Ino's heart raced as her team navigated the eerily silent streets of Konoha. The village, usually bustling with life, was now a ghost town. Tsunade had ordered a full lockdown, and civilians were being evacuated as quickly as possible. Only shinobi remained, ready to face the unthinkable threat that had emerged within their walls.

Shikamaru's voice crackled through the earpiece, pulling Ino from her thoughts. "Everyone, secure the exit. Kaguya is still in the holding facility, but we've suffered heavy casualties. Be prepared for anything."

The gravity in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. Kaguya, the ancient being of legend, was no longer a story whispered in the shadows. She was real, and she had already claimed the lives of many who had tried to stop her.

Ino glanced at Choji, who was pale and trembling beside her. "Choji, stay focused," she whispered, trying to steady her own nerves. "Stick to your training. We can do this if we work together."

Choji nodded, though his eyes betrayed his fear. "Yeah... yeah, you're right."

Shikamaru's voice came through again, a sense of urgency now clear. "She's moving. Kaguya is exiting the building. All defenses inside have been wiped out."

Ino felt a cold sweat break out on her brow. This was it. They had to stop her here, or everything would be lost.

"Prepare to defend the exit," Shikamaru ordered, his voice a mix of calm and steel. "These are our orders."

The team took their positions, hearts pounding in their chests. The building's exit loomed before them, the door standing ominously still. Ino crouched behind a broken wall, her senses heightened to every sound, every movement.

Then, they heard it—a soft, almost gentle footfall that echoed in the stillness. Ino held her breath, muscles tensed.

The door suddenly exploded off its hinges, the shockwave nearly throwing Ino from her hiding spot. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, her eyes wide with fear.

Through the dust and debris, a figure emerged—Hinata.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, confusion flickering across his face. "Hinata?"

The figure turned slowly to face him, and Ino's blood ran cold. It was Hinata, but her eyes... they were not the soft, kind eyes of the girl they knew. These eyes were cold, emotionless, and filled with an ancient, terrifying power.

Kaguya, in Hinata's body, regarded the group around her with a dispassionate gaze.

[Shadow possession jutsu]

Shikamaru acted quickly, sending his shadow toward her. "Choji, now!"

Choji roared, transforming into his Human Boulder form and barreling toward Kaguya. But Kaguya remained unmoved, her expression unchanged.

A glowing circle appeared around her, and Shikamaru's shadow possession froze, harmlessly retreating back to its original position. Choji's massive form entered the circle, only to freeze in place, suspended in mid-air.

Kaguya continued forward, one of the six chakra orbs behind her glowing with a sinister white light. She extended a hand toward Choji, gently touching his immobilized body.

Shikamaru watched in horror as Choji was suddenly engulfed in black flames. The smell of burning flesh filled the area, and Ino felt bile rise in her throat.

Kaguya turned her gaze toward Shikamaru, her voice calm and almost curious. "Why do you even bother?"

Shikamaru's hand trembled as he threw a kunai, an explosive tag tied to the handle. It flew towards her, only to stop midair, suspended. The blue orb behind her seemed to pulse, then dissolve into her back, only to be replaced by another that appeared from thin air.

Shikamaru was baffled, but he didn't have time to think.

Ino knew she had to act. Summoning all her courage, she launched her mind transfer jutsu.

Her spirit shot out, aiming for Kaguya's mind. For a brief moment, Kaguya halted, as if something tugged at her consciousness.

"Run, Shikamaru! Go!" Ino shouted through gritted teeth, trying to keep Kaguya still.

But Kaguya's head slowly turned toward Ino, a cruel smile spreading across Hinata's face. "Did you think your will could ever overcome mine?" she taunted, her voice a chilling melody.

Ino felt a crushing force against her spirit, Kaguya's overwhelming presence pushing back. She struggled, her body trembling as she felt her consciousness booted out of Kaguya's mind instantly.

Kaguya's hand shot out, and Ino was yanked into her grip by an invisible force, her physical body now held aloft by Kaguya's inhuman strength. Ino gasped, the air crushed from her lungs, blood trickling from her mouth.

