A Pleasant Surprise, Wouldn't You Say?

As Hidan was killed, Kakuzu launched his attack.

Kakuzu had never cared much about his teammates' lives. He had even killed teammates before. But Hidan's immortality was something he appreciated.

Perhaps he felt a kinship with him. After all, they both claimed to be immortal.

Barring the unexpected, Kakuzu had no wish to lose this teammate.

So he attacked at once, hoping to save Hidan.

In a flash, he appeared behind the Giant Puppet. His right fist hardened, greatly increasing its striking power, and he drove it toward the puppet's back.

That was where Sara herself was hidden.

Whoosh!

Naruto was right there. There was no way he would let Kakuzu have his way. He flashed in front of Kakuzu and thrust out his right hand to meet the incoming fist head-on.

Boom!

Kakuzu was sent flying through the air. He slammed into the ground and gouged out a huge crater.

Naruto remained floating behind the Giant Puppet, unmoved.

Kakuzu climbed out of the crater and fixed his green eyes on Naruto with a cold snort.

He formed hand seals, then opened his mouth and spewed a sea of fire at Naruto, as though he meant to burn everything before him to ash.

"Heh." Naruto chuckled and clapped his hands. A broad waterfall came crashing down from the sky, like a giant tipping a bucket of water over a tiny flame.

The waterfall poured over the sea of fire, extinguishing it and sending up a cloud of white mist.

Kakuzu's expression turned wary. He rarely met an enemy who could surpass him in ninjutsu.

Then his back split open, and four monsters made of black threads crawled out.

Everyone present was startled by the bizarre sight.

So this ninja, who had teamed up with an immortal like Hidan, had strange