Welcome, welcome everyone! Thunder here with another chapter. Looks like Fanfic's emails and notifications are working... for now. Anyways, remeber everyone chapters are out every month. Once again, I thank by current beta-reader, Waroyer123, for his help.
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot.
Naruto is owned by Masashi Kisimoto, Shusisha, Vis Media, TV Tokyo, and Shonen Jump.
All other ideas belong to their original sources. Please support the official release.
"Hello." – Normal talking.
"Hello." – Normal thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Opening Scene: Haō Zaimushō
Ichigo and Jiraiya stood to the side, watching as Tenten, Yugito, and Killer B were locked in a three-way battle, all in their Tailed Beast Modes. Being inside Haō Zaimushō allowed them to go all out without worrying about damage to the environment. On the other side, they could see Naruto encased in the Nine-Tailed Fox's dark red chakra with six tails, evenly matched against everyone else from Team 15.
"It has been four months since you and your team joined us," Jiraiya commented, observing Naruto's growth. "Thanks to you, Naruto's relationship with the Nine-Tails has improved."
"It has improved, but not enough for Naruto to learn the Nine-Tails' name," Ichigo replied.
"Indeed," Jiraiya agreed.
"Sorry to interrupt," Yhwach interjected. During their time in Haō Zaimushō, Ichigo had a gigai with Yhwach's soul inside to monitor the area.
"What is it, Yhwach?" Ichigo asked.
"Someone is approaching the area," Yhwach reported.
"Give me a second," Ichigo replied, turning to Jiraiya. "Someone is approaching the area."
"I'll keep an eye on things," Jiraiya responded. Ichigo nodded and used Haōgan to leave Haō Zaimushō.
Scene Change: Kumogakure: Genbu
Ichigo appeared beside the gigai, noticing a familiar figure struggling to fly towards him.
"That's Konan, one of the members of the Akatsuki." Ichigo thought. With a small burst of shunpō, he grabbed her and returned to the ground, noticing her body was bleeding out.
"I-I made it," she mumbled.
"Save your breath," Ichigo replied, beginning to heal her. In a few minutes, her wounds were closed.
"Thank you," Konan said.
"How did you find us?" Ichigo asked.
"Tobi told me," Konan replied.
"Who is Tobi?" Ichigo inquired.
"He is a member of the Akatsuki. He wore an orange mask covering his face, except for a hole on the left side," Konan explained.
"So, what happened?" Ichigo asked.
"After Nagato died, Tobi took control of the Akatsuki and mobilized all the remaining forces to hunt down the Three-Tails, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, and Six-Tails."
"Let me guess, he was successful?" Ichigo asked.
"Correct," Konan confirmed. "Tobi sent a letter to the Kage, demanding the remaining tailed beasts at Kumogakure. If the Kage refused, Tobi would use all five Tailed Beasts to attack everything."
"How do you come into play with this?" Ichigo asked.
"I heard Tobi's plans and tried to warn you. Tobi saw me and attacked me. I barely escaped," Konan admitted.
"Wait… If Tobi is the same masked man that controlled the Nine-Tailed Fox, then he could have stopped her…" Ichigo thought. "How did you know where we were?" Ichigo asked. Konan looked at Ichigo with a blank stare.
"How did I know where you were?" Konan mumbled, trying to remember. "Gah!" She grabbed her head as it began to hurt.
"Konan, stop it," Ichigo said, knocking her out. "Tobi purposely sent Konan to reveal the situation to us, trying to bait us to attack them," Ichigo concluded. He sensed someone else approaching. Quickly, he sent Konan into Haō Zaimushō just in time for the new arrival. It was a young man with dark eyes and short blond hair parted in the front. He wore a sleeveless black shirt with a one-strap-over-one-shoulder white flak jacket, black forehead protector, characteristic black, elbow-length armguards, and red and white shin guards along with a pair of sandals.
"Hello C." Ichigo greeted.
"Hello, Ichigo-san," C replied. "Our sensor team believed they spotted Akatsuki members around Kumogakure, so we are strengthening the protection detail around your area."
"I see…" Ichigo said.
"Either the sensor team detected Konan or used that as a pretext to strengthen the protection detail and keep us on the island." Ichigo thought to himself.
"Is there anything else for us?" Ichigo asked.
"No," C replied as he left. Ichigo shook his head and used his Haōgan to return to Haō Zaimushō.
Scene Change: Haō Zaimushō
Ichigo appeared in a large stone cube. There were no windows or doors, only a bed and a bathroom. Konan glared at Ichigo.
"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded.
"I have reason to believe that Tobi, whoever he is, placed you under a genjutsu to find us, injure yourself to make us lower our guard, and fly towards us," Ichigo said. He activated his Tengan and used Mittei-chōgan, breaking the hypnosis Tobi had placed on her. Her eyes widened as she remembered what had happened.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"It's not your fault," Ichigo replied.
"So what is going to happen now?" she asked.
"I will discuss it with the others and go from there," Ichigo replied.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
"Just stay here for now," Ichigo replied as he left the stone cube. He shunpō'ed back to see everyone had stopped fighting, likely waiting for word from him.
"Yo, Orange bro, any news from the outside?" Killer B asked.
"I do," Ichigo replied, snapping his fingers. Wooden chairs appeared around them, allowing everyone to sit down. "First, C came by."
"What did little bro C want?" Killer B asked.
"He came to inform us that the Kumo sensor team believed they detected the presence of the Akatsuki. In response to their report, they have decided to strengthen their border around us," Ichigo said.
"Make sense," Jiraiya replied.
"But there is more to the situation than what they told us," Ichigo said.
"What ya saying?" Killer B asked.
"A former member of the Akatsuki reached out to me, which may have been what the Kumo team detected."
"What did the member say?" Naruto asked, curious about news from the outside.
"Tobi, the new leader of the Akatsuki, has captured the One-Tail, Three-Tails, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, and Six-Tails. He threatened to use them to attack all the villages in their path unless the Kage hands him the Seven-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails."
"Tsunade wouldn't let that happen," Jiraiya commented.
"Why didn't C tell us?" Killer B thought.
"Isn't it obvious why C didn't tell you?" Gyūki replied. "The Kage are aware that all of you would jump into the war, putting yourselves in harm's way and making it easier for them to take us from your body."
"Which is why the security around us has increased," Hinata said.
"But why didn't they demand me as well?" Yugito asked.
"That's a good point," B said.
"I have a theory," Matatabi said as he appeared. "They harvested as much of your chakra as they possibly could. They may be able to use that as a substitute."
"So are we going to stop the Akatsuki?" Naruto asked.
"Not yet," Ichigo replied.
"What!?" Naruto exclaimed.
"You haven't finished making peace with your tailed beast," Ichigo said. "If you enter the battle now, you will be a liability."
"Fine," Naruto said. "But the moment we make peace, we're all entering the war."
"Fine," Ichigo replied. He glanced at everyone else. They all nodded in agreement. "Let's get back to training!"
"RIGHT!" Everyone shouted as they resumed training, pushing themselves further.
Time Skip: Two Months
During that time, Naruto bonded with the Nine-Tailed Fox and learned its name, Kurama. Tenten, Yugito, and Killer B greatly improved their relationships with their respective Tailed Beasts. Now, everyone was sitting down. Matatabi, Chōmei, Gyūki, and Kurama appeared in their Chibi forms.
"Before we leave Haō Zaimushō, we should be prepared to deal with the other Tailed Beasts," Ichigo said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"The First Tailed is Shukaku." Matatabi began.
"He looks like a Tanuki!" Chōmei added.
"He was sealed in Gaara," Naruto added.
"Anyways, Shukaku can manipulate sand, earth, and wind," Matatabi said.
"I'm loosely effective against him," Gyūki said.
"With your ink." Killer B added.
"Next is Isobu." Matatabi continued. "He can manipulate water and create coral."
"Boring," Chōmei added.
"Is that all that is known about him?" Ichigo asked.
"Isobu doesn't like violence and is rather timid," Matatabi replied.
