In the command base of the Hidden Leaf, tension filled the room as Inoichi relayed the latest information to Shikaku. "It looks like the Sand forces have now joined with the Mist, and they're engaging in an all-out battle against Sasuke and our Leaf forces, and the reanimated Uchiha clan."

Shikaku's face was grave as he processed the news. He placed his hand on his chin, deep in thought. "This… feels totally wrong," he muttered. "Bringing back Madara Uchiha, one of the most dangerous figures in history, and pitting our Leaf forces against the other nations? What could Sasuke possibly be thinking?"

Inoichi nodded, concern evident in his voice. "It's like he's driven by something beyond just power. There's more to this than we're seeing."

Shikaku sighed, frustration seeping into his voice. "Sasuke's decisions have always been a bit of a mystery, but this… this is reckless. He's dragged the entire world into a war, and now he's brought back Madara, the very man who sought to dominate the shinobi world." He paused, eyes narrowing. "We need to understand his endgame. Is he trying to destroy the other villages or something more?"

Inoichi turned back to the sensory division, monitoring the battle as best they could from afar. "We've been picking up immense chakra signatures from the Great Naruto Bridge. Madara's presence is overwhelming, and Naruto's holding his ground, but if this keeps up, the Mist and Sand forces might be overrun by both Madara and the reanimated Uchiha clan."

Shikaku stood up, pacing slightly. "This isn't just about winning a war anymore. If Madara is truly back, then the balance of the entire world is at risk. Sasuke might believe he's in control, but if Madara gets free rein… it could all spiral out of control. We need to act fast."

Inoichi looked up from the communication scrolls, a hint of relief in his voice. "Shikaku, it looks like the Leaf forces that were engaging the Mist forces in the Land of Tea have retreated. They've pulled back and are regrouping at the medical camp."

Shikaku's expression softened slightly as he nodded in approval. "Good. It takes strength to know when a battle can't be won, and retreating in this situation was the right call. They've avoided risking their lives unnecessarily." He paused, gazing at the map before him. "We can't afford to lose more shinobi in a fight they aren't equipped for."

Shikaku's gaze sharpened. "We need to hope that Naruto and the others can handle the situation on the front lines. Right now, they're our best shot at stopping Sasuke and sealing those reanimated shinobi before things get worse. We can't allow Madara or the Uchiha clan to cause further destruction."

Shikaku, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, glanced toward the window, where the horizon seemed dark and uncertain. "We have to trust that Naruto, Jiraiya, and the others can hold the line long enough. But in the end, we're going to need a miracle to stop Sasuke from winning this war."

In the command base in the Land of Tea, a tense silence filled the room as one of the sensory ninja rushed up to Ao, holding a message. "Ao, we've received word from the Raikage," the shinobi said breathlessly, eyes wide with urgency.

Ao looked up, startled. "What are you talking about? I thought the Raikage had been killed by Sasuke." He took the scroll and quickly unrolled it. As he read, his eyes widened in shock. "The Raikage… he's alive?"

The room seemed to freeze as Ao processed the information. "This message… the Raikage confesses he was under a genjutsu. He never meant to start a war against the other villages. The attack on his village wasn't initiated by Mei or the Hidden Mist. It was Sasuke. He confirms that Sasuke is behind the reanimation jutsu and the attack, not Mei. He's apologizing for the false accusations he made."

Murmurs spread through the command base as Ao stood frozen for a moment, trying to absorb the gravity of the revelation. "Sasuke…" Ao muttered, his voice filled with a mix of anger and realization. "So it's really Sasuke who initiated this whole war. He manipulated the Raikage and used the reanimation jutsu to attack his village, stirring chaos among the Five Nations."

The ninja in the room exchanged glances, their concern palpable. "If Sasuke is using genjutsu and reanimation, he's far more dangerous than we thought," one of the shinobi remarked.

Ao clenched his fists. "This explains everything—the confusion, the sudden hostilities. Sasuke's been manipulating all of us from the start. The Raikage wasn't acting of his own free will."

One of the sensory ninja rushed over to Ao, his expression a mix of urgency and relief. "Ao, we've just received word from the field. Naruto has successfully brought Mei, Gaara, Chojuro, and Utakata and the rest of the hidden Sand and Mist shinobi's to the Great Naruto Bridge. They're now fighting alongside each other, pushing back against Sasuke and the reanimated Uchiha forces."

Ao let out a small sigh of relief, though his brow remained furrowed with concern. "So they've regrouped…" he muttered, thinking of the fierce battle ahead. "That's good. They'll need all the strength they can get, especially with Madara and the reanimated Uchiha clan in play."