"Run!" she choked out, barely able to speak through the crushing grip.

Shikamaru shook his head, and shouted, "Ino, hold on!"

[Shadow possession jutsu]

He unsuccessfully tried to use his jutsu to pull her away, but Ino coughed out, "Run… you idiot…"

Kaguya watched Shikamaru with mild interest as he fled. Then she turned her full attention back to Ino, lifting her higher as she studied her with a detached curiosity.

"You are brave, I'll give you that," Kaguya mused. "But foolish. Did you truly believe you could stop me?"

Ino's vision blurred as she fought to stay conscious. Despite the pain, she spat back, "Hinata… I always knew you were… a no good… devil worshipper…"

Kaguya chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Ino's spine. "Devil worshipper? You mistake me for something so... mundane. I am no devil. I am the beginning and the end, the all-knowing and all-sacred divine matron. I will cleanse this world of the filth that has turned it into an eyesore."

Kaguya's eyes glowed with the power of the Tenseigan, and Ino felt her mind being torn apart. Kaguya rifled through her memories, picking them apart like one would petals from a flower. She saw how Ino had treated Hinata with scorn, mocking her for her weakness and perceived weirdness.

"You could never understand the burden my vessel bore," Kaguya said coldly. "You lack the fortitude, the strength of spirit. And it will be your end."

Ino's world erupted into chaos. Kaguya forced her mind to access the spiritual realm through the Tenseigan, subjecting her to an overwhelming torrent of sensation. The voices of everyone who had ever died screamed in her ears, a cacophony of pain and despair that threatened to drive her mad. Their emotions—fear, agony, sorrow—poured into her all at once, drowning her in their misery.

"Listen," Kaguya whispered into her mind. "Feel their pain. Feel their grief. This is the weight of the world, the burden you could never hope to bear."

Ino's ears began to bleed, and tears streamed down her face as she was crushed under the weight of the dead. The screams grew louder, more insistent, until they were all she could hear, all she could feel.

Her mind was a storm, a maelstrom of agony. "Stop… please… stop…" she pleaded, but if fell on deaf ears.

Then, mercifully, it ended.

Ino's body went limp in Kaguya's grasp, her eyes dull and lifeless. Kaguya released her, letting her corpse crumple to the ground. She stared down at Ino's body, her expression unreadable.

"Humans... so attached to their history, yet so ignorant of the burden it truly carries," Kaguya murmured.

She turned away from the carnage, her gaze lifting to the Hokage Tower in the distance. She began to walk, her steps slow and deliberate, as she pondered the next phase of her plan.

"Perhaps… it is time to summon my disciples," she whispered, her mind contemplating the right moment to unleash her final judgment.

Tsunade's office was thick with tension. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stood before her desk, the weight of their mission heavy on their shoulders. Tsunade's eyes, once steely, now showed a hint of worry. Beside her, Obito leaned against the wall, his expression unreadable. Kurenai stood quietly next to him, her face set in grim determination.

Sasuke broke the silence first, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Naruto," he began, his Sharingan eyes narrowing slightly, "why didn't Hinata tell you about this… being, Kaguya?"

Naruto clenched his fists, his face a mixture of guilt and confusion. "I don't know, Sasuke. Maybe… maybe she was being held hostage by Kaguya or something."

Sakura snapped, her voice shaking with frustration and anger. "But her silence has cost us so many lives, Naruto! She should have said something — anything!"

Naruto's mind flashed back to the moment when he first felt that strange, overwhelming presence within Hinata. He had dismissed it then, uncertain of what he had sensed. Now, he regretted not speaking up.

As if reading his thoughts, Sasuke continued, his tone harsh. "You knew something was off, didn't you? This Kaguya woman — she's using Hinata's body and leaving a path of carnage in the village. And we don't even know how to fight her."

Obito interjected, his voice calm but firm. "We don't have a choice. We have to do something, or more people will die."

Sasuke's gaze turned to Obito. "This is the same Kaguya that killed Pain in a heartbeat. We don't even understand what we're up against."

