On the battlefield, Madara appeared in front of the God Tree, gazing at Hashirama with a calm, knowing smile.
"Hashirama, we'll meet in the dream world soon. When that time comes, we'll finally complete the dream we couldn't fulfill back then."
Hashirama frowned, his gaze sharp. "Madara, what exactly is this God Tree? And what kind of world are you trying to create?"
Madara let out a cold laugh. "Hahaha... it seems Naruto didn't tell you everything. What's the matter? He kept you in the dark? Well then, allow me to enlighten you."
Turning to the others around them, Madara addressed everyone like a prophet unveiling sacred knowledge. "Tell me... do any of you know how ninjas came to be?"
He began explaining, his voice filled with conviction.
"A long, long time ago, humans had no concept of chakra. Back then, the God Tree was merely an object of worship—sacred, mysterious. Once every thousand years, it would bear a single fruit. Though the kneeling mortals didn't know what the fruit truly was, they left behind one rule: never touch it.
"But one day, a princess seeking power to end a war broke that taboo. She prayed to the God Tree, plucked the forbidden fruit... and ate it."
"That woman gained divine powers instantly. With that power, she single-handedly ended the war. Her name... was Ōtsutsuki Kaguya."
A silence fell across the battlefield. Everyone froze at that name.
"Ōtsutsuki?" Hashirama echoed with a frown.
Tobirama narrowed his eyes, stroking his chin. His knowledge of ancient texts and forbidden techniques stirred something in his memory. "That's the surname of the so-called immortal clan," he muttered.
Madara nodded slowly. "Exactly. Ōtsutsuki Kaguya was the first being on Earth to possess chakra. She later gave birth to a son—Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, the Sage of Six Paths, the one who founded ninshū and taught the world about chakra."
Tobirama was fascinated. "So... Kaguya's son was born with chakra. But what does this have to do with the Ten Tails?"
Madara's smirk widened. "As expected of you, Tobirama. While I despise you, you observe with clarity. The Ten Tails is the God Tree.
"After Kaguya was sealed, the chakra-drained tree rampaged to reclaim what was taken from it. That rampaging form... became the Ten Tails."
"Eventually, Hagoromo sealed it within himself, becoming the first Jinchūriki."
Hashirama's expression darkened. "But how do you know all this, Madara?"
Madara gave him a cold, disdainful smile. "Hashirama... do you remember that night? You came to the Uchiha compound wearing your Hokage robes and begged me to stay. I told you then—the future was inscribed on the Uchiha stone tablet. Too bad... you couldn't read it."
Hashirama's eyes widened as he recalled the memory. Madara had indeed looked completely certain of something that night, speaking of destiny and dismissing Hashirama's pleas like they were nonsense.
"So... it was the Uchiha Stone Tablet, passed down through generations," Hashirama murmured.
Madara stared at his old rival, his tone now more serious. "Hashirama, you couldn't understand back then. I don't blame you. But now that you've heard the truth... you must see it clearly.
"The princess who consumed the fruit... did her actions bring true peace? No. Hatred continued to spread, worse with every generation. Ninja wars erupted over and over again. This world... it has strayed far from the dream we once shared."
Hashirama clenched his fists. "Madara... and you think using the God Tree to cast a massive genjutsu—Infinite Tsukuyomi—will create your so-called peaceful world?"
Madara's patience snapped. "Hashirama! You still don't get it! This hypocritical, broken world doesn't deserve to continue!
"What's wrong with genjutsu?! Inside the dream world, everyone can achieve their perfect ending. Their ideal life! Even if it's fake—what does it matter if they never wake up? Then it becomes real!"
He pointed a trembling finger. "Why are you so selfish, Hashirama? Why do you insist on waking those who want to sleep?!"
Hashirama didn't waver. "Because reality, for all its pain, also holds beauty. You just stopped looking for it. And as you said—forcing those who don't want to escape reality into a dream is wrong."
Madara's expression twisted in frustration. "You're naive. Those people—weak, uncertain—hide behind their reasons, their excuses. I will free them by forcing them in. In the dream world, they'll discover their true selves."
He turned toward the sky, watching as the God Tree's petals began to bloom.
"The flower is opening. Soon, it will reflect on the moon. Then... Infinite Tsukuyomi will be cast. The entire world will be enveloped. Finally—salvation will come."
Madara's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Obito. This... wasn't how it was supposed to be.
That final step... he was supposed to carry it out, not Obito.
Obito, hovering above the battlefield, spread his arms. "It's over. Stop resisting. It's bedtime for this wretched world."
Tobirama gritted his teeth. "Damn it... where is Naruto? Don't tell me he's really—"
Minato clenched his fists.
Jiraiya whispered in a grim voice, "Naruto... you're the Child of Prophecy. Please... don't fail us now."
A sudden buzz filled the air—
Naruto appeared beside them, weak and gasping for air.
"Naruto!"
The Fourth Hokage rushed forward, catching his son before he collapsed.
Naruto wiped sweat from his forehead and panted. "That... God Tree... its chakra absorption is insane..."
Jiraiya hurried over. "Where were you, Naruto? What happened?"
Sasuke stepped forward, frowning. "You don't look good, Naruto."
Naruto forced a grin, then raised his fist toward Minato. Understanding immediately, Minato bumped fists with him—sparks of chakra flared as their energies connected.
Inside Naruto's soul—
Yin Kurama blinked, surprised to see Yang Kurama lying there—thin and panting.
"Damn... you're really out of chakra."
Yang Kurama rolled his eyes. "Shut up. Just give me some of yours, you smug bastard."
Yin Kurama smirked and began transferring chakra. Slowly, Naruto and Kurama's strength returned.
Back on the battlefield—
Obito scowled. "Naruto... how did you survive? I watched you being drained to death."
Naruto smirked. "Guess."
Madara suddenly narrowed his eyes. "...Izanagi. You used Izanagi, didn't you?"
Naruto chuckled without confirming or denying it.
Sasuke activated his Sharingan and examined Naruto's body. His face hardened. "Eight Sharingan... on your right arm... and one of them... is closing."
He stormed over and grabbed Naruto's wrist. "Where the hell did these come from, Naruto?! WHERE?!"
Madara's eyes widened. "So... Naruto does understand the Uchiha's forbidden techniques."
In the distance, Itachi remained silent.
Beside him, Shisui gave a knowing look. He understood—Naruto had learned it from Itachi.
Naruto stood up, brushing off Sasuke's grip. "You forgot about Danzō, didn't you?"
Sasuke froze. Memories of Danzō and his stolen eyes returned, and the realization hit. He looked away, still bitter but unable to argue.
"Tch." Sasuke crossed his arms and stayed silent, annoyed but subdued.
Obito's fury boiled over. "I've had enough! You care so much about these people, Naruto? Then watch—I'll kill them all!"
Naruto stared back coldly. "Obito... you're just like me. Why are you pretending otherwise?"
Obito froze. "...What are you saying?"
Naruto smiled as he sensed a new chakra signature approaching. "They're almost here."
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