Chapter 351: He Is Simply a Superman
The sky gradually faded into night. A bright full moon rose into the heavens.
"This is Headquarters. The Fourth Division and the Five Kage are currently engaged with Uchiha Madara. All infiltration and reconnaissance units: locate the mastermind behind the Edo Tensei immediately. This is a matter of extreme urgency."
Shikaku utilized the intel from Ao and other sensory ninjas to swiftly issue new deployments. He knew this was the critical moment. The best solution was to neutralize the caster of the Reanimation Jutsu.
"Reconnaissance unit here, Captain Tokuma Hyuga. We are pinned down by an enemy ambush squad! We need backup!"
"This is the Fifth Division. Our sector is under control; we are moving to support."
"Third Division here. We are nearing Naruto's location."
"First Division here. En route to Naruto's battlefield."
"Second Division here. Also approaching Naruto."
"Alright, Tonbo, you're a sensor ninja. Have your clone head toward—"
"Shikaku, they're disappearing! The souls of the reanimated are being liberated!"
Before Shikaku could finish the assignments, Inoichi and Ao suddenly sensed a massive release of chakra. Whether sealed or unsealed, the souls of the deceased began ascending to the heavens.
Shikaku was stunned by the news.
Across the Battlefield.
Countless souls were finding peace. Those who could meet loved ones did so; those who couldn't simply ascended with a smile. Only the warmongers felt a sense of regret—they had been sealed too early and hadn't enjoyed a proper fight.
And why were they sealed so early? Because of that damn Genjutsu ninja.
"It went exactly as I theorized. After the Edo Tensei is released, one can briefly utilize the Spirit Transformation Jutsu to maintain control."
Dan Kato looked at the empty, devastated battlefield as his soul drifted out from the seal. He then flew toward a specific direction he sensed.
Whoosh!
"Naruto, it seems someone has broken the Reanimation Jutsu. We must return to the Pure Land. We'll give you the last of our strength... hope you can stop his plan..."
In the mental plane, the souls of Utakata, Fuu, Roshi, and the other Jinchuriki tossed their respective Tailed Beast chakra to Naruto before vanishing from the space. Naruto etched each of their names into his memory.
"I won't let you down."
Boom!
In the outside world, Obito controlled the Gedo Mazo to drag the Tailed Beasts back into the statue. He manipulated the chains to continue his assault on Naruto and Killer Bee. Guy and Kakashi provided support from the sidelines.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Roar!
Faced with the raw power of the Gedo Mazo and Obito's own abilities, the four were struggling to keep up. Within moments, Bee and Naruto were ensnared by the chains and dragged toward the statue.
"Dammit, this thing's suppression over Tailed Beasts is too strong." Even in his Sage-Fox form, Naruto was being overpowered by the Mazo.
"Kamui!" Kakashi's Mangekyo spun, attempting to warp the chains and rescue his comrades.
"Don't even think about it." Obito moved to interfere. Guy lunged forward with his nunchucks to intercept him.
Whoosh!
Ultimately, Kakashi's Kamui failed to sever the chains.
"Instant Release."
Just as Naruto and Bee were about to be pulled in, a figure descended from the sky like a falling star.
BOOM!
The Gedo Mazo was smashed directly into the earth, looking as if it had been hammered into the ground itself. However, the chains protruding from its mouth still refused to release the two Jinchuriki.
Obito sensed the arrival and turned his head, his brow furrowing behind the mask. This guy again.
Due to that momentary distraction, the Mazo's chains wavered; Kakashi seized the chance to sever them with Kamui. Naruto and Bee scrambled back to safety.
Swoosh!
"Whoa... he is simply a superman," Might Guy muttered, staring at the descending Tonbo Tobitake.
"Yo, Obito. Long time no see. How did you end up as the mastermind boss? You've certainly come a long way! That kid who used to shout about defeating Kakashi... I guess you finally got your wish!"
Tonbo used a Body Flicker to clear the Mazo's retaliatory strike, landing between Kakashi and Guy with a light smile directed at Obito.
"Obito?"
Guy and Kakashi were both shocked. Guy was genuinely bewildered, but for Kakashi, it was the final confirmation of a theory. Between the shared ocular space and the combat style, he had suspected this was his old friend. Plus, Tonbo had mentioned the masked man resembled Obito back at the site of Danzo's death.
Thinking of this, the light in Kakashi's eyes shifted. He looked at Obito with hesitation and pain.
Guy: "You're saying he's Obito? But isn't he dead?"
"Dead people can be revived. Haven't you seen enough of that on the battlefield today, Guy?" Tonbo remarked.
"He's right. The dead can return. And I shall be reborn as the savior of this world, to change this false, dark reality..." Obito removed his mask and looked at Tonbo. His aura was cold and composed. "I didn't think you'd still recognize me. We weren't close."
"I am a sensor ninja, old classmate. Don't go making more mistakes. Kakashi frequently visits your name at the Memorial Stone. Even though you aren't dead, you used to be the kind of guy who loved helping old ladies across the street. This isn't like you," Tonbo said.
"What do you know... you know nothing! This world is fake, dark, and cruel. Once my plan is complete, all of humanity will enter a beautiful world of illusion. Everyone will find happiness..."
Hearing Tonbo's words, Obito's face filled with annoyance, his voice dripping with resentment toward the world.
"What kind of 'illusion world' crap is that? That's no different from being dead!" Naruto shouted. It was as if a button had been pressed; his "Talk-no-Jutsu" was officially activated.
The Dark Cavern.
"How unexpected. I didn't think you'd be the one to let me out," Orochimaru chuckled, walking toward Kabuto and looking at Sasuke with a smile.
Hiss! "S-so scary." Suigetsu Hozuki immediately ducked behind Sasuke at the sight of Orochimaru.
"What are you planning? Stop him, Sasuke! If he takes over Kabuto's body, then..." Karin warned urgently.
"No need to worry. I've seen everything from inside Kabuto's body. I'm merely taking back my own chakra. I've changed my perspective—Kabuto was merely a clumsy imitator. He couldn't provide me with any real research inspiration. Sasuke, I'm much more interested in seeing how the wind you blow will move the world."
Orochimaru placed a hand on Kabuto, reclaiming his essence. He seemed far more interested in Sasuke than in Kabuto's "perfect" Sage body. And he was right; while he once favored Kabuto, his bets were now entirely on Sasuke. The "Child of Destiny"—his theory was correct.
"I want to know the truth. I need your power," Sasuke said, making his intentions clear.
"No problem. I will do as you wish," Orochimaru replied.
Whoosh!
Sasuke tossed the scroll Suigetsu had given him to Orochimaru. Clap!
"Heh. To think you found my secret research materials. Perfect. This saves me a trip." Orochimaru smiled, looking at the scroll in his hand.
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