"His ability might complement Chino but Isobu's attitude is different from hers." Ichigo thought.
"Like a turtle," Naruto said.
"Next, the Fourth Tailed Beast is Son Gokū." Matatabi continued.
"That muscle head." Chōmei groaned.
"As Chōmei alluded to, Son Gokū doesn't have any elemental manipulation abilities," Matatabi said. "Instead, he focuses on Taijutsu."
"How does that affect his Jinchūriki?" Ichigo asked.
"Son Gokū only increases the amount and density of their chakra nature," Matatabi answered. "But if a Jinchūriki specializes in Taijutsu, then Son Gokū would likely mentor his Jinchūriki."
"I see…" Ichigo said.
"Son Gokū sounds like a good choice for Hinata if she wants to become a Jinchūriki." Ichigo thought to himself.
"Next is Hyouka [Ice Flower], the Fifth Tail Beast," Matatabi said.
"Ice Queen!" Chōmei shouted while Gyūki and Kurama groaned.
"Y'all have problems with her?" Killer B asked.
"She rarely talks with anyone." Matatabi began.
"When I was younger, I took that as her being arrogant, believing she was better than me. So, I challenged her to a fight." Kurama began.
"And that didn't go well?" Guren guessed.
"It didn't," Kurama replied.
"So what does she look like?" Ichigo asked.
"She is a large bird," Kurama growled.
"A bird with sky blue plumage, sharp gray talons, and a short, gray hooked beak. On her head is a decorated crest that is nearly as long as her body. The center feathers of her crest are white, while the outer feathers are blue. Her eyes are dark red, a contrast to her color scheme." Matatabi added.
"She has five tail feathers which are almost as long as her body and are sharp like swords," Gyūki added.
"Ugh." Kurama groaned. "She can use those tail feathers as either projectiles or extend them like whips."
"Based on the name and coloring, she can manipulate ice, water, and wind?" Ichigo asked.
"Correct," Matatabi replied.
"Perfect for Setsura." Ichigo thought.
"Last is Kokuō, the Sixth Tailed Beast." Matatabi continued.
"He's like Matatabi." Chōmei interjected.
"How?" Ichigo asked.
"Attitude," Matatabi said. "He is like a quiet sage, silently watching."
"While he has less chakra out of all of us, he makes it up by his ability to manipulate all five basic elements and fuse them," Gyūki added.
"I see…" Ichigo said. "Then let's join the war," Ichigo said. Everyone stood up. All the tailed beasts returned to their respective jinchūriki. Naruto and Killer B declined to merge with their tailed beasts like Tenten and Yugito. With their final preparations done, Ichigo sent everyone out of Haō Zaimushō.
Scene Change: Kumogakure
Everyone appeared on Genbu. They could see a large barrier around them. They were not alone. They could see a group of shinobi there, all of them wearing a head protector with 忍 instead of their regular head protector.
"Hello, brother." Someone said. He had dark skin with a large muscular build, white hair that was combed back, a small mustache, and a goatee. He was shirtless with a gold belt around his waist with a boar's face engraved in the center, black pants with torn ends, Kumo-nin shin guards, and shinobi sandals.
"Brother." Killer B replied.
"What are all of you planning to do?" A, the Raikage, asked.
"We are joining the war," Naruto said.
"What war?" Raikage replied.
"Don't play dumb," Naruto replied. "I can sense all the negative emotions around."
"Looks like whoever's the one manipulating the dead is also a part of this war." Ichigo thought to himself as he sensed the fluctuating reiatsu in the distance. The Raikage stared at Naruto, trying to decide what to do.
"Stop it, bro." Killer B interjected as he stepped towards his adopted older brother. "All of us trained to win this war."
"Fine." A said as he stepped to the side. "Follow me." He said as he ran away. Everyone followed him.
Scene Change: Allied Shinobi Forces Headquarters
They arrived in a circular room. They could see it was filled with shinobi specialized in communication.
"Raikage." One of the shinobi addressed.
"What's going on?" he replied.
"We're having difficulty determining who is a member of the Allied Forces and who is a clone."
"With the Byakugan, we should be able to distinguish who are the clones," Hinata suggested.
"We had a few Hyūga clan members try their Byakugan and it failed." Another shinobi replied.
"What about me?" Naruto said. "With Kurama, I'm able to sense those with ill intentions towards me or those around us."
"We need to test that," Tsunade interjected as she pulled out a map. She quickly pointed out their current location and the current location of the Allied Forces.
"Got it," Naruto replied as he quickly created Shadow Clones.
"Setsura, Guren, Chino, and Hinata will go with one of the Naruto Clones to the medium-risk locations. Real Naruto and Killer B will go to the high-risk location. Tenten, Yugito, and I will escort the other Naruto clone to the other high-risk location." Ichigo suggested. Everyone looked at the Raikage, waiting for his response as he was the Supreme Leader of the Allied Shinobi Forces.
"Fine." A said. He looked at Ichigo. "We'll follow your suggestion."
"But be careful of the reanimated shinobi," Tsunade added.
"Reanimated shinobi?" Killer B asked.
"The enemy forces used some kind of jutsu to bring the souls of the dead back," Tsunade explained.
"The reanimated shinobi still have control of their mind and mouth. But their body is under the control of the enemy forces." One of the other shinobi added. Everyone nodded their heads and followed the plan. Unbeknownst to everyone, Ichigo had traded places with a gigai controlled by Yhwach and hid in his shadow with Schrift U: The Umbra. Ichigo slipped out of his shadow and used Shadowrun.
"I managed to find a trace of the controller who summoned the souls," Kyōka said as a thin black ribbon appeared in front of Ichigo.
"Good," Ichigo replied as he followed the black ribbon. As he moved closer to the source, he noticed a few more black ribbons leading in the same direction. "Must be getting closer to the source." Ichigo arrived at a hidden cave. Suddenly white cracks began to form on the black ribbons.
"It looks like the caster released the bindings on the soul," Kyōka said.
"Then it looks like we aren't the only ones here." Ichigo thought to himself as he entered the cave. He arrived to see a white snake-like person standing there. All the black ribbons originated from the snake person. In front of the snake person was Sasuke Uchiha and the soul of Itachi Uchiha slowly turned into reishi. "So, what will you do now?" Ichigo thought. One of the cavern walls collapsed, revealing two new people. One of them had white hair while the other one had orange spiky hair.
"Found you," the guy with white hair said.
"You guys," Sasuke replied.
"What are you doing here?" the white-haired man asked.
"Stopping the Reanimation," Sasuke replied.
"You never explain things to people." The white-haired man complained. Sasuke pointed at the snake person.
"Kabuto was using the Reanimation Jutsu," Sasuke explained. The white-haired man walked over to Kabuto and stared at him. The orange-haired man looked at the person lying on the ground. From the shadows, Ichigo was able to identify who was on the ground.
"Why did Kabuto keep Anko here and alive?" Ichigo thought to himself.
"What do you want with me?" Sasuke asked as he sat down on the pile of rubble, looking at them.
"We found something incredible in one of the hideouts," the white-haired man excitedly said.
"Earlier, you said that you stopped the Reanimation, right?" the orange-haired man asked as he picked up the unconscious Anko. Sasuke nodded his head. "I don't think it worked on the reanimated Madara."
"Madara… why does that name sound familiar?" Ichigo thought as he delved into his memories.
"They are likely referring to Uchiha Madara, one of the strongest Shinobi ever," Kyōka replied.
"Thank you," Ichigo replied.
"Look at this." The white-haired man said as he took out a scroll and handed it to Sasuke. Sasuke grabbed the scroll and unraveled it. "With this, Taka can rule the shinobi world!"
"Is Taka their group name?" Ichigo wondered.
"This is it… I need the human who knows all," Sasuke said as he stood up. "I'm leaving."
"Huh? Who?"
"Orochimaru," Sasuke replied.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" he questioned. "You killed Orochimaru!"
"Hm… interesting." Ichigo thought to himself.
