
"What?"
"They both have a mouth."
"…"
"Next ti, rember to use the one on top to talk. Otherwise, I'll help you switch it to the bottom."
Hidan's face imdiately turned red with anger.
But considering the power gap and Shinji's "do exactly what he says" personality, he wisely decided to stay silent.
After all, having his mouths switched would have been worse than death.
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