(A/N: Due to my mother's health issues, I wasn't able to post the chapters for many days. However, starting today, I will post regularly as everything is well. I apologize for any inconvenience.)Before leaving, the 'Animal Path' utilized the summoning technique to summon all the beasts she could and then departed with Konan.
After the 'Animal Path' departed on a giant bird with Konan's clone, multiple Kumo ninjas arrived from different directions at the location from which the invasion signal emanated. Upon observing the attire of various 'Paths of Pain' and the presence of massive beasts, they realized they were under attack by the Akatsuki.
Based on the information received from their superiors, they also understood the identity of the person attacking them: the leader of the Akatsuki.
Without delay, these Kumo ninjas began attacking the various 'Paths of Pain.' However, faced with the strength of these 'Paths of Pain,' they found themselves powerless, and a one-sided slaughter of Kumo ninjas ensued. Killing these ninjas was effortless for someone like Nagato.
----
The Raikage also sensed the commotion at the outer perimeter of Kumogakure. He suspected that the attackers might be from the Akatsuki. However, lacking any confirmed information, he chose not to leave the Raikage building and instead awaited the Anbu ninjas to inform him about the identities of those who had attacked Kumogakure.
While the Raikage was awaiting information about the attackers, he glanced out of the window and caught sight of a colossal, multi-headed dog bearing the Rinnegan. This creature was demolishing every structure in its path. Upon witnessing the Rinnegan in the possession of the multi-headed dog, the Raikage realized that the attacker was none other than the leader of the Akatsuki.
Mbui, who was standing beside the Raikage, also witnessed the dog and remarked, "It appears that the Leader of the Akatsuki has come himself."
The Raikage responded, "I cannot afford to wait here and waste time now that I know the identity of the attacker. With Nagato's strength, it will be nearly impossible for ordinary Kumo ninjas to stop him. I must go there myself."
After uttering these words, the Raikage shattered the glass window of the Raikage's office and immediately entered 'Lightning Release Chakra Mode,' sprinting at his utmost speed towards the direction where the 'Paths of Pain' might be.
"You could have opened the window before leaving," said Mabui with a sigh, looking towards the direction in which the Raikage had departed.
Soon, the Raikage reached the location and witnessed the destruction wrought by the 'Paths of Pain' and the beasts. He also observed numerous dead bodies of Kumo ninjas scattered around. At a mere glance, there were easily more than 100 dead bodies of Kumo ninjas lying on the ground.
"Damn it!" growled the Raikage after witnessing so many casualties. Although the Raikage was furious, he was not foolish enough to charge into battle blindly. Instead, he carefully observed the battle of the 'Paths of Pain'. He did this to discern the abilities of the various 'Paths of Pain' so that he could plan his attack accordingly and end the battle swiftly.
Within a minute of his observation, the Raikage fully understood the different abilities of the 'Paths of Pain'.
Having only one plan in mind after observing the 'Paths of Pain', the Raikage resolved to destroy the 'Naraka Path'. While scrutinizing the 'Paths of Pain', he also pinpointed the location of the 'Naraka Path', making it his primary target.
The Raikage, very confident in his lightning speed, utilized the 'Lightning Release Chakra Mode' and attacked the 'Naraka Path' like a bolt of lightning.
However, Nagato, who had already surmised that Kumogakure possessed information about him and his abilities, had arranged the 'Paths of Pain' in such a formation that whenever someone attempted to attack the 'Naraka Path', other 'Paths of Pain' could intercept and defend it. Nagato also understood the significance of the 'Naraka Path's presence because if it were destroyed, the other 'Paths of Pain' would be rendered irreparable.
The 'Deva Path' unleashed the "Almighty Push," causing the Raikage, who was swiftly approaching the 'Naraka Path,' to be sent flying backward.
The 'Preta Path,' prepared and waiting, immediately seized the Raikage from behind. Upon capturing him, the 'Preta Path' began absorbing chakra from the Raikage, forcing him out of the 'Lightning Release Chakra Mode.'
From the side, the 'Asura Path' deployed the 'Flaming Arrow of Amazing Ability,' with his punch detaching from his wrist and hurtling towards the Raikage's chest at an incredible speed, aiming to terminate him in a single blow.
The Raikage was truly in danger at that moment because, although he could potentially free himself from the grip of the 'Preta Path' with his physical strength, he wouldn't be able to dodge the impending attack from the 'Asura Path.' Furthermore, he was not in his signature 'Lightning Release Chakra Mode,' leaving his defenses weakened. If he were in the 'Lightning Release Chakra Mode,' the attack from the 'Asura Path' would pose no problem for him.
To the relief of every Kumo ninja present, Darui appeared between the punch of the 'Asura Path' and the Raikage, halting the punch's advancement.
Additionally, the Raikage managed to free himself from the grip of the 'Animal Path.'