"And even if I do find him vile… I need him to do something for me," Sasuke answered.
"So Orochimaru isn't dead yet." Ichigo thought to himself. Sasuke walked towards the brown-haired man. The man continued to try and argue with Sasuke.
"Suigetsu," Sasuke interrupted him. "Don't underestimate Orochimaru." Suigetsu tried to argue with Sasuke but he ignored him. "Jūgo put her down." Jūgo, the orange-haired man, carefully put Anko on the ground. "Suigetsu shut up and bring me a piece of Kabuto's flesh." Suigetsu looked confused.
"I'll do it," Jūgo replied. As this happened, Ichigo moved closer to see what was going on. Jūgo returned with a layer of Kabuto's skin. Sasuke pulled back Anko's collar and Jūgo placed the skin on her neck. Anko's neck absorbed Kabuto's skin and a red seal began to glow.
"He put part of his soul in that seal?" Ichigo thought as he now sensed another soul. A snake began to form from Anko's neck. The snake opened its mouth as a person exited out of the snake. "It is Orochimaru." Ichigo thought.
"Who would have thought that you would facilitate my return," Orochimaru said.
"Orochimaru, there's something I want you to do for me," Sasuke said.
"What are your intentions in meeting with them?" Orochimaru replied, realizing what Sasuke needed from him.
"I plan to ask them everything," Sasuke replied. "I want to know what started it all."
"Are you questioning your vengeance?" Orochimaru asked.
"No… not my quest for vengeance," Sasuke replied. "Rather, why even in death Itachi could still consider himself a shinobi of Konoha and why he still tries to protect it." Orochimaru looked at Sasuke. He walked over to Kabuto and placed his hand on his shoulder. Orochimaru began to drain the chakra from Kabuto, causing his snake appendages to disappear, reverting him into a human.
"Fine. I will help," Orochimaru said. "Come along."
"Where are we going?" Sasuke asked.
"Someplace you're very familiar with," Orochimaru replied. With that, all four of them left, leaving Kabuto and Anko there. As they left, Ichigo cast a tracking kidō on them, to locate them later. Once Ichigo made sure nobody was there, he rose out of the shadows. He summoned Tsuki no Hansha and entered Shikai.
"Yomu Kioku," Ichigo said as he stabbed Kabuto with Kyōka Suigetsu.
"Looks like I underestimated the powers of the Sharingan," Kyōka said.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked.
"Somehow, Itachi locked Kabuto's mind in a perpetual loop," Kyōka said. "Even though Itachi is no longer here, Kabuto's mind is still stuck in that loop."
"Were you able to look at his memories?" Ichigo asked.
"I did," Kyōka replied. Ichigo summoned a ball of hellfire and began to burn Kabuto. The Hellfire broke the mental loop Kabuto was stuck in.
"GAGH!" he screamed in pain as the hellfire killed him, sending his soul into Hell. Ichigo summoned a sheet of paper and wrote a quick message to Konan. He placed the sheet of paper on Anko and sent her to Haō Zaimushō.
"Kyōka, use Shadowrun to pursue Sasuke and Orochimaru," Ichigo said. Kyōka appeared beside him.
"When should I capture Orochimaru?" she asked.
"Once Sasuke and his group leave him," Ichigo replied.
"Do you think they will abandon him?" she asked.
"Possible," Ichigo replied. "Orochimaru admitted that he's not interested in the war."
"Very well," Kyōka replied. Ichigo sealed Nightshroud and placed it over Kyōka. She activated Nightshroud and dove into the shadows, pursuing Sasuke. Suddenly Ichigo heard a roar as waves of chakra were unleashed.
"Looks like the climax is arriving," Ichigo thought as he summoned Kokugatsu and shunpō'ed away. Ichigo arrived to see Naruto's Rasengan being blocked by a gunbai.
"You will not touch the statue!" Someone said. He wore a white mask that resembled the Sharingan. He also wore black robes which covered his entire body. In his hand was the gunbai he used to block Naruto's attack. The large brown-like statue roared.
"Getsunai [Moonless]," Ichigo said as he swung Kokugatsu down. The man raised his gunbai to block the attack. The attack pushed the man back. Naruto, Kakashi, and Might Guy charged in towards the man. As they attacked, Gyūki tried to attack the statue. It got a few punches in before a red barrier appeared around the statue.
"Ichigo, Naruto, Guy, Bee," Kakashi said. Everyone looked at Kakashi. "There's something I want to test." Kakashi moved his forehead protector, revealing his single Sharingan. Everyone charged back at the man. Might Guy dove directly at the guy and began to use his nunchaku on him. Ichigo fired another Getsunai while Naruto charged another Rasengan. The man phased through their attacks, avoiding them. Suddenly Naruto's attack disappeared. There was a large explosion on the man's shoulder. "Everyone get back," Kakashi said. Everyone returned to Kakashi.
"What did you find out?" Guy asked.
"At first, I thought he used two different jutsu. One that allows him to slip through things and another one that sucks in objects or releases them," Kakashi began. "But that is not the case. It is actually one jutsu." Naruto looked at Kakashi with a confused look.
"What do you mean?" Might Guy asked.
"During the battle, I teleported a kunai and Naruto's Rasengan with my Kamui jutsu, which caused him those injuries," Kakashi said. "This means he is also using Kamui jutsu which is linked with mine."
"But how are they linked?" Ichigo asked. Kakashi looked at the masked man, who stood back up.
"How did you get that eye?" Kakashi asked.
"The Battle of Kannabi Bridge." The man replied. "The same battle where you earned the nickname 'Sharingan Hero'."
"It can't be," Kakashi said.
"You're Obito Uchiha," Ichigo said.
"But how are you alive?" Kakashi asked.
"IT DOESN'T MATTER!" Obito replied. "Reality just keeps cruelly moving ahead."
"Are you still babbling on about that?" Naruto asked.
"Less talking and more fighting." Ichigo interrupted, sending another Getsunai at Obito. Obito used Kamui to avoid the attack, only for him to be hit by another Rasengan sent through Kamui. Obito looked to see Naruto creating more Rasengans for Kakashi to send into Kamui, ready to hit him if he opened Kamui while Ichigo and Might Guy tried to hit him with their attacks.
"Fire Style: Bomb Blast Dance." Obito cast as he spewed out flames which began to spiral, forming a vortex as it tried to trap Ichigo and Might Guy.
"Getsunai," Ichigo said as he slashed the jutsu apart. But this gave Obito enough time to get back. Suddenly there was a large explosion beside Obito. The dust settled to reveal an older man. He had black waist-length hair with shoulder-length bangs framing the sides of his face, covering most of his right eye. He wore crimson armor with numerous metal plates, forming protective guards along his chest, waist, shoulders, and thighs.
"What the?" Might Guy asked.
"Looks like you're having fun over here…" the man said to Obito.
"Why is that Madara over here?" Naruto asked.
"That man is the real Madara," Ichigo said.
"He's a Shadow Clone too…" Madara identified. "Where is the real one, Obito?"
"Naruto, with him being here," Gyūki said. Naruto's eyes widened with realization.
"What's happened to everyone over there?" Naruto asked. Madara naturally ignored Naruto as he continued his discussion with Obito. "I asked you what happened!?" Chakra exploded around Naruto.
"I'm not sure, but I suspect that none of them are doing too well." Madara calmly replied. Suddenly Naruto charged at them with a Rasengan. Obito threw the gunbai at Madara, who swatted the Rasengan back at Naruto. Naruto's eyes widened as he was hit by his Rasengan, sending him flying. Naruto turned to dust, revealing himself as a clone. Madara looked at Ichigo.
"Obito, you have five minutes to capture the other Tailed Beasts," Madara said before charging towards Ichigo. He swung down with his gunbai. Ichigo calmly blocked it with Kokugatsu. The two continued to attack each other with their respective weapons. Neither one was able to dominate the fight.
"To think there is someone capable of going faster than my reaction speed." Madara thought as he blocked Ichigo's attack.
