Fragments of shattered black rods and scraps of clothing fluttered down.
Thick smoke from the impact churned above the huge crater.
Half his body mangled, Deva Path Pain fell from midair into the muddy water.
Konoha was still shrouded in black smoke and the shadows of ruins.
Warm sunlight fell across my face, warming me all over.
[Photosynthesis activated, unlimited chakra!]
Warm energy surged through my chakra pathways. It felt wonderful.
The chakra I had just spent was completely replenished in an instant.
"Ah, nothing beats soaking up some sun first thing in the morning."
I stretched comfortably, my bones cracking.
Shikamaru lay sprawled beside me, staring with his mouth wide open.
He looked at me as if he had seen a ghost, the corners of his eyes twitching.
"Sen... are you even human?"
"You just unleashed that terrifying Wood Release, and now you're sunbathing?"
I rolled over, pillowed my head on my hands, and drawled:
"Sunshine helps you absorb calcium. A weakling like you could use some too."
"Cut the crap! That guy's moving in the mud pit!"
Shikamaru pointed at the enormous crater below, his voice trembling.
I glanced sideways. The sludge at the bottom was stirring.
Deva Path Pain climbed stiffly out of the muddy water.
I had smashed his right arm off, and black water dripped from the stump.
The metal studs on his face, symbols of divine might, were crooked too.
"A mortal's struggle is nothing but pointless suffering."
Pain muttered under his breath, his hoarse voice echoing through the ruins.
"A god will not fall in the dust. The world will submit in the end."
With a look of distaste, I spat the apple core I had finished onto the ground.
"Shut up! You stayed up all night, and now you're screeching