"What is this..." Pain of the Deva Path stared blankly at Mirai. He quickly realized that Mirai had affected the Truth-Seeking Staffs embedded in his body. Those things directly controlled his body, and Mirai had used some unknown method to affect them, weakening Nagato's control over him. That was why his body had suddenly gone out of control.
Mirai raised the short blade in his hand. "I'm truly sorry. Although killing you will bring even more powerful people seeking revenge against me, only by killing you can I prove that I'm even stronger."
Just as the blade in Mirai's hand was about to fall, dozens of black tendrils from not far away swept toward him.
Mirai gave a short laugh, braced a hand against the ground, and sprang away. He understood that against Kakuzu's attacks, the slightest mistake would leave him with only one outcome—dying here.
A figure slowly emerged from the forest, black threads continuously spilling from his hands. "You're very strong."
Hizashi Hyuga's expression changed. "A Takigakure Ninja?"
"I am Kakuzu," Kakuzu said slowly.
Mirai gradually stepped back, then gave the people behind him a hand signal. Hizashi Hyuga slowly nodded. Mirai's signal meant to wait for an opportunity. Generally, that gesture had two meanings: attack or retreat. Usually, it depended on the enemy's strength. Given the current situation, retreat was clearly necessary.
"Is your name Mirai Uchiha?" Pain of the Deva Path's body suddenly began moving again. Mirai understood that his previous ability had lost its effect on him. "What nature transformation do you use? Why were you able to affect the Truth-Seeking Staffs?"
Mirai snorted. "The power of the underworld."
"The underworld?" Pain of the Deva Path frowned. "Have you learned senjutsu energy?"
Mirai nodded lightly without speaking. Instead, he shifted his attention to Kakuzu. Compared