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Green steam erupted from Guy's body as he sprinted toward Madara.
Kakashi's eyes widened. "Guy… you're going to open the Gate of Death!"
Guy placed a hand over his heart, where the final gate slumbered. His chakra flooded inward, condensing into that one deadly point. Red steam began to rise, his hair igniting like crimson fire.
"Father… today I will protect those I cherish. Even if it costs me my life."
Memories flooded back—his father's last stand against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.'When there is someone you must protect, you fight to the death. That is our way.'
"Eight Gates Formation… Eighth Gate, Gate of Death—open!!"
Guy's body ignited in a storm of red steam, blood vessels bursting, skin burning scarlet. His body became a living inferno, each step scorching the very air.
Madara's eyes narrowed. "So this is the steam of blood unique to the Gate of Death… the last leaf of autumn, destined to wither."
Guy grinned through the agony. "Yes… like autumn leaves, I will wither. But from that decay, spring will come again. Life will flourish anew."
"When the new spring arrives—" Guy roared, flames consuming him."—that is the time to burn with youth!"
He vanished, reappearing at Madara's side, fist blazing. The red steam distorted the air itself.
Madara's eyes widened. "Impossible. That speed—it's like teleportation!"
"The Red Flash!!!"
Guy's punch collided with Madara's staff, the impact echoing like thunder across the battlefield.
"Evening Elephant!!!"
"First Gate—Speed!!"
The fist of terror cut through the air, compressing it into a violent shockwave. A white flash split the battlefield, blasting Uchiha Madara straight into the ground.
BOOM!
The earth split open in jagged cracks.
"So this is the power of blood and steam, compressing the very air itself?"
"If he takes four or five more hits like that… it'll be over."
…
The entire multiverse of anime fell into silence.
Dragon Ball World
Goku stared at the screen, stunned by the sight of someone burning his very life force to unleash such power. His heart trembled.
"As I thought… the greatest strength comes from the will to protect. Only with a heart that unwavering can someone unleash power like this."
Even Frieza, of all people, didn't mock him. The tyrant just sat in shock, eyes fixed on the screen.
"This isn't human strength anymore. That warrior from another world… deserves respect."
Bleach World
Ichigo, still only a substitute Soul Reaper, lay slouched over his classroom desk, eyes glued to the vision in the sky.
"People from another world are really this strong? The power of protecting someone can be that overwhelming?"
He clenched his fist, thinking of Rukia.
"If I want to protect her, that's why I became a Soul Reaper. But… will I ever have power like that?"
One Piece World
Perched on the ship's mast, Luffy burst out laughing.
"Ha! That guy from another world is crazy strong! Of course—it's 'cause he cares about his friends. That's what makes you strong."
He grinned down at his crew. Zoro, the "moss-head," met his captain's gaze and smirked.
"That guy's strength… it's even greater than Mihawk's. Guess it's true—the power of protecting others has no limit. Luffy, I'll always be there to protect you."
Marine Headquarters
"What the hell is this screen? Find out where it came from—now! If the public sees there are warriors out there stronger than us, they'll stop believing in the Navy's authority!"
Saint Seiya World
Seiya's fists shook with excitement as he shouted at the screen.
"That warrior from another world… he must have awakened the Eighth Sense! That blood-red steam—it makes my heart tremble even through a screen. To think, the will to protect could grant such overwhelming power. Saori, I'll always protect you too!"
In the Twelve Temples, even the Gold Saints stood frozen in awe.
"Such power really exists? A force so close to the divine… and it belongs to an ordinary man from another world?"
Virgo Shaka lowered his eyes.
"Our training still falls far short. If we stop here, we won't be able to protect Athena when the time comes."
Digimon World
"Taichi, is that a Digimon? No… he looks human, like you. But how can a human have such strength?"
Agumon tilted his head.
"He is human. I don't know why he has that kind of power… maybe it's because his courage is even greater than mine."
Mimi clasped her hands together.
"It must be because he trusts his partner. That kind of bond… that's what gives him strength, right, Palmon?"
Naruto World
Kakashi stared at Guy, who had flung open the Eighth Gate, life itself burning away. His heart ached.
"In the end… I'm still useless. Watching a friend throw his life away, and I can't do a thing. Obito, Rin… I couldn't protect you either. I'm powerless."
His fingernails dug deep into his palms, and he didn't even notice the blood.
Naruto's tears streamed down his face.
"Bushy-brow sensei… you're amazing. I swear, I'll become a ninja like you!"
The Third Hokage let out a heavy sigh.
"Guy… in the end, you've surpassed me. More than anyone, you embody the Will of Fire. I was never worthy to call myself Hokage."
Sasuke, watching silently, clenched his fists.
"Protecting precious people gives you that kind of strength… huh. But who do I have to protect? Naruto? Sakura? Kakashi?"
He shook his head hard.
"No. I only have one goal—revenge. I'll kill Itachi. That's all."
Lee's face was wet with tears.
"Guy-sensei… this is your choice? Is it really worth it?"
"When fallen leaves turn to soil that nourishes spring… then yes, it's worth everything."
"Guy-sensei!!!"
…
"Second Gate—Speed!!"
Pain wracked his body. Every strike tore him apart, but Guy never wavered. Gritting his teeth, he pushed forward.
The force of his fists compressed the very air, warping the space around him as shockwaves rippled out—slamming straight toward Uchiha Madara.
"..."
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