White Zetsu and Guangtai flew backward. The force of the punch made the unconscious Guangtai cough up blood, while the White Zetsu covering him went limp.
They lay motionless on the ground. Then White Zetsu seemed to tremble. He slowly sank into the earth and vanished.
Without White Zetsu controlling it, the Wooden Human lost its source of Chakra. Its body rotted and collapsed in moments, leaving only a heap of ruins.
Fujimoto took a few ragged breaths, then smiled. "Sorry. I misjudged him. He could summon such a powerful Wooden Human that I assumed he'd be strong in close combat too. That was careless of me."
The Six Paths of Pain remained impassive, as though Guangtai and White Zetsu's defeat had nothing to do with him.
"I am Pain. You're strong. It seems I'll have to deal with you myself," Deva Path Pain said.
"No need. I've seen what your organization can do. Your strength is impressive, but you should know I defected from Konoha.
"With the Uchiha as powerful as they are now, no organization in the Shinobi World can match them. I defected because I didn't want so many restrictions.
"Konoha's ideals often clash with mine. They tie my hands. I'm a powerful Uchiha Ninja, not a babysitter for Konoha's civilians.
"Now, if a Ninja rubs me the wrong way, I can kill him on the spot instead of worrying about the consequences," Fujimoto said.
Deva Path Pain nodded. "You'll still have complete freedom if you join Akatsuki. We have a long-term plan, and our ultimate goal is true peace in the Shinobi World.
"You'll have access to our intelligence network. Our agents are spread throughout the Shinobi World, and they can help you evade the Uchiha's pursuit.
"All we ask in return is that you carry