"In all my time in this universe, Madara was the only one who could match me in this state." Ichigo thought as he attacked Madara. He used his gunbai to block it.
"Getsuga Tenshō," Ichigo said as he fired his Getsuga Tenshō point blank. Madara let go of his gunbai as he escaped from ground zero. There was a massive explosion. In the confusion, Ichigo grabbed the gunbai and sent it into his mindscape. He calmly walked out of the explosion with Kokugatsu in his hand. Suddenly they sensed a large amount of chakra. Ichigo and Madara looked to see Naruto encased in Kurama's chakra and Gyūki charging an attack. It was two large Tailed Beast Balls. They combined their Tailed Beast Ball into a gigantic Tailed Beast Ball and fired it. Ichigo could see the attack was aimed at a red barrier that had cracks on it. The gigantic Tailed Beast Ball collided with the barrier, causing a massive explosion that could be seen for miles away. Naruto and Gyūki cheered in joy from seeing the massive explosion. The dust settled, revealing a large creature.
It had a single red eye with concentric circles and nine tomoe. Below the giant eye was a wide mouth with multiple rows of pointed teeth and a single spike on its chin. Spiky protrusions grew out of its back in a shape reminiscent of a conch shell. Obito and Madara quickly disappeared as the creature let out a devastating roar.
"Is that?" Naruto mumbled.
"There's no mistaking it," Gyūki said.
"That's the Jūbi," Kurama confirmed through Naruto. Ichigo, Naruto, and Gyūki appeared beside Kakashi and Might Guy.
"It will be safer up here," Naruto said. Guy leaped out of Gyūki's hand. Kakashi followed behind him.
"Looks like warm-up is over," Ichigo said. "Stride forth to the Gates of Heaven and tear the Heavens asunder. Charge forth to the Gates of Hell and destroy the chains of the damned. Enter the doors of Humanity and become the blade to shatter fate… Zangetsu." Ichigo said as he entered Shikai.
"First, we keep our distance and see what moves it makes!" Kurama said through Naruto. "Then we'll counter the attack with a big blow."
"Got it!" Gyūki roared. Naruto and Gyūki charged towards Jūbi.
"Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo yelled as he fired his attack towards Jūbi. Once Naruto was within Jūbi's range, it shot its arm out trying to grab Kurama. He quickly jumped up, avoiding the attack. The Getsuga Jūjishō slammed into Jūbi pushing it back. Naruto and Gyūki used the opportunity to gather chakra for a Tailed Beast Ball.
"Tailed Beast Ball Barrage!" Naruto and Gyūki yelled as they fired their attacks.
"Mugen Getsuga Jūjishō." Ichigo said as he fired his attack. Jūbi let out a powerful roar as it gathered chakra and fired a powerful beam at everyone. The beam destroyed both the Tailed Beast Ball Barrage and the Mugen Getsuga Jūjishō. Jūbi aimed the attack at Ichigo, Kurama, and Gyūki. Ichigo quickly shunpō'ed up in the air. While Kurama and Gyūki used their bodies to block the attack. The dust revealed only Kurama there. Ichigo could see Naruto had thrown Kakashi up in the air.
"Kamui," Kakashi said. The space opened as Gyūki appeared. Gyūki quickly fired his Tailed Beast Ball at Jūbi.
"Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo shouted as he fired his attack. The Jūbi flicked the Tailed Beast Ball at the incoming Getsuga Jūjishō, causing the attacks to explode. Gyūki roared in pain for being so close to the explosion. As this happened, Ichigo spotted one of Jūbi's tails, trying to hit Kakashi. Ichigo quickly shunpō'ed to Kakashi and grabbed him. Ichigo shunpō'ed them out of the way, returning to Naruto's side. The Jūbi opened its mouth and fired another Tailed Beast Ball at them.
"Dankū," Ichigo said as a transparent barrier appeared in front of them. Suddenly the incoming Tailed Beast Ball was pushed away from them. The Tailed Beast Ball exploded away from them. Luckily Dankū blocked the force from the explosion. Suddenly Shinobi began to appear around them. Ichigo saw his students appear beside him.
"Beetle Jamming Jutsu!" A group of Shinobi chanted. A black cloud of beetles flew out of their sleeves.
"Hidden Mist Jutsu!" Another group of Shinobi chanted, before spitting out cloudy white mist from their mouths. The mist and beetles mixed around the area, obscuring them from the Jūbi. More shinobi appeared around them. The Jūbi waved its tail, blowing the mist away, revealing the entire Shinobi Allied Force.
"Let's go, everyone!" Naruto shouted. All the Shinobi charged towards the Jūbi.
"Lightning Style: Flash Pillar!" A group of Shinobi chanted. All of them suddenly unleashed bright white light.
"Gale Style: Laser Circus!" Another group of Shinobi chanted, as they shot beams of lightning at the Jūbi, temporarily stunning Madara and Obito.
"Wind Style: Air Current Dance!" Temari and her group of Shinobi chanted. Large gusts of wind rushed towards the Jūbi, picking up sand, the remaining white fog, and beetles, continuing to obscure their vision.
"Earth Style: Vast Mobile Core!" Another group of Shinobi chanted as they slammed their hands to the ground. The ground rumbled as large ground walls began to form around the Jūbi. As the walls finished forming, the next groups of Shinobi acted.
"Lava Style: Quicklime Jutsu!" They spat out liquid quicklime at the Jūbi.
"Water Style: Water Bomb Jutsu!" The other group of Shinobi fired jets of water at the quicklime, mixing the quicklime.
"Fire Style: Majestic Flame Jutsu!" A third group of Shinobi spat out streams of flames, causing the quicklime to cure. Naruto charged another Rasengan and everyone leaped towards the immobilized Jūbi. Ichigo prepared another Getsuga Jūjishō as he followed suit. Ichigo could see Yugito and Tenten had already transformed into their Tailed Beast Hybrid mode and joined the attack.
"How pitiful." Madara calmly said.
"Yeah," Obito replied. Suddenly there was a massive explosion as Jūbi's limbs from its back shot up. The force knocked all the Shinobi aside. The Jūbi pulled itself out of the trap, revealing its new form. The Ten-Tails took an emaciated humanoid form with elongated limbs and a twisting neck. It now possessed visible legs, which it used along with its right arm to stand, as its left arm was missing from the elbow down.
The beast's head was altered greatly. As its eye remained on the front of its head, it grew a single ear on the right side, and its mouth moved to the left side, with a single triangular nostril appearing above it. Several horns formed on various parts of its head: two above each side of its face, two beneath its eye, and another below its ear. The Jūbi opened its mouth as it charged a Tailed Beast Ball.
"Displace it upwards using an Earth Style Technique," Kakashi said.
"Right!" One of the Shinobi said as he slammed his hand down, causing a pillar of Earth to rise up from one of the Jūbi's feet. The Jūbi panicked and fired its blast, sending it flying off course. The Jūbi managed to fire another one before the pillar made it fall on its back. The Jūbi quickly fired a third one before it managed to get on its knee and fired another one, this time hitting the Allied Shinobi Force Command Center.
"Neji, what happened to Shikaku and Inoichi?" Naruto asked.
"They died, Naruto." Ichigo calmly replied. One of Jūbi's limbs shot towards them. Ichigo calmly raised Zangetsu in his right hand and fired a Getsunai at it. The attack knocked the limb back.
"Naruto, you and the other Jinchūriki are critical to the plan," Neji finally replied. "So until you regain your powers—"
"We'll protect you," Sakura said. Suddenly, all the Jūbi's limbs raised their hands to the sky. They flicked their wrists, sending small needle-shaped projectiles toward everyone.
"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo shouted as he fired his signature attack.
"Purgatory Style: Great Flamethrower!" Yugito blew a large stream of blue flames.
"Tonbo [Dragonfly] Style: Silk Thread," Tenten shouted. White webs shot out of her hands, sticking to nearby rocks. With a flick of her wrists, the rocks clumped together, forming makeshift flails.
