Nagato and Konan Retreat

"Nagato, are you alright?"

After dodging Obito's attack, countless sheets of white paper gathered around Nagato.

Soon, most of Konan's body emerged from within them. She asked after Nagato with concern, but her amber eyes remained fixed firmly on Obito.

Nagato had just lost his Rinnegan. Although Orochimaru's modifications had swiftly restored his combat ability, his strength had still declined considerably compared to before.

"Don't worry, Konan. I'm fine!"

Nagato looked at the ground, which had been devastated by Wood Release, and felt a chill run through him.

Without the Rinnegan, most of his previous tactics were no longer usable. This was not the time to clash head-on with Obito.

Nagato had already made up his mind to retreat.

"Konan! Get ready to find an opportunity to withdraw! Use that directly!"

Then, Nagato touched the three milky-white magatama on his neck. This was the Cursed Seal Orochimaru had prepared for him. He had not expected to use it so soon.

"Understood!"

Konan touched her chest. Beneath the Akatsuki uniform of black with red clouds, a purple butterfly with spread wings seemed to dance lightly above her heart.

It was a gift Uchiha Chen had brought her under the moonlight on the night before Nagato's operation—the first night she had arrived in Konoha.

Thinking of that scene and the ambiguous things he had done, a faint blush crept across her face.

Then, she swiftly cut off that distracting thought.

After all, the two of them were still in danger.

"Cursed Seal—Activate!"

At the same moment, the two of them activated their Cursed Seals.

A powerful aura gradually rose from Nagato and Konan.

This unusual aura successfully interrupted Obito's next attack.

"What is this feeling? How did their aura suddenly rise?"

"Still!"

"It's nothing more than a cheap trick!"

Obito narrowed his