In the otherworldly space.
With their excellent chakra-sensing abilities, Tobirama's group quickly discovered Rin and Madara fighting in the dim expanse.
What shocked everyone was that Rin—who had only been a chunin when she died—could actually fight Madara back and forth. Although she looked a little battered, she had truly held out against Six Paths Madara for this long!!
At this moment, Madara faced Rin and shouted, "Girl! I acknowledge your strength!"
"I, Uchiha Madara, am willing to call you the strongest Water Release shinobi I have ever seen!"
"You're far stronger than that annoying Second Hokage of the Hidden Leaf! (*Ӧ)σ"
"Come, let me see whether you still have the strength to dance!"
After he spoke, whoosh!!—a pitch-black rod shot out!
Although Rin now had more chakra in her body than she could possibly use, her combat experience was far inferior to Madara's. When she saw the black rod flying toward her, she instinctively tried to dodge. But just as she moved, her body was struck heavily, throwing off her balance!
And Madara's rod was already right before her eyes!
Just as it was about to pierce into Rin's skull, a flash of yellow light appeared behind her!!
Immediately after—
"Flash!"
Minato used Flying Thunder God to warp Rin away, appearing beside Tobirama's group!!
Madara turned around and looked at the newcomers in the space, his voice playful: "Oh? So many people. (ﾉ∇︎〃 )"
"It's making me a little excited…"
...
Inside Naruto's mental space.
"Madara created a problem just before his death."
"Obsessed with power, he took part of Hashirama's flesh, gaining the strength of Hashirama's body," the Sage of Six Paths continued.
"In other words, Madara combined the power of Asura—my younger son—with the power of Indra—my elder son. This fusion eventually drew out my own chakra as their father. That is why Uchiha Madara awakened the Rinnegan."
Naruto: "I see…"
The Sage of Six Paths said, "In fact, I long ago predicted that something like this might occur with Indra or one of his reincarnations. So I left behind a stone tablet inscribed with words urging them to change their hearts—but it seems it didn't work…"
Naruto raised his hand: "I have a question—Six Paths Gramps, have you been watching your sons fight for thousands of years?"
The Sage nodded. "Yes. But this can't be called negligence on my part. I am someone who has long since died. Only this small fragment of chakra remains within the shinobi world…"
Naruto looked down at his palm. "To preserve a person's will… chakra really is something amazing…"
"Shinobi teachings describe chakra as a force connecting individuals. But perhaps that definition is still incomplete…" the Sage said with a smile.
"Back to the point—I've roughly grasped the situation outside. The current Uchiha Madara resembles my mother, Kaguya, from back then… After ending the chaos, my mother unified the shinobi world by herself. But power made her arrogant, and people began to fear that power…"
Naruto: "The more you talk, the less I understand. (✘Д✘๑)"
"In short, Madara has obtained the power of the Ten Tails. His strength is close to mine from back then—and he even shows signs of approaching my mother Kaguya's level…"
"And also, Infinite Tsukuyomi is not just an illusion. It uses the Divine Tree's roots to connect everyone, trapping them in a genjutsu, making it easier for the caster to enslave and use their power…"
"My mother once used this technique as well."
"If Infinite Tsukuyomi is activated, all chakra will merge into one, and a new chakra fruit will appear. We must not allow this—otherwise the world will end."
...
In the otherworldly space.
Even with only one eye left, Six Paths Madara—now a Ten Tails jinchūriki—possessed strength close to that of the Sage of Six Paths.
At the start of battle, Tobirama's group could at least exchange a few moves with him. But soon, Madara completely overwhelmed them.
What surprised everyone was that the plain-looking Rin had become their main source of damage!!
At this moment, Kakashi—now with only one eye—was panting heavily. Only now did he fully understand: even among Ten Tails jinchūriki, the difference in power could be enormous!
For example, Obito vs. Madara!
Although Obito was strong, his heart had weaknesses. He simply could not compare to Madara, who had severed his emotions and desires, dedicating himself solely to "peace for the shinobi world"!
Even more absurdly, after fighting Six Paths Madara, Kakashi realized both Obito's and Madara's weakness was the same person! (꒪⌓꒪)
Obito's weakness—Rin (emotionally).
The one who could restrain Madara now—Rin (in battle power).
"Girl, your strength is truly remarkable, but your fighting style needs refinement. Listen to my instructions later, yes?" The Second Hokage—whose understanding of Water Release Rin had utterly shattered—found himself speaking more politely than usual.
Overwhelmed, Rin nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, Second-sama!"
Then, everyone launched into a flurry of coordinated attacks.
Unfortunately, Madara blocked them all effortlessly!
Madara laughed wildly: "Do none of you understand what it means when absolute power crushes all skill? (σ≧︎▽︎≦︎)σ"
"What I possess now is absolute power! ୧⍢⃝୨"
At this moment, Tobirama suddenly shouted, "Now!!"
Minato activated Sage Mode, supplying Rin with senjutsu chakra!
At the same time, Rin shouted, "Sage Art! Water Release! Water Dragon Burst Bite!!!"
"Whooosh——!!"
A massive surge of water blasted Madara straight into the air!!
Right after, a gigantic Water Release vortex formed!
Countless water droplets gathered in the sky, merging into a massive azure dragon that lunged toward Madara!
Seeing Madara restrained, Tobirama began forming hand seals.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
High-pressure water jets blasted forth. A look of anticipation shone in Tobirama's eyes.
They weren't expecting to heavily injure Madara—the goal was merely to blind one of his eyes!
Yet just as the attack was about to strike Madara's face, everyone's expression changed!
By the time they reacted, they had already appeared back in the battlefield outside the otherworldly space!
...
Inside Naruto's mental space.
The Sage of Six Paths said solemnly, "I hope you can stop Madara."
"You are different from previous reincarnations of Asura. You're a little dumber than they were… but you also possess things they did not—like comrades who truly trust you. Especially that red-haired youngster…"
"I now entrust my power to you. The future of the shinobi world depends on the choices you all make…"
Naruto: "After getting this power, can I beat Shinju? ୧⍢⃝୨"
The Sage: "Not certain. But this power will at least give you the ability to fight him…"
Naruto: "Is that all the strength a Sage can give…? (≖╻≖;)"
The Sage: "Watch your mouth! (눈益눈)"
"Hold out your hand! (*Ӧ)σ"
He extended his right hand, striking against Naruto's right hand…
In Sasuke's mental space, the Sage extended his left hand, striking Sasuke's left hand…
----------------
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (488 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)