Yu-Gi-Oh! : Dragon Knight Reborn!
Created by: DragonKnight15
Hello to all! This is Episode 58 of the arc: The Pursuit!
Intro: The Earth... is a great place where humanity and all other creatures live and learn to evolve little by little, but this great world has Darkness in it too. Evil beings who wish to conquer this world and everyone.
Only one being stood against them to show everyone the power of light and hope, but this great mythical dragon wasn't able to stop them. He gave his powers and hope to a human that was known by his name, the Dragon Knight!
Before this hero also met his end, he gave the legendary Dragon Sword and his hopes and dreams to the next knight, his youngest son who is destined to become a legend by the sides of his comrades and his love. This hero... is the Dragon Knight of Light!
(OPENING 4: Alones by Aqua Timez from Bleach)
Volume 5: Episode 58: Attack of the Akatsuki Part 4! God of Pain!
In the previous episode of DKR:
Team Dragon Knight still engaged the members of the Akatsuki with Ed's group forced to deal with the Immortal Duo, Hidan and Kakuzu. Ryan and Sailor Moon tried to deal with the scythe wielding cultist while Ed and Wizard handle the immortal, 5 elemental Chakra man and his 4 mask creatures. Ryan nearly suffered by Hidan's dangerous self-inflicting Jutsu but he and Sailor Moon managed to bypass his immortality and beat him. Ed and Wizard used teamwork to beat the masks and Wizard, in his Land Dragon Style, defeated Kakuzu.
While Kurosaki and Sonic were still fighting Kisame, Jonouchi's team had been watching Sasuke beat Deidara, even against C4 but now the group watched the C0 activated and Danny tried to save the Uchiha.
Kojan discovered the source that was blocking auras and gave Yugi the chance to track and even found Itachi. Wishing to learn the truth behind Kojan and even Itachi, Yugi and Ichigo are prepared to fight the Uchiha.
What will happen next?
And now the conclusion... last left off in the previous episode:
Trying to get away, Ichigo with a panicking face swims through the underwater prison while gripping on Sonic with his free arm, both of them drowning and worse being chased down by Kisame in his more shark form.
Ichigo tries flying out of the water sphere but he feels like this place is damn deep, unaware every time Kisame moves, the sphere also moves and due to him being in the water, he's fast enough to catch up to Kurosaki's speed.
Kisame laughs so amused, taunting the two. ''You two move too slow for me!''
This gets under Sonic's nerves, boiling rage as his air supply is running out.
''Really hate this guy.'' Kurosaki tells himself, not sure how long he can keep up like this. And it wouldn't be long as Kisame is speeding up closer to the two. He grins as he's the fastest in the water.
''I have you now.'' Kisame mutters eagerly as he extends his arm to the two. Ichigo feels him up close and has one chance. He quickly turns around as Kisame is about to grab them but Ichigo manifests his Hollow Mask by instinct, his Hollow eyes glowing menacingly to the ninja's surprise.
''GETSUGA TENSHO!'' Swinging his blade forward, Ichigo roars as he fires his signature energy wave that grows instantly and cuts through the massive water sphere, exploding it. The blast wave blows Kisame away, crashing onto the ground. He grunts in pain, reverted back to normal now holding Samehada.
He grunts, standing up to look at Kurosaki as he descends instantly onto the ground and sets Sonic on the ground, breathing loudly for air.
''Such power…'' Kisame mutters out, trying to grin but for once his body twitches. Is this excitement or fear? Impossible. Kisame's pupils shrink, gazing at Kurosaki still breathing with a distorted voice.
''Good going, carrot top!'' Sonic praises the orange hair Substitute Shinigami who doesn't answer, still glaring at Kisame.
''That Halloween mask isn't going to scare me.'' Kisame speaks up with a grin, lifting his sword at him. Ichigo simply breathes deeply, hissing like a Hollow as his golden pupil black eyes are dark and serious towards the fish man. Kisame actually grins at this but he isn't going to deny that those eyes are frightening.
''Well then…'' Kisame begins to say, about to make the first move until in the horizon, Deidara's C0 activated. It can be seen from their view as well as everyone else afar.
Seeing this, Kisame changes his mind about battling and prefers to check up on Itachi.
''Another time then.'' Kisame says as he forms a hand seal and explodes into water, vanishing. Kurosaki sighs as his Hollow Mask vanishes. Sonic whistles at the large mountain size explosion pretty impressively.
''Wonder what happen over there?'' The blue hedgehog asks, curious. He then strikes a grin, taunting Kurosaki. ''Race you!''
He runs off with such speed, leaving behind a blue blur. Kurosaki makes a stun face and sighs as he dashes right behind with Shunpo. Hope no one got hurt over there.
Yugi and Mew Ichigo stagger to see the explosion from their view, wondering who was fighting over there.
Itachi doesn't bother to look at the explosion, simply questioning the tricolor head calmly. ''What's wrong? If you cannot fight me; run.''
The tricolor head turns his sight towards the older Uchiha. He calms down, able to sense his friends are okay. He trusts in them so it's up to him to figure things out about Kojan temporarily.
Mew Ichigo looks at Yugi and tries to smile, telling him peppy and confident. "We'll fight together, Yugi-kun Nya!''
Yugi turns to look at her and can't help but smile. He isn't fighting alone; he has Ichigo always there when he wants it and he's grateful.
Smiling, Yugi then proclaims confidently with a warm, happy face. ''I wouldn't ask for anything better, Ichigo-kun.''
Mew Ichigo purrs happily while blushing warmly. Itachi looks at the two, unbelievable that the two are getting romantic in the middle of the fight. He coughs, alarming the two to face him.
''Very well but your teamwork is meaningless against my eyes.'' Itachi tells them, activating his Sharingan eyes. Mew Ichigo gulps but Yugi stands in front, his Yin-Yang Dragon eyes activated and protecting her as he says. ''Your illusions won't work on us anymore!''
Itachi remains silent, still staring but Yugi is indeed protected by his power.
''Let's go all out, Ichigo-kun!'' Yugi declares to the cat girl who nods in agreement. ''Right Nya!''
Yugi nods as he sheathes his Dragon Sword and begins to chant. ''Dragon of the Heavens. Roar across the boundaries of reality and fantasy, and grant me the blade that creates impossibilities!''
''Mew Mew Strawberry…'' Mew Ichigo begins to say, placing her right hand over her Mew Pendant as it begins shining brightly.
Itachi watches this, having no intention to interrupt them going all out. To him, he wants to be sure if they're ready.
''BURST LIMIT! / EVOLUTION NYA!'' Both Yugi and Ichigo shout in unity as they are consumed in their own transformation lights but immediately swing their arms, blowing the energies away to reveal their strongest forms. Mew Ichigo blushes, looking at Dragon Blade Yugi and giggles to be fighting beside him with her new evolution form.
''We'll beat you with our unstoppable, lovely bond Nya!'' Both the Dragon Knight and the cat girl Mew Mew declare passionately as they charge forward. "That's in service of the Earth's future Nya!"
