Chapter 14 Striking at Daybreak Part Two

-With Zhuge Liang and Deva Path-

"Zhuge Liang, the famed Nemuriryu… it's an honour" spoke Deva Path.

"The Akatsuki leader Pain…My former student Naruto sends his regards", spoke Zhuge Liang, causing Deva Path to narrow his eyes.

As the two leaders of their independent groups faced each other off, Zhuge Liang decided to kick things off where he did a single one handed hand-seal and cried "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique)!" After which he expelled a massive orb of roaring flame from his mouth, at the same time he channelled his Wind Chakra to his fan and waved it at the flames from his mouth. This then increased the heat and intensity of the flames as they blew towards Pain, who used his Shinra Tensei (Heavenly Subjugation of the Omnipresent God) to blast back the attack, making Zhuge Liang to jump back a bit to avoid being hit.

After blasting Zhuge Liang attack back, Pain quickly then used his Banshō Ten'in (Heavenly Attraction of All of Creation) to try and pull Zhuge Liang towards him, where he took out a Chakra Disruption Blade and prepared to stab Zhuge Liang with it.

Unfortunately for him, Zhuge Liang was prepared for this, where he channelled chakra to his feet to keep himself from being pulled towards Pain.

After which he then channelled more of his Wind Chakra to his fan and the cried out eat "Daikamaitachi no Jutsu (Great Sickle Weasel Technique)!" creating a great vacuum of Wind towards Pain, who used his Shinra Tensei once again to break the Wind attack.

But as soon as he did this, Zhuge Liang used Doton: Yomi Numa (Earth Style: Swamp of the Underworld), where the surface of the ground beneath Pain into mud, where he began to sink into the ground. Zhuge Liang then did another single one handed hand seal and cried out "Raiton: Kangekiha (Lightning Style: Wave of Inspiration)!" and generated a large amount of electricity in his hand and fired it at Pain, who was still stuck in the mud.

Seeing the attack coming towards him and immediately cried out "Shinra Tensei!" where he used the Jutsu to push him up into the air out of the mud and to avoid the Lightning attack.

Although as soon as Deva Path landed back on the ground Zhuge Liang did two quick one handed hand-seals and then cried out "Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Style: Violent Water Wave)!" and blew out a long stream of Water from his mouth"

Reacting quickly after seeing the Water attack coming towards him, Deva Path did a single hand-seal and cried out "Doton: Doryūheki (Earth Style: Earth Style Wall)!" creating a large Wall of Earth in front of him and protecting him from Zhuge Liang's Water attack.

Seeing this Zhuge Liang did a single one handed hand-seal and cried out "Magen: Gōka (Demonic Illusion: Hell Fire)! (A)". After which several dozen large pillars of fire burst out of the ground and surrounded Pain like a cage.

Deva Path brought up his arms to his face to block the heat of the flames, but before he could try anything, an even larger pillar of Fire exploded from underneath him and enveloped him and began to burn his body. But as quickly as the pillars of Fire appeared they disappeared as Deva Path used a Genjutsu Kai (Illusion Release), as Pain realised that his Deva Path was under a Genjutsu thanks to his other Paths seeing that there were no Pillars of Fire.

After releasing himself from the Genjutsu, Deva Path then used a Shinra Tensei to block an incoming Fire attack from Zhuge Liang. But even though he released himself from the Genjustsu, the pain caused by the illusion still lingered strongly, as if he had really been burned alive.

"Your Genjutsu skills are indeed impressive…it felt so real, I was completely fooled…..but I would expect nothing less from someone of your calibre" commented Deva Path.

"Well I've only just begun" replied Zhuge Liang, as he prepared to continue the fight.

-With Uzumaki Kisaragi Yuffie and Animal Path-

As Animal Path and Yuffie faced off against one another, Animal Path decided to start things off, where he did a few quick hand-seal and cried out "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" and summoned three large Centipedes with Rinnegans and piercings.

Seeing the large insect summons Yuffie decided to summon her own summons, where she cried out "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" after which a large puff of smoke appeared. As soon as it dissipated Animal Path saw Yuffie standing on a large Snow Leopard's back.

After Yuffie summoned her Snow Leopard summons (2), Animal Path ordered his giant Centipedes to attack.

"Let's go Yukkichi!" cried Yuffie

"Right!" replied Yukichi as he sped towards the three giant Centipedes with amazing speed.

Quickly dodging one of the giant Centipedes, Yukichi jumped over it and on top of the second giant Centipede and used it as a springboard to jump onto the third, where Yukichi then used his sharps claws to severe the Centipede's head off.

After killing the third giant Centipede, the first giant Centipede tried to attack Yukichi from behind, but before it could reach him and Yuffie. They disappeared and reappeared behind it, where Yukichi landed on top of it and dug his mouth into the insect summons neck and killed it. Upon which the second giant Centipede tried to attack to Yukichi from the side, while he was busy killing the first Centipede.

Fortunately though, Yuffie saw the giant Centipede coming at them from the side, where she then took off her giant Fuma shuriken that was on her back and threw it at the giant Centipede with great force and severed its head off.

After seeing its summons being killed by Yuffie and Yukichi, Animal Path then slammed his hand onto the ground again and summoned a giant Rhino with z number of body piercings and the Rinnegan.

Seeing the new summons Yuffie and Yukichi sped at the Rhino summons, where Yukichi jumped up into the air and slashed at Rhino's side with his claws. Unfortunately though the giant large summons skin was too strong, after which the Rhino charged straight Yukichi and Yuffie, but crashed into the nearby wall as Yukichi jumped away.

Seeing that Yukichi did not have the power needed to take down the large summons, Yuffie had Yukichi return to his home, after which she then cried "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" where she summoned a large muscular twelve feet tall ape, holding a large thick Bo staff and wearing a sleeveless top and white pants and cloth around his paths. (3)

"Hey Makaku, I could really use you help right now with that overgrown Rhino" spoke Yuffie.

"Tsk, is that all…I thought you had something challenging for me to do" commented Makaku, as he looked at the giant Rhino summon with a board look.

Upon seeing what Yuffie has summoned, Animal Path then had the Rhino summon charge at Makaku head on. Makaku of course did not look the least bit concerned and held his ground, just when the Rhino summons was about to hit him. Makaku brought up his arm and grabbed the Rhino summons by its horn, and in an incredible feat of strength, lifted the giant summons into the air, with his one hand and threw the Rhino summons over him and into the wall behind him.