"Ice Style: Icicle Uprising," Setsura said. Icicles formed around her and launched into the air.
"Crystal Style: Shuriken Dance." Guren created large crystal shuriken and threw them into the air.
"Blood Style: Blood Bullet." Chino cast as she fired red bullets.
"Shikō-Ryoku [Supreme Force]: Oppressive Fist!" Hinata's fists were covered in chakra as she punched outward, sending fist-shaped chakra blasts. All of their attacks destroyed the Jūbi's projectiles around them, and some managed to hit and damage the Jūbi's hands. However, not everyone was lucky enough to react in time. Ichigo looked to see Naruto holding Neji's dead body in his arms. Beside him was Jiraiya.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't let your friends die?" Obito questioned, enhancing his voice so everyone could hear him. "Naruto!" Naruto glared at Obito. Neji's body fell out of his hands. "Those words… 'I'll never let my comrades die'… Now look around you and say it again!" Naruto couldn't help but see all the injured and dead shinobi around him. "As the bodies of your comrades grow cold in your arms, take in their deaths! Why must you cling to reality?" From his spot on the Jūbi, Obito extended his hand out as if reaching toward Naruto. "Enough of this… Join us, Naruto!"
"Naruto," Jiraiya said as he squatted down to be closer to Naruto. "Don't listen to him." He placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Look at the headbands everyone has on," Naruto looked at the headbands on their foreheads. "Everyone here joined this war, knowing that they might not return. All of us put aside our differences and wore these headbands to show that we are united."
"Thank you, Pervy Sage," Naruto said as he slowly stood up.
"If that was not enough, then try this!" Obito shouted. The Jūbi's limbs covered its entire body as it charged another Tailed Beast Bomb, aiming it at Naruto.
"Recharge completed!" Killer B shouted as he rode on a bird. He jumped off the bird, transforming into his Tailed Beast form as he dove towards the Jūbi, charging his own Tailed Beast Ball. He used his Tailed Beast Ball to push the Jūbi's inside its mouth. "Take this!" He yelled as he fired his Tailed Beast Ball into the Jūbi's mouth. The force of the explosion caused the Jūbi's body to swell up like a balloon before collapsing back into the trap the Shinobi Allied Force had created earlier.
"Naruto, we're ready for round two!" Kurama said.
"Thank you," Naruto replied as he once again transformed into his Chakra Mode. He quickly used his Shadow Clone Jutsu to create three clones. They ran to everyone and tagged them, giving them all a bit of his chakra.
"So that was their plan," Ichigo thought. He watched as the shadows of the nearby shinobi stretched out and linked to the Jūbi's shadow. The Jūbi struggled to move its body. Everyone prepared for another attack. The Jūbi began to move more, resisting the binds on it.
"Attack now!" Shikamaru yelled as he struggled to keep the Jūbi restrained.
"Mugen Getsuga Jūjishō." Ichigo said as he fired his attack above the Jūbi. Naruto and everyone else leaped towards Madara and Obito. The Jūbi dove down, trying to hit them. Then Mugen Getsuga Jūjishō began to dive down and split into many copies of Getsuga Jūjishō. The Getsuga Jūjishō destroyed the hands, clearing a path for the tsunami of shinobi. They severed the link Madara and Obito had with the Jūbi, forcing them back down to the ground. All the shinobi, still encased by Naruto's chakra, glared at them.
"Unlike you, I don't want to sever any of my bonds," Naruto said.
"Naruto, we'll deal with the Jūbi," Killer B said.
"We'll help too," Tenten said. Yugito nodded in agreement.
"Tailed Beast Transformation." Yugito and Tenten said as they transformed into the Two-Tailed Beast and Seven-Tailed Beast.
"Naruto. Kakashi," Ichigo said. They looked at him. "Both of you lead the effort against Obito, while I lead the charge against Madara."
"Are you sure?" Naruto asked. Suddenly, the Jūbi let out a chakra-infused high-pitched roar. Everyone, except for Ichigo, Madara, and Obito, covered their ears. The Jūbi's body became more humanoid. It let out another explosive blast of chakra, causing black clouds to form. In the chaotic weather, Obito appeared beside Kakashi.
"Looks like you were waiting for your chance, Kakashi," Obito said. "But so was I," he activated Kamui to drag them into the Kamui dimension.
"Naruto, you take care of things here!" Kakashi yelled before they were dragged into Kamui. Suddenly, there was another explosion of chakra, sending everything flying. Lightning bolts rained down from the sky as the Jūbi continued to roar. Tornadoes began to form around the area. Everyone stood their ground, trying to survive the apocalyptic storm. Soon, the Jūbi stopped yelling as the storm finally ceased. Ichigo remained standing with the help of his enhanced body and reiatsu. He looked behind to see Chino, Setsura, Guren, and Hinata standing behind him, protecting themselves from the weather. Others were scattered all over the place, protected by Naruto's chakra. Ichigo could see Naruto standing, blood dripping from his body.
"He's out of chakra again." Ichigo thought as he used his remaining chakra to protect everyone. Gradually, the chakra shroud protecting everyone dissipated. The Jūbi's body transformed further, becoming more humanoid, now gaining a chest and muscles resembling a human. Jiraiya appeared in front of Naruto. Everyone else quickly followed, protecting Naruto from Madara and the Jūbi. Sakura appeared behind Naruto.
"Time for you to recover," Sakura said.
"Everyone, we need to protect Naruto while he recovers his chakra," Jiraiya said.
"Such a futile demonstration," Madara criticized. The Jūbi began to open its mouth wide. Its jaw stretched down to the ground. A red object began to push its way out of the Jūbi's mouth. It got about halfway out before it began to shake. Parts of the red object began to move, like a flower beginning to bloom.
"It's transforming," Killer B mumbled.
"No, it's only reverting back to its original form," Gyūki corrected. "It's only one stage away from its final transformation. If it finishes its final transformation, we've lost."
"Got it." Killer B replied. The red object finished blooming, resembling a red five-pointed star. The Jūbi charged another Tailed Beast Ball, this one even larger than before.
"Earth Style: Mud Wall!" all the shinobi shouted.
"Crystal Style: Crystal Wall!" Guren shouted.
"Ice Style: Ice Wall!" Setsura added. Walls made of earth rose out of the ground, followed by walls made of crystal and ice. The Jūbi fired its ginormous Tailed Beast Ball. Killer B, Tenten, and Yugito began to fire a barrage of their own Tailed Beast Balls at the incoming attack.
"Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo shouted as he fired a larger Getsuga Jūjishō at the Tailed Beast Ball. His Getsuga Jūjishō managed to angle the Tailed Beast Ball slightly up, but not enough to avoid the shinobi. The Tailed Beast Ball Barrage did nothing to affect the ginormous Tailed Beast Ball.
"Shit!" Killer B shouted. All three Jinchūriki chased after the ginormous Tailed Beast Ball. The ginormous Tailed Beast Ball pulverized the walls the shinobi had made. Killer B, Tenten, and Yugito managed to get in front of it and tried their best to block it. They managed to stop it from moving. Before they could react, the ginormous Tailed Beast Ball suddenly disappeared. Everyone looked to see someone appear next to Naruto.
"Am I late?" the person asked. He was a tall man with lightly grey skin marred with a few cracks. He had blue eyes, grey sclera, and spiky blond hair with jaw-length bangs framing either side of his face. He wore a short-sleeved long white haori with a thin orange rope. The haori was decorated with red flame-like motifs on the edges, with the kanji 四代目火影 written vertically down the back. Underneath the white haori was the standard Konoha uniform with two bands on both sleeves, a green flak jacket, a blue forehead protector, and blue sandals.
"Another resurrected spirit." Ichigo calmly said.
"Ichigo, Orochimaru resurrected all four Hokage. They and Sasuke are here to help." Kyōka explained.
"Where are you now?" Ichigo asked.
"It appears Orochimaru and a few others are going to tend to the other Kage," Kyōka replied.
"Nope," Naruto replied. "Right on time, Dad!" Naruto said.
