In the distance, Black Zetsu emerged from the shadows, a trace of anger finally flashing through his yellow eyes.
"Damn it... Our intelligence seriously underestimated Ryūchi Cave's involvement."
Black Zetsu cursed inwardly.
He and Obito had indeed considered interference from Ryūchi Cave, but they had never imagined that Ryōta could summon Aoda, Manda, and Garaga, three of Ryūchi Cave's elite battle snakes, all at once!
Not to mention the White Snake Sage, who had lived for over a thousand years.
An existence of her caliber was by no means someone an ordinary ninja could sign a Summoning Contract with. Just as Jiraiya could form contracts with Fukasaku and Sage Shima, but could never possibly form one with the Great Toad Sage!
As such, they had only set up a space-disrupting barrier around the battlefield's perimeter to prevent Ryōta from escaping with Divine Crossing. They had never thought to block the Summoning Technique-
That would require a barrier covering an enormous area, something the Akatsuki simply lacked the manpower to accomplish at present.
Besides, they had already laid down one space-disrupting barrier. Adding another to interfere with the Summoning Technique would make the trap far too obvious.
No matter how reckless Ryōta was, he would never fall for it so easily.
They had miscalculated!
Deva Path Pain hovered in the air, his Rinnegan equally grave.
With the three snakes joining the battle, the pressure on Konan would soar. Though she was no weakling, facing four elite summoned snakes at once...
"Asura Path, Animal Path, Naraka Path, support Konan."
Deva Path Pain gave the order coldly.
The three Paths of Pain immediately broke away from the main battlefield and rushed toward Konan.
"Trying to leave?"
Ryōta's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan spun. All four of Susanoo's arms swung at once, sending four wind blades