Quickly though the large summons lifted itself up, and charged at Makaku again, but when it came close enough, Makaku then brought his massive Bo staff and hit the giant summon in the side of the head. After which he then quickly brought the Bo staff up and swung the Bo staff down on the Rhino's head and slamming it down onto the ground hard, making a large dent in it, upon which it then puffed away in a cloud of smoke.

"Phf that was pathetic" commented Makaku.

Upon seeing his Rhino summons being destroyed, Animal Path narrowed his eyes, but as he did Pain noticed Yuffie throwing her large fuma shuriken at him from behind, from one of his other paths that were looking in his direction at the moment.

When Pain saw the fuma Shuriken coming at Animal Path from behind, he had Animal Path quickly spin around to face the incoming fuma Shuriken and cried out "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" When the fuma Shuriken entered the cloud of smoke in front of Animal Path there was a clanging sound, as if the fuma shuriken had hit something hard.

When the smoke dissipated Yuffie saw that instead of hitting Animal Path, her fuma shuriken hit a giant Panda with piercings and the Rinnegan eyes.

But as soon as Animal Path had summoned the giant Panda to protect him, he quickly jumped away to avoid another attack from behind from Makaku, who came behind Animal Path and swung his large Bo staff and tried to hit Animal Path with it. But when Animal Path jumped away, Makaku only hit the giant Panda summons, and hit it with such great force that he cracked the giant Panda's rock hard skin, and sent the summon flying into the nearby wall making a large dent in it and then puffed away.

When Animal Path landed several feet away he saw his summons being sent flying into the nearby cave wall and puffing away.

"Very impressive, it seems that the famed multiple summons of the Kisaragi Clan, live up to their reputation" spoke Animal Path, as he stared at his opponents.

"Oh you haven't seen anything yet!" replied Yuffie as she joined Makaku and picked up her fuma Shuriken, as she prepared to continue the fight.

-With Tatara Hamrio, Uzumaki Tatara Tomoe and Asura Path-

As Hamrio and Tomoe face against Asura Path, they each brought out their own individual weapons, Hamrio quickly pulled off his steel skull chain that was around his neck and used his Kōton (Steel Release) to turn the steel skull chain into a long steel Naginata.

Tomoe (4) on the other hand created two steel claws that came out from between her knuckles in each hand.

Asura Path started things off by using his Kaiwan no Hiya (Flaming Arrow of Amazing Ability) and fired his right hand at Tomoe, who quickly dodged the incoming flying fist.

At the same time Hamrio charged straight at Asura Path and swung his Naginata at Asura Path, who narrowly jumped out of the way of the attack. Asura Path then called back his hand, which imminently flew back to him, after which Asura pulled out his left hand out, which revealed to be connected to the arm by a thick cord with missiles attached to it. After which he then launched the missiles at Hamrio and Tomoe, who in turn tried to avoid the missiles, where they soon learned that they were homing missiles.

Within seconds the missiles sped towards Hamrio and Tomoe and hit them, but just when Asura Path thought he had killed his opponents, he suddenly heard their voices cry out from the separate smoke clouds caused by the explosion "Koton:Koga (Steels Release: Steel Fangs)!" Where twenty steel arrowhead points coated with Lightning Chakra flew towards Asura Path and pierced right through his body.

But even after being pierced by them and having several holes in his body, Asura Path remained standing, where the only sign of injury was the wires and metal fragments coming out of the holes in his body.

When the smoke dissipated Asura Path soon saw both Hamrio and Tomoe standing, with their clothes in tatters, but relatively unharmed, thanks to their Koton: Mukankaku no Yoroi (Steel Release: Impervious Armour), which turned their entire bodies into black steel. That allowed them to withstand the missile attack without any harm to them.

After the missile attack ended, Hamrio and Tomoe quickly went on the offensive, where Tomoe retracted the blades that came out from between her knuckles. After which she then did a few quick hand-seals and slammed her hand onto the ground and cried out "Koton: Koutetsu no Toga (Steel Release: Steel Spike)!"(5)

As soon as Tomoe did this, several dozen steel spikes came out of the ground from underneath Asura Path and attempted to pierce him. But fortunately for Asura Path, he was able to use his Chakra Propulsion Boots to launch himself into the air, and avoid being impaled by the steel spikes.

Not letting him get away, Hamrio stabbed his Naginata into the ground and then did a few quick hand seals and extended one arm towards his Asura Path, with the hand outstretched. He then cried out "Kōton: Kōmu (Steel Release: Steel Spears)! (B)", firing several medium size spears from his hand and at Asura Path.

Asura Path tried to dodge the steel spears, while he was flying in the air, but there were too many and they were coming in too fast for him to dodge them all, where one of them pierced his left jet boot. After which he lost his momentum and he was forced fall back onto the ground.

Once he landed back on the ground, Asura Path immediately opened the top of its head, revealing a sort of cannon; the cannon then released a massive laser blast at Tomoe Homrio.

Reacting quickly, both Tomoe and Homrio did several more high speed hand-seals and cried out "Kōton: Kōheki (Steel Release: Steel Wall)!" (C). Upon which a large Steel Wall appeared out of the ground in front of Homrio and Tomoe, when the laser hit the wall there was a powerful explosion that devastates the surrounding area, but the wall withstood the attack.

When the attack ended, Homrio and Tomoe brought down the Steel Wall, where Tomoe created two Steel Claws from between her knuckles, while Homrio picked up his Naginata. After which the two cousins charge forward at Asura Path.

Homrio started things off by swinging his blade at Asura Path, who dodged the attack, but did lose his left hand as it was cut off. Also as he was dodging he did not expect the high air pressure caused by Homrio's Naginata as he swung it. As thanks to Koton: Mukankaku no Yoroi, it not only dramatically increased Homrio's defensive power, but also his offense power. As when hitting someone Homrio's strength increased to the level, where he could shatter bone with a single punch or swing a weapon with incredible force.

As Asura Path was blown sideways by the air pressure caused by Homrio's attack, Tomoe appeared in front of him and hit him with a powerful punch in the stomach, creating a large hole in it from the claws in the fist. After hitting Asura Path she sent him flying into a nearby cave wall and caused a large dent in it. As like with Homrio, Tomoe's strength and power was dramatically increased by the Koton: Mukankaku no Yoroi.

After sending Asura Path flying into the wall, Tomoe re-joined her cousin and stared at Asura Path, who was slumped against the cave wall, as they were unsure if they had beaten him or not.

Homrio was about to walk towards Asura Path to see his condition, but after taking a single step, he and Tomoe saw Asura Path stand up and then throw off his Akatsuki cloak revealing four extra arms. With the cloak gone he also revealed that he had had three faces, each with a different expression, and two of which appeared from the sides of its head: happy (its normal face), angry, and neutral. It also now showed that it had a long, saw-like "tail" which stretched from his back over his head like a scorpion.

