No one understood the consequences of having a Tailed Beast extracted from one's body better than Kushina. Even with the Uzumaki clan's unyielding life force, she wouldn't last long without the Nine-Tails—she would surely die.
Just brought back to life, she hadn't even had a moment to enjoy her reunion with her family. Could it be that she was already about to face separation once again? Unable to accept this fate, Kushina burst forward frantically toward where Naruto was.
A Wood Release Clone of Hashirama arrived and shouted angrily, "Madara, you actually dare strike down a mere child!"
"Hehehe... Hashirama, you're still as naive as ever," Madara sneered. "Soon, the entire world will unite with me. Everyone will die—it's only a matter of time."
With those words, Madara cloaked himself in Susano'o. Several slashes of his blade later, he had split Hashirama's Wood Release Clone in half. Ignoring the clones of Minato and Tobirama, he grabbed the Nine-Tails and rushed toward the Ten-Tails.
"Damn it! Minato, you watch over the child. I'll go after him!" Tobirama shouted, immediately dashing after Madara using Shunshin.
Madara, however, seemed to anticipate this. Two Black Receivers had already been fired ahead of time, piercing through Tobirama's pursuing clone.
Minato and Sasuke stood at Naruto's side, their eyes filled with concern. His condition was getting worse by the second.
Kushina burst onto the scene, tears streaming down her face as she stared helplessly at Naruto. "Please, Minato, think of something—no matter what, we must save our child!"
"Don't worry. I will," Minato replied firmly, already determined.
The Eight-Tails, now separated from Killer Bee, was pulled into the Four Red Yang Formation by an invisible force. Any ninja who attempted to interfere was instantly overpowered. Even Onoki was knocked down by an unknown attack, gravely wounded.
"Damn it! What the hell is this thing?" Onoki muttered, completely bewildered. Even if he wanted to use his Dust Release, he couldn't find a target.
Seeing both the Eight and Nine-Tails approaching, Hashirama sighed and raised one hand to form a hand seal. [Wood Release: Myriad Phenomena]
Countless branches erupted from the earth, attempting to restrain the Eight and Nine-Tails. But it was futile. The Ten-Tails unleashed two chains from its mouth, wrapping tightly around the bodies of the two Tailed Beasts and beginning to draw their chakra into itself.
"Watch out!"
That invisible attack was approaching again.
Tobirama barked, "Fourth Hokage!"
Minato understood immediately. He abandoned the Four Red Yang Formation and vanished from his spot. At the same time, Tobirama disappeared too—each carrying someone away. Minato took Hashirama while Tobirama took Tsunade, narrowly dodging the deadly strike.
What followed was the full unleashing of the Ten-Tails, and standing above it all, the proudly standing figure of Uchiha Madara.
Hashirama let out a sigh. "It seems that now, only Anya can stop Madara."
"That brat?" Tobirama frowned. "Why hasn't he shown himself at all since the battle began?"
Minato was certain. "He's already here. I sensed his chakra earlier. He will act soon. First Hokage, Second Hokage, please hold him off for a while. I need to take Tsunade-sama to treat Naruto."
"Go," Hashirama said. He activated his Sage Mode again, joining his hands in a seal. "Since I've been resurrected, I can now fight at full strength. I can definitely hold him off."
Tobirama stood to the side, his eyes locked on Madara. "Alright, brother, I'll back you up."
Minato brought Tsunade over to Naruto's side.
After placing her hands on Naruto's chest with Medical Ninjutsu, Tsunade immediately realized how badly his life force was fading. He was right on the edge of death. Without hesitation, faint markings appeared on her face as she activated Sage Mode, channeling a powerful surge of vitality into Naruto's body.
"Ugh…"
Naruto's heartbeat finally returned, letting out a weak groan.
Kushina's eyes shimmered with hope. "Thank goodness, he can be saved."
Tsunade let out a heavy sigh. "Not yet. Naruto has lost too much life force after the Nine-Tails was taken from him. Right now, my Sage Mode can only keep him alive. I can't bring him back completely, though."
"Then what should we do?" Kushina's heart sank again.
"Don't worry, I'm here," Minato reassured her. "Back then, when I sealed the Nine-Tails, I split it in half. The other half lives within me. If I transfer my half of the Nine-Tails to Naruto, he can fully recover."
"What nonsense are you talking?" Tsunade snapped. "If you do that, you'll be the one who dies. Trading your life for his? No medical ninja would ever make that call."
Kushina shook her head immediately. "Absolutely not. You and Naruto mean just as much to me. If anyone's gonna die, let it be me."
