In Konoha: Three Choices at the Start

The Preta Path suddenly appeared at the edge of the sea of flames.

It spread a hand as broad as a fan. Like a small black hole, it visibly swallowed the flames raging all around it.

"That ability again!" Jiraiya muttered, his face grim.

A rush of air sounded, and Jiraiya appeared behind the Preta Path.

"Let's see if you can absorb this!"

He swung his fist, surging with violent Natural Energy, and slammed it into the Preta Path's back.

Force like an erupting volcano burst forth!

Boom!

The impact sounded like a thunderclap that shook the heavens!

The Preta Path flew backward like a cannonball!

It carved a deep, straight furrow across the flat ground!

"Sage Art: Frog Song!"

On Jiraiya's back, the two Toad Sages refused to be outdone. Surging with Senjutsu Chakra, they unleashed visible rings of sound from their mouths.

The waves swept over the three Pains nearby!

In an instant, a flicker of expression crossed their impassive faces.

"Those damned toads! Teacher Jiraiya, defying a god will only get you killed!"

Pain recovered his senses and looked at the motionless Preta Path beside him. A rare shadow crossed his face.

His fury surged. He was going to end this pointless game.

At a thought, the Naraka Path vanished from where it stood.

The Asura Path opened its wrist again, sending black projectiles streaking from its palm toward Jiraiya and the two Sages.

"Damn it, not this again!" Jiraiya's face darkened as he darted and weaved.

With only two Pains attacking this time, he was not thrown into disarray. He dodged while racing toward Deva Yahiko.

"Teacher Jiraiya! A god cannot be defeated!"

Pain slowly raised his right hand and called out coldly.

"Shinra Tensei!"

Humm!

Terrifying repulsive force spread like a tide.

The ground collapsed