Yamanaka Inoichi's eyes flickered as he relayed the update through the Mind Transmission Water Sphere. "New update—Jiraiya-sama has arrived on the battlefield with Naruto's true body and is currently fighting alongside him and the Fourth Hokage-sama!"
Shikaku nodded, then quickly asked, "What's Madara's current status?"
Inoichi concentrated, then responded with some confusion. "According to his movements, Madara's heading directly toward Naruto's main body. But the Second Hokage, the Third Hokage, the First Hokage, and the Fourth Hokage are all in pursuit! Hm? Wait—how can that be?"
Shikaku furrowed his brows as he glanced at Naruto's Shadow Clone in the command room.
The clone grinned. "Oh, just like me, Dad can also split his strength. The version of him fighting beside me is the real one. The one chasing Madara with Lord Hashirama and the others? That's my dad's Shadow Clone."
Shikaku exhaled, confirming his hypothesis. But something didn't sit right.
Minato wasn't the type to rely on Shadow Clones. His Flying Thunder God Technique consumed a tremendous amount of chakra. Clones were rarely viable for him.
Unless…
Unless chakra consumption no longer mattered because of his Reanimation state—and more importantly, because he now held half of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
The Raikage seemed to share Shikaku's suspicion but didn't voice it. As long as it benefited the war, that was enough.
In reality, neither Shikaku nor the Raikage knew the full truth. The current Minato, being a Reanimation with half of Kurama sealed within him, had near-unlimited chakra and could operate independently across multiple battlefronts.
After assessing the situation, Shikaku, Raikage, and Naruto's Shadow Clone made the call.
Shikaku gave the order: "Notify all allied forces—clear your sectors and begin moving to support Naruto's main body for the final confrontation!"
Then he turned toward Naruto. "Naruto, I'd like to propose one more deployment. What do you think?"
Naruto nodded. "Go ahead, Uncle Shikaku."
Shikaku studied the battlefield map. "The area where you're currently fighting is the most critical front. Even with Jiraiya-sama there, I believe we need to reinforce you further. I want to send an advance unit. Numbers make a difference."
Naruto thought for a moment. "Alright! The battlefield is under control now. Uncle Shikaku, handle it your way. I'll support your decision."
Shikaku turned to the Raikage, who crossed his arms and grunted. "Don't look at me. If it were up to me, I'd already be out there instead of sitting here!"
Shikaku chuckled. "Very well. Inoichi, issue the order: The First Division's closest combat team will form an advance team. Assign Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy—they are to deploy immediately to reinforce Naruto!"
Even though Kakashi had lost one Sharingan, his tactical prowess and leadership remained elite. Combined with Guy—the Blue Beast of Konoha—these two were a formidable duo. Their teamwork alone brought them to super-Kage-level strength, and if Guy opened the Eight Gates, their power would skyrocket beyond even that.
First Division – Frontline
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed as the message reached him. Guy walked up beside him. "What's wrong, Kakashi?"
Kakashi exhaled. "HQ just ordered you and me to act as the advance unit. We're to support Naruto immediately."
Guy lit up. "Then what are we waiting for?! It's time to show them the power of our youth!"
Kakashi forced a smile, but his mind weighed heavy. He would be facing Obito again. Though he'd already returned Obito's eyes and made peace on the surface, the guilt surrounding Obito and Rin never left him.
The outcome of their past still haunted him in his dreams—if he had just tried harder, could things have turned out differently?
Smack.
Guy slapped Kakashi on the shoulder with a reassuring grin. "Don't get lost in thought, Kakashi. No matter what happens, I'll be right there with you!"
Kakashi looked at him and gave a rare, sincere smile. "Thanks, Guy."
After briefing the vice-captain, the two darted off.
"Race you there!" Guy shouted mid-run.
Kakashi smirked. "Sure. Why not?"
Beneath the bright sun, two shinobi sprinted toward destiny—comrades, rivals, brothers-in-arms.
Battlefield – Naruto's Front
Jiraiya crossed his arms and surveyed the area with awe. "In all my years, this is the first time I've seen so many Tailed Beasts in one place."
Minato stood beside him, smiling. "I never thought I'd be fighting side by side with both Jiraiya-sensei and my son."
Jiraiya grinned slightly.
Minato then turned to face him fully and bowed deeply. "Jiraiya-sensei… thank you. For raising Naruto, for teaching him Ninjutsu, and for guiding him down the path of a true shinobi."
Naruto's lips curled into a small smile. "Dad…"
In his previous life, Naruto had already become a father himself—to Boruto and Himawari. Now, as a son, he fully understood Minato's expression of gratitude.
Jiraiya waved it off with a hearty laugh. "Ah, come on. Don't get all mushy. It wasn't anything special—just a bit of training and travel!"
He looked at Naruto with pride. "Still, I've got to admit—this kid's growth is something else. Not bad for my student."
Jiraiya thought of the prophecy told by the Great Toad Sage.
It was true—Naruto was the one destined to bring change to the shinobi world.
And just like any trailblazer, the path he walked wasn't easy. That's what made it real.
Naruto chuckled. Praise from his pervy mentor never got old.
Then he remembered something.
"Hey, Pervy Sage—technically, I'm your apprentice, and my dad is too. So doesn't that make him my senior brother?"
Jiraiya stroked his chin. "By the letter of the law… yes, it does."
Minato rolled his eyes. "Kakashi is my student, too. Why don't you go make him call you Uncle?"
Naruto burst out laughing.
The warmth of this playful moment washed over him. He hadn't felt this kind of joy in a long time.
But peace never lasted on the battlefield.
From the distance, Five-Tails Kokuō came charging like a locomotive. Killer Bee leapt back and shouted, "Yo, Naruto! Focus! This ain't time for chattin'!"
All three instantly shifted to battle-readiness. But to their surprise, Kokuō didn't charge at them. He ran straight toward Sasuke and Obito!
Karin's panicked voice rang out, "Sasuke!"
Sasuke didn't flinch. He extended his hand—and a massive purple chakra chain shot from his palm.
With a heavy crash, the chain wrapped around Kokuō, binding the Tailed Beast. Kokuō collapsed with a pained roar, powerless.
Naruto's eyes widened. He could hear the Tailed Beast's inner voice through his connection with Kurama.
Killer Bee heard it too.
"Damn it! I can't believe I got caught by that bastard…"
Sasuke coldly walked forward, tightening the chain. The Five-Tails' chakra condensed rapidly, reducing it back to a tailless Jinchūriki state.
Minato frowned. "Looks like Sasuke's control over the Tailed Beasts isn't quite perfect yet."
Jiraiya nodded. "Good. That might give us a chance to turn the tide."
Obito grinned. "Nice work, Sasuke. Your chakra manipulation is spot-on."
Sasuke didn't respond. He just yanked Kokuō back into submission like a dog on a leash.
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed as he caught a glimpse of Sasuke's left eye.
"That eye… it's the Rinnegan!"
Naruto responded with a casual "Yeah."
Jiraiya shook his head in amazement. "I never thought I'd see the legendary Sage Eyes return to this world…"
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