Kakashi and Jiraiya faced Scar's mutated form, his monstrous, venom-infused spikes now extending dangerously from his body. A sinister grin spread across Scar's face as he flexed his newly transformed limbs, eager to unleash the full might of his power.

With a flicker, Kakashi vanished, reappearing above Scar with his kunai in hand, aiming for a weak point near Scar's shoulder. Scar blocked with one of his spiked limbs, but Kakashi twisted in midair, his kunai redirecting to slice against Scar's exposed ribs. Scar roared, lashing out with a vicious kick that Kakashi dodged narrowly.

As Scar turned, Jiraiya took the opportunity to strike from the side. He rushed in, his hands forming a series of seals with blinding speed. "Fire Style: Flame Bullet!" he shouted, spitting a massive fireball that hurtled toward Scar, the heat searing the very air around them.

Scar growled, raising his venom-infused arm to shield himself. The flames collided with his toxic aura, crackling violently as they tried to penetrate his defenses. Kakashi saw his chance and surged forward, closing the distance with a burst of speed. Scar turned to meet him, but Kakashi dropped low, sweeping Scar's legs out from under him. Scar fell forward, and Kakashi didn't hesitate—he drove a lightning-encased fist into Scar's chest.

"Lightning Blade!"

Scar's body convulsed as the electricity surged through him, but with a guttural snarl, he forced himself to stand, pushing Kakashi back. His eyes gleamed with a wild, almost manic energy. "Is that all you've got?"

Jiraiya and Kakashi exchanged a glance. They had to end this now.

With a swift nod, Jiraiya summoned his Sage power, his eyes transforming as his chakra amplified. "Sage Art: Massive Rasengan!" he bellowed, forming an enormous Rasengan that radiated with a powerful force.

Kakashi jumped in beside him, his own Sharingan blazing as he focused his chakra into a single pinpoint, aiming directly at Scar. The two of them charged, moving as a single force of fury and skill. Scar reared up to meet them, his venomous aura flaring in a desperate last attempt to defend himself.

"Now!" Kakashi yelled, and he and Jiraiya unleashed their combined attack in a blinding flash of light.

The ground trembled as their chakra collided with Scar's body, obliterating his defenses and breaking through his monstrous form. With one final scream, Scar collapsed, his twisted form dissolving into the ground. Silence fell over the forest as Kakashi and Jiraiya steadied their breathing, their eyes still sharp with vigilance. The fight was over—but Moukoku still lay ahead.

As the rest of the team arrived at Moukoku, the oppressive air grew heavier. The village walls loomed before them, fortified by a legion of Moukoku shinobi, their eyes gleaming with the fierceness of battle. Standing at the forefront, his robes draped with dignity and authority, was Horiba Shiyume, the Moukage.

"Rei," Horiba called, his voice clear and commanding. "End this. You're far from home and surrounded by warriors loyal to Moukoku. Stop this madness now and turn back. Send your companions back to their shores."

Rei stood her ground, her heart steeling with determination. "I can't do that, Horiba," she said, her voice firm. "Yami's imprisonment is unjust. He's not the monster you make him out to be."

Horiba's gaze softened momentarily, but before he could respond, Buddha stepped forward, the weight of his presence drawing everyone's attention.

"Horiba," Buddha's deep voice resonated through the air. "You're a better leader than Totanda ever was, and for that, the people owe you gratitude. But that doesn't mean you're flawless." His eyes darkened as memories of the past rose within him. "My clan has endured years of exile, shunned and cast into the shadows. All for crimes we did not commit, for a history we did not choose."

Buddha's fists clenched, his voice rising with barely restrained anger. "You say you stand for peace, but your peace is limited. My people suffer while you watch from the safety of your office." He took a step forward, his gaze locked on Horiba's. "I've had enough of watching my clan be treated like ghosts. Today, I'm challenging you for the title of Moukage. This ends here."

Horiba's eyes hardened, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face, quickly replaced by determination. He nodded, acknowledging the challenge with a solemn bow.

Behind them, the shinobi ranks stirred, and without a word, Naruto and the others began to move. Elites from the Moukoku surged forward, each ready to defend their leader against the intruders. The air was thick with tension, and without further hesitation, the Konoha shinobi launched into battle.

Naruto's Rasengan clashed against enemy jutsu, the bright energy lighting up the darkened courtyard. Kakashi moved with precision, his Sharingan tracking every movement as he created an opening for Naruto to advance. Lee leaped through the air, moving with incredible speed as he intercepted shinobi on every side, his determination unbreakable.

Buddha and Horiba locked eyes, each understanding that their clash would shake the very foundations of Moukoku. Buddha's words echoed in Horiba's mind, and with a grim nod, he accepted the challenge, stepping forward as the crowd parted, leaving a wide space for the two to settle the fate of the village.

Meanwhile, Rei pushed forward through the chaos, her heart pounding as her goal grew clearer with every step. Beside her, Qwana and Nijira stood as silent guardians, fending off any enemies that dared to approach. They were creating a path, clearing a way toward the prison where Yami was held captive.

Each step was a victory, but the journey was far from over.