Itachi immediately leaps upward, throwing kunais. Mew Ichigo jumps forward and releases Ribbon Chidori Tangled. She swings her electrical ribbons from her fingers, wrapping the kunais and electricity floating through the invisible wire from them. This shocks Itachi as he cuts off the wires and shouts, forming multiple hand seals within two seconds as he spins around. ''FIRE RELEASE: PHOENIX SAGE FLOWER NAIL CRIMSON!''
He breathes out multiple fireballs as he throws multiple Shurikens at the flames, wrapping the weapons in the flames. Mew Ichigo uses her pink electrical threads, swinging them and slashing the shurikens.
Itachi lands as he's immediately greeted by Yugi throwing an elbow arm bash at him. Itachi counters with his own, the two clashing but to the Uchiha's surprise, the elbow strike pushes him backwards by Yugi's superior strength. Yugi dashes forward again as Itachi is able to read and evades to the left, dodging not just Yugi's swing but then Mew Ichigo's leaping kick as she appears over his shoulder, using him as a platform to hit him. Itachi backs away fast as the two come at him, swinging the blade or swinging swift kicks. The Uchiha knows better than to block as he dodges with precision, evading and moving quickly away from their attacks and then he distances himself from them.
The two watch as Itachi now tries once more to use his Sharingan: Genjutsu technique to put the cat girl into an illusion but Mew Ichigo actually resists, releasing her magic to repel it. This shocks him as the cat girl, surrounded in magical aura, proclaims sweet yet heroic. ''I won't let you use that either against me or Yugi-kun!''
She comes dashing at him with lightning-like speed and before Itachi can react, Mew Ichigo delivers a striking Secret Technique: Cat Claw-Pounce right across his chest. Or so she thought as her attack hit some kind of orange barrier, pushing him.
Mew Ichigo hisses as she looks and widens her eyes as it's a massive orange being wielding a round shield, protecting Itachi. Yugi also watches, surprised as he's seen that thing back in their first fight.
Breathing a bit, Itachi stares at his massive creature forming some kind of spiral orbs, shooting them at them. Yugi dashes forward and swings the Dragon Blade, repelling and slashing the attack just barely. Itachi groans as his giant being reverts into a skeleton before vanishing. His right eye starts to bleed blood as he utters out firmly. ''AMATERASU!''
Yugi instantly swings his blade on impulse, shouting. ''DRAGONAUN BLADE SLASH!''
His Dragon Blade is engulfed in purple fiery flames, countering upon the black flames suddenly manifesting and clashing upon Yugi's blade. Mew Ichigo panics as Yugi struggles to repel this attack as they come at her. She's about to summon her Strawberry Bell but Yugi finally manages to blast the flames, redirecting away from her. He breathes as he comes dashing right at Itachi, swinging his blade forward.
Itachi prepares to counter this until he suddenly staggers back with widened eyes and starts coughing up heavily. This immediately causes Yugi to stop still from his attack. Still choking up from his blood, Itachi tries his best to not show his weakness as he mutters out while he covers his mouth with his hand. ''W-why did you stop?''
Yugi looks at him not with pity but of sadness, able to tell now that Itachi is not in great health. Just reading his aura tells him that he's dying. Even Mew Ichigo feels bad to see him like this.
Still coughing, Itachi gazes at the two coldly as he utters. ''Having such faces is a sign of weakness. You-''
''No.'' Itachi staggers as Yugi looks at him with a calm face, telling him in kind protest. ''You're wrong, Itachi-kun. I can't just fight someone in that much pain. And that's not for honor but kindness.''
''… You're soft for a Dragon Knight.'' Itachi, trying to sound happy, simply tells him with a scowl face. Yugi just smiles as he corrects him. ''But being soft isn't weak; it's compassion towards even your enemies.''
He eyes Mew Ichigo and asks her. ''Ichigo-kun, can you…''
Ichigo knows what he wants her to do and smiles, accepting his request. ''Okay Nya!''
She approaches Itachi who tries to hold his guard but his coughing causes him to drop to one knee. She sighs, getting where Sasuke's stubbornness comes from as she kneels down in front of him.
''I'm compassionate too Nya.'' The cat girl tells him with a smile. She begins lifting her hands across him, summoning her Strawberry Bell between her hands and begins using her magic to heal him as a barrier-like wave of energy. The magical wave courses through Itachi, causing him to relax and feel better. His coughing stops and feels himself restored… but he knows this will only be temporary. The older Uchiha frowns upset, not believing his sickness would ruin his cover. He let his guard down.
Even Mew Ichigo can sense something is off. She stands up and tells Yugi concerning as she approaches him. ''I healed him but his body-''
''I know already.'' The two turn to see Itachi back on his feet. The couple stare at him as Itachi, narrowing his eyes away from them for a moment, admits to them. ''I'm dying. I don't have long and nothing will change it.''
This shocks the two youths, looking at each other as this is very… not sure how to describe it. If Sasuke learns of this, how would he react? Happy or sad for his brother… or worse.
Itachi looks back at the two and further says, looking down to see a small puddle of water and his reflection towards his eyes. ''It's the price for my power but it's a price and a sin that Sasuke will put an end to. It is the right thing.''
This shocks Mew Ichigo to her core that this dying man who she's more than certain isn't a totally bad guy from what others say of him would want his own little brother to end him.
''Y-You want Sasuke-Baka to kill you?'' She questions his logic but Itachi doesn't respond. Yugi looks at him, almost reading through him like a book.
''… You didn't want to kill your clan, did you?'' Yugi then questions him, realizing something about him; he wants to die for Sasuke's stake and his guilt.
Itachi looks at him and sighs, having a feeling this would happen. His cover is gone and he worries that Kojan will ruin or worsen things once he dies. Breathing deeply, Itachi then admits to him for the first time in a very, very long time. ''That is the life that us, Shinobi, face for the pursuit of peace.''
Mew Ichigo blinks, surprised and dropping her jaw.
Itachi turns around, recalling his life and his many mistakes all for the stake of the village… Yet he regrets none, only those who died unfairly or those he had to cut down, like his parents... like hurting Sasuke, like Shisui...
''I did it for the village, for Shisui's memory…'' Itachi begins to say, having flashbacks of his closest friend before he faces Yugi and tells him. ''But most importantly, I did it for my little brother. For Sasuke.''
Yugi is taken back even though this confirms his suspicions on him; Itachi isn't evil.
''You really care for Sasuke-kun…'' The tricolor head begins to say, still not following why he's done and doing all of these dark acts. He then asks him. ''What happened?''
Frowning a bit, Itachi begins to tell them. ''The politics of this world. It was the clan or another war. It was peace or more death.''
The two stagger that he's telling them this as Mew Ichigo asks. ''So wait. Your clan was going to do something bad and-''
Itachi simply nods, confirming her theory to her horror. The cat girl can't believe it or Yugi as he then asks. ''Couldn't the Hokage or my-''
''Your father died before that happened and the Third Hokage was unable to find a conclusion. Only one man had the answers, a man who is the shadows.'' Itachi interrupts, informing him that no one could help stop this. Yugi frowns as he realizes who Itachi is referring to, saying. ''That man, Danzo.''
