Chapter 363: The Curtain Falls
"Don't kill the boy over this spectacle," Chōmei murmured, a trace of concern evident in its voice. Though its Tailed Beast Ball wasn't the most powerful among the Tailed Beasts, it was more than enough to annihilate most ninja.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Tsunade replied confidently. Kawakaze had informed her of Nagato's abilities, and she was certain he had ways to neutralize the attack.
By the time their brief exchange concluded, the Tailed Beast Ball was already upon Nagato. From the onlookers' perspective, his form was entirely obscured, swallowed by the massive sphere of energy.
"Maybe we should run while there's still time!" one observer suggested nervously.
"It's too late for that now," a middle-aged man responded, wiping cold sweat from his forehead. His legs trembled uncontrollably, but he couldn't bring himself to move, remaining rooted to the spot.
"Preta Path."
Nagato raised a hand and assumed a defensive stance. An invisible barrier appeared, intercepting the Tailed Beast Ball.
The crowd held their breath, expecting a cataclysmic explosion. Instead, the massive sphere of energy began to shrink at an alarming rate. Within moments, the tens-of-meters-wide Tailed Beast Ball was gone, completely absorbed.
Nagato flexed his fingers and hopped lightly on the spot, grinning with satisfaction. "Tastes good. I feel great," he remarked, his tone laced with playful mockery, as though absorbing the attack was nothing more than a snack. The move not only replenished his chakra reserves but also seemed to invigorate him further.
"Impossible... It was absorbed?" Tsunade exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. She delivered her reaction flawlessly, staying in character for the crowd.
"Nothing's impossible," Nagato retorted smugly. "You're just too weak."