"Not good, retreat quickly!"
As soon as Kabuto used Shikotsumyaku, he sensed something was wrong.
He noticed a terrifying, cold aura erupting from Boruto's body.
When Boruto activated Kama Phase Two, not only did another horn sprout on his head, but his chakra aura completely transformed.
This was no longer Ōtsutsuki Boruto!
Unfortunately, Kabuto's warning came too late.
And Tsunade, who had already charged at Boruto, had no time to retreat.
*SWOOSH!*
A flash of black light—Tsunade's right hand, wielding a chakra blade, was instantly severed.
Then, a Shinra Tensei exploded, blasting Tsunade back.
Finally, several black rods shot from the hand of Boruto, now controlled by Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki, piercing through Tsunade's entire body…
The great former Fifth Hokage was defeated by Momoshiki in the blink of an eye.
"Lady Tsunade!"
"Fifth Hokage!"
Shikamaru and Konohamaru were shocked, their faces showing deep horror and fear.
The current "Ōtsutsuki Boruto" was far more terrifying than before, almost in an entirely different dimension.
"Retreat!"
"That's not Ōtsutsuki Boruto—his chakra aura has changed!"
Kabuto, sharper than the rest, immediately saw the truth: Boruto had been overtaken and controlled. He signaled Shikamaru and Konohamaru to flee at once!
If even Tsunade couldn't withstand one attack, staying there was tantamount to seeking death.
The only one who might stand a chance against Momoshiki was Kabuto himself, and even he wasn't confident of defeating the opponent.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Finally out!"
Momoshiki grinned.
He had been suppressed for so long and now controlled Boruto's body again. This time, he would wreak havoc properly!
"Trying to escape?"
"Who gave you permission to run?"
Banshō Ten'in!
Momoshiki activated his ability, pulling Shikamaru and Konohamaru from a distance. He had no intention of letting these Konoha ninjas go.
"Senpō: Muki Tensei Kai!"
Kabuto activated Senjutsu, instantly controlling the ground. Three massive, hundred-meter-long earth dragons emerged, attacking Momoshiki.
This wasn't just ordinary Doton (Earth Release) but a reincarnation jutsu that gave life to inanimate objects and controlled them.
It was akin to creating Bijuu one by one with bare hands.
Aside from the chakra Kabuto had to supply, these earth dragons were nearly identical to Bijuu and wouldn't die!
In fact, if not for the limited space within the barrier, Kabuto could have created ten living earth dragons at once.
Enough to fight eight Bijuu single-handedly!
In a sense, Kabuto had indeed touched the divine authority akin to the Sage of the Six Paths.
Shinra Tensei!
Momoshiki raised his hand, activating Shinra Tensei again, shattering the heads of the two nearest earth dragons.
But they quickly regenerated, resuming their attack on Momoshiki.
Their recovery speed and density were even more astonishing than Orochi's.
Even Momoshiki was shocked.
He activated his flight ability, soaring into the sky, easily dodging the earth dragons' ground attacks.
As long as he flew high enough, most ground-based jutsu were powerless.
Air combat versus ground—once air superiority was secured, it was basically a game.
"Senpō: Hakugeki no Jutsu Kai."
Facing Momoshiki in the air, Kabuto could only use a long-range, wide-area Senjutsu attack.
He initially didn't want to use this technique, as it was an area-of-effect attack that would also harm Shikamaru and the others inside the barrier.
But Momoshiki's strength was beyond expectation, forcing Kabuto to escalate.
Soon, the bright light and sound waves of Hakugeki no Jutsu enveloped everyone within the barrier.
Even Momoshiki in the air felt intense pain from bone friction.
This wasn't something avoidable by blocking hearing.
As long as you were in range, you couldn't escape the long-range vibration damage of Hakugeki no Jutsu, and Kabuto had even enhanced its power.
The intense pain in Momoshiki's body fueled his anger, deciding to stop playing cat-and-mouse and kill these annoying lowlife creatures!
"Filthy lowlifes, die!"
"It'll be so interesting to see Boruto's expression when he sees you all die by his own hands, won't it?"
Chō Ōdama Rasengan: Tenmetsu (Super Giant Rasengan: Heavenly Destruction).
Momoshiki endured the pain, raising his hand to form a Chō Ōdama Rasengan, using Kōmyōdō no Mikoto (Goddess of Light Creation) to amplify its power multiple times.
Once it exploded, its power would rival a standard Ten-Tails Bijuudama!
Enough to kill all the ninjas within the barrier!
As long as enough Konoha ninjas died by "Boruto's" hands, his mental state would surely collapse!
Once Boruto's mind broke, Momoshiki could fully control his body without resistance!
Though he couldn't resurrect, once he secured Boruto's body, he could find a way to plant a Divine Tree, obtain its fruit, and return to report. The Main Clan had countless ways to fully revive him.
This was Momoshiki's true goal in relentlessly controlling Boruto and killing Konoha ninjas!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
(Damn!)
Kabuto saw the Bijuu-sized Chō Ōdama Rasengan Tenmetsu forming, his face changing.
Kōmyōdō no Mikoto, which could suddenly amplify a jutsu's power several times while barely consuming chakra, was absurd, almost defying the law of energy conservation.