Naruto finally spoke, his voice strained. "I… I connected with Kaguya once."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward Naruto. Tsunade's brow furrowed. "How, Naruto? When?"

Naruto hesitated, swallowing hard. "It was… it was when I was... intimate with Hinata, at Kurenai's. I felt something — like I'd entered another plane of existence. I think it was Kaguya's realm."

Kurenai's eyes widened, and Naruto sputtered, "I'm sorry, Kurenai-sensei—"

She cut him off, her voice steady. "We have bigger things to worry about, Naruto."

Tsunade nodded, then glanced at Shikamaru, who was fidgeting by the door, his face pale. "Shikamaru, what's Kaguya's current location?"

Shikamaru's voice wavered as he replied, "She was last reported exiting the holding facility we placed Hinata in. I believe she's heading towards this very building."

Gasps filled the room. "What?" Tsunade barked, her hands slamming on the desk. "How close is she?"

Shikamaru's voice was a mix of sorrow and urgency. "Close. We tried to stop her… but…"

Naruto's heart sank as he heard the tremor in Shikamaru's voice. "But what, Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru hesitated, his eyes filling with grief. "We lost so many...Choji… Ino… they're gone. She killed them all."

Sakura's breath caught in her throat. "No… No, that's not possible," she whispered, stumbling backward. Her vision blurred with tears as the room seemed to close in around her.

Sasuke caught her before she could fall. "Sakura, stay with us," he urged.

Sakura's voice cracked. "Ino… she… she can't be…"

Shikamaru's voice was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, Sakura… I… I couldn't…"

Obito spoke, his voice louder, commanding the room's attention. "We need to focus on what's next. We can't let Kaguya continue this rampage."

Tsunade stood, her eyes blazing with determination. "Then I'll go out there myself," she declared. "I should have responded to this threat sooner."

Obito quickly stepped forward. "No, Tsunade-sama, you need to get to safety. The village needs its leader alive."

Tsunade shook her head. "The village needs its leader on the front lines. This is my fight too, Obito."

Shikamaru cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts. "Wait… I think I've found a weakness," he began. "I noticed something when she was using her powers. After every jutsu, she seemed to absorb one of those chakra orbs behind her. I think her techniques are incredibly chakra-intensive. She needs to replenish herself constantly."

Tsunade's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. "If that's true, we can use it against her. We just need to time our attacks to exploit that moment of vulnerability."

She turned to Team 7. "You'll operate under Obito's command. Kakashi is believed to be engaging her already."

Naruto nodded, but his face was tense. "And what's our role, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade's face softened for a moment. "You're the backup. We'll distract her. You wait for the right moment, then strike when she's distracted. This is our best chance to deliver a killing blow."

Sasuke glanced at Naruto. "And what's the distraction?"

Tsunade's gaze was fierce. "I'll join the forces currently engaging her. I'll stall her long enough for you to make your move."

Obito nodded. "Got it. Team 7, with me. We need to find a vantage point."

Naruto put a hand on Sakura's shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Sakura, I know it's hard, but we need you."

Sasuke joined in. "Can you still fight?"

Sakura sighed as she wiped her tears away, her face hardening into a determined expression. "I'm going to make sure Ino didn't die for nothing."

Obito looked over the group one last time. "Then let's move out. Stick to the plan."

With that, Tsunade, Kurenai, and Shikamaru headed toward the front lines, while Obito and Team 7 slipped out to find a position to ambush Kaguya. Each step was heavy with the knowledge of what they were about to face. There was no room for hesitation, no space for fear. Only the mission, only the village, and the slim hope they still clung to.

The streets of Konoha were a wasteland, scattered with the remains of shattered buildings and scorched earth. Smoke curled upward like dark tendrils reaching for the sky. The air was thick with the acrid smell of destruction, mingled with the distant cries of fleeing villagers.

At the epicenter of this chaos stood Kaguya, possessing the body of Hinata, a malicious smile twisting her once-gentle features.

Her glowing Tenseigan eyes swept over the battlefield, filled with contempt. "The shinobi village of Konoha… reduced to rubble by its own weakness." Her voice was cold, carrying across the shattered streets.