Itachi isn't surprised Yugi knows of him. It's like Danzo learning of possible threats or those he can manipulate for the ''benefit'' of Konoha.
''The murder of your clan you committed, is that why Kojan-kun-'' Yugi then questions him on why Kojan has changed but Itachi once more interrupts, explaining. ''It is but most likely who helped me why Kojan is in his own path of revenge.''
Yugi is startled by the last part. Revenge? For his clan or-
Suddenly Mew Ichigo speaks up, exaggerated. ''You have to tell your brother the truth Nya! Sasuke-Baka hates you so much but you're not who he thinks you really are!''
Itachi looks at her, able to tell she's just as kind as the Dragon Knight… but it's too late for that. He's lied, hurt and damaged Sasuke to pay for all he's committed.
''… There's no going back for me.'' Itachi proclaims calmly, having already accepted his fate. Yugi can't help but shake his head in protest, calling him out. ''Wait! It's not too late, it never is. There-''
Actually smiling that he's worried for him, an enemy, more than his own will-being or his loved ones, Itachi suddenly tells the young Dragon Knight. ''You're a kind young man. You prefer to stop fights even if you must get your hands tainted and die to protect others.''
He looks at the young man with purple eyes. Most would mistake him for his father but the shine from his eyes are much softer and kinder, resembling more towards a woman he met. She was heroic in her own sense, disliking the ideal of injustice and prefers to find a peaceful, lethal path.
Itachi smiles as he recalls when he was young how the woman scolded him on the idea that ninjas are just tools of death. The woman was noble if not too kind for a so-called knight.
''Your mother was like that too.'' Itachi begins to say, alarming Yugi heavily. His mother? He met her too?
''Noble and fierce yet never used her power to bring harm to others but to defend for others.'' Itachi resumes talking about the loyal woman to the previous Dragon Knight. He can see many of her traits in Yugi too, most importantly his kindness. He then tells the young man. ''Being a pacifist is not a weakness and you've grown stronger as a Dragon Knight believing in that compassion.''
Yugi blushes, realizing that Itachi is kind too. It causes him to realize that the ninja world is cruel… but not everything when he thinks about Naruto and his comrades.
Itachi then becomes stern as he then says. ''But you hold yourself back.''
Yugi staggers as Mew Ichigo listens closely.
''You cannot fully master your powers without finding the driven, explosive spirit of a dragon that Kojan has over you.'' The older Uchiha informs him, gathering information that Kojan is above Yugi can wish. Itachi fears that Kojan will fall into the same chain that all Uchiha will one day fall and he cannot let that happen; Shisui would never forgive him if he let his brother fall.
He looks at Yugi, seeing his potential as a Dragon Knight is nowhere near the level he needs to be. He then encourages him firmly. ''But as long as you continue showing that compassionate and with a fiery dragon spirit; no one will ever defeat you.''
Yugi is speechless to what he just said, questioning himself slightly if he hasn't reached his limit or he can become stronger.
''Spirit of a dragon…'' The young Dragon Knight mutters out, wondering if he can become stronger and be like his parents. Mew Ichigo looks at him wondering why he's telling Yugi all of-
''What are you doing, Itachi?'' The couple becomes alarmed by a new voice speaking. Yugi looks up to see a figure leaping down.
''Stalling…'' Itachi begins to say as a figure lands beside him, revealing to be Pain. ''Leader.''
Yugi and Mew Ichigo become even more shocked that this guy is the leader of the Akatsuki.
Pain's eyes stare at him but he doesn't respond as he looks back at the couple, mainly Yugi. To think this child is the Dragon Knight.
Yugi looks at the stranger before he looks at Itachi and suddenly the tricolor head finds himself within some kind of Genjutsu-like realm. He's surprised that Itachi set this up so quickly as it is just the two of them.
''This will be the last time we will meet again…'' Itachi begins to speak in a dream-like voice in this world, looking rather sad. ''You and Kojan, if your bonds with him is strong; can you please take care of him?''
Yugi looks at him as the older Uchiha explains his request. ''If Kojan continues his path of hatred, he will succumb to the chain of hatred all Uchiha fall under. You mustn't let him fall. I promised Kojan's brother, my friend, to always protect him but even I can't. So I am asking for your help, please.''
The tricolor head looks at him sadden before calming down. If Itachi is asking for him to save him, then he will.
''Kojan-kun is my dearest friend…'' Yugi begins to say as he thinks about his friends and how he will always be there for them for they mean a lot to him. He then says with a hopeful smile. ''I will always be there for him. I will save him, like any of my friends! I promise!''
Itachi stares at him silently with a calm face before he slowly forms a smile. Soon the world around them begins to fade away, becoming reality.
Itachi turns his back and begins to say, seemingly for Pain but really for Yugi. ''I'll leave the rest to you…''
He soon vanishes in an instant almost like a ghost. Yugi can't help but feel depressed, wishing that he met Itachi sooner. Maybe…
''Leader Nya?'' The tricolor head snaps out, eyeing Mew Ichigo asking as she looks at Pain. She can't honestly help but she's seen someone like him before.
''This piercing spiky orange haired guy that sort of looks a lot like…'' The cat girl tries to describe who this man looks like but Pain interrupts; his gaze still on Yugi. ''So you are the Dragon Knight.''
Mew Ichigo hisses mad that she's being ignored while Yugi looks at this man and his strange eyes. So bizarre yet they leave a chill across his back.
''What the heck is with those eyes?'' The tricolor head questions mentally. Atem is also puzzled by his eyes but Yin-Yang Dragon knows better.
''The Rinnegan.'' The voice of Yang Dragon informs him, sounding very grim with Yin Dragon also saying, warning his partner. ''Careful with this one, meatbag.''
Yugi nods, able to tell the two are tensed up about this one.
''So who the heck are you anyway Nya?'' Mew Ichigo then questions, still grumpy. The piercing man doesn't answer her to her further annoyance.
''He is Pain, a God.'' A new feminine voice speaks up. The couple looks up and they are staggered to see a woman with paper-like angel wings descending. Konan lands beside Pain, her wings vanishing. Mew Ichigo blushes at the woman though it doesn't change her uneasiness.
''And she must be God's Guardian Angel.'' Yugi asks, sweat dropping how this just turned out. This actually upsets Pain, finally speaking to the young fool with such a superior gaze. ''You dare mock me, human.''
The young Dragon Knight looks back firmly at the so-called God, not in the mood that some guy who says he's divinity would have such a deeming look like everyone is ants to him.
''No one who looks down on others should ever be or referred as a God.'' Yugi calls him out, annoyed by his rash attitude. Pain simply frowns as this one must learn his place.
''Then I will show you my divinity.'' Pain responds, taking on a fighting pose. Yugi holds the Dragon Blade with both hands, calling him out in a calm taunt. ''Bring it!"
Pain gladly as he comes charging. Yugi moves away from Mew Ichigo, wanting to figure out how he fights. Pain takes the bait and comes lunging forward. Yugi stops and moves to the left, evading a thrusting punch from his opponent as he responds by swinging a kick. Pain quickly dodges but to his shock Yugi's kick still connects as the tricolor head is hovering over the ground.