Kabuto wasn't afraid—he had too many ways to withstand damage and avoid death.
But Shikamaru and Konohamaru nearby couldn't withstand it.
Once it exploded, they'd likely be obliterated without a trace…
Being a good person was such a hassle!
In the past, he wouldn't have cared about others' lives.
If anyone was to blame, it was Itachi Haki (Itachi Uchiha, master of Hakkesho Kaiten), who used Izanami to force him to become good.
Kabuto had no choice but to lunge toward Shikamaru and Konohamaru, preparing to shield them from the damage. As for Tsunade, still alive on the other side, he truly couldn't save her.
But just as Momoshiki prepared to fire the Chō Ōdama Rasengan Tenmetsu…
*SWOOSH!*
A brighter, more blinding light suddenly erupted from the sky, illuminating the entire ninja world, overshadowing Momoshiki's Rasengan.
Momoshiki, drawn to the light, instinctively looked up.
He realized: the moon had exploded!
"That?!"
Momoshiki was stunned, unable to comprehend who could blow up the entire moon.
Even in his prime, he might not have been able to do it.
Unless it was his evolved form after devouring Kinshiki—then maybe…
This sudden change made Momoshiki halt his attack, forcing him to rethink.
*BUZZ!*
A circular, dark purple space teleportation gate opened above Konoha.
Sasuke shot out, swiftly returning to the village.
He was prepared to retrieve Boruto and retreat immediately.
But upon returning, he immediately saw the conspicuous Four Violet Flames Formation and found Boruto, controlled by Momoshiki.
And Kabuto? Tsunade? Shikamaru and the others?
All there?
Sasuke observed the scene and quickly deduced the cause.
Boruto was likely attacked by Konoha ninjas while rescuing Himawari, leading to an accident that caused him to rampage, giving Momoshiki the chance to take over his body.
Initially, Sasuke had sent Boruto to save Himawari, planning to stay in the village to draw most of the attention and attacks for him.
This way, Boruto had a high chance of successfully retrieving Himawari, and even if someone interfered, it wouldn't be a big issue.
But due to Kaguya and Isshiki's plan to use the moon to destroy the ninja world, Sasuke was forced to rush out to stop them.
That's why he left Boruto alone in the village, where he was attacked.
Boruto in Kama Phase One was already very strong, among the best at Kage level, especially with the Kama's bug-like ability to absorb all ninjutsu.
Normally, there shouldn't have been a problem.
Unfortunately, facing the combined assault of Kabuto and the others, the gap was still significant.
This gave Momoshiki the chance to resurface…
Sasuke sighed inwardly but didn't regret it; at least he stopped the moon's fall, and Boruto hadn't reached an irreparable point.
The priority was to defeat Momoshiki and take Boruto away.
To prevent Kaguya and Isshiki from pursuing, they'd leave Konoha and plan the next steps slowly.
Amenotejikara!
Sasuke glanced at Momoshiki inside the barrier and activated Amenotejikara.
*SWISH!*
His body and Momoshiki's instantly swapped places—Momoshiki appeared where Sasuke was, while Sasuke entered the barrier.
He also took Himawari, previously tied to Boruto's back.
Sasuke could swap places even when chained, so swapping with Himawari, tied with cloth, was no issue—Amenotejikara's mechanics were just that bizarre!
"Uchiha Sasuke!"
Momoshiki was startled, then roared. He realized he'd been forcibly teleported outside the barrier, losing not only his Rasengan Tenmetsu but also his captive, Himawari.
She was his trump card to break Boruto's mind, and he'd planned to keep her until the end!
But Sasuke snatched her back.
This damn Amenotejikara—the more he experienced it, the more he understood how tricky this eye technique was, almost akin to a divine skill!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Sasuke held Himawari with one arm, checked her, and confirmed she was only unconscious, not injured, finally relaxing a bit.
He then activated a half-body Susano'o.
Drawing Susano'o's sword, he sliced through the Four Violet Flames Formation.
Though without Six Paths Chakra, Sasuke with his Rinnegan was still a Six Paths-level fighter.
Even Momoshiki, controlling Boruto's body, hadn't recovered to Six Paths level, making him slightly weaker against Sasuke.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Sasuke activated a perfect Susano'o, flapping its wings, and charged at Momoshiki.
The scene stunned Kabuto and the others below.
Why was "Ōtsutsuki Sasuke" attacking "Ōtsutsuki Boruto"?
No, that might not be Ōtsutsuki Boruto anymore but another Ōtsutsuki.
Why were the enemies suddenly fighting each other?
And that explosion earlier?
The moon was gone? Destroyed by whom? Ōtsutsuki Sasuke? Or?
Too many questions…
Lacking information, Kabuto couldn't discern the truth, but he decisively turned, lunging toward the dying Tsunade, preparing to heal her while seizing the chance.
Though Tsunade had the Strength of a Hundred Seal, her chakra was currently blocked by black rods, rendering it unusable.
Once the black rods were removed, Tsunade could recover quickly.