Minato smiled gently. "Come on, don't talk like that. Right now, this is the only way to save Naruto. As his father, I've been with him for over ten years, even if he never knew. He really is amazing. Kushina, if I'm gone, he'll need you to take care of him from now on."
"No, I won't accept it, Minato. Don't be so cruel to me. We just became a family of three…"
"Enough already, Little Pepper. You look awful when you cry, really."
A discordant voice cut in as Anya finally appeared, Kakashi at his side.
After finishing his teasing remark, Anya squatted down in front of Naruto and said, "Tsunade, step back. Let me handle it."
"Okay." Tsunade knew Anya's Sage Techniques were far beyond hers, so she let go without hesitation.
Activating Sage Mode, pale green chakra glowed in Anya's hands as he placed them firmly on Naruto's chest. An invisible aura wrapped around the two of them. Within seconds, Naruto's strong heartbeat echoed in their ears, and his eyes flew open.
Tsunade exclaimed in awe, "This is simply miraculous. It's beyond the realm of Medical Ninjutsu."
"It's definitely not Medical Ninjutsu. It's a new jutsu I just mastered," Anya said with a smile toward Tsunade before turning his gaze elsewhere. A giant Buddha statue had risen from the ground, standing between it and the Ten-Tails, facing off in a standoff.
"Anya, thank you," Kushina said sincerely.
Anya didn't turn around, just waving a hand dismissively. "C'mon now, it just feels weird hearing you say my name like that. Kakashi, protect them well when the time comes. The rest of this battle is mine."
Kushina fumed, "Damn it, I still can't stand your short hair."
Minato, however, just smiled warmly and pulled Kushina and Naruto into a tight embrace.
Kushina lay at ease, gripping Naruto's hands tightly, silently offering heartfelt gratitude to Anya.
Nearby, Sasuke witnessed this scene with deep feelings, his spirit wandering elsewhere, not knowing where his thoughts had drifted to.
After regaining consciousness, Naruto soaked in the warmth of his parents' presence. His gaze instinctively shifted toward Sasuke: "You felt it too, didn't you, Sasuke? I never would've imagined such a bond still existed between us."
Madara stood atop the Ten-Tails, expressionless as he gazed at the Daibutsu before him, no longer feeling the urge to fight.
"Hashirama, do you know," Madara spoke, "this revival was entirely according to my plan."
"What?" Hashirama asked, confused.
"It's true," Tobirama scoffed. "Back then at the Valley of the End, he escaped by faking his death."
"Precisely," Madara confirmed. "Because I knew you, Tobirama, who always distrusted the Uchiha Clan, would certainly keep my body intact in order to research techniques capable of countering the Uchiha. Hmph, you've always been so underhanded."
It was clear from Madara's tone that he held deep resentment toward Tobirama.
Tobirama coldly retorted, "The feeling's mutual."
"Unfortunately," Madara sighed, "fate has ultimately sided with me. Hashirama, back then when we built the village together, it was the biggest mistake I've ever made. I won't be making the same mistake again today."
"Why?" Hashirama said, unwilling to accept it. "We clearly..."
"Silence," Madara unusually snapped, interrupting him. "Have you always believed that I walked the wrong path and that you should guide me toward the right one? That was nothing but your illusion. From the very beginning, I never agreed with your philosophy. We both grew up amid chaos and shared the same yearning for peace. But in your eyes, the village is paramount. Personal interests and those of the minority must submit to the village. If necessary, no price is too great to pay for the village's safety. But not me. I established the village merely to ensure the safety of my Clan and those dear to me. I would never sacrifice individuals for the sake of the village. As the architects of the village, we should stand above it all."
Tobirama rebutted without hesitation, "Your ideology has always been wrong. Back then, even your own clan didn't follow you when you left the Leaf Village. Haven't you realized that yet?"
"Hahaha, indeed. It was then that I finally understood: mortals could never grasp this path to peace. And today, I no longer need anyone's understanding. This world is already under my control."
As he spoke, the Ten-Tails beneath his feet began violently contracting, spiraling inward toward his back, entering his body like a vortex. With white flakes floating in the air, Madara's long hair turned snow-white. He donned the white robe of the Sage of Six Paths, nine Truth-Seeking Balls floating in a circle behind him. His arms and legs turned pitch-black. In his left hand appeared the Six Paths Staff. He had become the third Jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails [the Ten-Tails' new host].
"Now, I just need one more eye."
Promptly, Black Zetsu appeared beside him, handing him the other eye. "I just followed Obito into the Kamui dimension. After that fool died, I retrieved his eye."
"Excellent."
"Madara accepted the challenge, calmly stating, 'Now that all the elements are in place, it's time for this world to end.'