"Who?" Sakura asked.
"My name is Namikaze Minato," he introduced himself. "Prepare for the explosion." Suddenly, from the ocean, there was a massive explosion.
"He sent the ginormous Tailed Beast Ball to the sea." Ichigo realized.
"I sent the attack back toward the sea," Minato explained. The force of the explosion shook the entire ground.
"Something's coming," Ino said. Beside Minato was an older man with the same physical traits as someone who had been resurrected. He had gray hair and wrinkles all over his face. He wore a black jumpsuit, mesh segments over the lower portions of his limbs, and a green gauntlet that covered much of his right arm. He also wore an armored hood with a bandanna-like forehead protector tied with two long straps.
"Lord Third Hokage?" Sakura questioned. "Then that means…" Beside him stood two other figures, both showing signs of being resurrected. One had silver, shaggy hair adorned with three red markings—under each eye and one on his chin. He wore blue armor with a distinctive white fur collar over a simple black suit, and a happuri bearing Konoha's symbol. The other man had tanned skin with waist-length black hair styled in a center-parted fringe. He donned dark red armor with metal plates over a black suit and sandals, adorned with the Senju symbol, along with the standard Konoha headband.
"So you're the ones who stopped the attack, Lord Hokage!" someone exclaimed.
"But who resurrected all of you?" Jiraiya asked.
"Orochimaru summoned us," the Third Hokage answered. "We need to quickly stop this war."
"There's more help coming, but they're taking a little longer to get here," Naruto interjected. Suddenly, Madara landed on a nearby cliff, eyeing the Hokage.
"I've been waiting for you, Hashirama!" Madara shouted with a grin as if meeting a favorite foe.
"I'll deal with you later!" Hashirama retorted, cracking Madara's smile into a frown. "First, I have to stop the Jūbi."
"He hasn't changed at all," Madara complained. The Jūbi charged towards them.
"My fellow Hokage, let's go!" Hashirama said. Minato activated his own Nine-Tails Fox chakra mode.
"Second and Third, stand in front of me," Minato directed. They moved into position, and Minato placed his hand on their backs, teleporting them away. All four Hokages appeared in a square formation around the Jūbi.
"Secret Ninja Art: Four Crimson Ray Formation!" all four Hokage yelled. Red beams shot out and interlocked, forming a barrier.
"Sage Art: Gracious Deity Gates! Ten Seals!" Hashirama commanded. Ten red torii gates descended towards the Jūbi, binding its limbs. The Jūbi roared in frustration as it struggled against the seals. "It won't be able to move so easily now."
Suddenly, another figure appeared beside Naruto and Sakura. He was instantly recognizable in Konoha, either from working alongside him or seeing his wanted poster.
"You sure took your time to get here, Sasuke," Naruto said.
"Sasuke," Sakura murmured. Sasuke calmly acknowledged them.
"Is that you, Sakura?" he asked.
"Sasuke, why are you here?" Sakura inquired. Other shinobi surrounded them.
"Why the hell are you here, you bastard?" one of them demanded.
"Why are you here, Sasuke?" Sakura calmly repeated.
"I've decided to protect Konoha," Sasuke calmly answered. "And then become Hokage."
Everyone from Konoha stared at Sasuke with a mix of confusion and shock.
"Stop with the arguments," Ichigo interjected. Everyone turned to him. "All this talk about being Hokage or not can be sorted after we deal with the Jūbi." Naruto stood up.
"Thank you for healing me, Sakura," Naruto said. "Now it's your turn to rest." He turned to Sasuke. "Let's go." Naruto and Sasuke disappeared, reappearing closer to the Jūbi. Sakura joined them. Suddenly, the Jūbi began charging another Tailed Beast Bomb.
"My fellow former Hokage," Minato's voice echoed with chakra enhancement. "Stay focused and prepare yourselves!"
"We know that!" Hiruzen replied. The Jūbi fired its Tailed Beast Bomb at the barrier, causing a massive explosion that sent energy surging upward like a volcanic eruption. The Jūbi roared once more.
"Wood Style: Wood Clone Jutsu," Hashirama declared. Wooden branches grew from his body, transforming into copies of himself. "I'll create entry points on all sides of the barrier so shinobi can move in and out!"
"Tailed Beast Human Hybrid Transformation," Tenten and Yugito chanted. They shrank to human size but took on their hybrid forms. The Jūbi roared again, gathering energy for another attack.
"Sage Art: Gracious Deity Gates! Head Seals!" Hashirama commanded. Another, larger red torii gate descended onto the Jūbi's head, pinning it to the ground. As shinobi charged in, the Jūbi, immobilized, began creating humanoid clones to attack them.
"Blood Style: Blood Shogun," Chino said, encasing herself in blood that transformed into armor. "Ice Style: Ice Beast," Setsura added, forming ice claws. "Crystal Style: Crystal Knight," Guren continued, manifesting a suit of blue armor and wielding a crystal spear.
"Tonbo Style: Chakra Thread," Tenten said, connecting chakra strings to Setsura, Chino, Yugito, Guren, and Hinata. "This should help maintain your chakra levels."
"Thanks, Tenten," Chino acknowledged. Setsura nodded silently. "Let's go!" Guren shouted. They charged into battle against the Jūbi's humanoid clones but were quickly outnumbered.
In the distance, a giant toad leaped toward the immobilized Jūbi, with a black snake slithering closely behind. Naruto hurled a massive Rasengan while Sasuke fired an Amaterasu arrow that merged with Naruto's attack, striking the Jūbi's back. It howled in pain.
"All right, you're closer! Cease the jutsu on the one atop the Jūbi right now!" Hashirama commanded. Naruto and Sasuke moved closer to the top. Ichigo shunpō'ed to join them. As they arrived, Minato appeared and cut down Obito. Sasuke arrived shortly after.
"All that's left is to seal the un-reborn Madara, and this war will be over," Sasuke stated.
"What makes you think the war is over, my fellow traitor?" Suddenly, the Jūbi began twisting and consolidating, being drawn toward Obito. Ichigo grabbed Sasuke and Minato and shunpō'ed them away to regroup with Naruto atop the toad's head.
"What's happening?" Minato asked.
"Obito has shaken off Madara's control and is trying to become the Jūbi's jinchūriki," Naruto explained as they watched the Jūbi transform into a white sphere.
"Is there anything we can do to stop him?" Minato inquired. The white sphere shattered, revealing Obito as the Jūbi's jinchūriki, his hair, and skin completely white, with ten protrusions and black magatama markings. Suddenly, a red torii gate descended towards Obito. He evaded it easily, causing it to collide with another gate and shatter both.
"Everyone, be on guard! We don't know what this man, who has made the Jūbi's power his own, may do," Hashirama warned. Obito leaped out of the ground, landing near them.
"Enough! Obito, stop this!" Minato urged, attempting to reason with his former student. The other three Hokage appeared beside them. Hashirama and Tobirama moved to confront Obito.
"Saru! Fourth! Scatter!" Tobirama warned, just as explosive talismans appeared all over Obito's body. The tags exploded, releasing black smoke.
"Flying Raijin Jutsu," Minato called out, and they vanished. A wooden clone of Hashirama extended branches to restrain Obito. Tobirama threw more explosive tags, causing large explosions. Ichigo, Naruto, Minato, and Hiruzen appeared in the distance, watching as Obito emerged unharmed from the smoke. Hiruzen summoned a gigantic shuriken and hurled it at Obito.
"Shuriken Shadow Clone!" he shouted, sending ten shurikens flying. Obito conjured a black shield and charged through Hiruzen's attack. As he closed in on Hiruzen, a black spear emerged from Obito's hand. Hiruzen barely evaded, losing an arm in the process. Before he could react, Obito's black shield transformed into a sphere on his backhand, which pierced through Hiruzen, turning him to dust. Obito leaped towards them, his body suddenly expanding and crashing into the ground mid-leap.
