When Naruto received the first message from Konan, the sky had just begun to lighten.
It was still early morning.
Naruto had just woken up when he sensed Konan's message.
Listening to what Konan had to say, he hadn't expected Nagato to suddenly decide to take action against Obito and Black Zetsu.
He wasn't sure whether to call Nagato overconfident or stubborn, but it was clear that Nagato didn't understand the importance of careful planning. He didn't seem to worry about the possibility of his enemies having backup plans, and he still had to come to Naruto for information.
In the original work, Nagato had acted similarly, rarely considering the consequences of his actions. The only smart thing he had done was the early plan to lay low and make money.
But by the later stages, he had come off as somewhat of a clown.
However, Naruto was happy to see this. He hoped Nagato's actions would lead to some unexpected complications. That way, when Naruto stepped in, his intervention would carry much greater significance.
After briefly informing the other party of the information about Black Zetsu and Obito, Naruto decided against going back to sleep. He quickly got dressed and looked out the window at the sky, thinking.
'It's almost time.'
Knock knock knock!
A rhythmic knocking sound came from the door, followed by the lively voice that only girls can have, but the person who made the sound was already a young woman.
"Naruto, it's time to get up. Breakfast is ready..."
Kushina's voice trailed off, sounding a bit surprised. Naruto had slept in quite late yesterday.
Then, she asked curiously, "Naruto, why are you up so early today?"
"I have something to take care of later."
Naruto walked out of his room, heading to the bathroom to wash up.
But he stopped halfway and turned back to say, "You and Minato don't have to go to school later."
"Do you need our help?"
Kushina asked, sounding excited.
"Not really. I'm just not sure how long I'll be gone. If something happens while I'm away, it could be dangerous for you."
"Oh, so Naruto is worried about his mom?" Kushina's voice grew even more cheerful.
"… If that's how you want to interpret it, sure."
Naruto didn't feel like arguing and silently entered the bathroom.
"Hehe, I didn't know Naruto was such a tsundere."
Kushina happily returned to the living room, where Mikoto and the others were already preparing breakfast.
Since they were all teachers and students, everyone tended to wake up early.
"Kushina, did something good happen? You seem extra happy today," Mikoto asked curiously.
Although Kushina was usually cheerful, today she seemed even more so.
Kushina nodded. "Yes, something good did happen."
"Is that so? Congratulations," Mikoto said with a smile, continuing to set the table.
"Oh, by the way, I won't be going to school with you all today." Kushina added.
"What's wrong?"
"Naruto is worried about his mom getting into danger."
"..."
During breakfast, Naruto finally mentioned that he would be leaving again.
Except for Kushina, everyone else was used to it by now.
However, their eyes still held a mix of curiosity and anticipation. They didn't know what Naruto was planning to do this time, but based on past experiences, every time Naruto left, he would bring back some impressive individuals.
This time, it seemed like someone else had caught Naruto's attention.
After Mikoto and the others left for school, Naruto stored Minato, Kushina, and the small Kurama in the seal space.
Naruto didn't plan to leave immediately. He decided to wait a bit longer, intending to head over only when Konan sent out a distress signal.
After all, offering help in times of need was far more valuable than adding flowers to a brocade.
---
Nagato and Konan stared in disbelief at the scene unfolding in the sky. At this moment, the entire Land of Rain could feel the overwhelming oppression from Madara.
'Was this size even reasonable?'
As the blue-purple blade of light sliced through the air, a colossal Susanoo, towering over mountains and standing nearly a hundred meters tall, emerged on the surface of the massive rock sphere.
The Susanoo, wielding dual swords and exuding the aura of a war god, stood inverted on the rock sphere, its masked face glowing with cold red light as it gazed down at Nagato and Konan.
Beneath the feet of the blue-purple giant, the massive wooden dragon that had been coiling around the rock sphere now found its anchor, winding its way up the Susanoo's body.
The dragon's enormous head aligned with the Susanoo's, bringing Hashirama to the same level as Madara.
But at this moment, Hashirama's expression was far from pleasant, as if he had eaten something unclean.
With a mournful look, he said to Madara, "Madara, I think someone's controlling me."
"Since you're summoned with Edo Tensei, it's natural to be bound by others."
"But why aren't you being controlled?" Hashirama asked curiously.
"Hmph, do you think a mere Edo Tensei can control me?"
Madara's tone was filled with arrogance. He did know how to break free from Edo Tensei, but he hadn't used it yet. Since Black Zetsu wasn't forcing him to do anything, there was no need to break free.
"Really? Then can you teach me how to break free from Edo Tensei?"
Hashirama asked without hesitation, his face full of curiousity.
Madara's mouth couldn't help but twitch at Hashirama's shamelessness. "Hmph, you're as foolish as ever, Hashirama."
Since Hashirama had been reincarnated with Edo Tensei, Madara planned to take full advantage of the situation to torment him. Once he reclaimed his eyes, he would ride Hashirama around Konoha for a stroll.
Pushing aside his thoughts about Hashirama, Madara focused on controlling the massive Susanoo. Its hand gripped the hilt of its sword.
With a swift motion, the blade was drawn, and the same slash that had split the rock sphere was unleashed once more, this time aimed directly at Nagato.
"Damn it!"
Even Nagato's face showed a hint of despair. After using Chibaku Tensei, he had almost no Chakra left.
He struggled to raise his hands. This might be his last Shinra Tensei.
Beside him, Konan was also using a massive amount of paper to create barriers in the air, trying to block the incoming slash.
The slash tore through the barriers in an instant, reaching the two of them.
Just as they were on the brink of despair…
A figure with golden hair suddenly appeared in front of them. Seeing the attack, his eyes showed surprise but no panic.
The Rinnegan appeared in his eyes as he raised his hand toward the slash that spanned the sky.
"Shinra Tensei!"