Ch-66 Paths of Pain.

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"It is a good thing that you would like to master 'Sage Mode,' but I must remind you that it is not easy to master the 'Sage Mode.' At the same time, it is very difficult and can even cost you your life," said Katsuyu.

"I am well aware of the dangers in mastering the 'Sage Mode,' but I must also tell you that I have sworn to destroy 'The Mount Myoboku' due to them hiding someone they shouldn't have," said Jiryoku and explained the reason for his statement.

"Hmm, I can't say much about this, but you don't have to worry about it. This is their own doing, trying to interfere in the workings of the world, which I have refrained from doing for quite a long time," said Katsuyu.

"By the way, I have heard speculations that you were the one who taught the First Hokage Sage Mode. Is this true?" asked Jiryoku.

"I did teach him the 'Sage Mode,' but from my teachings, he created his own way of 'Sage Mode,'" replied Katsuyu.

After that, Katsuyu summoned a large scroll, and in the end, it had the name of Tsunade. Jiryoku also wrote his name with blood, and now Jiryoku became an official summoner of Katsuyu.

"Lady Katsuyu, I have a few tasks to do in the Fire country, which will take me around two days. After that, I will come to the Shikkotsu Forest," said Jiryoku.

"Alright," said Katsuyu. Then, Katsuyu turned towards Tsunade and asked, "Lady Tsunade, is there something else that you require from me?"

"No, Lady Katsuyu, thank you for coming," Tsunade said as Katsuyu disappeared.

"Okay then, thank you for keeping your word. As I promised, I will not kill Jiraiya," said Jiryoku as he rose into the air and soon transformed into lightning, disappearing.

"You didn't try to stop me," Tsunade said, looking at Jiraiya.

"On what basis should I stop you? I don't have the strength of my peak, and in a way, what you are doing is for the benefit of Konoha," said Jiraiya.

"Hmm, but what about his will to destroy Mount Myoboku?" asked Tsunade.

"Let's leave it for the future. I had already asked the 'Toad Sage' for permission, and they said they will handle it," replied Jiraiya. After that, he and Tsunade left with Naruto and Shizune, and Tsunade gave her necklace to Naruto as promised.

----

Jiryoku had been roaming the Fire Country for the last day, as he wanted to convey to the world, especially to the Minister of the Fire Country, that he still supported Jokan.

During this time, as Jiryoku moved from one town to another, he muttered, "It's already the sixth time I've felt the presence of this creature, which seems to be one with the surroundings. It must be White Zetsu, and it seems they are specifically keeping an eye on me."

Jiryoku continued moving, and after covering another ten miles, he suddenly sensed something and muttered, "A huge bird is coming in my direction, and on top of it, there seem to be three people standing. One of them has immense chakra, even more than the One-Tail that I defeated in Konoha."

Coming to a stop, Jiryoku landed on the ground. As he touched down, the bird also landed, and from it descended three individuals: the Animal Path of Pain, Kisame, and Itachi Uchiha.

"Itachi Uchiha and Kisame, two of the most powerful S-Rank missing-nin from their respective villages, standing in my way. Your behavior towards this unknown person indicates that he's your leader. Interesting," said Jiryoku.

Kisame and Itachi remained silent upon hearing this. The Animal Path used a summoning technique, and with a cloud of smoke, five more figures appeared — all Paths of Pain.

Jiryoku's face remained calm, but inside, he was prepared for battle, gripping his sword tightly. The Deva Path stepped forward and said, "My name is Pain. I am the leader of the Akatsuki. The goal of our organization is to create a world where there is peace. And peace can only be achieved through pain. I have come here to invite you to join the Akatsuki organization."

"Quite an intriguing way to achieve peace, I must say. So, is your goal to rule over this world?" asked Jiryoku.

"Ruling is not our goal. We will possess a weapon powerful enough to destroy an entire country. By demonstrating the power of this weapon through a few countries as examples, and witnessing their suffering, other nations will be deterred from waging wars. If you wish to learn more, you'll have to join the Akatsuki organization," said the Deva Path.

"If you had expressed a desire to become the ruler of this world and enact positive change, I might have considered it. However, your words make it seem like you're living in some kind of dream. I despise living under anyone's rule, so I refuse to join your organization, Akatsuki," said Jiryoku.

As soon as Jiryoku made this statement, the Deva Path spoke, "Then you have only one fate: death."

"Hmm, should I be honored that the leader of the Akatsuki needs to hunt me down personally? Is it because he fears that I'll become so strong in the future that he won't be able to defeat me? Quite interesting," said Jiryoku with a calm voice.

"I am a god, and no one in this world can stand against the power of these eyes," said Pain showing off his Rinnegan.

"Really? Then why are you hiding meters away, communicating with me through these lifeless bodies?" said Jiryoku with a smile.

Nagato, who was sitting 1000 meters away from the current location, had a solemn expression on his face. "Madara is right. If he isn't dealt with now, he will become a threat that hinders our plans. He must be dealt with," said Nagato. Konan, who stood beside Nagato, nodded in agreement.

Although Jiryoku is speaking as if he doesn't care about the Paths of Pain, he is very nervous on the inside. If he possessed the strength of Fujitora at his peak, he could confidently say that he would win this fight for sure. However, now he lacks that confidence.

Jiryoku bit his finger and used the 'Summoning Technique.' With a cloud of smoke, Katsuyu appeared, standing around 5 meters tall.

"Lord Karan, you've called me. It seems you require me in battle. But you should have summoned a larger form of me for combat," said Katsuyu upon appearing.

"No, I didn't summon you here for combat. This isn't a battle you can take part in. I have a different purpose for summoning you," said Jiryoku.

"Oh, then what do you need me to do? Tell me, and I will do my best," replied Katsuyu.

"I want you to divide into as many parts as possible and keep an eye out for my blood. While I'll do my best to avoid getting injured to the point of spilling blood, in a battle, nothing is certain. So, if my blood falls to the ground, use your acid to destroy it," said Jiryoku.

Katsuyu indicated her agreement with this plan and split into many smaller versions of herself.

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