As for the internal conflict between "Ōtsutsuki Sasuke" and "Ōtsutsuki Boruto" above, Kabuto couldn't stop it now. He only hoped they'd severely injure each other!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Seeing Sasuke attack, Momoshiki instantly understood the enemy likely wanted to reclaim Boruto.
Without hesitation, knowing he was no match for Sasuke, he quickly flew back to escape.
As long as he wasn't severely injured or caught by Sasuke, he could control Boruto's body for a long time, enough to commit more atrocities and further break Boruto's will.
After repeated blows, Momoshiki realized how terrifying these ninjas were.
Especially Sasuke and Naruto, those two monsters.
Otherwise, in another timeline, he wouldn't have immediately attacked and blinded Sasuke's six-tomoe Rinnegan after controlling Boruto.
If he wasn't afraid, why would he attack?
However, Momoshiki, using Boruto's body, couldn't match Isshiki's speed and was quickly caught up by Sasuke.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Another Yomotsu Hirasaka teleportation gate silently opened. Kaguya, under Black Zetsu's guidance, swiftly returned to Konoha.
She immediately saw Sasuke chasing Momoshiki.
Both Sasuke and Momoshiki stopped abruptly, wary of each other.
Sasuke had exhausted his Six Paths Chakra and knew he was no match for Kaguya, but he couldn't let Boruto remain controlled by Momoshiki.
Though Momoshiki couldn't resurrect, if Boruto fell into Isshiki's hands, who knew if Isshiki could use Boruto's identity to revive?
As for Momoshiki, facing Kaguya, he also had doubts. After all, he represented the Main Clan to hold Kaguya accountable. Who knew if the traitor Kaguya would turn and kill him?
But with traitor Kaguya in front and pursuer Sasuke behind, Momoshiki knew he had nowhere to run.
He could only feign calm, arrogantly ordering Kaguya:
"Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, hurry, kill Uchiha Sasuke!"
"As long as you obey and atone for your sins, I can represent the Main Clan to overlook your past mistakes!"
Kaguya fell silent, seemingly hesitant.
But Black Zetsu in her sleeve quickly warned:
(Mother, don't trust this fool. A soul possessing a ninja's body—his words are utterly untrustworthy! Swallowing him is the safest!)
Kaguya's eyes narrowed; she nearly fell for Momoshiki's trick.
But she didn't act rashly, instead staring at Sasuke behind Momoshiki.
Able to fight evenly with Isshiki and single-handedly destroy the moon, Sasuke's displayed Six Paths combat power was far stronger than Naruto and Sasuke combined in the Fourth World War.
Kaguya even suspected her unfilial son, Hagoromo, had given all his Six Paths Chakra to Sasuke.
Fighting Sasuke alone, she wasn't afraid.
But with Momoshiki as an additional variable, it wasn't safe.
Just as Kaguya hesitated…
*BUZZ!*
A black-red teleportation gate opened again, and Isshiki followed Kaguya, returning to Konoha from space.
"You? That fool Momoshiki?"
Isshiki saw Boruto in Kama Phase Two and immediately recognized Momoshiki's identity.
"Isshiki? You, you've really allied with Kaguya? How dare you betray the Ōtsutsuki—aren't you afraid of the Main Clan's pursuit?"
Momoshiki guessed the truth, his face changing.
He didn't know the conflict between Kaguya and Isshiki, but as a failed tree-planting mission member, Isshiki, who let Kaguya consume the chakra fruit, was also accountable.
In Momoshiki's eyes, Isshiki and Kaguya likely betrayed the Ōtsutsuki!
Isshiki looked at the foolish Momoshiki, then at Sasuke nearby.
Desire and anger surged in his heart.
Kill Sasuke, seize Boruto's vessel!
Without Kawaki, he could still revive using Boruto's vessel! He could even devour Momoshiki's chakra to recover further!
Conversely, bringing him alive to the Main Clan might lead to accusations and accountability, making him bear the blame.
But after multiple calculations, Isshiki grew smarter, not immediately revealing his greedy intentions.
Instead, he goaded Momoshiki firmly:
"Momoshiki, let's kill Uchiha Sasuke together. Then plant the Divine Tree. As long as we get the fruit, I can take you back to the Main Clan! Otherwise, you'll die now!"
Momoshiki's face changed. Though he didn't want to ally with traitors Kaguya and Isshiki, as the weakest, he seemed to have no choice.
Unless he wanted to be killed by Isshiki and the others immediately.
"Fine!"
Momoshiki reluctantly agreed to cooperate, joining them to target Sasuke.
In an instant, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, and Momoshiki controlling Boruto locked onto Sasuke, preparing to kill the cursed Uchiha ninja together.
Sasuke cursed inwardly, "Damn it," and quickly decided to abandon Boruto, retreating swiftly.
One Momoshiki, he could handle.
Add a Kaguya with poor combat awareness, and he might still have a chance to reclaim Boruto.
But with the ruthless Isshiki added, Sasuke knew he had no chance of turning the tide.
He might not even escape safely from three enemies!
But Sasuke found the enemies even crazier; to prevent his escape, they even activated Wood Release.
"Mother, use that technique!"
"Alright."
Mokuton: Shin: Jukai Kōtan!