The overwhelming pressure forced the Five-Tails to react instinctively.
Han's injuries healed at a visible speed. Red chakra bubbles emerged from his body, forming a light red, translucent chakra cloak around him. Several chakra tails extended from his tailbone.
Just as Han was about to complete his Tailed Beast transformation, Kirito fired a Sage-enhanced Chidori Sharp Spear, piercing directly through Han's chest at the precise moment the chakra bubbles surfaced.
A large mouthful of blood gushed from Han's mouth. Without the Jinchūriki's support, the Tailed Beast cloak dissipated, revealing his broken, barely healed body.
"Damn… you…"
Han's consciousness blurred. With deep resentment and hatred toward Akatsuki, he barely managed to utter those words before collapsing into unconsciousness.
At that moment, a giant pitcher plant emerged nearby—it was Zetsu, who had been absent for a long time.
Black Zetsu spoke in a hoarse voice, "That was a truly one-sided battle."
White Zetsu chimed in, "As expected, Kirito is ridiculously strong."
"Alright, you two old idiots, stop flattering me. I know the strength of the Tailed Beasts. If he had fully transformed, things wouldn't have been so easy." Kirito curled his lips, then asked casually, "How are Kakuzu and Hidan doing?"
"It's about the same over there," Black Zetsu replied.
"Looks like that little Seven-Tails girl is as good as dead."
Kirito recalled the cheerful, friend-seeking girl from the original timeline—the one with healthy, sun-kissed skin—and for a moment, a rare look of regret flashed across his face.
"Once a Tailed Beast is extracted, the Jinchūriki always dies. But honestly, Kirito, aren't you worried about your girlfriend getting mad at how gentle and considerate you are with other women?" White Zetsu teased.
"You dare say that—" Kirito narrowed his eyes dangerously, "Actually, let me rephrase—do you even dare go near where my girlfriend lives?"
White Zetsu immediately shut his mouth. Black Zetsu, noticing the shift in mood, quickly changed the subject.
"I'll take the Five-Tails Jinchūriki away," he said.
With that, Black Zetsu controlled the giant pitcher plant, wrapping Han's unconscious body before sinking into the ground and vanishing.
Pakura stepped forward, gesturing toward the four unconscious Iwagakure shinobi on the ground. "Kirito-sama, what should we do with these guys? They recognized us. Should we kill them?"
Kirito shook his head. "No need. They didn't actually see us, and knowing that old man Ohnoki, he'd rather cover up the truth than admit Akatsuki kidnapped his Jinchūriki. For the sake of the Five Great Nations' so-called 'face,' he won't publicize it."
"Our mission is complete. Let's head back to Amegakure."
With that, Kirito picked up Pakura, activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, and teleported directly to her residence in Hidden Rain Village.
Two Hours Later – Hidden Rain Village
Kirito returned to the clock tower, instantly catching Nagato's attention.
Paper flowers fluttered through the air as Konan arrived, sent by Pain to check on the situation.
This time, Konan was far more cautious. After what happened three years ago, she refused to get close.
Instead, she activated Paper Release, forming a pair of massive angel-like wings, and looked down at Kirito coldly.
"You're back early. Where is the Jinchūriki?" she asked.
Kirito smirked. "Come down and talk to me normally, and I'll tell you."
Konan's expression tensed. She still remembered that forceful kiss three years ago. A faint blush flashed across her face, but she quickly regained composure.
"Pain sent me," she said firmly, adding an excuse to mask her hesitation.
Kirito chuckled. "Even if it's Pain, he should respect his companions. Equal communication is basic courtesy. You act like I'm some kind of criminal."
"I'm warning you—don't do anything reckless. If I call for Pain, he'll be here in an instant," Konan said seriously.
"Then let him come. I'm not doing anything, anyway. The Five-Tails Jinchūriki is already with Zetsu. I figured they'd take a while, so I just used the Reverse Summoning Technique to get back here first."
Kirito took a step forward.
Konan instinctively stepped back.
Step by step, she retreated, until—her back hit the wall.
A strong masculine scent filled the space. Konan's breathing became erratic.
She trembled slightly, her voice shaky. "What do you think you're doing? I swear—if you try anything, Pain will come immediately."
"Let him." Kirito grinned mischievously.
His hand reached into her collar.
Konan froze.
But instead of what she expected, Kirito pulled out the pure gold ring hanging around her neck.
He examined it with a smirk. "So, you're still wearing it. How's it working for you?"
Konan's face turned crimson, her gaze darting away.
"…It's fine," she muttered.
"Good." Kirito smiled, tucking the ring back inside her collar.
Then, without warning, he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.
Konan's pupils dilated.
Her mind went blank.
A deep blush spread across her entire face.
But she didn't pull away.
Kirito felt a hint of victory.
He reached further into her robes—
SMACK!
Konan snapped out of her daze and slapped him across the face.
Kirito barely dodged in time, stepping back. He held his cheek and feigned innocence.
"Jeez, Konan, what was that for?" he complained.
"You are shameless!" she hissed, her voice trembling with embarrassment.
Kirito grinned. "How am I shameless? I was just kissing the woman I like. And you didn't even resist."
"You—!" Konan's eyes glistened with tears.
Realizing she was truly upset, Kirito sighed. "Alright, alright. My bad. I'm sorry."
Konan ignored him.
With a wave of her hand, she dissolved into countless paper fragments, disappearing into the rainy village.
Kirito scratched his head. "Damn, I was so close."
Iwagakure – Tsuchikage's Office
Third Tsuchikage Ohnoki was furious.
He smashed his desk, sending cups, bowls, and documents flying.
Four Iwagakure Jonin stood before him, heads lowered, silent.
They were the survivors of Han's failed mission.
"Useless fools!" Ohnoki roared. "Five of you were sent out—only four came back! You just stood there while Han was kidnapped! And you don't even know where the enemy went!?"
"If this gets out, we will be humiliated!"
"You all might as well have been eating dirt your whole lives!"
(End of this chapter)
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