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Elsewhere, in the shinobi world—
Ōnoki, the Stone Kage, murmured in disbelief. "To think Madara could be wounded like this… I'd never have imagined it." Having lived through the Warring States era, he knew better than anyone how terrifying Madara's power was.
Watching from afar, Deidara shouted at the screen, "Not bad, bushy-brows! If I were there, I'd have tossed in a few bombs to finish the job—'cause art is explosion! Still, your art's pretty damn beautiful too."
Back in Konoha, Naruto's voice cracked as he cheered, tears streaking down his face. "Bushy-brow sensei, that was amazing!"
The entire village erupted in thunderous cheers."Guy, you did it! Truly the will of fire's successor!"
Sasuke clenched his fists tight. "That bushy-browed teacher… he's really that strong? I need to catch up to him." He didn't even notice the tears running down his cheeks.
Even the Third Hokage's lined face finally relaxed, tension giving way to relief. "Have we… finally won?"
But almost at once, another thought struck him, and his expression clouded with grief.
---
The Gate of Death.Once it opens, a shinobi's chances of survival are almost nonexistent.
Digimon World
"Taichi, did that enemy finally go down? That human's attack was insane—makes me wonder if it's stronger than my Mega Burst Cannon."
But Taichi's face was already streaked with tears."Agumon… if one day you had to give your life to defeat some powerful enemy, I don't know what I'd do."
Agumon gently patted his partner's shoulder."Don't worry, Taichi. Even if that day comes, I'll protect you—no matter the cost, even if it's my life."
Saint Seiya World
Seiya stared at the screen, eyes wide."That warrior from another world… his power is terrifying. I can feel it from here, even across dimensions—the aura of someone ready to die without hesitation."
Shiryu let out a low sigh."Yeah. That move of his—the Red Dragon—it's far beyond my Rising Dragon. The sheer force of it is overwhelming. Maybe only Master's Hundred Dragons would be able to match it."
Shun and Hyoga had tears in their eyes."To unleash that kind of strength… just to protect the ones you care about…"
"Guy-sensei!"
Lee's desperate cry yanked Kakashi and the others out of their fleeting joy. This wasn't just a victory move—this was Guy staking everything on one final attack.
Guy was sprawled on the ground, unconscious. His veins bulged as if molten fire was coursing through them. His entire body was shattered, torn apart from the strain. The leg he'd used for Night Guy was slowly disintegrating, breaking into dust that scattered into the wind.
"Guy!!!"
Kakashi and the others rushed toward him—but before they could reach him, Madara's broken body began to regenerate on its own.
From his side, a black Truth-Seeking Orb formed and shot straight at the dying Guy.
Naruto World
"No way! That guy's still alive? Kakashi-sensei, hurry—save Bushy Brows!" Naruto was screaming at the top of his lungs inside his room.
A crimson chakra cloak flared around him, showing just how furious he was.
Kakashi stood frozen in disbelief."That… that attack should've been impossible to survive. How can Madara still be standing?"
The Third Hokage rose to his feet."Could it be… has Madara reached the level of the Sage of Six Paths? Otherwise, no one could withstand the power of the Eight Gates."
Even Danzo stared in shock."He took the ultimate strike of the Death Gate… and he's still unfazed? If I had that kind of strength, the Hokage's seat would've been mine long ago."
He clutched his bandaged left eye, seething."Damn this Sharingan I took from Shisui—it's too hard to control. But once I've fully adapted to Hashirama's cells, I'll use it to crush everyone who dares defy me."
The Truth-Seeking Orb was about to pierce Guy when a golden figure appeared, kicking it away in a flash.
The black sphere was sent flying back.
The golden figure knelt beside Guy's broken body."Hang in there, Bushy Brows. I've got you."
He pressed a glowing hand against Guy's heart, where the Death Gate had opened. A torrent of overwhelming power surged into him.
The dying flame of Guy's life, which had been flickering on the edge of extinction, suddenly sparked back to life.
Everyone around watched in astonishment.
"It's Naruto!!!"
Minato's eyes widened."This isn't the same Nine-Tails Mode I used… Naruto's power—it's different now."
Naruto slowly turned. A black cross-mark glowed on top of his golden chakra cloak.
"What…? His entire presence feels different. Just what happened to him?"
Naruto's eyes burned with fury."Madara Uchiha… I won't let you get away with this!"
[The Crimson Beast: Night Guy!]
[It's over!]
The video faded to black, leaving behind only a few lines that burned with passion.
[Konoha's Crimson Beast!]
[Youth shines brightest when it's burning!]
[Because youth means endless possibilities!]
[So let it blaze!]
Naruto World
"Was that really Naruto?" The Third Hokage murmured. "Minato, you were right. In the end, he not only mastered the Nine-Tails' power… he went beyond it."
Danzo's face twisted in rage."That brat—he kicked away a Truth-Seeking Orb? If only Hiruzen had given him to me, that power would've been mine!"
Sasuke clenched his fists until his knuckles bled."Damn it. Naruto stole the spotlight again. He became that strong… while I… I was killed by Itachi? No… no, I can't accept this!"
He punched the ground hard enough to crack it."I won't accept it!"
Meanwhile, Naruto was in his own room, bouncing with excitement."Hah! I knew it—I'm the key player after all!"
Watching his own heroic figure on the screen, he couldn't help but grin ear to ear."Man… I really do look kinda like the Fourth Hokage, don't I? Did I… did I become his apprentice or something?"
"..."
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