The chaos in the Land of Rain has ended.
Looking at the results, the Sun God's construction site was destroyed, but in return, they gained high-quality new soil and an opportunity for land reclamation. A new island villa is under construction, with Senju Tobirama helping to stabilize the sea and Senju Hashirama using his fully restored wooden giant to catch the meteor that Nagato had cut apart, safely placing it into the ocean.
The new project has already begun, and the two Hokages are going to be quite busy in the coming days.
But the impact of the Land of Rain battle isn't just about another construction project.
This exhilarating fight has also drawn out the ambitious figures who had been hiding in the shadows, watching the ninja world. The consequences of this battle are only beginning to unfold.
"So you're saying someone can be revived completely, with their original body intact, not as an Edo Tensei corpse, and even better than the Rinne Rebirth technique?"
The Graveyard on the Hill, Uchiha Madara's old home.
This empty cave was once the place where Uchiha Madara died, but now it feels more like his respawn point.
"Yes, Madara-sama. And given that man's power, bringing you back wouldn't even cost him much effort."
This kind of ability was beyond Madara's imagination, yet it was real.
Unlike Edo Tensei, where souls are already present, all Hyuga Hitoshi had to do was rewind Madara's body to a previous state. With his current power, that was nothing more than a trivial task.
"But the key issue is… if I want him to revive me, I have to make significant contributions to the Sun God Kingdom? I have to compete for a resurrection spot?"
Uchiha Madara, who had never worked under anyone, looked conflicted.
He felt that if he bowed his head just to be revived, he would be doomed to be a mere worker for the rest of his life. Worse, he wouldn't even be able to hold his head high in front of that man.
But then he thought about how his lifelong rival, Senju Hashirama, was already working as a laborer at the Sun God Kingdom's construction site. If Hashirama could do it, then him working a job wasn't such a big deal. He just had to disguise himself a bit—after all, Uchiha Madara could not afford to lose face like that.
Damn that Uzumaki brat!
Madara clenched his fist, his expression shifting unpredictably.
"Madara-sama, you must focus on the bigger picture."
Seeing that Madara was wavering, Black Zetsu quickly continued persuading him.
"You've seen the current situation. Ever since that fool Obito betrayed us, we've been on the back foot. And now, Nagato has obtained Hyuga Hitoshi's power and possesses the Sun God Seal. I can't even attach myself to him or control him anymore.
On top of that, Obito seems to have found a new group to join and is trying to fight us for the Tailed Beasts."
He shamelessly blamed everything on Obito. At this point, Obito was basically no different from a turncoat mercenary, standing against them.
Of course, he conveniently left out the fact that he himself had also switched sides and given up.
"In terms of numbers, we are at an absolute disadvantage, which leaves us with only two options."
Black Zetsu spoke confidently, passionately trying to manipulate the so-called pacifist Uchiha Madara.
"First, we could do what we did before—turn against the entire ninja world, rely on your strength, and use the Edo Tensei army that Danzo left behind to launch an all-out attack, seize the Tailed Beasts, take back Nagato's Rinnegan, and revive you that way."
"But that's obviously impossible. Just look at Nagato's strength, and the fact that the Two-Tails' Jinchuriki is Hyuga Hitoshi's divine consort. If we declare war, we're simply asking to be wiped out.
Have you seen Nagato's abilities? There are plenty of people like him in the Sun God Kingdom. Did you know that there are even those with higher authority over the Sun God Seal than Nagato?"
...That extreme?
There are people stronger than Nagato?
Madara's mouth twitched. For the first time, instead of feeling excited at the thought of strong opponents, he felt powerless and out of control.
He knew that no matter how many Edo Tensei troops they had, they wouldn't stand a chance against enemies at that level. Once someone reached a certain level of power, they could single-handedly wipe out an entire army. Numbers meant nothing.
"So that leaves only one choice."
Black Zetsu spread his hands, showing his helplessness.
"Instead of fighting the Sun God Kingdom, why don't we just surrender and use their power to complete the Infinite Tsukuyomi?"
If I surrender fast enough, we won't even be considered enemies. Once the Infinite Tsukuyomi is cast, everyone will be equal, and the world will have a bright future.
"Impossible!"
Madara firmly rejected the idea, his tone full of unshakable warrior pride.
"Madara-sama, I know you're anxious, but hear me out first."
