Hidan was slammed hard onto the ground.
He bared his teeth in pain and said:
"If I'd known this would happen, you might as well have left me alone and let me finish the ritual lying on the magic circle!"
Hidan had seen that his period of weakness was almost over, only to have it interrupted outright. Naturally, he was thoroughly displeased.
Kakuzu said nothing more. He simply kicked Hidan in the back, sending him flying.
Thud!
Hidan crashed heavily back down in his original spot.
"Ow! That hurts like hell!"
Hidan groaned aloud.
Meanwhile, Kakuzu was locked in battle with those surrounding him.
Under their combined assault, his five Earth Grudge Fear mask creatures were almost torn to pieces.
Once the five hearts hidden within them were destroyed, Kakuzu would be all but dead.
No longer caring whether the surroundings were suitable, Kakuzu lunged straight at Asuma Sarutobi, who primarily used fire release chakra.
Raijin, who had already been outmaneuvered once, immediately called out a warning:
"Careful! Kakuzu might be trying to steal your heart. Don't let him get close to your body."
Even as he gave the warning, he did not forget to act to stop him.
Riding on Azure Bird: Thunderclap's back, Raijin rapidly swung the metal hammer in his hand.
Crack!
A pillar of lightning as thick as an adult's arm struck down toward the center of Kakuzu's back.
Beneath him, Azure Bird: Thunderclap also opened his pointed beak, gathering purple flames in his mouth.
His broad wings beat repeatedly, whipping up violent gales.
Facing Kakuzu head-on, Asuma Sarutobi immediately retreated with swift steps after hearing the warning.
At the same time, he interlaced the fingers of both hands, frantically forming hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Boom!
A wave of flames surged straight toward