Seeing this, the two Koton users knew that this fight was far from over and was only really beginning now, where they then prepared to continue the fight.

-With Ayane, Kasumi and Human Path-

Currently facing against Human Path were Ayane and Kasumi, who were both sisters, or to be more precise they were half-sisters, where the girls shared the same mother but had different fathers. Both girls were highly skilled and gifted Kunoichi's especially when using their Clan's Taijutsu fighting styles, making them excellent opponents to face Human Path in a Taijutsu battle.

Kasumi (6) was an honourable and kind spirited person, and although a highly skilled Kunoichi with deadly abilities, she did not enjoy or wish to fight. But even with this, there were times where she refused to show mercy, one such time being, where she saw an entire village of innocent people being slaughtered by the Former Lightning Daimyo's forces, during the Civil War.

Kasumi came from the Mugen Tenshin Clan, who were famed for their great Taijutsu fighting skill and power in battle, along with their unique Ninjutsu. She was the second child and only daughter of the Clan head Shiden. During the Civil War her Clan fought against the Godaime Raikage and the former Lightning Daimyo's forces along with the other rebel factions. After the Civil War was won, much of her Clan's laws and traditions had to change due to Naruto becoming Raikage, as he declared that to prevent another Civil War, certain laws and tradition were out-dated and needed to be changed. Also after the Civil War Kasumi married her long time love interest, the New Hayabusa Clan head Ryu, through an arrange marriage as her father had wish to strengthen the two Clans friendly relationship.

Kasumi was a slender, physically-fit young woman of average height, but with an extremely buxom, curvy figure. She had a round face, small facial features and wide, brown eyes, with copper like hair that went waist-length hair. She wore a black ninja dress with black stockings and gold trimming/detailing with a red obi around her waist and a pair of black armguards with gold edgings on both her arms and long black sleeves.

Ayane (6) on the other hand was the daughter of the Clan head Shidan's wife Ayame, and his brother Raidou who betrayed their Clan and sold secrets to Kumo's enemies and raped Ayame. When growing up Ayane was treated as an outcast by her Clan and even the village for being the bastard Child of a traitor. The only friends she had when growing up was her best friend Yugito and Yugito's Sensei Killer Bee, who knew what it was like to be outcasts. Despite being treated an outcast Ayane proved herself to be a highly gifted Shinobi, and turned into a determined, strong, secretive and deadly young woman, earning her the nickname Josei Tengu (Female Tengu). During the Civil War she sided with her Clan against the Godaime Raikage and the former Lightning Daimyo and proved herself further to others. After the Civil War her Uncle Shiden had her marry the New Raikage Naruto to form a strong relationship with the new Raikage and the Clan he would later start. At first Ayane resented being married off to Naruto, but over time she grew to care for him greatly, as like her, he knew what it was like to be treated as an outcast or a demon for something that wasn't her fault. He even shared some of the things that he went through when he was growing up in Konoha, thereby building a relationship between the two of them. This relationship grew stronger, when Naruto helped avenge herself by finding her "father" Raidou and allowing her to execute him for his crimes.

Mostly due to the way she was treated as a child, Ayane possessed a detached, cynical outlook on life, and is completely driven by the desire to prove to herself and others that she is better than those that condemned her. She did have a tendency to talk down to people - mostly with Kasumi and acted antagonistic to her, due to her experiences growing up and despised anything or anyone that reminded her of her past. However, despite her cruel behaviour, she wasn't entirely cold and heartless. She did form working relationships with those around her, and even loving, emotional attachments like Naruto after she married him. Where her demeanour slowly improved, she also eventually developed a more friendly relationship with Kasumi, where she would speak and interact socially with her. Like most of the other Kumo Shinobi's, she was devoted to what she believed in and follows the code of her Clan and village with all her heart, willing to take on tasks for her village even if it meant she could die doing so.

Ayane was of average height with a slender body, and despite being the younger of the two girls; she bore the biggest bust out of the two. Her face is round, with a small button-nose and wide eyes. She had reddish-pink eyes and straight purple hair, which was cut to the nape of her neck, and the front fringe and was tied back with her favourite dark-purple bandana.

Ayane wore Purple dress with black scarf, arm and leg warmers with a large pink obi and purple boots and gloves and butterfly brooch and carrying two Tanto's on both her legs sheaths and one strapped horizontally to her lower back.

As the two half-sister faced against the Human Path, Kasumi decided to start things off and charged at Human Path head on, where she brought her arm forward and tried to punch Human Path in the face. But before she could, Human Path blocked her punch with his right hand and then twisted it with his left, when he grabbed it and elbowed her in face, causing her to fall to the ground. After falling to the ground Kasumi then legged swiped Human Path, making him have to jump back a bit from her, and allowing her the chance to pick herself off the ground.

Human Path then charged forward at Kasumi with incredible high speed and tried to punch her in the gut with his left fist. Fortunately though, Kasumi was just able to dodge the punch, by jumping backwards a bit from him, upon which Kasumi then grabbed hold of Human Paths cloak and did a somersault over him. At the same time Ayane appeared, by doing a somersault from behind Human Path, where as soon as Human Path was between them both and they were both mid-air, they both kicked him at the same time. Where Ayane kicked him with both her legs in the chest, and Kasumi kicked him with both her legs in his upper back at roughly the same spot.

As Human Path was momentarily dazed by the two double kicks, Ayane then attacked Human Path with a series of powerful rapid punches in the face and chest, and then finished with a powerful uppercut that sent Human Path flying backwards a bit. But before he could hit the ground Kasumi then appeared in front of him and let lose her own series of rapid punches and hits.

After delivering a powerful elbow to the gut that sent Human Path flying backwards a bit, Ayane appeared again in front of him and delivered a powerful front kick to the chin, and sent Human Path's head back a bit. After which Ayane then delivered a powerful round house kick to the side of Human Paths face and then did a mid-air flip and falling axe kick to the back of Human Path's head. Making Human Path hit the ground face first and causing a large dent into the ground, when hitting it.

After kicking Human Path into the ground, Ayane did a quick backwards flip and land next to her half-sister Kasumi, where they both fell into a Taijutsu stance, as they knew the battle was far from done.

And as they expect Human Path quickly picked himself up off the ground, "Your Taijutsu skill and teamwork are indeed commendable, but you cannot win for I'm God" spoke Human Path.

"You underestimate us" replied Ayane as she narrowed her eyes and readied herself.