Black Zetsu patiently tried to calm him down.
"The reality of the ninja world right now is that the Sun God Kingdom dominates everything. They control it all. Surrendering isn't shameful.
Besides, we were never really enemies to begin with. They want to release the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and so do we. There's no conflict of interest at all!"
Sure, the reasons for using the Infinite Tsukuyomi might be different, but the goal is the same. Why insist on doing it yourself?
Plus, from what he heard from his mother, his father was actually considering keeping a modified version of the Infinite Tsukuyomi—a 'Limited Tsukuyomi'—to turn it into an alternate life experience package, something like an entertainment service.
That was a massive project.
According to Hyuga Hitoshi's plan, the limited version of Infinite Tsukuyomi would be designed based on the original characters, with different scenarios created for them. He himself would play a special role, quietly observing how the characters' lives unfold differently.
For example, he designed a scenario called *What If Naruto Lost the Nine-Tails?* In this version, Naruto grows up without the Nine-Tails, living an innocent and cheerful life, trying to persuade Sasuke to let go of his hatred, encouraging mutual understanding, and seeking recognition from everyone. He wanted to see what kind of future such a Naruto would have.
Other scenarios included *Reborn as the Younger Brother of the Weasel* and *I Open My Eyes and I've Been Edo Tensei'd!*
These kinds of stories would be realized within the limited version of Tsukuyomi. However, Hyuga Hitoshi wasn't interested in managing it himself. He was used to delegating responsibilities and wanted to find a capable person to act as an administrator. Uchiha Madara seemed like a good candidate, though he was still under observation. The overall direction and ultimate authority had to remain in Hyuga Hitoshi's hands.
"I don't really understand why Hyuga Hitoshi is so obsessed with Infinite Tsukuyomi."
In the end, Uchiha Madara asked his final question.
He admitted that Black Zetsu had almost convinced him. At this point, he was likely to become a worker for the Sun God Kingdom. Whether it was the chance to be resurrected or the Sun God Seal from the upcoming Ninja World Exam, he wanted them both. Otherwise, he might never understand that kind of power.
"You said it yourself—his woman is the Two-Tails Jinchuriki. Does he really have the resolve to sacrifice her just to release Infinite Tsukuyomi?"
This was what Madara couldn't wrap his head around. It seemed completely contradictory.
"Madara-sama, times have changed."
Black Zetsu shook his head and sighed.
"Your thinking needs to keep up as well. The idea that a Jinchuriki dies if their Tailed Beast is removed—well, that rule changes with each version update. After all, he can control life and death as he pleases. Removing a Tailed Beast without harming the host is nothing to him."
But Black Zetsu didn't mention the deeper truth. At its core, Infinite Tsukuyomi was just the key to unlocking Mother's seal. It would gather the chakra of everyone trapped by the Divine Tree and use it as a medium to connect to Kaguya's true body inside the moon, freeing her.
In reality, even an incomplete Ten-Tails could still activate Infinite Tsukuyomi.
As Kaguya's will, Black Zetsu couldn't shake the feeling that Hyuga Hitoshi's motives for wanting Infinite Tsukuyomi weren't pure. With his current power, he could probably just brute-force his way through the Six Paths: Chibaku Tensei and release Kaguya directly without much effort. Sure, she'd be weaker upon release, but not by much.
After all, Kaguya had eaten a chakra fruit and completed her evolution, gaining the Rinne-Sharingan. Even Otsutsuki Isshiki had never eaten one. No matter what her status was before, she had made her comeback. Given time, she'd recover just fine.
"I'll think about it."
Uchiha Madara needed to process everything before making a decision.
Whether it was securing a resurrection slot or obtaining the Sun God Seal from the future Ninja World Exam, he had to strategize carefully.
Black Zetsu, knowing Madara well, nodded, feeling confident there wouldn't be any major issues. He also felt that he had done his best for Madara. He could only hope that when Madara eventually learned the truth, he wouldn't completely lose it.
As the undercurrents of the ninja world swirled, elsewhere, Otsutsuki Hagoromo had arrived at Mount Myoboku.
From the Edo Tensei remnants of Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, he extracted the last traces of Asura's and Indra's soul energy. Using the spirit power he had accumulated over the past thousand years, he infused this energy into the offerings that Gamamaru had prepared, stabilizing and nurturing them.