The kick pushes Pain partly but Yugi dashes at him with a blunt sword swing… only for his blade to be caught by the bladed forearm of a bald Akatsuki member. Yugi staggers and his eyes widen to see his opponent grinning, also having the same purple circular pattern eyes. He holds up his other arm, having changed it into literally a laser cannon, charging up the beam. Yugi has moments before uses the force of his gripping Dragon Blade to slam his opponent around at Pain who leaps away but does send the new one into the sky. He still manages to fire a laser blast which Yugi evades as the energy blast explodes the ground.
Mew Ichigo watches with a stun, freaked out expression that just happens.
''Another one like him!'' Yugi questions, sweating at how shocked he was. Though, he can feel something off about this one as he lands beside Pain. They have the same eyes and piercing yet their auras… it is hard for Yugi to describe but disturbing. It's like their auras are one and the same but he feels like ''deadness'' from the bodies themselves.
''Their auras are almost empty yet I can sense a single, similar aura in each body yet the bodies are hollow like they had souls yet-'' Yugi begins to theorize only to suddenly dodge to the left as another orange-haired Akatsuki member to almost pin him. He watches as 3 more appear, they too have orange hair and the Rinnegan eyes as well as the piercing.
Yugi stares at them shocked as he can feel their auras are all identical with the same deadness he's feeling.
''Who the heck are these guys?'' He questions, hoping he has the strength to beat such odds.
Unaware, Akumu and Evangeline from their end, grinning as the show is going to become even better.
Can Yugi be able to fight the Paths of Pain?
Commercial Break:
Yugi: I can't let the idea of 6 vs 1 get to me. I won't give up!
Naruto: Come on, please be alright, Sasuke!
Almost everyone on Team Dragon Knight manages to reunite and find the other ninja, all of them in the crater of the massive explosion they saw in the horizon. Barely nothing remains of the forest that once stood.
Ed touches the ground, just shocked at the damage around them.
''Holy crud, what happened here?'' Ryan asks unease. Kurosaki isn't sure himself, with Alicia worried if Danny and the others were around this explosion.
''SASUKE!'' The group turns to see Naruto screaming out for his friend's name. It seems Kiba detected Sasuke's scent here so it's likely he will… die. Kaiba doesn't care, glad he's dead.
''What even happened here?'' Judai asks, really puzzled. He would get a response from an unlikely response. ''Explosion.''
The group blinks as does Naruto who looks down under his feet and sees a white glove sticking out. His face immediately turns pale before he screams out with white large pupils of terror. ''WWAAA! ZOMBIE!''
Sighing, the hand floats up revealing to be Danny as he pulls Jonouchi and Ruby, both drained of life from what they witness.
''Just your friendly Phantom and friends.'' Danny announces as he turns intangible and sets his friends on the ground. Jonouchi immediately runs to a corner and starts throwing up, grossing out Alicia and Usagi but able to imagine what he saw wasn't great.
''You guys okay?'' Judai asks, able to tell that they saw things. Ruby breathes with a trembling voice before responding at first calm before yelling. ''Yea… That clay guy was serious! HE BLEW HIMSELF UP!''
The others just look confused though Kakashi can theorize that she's referring to that Akatsuki member with the clay Jutsus.
''Where's Sasuke?'' Naruto demands for his friend's whereabouts. Danny gives him a look that he's a one track pony but he tells him honestly. ''He's fine.''
''I can't smell him.'' Kiba protests not being able to catch his scent. Again, Danny repeats himself. ''I'm serious. He's fine.''
Jonouchi gags out the last of his vomit, nodding to Danny's statement. Ruby nods too as she says. ''Someone saved him, it was really cool!''
''Who?'' Alicia asks curious who the black, red haired girl simply expresses amazed. ''Some strange power, crazy too!''
Alicia hums wondering what that crazy power was or who it belonged to. Though Ed is puzzled how Sasuke even escaped this explosion.
Unaware to the group, Suigetsu arrives at a spot not too far from where the others are. He pulls out a scroll from his cloak, glowing. Good thing Sasuke planned for this in case things turn ugly.
"Here's the spot.'' He mutters out, opening up the scroll, sets it on the ground and shouts, slamming his bitten hand onto the hand circle. ''SUMMONING TECHNIQUE!''
The scroll explodes into smoke and summons forth the massive purple serpent, Manda, badly damaged. Its mouth opens up willingly and barking out of the mouth is Houndour as Sasuke emerges, being carried one arm by Selvaria.
''Oh hey, you guys were with Sasuke too?'' Suigetsu says with a grin, kinda wishing Karin was here to see this chest open Sasuke being surrounded by two girls… one but still.
''Dour…'' Houndour mutters dazed, her eyes spinning confused. Sasuke pants, looking at the mon, not thinking she would survive if not for the woman's inference. He looks at Selvaria who calmly tells the naïve young man. "You said not to interfere, you never said I couldn't come to save you from certain death after you won.''
''…'' Silent, Sasuke simply scoffs at her before he says, sounding thankful. ''Thank you.''
Selvaria smiles, looking at his hair which is now downward covering his forehead and actually likes that look for him. Not sure why, it just looks good.
''Dour!'' Houndour barks, also feeling the same.
''Y-You damn…'' The group stops as Sasuke turns his head, his face exhausted, as he gazes at the dying massive snake. Even though he was never fond of Orochimaru or his pets, Sasuke at least thanks the serpent for being his shield. ''You're grateful too, Manda.''
''D-damn…'' Manda begins to utter out before his eyes blank out, dying.
Sasuke pants as he tries to move on his own but drops onto his knees, completely drained though not as bad as he hoped for. That fight cost him too much time and did not lead to Itachi either. He can't let this slow him-
''S-SASUKE!'' Sasuke groans, trying to lift his head up to see Karin rushing to his side with Jugo not far behind. She panics, seeing him like this and tells him to bite her arm. Not given a choice, Sasuke bites onto her arm as Karin screams of delight. ''WAA!''
Selvaria sighs as does Houndour, both of them certain she enjoys that.
Mew Ichigo watches, worrying towards Yugi about to face 6 of those weird eye guys all at once. She can't help but become concerned for him, certain this Pain guy is no doubt really strong.
''Yugi-kun!'' She cries out, runs towards him. At least with the two of them, they can-
Just then Mew Ichigo's cat instincts go crazy as she leaps backwards, back flipping away from multiple paper shurikens that almost hit her. She hisses, turning to look at Konan who proclaims calmly. ''You will not interfere.''
''Yugi-kun needs me Nya!'' The Mew Mew declares, crouching on all fours. Her eyes glow furious, not going to abandon or let Yugi fight all alone. Konan looks back at the young girl with the same determination, telling her. ''You will not get passed. Pain's word is divinity.''
She hisses, coming at her swiftly as she forms Ribbon Chidori. Konan summons her angelic paper wings, firing a stream of paper throwing blades at her. The cat girl dodges and evades around the blades, leaping or lunging herself while spinning as her Ribbon Chidori releases pink ribbons surrounding her that cut through the paper. She then comes at her, thrusting her hand with her pink electrical attack but Konan quickly explodes into paper as the attack hits through where she was. This shocks the cat girl as Konan reforms behind her.