"We will not lose to you" spoke Kasumi as she readied herself as well, after which she and Ayane charged forward toward Human Path.

-Hayabusa Ryu and Preta Path-

As Ryu's comrades were fighting the other five Paths and the other Akatsuki members Ryu himself faced against Preta Path.

For the first few moments Ryu and Preat Path just stared at one another, but after the few moments of staring at one another Ryu decided to make the first move.

After doing a few quick hand-seals he the cried out "Ninpō: Kaenryū (Ninja Art: Flame Dragon)!"(D), where three large fire balls shaped liked Dragon Heads flew towards Preta Path at high speed.

Instead of trying to avoid the Preta Path held his ground and simply raised his hands up, where just as they were about the hit him, he absorbed the balls of fire into his body.

When Ryu saw this he didn't look the least bit surprised, in fact he remained perfectly calm, although he did narrow his eyes a bit when he saw his attack being absorbed.

"So our intelligence was correct this vessel can absorb Ninjutsu attacks…but let's see if he can absorb them from multiple direction" thought Ryu, as he did a single hand-seal and cried out "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique)!" Upon which three clones of Ryu appeared beside him.

The three clones then quickly took up positions around Preta Path and fired four separate attacks from four different directions.

"Ninpō: Hama Reppūjin (Ninja Art: Exorcising Slashing Wind Blades)! (E)" cried Ryu as he did a few hand-seals and cried out the Jutsu, he channelled his Wind Chakra into his arms and swung them in slashing like movements, creating several Wind Blades that zoomed towards Preta Path.

"Ninpō: Hyakurai Tsui no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Hundred Thunder Hammers Technique)! (F)" cried the first Ryu clone. Who stood behind Preta Path, where after doing some hand-seals and crying out the Jutsu fired a large blast of Lightning from his hand.

"Ninpō: Hōō Enbu (Ninja Art: Dance of the Flaming Phoenix)! (G)" cried the second Ryu Clone who was on the left side of Preta Path. Where upon doing a few quick hand-seals and crying out the Jutsu, three Phoenix's made out of Fire appeared around the Ryu Clone and flew towards Preta Path.

"Ninpō: Gurenfu (Ninja Art: Crimson Lotus Maple)! (H)" cried the third Ryu Clone, who was on the right side of Preta Path. After finishing the hand-seals and crying out the Jutsu's name, several large fire balls in the shape of a circle appeared in front of him and flew in a spiralling vortex towards Preta Path.

As the four attacks came at his from their different direction, Preta Path simply raised his arms on both side of him, where a barrier formed around him that allowed him to absorb the four different Ninjutsu attacks.

Seeing this, Ryu narrowed his eyes a bit more, "So attacking with Ninjutsu is out of the question…then let us see how well he handles close quarters" thought Ryu, where with a slight movement of his hands three blades shaped like talons sprung out of his gauntlets that were on each of his arms. The same kind of thing happened at his boots as three blade sprung out of them.

The First Ryu Clone then summoned two Katana's and fell into a dual sword stance, while the Second Ryu Clone took out a pair of Tonfa's and fell into a fighting stance. The Third Ryu Clone took out a Kusari-Gama, where he held the sickle in his right hand and the weight and Chain on the other, where he spun it around, as he prepared for battle.

Ryu then had the three Shadow Clones attack Preta Path from all sides, the First Shadow Clone quickly charged forward from behind Preta Path with his Katana's.

Upon seeing this from one of his other Paths, Pain had his Preta Path jump out of the way of the slashing swords from behind. But as soon as he did a weight and chain from the third Ryu Clone wrapped itself around him and pull him down to the ground. After which the First Ryu Clone came up and tried to slash Preta Path again with his Katana's.

Seeing this Preta Path immediately pulled on the Chain that connected him with the third Ryu Clone and pulled him forward and swung him around. So that he would collide with the First Ryu Clone and the both puffed away with they hit one another.

As soon as he did this, the Second Ryu Clone appeared above him and tried to hit him with his Tonfa's unfortunately Pain saw this through another of his Path's and had Preta Path roll out of the way in time. Hence the only damage done was to the ground was a large dent on the ground from when the Ryu Clone's Tonfa's hit it.

As soon as Preta Path had rolled out of the way, it quickly charged forward and grabbed hold of the Ryu Clone and quickly drained the Chakra out of him, causing it to puff away when it ran out of Chakra.

Although as soon as the Preta Path had dealt with the last of the Ryu Clones, the real Ryu appeared kneeling underneath him and quickly tried the stab Preta Path through the head from underneath his chin with his Talon like wrist blade on his right arm. Fortunately though for Preta Path he was able to lean back enough to avoid being stabbed. But as he did, Ryu then quickly jumped into the air and did a roundhouse kick and was able to at least slash him across the chest with the blades on his boots.

After avoiding Ryu's attack, Preta Path then jumped backwards a bit, so to gain a bit of distance from Ryu.

"So the best way to fight this vessel is to fight in close quarters, just as our Intel suggested, although I must be careful as if he grabs hold of me he can drain my Chakra out of me" thought Ryu as he feel into another fighting stance and prepared to continue the battle.

-With C, Omoi and Naraka Path-

Currently facing against the Naraka Path the last of the six Paths of Pain was C and Omoi

C quickly made the first move by doing four quick hand-seals and crying out "Raigen Raikōchū (Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar)!" after which a brilliant bright flash of Light appeared from C body and blinded Naraka Path.

Once the light died down and Naraka Path was still blinded by the attack, Omi moved in, where he quickly drew his Katana and channelled his Lightning Chakra into and slashed at Naraka Path with his Katana.

Luckily through for Naraka Path, Pain had one of his other Paths to look in Naraka Path direction and see the incoming attack from Omoi and have jump out of the way of the slash.

After jumping into the air Naraka Path tried to attack Omoi from above, but just as he was about to hit him, Omoi used his Kumo-Ryū Mikazuki Kiri (Cloud-Style Crescent Moon Beheading) to block Naraka Path's attack and force him back.

Once Naraka Path jumped back C regrouped with Omoi, where the two New Kumo Shinobi and prepared to attack again.

-With Yoruichi, Soifon and Senchi Rēsā-

Currently facing against Rēsā was Yoruichi and Soifon, both Kunoichi, quickly sped forward at high speed towards the Akatsuki member.

Seeing this Rēsā quickly used his Jinton: Mueishō (Swift Release: Shadow-less Flight) and disappeared before either women could hit him. He then quickly appeared behind both women and hit both Soifon in the back of the head making her fall forward, while he kicking Yoruichi in the back, sending her flying forward a bit.