"Is this enough?"
Looking at the two lifelike figures sitting cross-legged with their eyes shut, Otsutsuki Hagoromo felt nothing.
He had directed the script of Asura and Indra's conflict for a thousand years. Now, erasing that conflict was as simple as planting a suggestion. When they woke up, they would be loving brothers.
That was the power of the soul. All it took was a few special ingredients.
"It's done."
The elderly Gamamaru nodded, though there was hesitation in his gaze as he looked at Asura and Indra.
"But because of their last reincarnation, they suffered heavy losses. Their chakra remains with their reincarnations. Even if they are revived, their strength..."
Indra's case was obvious. When he had just reincarnated and his soul hadn't fully stabilized, Hyuga Hitoshi had brutally shattered him. He hadn't even had a chance to properly return—only his chakra remained before he was smacked away by that violent man. The little bit of soul that remained had been extracted from Uchiha Madara.
Asura had it even worse. He had barely stabilized within Naruto when Hyuga Hitoshi, who had devoured the Shinigami and gained control over souls, forcibly ripped him out.
So now, Asura's and Indra's chakra remained with Sasuke and Naruto. Even the Sage of Six Paths couldn't retrieve it, let alone gift them new power.
"It's fine. The Pure Land is filled with strong warriors from the past thousand years—not just them."
The Sage of Six Paths spoke calmly.
"I will grant them new power, the culmination of the ninja world's thousand-year history."
But doing that would push their already fragile souls to the brink, driving them insane.
No wonder the Sage of Six Paths wasn't taking action himself. Even if he recklessly absorbed soul power, he would be consumed by it, ceasing to be himself and ultimately exploding from the resentment of countless souls.
Gamamaru narrowed his eyes but chose not to say anything.
The man before him was ruthless. Back then, he had merely nudged him in the right direction, and he had gone as far as sealing his own mother. Now, his resolve was even greater.
For control over the ninja world, he was willing to sacrifice his own sons.
It didn't matter. Once everything was over, he could just retrieve their soul fragments and restart the "Savior" script again.
"If that's the case, they might have a real chance of standing out in the Ninja World Exam. There's a good possibility they could obtain the Sun God Seal. And with the Sage Mode of Mount Myoboku, they might even take the top spot."
Gamamaru nodded slightly, approving of the Sage of Six Paths' plan.
---
All this effort, and they had even changed their approach.
Originally, they had planned to use Asura and Indra's power to reset the ninja world.
But now, it seemed their power wasn't enough.
If that was the case, they would aim for the Sun God Seal.
As long as the information they had gathered was accurate, then once Asura and Indra fully awakened, they would have a legitimate chance to obtain the Sun God Seal!
Gamamaru and the Sage of Six Paths both wanted to see what it truly was.
Simply put, they planned to use Hyuga Hitoshi's power to defeat him—know your enemy, and you'll never lose.
It was a solid plan.
But neither the Sage of Six Paths nor Gamamaru knew that even if Asura and Indra fought their way to the top and earned the Sun God Seal, they would still just be high-level workers for Hyuga Hitoshi.
For Hyuga Hitoshi, the Sun God Seal was merely a method of granting power to his subordinates. There was no way anyone could use it against him. All their schemes would amount to nothing.
Yet many refused to believe that.
Besides Uchiha Madara, who now acted as the second Root Shadow, and the scheming elders of Mount Myoboku, in a certain other dimension, Otsutsuki Isshiki sat in his chair, frowning. He no longer cared about maintaining his usual elegance, gripping the jade scroll in his hands with hesitation.
"Let me be blunt. You're strong enough to deal with the ones before you, but beyond them lies a terrifying existence. I'm not confident I can defeat him."
Facing Obito's confused gaze, Otsutsuki Isshiki finally revealed the truth.
Since this is a long passage, I'll translate it in sections while keeping the flow natural and avoiding overly complex words.
Since this was the vessel he had chosen—his future body after resurrection—Isshiki didn't forget to bring Obito back to the other dimension before making his escape.
"What do we do now? If we don't gather the scattered chakra, we won't be able to turn that thing into a Divine Tree and produce a Chakra Fruit, right?"
