Pain stared at Shika, his Rinnegan eyes unblinking. The other five Paths stood silently behind him, waiting for his order. Shika stood still too, hands in his pockets, while his single eye had turned into a Rinnegan by now, his face hidden under his black mask. On either side of him stood Mahoraga and Agito—two of his strongest Shikigami, ready to fight.
"Naruto was able to do it with just Sage Mode, I hope I can too with all this help beside me."
"You stand before a god," Deva Path said. "Do you really think you can win?"
Shika didn't reply immediately. He waited until he finally spoke. "Yeah... I'll win." Shika grinned.
In an instant, Mahoraga charged forward. The ground cracked under its massive steps as it rushed straight at the Asura Path. Asura raised his arm, which transformed into a cannon, and fired a powerful blast. Mahoraga didn't stop. The blast hit its chest, but Mahoraga turned, spun, and slammed its blade-like arm down. The Asura Path barely dodged, but Mahoraga followed up with a heavy punch, sending the Path flying into a wall.
At the same time, Agito launched forward. Its twisted black tendrils lashed out, aiming for the Human and Animal Paths. Animal Path summoned a giant centipede to block the strike, but Agito's tendrils cut through it like paper, tearing it apart. Human Path tried to get close, hoping to steal Agito's soul, but Agito's speed was too much. A tendril wrapped around its leg and slammed it into the ground.
Shika stood still, watching the chaos. Deva Path wasn't moving yet.
Then, suddenly, Deva Path raised his hand. "Almighty Push."
A shockwave exploded from him, blasting Mahoraga and Agito backward. Agito crashed into a building but stood right back up immediately, no damage or more like he healed. Mahoraga, however, shrugged off the attack like nothing.
Shika narrowed his eyes. He wished to do the same. He could, with Kisame's chakra, but he had to preserve his chakra. Pain, after all, wasn't the only enemy he had to handle—there was also Obito and Zetsu after this.
"Maybe I should join the fight already," he muttered and launched himself toward one of the Paths of Pain.
All six Paths moved at once upon seeing Shika himself moving.
Preta Path went after Agito, trying to absorb its chakra—a pointless endeavor if there ever existed any. However, Mahoraga intercepted him, swinging its blade arm, almost cutting Preta Path in two.
The Animal Path summoned a massive multi-headed dog, which rushed at Shika. Shika jumped back, dodging the first bite. He formed a handsign and his shadow moved and captured the animal.
"Tch. Why can't I do that," Shika muttered.
Mahoraga moved again, this time targeting the Naraka Path. Naraka summoned the King of Hell, trying to repair the damaged Asura Path, but Mahoraga was too fast. It rushed in, blade ready, and cut straight through the King of Hell's head. Naraka Path tried to flee, but a punch from Mahoraga sent it flying across the street.
Meanwhile, Deva Path and Shika finally clashed.
Shika moved in fast, throwing several cursed energy-powered kunai since Pain most likely could absorb normal chakra. Deva Path blocked them with Shinra Tensei, but Shika used the opening to dash in. He attacked with fast taijutsu strikes, pushing Deva Path back. But Pain was experienced—he parried and countered, aiming a kick at Shika's chest.
Shika blocked, slid back, and signaled Agito.
Agito surged forward, sending its tendrils to trap Deva Path. He jumped over them—but Shika was waiting. He moved in and slashed with a short blade coated in cursed energy. It grazed Pain's arm, tearing through his cloak. It wasn't enough, but it was a hit.
Then Pain countered.
"Almighty Push."
"Almighty Push."
Both powerful jutsu collided, for a second astonishing Pain at what just happened. That much time was enough for Shika to open a portal in front of him, and through the portal came out a charging ox directly crushing Deva Path.
Seeing Yahiko's body in pieces, all the Paths of Pain rushed out, ready to take the body back.
Mahoraga saw this and went into a frenzy. He alone was enough to handle the rest of the Paths while Shika made quick work of the Deva Path. It crushed the Animal Path with one brutal strike, then turned and smashed the ground, sending rubble flying into the Preta Path. Agito followed, launching a black spear that pierced Preta's chest.
Four of the Paths were down.
Shika left the last two to Agito and his clone as he made his way toward where Nagato really was. It was important to get there before it was too late.
Shika didn't waste any time and moved his ass.
Back on the battlefield, Konan had just realized what was happening. Bleeding and worn from fighting Guren and Kimimaro, she still forced herself to move. She unfolded her paper wings and flew up, trying to reach the tower before Shika did.
"I won't let you!" she shouted.
But Guren and Kimimaro were already moving. Guren sent a barrage of crystal shards flying into Konan's path, while Kimimaro jumped after her, his bones forming sharp spears.
Konan dodged, weaving through the attacks, but it slowed her down just enough.
By the time she broke past their defense, it was too late.
Shika and Mahoraga had reached the tower.
The wind howled at the top, and Shika stood at the edge of the platform, staring at the figure in the mechanical chair—Nagato.
He looked sick, thin, with long red hair and pale skin. Dozens of chakra rods stuck out of his back, connected to the machines around him.
"So you're the one behind the mask… the one they call Shadow," Nagato said weakly, his Rinnegan eyes locking on Shika.
"Yeah... you see I'm half of a god myself," Shika said while taking off his mask and also revealing his Rinnegan in the process.
xxx
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