Chapter 15: Combat with Pain!
The Asura Path, accompanied by a few other ninja, leaped to the highest tower in Amegakure. Using the Rain Tiger at Will technique, they quickly located Uchiha Yi's position.
Without hesitation, the Asura Path twisted his left arm clockwise, detaching it with a mechanical click. The removed limb revealed a hidden missile launcher. Locking onto the unassuming intruder, he fired.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Explosions roared through the sky, drowning out the relentless sound of the rain. For intruders, Pain's philosophy was always to eliminate without mercy. Capturing them alive was never an option.
As smoke from the explosions shrouded the area, the Asura Path watched confidently, certain that the missiles had hit their mark. The target had made no attempt to evade or resist.
"Most likely just another weakling," he mused.
But just as he was about to leave, a voice emerged from the smoke, filled with irritation.
"Who dared to attack me?! Is this how Amegakure greets visitors? Show yourself!"
The Asura Path paused in surprise. The supposed "weakling" was not only alive but also shouting angrily. Though he couldn't explain how the intruder had survived, it was clear that things weren't as simple as they seemed.
"If he survived that, then it's time for him to feel pain."
Without further delay, the Asura Path decided to summon reinforcements. He slammed his hands together in the Summoning Jutsu. A burst of white smoke erupted, revealing the Deva Path Pain, who had been overseeing operations from a distant cave.
The Deva Path and the Asura Path wasted no time. In a blink, they appeared before Uchiha Yi.
"Ah, so you two must be the ones who tried to ambush me," Uchiha Yi said, feigning anger.
Truth be told, he hadn't noticed the initial attack due to his lack of combat experience. Thankfully, his Shadow Clone imbued with elemental dispersion had saved him. This embarrassing moment served as a reminder of just how lacking his battle instincts were, despite his powers.
"No forehead protector?"
The Deva Path observed him coldly. "Which village are you from, and what is your purpose in sneaking into Amegakure?"
"I'll answer your questions later," Uchiha Yi replied provocatively. "First, we need to settle the matter of your little ambush!"
Though he didn't expect to win against Pain, Uchiha Yi didn't care. It was merely a Shadow Clone. His main body had no intention of risking itself, but he saw this as a valuable opportunity to gauge the strength of the so-called strongest in the shinobi world.
Pain, unbothered by the challenge, raised his right hand, palm outward.
"Shinra Tensei!"
With a calm declaration, the Deva Path unleashed the Almighty Push. A wave of repelling force radiated outward.
"Is this it? My turn!"
Uchiha Yi countered with the Repelling Fire Ring, a fire-based shockwave that expanded outward. For a brief moment, the two forces clashed. But Uchiha Yi's technique faltered under the Deva Path's overwhelming power, and the fire was forced back.
Realizing his technique's inadequacy, Uchiha Yi quickly transitioned into elemental dispersion to evade damage. His body momentarily scattered into embers before reforming a short distance away. Though the clone was nearly dispelled, the elemental dispersion allowed him to conserve chakra and remain in the fight.
Pain raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unusual technique. Few could withstand his Almighty Push, let alone counter it.
"Then let's try this instead—Bansho Ten'in!"
The Deva Path used Universal Pull, drawing Uchiha Yi toward him with an irresistible gravitational force. Even in elemental dispersion, Uchiha Yi found himself unable to resist.
"Damn it!"
Not one to give up, Uchiha Yi launched a counterattack: "Blazing Breath!"
From his mouth erupted a jet of superheated flames, aimed directly at Pain. The Deva Path, unable to use Almighty Push again due to its cooldown, released his grip on Uchiha Yi and dodged the attack.
The spot where Pain had stood moments earlier was scorched black, flames stubbornly lingering despite the rain.
"This one... is not normal."
Pain observed his opponent more cautiously. This intruder's attacks were instant and didn't require hand seals. What's more, his ability to avoid damage was baffling.
Deciding to test his opponent further, the Deva Path formed hand seals. "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
To Uchiha Yi's surprise, Pain resorted to elemental ninjutsu instead of relying solely on his Rinnegan's abilities. But he quickly responded in kind.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
The two techniques collided midair. Steam erupted as fire and water clashed, creating a dense fog that obscured the battlefield. The rain only amplified the water style's effectiveness, tipping the balance in Pain's favor.
"Damn it, I can't see a thing!" Uchiha Yi muttered. Without hesitation, he activated his Sharingan. The world slowed as the three tomoe spun into place, enhancing his perception. Even with the fog, his vision cut through the obscurity like a blade.
But that wasn't enough.
"Flame Sight!"
Activating a supplementary ability, Uchiha Yi's vision was further enhanced. A faint flame flickered in his eyes as all illusions and obstructions dissolved. Every detail of the battlefield became crystal clear.
Pain, too, noticed the activation of the Sharingan. With his Rinnegan, he immediately recognized the iconic red eyes.
"A Sharingan... Are you an Uchiha?"
Though it was a question, the answer was obvious. The Sharingan left no room for doubt.
"Yes," Uchiha Yi replied. "I am one of the few survivors of the Uchiha clan massacre."
Hearing this, Pain's hostility diminished slightly. He was well aware of the events surrounding the Uchiha clan and their downfall. If this intruder truly was a survivor, then his existence was no accident. Moreover, Pain saw potential in recruiting him.
"What brings you to Amegakure?" Pain inquired, his tone less confrontational.
"I've heard of Akatsuki's activities in this region," Uchiha Yi explained. "I also know you've been recruiting rogue ninjas. I came to see if I could join."
Pain studied him for a moment before nodding.
"Very well. If you wish to join Akatsuki, you've proven yourself capable. Follow me."
Without another word, Pain turned and began walking. Uchiha Yi hesitated briefly but decided to follow, curious to see what lay ahead.
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