For a moment, Konan hesitates to attack the vulnerable heroine for her love for the boy but love is fleeting… like her love for Yahiko.
''I will protect Nagato, regardless who it is.'' She tells herself, reassuring her resolve before she attacks the cat girl from the back with a blast of paper. Mew Ichigo screams as she's pushed away, watching Yugi about to engage the main enemy.
Yugi, with a look of worry for Ichigo, has to focus his attention on Pain and his many selves.
''So there's six of you…'' He mutters out firmly, scanning each one of them. They all have the same aura but one of them has to be the real Pain. Then who?
Pain wouldn't allow himself to reveal his Paths of Pain like this however it is necessary when his enemy is the Dragon Knight.
''Pain is the necessity of this world. There is no point for a hero but a god.'' Deva Pain expresses, his arms lifted up on his sides as the other Pain stares at Yugi. The young Dragon Knight sighs, not having time for this, as he protests firmly. ''I disagree.''
Pain frowns as suddenly the pains take on a strange formation. The Human, Animal and Petra Paths are in front, Diva is in the middle right behind Asura and the Naraka Path is behind the rest.
Yugi doesn't understand this formation but if he knows anything from Duel Monsters, the one from the rear end must be important for Pain's plan. Thinking that the one from the back row must be the most important one, Yugi takes flight and moves extremely quickly towards the Naraka Path but he's immediately stopped by a massive panda bear made out of stone with the same piercing and purple ripple circle eyes. He startles as he immediately gets grip by the hand of the Asura's path as a grappling hook and he slams him onto the ground.
The young Dragon Knight gets up as two more Pain come charging at him but Yugi dodges around them, exchanging a kick or palm strike, slamming them away. Just as he turns, a massive green bird with a massive peak comes at him and Yugi instantly uses Dragonaun Slash to cut the thing, exploding into smoke. He sweat drops, relief that bird isn't that alive so-
Yugi suddenly dashes to the sides and backs away flying fast by the Asura Path's multiple missiles and laser beams. He dashes around with great speed as the Asura Path forms a long chain saw blade extending out from his stomach, launching himself towards Yugi. He watches him come at him and times it right, moving to his right and swings his blade. It grins on the chainsaw as Yugi uses the impact to push himself away, distancing himself away. He then fires a Dragonaun Burning, blasting the Asura Path directly who's consumed in the flames.
He then comes to the Deva Pain with such speed but the Asura Path is still looking at him. Yugi swings and Deva Pain ducks at the last moment to Yugi's shock. Pain then unleashes a burst of invisible push, blasting the young Dragon Knight backwards.
''SUMMONING TECHNIQUE!'' The Animal Path shouts, slamming his hand on the ground and summons forth a massive dark brown dog with the same piercings and Rinnegan eyes. The summoned dog comes at Yugi who quickly swings his blade and slashes him… only for the dog's two halves become two more dogs. This shocks Yugi as the mutts slam their claws upon him, slamming him onto the ground.
The dogs bark, going to eat their catch until they're quickly consumed and burned by Yugi firing Dragonaun Burning upon them. The dogs roar as Yugi delivers a massive Dragonaun Geyser, blasting both dogs from the rush of energy coming from the ground and exploding into smoke.
''SUMMONING-'' Yugi tries to shout, trying to perform his own summoning to even the odds but the Deva Pain raises his left arm towards him, shouting. "BANSHO TENIN!''
Suddenly Yugi feels strange and finds himself pulled by a gravitational pull. He's pulled right to Deva Path as the Preta Path grabs onto him on the back and then the Human Path moves it and touches his chest.
''It's over.'' Deva Pain begins to utter out as the Human Path starts pulling out Yugi's soul to his horror.
Mew Ichigo, with multiple scratches across her body, grunts still barely on all fours, trying to get up from the blast of paper to see Yugi and her eyes widen.
''YUGI-KUN!'' She screams out, trying to run only for Konan to blast her with a torrent of paper over her, wrapping her up mummified.
Yugi panics as the Preta Path begins absorbing his energy while the Human Path is trying to rip off Yugi's soul out of his body. The young Dragon Knight struggles in dismay, feeling his energy draining and his soul getting pulled out of his body.
''RESIST PARTNER!'' Atem's voice shouts at him to not surrender. Yugi tries to move but he can't seem to break free.
''It's futile.'' Deva Pain tells the draining knight, ordering him coldly. ''Submit and give up.''
Yugi struggles to even focus, not sure if he'll… if… if-
''YUGI-SAN, OVERLOAD HIM WITH OUR POWER!'' Almost drifting off unconscious to his likely death, Yugi snaps out hearing Yang Dragon's shout as Yin Dragon also shouts angrily. ''AND DON'T LET YOUR DAMN SOUL BE RIPPED OUT OF YOU!''
Smiling a bit for their concern for him, Yugi nods as he focuses. Swirls of Yin-Yang Dragon's energy build around his body.
''I refuse…'' Yugi begins to tell himself, opening his eyes glowing red with a burning desire to not let this beat him. ''To ever lose!''
Suddenly the Preta and Human Paths make a face as Yugi suddenly lets out a roar, releasing a full burst of red energy. ''RRAWWRR!''
The Preta Path starts rolling his eyes as does Human Path, feeling and literally watching the essence of Yin-Yang Dragon as Yugi forms his third cloak form and swings his blade, slashing them. The two paths drop seemingly dead but before Yugi can compose himself, he's blasted again by Deva's invisible attack
Yugi stomps his feet and energy tails onto the ground, standing his ground as he pants heavily. He raises his blade upward, swirls of purple fiery energy manifesting.
''Roar, Heavenly Dragon!'' Yugi shouts passionately as he swings his blade forward. ''DRAGONAUN TENGOKU!''
He unleashes and fires the fiery serpent body dragon, roaring with its red glowing eyes flying right at Pain. The Akatsuki leader just stands his ground, not going anything until the Preta Path appears out of nowhere and holds up his hands, catching the energy dragon and starts absorbing its energy.
Yugi widens his eyes, questioning in dismay. ''He came back?! How?!''
Unaware of Yugi, the Naraka Path had used the power of the King of Hell to revive the Preta Path to absorb the attack. Yugi thinks and realizes only one of those Pains didn't attack him. Maybe, but he has no time to think about this.
Yugi focuses with all of his power as the Dragonaun Tengoku roars viciously, thrusting its right energy claw right through the absorption barrier. It pierces that Pain as the dragon then bites its fangs upon him, consuming him. That Pain is destroyed as the energy dragon continues towards the main Pain but now the attack has been weakened to stop it.
''Naïve.'' The Deva Pain utters out, extending his right hand forward and shouts loudly. ''SHINRA TENSEI!''
He unleashes his invisible gravitation push, piercing and dissolving not just the Dragonaun Tengoku but hits everything in his path, including a stun Yugi. The invisible attack pushes and destroys trees, rocks, creatures and heads towards the young Dragon Knight. Yugi tries to block it with the side of his Dragon Blade but the unseen blast is too much for him. He stomps his feet, being pushed but he can't hold on any longer as he's blasted away far away, yelling in agony.