Rēsā then raised his Tanto and tried to stab Soifon in the back of the head, but just as he did Soifon replaced herself with a large stone, where she then appeared behind him and tried to stab him in the back with her gauntlet blade. But just as she did Rēsā fade away revealing that he used a Zanzo (After-image), after which he reappeared beside Soifon and to cut her head off with his Tanto. Only for it to pass right through her and for her to fade away much like he did a moment ago, revealing she used Zanzo as well.

As soon as Rēsā saw this he was suddenly kicked to the side of the head by Yoruichi, who suddenly appeared next to him and sent him flying, after being kicked, Rēsā quickly regained his footing after skidding on the ground a bit.

"Your fast I give you that, but your no-where near as fast as me" spoke Rēsā, as he prepared to continue the fight.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that" replied a smirking Yoruichi, where they used their high speed technique to zoom straight for Rēsā.

For the next few minutes the three Shinobi's were moving around the cave at high speed fighting and dodging one another attacks, as well as dodging the other attacks from the other Shinobi's who were also battling in the large cave.

"Onpaken (Sonic Fist)! (I)" cried Rēsā as he trust his fist forward with such high speed that it created a shockwave that threw Yoruichi backwards. Although as soon as he did Soifon appeared above him with her gauntlet covered in Lightning and cried out Raisasu (Lightning Sting) (7).

But before Soifon attack could hit, Rēsā disappeared in another after image, leaving Soifon hand being stuck to the ground, when she stabbed it, after missing Rēsā.

As Soifon was pulling her hand out of the ground, Rēsā suddenly behind Soifon and swinging his sword forward with such speed that it made it seem her and a hundred swords, leaving Soifon unsure which direction she should move to try and avoid. Luckily though for Soifon, Yoruichi arrived and delivered a devastating roundhouse kick to the side of Rēsā head, and sent him crashing into the nearby cave wall.

After dealing with Rēsā, Yoruichi then helped Soifon free herself from the ground, after which the two women turned to face Rēsā, who had picked himself off the ground, after he had fallen down to it, when he was sent into the wall.

After a moment or two of staring off at one another, Rēsā and the two Kunoichi recommenced their battle.

-With Uzumaki Takara, Ichigo and Amako Saikyo-

Facing against the Kumo nuke-nin Saikyo was Takara (8) and Ichigo, who readied themselves, as they knew that Saikyo was not someone they could underestimate or let their guard down.

"So which of you has the courage to take me on first?" asked Saikyo with an arrogant sadistic smirk.

Deciding to go first Ichigo charge forward with his black sword and swung in a diagonal slash at Saikyo neck, Saikyo of course blocked the sword with his left arm gauntlet, without much trouble.

"Not bad kid, but not good enough" spoke Saikyo, with a sinister smirk, before he pushed Ichigo back and delivered a powerful kick to Ichigo's side and sent him back a bit.

As soon as Saikyo did this, Takara charged forward with his fist surrounded by Lightning, indicating she was using her Raiken (Thunder Fist), where she then punched at Saikyo, who quickly blocked her punch. By raising his right arm gauntlet and covered it with Lightning, although the power of Takara punch still pushed him back a bit.

"Impressive", commented Saikyo, where he then raised his left arm and covered his gauntlet in Lightning and was about to hit Takara. But just as he was about to hit her, he suddenly heard Ichigo's voice cry out "Getsuga Tenshō (Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer)!" After which he saw Ichigo swing his sword and a crescent moon shape wave of Black Chakra came from his sword and flew towards them.

Seeing this Saikyo quickly moved out of the way of the attack, as did Takara, where as they did, a deep gash was made into the ground by the attack as it flew by. After which it the collided into the Cave wall and caused a large explosion and a large hole in the wall.

When Saikyo dodged Ichigo's attack, Ichigo then disappeared and reappeared right in front of Saikyo and swung his blade at him again, where Saikyo was barely able to block the attack with his gauntlet.

For the next minute or two Saikyo was on the defensive, barely blocking Ichigo's fast move attacks, as he kept attack from different directions and swinging his sword at high speed.

Seeing that he could barely keep up with Ichigo's movement, Saikyo quickly amplified his bioelectric current in his body and used it to enhance his speed and strength, allowing him to keep up with Ichigo's fast movements and push him back. The Technique itself, was similar to the effects of the Raiton no Yoroi (Lightning Release Armour), but unlike that the technique required no Chakra to use, and was completely self-efficient. Raiton no Yoroi itself was originally based on this technique, which in turn was created by his Clan thanks to their bloodline.

After using his Lightning enhancing technique, Saikyo was able to keep up with Ichigo's high speed where the two of them battled each other in a close quarter battle. As Saikyo blocked another of Ichigo's sword strike with his right arm gauntlet and pushed him back, Takara appeared above him in mid-air and brought her fist forward and tried to hit him.

Luckily though for Saikyo, he was able to dodge the attack by jumping backwards, where Takara just hit the ground, but caused a large crater on the ground.

After avoiding Takara's attack, Saikyo, quickly gathered a large amount of Lightning into his hand and then shouted out "Raiton: Raikurai (Lightning Style: Lightning Bolt)! (J)" and fired a large bolt of Lightning at Takara.

Before the Lightning could hit Takara, Ichigo quickly fired another Getsuga Tenshō and intercepted the Lightning attack before it could hit Takara and causing a large explosion.

Once the explosion died down, both Ichigo and Takara charged forward from different directions, hoping to hit Saikyo from an unguarded side. Unfortunately Saikyo was prepared for this, where he then did a single hand seal and cried out "Raiton: Kaminari Funsai (Lightning Style: Lightning Flux)!" (K). After which, a large amount of Lightning erupted from Saikyo body shocking both Ichigo and Takara and forcing them both away from one another.

After being hit by the Lightning both Ichigo and Takara skidded across the ground, a bit, where they struggled to move thanks to hitting Saikyo Lightning defence, where the Lightning stiffened their muscles.

With both his opponents temporarily disabled Saikyo, decided to end this, where he did a single hand-seal and spoke "Raiton: Kage Bunshin (Lightning Style: Shadow Clone)" and created a Shadow Clone. When he created the Clone Saikyo then had the Clone attack Takara, while he himself attacked Ichigo.

As Takara was slowly picking herself up, she saw Saikyo create the Clone of himself and saw the Clone running towards her and closing the distance between them very quickly, at high Shinobi speed. Knowing that she didn't have much time, Takara forced herself up, as quickly as she could, due to the Lightning still affecting her body.

