(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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The powerful repulsive force of [Shinra Tensei] erupted suddenly, sending the [Yasaka Magatama] flying hundreds of meters away.
They exploded against a distant tower, causing massive destruction.
But Colt's attack didn't end there.
Immediately following the [Yasaka Magatama] came the thunder-imbued slash of [Kaminari]!
The Deva Path Pain's expression changed slightly.
The timing was too precise.
[Shinra Tensei]'s repulsion had just dissipated, and this follow-up attack left no time to use it for defense again.
"[Summoning Jutsu]!" The Animal Path Pain reacted at that critical moment, summoning a giant panda that stood firmly in front of the Deva Path.
Ka-ka-ka-ka-ka!
A sharp grinding sound filled the air as [Kaminari] cut into the panda, sending sparks flying.
Despite the assault, the summon's durability was impressive, surpassing many ninja tools.
"[Shinra Tensei]!"
The Deva Path finally managed to reactivate its repulsive wave, thanks to the Animal Path's delay tactic.
This time, however, [Kaminari] wasn't simply repelled.
Under Colt's control, the two forces entered a deadly struggle.
"This strength is considerable," Colt mused, surprised by the resistance his [Susanoo] encountered.
If it had been anyone else, even the third form of [Susanoo] would have been easily repelled.
"Hah!" A flash of anger crossed the Deva Path's eyes.
As a self-proclaimed god, how could he allow himself to be at a disadvantage?
The real body, hidden in a secret base, continuously transmitted chakra, causing [Shinra Tensei]'s power to suddenly erupt.
It violently shook Colt's sword away.
The three-headed dog also pounced, slamming into the [Susanoo] repeatedly.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The continuous impacts produced a tremendous roar, and the [Susanoo] shook under the assault.
The Animal Path quickly formed hand seals and slammed its palm on the ground again.
"[Summoning Jutsu]!"
Three puffs of smoke dissipated to reveal the other three Paths of Pain before Colt.
"How annoying," Colt muttered, glancing at the persistent three-headed dog.
His right eye's Mangekyō spun, a line of blood tears flowing down his cheek.
"[Amaterasu]!"
Inextinguishable black flames erupted across the three-headed dog's body.
No matter how it struggled, it couldn't extinguish them.
While Colt dealt with the summon, the Naraka Path had already repaired the Asura Path puppet.
"Kamiyo Colt, you are honored to witness the full visage of God," the Deva Path Pain declared, surrounded by his other bodies.
The purple Rinnegan shone with an eerie light.
"With this glory, be buried in the Tower of God!"
Several black chakra receivers appeared in his hand, shooting towards the [Susanoo].
These were unique to the Rinnegan, capable of disrupting chakra flow while being extremely sharp.
Colt considered for a moment before dispersing his [Susanoo].
[Sage Mode], activate!
Wings of light appeared behind him, and a mark manifested under his right eye.
[Kaminari] was already in his hand.
"I'll let you know when I see this God!"
SWISH!
Colt's figure vanished instantly, reappearing behind the Naraka Path.
He slashed out with [Kaminari], a powerful electric current coursing through the blade.
Aiming straight for the head!
Pain, possessing the Rinnegan, naturally saw Colt's movements.
But with the boost from Sage Mode, Colt's speed had become unbelievable.
Although Pain's mind registered the attack, his body couldn't respond in time.
He could only watch helplessly as the Naraka Path's head was severed.
However, the Deva Path seized this opportunity to launch [Shinra Tensei], sacrificing the Naraka Path.
An incomparably terrifying repulsive force erupted, centered on the Deva Path, even pushing the ground aside in a circular arc.
"Still too slow!" Colt taunted.
SWISH!
Colt used the [Flying Thunder God] again, avoiding the powerful shockwave and appearing at the battlefield's periphery.
With the [Flying Thunder God] and the scattered kunai under the control of [Shinra Tensei], his mobility was unmatched!
"Come back here!" Pain raised one hand, pointing into the distance. Another Rinnegan ability was activated.
"[Universal Pull]!"
The completely opposite gravitational force erupted, and Colt's figure involuntarily flew back.
Pain's hand once again condensed chakra:
"Kamiyo Colt, you can die now!"
Just as Colt was about to fly in front of him, he smiled strangely and disappeared again.
This time his target was the Human Path, furthest from the battlefield.
Unfortunately, Pain had taken precautions after suffering two major losses in quick succession.
The Human Path barely dodged Colt's lethal blow before being summoned away by the Animal Path.
"Damn it!" The Deva Path clenched his fist tightly.
Colt, with his [Flying Thunder God], was too elusive.
Pain's techniques were powerful, but what use were they if they couldn't hit their target?
BOOM!
Just as the Deva Path was about to speak, the tower wall exploded, and three figures swept out from inside.
Jiraiya, Konan, and... Sasori?
Three question marks appeared above Colt's head.
Hadn't he killed Sasori? Why was he here alive and well?
Jiraiya landed beside Colt, looking worse for wear...
"Konan, stop fighting like this. What happened to make you like this?"
After speaking, he raised his head and saw the Deva Path Pain opposite to him.
"Yahiko?" Jiraiya exclaimed in surprise but immediately realized that something was amiss.
The Rinnegan belonged to Nagato, so why did Yahiko have it? And why did the others have it too?
Sasori and Konan landed around Pain.
"Kamiyo Colt, we meet again," Sasori greeted.
Colt scratched his head, wondering why Kisame hadn't informed him of such crucial information.
"I didn't expect you to still be alive. Last time, I clearly destroyed your core."
Sasori let out a chuckle.
"Before you arrived, I had given Deidara a part of my core, just in case. I didn't expect it to actually come in handy."
"Well, aren't you lucky," Colt shook his head.
The butterfly effect he had set in motion was becoming apparent. If Chiyo had accompanied him, Sasori might have chosen death, right?
"But it doesn't matter. I'll just kill you again."
Electricity crackled through [Kaminari] once more, and Konan's entire body took flight.
Jiraiya took a deep breath and stopped Colt, who was ready to attack.
"Yahiko, what the hell is going on?"
Facing his former student, Jiraiya wanted answers.