Mew Ichigo hears his screams, panicking as she tries to tear herself off the paper mummification only for more paper to cover her quickly.
''YUGI-KUN!'' She screams, muttering, trying to break free but can't.
The Deva Pain continues walking towards the seemingly fallen Dragon Knight, stepping over the once more dead Naraka Path.
Ichigo grunts, struggling more and more as she fears for Yugi's health. He needs her; she can't fail him!
Done with this, Mew Ichigo releases her Ribbon Lightning Armor form, tearing and burning the paper covering her body as she screams angrily. Konan is taken back as the cat girl moves so quickly to the woman's side that she delivers a roundhouse kick across Konan's face, smacking her right into a tree.
Breathing, Mew Ichigo dashes to Yugi's aid. She arrives to see her Yugi in a badly wounded state, groaning as his dragon shroud vanishes. She makes a sad, scowling face, knowing she would have prevented such damage to her hero. The main Pain approaches them, pulling out a black metal rod from his right sleeve and wielding it.
''You should have ran away, little girl.'' Deva Pain tells her coldly. Mew Ichigo turns her lowered head slowly with her front hair covering her eyes.
''Everyone dies eventually. That is life, that is pain.'' Pain expresses firmly. Mew Ichigo's electrical form is quickly vanishing and replaced with a dark pink outline, growing through her fury.
''… Shut up.'' She simply utters out, hissing slightly. Pain isn't in the slightest intimidated by her words, now saying. ''Do not worry, his pain will end soon. You only need to walk away or-''
''SHUT UP NYA!'' Pain narrows his eyes to the screaming cat girl, her eyes glow viciously through her front hair. Yugi grunts, looking up to see Ichigo's aura burning so enraged that it's like her anger is bottomless.
''I'm not going to stand around and let you hurt my Yugi-kun Nya! I will protect him Nya!'' Mew Ichigo speaks up determinedly, refusing to let anyone bring harm to the person who inspires hope in not just her heart but everyone else. She bites her lips, showing her cat tooth growing sharper. Even if it's selfish, she cannot deny that Yugi is special to her, always doing everything possible to make her smile; always getting stronger for her friends and loved ones.
Just the thought of letting him die, like how he did against Deep Blue, it drove her to despair. She vowed she would never let that happen again and right now, she will not!
''Because my heart begs me to save him and my very soul wants to badly Nya!'' She expresses loudly before screams passionately from the bottom of heart. ''BECAUSE I LOVE YUGI-KUN!''
Yugi looks at her speechless, feeling a strong pulse from his heart… Which is why he can't let harm fall upon her either. He tries to get up, struggling. Pain, however, feels no such thing; only reminded of his losses, of his family, of his friends… of his dearest friend. He looks at the enraged cat girl and simply says. ''It's hopeless.''
This causes the Mew Mew to snap, shouting out of fury as her cat eyes reveal themselves and erupt with great fury. ''SAY THAT AFTER THIS!''
She comes dashing right at him but Pain reacts, dodging her instant claw swipes and her kicks. The Mew Mew hisses furious, releasing Ribbon Chidori Current to shock him but Pain uses a weaker Shinra Tensei, blasting the electricity and her away. She screams, somersaulting but landing on all fours as she's still pushing away.
Mew Ichigo breathes heavily, summoning her Strawberry Bell as the aura surrounding her grows wilder. She soon shouts, holding her heart-shaped weapon forward. ''RIBBON STRAWBERRY CHIDORI SURPRISE!''
She unleashes her combined Ribbon Strawberry Surprise and Ribbon Chidori magical blast, coming at Pain who waves his hand forward and repels it with ease. This horrifies the cat girl with a stun expression.
"I was expecting more from you, human.'' Pain proclaims, lifting his hand towards her and pulls her with Bansho Tenin. Mew Ichigo panics, trying to break free from this pull but couldn't. Pain intends to silence her, pulling out a black rod from his other hand through his sleeve.
However before he can, the Naraka Path watches Yugi coming at Pain's back again with quick speed, swinging only for him to dodge it. Yugi staggers heavily, looking in front to see the Naraka, Animal and Asura Paths all watching as he's punched by the Preta Path. Yugi staggers, slammed right into Mew Ichigo as the two fall onto the ground hard.
The couple groans, lifting themselves up to see that Path of Pain alive as well as the Human Path. Yugi is getting annoyed by this, commentating. ''This day really… sucks.''
''You will now learn pain.'' Deva Pain proclaims, lifting his hand and shouts loudly. ''Shinra Tensei!''
He blasts the two with his invisible attack but Mew Ichigo interrupts in front of Yugi, forming her pink barrier. The blast hits her barrier, passing through it as if trying to tear it apart. Mew Ichigo hisses in pain, feeling her body being torn apart by the mere pressure of the attack but she refuses to surrender, screaming furious as her barrier glows brighter and resists it to Pain's surprise.
''My barrier is my heroic Dragon Knight's shield! I am his shield…'' Mew Ichigo proclaims strongly, her eyes not wavering or beaten as she yells madly. ''And I will bash you into oblivion Nya!''
She comes dashing right at him, forming another Ribbon Chidori. The Petra and Human Paths intercept her but she forms a extending blade from her attack, slashing them but the Petra that absorbs the attack but now her claw swipe, bashing him onto the ground. The cat girl comes at Pain who dodges and then swings his rod but at Yugi who tries to slash him from his back, parrying his attack. He growls as Pain thrusts his rod and Yugi barely catches it with his free arm. However, in the moment he did, Yugi begins widening his eyes, sensing a pressure aura through the rod so strongly that it connects to not just this Pain but the others. It was too much due to his injuries that he released his grip and backs away.
The young Dragon Knight pants heavily, backing away slightly as Mew Ichigo tries hitting Pain who evades her claw swipes and kicks. And then the Paths that were defeated return and kick the two away. Mew Ichigo crashes onto a tree while Yugi grinds his feet on the ground as a Dragon Clone above them tries to fire a Dragonaun Burning but Pain raises his hand with the Animal Path already watching and uses Bansho Tenin, slamming the clone instantly onto the ground and turning it into smoke.
Again, Yugi watches how the Pains seem to know where he'll hit them and then he starts realizing it. He quickly dashes before the Preta and Human Paths touch him but Yugi stops and literally pulls himself away, hitting the ground away from him. He grunts in agony, not liking that he did that but it saved him.
Mew Ichigo rushes to his aid as Pain says firmly. ''You both don't understand pain.''
The cat girl glares furiously as the Akatsuki Leader announces confidently yet humble. ''That is why this world will be changed through pain. True peace will appear through pain.''
That crosses the line as the cat girl slowly smirked evilly. Yugi gets up annoyed only for Mew Ichigo to push him aside to his surprise as her aura becomes darker.
