Shihōin Naraku's readiness to attack without a moment's hesitation instantly plunged the newly arrived members of the Akatsuki into danger.
Only Konan and Akame reacted to the ferocious onslaught.
Countless scraps of paper danced through the air, slicing toward Naraku, while wildly growing trees burst from beneath Akame's feet, their vines twisting rapidly around him.
But their reactions were still too slow. The surging flames bore down on the four of them like magma, carrying searing heat.
"Amaterasu!!!"
In an instant, flickering black flames spread outward and slammed into the orange-red fire.
Uchiha Itachi stepped forward, his eyes already in the Mangekyō Sharingan state before anyone realized it, a trail of bloody tears running from the corner of his eye.
Clang!
Shihōin Naraku drew his sword. Its impossibly sharp edge sliced through the air as though through flowing water, leaving a piercing screech.
Shhk!
As Kurikara pierced Kakuzu's abdomen, it carved a wound deep enough to expose bone. Naraku immediately pulled his sword free, then sent Kakuzu flying with a kick.
At the same time, Naraku raised his sword to block Akame's descending blade. Overwhelming strength erupted, instantly reversing their positions as he brutally forced Akame down from midair.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Countless paper projectiles swept toward Shihōin Naraku, blanketing the sky.
Whoosh-
The instant those paper projectiles struck Naraku, they vanished without a trace, as though they had fallen into a sea of fire.
Hah!
Holding his sword in one hand, Naraku exerted his strength again and sent Akame flying with a slash!
Clang!
A clear ring of steel rang out!
Without so much as glancing at Akame as she flew away, Naraku stepped out with his right foot and turned sideways in an instant. As he swung his sword down, a pitch-black crescent of sword energy flashed into