Jiraiya landed atop distant ruins, his gaze fixed gravely on the distance.
Amid the smoke and dust, Deva Path Pain stood expressionlessly with one hand raised. It seemed that he had launched the previous attack.
"You are...?" Jiraiya's pupils narrowed slightly. Yahiko's appearance gave him an unsettling sense of familiarity.
Yet the unfamiliar aura surrounding the other man kept him from recognizing him rashly.
"Kakuzu, you and Hidan continue the mission. Leave Jiraiya to me," Deva Path Pain said calmly.
Kakuzu lowered his stance, ready to attack, and muttered, "Since you say so, boss, I suppose I'll pray for one of the Sannin. It's rare for so much bounty money to show up right in front of me. What a shame."
"Even with a bounty, you need to be alive to collect it. You're no match for him." As Deva Path Pain spoke, he walked forward.
"Damn it, that hurt like hell!" With a low groan, Hidan swayed to his feet and glared furiously at Jiraiya.
"He didn't die? How is that possible?" Jiraiya was filled with shock when he saw Hidan stand back up.
Gamabunta had crushed him head-on. His internal organs should have ruptured long ago, yet he looked nothing like a man who had suffered such injuries.
"As expected, everyone in Akatsuki is a troublesome monster." A bitter smile appeared on Jiraiya's lips.
"Hidan, come with me. The boss is taking over here," Kakuzu said in a muffled voice, turning toward the other side.
Hidan snorted coldly and made a threatening gesture at Jiraiya. "You toad bastard, consider yourself lucky today. Next time I see you, I'll turn you into a sacrifice for Lord Jashin."
After delivering that threat, he turned and chased after Kakuzu.
Jiraiya's gaze sharpened, and his hands came together in an instant. "Who