Chapter 153

Observing Carnes, who was not far away, Kakashi's emotions were anything but straightforward.

His feelings could only be described as a tumultuous whirlwind of complexity.

He resolutely didn't want Carnes meddling in Konoha's affairs, except when absolute necessity demanded it.

He cared little for preserving his own reputation or appearance, but the safety of the village was paramount.

"Will he step in?" Kakashi pondered, his gaze locked onto Carnes.

"If he doesn't help us... I'll have no choice but to resort to that technique," Kakashi muttered under his breath.

A bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead, his concern etched across his face.

In this moment, all that consumed him was Carnes' disposition.

Concerning his adversary's prowess...

One who had earned the trust of both Jiraiya and Tsunade, while effortlessly infiltrating the village unnoticed, was undoubtedly extraordinary.

Kakashi was renowned for his brilliant intellect, unwavering judgment, and, most notably, expansive knowledge.

Watching as Asura Path Pain prepared to launch a tracking missile, his patience wore thin.

Observing Carnes on the rooftop who remained stoic, prompted Kakashi to use Kamui once more, to evade this attack.

Death held no fear for him. His sole purpose was to keep the village safe. The vital intelligence about Pain needed to be conveyed!

Yet, in the blink of an eye, Carnes, perched on the rooftop just moments prior, vanished into thin air, only to reappear in the field in an instant.

Within seconds, the Asura Path, with his arms raised high in preparation for attack, widened its eyes in shock.

His entire body disintegrated into several fragments in an instant.

And the tracking missile it held in its grasp fizzled into nothingness.

Carnes stood there with an air of casual authority, hands clasped behind his back, his expression remaining unchanged.

"As expected, even a simple lie can lead to a web of endless deception," Carnes remarked nonchalantly.

"Nonetheless, Konoha Village makes for such a fantastic tourist destination, and the ramen is also truly exceptional.

It's a shame to see it in ruins like this."

"I've had quite an enjoyable time on my travels of late, but now it's time to take some action."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Carnes' lips.

Whether or not he would take action and fulfill system taks, depended entirely on his own changeable mood.

Luckily, today, he found himself in a rather good mood.

Amidst the ruins, Kakashi couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, but beneath that relief, a great mix of emotions churned within him.

Unlike Chōji, who had missed Carnes' actions entirely, and seemed oblivious to Carnes' actions.

But Kakashi, with his Sharingan activated, had witnessed every detail of Carnes' swift attack.

First, Carnes gracefully descended from the rooftop, then swiftly picked up a kunai from the ground and unleashed a barrage of slashes upon the Asura Path Pain.

The sheer speed and precision of the strikes left even Kakashi struggling to keep up. How many slashes had there been? He couldn't discern, for they were a blur of deadly grace.

Kakashi's breath hitched, and his pulse quickened.

Carnes' technique was unlike anything he'd ever seen, even distinct from his late teacher Namikaze Minato's renowned Flying Thunder God Jutsu.

The latter was a unique ninjutsu, while this was pure, unfathomable speed.

It reminded him of his friend, Might Guy's extraordinary physical abilities, but amplified to an astonishing degree.

In the face of such speed, Kakashi felt a gnawing dread that he might be struck down before he could even use the Substitution Jutsu.

"This speed..."

"Is it truly within human capabilities?"

"Is this attainable by a human?"

"This friend of Jiraiya-sama... What kind of monstrous being is he?"

Kakashi muttered these words, his gaze locked onto the astonishing display before him.

Carnes had executed only a fraction of his abilities, yet it already shattered Kakashi's preconceptions and threatened to reshape his worldview.

The foundations of his understanding were on the brink of shattering.

Across the battlefield, Deva Path Pain observed the spectacle through the eyes of Asura Path, unable to conceal the astonishment etched upon his face.

Despite having progressed halfway to his destination, he couldn't ignore the fact that Kakashi and Chōji were still very much alive. Swallowing his pride, he reluctantly retraced his steps.

"Jiraiya's friends?"

"That man actually has allies like you?"

"But you... You're one problematic individual!"

Deva Path's eyes remained fixed on Carnes, a deep-seated fear flickering within them.

Before Carnes could respond, Demiurge could no longer contain himself:

"Audacious! Daring to speak to our captain in such a manner. Nagato, your sense of hierarchy is sorely lacking!"

"Don't you have any sense how superior Captain is?"

'Nagato? Wasn't this man known as Pain?

Captain? Hierarchy? Were these invaders once under Carnes' command? Had they betrayed him?'

Kakashi's thoughts raced as he grappled with this newfound information.

On the opposing side, Deva Path Pain— or Nagato who was hiding in some location, as it seemed—felt an unexpected tightness in his chest.

He never fathomed that the person before him would discern his true identity.

"In that case, perhaps it's best to deal with the two of you first."

A sinister glint flickered within Deva Path's Rinnegan as he uttered those chilling words.

Demiurge, standing steadfastly by Carnes' side, was seething with anger.

His determination to give Deva Path a much-needed lesson was palpable, fueled by his commitment to instill proper subordinate conduct.

Carnes, perceiving Demiurge's simmering rage, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and shook his head, signaling him to step back.

Demiurge hesitated for a moment, but ultimately complied, taking a few steps back.

As he raised his head, tears welled up in Demiurge's eyes, a mix of emotions swirling within him.

'Nagato was incredibly disrespectful, yet the captain forgave him. How magnanimous!

His forgiveness is a testament to his magnanimity' he thought, his admiration for Carnes evident.

'If I were ever to make a mistake in the slightest, would the captain forgive me in the same manner?

No, I will not, I refuse to commit such a petty mistake like this fool!'

'I am the captain's most capable assistant,' Demiurge reaffirmed to himself, his self-assuredness returning.

'Yet, the captain's benevolence is truly remarkable.'

Unaware of Demiurge's inner musings, Carnes maintained his composure, silently observing Deva Path on the opposing side and swiftly assessing the situation.

"Stop this immediately and get out of here," Carnes sternly declared, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Otherwise, you shall regret it!"

The atmosphere crackled with tension as the clash of personalities and ideals hung in the balance.

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