---
Obito's voice was calm, but his chakra surged violently.
"Fire Release: Kamui Flame Cyclone!"
A spiralling serpent of flames erupted from a distorted pocket of space, twisting like a drill of fire as it raced toward Minato, Kushina, and Naruto.
It moved faster than any normal Fire Release and had enough power to roast Gamabunta alive.
But before it could engulf them, Nine chakra tails exploded from Kushina's back, swinging with thunderous force.
The tails smashed into the flames, snuffing them out completely and at the same time, forced Obito to retreat.
Naruto whistled.
"Damn, Mom! That was clean."
Kushina flipped her hair, grinning.
"Of course. You think your dad's the only badass in this family?"
Minato, taking advantage of the opening, hurled a special kunai at Obito But Obito knew better than to test his reaction speed against the Yellow Flash.
He batted the kunai away and retreated further just as monk Bun (now Gen) sent a wave of sand to shield him.
At the same time, Kushina and Naruto both unleashed their Adamantine Sealing Chains at Uzumaki Mito.
The elder Uzumaki's body twitched.
And then—
A red chakra cloak flared to life around her.
Kushina's eyes widened.
Naruto froze.
The Nine-Tails inside both of them growled in alarm.
And in the next instant—
The world shifted.
White mist filled their vision.
A spiritual space.
Naruto immediately recognized it.
"Mental space? Like a mindscape? I'm familiar with this feeling."
Kushina, Kurama, and even the older Nine-Tails within her were all there.
But they weren't alone.
Standing before them, smiling gently—
Uzumaki Mito.
"Mito-sama!"
Without hesitation, Kushina rushed forward, throwing herself into Mito's arms like a child seeking comfort.
Mito gently stroked Kushina's fiery red hair, her soft chuckle filled with warmth.
"You've grown up, Kushina."
"Have you been well?"
Kushina laughed and cried at the same time, clinging onto Mito.
"Yes! Yes! I mean life was rough for a while, but I have a wonderful family now!"
Then, suddenly—
She sniffled.
And then, as if remembering something terrible, she looked up with a serious expression.
"Oh! Also, Tsunade still isn't married!"
Mito smiled fondly at Kushina's animated storytelling, but after a while, she shifted her gaze to Naruto.
"And is that... your son?"
Kushina froze for a second then turned to Naruto, frowning.
"Naruto, hurry up and um, wait, what should you call her?"
Naruto didn't hesitate.
"Mito-obaachan!"
Mito blinked and then burst into laughter.
"Ahahaha! What a lively child. Yes, yes, that's just fine!"
She patted Naruto's head, her touch as gentle as a breeze.
"I see you've inherited both your parents' strengths. You are truly a remarkable young man."
But then—
Mito's attention shifted.
"And... it has been a long time, Nine-Tails."
Kurama snorted.
"Tch. What, are you going to start preaching again?"
Mito shook her head.
"No. I only have one thing to say."
She bowed her head slightly.
"I apologize."
Kurama's eyes widened.
"What?"
"For imprisoning you. For hating you. I misunderstood you, and for that, I am sorry."
Kurama was stunned.
He was not used to this.
It felt weird.
His ears twitched.
His tails flicked awkwardly.
Then he grumbled turning his head away.
"Tch. Fine. Whatever."
But his tails swished happily behind him.
Mito smiled knowingly But Mito's expression soon turned serious.
"My time here is short. Listen carefully."
"Among the six Rinnegan-controlled bodies, four have fully implanted Tailed Beasts Two-Tails, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, and Eight-Tails."
"Once they fully transform, black rods Rinnegan control stakes will embed into their bodies."
"If you get a chance, try pulling those out. It may disrupt Obito's control."
She smiled warmly one last time.
"Kushina, Naruto, Minato you are all wonderful children."
"I believe in you."
And with that—
Mito Uzumaki faded.
The entire conversation had happened within mere seconds. Kushina breathed deeply, regaining her focus.
She and Naruto locked eyes—
And without speaking—
They moved in perfect sync.
"Let's end this!"
"Oh!"
"Oh!"
"Oh!"
(Naruto, Kushina, and the Two Kuramas.)
From a distance, Obito's expression darkened.
"What!?"
He could feel it.
Uzumaki Mito had interfered.
Even though she was dead.
Even though he had complete control over her body.
She had still defied his will.
"How is this possible!?"
"Even with Edo Tensei, the Rinnegan, and my black rods—"
"How can she still resist!?"
Was it because she was a legendary Uzumaki?
Or was it because...
She was simply that strong-willed?
"Damn it!"
Obito bit his lip in frustration.
"Fine! Let's see how you handle this!"
Plan B—Or Maybe Plan C?
Obito formed a seal.
Monk suddenly acted.
A massive wave of sand erupted from the ground, surging toward Minato.
And at the same time—
Gen raised an iron pot—
From within it—
Dark chains shot out.
And this time—
Their target was Minato.
(End of Chapter)