He paced for a moment, weighing the information. "Mei's tough, and with Gaara and the others, they've got a solid defense. But Sasuke… he's not going to hold back. Especially now that he knows everyone is united against him."

Ao turned to the sensory ninja. "Keep monitoring their movements. I want updates on every major shift in the battle. If Sasuke starts making any moves to retreat or if there's a breakthrough, we need to know immediately."

The sensory ninja nodded and quickly got back to work. Ao stood still for a moment, thinking deeply. "Naruto… He's our best hope. If anyone can stop Sasuke, it's him. He's always had a way of turning impossible battles around."

As he gazed at the battlefield in his mind, Ao spoke softly to himself. "We have to win this. If we lose here, it's not just the Hidden Mist that falls—it's all the Five Nations. Let's just hope that they can seal Madara and bring an end to this madness."

On the Great Naruto Bridge, Naruto faced Madara with fierce determination as flames roared towards him. Madara's Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flames engulfed the battlefield in a blazing inferno, casting a fiery glow across the ocean's surface. Without hesitation, Naruto summoned the ocean's waters, forming a massive Water Style: Water Whirlpool to counter the incoming fire. The two jutsu clashed in a brilliant display of steam and raw energy, obscuring Madara and Naruto in a cloud of mist.

Madara's smirk cut through the haze as he clapped his hands, unleashing Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence. From the bridge and surrounding earth, enormous roots and branches erupted, reaching towards Naruto with relentless speed and force. Realizing he needed to take Madara by surprise, Naruto seized the opportunity. He hurled one of his special kunai, which spun through the air, narrowly passing by Madara's side.

In a flash, Naruto vanished, appearing directly behind Madara. "Got you!" he shouted, his Rasengan crackling with energy. He slammed the spinning sphere of chakra into Madara's back, the force strong enough to send a shockwave through the bridge.

But Madara, undeterred, twisted his body and managed to pivot midair, landing gracefully on his feet. "Impressive," he remarked, his voice both amused and menacing. "You truly live up to the Uzumaki name, but you'll need more than that to defeat me."

Naruto gritted his teeth, knowing this was just the beginning of a long and grueling fight.

Madara's expression shifted from smug confidence to surprise as his attempt to summon the Nine-Tails failed. A dark aura surrounded him as he tried again, but the summoning still wouldn't connect. Naruto suddenly felt a sharp, burning pain in his chest as Kurama's voice resonated in his mind.

"Listen, Naruto," Kurama's voice rumbled, a rare hint of worry coloring his tone, "Madara used to control me with his Sharingan long ago. He thinks he can still possess me, but things have changed. Be careful… I wouldn't want to lose you against him."

Naruto clenched his fists, steadying himself. "You won't lose me, Kurama. We're in this together."

Madara's eyes narrowed, suspicion dawning on his face. "Strange… the Nine-Tails should be under my control. Unless…" His gaze turned piercing as he looked directly at Naruto. "So, you're the one who carries the Nine-Tails?"

Naruto stood tall, meeting Madara's intense stare. "Yeah, I have Kurama. And I'll use his power my way—nothing like what you or anyone else would ever want."

Madara's surprise faded back to a calculating calm, his Sharingan gleaming with renewed interest. "So, the boy who opposes me is not only an Uzumaki but also the Nine-Tails' host." He grinned, a cold and dangerous smile. "Perhaps this will be even more interesting than I thought."

Madara quickly dashed towards Naruto as they both engaged in a match of taijutsu. For every single hit Naruto tried to block, he could feel Madara's strength as he realizes he wasn't a joke and he was really crazy strong. Naruto knew he couldn't block him for long as he managed to land some hits but it wouldn't phase Madara himself. Naruto quickly used shadow clones as a distraction to pull back as Naruto threw his special kunai passing by Madara as he teleported above Madara using the flying raijin technique as he prepared a Rasen Shuriken aiming for his back striking him. Naruto landed on his feet as he smirked thinking he managed to pull off a devastating hit against Madara.

Naruto gasped as he watched Madara rise, his Sharingan now transformed into the Rinnegan. The realization hit him hard—this was no ordinary opponent, but a man who had access to god-like powers. Madara looked at Naruto with a newfound intensity, a glimmer of admiration in his cold eyes.

"Impressive," Madara said, dusting off his armor as though the Rasen Shuriken had merely been an inconvenience. "You've mastered quite a range of techniques for someone your age, and your speed rivals even Tobirama's. But… this is where the real challenge begins."