'Truly time for it to end,' Anya floated forward, staring fixedly at Madara. 'I've waited a long time for your revival.'
Madara remained unfazed by Anya's arrival, even chuckling slightly. 'Heh, you're indeed a descendant of our clan that I value, but unfortunately, you're too late.'
'No, not too late at all,' Anya countered, unsheathing the Blade of Indifference and holding it before his chest. 'I want to fight you at your absolute peak. Only like this can I repay you a thousandfold for the pain you once gave me.'
Tobirama maintained a vigilant stance. 'Kid, don't overestimate yourself.'
Hashirama, on the other hand, was calm. He grabbed Tobirama's arm, saying, 'Have faith in Anya. I can feel it—his body has completed its reconstruction. Even against Madara at this state, he may still have a fighting chance. We'll only be in his way here. Let's go.'
'Really? This kid is actually this strong.'
Tobirama didn't doubt Hashirama's judgment, and after a moment of surprise, he took Hashirama to the front of the Allied Forces, then began issuing commands. 'Ninja Coalition Forces, fall back collectively. Prepare your defenses.'
Black Zetsu had been on edge the moment Anya appeared. This was also the exact reason why he couldn't wait to give the second Rinnegan to Madara. If even a Six Paths' Planetary Devastation couldn't contain this guy, just how strong had he become?
'To actually have Hashirama feel confident enough to entrust you with this fight—haha, well then, let's have some entertainment. Let me see just how my favorite descendant can perform.' Madara's face lit up with excitement.
'You'll see it soon enough—up close and personal.'
Anya's eyes flashed as his Mangekyō blade materialized.
[Tiger Crouching, Dragon Coiling!]
The Supreme Blade had already formed a blade formation high in the sky as Anya approached. A tiger and a dragon stood on either side of Madara, binding him.
[Eternity!]
[Setsuna!]
Both eyes' Mangekyō simultaneously rotated within his pupils—stilling the enemy while accelerating himself.
A flash of white light streaked through the air. Anya's Blade of Indifference had already left its sheath, his figure crossing paths with Madara's.
'How is that possible?'
Madara stared blankly at his own chest where a deep cut had appeared, piercing straight through his heart. The speed, precision, and ferocity of the sword strike were simply unparalleled—an attack so fast even his Six Paths-level reflexes couldn't react in time.
But quickly enough, the wound that should've been a fatal blow to any ninja healed itself completely, not even leaving behind a scar.
Anya, however, wasn't surprised. In fact, he seemed somewhat disappointed. 'Is that all?'
'Haha!' Madara suddenly burst into laughter. 'You nearly killed me just now. Well then, I, Madara Uchiha, recognize your strength. Out of all the ninja I've fought against, no one can rival your swordsmanship.'
Anya replied coldly, 'Your recognition means nothing. I waited for you a long time—only to kill you.'
'Come then, amuse me.' Two Truth-Seeking Balls behind Madara stirred on their own, transforming into two claw-like appendages that tore apart the dragon and tiger binding him. Then, he ascended into the clouds above.
Madara's main body formed a hand seal with one hand. 'Sage Art, Yin Release and Lightning Release.'
Purple lightning branched out like tree limbs, spreading rapidly with speed impossible to evade.
Anya made no move to dodge. Blue arcs of lightning danced across her body, radiant sparks flickering from every limb, quickly enveloping her completely. [*Lightning Release, Lightning Field!*]
Bathed in crackling lightning, Anya resembled a battle god. The Blade of Indifference howled through the air as it tore toward Madara's heart.
Madara's combat experience was extensive. After their first exchange, he realized Anya excelled in close-quarters combat. Seeing her endure his Lightning Release to close the distance, he instantly activated the Shunshin to leap upward, creating space. At the same time, he formed another hand seal and declared, [*Fire Release, Dragon Flames Jutsu!*]
A dragon formed in the sky, composed entirely of flames. Its head lifted high, its eyes wide open, and even a slight opening of its mouth released raging fire. With a mighty roar from the dragon, the sky blazed instantly, and waves of scorching flames danced through the air like they aimed to consume the entire world.
Anya's face was expressionless, her eyes unreadable—neither pained nor pleased. Gripping the Blade of Indifference, she strode forward like a dragon slayer. Meanwhile, her other hand formed a seal and she incanted, [*Sage Art, Frozen Heaven and Snowy Earth!*]
Ice, cold and pure. Fire, fierce and radiant.
When these two extremes clashed, the world itself seemed to split apart, unleashing endless flames and waves of paralyzing frost.
The very air twisted, split into two clashing forces, as fire and ice battled for dominance across the heavens and the earth, leaving onlookers breathless.
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