"Sage Art: Storm Release Light Fang!!"
Despite his mind wandering, Yu's hands never ceased their movement in response to Konan's vicious and fierce attack with the gigantic paper Shuriken. His hands weaved complex hand signs like phantoms crossing each other.
Then, Yu slightly opened his mouth and emitted a highly condensed purple laser beam. This move was a Senjutsu used by Uchiha Madara in his Six Paths form during the final ninja world war, potent enough to sever the Yin-Yang Release: Black Rod created by Naruto after inheriting the Six Paths Sage's Senjutsu.
Yu, who had only recently become a novice in Sage Mode and lacked the full power to execute the technique at such a high level, still produced a formidable result. The combination of Senjutsu Chakra and the Storm Release Kekkei Genkai rendered the technique powerful enough to handle most ninjas in the world with ease.
Boom!!
With a violent explosion, Konan's enormous paper Shuriken was sliced apart by the purple laser beam Yu had released. The embedded Explosive Tags detonated, filling the air with the pungent scent of post-explosion smoke.
"This technique..."
The residual power was relentless. As Yu unleashed the Sage Art: Storm Release, Konan, floating in the air, saw a flash of eerie purple light. The ice-covered ground beneath her was split in two by Yu's attack, and she herself was momentarily severed.
"What terrifying power. As expected of the disciple of Konoha's Ninjutsu Professor..."
"I never imagined that, aside from Puppet Jutsu, this guy's Ninjutsu could be so formidable."
In the air, countless white paper fragments swirled and reassembled after being sliced by Yu's Sage Art: Storm Release. However, Konan's previously calm face now bore a heavy expression, almost as if it could drip with tension.
Dance of the Shikigami — This was a technique akin to the graceful dance of butterflies, showcasing the versatile and elegant use of paper. Konan could infuse paper with Chakra, controlling it for various purposes such as attack, defense, and reconnaissance, adapting to any situation.
She can also transform herself into paper at any moment, making her immune to physical attacks. However, this constantly consumes Chakra. Once her Chakra is exhausted, the paper transformation will cease.
"Immune to physical attacks, huh..."
Seeing Konan, whom he had struck with his Sage Art: Storm Release, reassemble herself, a flicker of admiration crossed Yu's otherwise calm eyes. "As expected of one of the strongest female ninjas in this world, she's truly formidable."
In the world of Naruto, female ninjas who have reached the level of Kage are rare (Kaguya Otsutsuki, being the progenitor of Chakra, is not considered a traditional ninja). Among them are Tsunade, Chiyo, Terumi Mei, and Konan. Judging purely by combat ability, Konan undoubtedly has the potential and qualifications to be considered the strongest.
This is evident from the fact that she once managed to defeat Sasori of the Red Sand and recruit him into the Akatsuki. Even in her battle with the masked man, Uchiha Obito, if it weren't for Obito sacrificing one of his Sharingan to use Izanagi and alter his fate of death, Konan would have successfully defeated and killed him.
"Dance of the Shikigami: Paper Drizzle!!"
Feeling the terrifying power emanating from Yu, Konan, whose body had reformed from countless paper fragments, dispersed her Chakra. The enormous angel wings behind her transformed into countless sharp paper shards, swiftly launching toward Yu.
"Protective Barrier!!"
Facing Konan's fierce onslaught, Yu did not dodge. Instead, he stood in the air, his face adorned with a smile as he faced the storm of attacks. He was manipulating Michael, who was currently fighting Sasori and Biwa Juzo alongside Tyrant and Toshogun, to release a Protective Barrier.
The countless sharp paper shards continuously struck and sliced at the enormous transparent Protective Barrier in front of Yu, causing intense sounds of impact. The swiftly launched paper shards quickly returned to Konan, forming a relentless cycle of attacks.
"Damn... Are these glass barriers indestructible?!"
Despite the relentless barrage of explosive sharp paper shards from her angel wings, Konan couldn't break through the Protective Barrier in front of Yu. She bit her lip in frustration.
"Glass?"
Seeing that Konan seemed to think the barrier Michael had created was just a sturdy piece of glass, Yu couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle. "No... This is no ordinary glass. It's a barrier that nothing can penetrate!"
Barrier?
As Konan pondered the meaning of Yu's words, she saw Yu lightly tap the invisible line beneath his feet, instantly disappearing from his original position.
So fast!
Startled by Yu's lightning-fast, unpredictable movement, Konan instinctively activated her Chakra, releasing countless white paper fragments in response to the oncoming wind.
Dance of the Shikigami: Paper Shield!!
In an almost instant reaction, Konan's released paper fragments formed a massive paper shield around her. This technique, an application of Dance of the Shikigami, was designed to defend against most physical attacks.
Dragon Claw!!
The roar of a dragon echoed through the air as Yu, shrouded in darkness, unleashed a massive Dragon Claw from a distance. It easily shattered Konan's paper shield and tore her body to pieces with ruthless power.
Can a ninja's Taijutsu really reach this level?!
Konan had never imagined that a ninja's Taijutsu could be this terrifying. As her body was shredded by Yu's remote Dragon Claw, transforming into countless spinning white paper fragments, her normally composed eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
Is it possible...
that I need to use that technique...?
A struggle flickered in Konan's gaze, but she quickly made a firm decision, unleashing a massive amount of Chakra all at once.
"Such a stubborn woman..."
"Why are you so determined to recruit me into your organization?"
Sensing the surge of Chakra within Konan through his keen Observation Haki, Yu focused his gaze on the resolute and determined woman before him, a peculiar glint appearing in his eyes.
Indeed, aside from her own formidable strength, Konan is one of the strongest and most resilient kunoichi in the Naruto world.
To fulfill Yahiko's vision, she stood by Nagato's side, assisting him in any task. To protect Nagato's body and the Rinnegan, she was willing to fight to the death against the mysterious and powerful masked man, Uchiha Obito. These were the qualities Yu admired most in her.
Beautiful, powerful, intelligent, and resilient, Yu saw in Konan many qualities that were rare in others.
"Because Akatsuki needs to borrow your power for now..."
Sensing the complexity in Yu's gaze, Konan's cold yet beautiful face took on a resolute expression. "And I have a mission entrusted to me by my comrades. Until I complete that mission—I cannot fall!"
Paper Person of God Jutsu!!
With her decisive words, Konan finally activated her ultimate Secret Jutsu, consuming nearly all her Chakra. Suddenly, the entire vast, frozen landscape around them began to transform dramatically.
Feeling the intense tremors continuously coming from the ground, Sasori and Biwa Juzo, who were fighting Yu's Devil Puppet, immediately shifted their attention to their feet and were deeply shocked by what they saw.
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