Obito asked anxiously. The Chakra Fruit was his key to turning things around. However, what he didn't know was that Isshiki never planned to share it with him. Or rather, by that time, Obito wouldn't even be Obito anymore—he would have fully become Isshiki's vessel, losing all sense of self.
That was why Isshiki could freely discuss so many secrets in front of him.
"I might not be a match for him right now, but that won't be the case forever."
Otsutsuki Isshiki said, his words carrying deeper meaning.
He was from the main branch of the Otsutsuki Clan, and only after fully resurrecting through the Karma would he regain his original strength. Once in that state, he feared no one.
Originally, his plan was to use Jigen's body—the one he was currently parasitizing—as a sacrifice to the Ten-Tails, turning it into a Divine Tree. Then, he would resurrect himself using Obito's body.
But now, he realized that even if he did that, there was a high chance the Divine Tree would be taken by someone else. It would be all too easy for others to steal the fruits of his labor.
That meant he had to change his approach.
First, he would resurrect himself. Then, he would return to his homeworld and call for reinforcements.
Even if that meant sharing the Chakra Fruit with others, and even if he might have to take on a new vessel in the future, it was still better than being stuck in this powerless state.
"I'll look for new allies, but it'll take time for them to arrive. In the meantime, you should focus on mastering the power of the Karma—and if possible, retrieve that lost eye."
He stood up, gave Obito one last instruction, then vanished.
When Isshiki reappeared, he was inside a small, enclosed room.
At the center of the room was a strange formation, its patterns intricate and ancient. Isshiki tossed a jade slip into the center, and the formation instantly lit up with a crimson glow.
Taking a deep breath, Otsutsuki Isshiki seemed to steel his resolve before speaking in a low voice:
"Momo, I need your help."
For someone like him to lower himself and ask a fellow clansman for assistance—it was a complete contradiction to his pride and elegance. But at this point, he had no other choice.
As his words fell, silence returned to the room.
One second. Two seconds. Five minutes passed.
Even Isshiki, who prided himself on patience, couldn't help but frown.
"Pathetic."
A familiar voice finally rang out.
At last, Isshiki could breathe easy.
Though it was only a single word, filled with mockery, he knew what it meant—his ally had set out and was already on the way.
It made sense. The homeworld had been expecting a Chakra Fruit tribute every thousand years, yet whether it was a thousand years ago or today, Earth had yet to deliver.
The higher-ups must have known something was wrong.
They had simply been waiting for him to send word.
In fact, even if he hadn't asked for help, that guy probably would've come on his own.
"Tsk, that guy's temper is way worse than mine. He's not going to listen to me without a fight first."
But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Once Momoshiki arrived, his battle with Hyuga Hitoshi would give Isshiki valuable insight into the power gap between an Otsutsuki who had devoured a Chakra Fruit and Hyuga Hitoshi.
The chaos in the Land of Rain was only the beginning of the downfall of the shinobi world.
And now, the script written by Hitoshi, designed to keep things moving, was starting to unfold.
Villains from all walks of life were working hard toward their own "bright future."
No one could have predicted that this tiny shinobi world would gather so many so-called "brilliant minds" all at once—and that even more of them were still on their way.
While the villains were busy scheming, the great ruler of the Sun God Kingdom—His Radiance, the Sun God—was also occupied.
But unlike them, he was enjoying himself.
One grand wedding after another had made the entire shinobi world envious of Hitoshi's life.
People couldn't help but admire his sheer strength.
Even in their wildest dreams, they wouldn't dare imagine such a life for themselves.
But there was no helping it.
His Radiance had far too many divine consorts.
Even if he spent one month per consort on their honeymoon, it would take at least two years to finish all the ceremonies.
But with extended lifespans, time had become just a concept.
For Hitoshi, the man who had mastered the power of life and death, there was more than enough time to spend with his women.
To outsiders, however, the most terrifying part was that with each wedding, his number of divine consorts only seemed to increase.
By now, the people of the Sun God Kingdom had grown used to it.
They simply accepted that there would be a grand wedding every month.
As the shinobi world evolved and the Sun God Kingdom flourished, the villains kept working tirelessly.
And time passed without anyone realizing.
As Naruto accepted the forehead protector Iruka handed him…
As the Sun God Kingdom issued a declaration announcing major changes to the Chunin Exams and Jonin evaluations, completely revamping the reward system…
The once-quiet shinobi world erupted into a frenzy!
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