Tsunade, her Strength of a Hundred Seal blazing across her forehead like a brand of war, charged forward. "We'll see who's weak, you witch!" she roared, her fist cocked back with the force of a cannonball.

The ground cracked beneath her feet as she surged forward, every step a promise of fury and strength.

But Kaguya barely flinched. "Crimson," she whispered. A red orb appeared before her, expanding into a shimmering barrier.

Tsunade's punch collided with it, sending shockwaves rippling through the air, but the barrier held, the energy crackling and hissing.

Kaguya's voice cut through the roar, dripping with condescension. "Such crude strength… Unrefined. Pathetic."

Before Tsunade could withdraw, Kaguya's Tenseigan narrowed.

"Violet," she commanded. A purple orb materialized, and in an instant, the chakra in Tsunade's body was disrupted, her movements slowing as if she were wading through thick mud.

Kaguya's grin widened. "Do you feel it, Hokage? The weight of your own insignificance."

Tsunade gasped, stumbling as her body failed to respond. In a flash, Kaguya lunged forward, her hand glowing with malice, and struck Tsunade with a brutal palm thrust to the chest.

Tsunade felt a searing pain, and a rush of blood filled her mouth. She was flung backward like a ragdoll, crashing through a crumbling wall.

"Lady Tsunade!" Rock Lee and Might Guy cried in unison. Without hesitation, they launched themselves forward, moving with blinding speed.

Rock Lee, veins bulging and sweat pouring from his face, moved in a blur, the air itself seeming to tear as he strikes in his Sixth Gate form. He launched a series of kicks and punches, each one faster than the last, a whirlwind of green chakra enveloping him.

Kaguya's Tenseigan followed every motion with precision, her eyes narrowing as she muttered, "Gold."

Her yellow orb pulsed, and a blast of pure energy shot forth. Lee dodged, barely avoiding the beam that vaporized a section of the street behind him. He rebounded from the debris, teeth gritted, determination blazing in his eyes. "We won't let you lay waste to our home!" he shouted.

Guy's face was set in determination, his Seventh Gate aura flaring around him like a wildfire. Lee, in his Sixth Gate form, moved beside him in perfect sync, a green blur against the stormy backdrop.

Kaguya's eyes widened for a moment. She hadn't expected them to be so fast. Before she could utter the name of her next orb, they were upon her.

Lee's fist crashed into her side, and Guy's foot connected with her shoulder in rapid succession. Kaguya staggered, her expression momentarily surprised, but then she laughed—a cruel, taunting sound.

"Fools!" she hissed. "You think you can capitalize on a mere moment of weakness?"

Lee's fists were relentless, striking with a speed and ferocity that seemed to blur in the air. "We won't stop!" he shouted, his voice filled with resolve. "For Konoha! For the Hokage!"

Guy's hands moved in tandem, a deadly dance of strikes aimed at Kaguya's head and chest. "Feel our youth!" he roared, sweat pouring from his brow, his muscles screaming with every movement.

For a moment, they seemed to gain the upper hand, their blows landing with enough force to stagger her. Kaguya snarled, her Tenseigan glowing brighter as she hissed through clenched teeth, "Violet."

She attempted to drain their chakra, but their movements were too rapid, too chaotic. She stumbled back, her form losing some of its regal poise.

Lee's foot connected with her jaw, snapping her head to the side. Guy's fist slammed into her stomach, forcing a gasp from her lips. For a brief, glorious instant, it seemed they might overwhelm her. Kaguya's face contorted with anger as they continued their assault, refusing to give her a moment's reprieve.

But then Kaguya's hand shot up, eyes blazing with cold fury. "Heed me, time, and fall still!" she shouted. A glowing circle appeared beneath her feet, and the world seemed to freeze.

Lee and Guy stumbled, their movements arrested as if caught in invisible chains. For a heartbeat, everything was silent. Kaguya breathed heavily, but her grin returned, wicked and triumphant. She absorbed the Blue Orb quickly, her chakra reserves replenishing.

"Did you think a fleeting moment of desperation could defeat me?" she mocked.