"The Jūbi hasn't synchronized with Obito yet," Minato thought to himself. "This is the best chance to take him down." Minato drew his kunai and charged at Obito. Suddenly, the ground exploded as Obito's upper body shot out of the ground, knocking everyone else off the toad. Obito moved towards Minato, only to be intercepted by Sasuke's Susanoo. Obito used his feet to push Minato away as he lunged towards Naruto and Sasuke. Ichigo appeared in front of them and blocked Obito's hands with both of his Zangetsu.
"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo shouted as he fired a Getsuga Tenshō from each of his swords. The force pushed Obito away from Naruto and Sasuke. Obito crashed into the ground. He flexed his body, freeing it from underground. Suddenly, the right side of his body began to drastically swell.
"This is reminding me of Akira," Ichigo thought to himself. Obito raised his swollen right hand and fired the black sphere from his hand towards everyone. Luckily for them, the sphere missed but caused a massive explosion. They watched as the black sphere casually returned to Obito's side, who was now missing the right portion of his body.
"He hit himself with his own attack," Sasuke said.
"It seems Obito's consciousness is barely able to control the Jūbi's great power."
"I'll create an opening," Minato said as he summoned all six of his kunai. "So, all of you hit him with your strongest attacks." Minato threw his kunai around Obito. Suddenly, there was a massive explosion of chakra around Obito. Everyone was momentarily stunned by the force as Obito transformed again. The dust settled to see Obito's body was no longer blown up. It returned to a human form, but the ten protrusions on his back expanded to form the collar and coattails of a haori. He also had two horns sprouted from his forehead – the left smaller than the right – and six magatama markings appeared across his chest. In his hand was a black shakujō. Behind him were five black spheres floating there.
"Finally, sensei," Obito said, finally speaking since he became the jinchūriki for the Jūbi. Minato grabbed his kunai and charged at Obito, trying to strike him. Obito casually blocked Minato's attack with his black shakujō, causing Minato's kunai's tip to break. Obito used his left hand to chop off Minato's right arm.
"He got me, but I'm okay," Minato quickly said.
"Are you sure about that?" Obito questioned. Suddenly, the black sphere was next to Minato's right shoulder. It glowed as it was about to explode. Sasuke summoned his Susanoo and pulled Naruto into it, to protect him. Suddenly, everyone was moved away from the blast radius.
"Don't worry. I only teleported a clone," Tobirama explained. They watched to see if they managed to put Obito down. From the dust, a large black sphere rose out. The black sphere landed and uncoiled itself, revealing an unharmed Obito. "He blocked it. He's fast." Ichigo, Naruto, and Sasuke charged towards Obito.
"Amaterasu," Sasuke said as he summoned the black flames. Obito spun his shakujō, blocking the attack. Ichigo attacked with both of his blades. Obito used his shakujō to block Ichigo's first attack, expecting it to break as Minato's kunai did, but to his surprise, Zangetsu didn't break. That moment gave Ichigo the opening he needed.
"Getsuga Tengeki!" Ichigo shouted as he fired his attack at Obito's chest. Getsuga Tengeki hit his chest and sent him flying up in the air.
"Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken!" Naruto shouted as he charged his attack.
"Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi!" Sasuke said as he summoned more black flames. They combined their attack. Suddenly, Minato appeared in front of them, ready to be hit by the attack. At the same time, Tobirama appeared behind Obito.
"Revolving Flying Thunder God!" Minato and Tobirama shouted. Suddenly, Obito traded places with Minato, getting hit by the Amaterasu-empowered Rasen Shuriken. The force of the attack sent Obito crashing into the ground and engulfed by black flames. Tobirama appeared beside Minato. The dust and flames settled, revealing Obito only suffering minor injuries to his chest.
"That is strange," Tobirama said as he looked at Minato. "There should be dust swirling around your shoulder to recreate your arm."
"It should?" Minato replied, as he never learned about the jutsu.
"Obito must be using a jutsu that combines the Yin Style and Yang styles, allowing him to nullify all ninjutsu," Tobirama theorized.
"Then that means he is immune to ninjutsu," Minato concluded.
"Making this fight very tricky," Tobirama said, before looking at Ichigo.
"How were you able to injure him?"
"My attacks are spiritual in nature," Ichigo replied. Tobirama looked at Ichigo for a moment.
"I see," he said. Naruto was unexpectedly released from his chakra mode.
"What gives Kurama?" Naruto asked.
"Sorry Naruto, it will take some time to recover my chakra," Kurama replied. The giant frog spat out a thick, viscous liquid at Obito. Obito quickly summoned his black spherical barrier to protect him from the unexpected attack.
"Sorry Naruto. We're at the time limit for the summoning," the frog said.
"Thanks for the effort!" Naruto replied. "Go and get some rest."
"Sorry again," the frog said as it disappeared. As Obito released his barrier, everyone noticed that the liquid was not broken down by the barrier.
"Ichigo, stall him for a moment," Tobirama asked.
"Got it." Ichigo shunpō'ed in front of Obito and began to fight him with both of his Zangetsu. Obito tried to block the attack with his black barrier, only for Ichigo to shunpō to his back and attack from there. Every time Obito tried to block or counterattack, Ichigo would shunpō to an unprotected side and hit him. Suddenly, Naruto and Tobirama appeared on Obito's side and hit him with another Rasengan, sending him flying into a wall, kicking up dust and debris.
"Did you think that worked?" Naruto asked.
"Based on what I saw, it should," Tobirama replied. The dust settled to see Obito stuck in the crater. On his right hip was a circular impact area where he was hit by Naruto's attack.
"Looks like Senjutsu also works against him," Naruto said.
"It clearly worked, but now he's already recovered and is extra careful," Tobirama said.
"I should start preparing for the Tsukuyomi," Obito thought as he got on his knees.
"Let's tidy things up." Suddenly, the ground in front of him exploded as a giant tree with multiple five-star petals that began to bloom rose out of the ground. Obito began to float up in the air.
"This world is already dead." A gigantic Tailed Beast Ball began to form from each of the flowers. Obito blasted six times all around the battlefield. Those blasts turned out to be black chakra receivers.
"Six Crimson Ray Formation." Red beams shot out from the chakra receivers. The beams converged, forming a red wall that created a barrier trapping everyone inside. Obito expanded the black sphere, wrapping it around himself for protection from the explosion.
"Dad," Naruto called to Minato. "I've got an idea."
"What is it?" Minato asked.
"Will you fist bump with me?" Naruto asked. Minato obliged, bumping fists with Naruto. Suddenly, Naruto regained his chakra form. "Let's go, Dad!"
"Yeah!" Minato agreed. Once again, Naruto's chakra shroud enveloped everyone except Ichigo and Sasuke.
"I haven't shared my chakra with you yet," Naruto said. The four gigantic Tailed Beast Balls fired. Naruto extended his limb to touch Sasuke. Attempting the same with Ichigo, he jumped away at the last second.
"I wonder if this attack could pierce through my defenses," Ichigo thought as the Tailed Beast Balls exploded. The Six Crimson Ray Formation stood firm, containing the blasts' force and redirecting it upwards. As the dust settled, the black sphere unraveled itself.
"What!?" Obito exclaimed, seeing Ichigo standing calmly amidst the destruction. "Impossible."
"Getsuga Jūjishō," Ichigo replied. Obito summoned his black sphere barrier to block the attack. The Getsuga Jūjishō exploded, slamming him into the barrier. Naruto and Minato then appeared, encased in chakra Kurama forms, carrying an enormous Rasengan. Obito attempted to block with his red limbs, but Naruto and Minato pinned him down with their tails.
"Rasengan!" They shouted. Obito raised his hand, using black spheres to form a barrier. The Rasengan exploded, knocking Minato and Naruto off their feet and sending Obito flying. Naruto prepared to charge a Tailed Beast Bomb at Obito. Obito summoned the Jūbi, which landed on the ground with a rumble. A flower bloomed on its back. Obito released the barrier, and large roots began to erupt from the ground, with branches reaching toward Naruto.
