Author's Note: *SPOILER ALERT!* PLEASE ONLY READ IF YOU HAVE READ THIS CHAPTER! The only change in this chapter is the mention of Naruto gaining his final tail and a few other minor details. As I was writing chapter 89, I completely forgot to mention them. If you have already read this chapter, you can skip to the next chapter.

…

…

…

Chapter 88: Pillars of the Ninja Creed

Normal P.O.V.

The sound of water drops echoed in an emptied space. Darkness was all that could be seen by a young fox. Despite how hard he tried, he started losing the battle of consciousness. The empty space, water droplets, and darkness were his friend as he sought sleep into the abyss.

"Where am I? Am I dead? I can't tell. I'm just tired. Maybe… if I sleep some more… I'll figure it out later…." Were Naruto's thoughts as he allowed himself to fall further into an unconscious-like state. Only the feeling of a familiar bond jolted him awake.

Suddenly, deep blue eyes shot open. With a shocked look on his face, Naruto looked around the voided space as much as he could without getting up.

"Where is this place? Is this… my subconscious?"

Carefully, Naruto flexed his fingers outward and felt the shallow water and ground below him. The scene was all too familiar, but it couldn't be. Cautiously, the young fox sat up with his legs crossed and a hand to support his head. His brain hurt as the memories flooded back to him. The sight of Kurama extracted from his body shocked his system to full awareness.

"But wait a minute. If Kurama is gone, then how am I still here? What the hell is going on?"

Suddenly, a small groan was heard beside him. Naruto looked over to his right and saw Sasuke, barely conscious.

"Sasuke!" he screamed as he ran to his mate. He grabbed Sasuke's body and helped him sit up. "Sasuke? Sasuke, can you hear me?"

It took him a while, but the sound of Naruto's voice finally brought Sasuke back to the world of the living.

"Naruto? Is that you?" he whispered in slight fear.

The blond smiled as he pulled his lover into his arms and held him tight. Feeling his alpha's warm body and heartbeat against his confirmed that things were going to be okay.

"I thought I lost you," Naruto cried.

"I know. I thought the same thing. When the Nine-Tails was extracted, I lost it and saw you fall. I… didn't want to lose you…." Sasuke confessed as he tightly held onto Naruto. They continued to hold each other. Finally, it was Sasuke that moved back slightly to look around. "Where are we? We can't be in your subconscious if you don't have the Nine-Tails, right?"

Naruto just shrugged and scratched his head, "Beats me. I just thought about that before you woke up. I'm actually starting to think we're dead,"

"What makes you young lads think that?" a deep voice called out.

The couple immediately jumped to their feet in shock. Then, with their backs to each other, they looked around, ready for anything, before finally seeing a white floating figure before them. They carefully watched as the figure slowly turned around. They couldn't quite make out what or who it was since it didn't look like anyone they knew.

The being looked celestial as if parents tell their children at bedtime from fairytales. It had two horns on the sides of its head, short shaggy white hair with a long white beard, long wrinkle lines on its face, a vertical Red Rinnegan in the middle of his forehead, pupilless white eyes, a full-length kimono with the Six Path markings on the collar, six Black Chakra Balls surrounding it, and a long black staff with a crescent moon on one end and six black rings around the end with a sun. It looked like a weird version of Madara's current form if they didn't know any better.

"You are troubled by my look, young ones?" it asked curiously.

"Who are you?" Sasuke asked.

"I am he who shall achieve peace and order. My name is Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki,"

"Oh, Gods. Not another peace-starved nutcase. That's the last thing we need right now," Naruto groaned as he face-palmed.

"And, to answer thee questions, no thou are not deceased. This is but thine inner mind; similar to the subconscious plane thou used to share with Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Beast,"

"Wait time out," Naruto called as he made the time-out sign. "First of all, stop speaking like you're from the old world. No one speaks like that anymore, and I can't understand a fucking thing you're saying." It was Sasuke's turn to face-palm. Only his mate would be stupid enough to talk that way to an apparent celestial being. However, he chose not to say anything in favor of seeing how the conversation played out. "Second, how do you know about Kurama? Have you been watching me this whole time?"

