Time passed slowly.
The God Tree continued to absorb chakra, its enormous roots spreading across the land while the massive buds above slowly swelled, moving steadily toward full maturity.
Those resurrected through Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) were unaffected by the Infinite Tsukuyomi, allowing them to move freely throughout the world. They became the final guardians of the Five Great Nations, watching over the sleeping ninja world in Naruto's stead.
Among them, the Uchiha clan was the most numerous. Under Uchiha Fugaku's leadership, they gathered in Konoha, assembling beneath the Hokage Office like a silent army.
Senju Hashirama addressed everyone in a calm, authoritative voice.
"Right now, Naruto has entrusted us with protecting the ninja world and taking care of those trapped within the Infinite Tsukuyomi. We must divide our forces."
Senju Tobirama crossed his arms and nodded. "I have no objections."
Uchiha Madara snorted lightly. "Neither do I."
The Third Hokage and Namikaze Minato listened quietly as Hashirama continued.
"The five of us will each guard a major region. Tobirama, you go to Kumogakure. Sarutobi, you'll oversee Iwagakure. Minato, you'll protect Sunagakure. I'll go to Kirigakure. Madara—stay in Konoha. Fugaku will assist you."
Madara frowned slightly. "Konoha doesn't need me. Fugaku alone is enough. I'll remain nearby and be ready to assist Naruto if needed."
Hashirama thought for a moment, then nodded. "That's fine. Just don't go too far. If Naruto needs you, act immediately."
With the orders decided, the resurrected shinobi dispersed, vanishing toward every corner of the world.
Naruto's Home
Kushina remained beside Hinata, standing guard. The moment anything seemed wrong, she was prepared to cut the God Tree's vines and free her daughter-in-law. Even if the vines re-entangled her, Kushina would ensure Hinata's safety at all costs.
Elsewhere, Madara turned to Fugaku.
"I'll leave Konoha to you. I'm going out for a while."
Fugaku bowed slightly. "Understood, Ancestor."
Beneath the God Tree
Naruto sat cross-legged, eyes closed.
Through the reflection of the full moon, enhanced by the Rinnegan, he could see every corner of the world—including his own home.
"Hinata… I'm sorry."
A single tear slipped from the corner of Naruto's eye. Subconsciously, he reduced the rate at which the God Tree absorbed chakra from Hinata, controlling it with extreme precision.
A blur flashed.
Madara appeared beside him.
"They've all departed."
Naruto answered softly with a hum.
Madara gazed at the towering God Tree and sighed.
"I never imagined that one day, you would be the one to activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Back then, you stopped me and Obito with everything you had. Now look at the world… it really does feel like a dream."
Naruto replied calmly, "I never imagined this either. But life doesn't wait for us. All I can do is keep moving forward."
Madara glanced at Naruto. In him, Madara saw both Hashirama's compassion and his own solitude.
Loneliness.
That was why Madara had never argued against Naruto's decisions.
"I'll stay nearby," Madara said. "If you need anything, call me."
With that, he vanished.
Time continued to flow.
One day passed.
Two days.
Three days…
Finally—
The God Tree bore fruit.
Naruto slowly opened his eyes.
"It's time."
He stood and ascended toward the crown of the God Tree. The massive chakra fruit pulsed with terrifying energy, enough to make the air tremble.
"So this is the power of the God Tree…"
The Ōtsutsuki clan truly was terrifying—capable of creating something that absorbed life force, chakra, and even natural energy.
Following the memories left behind by Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, Naruto carefully harvested the chakra fruit, holding it in both hands.
"Incredible chakra…"
But before he could consume it, the God Tree reacted violently.
Its roots twisted, the branches convulsed, and a furious roar echoed across the world.
The vines binding the sleeping people began to shake dangerously.
Naruto frowned.
"Now's not the time."
He sealed the fruit away and clasped his hands together, forcefully suppressing the God Tree with his overwhelming power.
At Naruto's current level, even the God Tree could not resist him.
After several tense seconds, the tree calmed. The vines steadied, and the world fell quiet once more.
Yet Naruto could still sense its hunger.
"So hungry… so hungry…"
The God Tree, deprived of its fruit, desperately wanted to devour the chakra of the planet.
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"Not happening."
If he allowed it to feed freely, countless lives would be lost.
Unlike Kaguya, Naruto did not intend to sacrifice humanity.
"You'll endure," Naruto said coldly.
He fed the God Tree a portion of his own chakra and transmitted his will directly into it.
"Behave. If you dare drain this world again, I'll devour you instead."
The God Tree shuddered, submitting.
The people bound within its vines remained alive—sleeping peacefully.
Only then did Naruto turn his attention back to the fruit.
But suddenly—
His expression changed.
"…They're here."
Naruto looked up at the sky.
Within the atmosphere, several overwhelming chakra signatures were approaching at terrifying speed.
In an instant, they appeared before him.
"Hm?" One of them spoke coldly. "Urashiki, is this the Uzumaki Naruto you mentioned?"
Urashiki bowed slightly. "Yes, Lord Tenshiki. This is him."
Ōtsutsuki Tenshiki snorted. "He's absorbed Ōtsutsuki chakra… including yours."
Ōtsutsuki Dishiki stepped forward angrily. "A lower lifeform dares to steal our clan's power. Brother, let me subdue him."
Before he could move, another Ōtsutsuki stopped him.
"Lord Dishiki," said Ōtsutsuki Suishiki calmly, "allow me to act alongside Doshiki."
Doshiki laughed. "Just what I was thinking."
Naruto's eyes sharpened.
Four Ōtsutsuki.
Two pairs.
Equivalent to two Momoshiki and two Kinshiki…
He exhaled slowly.
"With my current strength… I can fight."
The battle was inevitable.
The fate of the ninja world now rested on this final confrontation.
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