With a sneer, she released the time spell, and Lee and Guy sprang back into motion, but it was too late.

Kaguya whispered, "Emerald." Her green orb pulsed and roots erupted from the ground, snaring Guy's arms and Lee's legs, halting them mid-strike.

Kaguya's laugh was harsh and mocking as she slowly applauded. "The famous Green Beasts… reduced to mere weeds before my might. How delightful."

With a triumphant grin, she declared. "Ivory!" The silver orb blazed to life, forming a lightning hound in front of her.

"No!" Guy shouted, his eyes wide with shock as the attack came rushing back at them. They tried to leap away, but the roots held them fast.

The explosion was deafening, a cataclysmic burst of energy that tore through the streets of Konoha. Dust and debris filled the air, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence.

As the dust settled, Kaguya stood unharmed, her expression a blend of amusement and disdain. She looked at the crater where Guy and Lee had stood moments before. "Did you truly believe… that you could triumph over me with mere brute strength?" she scoffed, her voice dripping with derision.

But from within the smoke, a figure emerged—Might Guy, battered, his clothing torn, but his spirit unbroken. His gaze was fierce, unwavering. "Lee, get up!" he shouted, and through the rubble, Lee tried to stagger to his feet, his face bloodied, but still burning with resolve.

"We will not falter," Guy said, his voice calm but filled with an intense fire. "We will not stop… until you are defeated."

Kaguya's eyes narrowed, her grin fading into a cold line. "What foolishness… you persist in your madness even now?"

Guy's face softened, a smile breaking through the blood and sweat. "This is not madness… this is our will." He closed his eyes for a brief second, a peaceful expression crossing his face.

Then he opened them, and they blazed with the light of determination. "We have fought too hard for our people, struggled to build up the next generation that will bear the will of fire. I always knew there would come a time when we'd have to step aside for the next generation to take over...I only wished it wouldn't be this soon."

Tsunade looked at Guy, a gasp escaping her. "Guy, are you going to..."

"I have no choice," Guy replied, facing the badly injured Lee.

"I want you to watch me Lee, as this will be your final lesson."

"Guy-sensei..." Lee whispered through his pain, a tear rolling down his cheek.

Guy stepped forward, jamming his thumb into his chest as memories of his past flooded his mind.

"Eighth inner Gate… the Gate of Death, Open!"

A red aura exploded around Guy, the air around him warping and distorting from the sheer intensity of his chakra. The ground cracked and splintered beneath his feet, and the light in his eyes was like that of a thousand suns.

Kaguya's confident smile faltered for the first time, a flicker of apprehension crossing her face. "What is this…?" she whispered, a hint of uncertainty in her tone.

Guy's aura burned like a bonfire in a storm. "Lee, Tsunade… stay back. This is my fight now," he said, his voice calm, resolute, like the calm before a storm.

Kaguya's smirk returned, but there was a new tension in her posture. "Come, then," she said, voice lower, more focused. "Show me what your final act of defiance looks like."

The air felt heavy as Obito, Shikamaru, and Team 7 darted through the shattered streets of Konoha. Fires burned in the distance, smoke rising into the moonlit sky. The ground trembled now and then, echoing the chaos that had descended upon the village. Obito's eyes were set straight ahead, his Sharingan glinting in the dark as he led them to the predetermined location.

"We have to move faster," Obito urged, his voice barely audible over the distant rumble. "Before we left our base, I saw the Akatsuki infusing the Eight-Tails into the Ten-Tails' husk. They don't have the Nine-Tails yet, but even an incomplete awakening of the Ten-Tails would be trouble. More than we can handle."

Sasuke glanced sideways at Obito, frowning. "What is their goal in this? Why would they serve Kaguya?"

Obito didn't turn back, but there was a momentary pause in his step before he answered. "The Akatsuki... They're an ancient cult, founded by Kaguya's most devout followers from ages past. Their allegiance isn't to power or domination — it's to her. They believe Kaguya's return is a divine prophecy."

Naruto's brows furrowed. "What does Kaguya want with the Ten-Tails? Why use it for herself?"