As the Saikyo's shadow clone neared her, Takara waited until the right moment, where just as the shadow clone was on top of her and was about to hit her, she did a backwards somersault and kicked the clone right below the chin, sending it falling backwards.

Where after landing back on her feet and before the clone could fully recover from the kick, she did two quick hand-seals and cried out "Suiton: Mizutama (Water Style: Water Bullet)!" (L). Upon which Takara spat out three large high speed balls of Water from her mouth and shot them at the clone and at the same time enhanced the balls of Water with her Lightning affinity, so to increase the Water bullets power.

As soon as the Lightning enhanced Water bullets hit the shadow clone, it quickly reverted into its natural state.

At the same time that Takara was fighting the Saikyo shadow clone; the real Saikyo was battling with Ichigo, who was unable to move at his normal high speed due to the Lightning still affecting his body. For past few minutes he was mainly on the defensive blocking Saikyo's attacks with his sword.

"You're not half bad kid, I'm actually working up a sweat…but still you're nowhere near my level" said Saikyo with a sneer, as Ichigo blocked another of his punches with his Lightning enhanced gauntlets. After which he then raised his other gauntlet and went to punch Ichigo, but at the last second Ichigo moved his head slightly to avoid the punch, and then pushed Saikyo back.

"Well try this then!" cried Ichigo as he swung his sword and cried "Getsuga Tenshō!" and sent another black crescent wave of Chakra at Saikyo, who quickly raised both his gauntlets up to block the incoming attack, knowing he couldn't avoid the attack in time.

As soon Ichigo's attack made contact, Saikyo was pushed back by the force of the attack, where he tore up the ground as he was being forced back by the attack, where after tearing up the ground a bit there was a large explosion from the attack.

When the smoked cleared from the explosion, Ichigo soon saw Saikyo was still standing, where with the exception of being singed a little, was perfectly fine, although as soon as he lowered his gauntlets Takara suddenly appeared above him doing a falling axe kick.

Luckily though for Saikyo, he just saw Takara falling down towards her, reacting quickly he raised his right gauntlet arm, just as she was about to hit him and caught her leg, where he then swung her around and threw her away.

Takara although recovered quickly, where she quickly did a mid-air flip and landed back on her feet skidding a bit on the ground. After which she was then joined by Ichigo, where the both fell into their individual fighting stances and prepared to continue the battle.

Seeing this Saikyo smirked sinisterly, as he was enjoying the battle, where he then channelled a large amount of Lightning Chakra into his gauntlets and fell into his own fighting stance. "Now things are getting I interesting".

-With Uryū, Darui and Deidara-

Facing against Deidara was Uryū and Darui, as Deidara faced against his opponents, he narrowed his one visible eye in annoyance. As he knew that he could only use his C1 explosives inside the cave, for if he used anything stronger, he would most likely bring down the entire cave down on top of them, and being crushed underneath a cave did not fit his artist style. Hence he had to settle in fighting with his basic level explosives.

Deidara decided to kick things off, by putting some of the clay in his side bags into the mouths in his palms, where he then created two humanoid like dolls which were connected to his hands by a cord of clay, which he pumped Chakra into them. He then had the two dolls charge forward, and attacked Uryū and Darui.

As the two dolls charged towards them, Darui quickly took out his Cleaver Sword and charged at the first doll and swung at it with his sword with a diagonal slash. But as he sword sliced into the doll it got stuck, after which the Deidara stared pumping more Chakra into the doll and have it explode. But before it could explode Darui began to channel some of his Lightning Chakra into his sword, defusing the explosive doll and then cutting through it.

"It seems our intelligence about Deidara-san Exploding Clay technique was correct, Lightning Jutsu's are able to neutralise it ability to explode", spoke Darui to himself, when he saw that the clone did explode.

After dealing with the first exploding doll, the second one quickly came up behind Darui and tried to stab him with spikes that came from its arm. Luckily though for Darui, thanks to the many years he spent on the battlefield, his Shinobi sense's kicked in and told him to turn around.

Darui quickly listened to his instincts and spun around, narrowly avoiding be stabbed by the exploding doll, where swung his sword, which still maintained the Lightning charge, where he easily sliced through the doll and defused it at the same time.

Seeing his Clay dolls had destroyed Deidara, quickly got some clay and created a flock of small birds and sent them to attack Darui, but when they crossed half the distance between them and Darui. Several dozen arrows made out of Chakra appeared and hit the clay birds with pinpoint precision, causing them to exploded.

Upon seeing his clay birds being destroyed by Uryū, Deidara, prepared to send another wave of C1 creatures, but before he could Darui suddenly appeared in front of Deidara and slashed at him in the side. But as his did his sword became stuck in between Deidara stomach, and Deidara suddenly turned white, revealing that Deidara had replaced himself with a Clay Clone, where it then exploded.

As soon as this happened, the real Deidara appeared behind Uryū and created several large Clay insects and had them attack Uryū.

Sensing someone from behind, Uryū quickly turned and saw Deidara and the Clay insects, when Uryū saw that the Clay insects were just on top of him, he quickly deactivated his Bow glove and created a shield made out of Chakra. When the majority of the insects it the Chakra made shield the then exploded, after which Uryū then took out a small handle and activated it, creating a blade of Chakra and the remaining Clay insects and protected himself when the exploded, with his shield.

Unfortunately for Uryū the Clay insects where just a distracting, whereas Uryū was dealing with them, Deidara created several Clay spiders, where when Uryū destroyed the Clay insects. The Clay spiders appeared from both above him and from underneath him, where they then latched onto his body. But just before Deidara could have the Spiders explode and kill Uryū. A voice suddenly cried out "Ranton: Reizā Sākasu (Storm Release: Encouraging Crushing Chain Tormenting Principle)!" after which several bright beams of electricity appeared and hit the Clay spiders on Uryū body (without hitting him) and destroyed them, without them exploding and killing Uryū.

After the Clay spiders were destroyed, Darui appeared next to Uryū, revealing that he was alive and had survived the explosion, although he no longer hand his sword with him.

"You ok Uryū?" asked the shaggy haired Kumo Shinobi.

"Yes I'm fine, thank you, although you fired a tad close" replied Uryū, as he deactivated his sword and shield and the fixed his glasses, as they were slightly singed from Darui's attack, after which he then reactivated his glove bow and readied another Chakra arrow, Darui prepared another Ranton Jutsu.

"Sorry, but better than being dead" replied Darui, where Uryū just nodded.

Seeing that Darui was still alive, Deidara narrowed his one visible eye, before he put his hands into his pouches and prepared to use more of his Exploding Clay.

