Danzo, however, was not skilled in taijutsu. Moreover, he didn't want to expose his full strength or his hidden trump cards, so he quickly fell into a disadvantage in the battle.
As Hanzō swung his blade with great force, sparks flew, and the powerful explosion immediately sent Danzo flying.
"Earth Style: Rock Shattering Technique!"
Nagato swiftly pressed his hands to the ground, and his vast chakra shattered the earth. Countless cracks, like serpents, rushed toward Hanzō's feet.
Hanzō was forced to retreat, abandoning his pursuit of Danzo.
But Nagato's attack didn't stop there. He formed more hand signs, and a scorching flame surged towards Hanzō.
Facing such an attack, the battle-hardened Hanzō showed no panic on his face. He formed hand signs and created afterimages.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Water from the puddles on the ground quickly gathered into a ferocious, roaring water dragon. With a terrifying dragon's roar, the dragon opened its mouth wide and easily shattered the flame!
The intense heat of the flames dissipated immediately as they hit the mighty water dragon, causing no significant impact.
The water dragon roared as it surged toward the two men with unstoppable force.
Danzo quickly stepped forward and used the skill set that had just exploded from Nagato—Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!
A thick and solid earthen wall rose with a rumble in front of them.
Unfortunately, the wall was missing a few key features.
In the midst of his scattered thoughts, the earth wall was violently shattered by the water dragon.
Crushed rocks and flowing water exploded and scattered in all directions.
"I blocked it."
Nagato, still inexperienced, sighed in relief.
But Danzo remained focused and reminded, "It's not over yet, be careful!"
Sure enough, amidst the shattered water, Hanzō's black shadow emerged.
With one hand, his sharp sickle locked onto Danzo's neck!
"I'll deal with you first, troublesome fool!"
The eyes under his mask flashed with violent killing intent.
No matter what, he must eliminate any potential threats to his rule today!
"Are you planning to take me out first?"
Danzo remained calm, for the Sharingan hidden under his mask had successfully locked onto Hanzō's movements.
"Clang!"
Kunai and the sickle collided fiercely.
In the gloomy sky, the sudden flash of fire briefly illuminated the surrounding area.
But the force transmitted through the blade surprised Danzo.
It wasn't that it was too strong... but rather...
Too weak!
Wait, this isn't the real body!
The Sharingan under Danzo's mask swiftly rotated, revealing the opponent's secret.
After knocking the opponent back with a single strike, Danzo immediately turned his head toward Nagato.
Sure enough, in Nagato's surprised gaze, amidst the water splashed by the exploded water dragon, a figure solidified.
Its target: Nagato, the one with the Rinnegan!
A flash of white sword light, like a surging thunder, cut through the air, carrying undeniable killing intent. Hanzō swung his blade heavily at Nagato's waist.
However, Nagato did not retreat. Instead, he immediately swung the kunai in his hand, aiming to stab at the incoming attacker.
He wanted to perish together!
Danzo watched this scene with a touch of emotion.
From Nagato's perspective, as long as he could perish together with Hanzō, there might be a greater chance for Yahiko and Konan to survive.
Thus, to him, it was completely worth it!
Back to the battlefield.
In that moment, the battle-hardened Hanzō hesitated.
Having tasted power, he no longer enjoyed the bloody battles. He just wanted to do whatever it took, with no scruples, to hold onto his hard-won position.
For that, he was willing to abandon ideals, justice, and morals!
He was no longer a warrior protecting the Land of Rain; he was a dirty politician!
So, he was afraid.
He feared that his power would be lost, and he feared that he could no longer enjoy the pleasures that came with his authority.
Therefore, he chose to retreat.
Facing Nagato's kunai, he withdrew just in time, sidestepping, then raised his palm toward Nagato.
"Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu!"
Nagato, who had just thrust his kunai with all his might, had no time to react as the water emerging from the ground engulfed him.
A massive water sphere completely encapsulated him, and the immense pressure from the water trapped him, rendering him immobile.
This was the legendary Water Style of the demi-god of the ninja world.
"Die, you damn brat!"
Without further hesitation, Hanzō stomped the ground and shot forward like lightning, his white blade like thunder tearing through everything.
Iaijutsu!
This slash had no fancy flourishes—it was fast, incredibly fast, and incomparably fast!
Fast enough that one couldn't react, fast enough that there was no way to dodge, fast enough that one wouldn't have time to think before their head and body would be separated!
"To die by this sword, you should count yourself honored!"
Hanzō thought to himself.
After all, he had used this sword to kill countless famous warriors.
As Nagato watched the rapidly expanding blade light, he slowly closed his eyes.
He couldn't dodge...
Just as he prepared to face his fate, a black shadow appeared again.
Danzo, with his kunai, used wind-style chakra to slice through the water prison binding Nagato, placing his body in front of him.
"Thud!"
Danzo's body split in half as he was swiftly and cleanly cut at the waist, not even leaving time for a final word.
Crimson, warm blood splattered on Nagato's face, and a familiar yet unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind.
"I serve Lord Danzo's command to protect you."
"You are the future of peace."
"I will not abandon my comrades."
Although they had known each other for less than two hours, Danzo's character and will had earned Nagato's recognition.
Yet, it was this peace-loving, idealistic person who died tragically for Nagato's sake...
He could not forgive this.
This was absolutely unforgivable!
The blood on his face melted the long-standing ice sealing Nagato's heart. He felt something inside of him surge.
It was a feeling called anger.
Clearly, Hanzō was unaware of this. Instead, he arrogantly said, "Now it's your turn, brat."
"Why..."
Hanzō froze for a moment.
"What... why?"
Nagato's voice was deep, and something was awakening inside of him.
Such naive questions, of course, received nothing but mockery from Hanzō.
"Because they aren't cold-blooded enough, not ruthless enough. If they don't die, then who will?"
"So it's like that, huh..."
Looking at the corpse in front of him and the degenerate Hanzō, Nagato understood.
This world never had fairness to begin with.
"Then..."
"Let it be destroyed!"
The anger that had been suppressed for so long finally erupted in full. His immense chakra released with a roar.
His deep Rinnegan eyes opened, showing their true power!
" Summoning: Demonic Statue of the Outer Path !"
With a huge plume of smoke rising into the sky, a terrifying figure reappeared on the battlefield.