Obito's gaze darkened. "To transform it back into the Divine Tree. To take its power and impose her will on the world. What exactly she's planning, I don't know… but the Akatsuki spoke of it like some twisted form of liberation."

Naruto's fists clenched at his sides, his pace quickening. "Could they come to aid her? Join this fight?"

Obito hesitated for a second. "I can't say for sure. If they've finished extracting the Eight-Tails, they might come. If they do… it'll be a massacre."

The group continued moving, their breaths heavy but controlled. Shikamaru suddenly spoke, breaking the tense silence. "We need to focus on the plan. Bait Kaguya into using her powers, and snatch the blue orb before she can absorb its energy. That will be our opening to strike when she's weak."

He turned to Naruto. "Your Flying Raijin technique will be crucial. We need you to get in close, disrupt her, and move that orb out of her reach."

Obito nodded, adding, "Naruto, remember this: the timing is everything. Sasuke, you're our finisher. You need to deliver the killing blow when Kaguya's distracted. We'll do everything to create that opening for you."

Sasuke's face was emotionless, his voice a cold promise. "Understood."

Naruto's face tensed, his desperation showing through. "Wait… isn't there another way? A way to beat Kaguya without killing Hinata? She's still in there, I know it! There has to be a way to save her…"

Sakura felt Naruto's pain, the ache in his voice cutting through the chaos surrounding them. She wished she could offer him some comfort, but the truth weighed heavy on her heart. "Naruto… I—"

Sasuke interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "Naruto, if we have no other choice, I will kill Hinata."

Naruto stopped dead in his tracks, turning to Sasuke, anger flaring in his eyes. "No! You can't just—"

Shikamaru stepped in, his voice carrying a note of empathy despite the urgency. "Naruto, listen… Sasuke isn't saying this lightly. None of us want this… But if it comes down to Kaguya wiping out everything, we can't… we can't afford to hesitate."

Naruto's breath hitched, and his shoulders slumped. The realization stung, cutting through him like a blade. "But… Hinata…"

Sasuke's eyes softened for a brief moment, a flicker of understanding in his voice. "We'll do everything we can, Naruto. But if it's between her and the village… you know what we have to do."

Naruto's fists tightened until his knuckles turned white, his voice a low growl. "I won't let it come to that. I'll find a way… I swear it."

Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder, her own heart heavy with the knowledge of what lay ahead. "We'll be right there with you, Naruto. Whatever happens… you're not alone."

Naruto didn't reply, his jaw set in grim determination. He looked ahead, his mind racing with a mix of hope and fear. "Hinata… hold on. Just a little longer."

Obito glanced back at the team, sensing the conflict in their hearts. "Stick to the plan. And remember, no matter what, we move forward. Konoha depends on us."

With a collective nod, they resumed their march through the broken streets, shadows flickering around them as they moved with renewed resolve. The tension in the air thickened with every step, each of them silently preparing for the impossible task ahead.

And as they drew closer to the battlefield, the sound of distant fighting grew louder, a grim reminder of the stakes they faced. The ground trembled beneath them, and Naruto whispered a silent prayer.

"Please… let us find another way."

Guy stood, his chest heaving, the fiery crimson aura of the Eighth Gate blazing around him like a sun on the verge of supernova. Beside him, Tsunade planted her feet firmly, her hands clasping together as she channeled the power of the Strength of a Hundred Seal. The black diamond mark on her forehead dissolved, releasing an immense torrent of chakra throughout her body. Her wounds vanished in an instant, her strength renewed.

"Get to safety, Tsunade-sama!" Guy's voice was strained, each word accompanied by the raw power surging through his veins. His skin was crimson, his life force burning away with each passing second.

Tsunade shook her head defiantly. "I'm not going anywhere, Guy. We fight together."

Kaguya floated above them, her Tenseigan narrowing as she observed the chakra that surged through Guy. It was overwhelming, a torrent of energy that rivaled the very gods. For a moment, even she hesitated. She knew this man was strong—too strong to underestimate again. And the woman beside him, with her revitalized chakra, could pose a significant threat.

