69 Ch-69 Jiryoku defeated?

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In response to Itachi's attack, Jiryoku used 'Gravity Push,' causing the Amaterasu to halt and deflect.

Once again, all the Paths of Pain were revived and stood unharmed.

The Preta Path emerged before Kisame, absorbing the Water ninjutsu and releasing Kisame from the gravitational influence imposed by Jiryoku.

Kisame reverted to his normal form, and Samehada was separated from him. Thanks to Samehada, he quickly healed.

"Are you capable of continuing the fight?" inquired the Deva Path.

"Yes, thanks to him, I endured an agonizing minute. Only I understand the sensation of being crushed repeatedly, healing, then repeating the cycle. For this ordeal, I'll dismantle him into pieces," replied Kisame, his grip on Samehada exuding excitement as well.

"Samehada, you're also brimming with anger. Don't worry; we'll exact revenge," Kisame assured.

As Pain, Kisame, and Itachi readied themselves to assault Jiryoku once more, he enveloped his entire body with 'Armament Haki,' poised for combat.

Katsuyu advised Jiryoku, saying, "Jiryoku-Sama, it's wise to retreat now. They possess formidable power, and you're also nursing internal injuries."

"I understand that it might be rational to withdraw, but the truth is, as a male, my ego refuses to accept defeat. I'll either conquer them or make this battle end in a draw," declared Jiryoku.

"But this prolonged battle will take a toll on your body," cautioned Katsuyu.

"Rest assured, I'm not a foolishly arrogant person. I possess a chance not only to confront them but also to overcome them. That's why I confidently claim my ability to engage," reassured Jiryoku.

"Lady Katsuyu, can you communicate with your main body?" inquired Jiryoku.

"Yes," Katsuyu replied succinctly.

"In that case, stand ready to reverse summon me if I find myself in a dire situation," directed Jiryoku.

"Very well, as you wish," agreed Katsuyu.

Jiryoku's body, fully cloaked in Armament Haki, began to exhibit crimson lines across its surface as he activated EAM. This time, he directly accessed the third stage of EAM so lines also appeared on his face which was not the case in the second stage.

"I have a maximum of three minutes. The stamina drain in this form is immense," Jiryoku thought.

"Something seems amiss; those lines on his body appear to be some form of strength enhancement. Prepare yourselves," alerted the Deva Path, their prior gathered information in mind.

With a resolute grip on his sword and determination etched onto his face, Jiryoku focused his 'Observation Haki' on Kisame. He surged forward with an astonishing burst of speed, surpassing even the velocity of light. Before Kisame could react, Jiryoku's lethal blade neared dangerously, poised to sever his head from his shoulders. Yet, in the nick of time, a swirling vortex materialized at Kisame's side, ensnaring him within its spiraling hold.

(A/N: As shown when Onoki used Dust Release on Sasuke, Obito was able to save him easily unharmed.)

Nevertheless, Jiryoku's unyielding resolve remained unbroken; Kisame would not escape unscathed. With a display of sheer skill, Jiryoku struck decisively, severing Kisame's left hand—still grasping Samehada—from his shoulder.

"So you've finally revealed yourself, Obito Uchiha," thought Jiryoku.

Coming to a halt, Jiryoku redirected his attention, making the Paths of Pain his new target. However, Nagato wouldn't permit Jiryoku to act as he pleased. Through the Deva Path, Nagato unleashed 'Almighty Push' once again.

In response, Jiryoku executed three swift slashes. Each slash was a manifestation of the "Gravity Blade: Raging Tiger" technique, countering and negating the effects of Deva Path's 'Almighty Push.'

The first two slashes proved more than sufficient to nullify the 'Almighty Push.' The third slash struck the Deva Path head-on, sending them hurtling through the air. Were Yahiko's body not meticulously constructed to be extraordinarily resilient and potent, the Deva Path's form might have been completely obliterated, rather than merely propelled.

(A/N: As seen during Pain vs Naruto tailed beast form, only clothes of Yahiko's corpse were harmed but his body was intact.)

With the Deva Path incapacitated, the other five Paths of Pain were effectively non-combatants. This made it relatively simple for Jiryoku to dispatch them. However, Nagato demonstrated his strategic prowess by quickly summoning multiple creatures through the Animal Path. As these creatures materialized, they launched an assault on Jiryoku.

Operating in the third stage of EAM, Jiryoku effortlessly killed the summoned animals without resorting to extravagant gravity-related abilities. A single slash from his sword proved enough to eliminate each creature summoned by the Animal Path.

While attacking the other Paths of Pain, Itachi emerged with his skeletal Susanoo form. Jiryoku directed a direct sword strike at Susanoo, shattering its outer defence of Susanoo. However, Jiryoku's attack lost some of its momentum upon impact. Consequently, Itachi effectively parried Jiryoku's sword strike using his Kunai. Meanwhile, Itachi harnessed the might of Susanoo's fist, launching an attack on Jiryoku. Although Jiryoku responded promptly, he found himself being dragged across the ground by the force of Susanoo's strike.

Just as Jiryoku stabilized himself, a spatial vortex emerged behind him. From within, an individual donning an orange mask materialized, holding a Kunai aimed at Jiryoku. Jiryoku reacted swiftly, delivering a counter slash. Yet, at the final instant, the person, Obito, employed Kamui, allowing Jiryoku's attack to pass through. However, a subsequent slash was unleashed from Jiryoku's blade, targeting Kisame, who was saved by Obito's intervention. Kisame evaded the strike with nimble agility.

Obito pondered whether Jiryoku's actions were intentional, speculating that Jiryoku might be aware of his Kamui ability and had anticipated the countermove, deliberately aiming for Kisame.

Subsequently, Jiryoku retreated, positioning himself at a distance from the Paths of Pain, Obito, Itachi, and Kisame. As all the Paths of Pain, Obito, Itachi, and Kisame regrouped, Kisame cradled his left hand, still attached thanks to Samehada's regenerative properties. Reattaching it to his shoulder would result in complete healing.

"It seems your chosen method places considerable strain on your body," remarked the Deva Path.

"Nowhere to run this time," added the Deva Path.

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