''Strawberry Bell Version Up!'' Mew Ichigo shouts loudly, raising her bell and begins to transform it into its super form. Yugi is shocked that Ichigo can enter that power-up state without the other Mew Mews present. But unlike the time that all of the Mews gather their power, this one is extremely forceful.
Smirking, Mew Ichigo shouts as her massive weapon shines with a pink-black glow. ''RIBBON STRAWBERRY CHECK SURPRISE!''
''SHINRA TENSEI!'' Pain immediately shouts, counteracting. Immediately both attacks fire and clash the other in swirls of invisible force against the darker pink magical attack. Yugi watches, trying to hold his ground but shock Ichigo has this much power.
The two attacks soon cancel each other out. Pain is taken back by this; never seeing anyone countering Shinra Tensei like that. And he can't help but feel… horror coming from the colorful cat with her glowing like a hunter seeking its prey.
''I will end you Nya!'' Mew Ichigo shouts out furiously, her outline becoming even more of a darker pink as her eyes glow menacingly, grinning almost hungrily. Yugi can tell something is really wrong, feeling her aura so disturbed and darkened.
''Calm down Ichigo-kun!'' Yugi asks her loudly, snapping the Mew Mew partly. She turns around to look at him with a surprise face, wondering if he's okay with his bloody state
''A wild beast such as yourself…'' Pain, however, begins to proclaim as his other Paths join him along with Konan. ''Will learn what pain is like.''
Snapping, and slowly forming another grin, Mew Ichigo turns to face the Pain with a mischievous face. She then taunts him evilly. ''Bring it Nya~.''
Yugi frowns, worrying, able to tell if something is really wrong with his Strawberry Kitten. Plus this Pain, this man… he is not the one they should fight right now. He quickly dashes to stop her from doing anything reckless which causes the catgirl to inflate her cheeks angrily.
''Fighting him is pointless, Ichigo-kun. This Pain and his copies aren't real.'' Yugi begins to reveal, recalling the times he's felt his aura and how those two had him grip plus the rod. He can feel a main aura as if these bodies are all controlled by the same person.
''I mean they are but their auras are all identical and no one has the same, exact aura.'' Yugi theorizes, not exactly sure about it but he's sure this Pain or any of these lookalikes are the real Pain.
The Human Path had read Yugi's mind when it was ripping out his body. With what he learned, all of the Pains knew what the boy was referring to to the Deva Path's surprise yet annoyance.
''You…'' The Deva Path utters out with a firm glare before announcing coldly. ''You know too much. You will die now.''
Yugi glares, holding the Dragon Blade forward but then gasps in pain, forced to drop on a knee. He pants angrily, feeling Yin-Yang Dragon healing him but they need to push his body harder if he wants to fight-
''Kneeling down to the enemy?'' Yugi widens his eyes, turning to his left to see Kojan now standing beside him, not even looking back at him but towards Pain.
''You embarrass yourself being a Dragon Knight.'' The Dragon Knight Uchiha tells him off coldly, not once looking back at him.
''Kojan-kun…'' Yugi mutters out, not expecting he would appear even though he assumed he would. Mew Ichigo looks at him, growling.
Kojan stares towards Pain and he scoffs, proclaiming. ''So you're the leader of the Akatsuki, the one with the eyes of the Sage of the Six Paths.''
Pain looks at him, completely unaware of this one. He resembles an Uchiha but that is impossible. He glares coldly, questioning the uninvited mortal. ''Who are you?''
Kojan looks at his sinister gaze and can't help but smirk, taunting. ''What is wrong with him, Madara, into thinking you look like a God?''
Pain widens his eyes, furious why Konan widens her eyes slightly, not expecting this stranger to know who the real leader of the Akatsuki is.
''You dare insult God. You who doesn't-'' Pain begins to proclaim with such a calm, hateful voice only for Kojan to respond, widening his eyes angrier which activates his Sharingan eyes. ''Wrong! My pain is far deeper than yours.''
Konan staggers with Pain glaring, confirming that this one is an Uchiha.
Kojan starts approaching the group but Konan flies towards him, unleashing a wave of paper upon him and covers him up in the same cocoon… until the paper is instantly ignited in flames. Kojan walks out of the burning flames as Konan comes at him with a paper blade until she gasps with widened eyes. She looks down to see a blade stabbing right in front of her. She panics as the Kojan in front of her dissolves, revealing to be an illusion as the real one is on her side, thrusting the blade and slashes her up as Konan's body is consumed in flames.
''Move aside.'' Kojan utters out, having killed the woman without battering the look of sadness. He walks up to the Paths as the Animal Path summons a massive rhino which Kojan swings his Dragon Sword engulfed in electricity, slashing down the creature in half.
The Preta and Asura Paths come at him as Kojan pulls out his katana, dual wielding and dashes at them. He swings first hand as the Asura Path's arms gains wrist blades and intercepts. Sparks fly out as the Petra Path comes at Kojan from the side, trying to grab him but Kojan manifests a black glowing skeleton arm, grabbing onto the Path and squeezes him into death, blood splatting. The Asura Path, grinning, shoots out its chainsaw blade from its stomach through Kojan… until he becomes flames. It's taken back as the real Kojan dashes in front and slashes the Path into pieces with both swords.
Kojan twirls his swords as he releases a burst of electricity from his body, zapping the Human Path as a summoned chameleon trying to do a sneak attack. Kojan narrows his gaze slowly towards Deva Pain.
Annoyed by this man, Pain raises his hand and shouts. ''Shinra Tensei!''
He releases a burst of invisible force towards Kojan but the Uchiha widens his eyes. His Sharingan eyes start spinning and transform into a black curved shuriken-like eye pattern with a red eyeball. The invisible force hits an opposing invisible force from Kojan, countering Pain's to his dismay.
''What? He repelled Shinra Tensei?'' Pain utters out with widened eyes, not believing this was possible.
The Animal Path tries to perform another summoning but Kojan suddenly throws his katana right at him. The two Pains watch and the Animal Path dodges, bending from his back but Kojan smirks as he flickers his index finger of that sword hand, revealing to show a thin wire and the katana moves downward instantly as it extends a wave of electrical energy. It slashes through that Pain, cutting him horizontally as the blade is pulled back to Kojan's possession, swiping the sword to the side as thin blood drops on the ground in a line.
''Where is he?'' Kojan, not looking at Pain, demands firmly. Pain glares using Shinra Tensei again but once more the opposing invisible barrier of Kojan's blocks it. Annoyed, Kojan questions him, glaring at him with his Mangekyo Sharingan eyes. ''I won't ask twice without killing you. Ask your bodies and the woman I killed.''
Pain glares, more than angry at what he's done.
''Your pain-'' The Rinnegan user begins to proclaim, charging at Kojan who evades the hand grip and intercepts the hidden black rod Pain thrusts with his other arm with his sword. Pain is staggered as Kojan finishes his sentence as his Sharingan eyes glow viciously. ''Is greater than yours.''
He delivers a kick at Pain who blocks it and he's pushed backwards. Kojan now charges as his Dragon Sword transforms into the Dragon Rakurai without doing the chant. He moves with lightning fast speed but Pain is just able to react through the Uchiha is wearing him down.