She clicked her tongue in annoyance. Hinata's chakra reserves were insufficient after all… she thought bitterly. This battle may prove costly.Her eyes darted between the two warriors, aware that any attempt to replenish her chakra could leave her vulnerable. She couldn't afford another mistake.

Kaguya's voice was as cold as the void. She stretched out her hand in a challenge. "Come then, warriors. Show me your resolve."

Tsunade glanced to her side, hoping that Obito and his team were in position. She clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white as she prepared herself for the fight ahead.

Guy didn't wait for a second invitation. With a burst of speed that shattered the ground beneath him, he launched himself at Kaguya, his form a blur of red as he closed the distance. Kaguya moved to block, but Tsunade was faster, her chakra-infused fist swinging up to meet the goddess's guard.

The impact echoed like thunder, sending shockwaves through the air. Kaguya grunted as the force of Tsunade's blow drove her back. But she recovered quickly.

"Crimson."

Kaguya reacted in time summoning her Yata Mirror to repel Guy's Hirudora, which came crashing down from above.

The mirror flashed with an otherworldly light, and the immense pressure of Guy's attack was redirected, hurtling back toward him. But Guy was unfazed; he twisted in mid-air, dodging the rebounded attack with a grace that belied the immense strain his body was under.

Tsunade was relentless. She followed up her initial strike with a flurry of punches, each one aimed at Kaguya's vitals.

But owing to her connection with Hinata, the goddess was a master of combat; she deftly dodged, her body moving like a wisp of smoke through Tsunade's onslaught.

"You're but an insect beneath my heel!" Kaguya sneered, raising her hand to cast a spell that would obliterate both of her opponents.

"Wings of the inferno, rise from the ashes. Eternal Phoenix."

Her silver orb pulsed, and from Kaguya's hand, a massive, flaming Phoenix formed, soaring towards Tsunade.

But that was the moment Tsunade had been waiting for.

She deliberately left herself open, baiting Kaguya into casting her powerful spell. As the Phoenix flew closer, Tsunade yelled, "Now, Guy!"

She braced herself for impact, relying on her seal to heal the damage from the Phoenix.

"No! They've created an opening!" Kaguya growled in frustration, her composure slipping as she created a dense blue chakra orb above her palm, preparing to absorb it and unleash a devastating attack.

With a thunderous roar, Guy charged forward.

"Night Guy!"

His form blurred, a flaming dragon of red chakra coiling around his body as he propelled himself at Kaguya with unbelievable speed.

Kaguya's eyes widened. She barely had time to react as Guy's foot collided with her side, the force of the attack bending the space around them. Kaguya was sent hurtling through the air, crashing into a building. Dust and debris flew everywhere, obscuring the battlefield.

Coughing up blood in the rubble of the building, Kaguya struggled to heal herself. "Heed me time, and return..."

Tsunade was quick to act; as Kaguya struggled to regain her composure, she targeted the blue chakra orb that appeared near Kaguya, the one that allowed her to cast her spells.

With a single, precise punch, she sent the orb flying away, preventing Kaguya from regaining her advantage.

The battle became a blur of motion. Guy and Tsunade moved in perfect harmony, their attacks complementing each other as they battered Kaguya with relentless force.

Guy didn't need further encouragement. He charged at Kaguya once more, his fists a blur of red light. He struck her again and again, each blow landing with the force of a battering ram.

Kaguya snarled, raising her arm to block, but she was too slow. Guy's fists pummeled her, driving her back with every hit.

Kaguya, despite her immense power, found herself on the defensive. She tried to summon another chakra orb, but Tsunade was always there to knock it away, leaving the goddess with no time to cast her blows rained down on her with a fury she had not anticipated, and for the first time in eons, Kaguya felt the sting of desperation.

Guy saw his opening and leaped into the air, his body spinning as he unleashed a powerful attack aimed at Kaguya's head.

"Asakujaku!"

He shouted, the air igniting with fiery punches that bombarded Kaguya with relentless force.

Kaguya gritted her teeth, her Tenseigan glowing brightly as she desperately created a barrier to block the attack.