"Insolent brat! I am anarchism! Each occurrence where I cross time to meet another reincarnation, I sensed a great difference between others and myself,"

Naruto continued to stare at Hagoromo for a minute before he finally spoke, "Sooooooooooo, you're an alien? Because that can be the only reason, you're here acting like a celestial being."

"Is it too late to un-mate with someone?" Sasuke internally groaned as he rubbed his temples.

Instead of being offended, Hagoromo chuckled, "Um… That's a bit much. Don't ya think? I mean, seriously, an alien? However, I'll take celestial being,"

Both boys stared at the being in shock. "Wait a minute! You were just fucking with us! Who do you think you are making a fool out of me! Just wait until I get over there, ya old freak of nature!" Naruto screamed as Sasuke held him back.

"Forgive me, I thought changing my speech to match yours would make this conversation easier for you,"

"You'll have to forgive him. He's not the best at articulating himself sometimes," Sasuke said as he reached up and grabbed one of Naruto's ears to force him to sit. When Naruto tried to complain and get up, the raven feline gave him a harsh glare; effectively calming the raggy fox to do as he was told, even though he pouted like a child with his arms crossed. "Please continue."

"I can tell both of you have questions. I shall answer them all to your satisfaction,"

"I've got one. Just who the hell are you, gramps? And since you know so much about our situation and this place, tell us how to get back," Naruto asked.

"As I have stated before, I am Hagoromo, the Founder of the Ninja Creed. However, you may know me better as the Sage of Six Paths,"

"No way! Gramps, you're the famous Sage of Six Paths we're heard so much about? But how and why are you here?"

"That is not as easy to answer as some of the other questions. But, please, allow me to shed some light on things." Hagoromo chuckled before he slammed his staff into the water. As the water ripped, two male images appeared: one with fox appendages and the other with feline appendages. Naruto and Sasuke gasped as they looked down at what could be their reflections. "You two are my sons' reincarnations. Their names were Asura and Indra, respectfully. You must listen to my tale for the future of all Shinobi," Hagoromo moved closer to them before he lowered his staff and touched the water.

The ripples reviled another figure. This time it was of a woman with long white hair in a full-body kimono with black trim. Her horns protruded more than Hagoromo's. "This is my mother, Kaguya Otsutsuki. She came to your lands from far-off places. What she searched for was the fruit of the Divine Tree. She consumed it and obtained ultimate power to subdue this land when she finally found it. After that, she gave birth to my twin brother Hamura and me. Our lot in life was to atone for the crimes my mother left behind. After battling the Ten-Tails, a reincarnation of the Divine Tree, we accomplished this and sealed it inside of me."

"You became the first Jinchūriki," Sasuke added.

Hagoromo nodded and continued, "Later in life, I had two sons. The oldest was Indra, and his younger brother was Ashura. As I raised them, I installed the Ninja Creed into them from a young age. However, only one of them passed down my genes that contained my powerful chakra. That sibling was Ashura," he said before turning towards Naruto with a small smile. "Naruto Uzumaki, you are genuinely similar to my youngest boy. The same can be said about you, Sasuke Uchiha.

Although my oldest, Indra, did not pass down my genes, he possessed strong Visual Powers and senses. From birth, he was praised for being a genius. He trained and traveled alone throughout his life, only relying on his own strength and prowess. He came to an understanding that his powers and abilities were remarkable,"

"Hm. You sure we aren't talking about Sasuke here?" Naruto teased with a smirk. Sasuke hit him on the head before letting Hagoromo continue.

"Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for his younger brother, Ashura. Ashura needed to cooperate with others and his own efforts to obtain the same power as his elder brother. Despite his hardships, my youngest son learned how to love and appreciate the relationships he formed throughout his lifetime. He found that his true strength lied within himself and the love he shared with others. Because of this, I named him the leader of the Ninja Creed. I had hoped that my sons would combine their powers and work together to keep my legacy alive. I was wrong on that account,"

"What happened?" Sasuke asked, fearing that he already knew the answer.

