Naruto gave the command, and Shikaku didn't hesitate.
Every decision Naruto had made so far had a deeper reason behind it. Even when they seemed unbelievable at the time, in hindsight, they always turned out to be strategically sound and well-anticipated.
Therefore, Shikaku immediately relayed the order through Inoichi and shouted, "All shinobi units, follow Naruto's orders—move!"
Meanwhile, Sasuke, hearing that Naruto needed someone skilled in Sage Jutsu, spoke up without hesitation. "Itachi, Shisui, I'll go ahead!"
Itachi turned to him. "Sasuke… do you even know Sage Jutsu?"
Sasuke nodded. "The curse mark Orochimaru gave me—it's based on Jūgo's power. That power allows me to enter a pseudo-Sage Mode. I don't know exactly what Naruto's planning, but I need to see it for myself!"
Without another word, Sasuke bolted in Naruto's direction.
Itachi was about to follow, but Shisui stopped him with a hand on his arm.
"Remember what Naruto said?" Shisui reminded calmly. "He said the outcome of this war won't depend on numbers, but on key individuals. And haven't you noticed how often Naruto is concerned about Sasuke?"
Watching Sasuke disappear into the distance, Shisui gave a faint smile. "Maybe Sasuke is one of those key individuals. Maybe the key."
Beside Naruto, Minato spoke up. "Naruto, I know Sage Jutsu too. I'll stay with you. It's never been my strongest technique, but I can support you with the Nine Tails' chakra if needed!"
Jiraiya suddenly flashed in, landing beside Minato. "Don't sell yourself short, Minato. I've seen your Sage Jutsu. It's cleaner and faster than mine!"
Hashirama, Tobirama, and Hiruzen also stepped forward.
Hashirama's Sage Art and Wood Release would be a tremendous help. Tobirama and Hiruzen, both reanimated with immortal bodies, naturally had the durability to assist.
Raikage clenched his fists, frustration written all over his face. "So what, those who know Sage Jutsu go fight and the rest retreat? What kind of damn rule is that?! I'm the Raikage—I'm not backing down!"
He was about to leap forward when a massive wall of sand rose before him.
"Huh?! Kazekage—what the hell are you doing?!"
Gaara calmly replied, "Lord Raikage, Naruto said only those capable of using Sage Jutsu should proceed. I'm asking you to cooperate."
Raikage's teeth gnashed together. "Tch—damn it!"
Hovering midair, Ōnoki spoke up. "Naruto must have a reason for this. Right, Lady Tsunade?"
Tsunade nodded firmly. "Every battlefield decision Naruto's made so far has been forward-thinking. Like how he moved HQ before the Ten Tails launched its Tailed Beast Bomb. If he says retreat, there's a damn good reason."
She turned to the others. "Let's pull back the main forces. Send word to all villages: anyone with Sage Jutsu proficiency is to regroup with Naruto immediately!"
Terumi Mei nodded. "I agree."
Raikage's shoulders sagged with reluctant understanding. "Tch… I'm the damn Raikage, and I can't even fight. This is humiliating!"
He turned and barked, "Fall back! Everyone, move!"
Before leaving, Raikage paused to shout at Killer B, "B, stay sharp! If anything feels off, run straight to me! Got it?! No showing off, you hear me?!"
Killer B grinned and gave a casual wave. "You got it, bro! I ain't dying today—believe that!"
Raikage sighed, shaking his head, and finally retreated.
Hashirama glanced at the new threat and muttered, "Naruto, this doesn't look good… That's the Ten Tails' Jinchūriki!"
Naruto nodded grimly. "No… it really doesn't."
Minato frowned. "Obito… he's become even more revolting than before."
"This guy's disgusting." Sasuke arrived with a burst of wind, landing beside Naruto and glaring at Obito. "He's been lying to me from the start. I'll finish him off myself!"
Without warning, Sasuke unsheathed his blade and rushed forward.
Naruto's eyes widened. What the hell is Sasuke doing?! Did he think he was the reincarnation of some legendary war hero?
Always impulsive. Always reckless.
Obito's hollow, lifeless eyes tracked Sasuke's movements. He slowly raised one hand, and a black Truth-Seeking Orb hovered behind his palm before morphing into a black staff. The tip opened into a swirling vortex of black chakra.
Naruto's instincts screamed. Shit!
With a flash, Naruto used the Flying Thunder God Technique, disappearing in a golden flicker.
The black staff in Obito's hand transformed and launched with terrifying speed, piercing the air right toward where Sasuke had been running.
BOOM!
A crater opened where the black rod struck. If Naruto hadn't intervened, Sasuke would have been impaled—dead in an instant.
Naruto still held his hand in a Flying Thunder God seal and glared at Sasuke. "Can you not rush in like an idiot for once?!"
Sasuke grunted and looked ahead. Obito was now manipulating the Truth-Seeking Orbs like they were his playthings.
"He's using those black spheres as weapons…"
Naruto nodded. "They're formed with Yin-Yang Release. Normal ninjutsu won't work on him. Only Sage Jutsu can damage him—remember that!"
Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "How the hell do you already know what the Ten Tails' Jinchūriki is capable of?"
Naruto smirked and looked at him. "Wanna test it out yourself, Uncle Second?"
Tobirama huffed. "Well, yeah. Intel doesn't gather itself. Reanimation jutsu was made for this kind of thing. Monkey, Minato—come with me. We'll test his capabilities. Big Brother—cover us!"
Hashirama nodded. "I've got your back."
Tobirama formed a hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu—Multiple Formation!"
Poof—Poof—Poof!
Over a dozen shadow clones burst into existence and rushed toward Obito.
Hiruzen followed close behind. Minato prepared to assist, but Naruto held him back.
"Dad?"
Naruto kept his eyes on the battlefield. "You just focus on protecting Grandpa Hiruzen. I'll handle everything else."
Minato nodded and formed seals, ready to use Flying Thunder God if Hiruzen needed extraction.
Sasuke folded his arms. "Tch… The Second Hokage's just like you. First thing he does is spam shadow clones."
Naruto grinned. "Guess that's a Hokage thing. We don't gamble on our lives unless we know the odds."
Sasuke clicked his tongue and looked away, clearly still bitter from Naruto saving his ass.
On the far end of the field, Madara Uchiha appeared, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Hashiramaaa~ If you've got time to talk, then you've got time to fight. Let's go another round! We haven't even warmed up yet!"
Hashirama sighed. "Madara, you're no match for me. You never were. I've never wanted to kill you, but if I fight seriously, I can end this in a few moves."
Madara's face twitched with rage. He slammed a hand on the ground and roared, "Don't talk out your ass!!"
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