The shared vision of the Six Paths of Pain instantly let Deva Path and the other Pains track Naruto's movements.
Just as Naruto reappeared using Flying Thunder God, a flicker of golden light suggested he was about to strike from behind Preta Path Pain.
Preta Path Pain seemed prepared. Rather than turn around, he spread his arms!
A translucent, pale blue energy barrier rippled like water as it instantly expanded around him.
Sealing Technique: Absorption Seal!
This absorption ability could absorb any ninjutsu chakra it touched, specifically countering ninja who relied on chakra-based attacks.
Nagato had already noticed the chakra coating Naruto's hands when he twisted Animal Path's head off.
Yet the expected Rasengan or other ninjutsu attack from behind Preta Path never came.
Naruto's figure briefly solidified behind Preta Path, seemingly confirming the presence of the Absorption Seal. Then he leaped backward without hesitation, nimbly opening up the distance rather than attacking recklessly.
Standing a short distance away, he watched them readjust their formation. The King of Hell was "repairing" the damaged Pains, Deva Path watched him coldly, and the others stood ready. A thoughtful look crossed his face.
"Shared vision, complementary abilities, repairable mechanical bodies, and Deva Path at the center with powerful battlefield control...
"And that Preta Path who can absorb chakra..."
"The Six Paths of Pain... you're pretty interesting after all."
Naruto shook out his hands, as though the sensation of twisting off a mechanical neck had felt rather strange.
He quickly analyzed the battle in his mind. The Six Paths of Pain system was certainly ingenious: shared vision, complementary abilities, repairable mechanical bodies, and a central Deva Path with powerful battlefield control.
But all of it depended on the centralized control and mental links maintained by Nagato's real body behind the lines.
If Nagato had