It was the leader's first time heading a mission like this. Being stopped here by Pain dealt his pride a sharp blow.
His face twisted as he snarled, "If you won't take the hint, don't blame me for what happens next!"
He flicked his hand, sending two kunai hurtling toward Pain.
The man moved behind them, rushing in from a different direction with the others to kill Pain in one strike.
Pain did not dodge. With a look of disdain, he slowly raised his right hand.
Dark energy swirled in Pain's palm. Just as the attackers closed in, Yahiko said quietly, "If you can't show others respect, then feel pain. Remember this fear!"
The dark chakra suddenly contracted, then burst outward like a shockwave, hurling everyone surrounding him away.
Pain looked at the people sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain, and said softly, "This is the power of the Deva Path!"
The leader staggered to his feet. Just as Pain thought he would charge again, he turned and fled.
He even used the Earth Corridor Technique to block Pain's view as he tried to escape.
Pain gave a cold laugh. "When did I say you could leave?"
Then he barked, "Banshō Ten'in!"
Pain held out his hand toward the fleeing leader.
The once-solid earthen corridors crumbled instantly. An unseen force seized the leader, leaving him no room to struggle as he flew backward toward Pain!
Everyone thought the man was about to slam into Pain, but Pain swept his hand, sending the leader flying again. He struck a tree hard, slid to the ground, and lay there unable to move.
Only then did the people from Iwagakure truly grow nervous. They stared at Pain in terror, desperate to flee.
But remembering they were ninjas, they forced down the urge.