"Indra did not accept my decision, and thus, from that day forward, an eternal battle began. However, even long after their flesh and bodies perished, the chakra and prowess they honed reincarnated across time in an endless cycle. Luckily, it seems to have stopped with both of you." Neither Naruto nor Sasuke acted surprised at this news. "Interesting, neither of you seem surprised. Could it be that both of you sensed my sons' presence?"

"Well, it would definitely explain a lot of things," Naruto sighed as he stood up. "However, you must have sensed that things are different this go around, right gramps?"

"Hn. A most pleasant surprise indeed. Although, it is surprising that their reincarnations are mates this time around,"

"What can I say. I guess we're just naturally drawn to each other," Naruto chuckled as he scratched the back of his head, causing Sasuke to smirk with his arms crossed.

"Do not mistake me, young ones. I am in agreement with this arrangement. I am just happy to know that my sons, even if they are reincarnated, will finally fulfill my dream for them. I can already foretell that both of you will be the powerhouses for the Ninja Creed. However, I must say that watching the first set of reincarnations live together was quite interesting,"

"The first incarnations? Who were they?" Naruto asked.

"Madara and the First Hokage, am I correct?" Sasuke plainly answered.

"Hn. Indra's intelligence really does run through you, Sasuke Uchiha. You are correct. Even after my mother put an end to the chaotic times, she ruled alone with her power. This caused her to become arrogant and deranged. Soon mankind dreaded knowing that her power existed in the world. Whenever that much strength resides in one person, it corrupts and possesses them. My brother and I only wished we could have saved my mother before it was too late. But, unfortunately, the current Madara fell victim to that as well.

In fact, he looks just like my mother. I had hoped that we could have stopped another from submitting to the same fate. But, listen carefully, you two, for this is critical. The Infinite Tsukuyomi doesn't just cast a genjutsu over you; it keeps you trapped inside of a dreamlike state so that the caster can use your individual powers while keeping you alive. You're attached to the Divine Tree's roots and become living slaves. If the Tailed-Beasts are used as nothing but weapons~."

"You're wrong, Super Gramps. If I'm right, then Madara doesn't have all of the Tailed Beasts' chakras,"

"You're wrong about that, Naruto Uzumaki!" a booming voice called out as the ground shook.

Naruto and Sasuke held onto each other as all the Tailed-Beasts emerged from the water.

"Octopus! What happened?!"

"When Madara extracted Niisan Kurama from you, he collected at least a portion of all my siblings' chakra."

"That's right, Naruto. However, you've got the chakra of all nine Tailed-Beasts inside of you." Kurama said before looking at Hagoromo with a smirk. "It's been a long time, Old Man. Sorry that things are such a mess,"

"Do not worry yourselves. All I ask you to do is prepare for what is about to come. Now my children!" Hagoromo shouted as he stabbed his staff into the ground. "It is time for the Children of the Prophecy to change the world! Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, I ask thee… What will you choose to do?"

Both boys turned to look around the room. Their eyes carefully considered the judgmental nine Tailed-Beasts and Hagoromo before turning to look at each other. "Super Gramps, we may be like your sons. Hell, you pretty much described each of us to the letter. The only thing I can tell you is that we wouldn't be fighting this war if we didn't want to protect everyone. So I, Naruto Uzumaki, accept your offer."

"I, Sasuke Uchiha, accept your offer as well."

"Hn. Your resolve is admirable. Both of you step forward with your dominant arm out. From this point forward, Naruto and Sasuke, what you both shall do and what shall transpire will be up to the both of you."

Without hesitation, both boys walked towards Hagoromo and touched his hands. Through this connection, Hagoromo transferred his chakra and powers into them. Both hissed at the feeling of the intensity but held firm. Once the transfer was completed, they looked down at their hands to see a moon appear on Sasuke's left palm and sun on Naruto's right palm. Sasuke couldn't see it, but he could feel that a new power was awakened in his left eye while Naruto went through the agonizing ritual of gaining his ninth and final tail. Once Naruto's tail sprouted, he stood up straight and worked out the kinks in his spine.

"Gods, I really hate that feeling. I'm just glad that was the last one," the blond fox groaned.

"May the Gods be with both of you. I shall be watching,"

"Thanks, Super Gramps. Well, I think we've spent enough time here," Naruto smiled as he grabbed Sasuke's left hand. "You ready to go?" Sasuke nodded before they disappeared from the subconscious plain and reentered their world.