Yugi watches with such amazement, not able to read how fast Kojan is moving. Mew Ichigo is also speechless too, calming down from her fury.
Kojan is about to slash Pain but then the Preta Path returns to grab him by the side until Kojan dashes around him and slashes his head off.
The Asura Path and Human Path charge at him with the Animal Path summoning her undying-multiplying dog. Kojan sees them coming as his swords glow and he shouts, swinging both swords forward. ''DRAGONAUN ERUPTION!''
He swings and unleashes a fiery whip-like wave, mixed with electricity. The attack consumes both paths and dogs, destroying them instantly and actually vaporizing them. The Animal Path summons its stone panda bear and prevents the attack from hitting him and the remaining paths. Kojan notices it, gazing at the Naraka as he points his finger in a gun gesture towards the bear and where the Animal Path is hiding behind.
''RAIKIRI FINGER GUN.'' Kojan shouts as he flickers his gun hand gesture and fires an insanely fast, electrical bullet that pierces through the bear and even the Animal Path, killing him instantly.
Kojan now stares at the Deva Pain, forming the Horse hand sign before he declares, inhaling and breathing forward. ''FIRE RELEASE: GREAT FIRE ANNIHILATION!''
He breathes and unleashes a sea of flames from her mouth, spreading and consuming the wreck forest into flames; burning everything it touches. Pain quickly uses Shinra Tensei, protecting himself from the sea of flames but the attack still continues and to Pain's shock, the flames consume the Naraka Path as he was trying to summon the King of Hell, burning him away.
''He knew then?'' Pain questions to himself, not possible that Kojan to figure out the Naraka Path was the key to reviving the other Paths.
The flames cease as Pain looks forward and immediately widens his eyes as Kojan is in front of him and uses a Genjutsu. Deva Pain is hopeless, unable to move or anything and this can't be possible.
''I can't…'' Pain tries to say mentally, not able to move as Kojan leans up to him.
''Where is Madara?'' He demands with a cold gaze. Pain hesitates, simply uttering out. ''I-I won't speak a word.''
Kojan becomes further annoyed as he jabs his sword through his gut. Pain refuses to gag up as Kojan demands even angrier. ''Where is he?!''
He stabs through and actually carves through but Pain refuses to speak.
''WHERE IS HE?! SAY IT!'' Kojan demands even louder, but Pain does not speak up. This was the last straw as Kojan simply mutters out. ''Fine…''
Pulling his sword out of him, Kojan immediately swings and fires a Dragon Slice Attack right through Pain's body, splitting him vertically.
Yugi and Mew Ichigo are silent by the bloody death of the Akatsuki leader with Yugi more overwhelmed. To him, Kojan was never this cruel so it terrifies him greatly and becomes more concerning.
Pain, eyes open, is split in half and in a bloody mess. Kojan looks down and actually narrows his eyes, watching a change happen to this ''Pain''. Now he gets why Pain didn't say anything, looking at the body of some random guy pretending to be Pain. Not just him but all of the other paths and the woman are all not who they were. A Jutsu of sorts?
He scoffs as he turns around and begins to walk away until Yugi stands in his way.
''I'm starting to get what is happening to you but I want to-'' Yugi tries to say, wanting to help his friend deeply but Kojan interrupts coldly, gazing towards him for a moment. ''Stop getting in my way then.''
Yugi looks at him frowning. Kojan scoffs walking past the two. Growling, Mew Ichigo speaks up furiously. ''Yugi-kun just wants to help his dearest friend and you treat him worse than Kaiba-Baka!''
Kojan doesn't even bother to stop. This pisses the cat girl angrily, screaming. ''ANSWER ME!''
She tries to go after him but Yugi stops her, knowing it's pointless to talk to him, at least right now. Besides, Yugi isn't in full strength to confront him.
Kojan doesn't answer… and never turns around to make a firm yet sad face. He looks down mad, telling himself mentally. ''I told him already. Stop being the Dragon Knight then he and I will never fight.''
He soon vanished instantly, having to rethink his strategy.
Yugi makes a sad look, yet he isn't going to give up. He can't let Kojan continue walking a path that will end in greater hate. However, Mew Ichigo looks at him hurt and battered and can't help but feel useless.
''Yugi-kun…'' She mutters saddened for her hero. Frowning before forming a scowl, Ichigo clinches her right hand tightly as her eyes gaze at where Kojan was. How can someone like him not understand Yugi and continue mocking him. She won't let him get away with this.
Observing this, Akumu hums, not expecting this other Dragon Knight to be so lethal and powerful over Yugi.
''So this is the other Dragon Knight…'' The Dark Lord tells himself mentally, going to be ready when he confronts him. Evangeline, however, couldn't care less for that other Dragon Knight but Ichigo. The way she acted, that dark energy; the dark vampire mage can't help but grin with such amusement. She needs to see what that power is at full power before she makes up her mind.
Also watching, Ulquiorra observes within a Garganta. His orders are to simply observe and he will do so for Aizen's stake.
Yugi and Ichigo were unable to do anything against Pain and once again Yugi isn't sure how he can help Kojan. Can he do anything?
To be continued…
(ENDING 4: Omae Dattanda by Kishidan from Naruto Shippuden)
Thank you for another great episode. I thank those who are helping me get this story noticed and enjoy it. For those who love it, please review my story and give me your opinions or thoughts on it.
Next Time…
After their failed attempt, Yugi is still not beaten yet as he wants to reach out to Kojan. However, as they resume their hunt for the Uchihas, Kojan proceeds to stop the group from getting his way anymore and make sure Yugi stops his pursuit in being a Dragon Knight. Will Team Dragon Knight handle someone who deems himself as the strongest Dragon Knight?
The team is concerned how Yugi is handling things and they can't blame him.
Ryan: Maybe… Maybe we can still do something right?
Usagi: Yea! We can do something!
Ed: Not my place.
Danny: I kinda agree but we should help Yugi somewhat.
Suddenly Kojan leaps down in front of them: Then stop getting in my way.
Ed: No. Come on, why are you here?!
Kojan: …
Usagi gulps: The silent type.
Danny: Well then, I guess I know where this is leading.
Ryan gulps: Um… eh… right-right. Next time in Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Knight Reborn: The Dark Knight's Path! Part 1!
Ichigo: Wonder how the others are doing Nya? Please remember to read, enjoy and review. See you all next time Nya!
Author's Note: Oh where to begin…
No finishing off Kisame because you know why.
A rematch of Yugi and Ichigo vs Itachi and you can see from their first fight in Volume 2 to Volume 5 that Yugi and Ichigo have grown strong… but Itachi isn't the same (obvious) and now the two have met the real Itachi, briefly. If Pain didn't show up and if things played out differently, Itachi might have changed but we know it was too late for him anyway.
The fight against Pain I was glad it turned out fine and Ichigo fighting Konan instead (because why not) and of course Yugi losing and then Kojan dismantled the ''Pains''. But keep an eye on Ichigo as her aggressive nature has grown more and more hmm.
Next time, we're reaching the climax of this arc as we'll see Kojan's hunt of Team Dragon Knight. This will be interesting!