-With Saiyuri and Konan-

"So you're the famed Shinkukiri no Kumo (Cloud's Crimson Mist) Miyoshi Saiyuri formerly of the Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shū (Seven Shinobi Swordsmen of the Mist)", spoke Konan in a monotone like tone, as she eyed her opponent.

"Indeed I 'am" spoke Saiyuri with saucy like grin, as she drew he dual swords from the holders on her legs and twirled them around in her hands before she fell into her fighting stance. "And you're the female Akatsuki member Konan, partner of the Pain the leader of the Akatsuki", replied Saiyuri.

"So you know me" replied Konan calmly, with slightly narrowed eyes, as if they knew their name and who they were partnered with then there was no telling how much more they knew about their organization.

After a moment or two of staring down at one another, Konan decided to start things off by using her Kami Shuriken (Paper Shuriken), where she threw them at Saiyuri, who in turn skilfully blocked the paper shurikens by cutting them into smaller pieces.

Seeing her paper shurikens being destroyed, Konan immediately did a few quick hand-seals before crying out "Harikonotora (Paper Tiger)!(M)", where a large number of paper sheets came from her sleeves and formed into a large Paper Tiger, which charged straight at Saiyuri.

The Paper Tiger then quickly slashed at Saiyuri with its razor sharp paper claws and cut her deeply, but when it did Saiyuri reverted into red mist, revealing that Saiyuri had replaced herself with a Kiri Bunshin no Jutsu (Mist Clone Technique) (N).

As soon as the Paper Tiger slashed at the mist clone of Saiyuri, the real Saiyuri appeared above the paper and started spin herself around at high speed with her curved swords in hand and cried out "Shōkama (Twin Sickles)!(O)".

After which a large wave of several dozen crescent shape Wind blades erupted from her dual curved swords and flew towards the Paper Tiger and shredded it into pieces.

After destroying the Paper Tiger, Saiyuri sent another wave of crescent shape Wind blades towards Konan, who at the last second replaced herself with a Kami Bunshin (Paper Clone), where the paper clone was cut pieces.

After which Konan reappeared again a few feet away from Saiyuri, where she then used her Shikigami no Mai (Dance of the Shikigami) technique, which turned her body and clothing into a large number of sheets of paper. The Konan sheets then flew towards Saiyuri and started to spin around her at high speed. Upon which Saiyuri noticed that several of the pieces of paper where exploding notice, where they all exploded at once.

Thinking that she had killed Saiyuri, the real Konan then reappeared several feet away from where the explosion happened.

Although as soon as she reappeared, Saiyuri reappeared behind her in a whirl of red mist, revealing Saiyuri had used Kiri-Shunshin (Mist Body Flicker) to avoid being killed in the explosion.

As soon as she reappeared Saiyuri slashed at Konan with her dual swords from behind, luckily though Konan was able to avoid being slashed by using her Kami-Shunshin (Paper Body Flicker).

After which Konan then reappeared several feet away from Saiyuri, where both Kunoichi's prepared to continue their battle.

-With Mitsuhide and Itachi-

As the Akatsuki members and the Hachiman force members fought one another, Akechi Mitsuhide and Uchiha Itachi faced each other.

"Uchiha Itachi, I've heard a great deal about you", spoke Mitsuhide with a respectful tone.

"As I of you, Mitsuhide-san" replied Itachi emotionlessly.

"I must say, I've always wanted to face against you" spoke Mitsuhide as he drew his Katana from his sheath.

Itachi of course did not respond to this, but he did start things off, where several shurikens suddenly appeared in his hands.

Upon seeing them, Mitsuhide quickly prepared to counter them with his Katana, but what he didn't know was that the shurikens that were in Itachi hands were just a distractions. For as soon Mitsuhide saw them and prepared to counter the shurikens. Itachi suddenly cried out "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique)!" after doing several hand-seals with Lightning speed, sending out a giant fireball at Mitsuhide.

Fortunately though Mitsuhide did not become a famed and powerful Shinobi for being caught off guard easily, as soon as he saw the giant fireball coming at him, he quickly blew Wind Chakra onto his Katana tip and cried "Ninpō: Shinkuu Kamaitachi (Ninja Art: Vacuum Razor Wind)! (9)" as he swung his Katana.

After which a fast jet of Wind erupted from Mitsuhide's Katana, where it sliced right through the giant fireball with ease and cut it in two causing it to quickly dissipate, before it could hit Mitsuhide.

But what Mitsuhide didn't know at the time was that the giant fireball was also a distraction like the shurikens, whereas soon as Mitsuhide had destroyed the giant fireball he saw several smaller fireballs heading towards them. Showing that Itachi had used Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu (Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique) straight after firing the giant fireball.

Seeing the multiple small fireballs heading for him, Mitsuhide quickly channelled his Wind Chakra to his Katana and swung it, while crying out "Takakaze (Hawk Wind)!(P)". Although as soon as he did this and blew away the small fireballs with his high speed Wind, he saw that hidden inside the fireballs were shurikens, which continue to fly straight for him.

Knowing that he could not raise his Katana up in time to block the shurikens, Mitsuhide quickly brought his Katana sheath and blocked the shurikens with it. Upon which Mitsuhide then used his Futon: Shinkuu Kamaitachi (Wind Style: Vacuum Razor Wind) and sent a jet of wind straight at Itachi, who immediately replaced himself with a large bolder nearby, which was cut in two by the jet of Wind.

"Itachi-san certainly lives up to his reputation…" thought Mitsuhide "…his Ninjutsu speed is unparalleled; I've never seen anyone create jutsu so quickly and with such precision".

"Your good" spoke Itachi calmly as he reappeared to Mitsuhide left hand side, several feet away from him.

"As are you" replied Mitsuhide, after which three kunai appeared in his hand much like the shurikens did with Itachi earlier and then channelled some of his Wind Chakra into them and threw them at Itachi.

Seeing the Wind enhanced Kunai coming at him at high speed, Itachi narrowly but skilfully avoided them with little trouble, although like with his shuriken fait earlier. Mitsuhide's Kunai's where just a distraction to keep Itachi occupied, where after he avoided them his shinobi sensei's told him to look up. When he did he saw Mitsuhide falling towards him at incredible speed, with his Katana trust forward, where he roared out "Takageki (Hawk strike)!(Q)".

Within an instant of seeing Mitsuhide falling towards him, Itachi was impaled by Mitsuhide's strike through the chest, where the shockwave of the strike created a small crater in the ground underneath them. Although just when Mitsuhide though he had killed Itachi, "Itachi" puffed into a cloud of smoke, revealing that Itachi had somehow replaced himself with a Kage Benushin (Shadow Clone) at the last second.