Without warning, Madara raised his hand, channeling his Rinnegan's gravitational abilities. Naruto felt a sudden, powerful force pulling him toward Madara, his body moving involuntarily.

"Bansho Ten'in!" Madara called out, and Naruto was flung toward him with incredible force.

Thinking quickly, Naruto used a burst of chakra to create a Shadow Clone mid-air, which pushed him back just enough to break free from the pull. He landed, skidding to a stop, and summoned two more clones, each forming a Rasengan in their palms.

"You're strong, Madara, I'll give you that," Naruto called out, his clones charging forward. "But I'm not giving up."

Madara smirked and raised his arm again. "Then show me what you can do, Uzumaki." As Naruto's clones closed in, Madara countered with his own expertise in taijutsu, skillfully blocking each of their Rasengan attacks and dispersing them with ease. Naruto used the momentary distraction to throw his kunai past Madara, teleporting behind him and launching a Rasen Shuriken once more.

Madara turned just in time, holding out his palm. "Shinra Tensei!" he commanded, sending a powerful repulsive force that deflected the Rasen Shuriken. The sheer energy of the collision sent shockwaves through the battlefield.

As the battlefield raged on, Tsunade and Jiraiya were fighting alongside each other as they were now facing against Obito as he was explaining to them his abilities so they can quickly seal him and help Naruto against Madara.

Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged a quick glance, both understanding the urgency of Obito's words. The battlefield around them was intense, with forces clashing on all sides, and they knew Naruto couldn't handle Madara alone for much longer.

"Got it," Tsunade replied, cracking her knuckles as her chakra pulsed visibly. "So we need to seal you and make sure you can't escape?"

Obito nodded, his expression remorseful but resolute. "The sooner, the better. I don't know how long this reanimation jutsu will last but you'll have to be precise if you're going to seal me, or I'll just phase through."

Jiraiya, standing in Sage Mode, analyzed Obito's Sharingan ability. "So, if you're phasing in and out, we need a way to strike when you're tangible. Tsunade, you handle close combat; I'll keep him distracted with ranged attacks and watch for any openings."

"Right," Tsunade said, tightening her fist, her chakra building up with her immense strength. "Let's end this quickly."

Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan spun as he phased partially, preparing for their assault. Jiraiya started, launching a series of massive Rasengan blasts to pressure him. As expected, Obito phased through each one, dodging Jiraiya's strikes with precision. But Jiraiya wasn't just aiming to hit; he was observing the pattern, searching for the exact moment Obito would solidify.

"Now!" Jiraiya shouted as he spotted Obito briefly flicker back to tangibility.

Tsunade took the cue, propelling herself forward with immense speed. She swung her chakra-filled fist, connecting with the ground next to Obito, sending a powerful shockwave that destabilized him. The sudden movement forced Obito to solidify entirely as he staggered.

As Obito phased through Tsunade's strikes, he yelled out getting her attention "Keep your distance now!" he said, leaping back before weaving signs at lightning speed. "Fire Style: Bomb Blast Dance!" He unleashed a torrent of blazing fire that exploded into spiraling flames, forcing Tsunade and Jiraiya to evade as the area around them erupted.

Once they regained their stance, Obito looked at Tsunade seriously. "Tell me—has Naruto ever used the gift I gave him?"

Tsunade frowned, slightly thrown by the question. "What gift? You mean the Mangekyō Sharingan?"

Obito nodded, his expression becoming solemn. "Yes, the Mangekyō Sharingan I gave him. It'll be his key advantage against Madara. He'll need to implant it soon if he hopes to keep up."

Jiraiya, listening in, glanced over at Tsunade. "I forgot Naruto's been carrying around a Mangekyō Sharingan. That could tip the scales if he learns to use it."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed, thinking through the implications. "But we've never trained him in using the Sharingan. It's a risky move. Are you certain it'll make that much of a difference?"

Obito's gaze was unyielding. "Madara is beyond what any ordinary shinobi can handle. Naruto may be strong, but against the Rinnegan and Madara's full power, he'll need every tool possible. With the Mangekyō, he'll have access to the Sharingan's advanced abilities—ones that might turn the tide."

Tsunade took in Obito's words, realizing they had little choice. "Fine. We'll see that he gets it…if he's willing. But we'll need to get to him first."

