Due to Naruto's intervention, this battlefield concluded far faster than it had in the previous timeline.
After sealing the reanimated shinobi with the Impure World Reincarnation, the remaining White Zetsu army posed little threat. Shadow Clone Naruto stayed behind to deal with them.
Tsunade frowned. "Naruto, why aren't you eliminating these White Zetsu? If left unchecked, they could cause trouble later."
Darui, already forming seals, was preparing a wide-range Lightning Release to wipe them out.
But Naruto's clone raised a hand. "Let them go. These White Zetsu will be useful later."
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. "You don't mean..."
The clone patted his shoulder. "My brilliant strategist, you'll understand when the time comes. For now, follow Uncle Shikaku's plan. Have the remaining forces regroup and advance."
As the only present Kage, Tsunade assumed leadership. With Captains Kitsuchi, Darui, and Shikamaru uniting their divisions under her command, the Allied Shinobi Forces began to mobilize once more.
Shadow Clone Naruto tasked Shikamaru and Neji with guarding the sealed reanimated shinobi, especially Asuma and Hyuga Hizashi.
Though Shikamaru had long suspected Naruto's intentions, he felt conflicted. The implications of Naruto's plan were immense—tampering with death, with souls.
Naruto read his unease. "I know what you're thinking. I'm not certain either. I don't yet have the chakra to perform a mass-scale technique like this. But if I succeed, Shikamaru, it won't just be your sensei who returns. So many others too. Because I need more power..."
Shikamaru frowned. "The war is almost over. Why still chase power?"
Naruto gazed up at the sky, his Rinnegan glinting. "Because the true threat isn't from this world. Someone—or something—is watching from beyond the stars. You wouldn't believe it now, but when this war ends, you will."
He patted Shikamaru's shoulder once more and made his way to Hinata. Pinching her nose affectionately, he said, "Stay close to Tsunade. If anything happens, activate the Flying Thunder God seal on your arm. I'll be there in an instant."
Hinata nodded, cheeks flushed. Nearby, Neji watched with narrowed eyes.
"Uncle, how do you feel seeing this?" Neji asked Hyuga Hiashi.
Hiashi frowned. "Unhappy."
Neji nodded. "Same."
After a few more final instructions, the Shadow Clone dispelled. The real Naruto instantly absorbed the memories.
Meanwhile, on another battlefield.
The Surprise Attack Division, led by Kankuro, was retreating with Deidara captured inside a puppet. A pursuit force was close behind.
"Let me out! This is cramped and humiliating! Damn you, Kankuro! I swear I'll make you see true art!" Deidara screamed, thrashing inside.
Suddenly, Kankuro skidded to a stop. Deidara slammed into the puppet walls and cursed. "Warn me next time, you bastard!"
But then he sensed something ominous. The air was heavy. Reinforcements? Kabuto's reinforcements?
Kankuro gritted his teeth. "Danwu, contact HQ! Now!"
The Kumogakure shinobi Danwu immediately formed hand seals to connect to the Allied Headquarters.
Back at HQ, Yamanaka Inoichi reported: "Kankuro's division is requesting immediate support. They're under heavy pursuit."
Raikage looked at Nara Shikaku.
"Where's the Fifth Division's support team?" Shikaku asked.
Ao checked the sensory ball. "They're en route. Taking a shortcut. Should intercept soon."
Shikaku nodded. "Inoichi, inform Kankuro. Reinforcements are imminent."
On the battlefield, reanimated Hanzo of the Salamander led the pursuit. Elder Chiyo scowled.
"Orochimaru, Kabuto, you defile the dead. I will make you pay."
"Shut up, you old puppet hag," grumbled a shinobi.
Chiyo chuckled. "Look who's talking—an old man with a snorkel!"
Suddenly, Hanzo made a hand seal. "Summoning Jutsu!"
With a poof, the giant salamander Ibuse appeared.
Hanzo commanded, "Ibuse, go!"
The summon spewed a dense cloud of purple gas—poison!
"Poison mist! Hanzo's signature technique!" Chiyo warned.
The fog enveloped the retreating shinobi. Kankuro gagged, stumbling.
"Damn it! I have some resistance to poison, but I still can't move properly!"
He heard approaching footsteps. "Reinforcements?!" he called hopefully.
But as the mist cleared, Hanzo appeared atop Ibuse, sickle gleaming.
"Found you," he sneered.
The sickle swung down. Kankuro scrambled to control his puppet—too late!
CLANG! A katana intercepted the blade.
Mifune, the samurai leader, stepped in. "You talk too much, Hanzo. Let's see how sharp your blade is now."
Behind him, dozens of samurai rushed in, retrieving fallen allies.
"Sorry we're late!"
"Be careful! He uses poison!" Kankuro warned.
A samurai replied, "No worries. These masks are anti-gas, designed for ninja toxins."
Another barked, "Get the poisoned to the medics! Move!"
Mifune addressed his men. "No one else approaches. This man is mine."
"Yes, Mifune-sama!"
Hanzo narrowed his eyes. "Mifune? A samurai siding with shinobi? How disgraceful."
Mifune remained firm. "I never thought I'd cross blades with you again, Hanzo."
"You betray your way of the sword by mingling with ninja!"
"No," Mifune replied. "I fight for peace. Loyalty to that ideal is true Bushido. I walk the path of the sword for what is just."
Hanzo hesitated.
That word—peace. A goal he once shared.
But the moment passed.
Hanzo raised his sickle. "Then come, samurai. Let me see if your blade still remembers our last duel."
Mifune drew his katana, eyes steady. "For peace, I will cut down even legends."
The duel between the last true samurai and the Salamander of Amegakure had begun.
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