As soon as Misthide saw this, the real Itachi appeared on the left side of Mitsuhide and stabbed him in the side with a Kunai, although as he did "Mitsuhide" puffed into a cloud of smoke, much like Itachi did a moment ago, revealing he was also a shadow clone.

As soon as Itachi saw this he quickly, scanned around and found Mitsihide standing a distance away from him to his far right.

Upon seeing Mitsuhide, Itachi decided to finish this, where he activated his Mangekyō Sharingan stared right into the eyes of Mitsuhide and cried out "Tsukuyomi (Moon Reader)!"

But to the mild surprise of Itachi, his technique didn't work and before he knew it he saw several shurikens and Kunai's flying towards his at astounding speed and was barely able to take out a Kunai and deflect and dodges most of the shurikens and Kunai's. But even he was unable to fully doge all of them, as he received a slight cut of his left cheek from a shuriken that he barely avoided.

After dealing with the shurikens and the Kunai's, Itachi's was about to go on the offensive, but before he could, Mitsuhide suddenly appeared before him, in a Battojutsu (Sword-Drawing Technique) stance and slashed at Itachi's midsection, cutting him in two.

Unfortunately though as soon as he did, Itachi turned into a flock of crows, revealing he had used Karasu Bunshin no Jutsu (Crow Clone Technique) and replaced himself with it at the last moment.

"Impressive", spoke Itachi with a hint or respect, from a few feet away from Mitsuhide, who immediately spun around to face the Uchiha traitor, who was wiping the block off his cheek. "It's been a long time since I've felt my own blood and see it".

"It seems that the rumours are true… New Kumo has developed a seal that can block the unique abilities that Doujutsu's can have on an opponent" spoke Itachi, as he knew that with that seal he couldn't copy, predict or place Mitsuhide under a Genjutsu with his eyes. But even still, he didn't expect that the seal would be strong enough to block his Tsukuyomi,one of the most powerful Genjutsu's in existence.

"Correct, my former student has come far since the last time you've met", replied Mitsuhide as he prepared to continue the fight.

"Indeed", answered Itachi, "But let us seen if your seal can defend you from this… Amaterasu (Illuminating Heaven)!"

As soon as Mitsuhide saw the black flames emerge from Itachi's left eyes, he knew that he was in trouble, where he quickly pumped Chakra into his feet to increase his already great speed. Unfortunately Itachi could control the Black flames and had them follow Mitsuhide, where the flames caught onto his white cloak.

Seeing this at the corner of his eyes, Mitsuhide immediately unhooked his while cloak, which was quickly engulfed by the Black flames, leaving Mitsuhide in his silver samurai like armour and white Shinobi outfit underneath it.

Knowing he could not keep running like forever Mitsuhide quickly did a few quick one handed hand-seals and turned around slight, while bringing up his two front fingers to his lips and cried out "Fūton: Fūha (Wind Style: Wind Wave)! (R)" and blew a powerful gust of Wind from his mouth.

Although the Wind blast increased the Black flames power, it still did what Mitsuhide wanted, where it was strong enough to blow the flames back away from them, as well as the same time propel him backwards and further away from the Black flames.

As soon as Mitsuhide was far enough away from the Black flames and before Itachi could fire another blast of them at him, Mitsuhide did another quick set of one handed hand-seals and cried out "Fūton: Taka no Hishō (Wind Style: Soaring Hawk)!(S)". After which a large blade of Wind in the shape of a large bird erupted from Mitsuhide's mouth and flew towards Itachi at great speed.

When Itachi saw the powerful Wind attack flying towards him at great speed, he quickly avoided it by jumping away, where when the attack hit the spot where Itachi was, there was a large explosion. Upon which Itachi jumped out of the dust cloud created by the attack hitting the ground, where his Akatsuki cloak was fairly torn up by the attack and he had several cuts on his body and on his regular Shinobi uniform.

As soon as Itachi had jumped out of the dust cloud, Mitsuhide suddenly appeared behind Itachi's and stabbed him in the back with his Katana. But as soon as Mitsuhide did this "Itachi" exploded revealing he replaced himself with clone and had used Bunshin Daibakuha (Clone Great Explosion).

After the explosion, Mitsuhide emerged from the cloud of smoke caused by the large explosion, with several scorched marks on his silver samurai like armour and several burn marks on his white Shinobi outfit underneath it and on his skin. But other than that, he was relatively unharmed, as thanks to activating his Takagan (Hawk eye) when he stabbed the Itachi clone. Mitsuhide saw that the Itachi he had stabbed wasn't the real Itachi, where he was able to moved away from the blast just enough, so that his armour could protect him from the rest of it.

When Mitsuhide emerged from the smoke of the explosion, Itachi appeared behind him, much like how Mitsuhide had done with Itachi a minute or two ago. But unlike that time Mitsuhide, was able to use his Takagan, to see Itachi's movements at the last second. Allowing him to spin around and block Itachi's strike with his Katana and only receive a slight slash mark on the back of his armour.

For the next few minutes the two S-rank Shinobi's fought in a fierce Kenjutsu battle, where Mitsuhide fought with his Katana in one hand and his Katana sheath in the other, while Itachi fought with a Kunai in one hand and a short sword in another. But soon enough it came apparent that Mitsuhide had the upper hand, due to having superior swordsmanship skill and experience, where during the fight, Mitsuhide found an opening in Itachi defensives and slashed in an upward diagonal slash across Itachi chest.

But as soon as Mitsuhide had done this, "Itachi" turned into water, revealing that Itachi had replaced himself, with a Mizu Bunshin (Water Clone).

After destroying the Water clone, Mitsuhide began to look for his opponent and quickly found him, standing twenty feet away on his far right hand side.

Turning around to face Itachi and wiping the sweat off his forehead, with his sleeve. Mitsuhide could not help but smirk, "It's been a long time since I've had a challenge like this…Uchiha Itachi certainly doesn't disappoint".

As Mitsuhide turned to face him, Itachi was panting slightly, with some sweat fell from his forehead, for even though neither men had suffered any serious damage from battling one another. Itachi was still no far from fighting fit, as Itachi's stamina was pretty low and his illness only made it worse. For even though Itachi had received and improved version of his medicine for his illness, it only delayed the illness longer, it did not cure him of it.

But even with all this, Itachi was still far from finished and was more than ready to continue the battle, where he then threw off his tattered and ruined Akatsuki cloak and fell into a fighting stance, with his sword and Kunai in hand. After which he charged forward towards Mitsuhide, who in turn did the same, where the two men clashed with one another and continued their fierce battle.