Jiraiya quickly pulled Tsunade aside, his expression focused. "Listen, Tsunade, if what Obito said about that Mangekyō is true, Naruto's going to need it immediately if he stands any chance against Madara." He looked over the battlefield, assessing the chaos. "I'll stay and deal with Obito. You need to get Naruto back from the front line long enough to implant it."

Tsunade nodded, understanding the urgency. "Right. But if I pull Naruto back, we'll need others to hold Madara off, even if just for a few moments. I'll get Mei and Gaara—they can cover for him with everything they've got."

"Good plan," Jiraiya replied. "I'll keep Obito occupied. Watch your back—Obito's a tricky one, but I'll give him all I've got."

As Jiraiya squared up against Obito, Tsunade dashed off, weaving her way through the chaos of the battlefield. She found Mei and Gaara coordinating with the Mist and Sand forces, directing their attacks with precision.

As Gaara and Mei moved in sync, their combined might created a formidable line of defense. Gaara raised his arms, calling upon a massive surge of sand that swept through the battlefield, encircling the reanimated Uchiha members. With a concentrated effort, he tightened the sand around each of them, molding it into binding seals that glowed with chakra, holding the Uchiha clan members in place one by one.

"That's another one sealed," Gaara muttered, his expression unwavering. His focus was absolute, knowing that each Uchiha restrained meant less pressure on Naruto and the others.

Nearby, Mei conjured a powerful Water Dragon Jutsu, its coiled form crashing through the battlefield like a tidal wave. She directed it toward the advancing Leaf forces, forcing them back and disrupting their formations. With fierce determination, Mei kept her focus on clearing as much space as possible for her allies.

She glanced over to see Gaara had managed to seal a few more of the reanimated Uchiha. "Good work, Kazekage," Mei called, her voice steady yet laced with urgency. "But we need to keep moving—the rest are advancing!"

As Tsunade approached, urgency etched into her face, Gaara and Mei exchanged determined glances, bracing for her news.

"Tsunade-sama!" Mei called out, her voice carrying over the chaotic noise of the battlefield.

"Tsunade, what's going on?" Gaara added as she reached them, noticing the intensity in her expression.

"We need to buy Naruto time," Tsunade said, breathing heavily. "I need to take him aside to implant the Mangekyō Sharingan—it's his best chance against Madara. If he has it, he can stand a real chance."

Gaara's brows knit together, surprised at the extremity of the measure. "Are we sure that's necessary? He's already using every advantage he has."

"It is. Madara's power is beyond what we imagined, and Naruto's regular arsenal won't be enough," Tsunade replied firmly. "We don't have much time, and I need all of you to hold Madara back."

At that moment, Zabuza, Temari, and Utakata joined them, each carrying an air of determination. Zabuza gripped his blade tightly, his voice laced with grim resolve. "Sounds like we've got our orders. We'll keep Madara busy. Just make sure Naruto gets that eye—he'll need every advantage he can get."

Temari spun her fan with a nod, her sharp gaze fixed on the distant figure of Madara. "We'll make it count, Tsunade-sama. Whatever it takes."

Utakata adjusted his bubble blower, readying himself for the coming clash. "Let's go, then. We're all set."

With a final nod from Tsunade, the group took off toward the direction of Naruto and Madara's fierce battle, each ready to throw everything they had to give Naruto the critical time he needed.

Meanwhile back to Naruto and Madara's fierce battle, Naruto braced himself against the incoming wave of Madara's fire, readying his own jutsu. But before he could act, two powerful techniques—Mei's Water Dragon and Temari's Wind Style Hurricane—clashed with Madara's flames, neutralizing the attack in a powerful burst of steam and swirling energy.

As the mist cleared, Naruto saw Mei, Gaara, Zabuza, Temari, and Utakata standing ready, with Tsunade just behind him. She quickly stepped up to his side, determination blazing in her eyes.

"Naruto!" she called out urgently. "I need to take you out of here—now. You need the Mangekyō Sharingan to have any real chance against Madara."

Naruto looked at her, confusion flickering across his face. "Tsunade-baachan, are you serious? In the middle of all this?"

She nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Yes. We'll only have one shot at this, and they're here to make sure we get it. They'll keep Madara distracted while we handle the implant."

Naruto looked back at his friends, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to face down Madara. Each nodded at him, silently urging him forward. Zabuza gave him a smirk, blade gleaming as he prepared for the impending clash. Gaara's sand began swirling in defensive and offensive formations, and Mei adjusted her stance, eyes locked on Madara, who regarded the group with a sinister smile.

"Go, Naruto," Mei said firmly, her eyes not leaving Madara. "This battle is only beginning. Get stronger, and come back to us."