…

…

…

Back in their world, both boys gently woke up and allowed themselves to adjust to their new selves. Karin, Sakura, and the others wanted to jump for joy but stopped when they felt something was off about the two. Smoothly the two stood up in sync with their fists clenched. Karin and Sakura were about to call out, respectively, but they were stopped.

"It's time to go," they said simultaneously before teleporting away towards each other.

…

…

…

Towards the Infinite Tsuyukomi tree base, Guy-sensei had finished his final move on Madara. But, unfortunately, it wasn't enough, and the older feline regenerated as he stood up.

"That was incredible! I almost died, you bastard!" his laughter died out as he stood up and allowed his limbs to grow back. However, the smirk never left his face as he licked his dry lips. "I see your flame is about to go out. What a shame. You were the best Taijutsu dance partner I've had so far. Out of respect, allow me to finish you off,"

Madara summoned one of his Chakra Balls from his left hand to finish off Guy. He hurled the Chakra Ball at Guy without hesitation, but it didn't land. Before anyone could register what happened, Naruto arrived in time to kick the Chakra Ball back towards Madara.

"What the hell?!" he shouted as he looked up at Naruto and chuckled. "You seem different from before. I wonder what changed?"

Not paying his opponent any mind, Naruto turned his attention towards an almost dead Guy-sensei. He leaned down and felt Guy's weakened chakra. "I'm sorry I didn't make it in time to help you, Bushier Brow-sensei." He whispered as he placed a hand over his chest and replenished Guy's chakra. "You can rest now. I've got it from here," Slowly, Naruto stood up to face his adversary with his Nine-Tails Chakra Sage Mode eyes activated. "Madara… Your time is up. It's time you return to the grave where you belong,"

"I may not know what has gotten into you, but I don't plan on losing today!" Madara shouted as he summoned another staff.

However, it did him little good. Naruto suddenly appeared and delivered an intense punch to his abdomen as soon as he did this. For the second time that night, Madara spat out a large amount of blood as he was forced into the Tree's trunk. Wanting to keep up the momentum, Naruto borrowed Son Goku's chakra and summoned a large lava-style Rasengan Shuriken.

Madara jumped out of the way and tried to use his immobility attack, but it didn't stop Naruto. So instead, he just shook it off as if nothing happened and continued his attack. However, when it landed, it added to the element of surprise on Madara's face as the Tree's base was sliced in half.

As the trunk fell, a demonic voice called out to Madara. It told him to take it into himself. Even though he did not know who was calling out to him, Madara did as he was told and climbed up the falling trunk. This gave Naruto time to rescue Guy.

He jumped over to the chard, unconscious man, carefully lifted him up, and carried him to a safe location. Lee, Minato, Gaara, Neji, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and TenTen ran towards him when he arrived.

"Guy-sensei! Is he alright?" Lee asked.

"He's gonna be alright. I gave him some of my chakras to keep him alive. But we need to get him to Granny Tsunade soon," Naruto commanded before he stood up with his back to them. "I trust you guys to keep each other safe,"

"Where's Sakura-chan and Obito?" Lee asked.

"Don't worry about them. I left them somewhere safe. Now go," was all he said before jumping towards Madara.

"Are we sure that was Goofball Naruto? He seemed… so mature…." TenTen asked.

"Yes, even his chakra signature has changed. I wonder what happened in that other dimension?" Neji questioned.

"Whatever it was, it's just what we need to win this thing," Jiraiya smirked.

…

…

…

As Naruto continued to jump towards Madara, he tsked when he saw the Divine Tree absorbed into Madara's body. However, that wasn't enough to stop him. He only stopped when he arrived at one of his dad's kunais.

"Naruto Uzumaki, I am not sure what power you possess now, but you cannot take me down. I have reached eternity!"

Naruto only smirked as he picked up the kunai, put it in his mouth, and tied his headband tighter, "Idiot, I'm not taking down." Then, with his cocky smirk, Naruto activated his Nine-Tails Sage Six Paths Mood as Sasuke appeared beside him. "We're taking you down!"

…

…

…

To Be Continued…