But Guy was too fast, too strong. His strikes broke through the weakened barrier, landing solid blows on Kaguya's body.

But Kaguya was not so easily defeated.

In a sudden, swift move, she managed to get her hand on Tsunade's seal as she approached to destroy her blue chakra orb, her fingers digging into the markings on the Sannin's forehead.

With a malicious grin, Kaguya began draining the chakra directly from Tsunade's seal, the energy flowing into her with a force that nearly overwhelmed her body.

"Heed me time and fall still!"

Time seemed to slow around them as Kaguya used the stolen chakra to freeze the very fabric of reality. Guy and Tsunade found themselves trapped, unable to move as Kaguya stepped forward, a cruel smile playing on her lips.

"You fought well," Kaguya murmured, placing her hand on Guy's chest. "But this is where it ends."

With a single, chilling touch, she shut off the flow of chakra in Guy's body, his fiery aura flickering out as he reverted back to his normal state.

The pain that had wracked his body from the Eight Gates faded, but so did his strength. He collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.

"You are a noble warrior," Kaguya said, her voice almost gentle as she placed a hand on Guy's cheek. "You would have been a valuable asset to my cause."

Guy glared up at her, his vision blurring. "I… I would never fight for you."

Kaguya sighed, genuine sorrow in her eyes. "A pity."

With a simple gesture, she set him ablaze with the black flames of Amaterasu. Guy's scream echoed through the battlefield as the flames consumed him, his body collapsing into the dust.

"Guy!" Tsunade's scream was a mix of rage and despair. She charged at Kaguya, her fist reared back to deliver a blow that would shatter the heavens themselves.

But Kaguya was ready. She sidestepped Tsunade's punch with ease, her movements a blur as she created a staff of chakra in her hand.

With a single, swift motion, she struck Tsunade in the chest, sending her crashing to the ground.

Tsunade struggled to rise, but her strength was failing. Kaguya stood above her, a mocking smile on her lips. "You are a relic of the past, Tsunade. In my new world, there will be no place for such as you."

She summoned a yellow sphere, the energy within it crackling with destructive power. "Farewell."

"Damn you, evil bitch..." Tsunade cursed defiantly, despite her situation.

As Kaguya prepared to unleash the killing blow, the sphere suddenly vanished, warped out of existence before it could strike. Tsunade looked up in confusion, her vision blurring.

In an instant, Naruto appeared between her and Kaguya, his expression grim.

"Naruto…" Tsunade whispered, barely able to believe her eyes.

Kaguya's Tenseigan caught the approach of several projectiles from behind. She barely had time to react as a barrage of chakra-infused kunai hurtled toward her. She dodged, but Naruto was already moving, appearing at one of the kunai in a flash.

Kaguya spun in the air, her eyes wide as Naruto tossed a marked kunai behind her. She moved to cast her time-stopping spell again, but Naruto was faster. He appeared behind her, his hand closing around the blue chakra orb that she was about to absorb.

With a burst of speed, Naruto teleported away, the orb in hand.

Kaguya's spell faltered, and she realized too late that her chakra orb was gone. "Damn you!" she screamed, starting to create another orb, but a figure blurred into view before her.

"Shaaannaaroo!" Sakura roared, her fist glowing with chakra. She slammed her punch into Kaguya's gut with tremendous force.

Kaguya's eyes widened in shock as blood spurted from her mouth, her body launched through the air, crashing into a building.

Tsunade could only watch in awe as the tide of the battle turned. Obito suddenly appeared in front of her with Sasuke and a new face—Itachi Uchiha. Itachi knelt beside her, but Tsunade waved him off. "I'm fine," she muttered, struggling to her feet.

Naruto landed beside Sakura, a brief smile of approval on his face. "Nice work Sakura but we still have much to do."

Sakura nodded in reply, but their victory was short-lived as Kaguya emerged from the rubble, her eyes blazing with fury. "Naruto… Obito, you traitor… Sakura…" she hissed. "You will all die here."

She floated above them, a dark promise on her lips. "This street will be your grave."