Naruto took a deep breath, determination hardening his features. "Right. Don't worry, I'll be back to end this."

With a nod to his team, Naruto turned and followed Tsunade, as she led him away from the battlefield. Behind them, Madara's laughter echoed as he began to advance on the group. Gaara, Mei, Zabuza, Temari, and Utakata readied themselves, knowing the weight of their task.

As the air crackled with tension, Mei, Gaara, Temari, Zabuza, and Utakata steeled themselves, knowing they were ready to face Madara, but then to their surprise they saw Sasuke, Itachi, and Fugaku appear next to Madara's side.

Sasuke's Sharingan glimmered ominously as he assessed the group before him, a hint of disdain evident in his expression. "You think you can defeat us? The Uchiha clan will not fall to mere alliances."

Gaara tightened his grip on his sand, ready to defend against the dual threat. "We're not just allies; we're a united front. We will not let you destroy our homes."

Zabuza, never one to back down from a challenge, pointed his sword at Sasuke. "If you want a fight, you've got one! We won't let you stand in our way!"

Temari nodded, her fan poised. "We have the advantage of numbers. Let's use it."

Mei took a deep breath, channeling her chakra to summon a dense mist that enveloped the battlefield. "Stay sharp, everyone! Use the mist to our advantage! We'll confuse them!"

Madara observed the shifting tides, a faint smile creeping across his face. "This is entertaining. But you underestimate the power of the Uchiha. Even united, you are still outmatched."

Itachi raised his hand slightly, signaling Sasuke to hold back for a moment. "Let's not underestimate our opponents either. They are capable fighters, and this will require strategy."

Fugaku's voice, calm yet authoritative, resonated as he addressed his sons. "We fight to protect our legacy. Remember why we are here. Do not let personal feelings cloud your judgment."

As Sasuke and Itachi unleashed their Amaterasu, black flames erupted toward Mei, Gaara, Zabuza, and the others. Gaara reacted instantly, raising a colossal sand barrier to shield them from the inferno. The barrier shimmered as the flames crashed against it, the heat radiating outward, but the sand held firm.

"Keep pushing!" Gaara shouted, focusing his chakra to reinforce the barrier. "We won't let them through!"

Temari seized the opportunity, leaping into the air with her fan extended. "Wind Style: Wind Blade!" she called out, sending razor-sharp gusts of wind slicing toward the Uchiha brothers. The wind blades cut through the air, aiming to disrupt their focus and catch them off guard.

Itachi gracefully dodged to the side, his Sharingan analyzing the trajectory of the blades. "Sasuke!" he warned, signaling for his brother to be on guard.

Meanwhile, Utakata took a bold step forward, summoning his bubble technique. "Water Style: Exploding Water Bubbles!" he shouted, conjuring dozens of shimmering bubbles filled with explosive chakra. He directed them toward Madara, Sasuke, Itachi, and Fugaku, releasing them in a sweeping motion. The bubbles floated ominously through the air before colliding with their targets, detonating in a series of powerful explosions that sent shockwaves through the battlefield.

Madara smirked, his Rinnegan glinting as he deflected the force of the explosion with a quick use of his wood-style techniques, but the blast still staggered him momentarily. "Impressive, but you'll need more than that to stop me," he taunted, his eyes narrowing in determination.

Sasuke, fueled by the desire to protect his legacy, snapped his attention back to the group. "Let's finish this!" He activated his Sharingan again, channeling its power as he prepared to respond with his own techniques.

"Don't get cocky!" Zabuza shouted as he charged forward, his sword glinting in the fading light. He aimed directly for Sasuke, ready to test the strength of the young Hokage's resolve.

But before Zabuza could reach him, Itachi intervened, stepping in with a swift movement. "Tsk, tsk. You should know better than to rush in blindly." He activated his own Amaterasu, unleashing the black flames again, aiming to catch Zabuza off guard.

Temari jumped in to defend, using her fan to create a strong gust that pushed the flames away. "Zabuza! Get back!"

At that moment, Gaara used the sand to create a massive arm, launching it toward Itachi, attempting to catch him in its grasp. "You won't escape this time!" he declared, his voice steady and powerful.

Itachi dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the sand attack. "We're not done yet!" he called back, but it was clear that the battle was escalating, and the outcome was uncertain.

With the Uchiha brothers engaged, the fight against Madara and the reanimated forces intensified. Each combatant pushed their limits, determined to protect their villages and loved ones, knowing that the fate of their world hung in the balance.