"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo shouted, attacking the branches, which ignored him and continued to target the other shinobi. Hashirama tapped Ichigo's shoulder, having regenerated along with Hiruzen.
"Hey!" Tobirama yelled. Ichigo glanced back as they regrouped.
"Okay," Ichigo replied. Tobirama whisked them away for a better view, and their eyes widened at the drained husks littering the battlefield. Ichigo overheard Madara conversing with Hashirama.
"No need to continue," Obito calmly said, floating towards them. Naruto glared. "Unless you want to regret it."
"Hiruzen," Orochimaru said to Hiruzen upon seeing him, "What of the Five Kage?"
"I had them healed," Orochimaru replied. "If they don't chicken out, they'll return."
"I am also here, still in his shadow," Kyōka added.
"Okay, stay with him," Ichigo replied. They heard Hashirama, explaining as morale sank among the Allied Shinobi Forces.
"Exactly. Stay like that," Obito interrupted, sensing their morale. "I'll take you to a world without regrets." Suddenly, a Susanoo chopped off one of the roots.
"Naruto, are you ready?" Sasuke asked. "Because I am not." Naruto, still encased in Kurama chakra, leaped down beside Sasuke. They charged at the tree. Obito summoned his black shakujō, blocking their attacks. Ichigo appeared behind Obito, attacking with Zangetsu. Naruto charged a Tailed Beast Bomb while Sasuke summoned a crossbow, loading a black, flaming arrow. Ichigo pointed Zangetsu at him.
"Getsuga Tengeki," Ichigo said, firing all their attacks simultaneously. Obito's eyes widened as all the attacks struck him.
"Why do you still resist?" Obito yelled. Roots grabbed everyone, draining chakra before slamming them down. Naruto and Sasuke rose.
"Because it's my Ninja Way," Naruto replied, summoning Kurama chakra again. Sasuke stood beside Naruto. "Let's finish this, Naruto," Sasuke said. Naruto was encased in Kurama chakra while Sasuke summoned Susanoo. The two merged, forming Kurama encased in purple armor, wielding a long katana. Obito floated with a massive, double-helix-shaped sword.
"Nothing will change," Obito said. "This is the divine blade, the Sword of Nunoboko, of the Sage of Six Paths." In the distance, Ichigo watched.
"The true mastermind," he thought, "who trapped the gods in Takamagahara, should appear soon." Ichigo watched Naruto and Sasuke continue to fight Obito. In the meantime, the tree roots continued to drain the chakra from Tenten, Yugito, Gaara, Killer B, and the Allied Shinobi Forces. Obito, under the influence of Black Zetsu, assisted in reviving Madara. Ichigo covertly recovered Tenten's and Yugito's soulless bodies, placing them in Haō Zaimushō. Naruto and Sasuke returned to combat Madara. The battle caused damage to the gigantic tree. Madara suddenly absorbed the gigantic tree and underwent a similar transformation as Obito. He summoned meteors, distracting everyone as he floated towards the moon, revealing a third eye on his forehead. His third eye glowed, casting Infinite Tsukuyomi onto the moon. Moonlight spread, turning the world dark. Ichigo located Chino, Guren, Setsura, and Hinato, affected by the Infinite Tsukuyomi, sending them to Haō Zaimushō. The ground shook as tree branches enveloped victims like cocoons.
"So Sasuke's Susanoo is protecting them from the effects of Infinite Tsukuyomi," Ichigo thought. He remained unaffected himself, his dense reiatsu blocking the light from affecting him. Slowly, this side of the planet moved towards daytime. The moonlight that was used to transmit the Infinite Tsukuyomi faded, now transmitting to the other side. Throughout this time, Sasuke's Susanoo shielded them while Madara patiently waited. Gradually, Sasuke's Susanoo disappeared, allowing Team 7 to move freely.
"Sasuke, what do we need to do to free everyone from the genjutsu?" Naruto asked.
"Rinnegan genjutsu can likely be countered with another Rinnegan," Sasuke replied.
"I won't let that happen!" Black Zetsu interjected.
"Which I, the savior of the world, will inevitably achieve," Madara added, appearing before Team 7.
"Be careful. We are surrounded on all sides by four of his Shadows," Sasuke warned.
"I'm aware," Naruto replied.
"I won't allow you to interfere further," Madara declared, turning towards Team 7. "I have severed the Karmic Cycle of this world, liberating humanity from their suffering, pain, and futility. Everyone is within the Divine Tree, dreaming their own idyllic dreams."
"You're deceiving people," Sasuke retorted.
"I only wish to be the savior who ends the long history of shinobi conflict," Madara stated. Suddenly, a hand pierced through Madara's chest.
"You're wrong, Madara," Black Zetsu declared, revealing himself as the attacker. "You are not the savior, nor is this the end." Team 7 looked on in shock as the black shadow continued to speak. "You have all been trapped in a phantom dream that I orchestrated."
"What are you saying? I created you," Madara questioned.
"Wrong again. My will is Kaguya's!" Black Zetsu clarified.
"They're having a falling out at this stage?" Kakashi pondered.
"No, it's not that," Sasuke replied. "He just mentioned Kaguya, the one mentioned by the Sage of the Six Paths." Suddenly, chakra from all the people trapped in the tree surged towards Madara.
"GAHAH!" Madara cried out, black veins erupting across his body from where Black Zetsu had pierced him.
"This chakra is overwhelming!" Naruto exclaimed.
"All of Madara's shadows have vanished," Sasuke noted. The ground shook as waves of chakra surged towards Madara. He continued to scream in agony from the immense chakra forced into his body. Naruto and Sasuke charged at Madara, trying to stop him. His hair extended, transforming into hands that grabbed Naruto and Sasuke.
"Sasuke! If we don't stop him now, he'll drain everyone else's chakra before ours, and they'll all die!" Naruto shouted, struggling to break free.
"Even when Kaguya previously cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi upon the populace, she kept them alive, preserving them to create her soldiers, the White Zetsu," Black Zetsu explained as a black liquid substance spread around him.
"The Infinite Tsukuyomi is an Uchiha jutsu, designed to bring eternal peace to the shinobi world," Madara asserted as he struggled against Black Zetsu.
"My dear Madara, I have existed for eons longer than you. The original purpose of the Infinite Tsukuyomi is not to grant peaceful dreams, but to amass enormous amounts of chakra from those enslaved within it," Black Zetsu elucidated. Suddenly, Madara's body inflated like a balloon. Soon after, it deflated to reveal someone else standing before them. It was a pale-skinned woman with soft facial features, possessing extremely long, sweeping grey hair. She had clear white eyes, and short round eyebrows, and wore red lipstick. Brown horns adorned her head, with a third eye in the center of her forehead. She wore a high-collared hime-kimono embellished with tomoe and intricate gold and purple lines.
"Ōtsutsuki Kaguya," Sasuke identified.
"She must be the invader I've been seeking," Ichigo thought to himself. Kaguya opened her eyes, gazing at Naruto and Sasuke. She swiftly threw them down and attacked with her hair. Naruto and Sasuke defended themselves but were overwhelmed. Suddenly, everyone was slammed to the ground by a heavy weight. Kaguya struggled to stand as Ichigo appeared with both Zangetsu tied to his waist.
"I think it's time for a brief conversation," Ichigo declared, releasing his reiatsu to lift everyone from the weight.
"You're still alive?" Naruto asked in surprise.
"Yes," Ichigo affirmed, then turned to Kaguya. "It's a pleasure to meet the one who trapped the gods in Takamagahara."
"Gods?" Team 7 queried.
"I'm surprised someone remembers them," Kaguya replied. "Though I was not the one who trapped them. My superior did."
"What are you two talking about?" Naruto asked. Ichigo faced Naruto.
"Don't worry about it for now," Ichigo reassured him. "I will take you to a place where someone can explain what's happening." With that, Ichigo transported Team 7 and the four Kage to Haō Zaimushō. "We have much to discuss," Ichigo stated, looking at Kaguya. A table, two chairs, and a teapot appeared before them.
See all of you next month.