OKSTS Chapter 173

Chapter 173: Jiraiya vs. Deva Path

Pain’s Deva Path formed a hand seal, generating a gravitational force that tore a massive boulder from the earth.

The boulder was embedded with glimmering metallic veins, adding a heavy, menacing weight that made even Pain’s expression tighten under the strain.

Not far away, Jiraiya emerged from the shadows, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.

“That’s some serious power…” he murmured, his tone filled with awe.

But he didn’t move forward. He knew that a boulder of such immense size and density would be a death sentence if he tried to confront it head-on. His fire-based ninjutsu, while powerful, would take too long to melt it, and any misstep might endanger Fang Ye if molten debris fell.

Pain, without hesitation, flung the massive boulder toward Fang Ye.

The boulder tore through the air with a deafening roar, casting an enormous shadow as it descended toward Fang Ye’s position.

As the boulder hurtled toward him, Fang Ye’s expression remained composed but serious. He wasn’t sure if a single punch could completely shatter it.

“Serious Punch!” Fang Ye roared.

However, instead of targeting the boulder directly, he directed his punch at the ground beneath his feet.

Boom!

With precise control, Fang Ye’s punch created a massive crater, giving him a chance to leap into the newly-formed pit just as the boulder crashed down.

Crash!

The colossal rock smashed into Fang Ye’s previous position, generating a tsunami-like spray of water and debris. Shattered fragments of stone flew skyward, creating a scene of utter devastation.

Jiraiya’s heart pounded as he witnessed the sheer destruction. Without wasting time, he charged forward, focusing on the real target—Pain.

Jiraiya knew that Pain held the key to understanding the enemy’s plan. With five of the Six Paths of Pain already defeated by Fang Ye, only the Deva Path, originally Nagato’s companion Yahiko, remained.

“So far, Yahiko’s abilities seem to revolve around those strange gravitational and repelling forces, Shinra Tensei and Bansho Ten’in,” Jiraiya mused as he sprinted, his movements swift and deliberate.

“From the earlier fight, it seems there’s a cooldown period of about five seconds between uses. That’s his window of vulnerability.”

Despite the chaos behind him, Jiraiya pressed on relentlessly, his target Pain’s retreating figure.

Back at the impact site, Fukasaku’s gaze lingered on the boulder that had crushed Fang Ye’s position.

“Do you think the boy is…?” Fukasaku’s voice was tinged with worry.

Shima’s tone matched his. “Whether he survives depends on his luck. His strength has been extraordinary so far; perhaps this won’t be the end for him.”

Jiraiya clenched his jaw as he ran. His heart ached for the potential loss but remained focused. “Casualties are inevitable in war. Let’s hope fate is on his side this time.”

He increased his speed. If Fang Ye’s efforts were to mean anything, he couldn’t afford hesitation. The stakes—the fate of Konoha and the entire ninja world—were too high.

Leaping from tree to tree like a nimble amphibian, Jiraiya finally closed the distance, catching sight of Pain.

“Stop right there!” Jiraiya shouted, forming a massive Rasengan in his hand. The swirling blue energy quickly grew to the size of a house, crackling with immense power.

Pain turned to face Jiraiya, his expression cold and mechanical. The ferociousness he had displayed earlier faded, replaced by a chilling calm.

“Jiraiya-sensei,” Pain said, his voice devoid of warmth, “you’ve interfered far too much. I can’t allow you to leave alive.”

Jiraiya’s heart wavered as he saw Yahiko’s face—his former student—but there was no trace of the young man he once knew.

“What happened to you, Yahiko? Is this what Nagato wanted? What about Konan? Did she agree to this madness? What’s your goal?” Jiraiya demanded, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Pain’s answer was cryptic. “Sensei, the answers you seek are already within you. We merely followed the path you taught us.”

Jiraiya froze, bewildered. “My teachings?”

Pain’s expression remained unchanging. “It seems you’ve forgotten your own ideals. But we’ve carried them forward, refined them. And now… I will ensure your journey ends here.”

With a flick of his wrist, Pain summoned a black rod, gripping it tightly.

“Let me put an end to this,” he declared coldly before launching himself at Jiraiya, leaving only afterimages in his wake.

“He’s coming!” Fukasaku warned, his sharp eyes tracking Pain’s rapid movements.

“Bring it on!” Jiraiya roared, slamming his hands together to form a defensive barrier.

Clang!

Pain’s black rod struck the barrier, sparks flying as the two forces clashed.

The rod pierced through the shield, allowing Pain to charge forward with relentless aggression.

“Watch out, Jiraiya-boy! Those rods can disrupt chakra and paralyze you instantly!” Shima shouted, forming hand seals for support.

Jiraiya nodded, narrowly avoiding a direct strike from the black rod. His movements became more fluid as he activated the Frog Kata, a martial art he had mastered on Mount Myoboku.

“Let me teach you a lesson, as your former teacher!” Jiraiya’s stance shifted, his hands weaving in and out with precision.

Pain’s assault intensified. With another flick of his sleeve, he produced a second black rod, attacking with both hands. The dual assault increased the pressure on Jiraiya, forcing him to evade constantly.

Jiraiya’s natural energy surged as he transitioned from defense to offense.

“Take this!” Jiraiya roared, delivering a powerful strike with Frog Kata, his natural energy enhancing the blow.

The clash between teacher and student intensified, their attacks shaking the very air around them. The battle was far from over, and Jiraiya’s determination burned brighter than ever.

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