As "Momoshiki has done it too" echoed through the battlefield, his transformation under Kinshiki's chakra began to take shape. Momoshiki's hair grew longer, black markings appeared on his face and body, and the horns on his head straightened vertically. His Byakugan transformed into golden eyes, and a golden Rinnegan slowly emerged on his forehead. At that moment, his aura became even more terrifying and overwhelming.
"The Divine Ascension Stairway..."
Hidden within Kitagawa Minamoto's body, Kaguya became even more dazed upon witnessing Momoshiki's transformation. She never imagined the world could become this insane. Back then, she had ambushed Isshiki and lived in fear for an eternity. But now... the times had changed?
"Momoshiki has done it, and he succeeded."
Compared to Kaguya's bewilderment, Isshiki's gaze was much deeper, and he couldn't help but mutter to himself. "Kitagawa Minamoto's path is truly feasible. Is this really a 'Divine Ascension Stairway'?"
As he spoke, his peripheral vision couldn't help but drift toward Urashiki beside him. Urashiki, however, was completely speechless, his eyes vacant and dazed. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing.
"Has this world gone mad..."
Suddenly, he felt as though Momoshiki's arrival didn't make him safer—instead, it made him more vulnerable!
"This feeling is incredible. It truly is a Divine Ascension Stairway."
Momoshiki reveled in the surge of power coursing through him, a crazed smile spreading across his face. "Now, let me make you my stepping stone to godhood, Kitagawa Minamoto!"
With a furious roar, Momoshiki charged at Kitagawa Minamoto, his speed far surpassing what it had been before, his strength magnified severalfold. In his hand, a red staff materialized—clearly an ability inherited from Kinshiki. Momoshiki had completely absorbed everything Kinshiki had to offer.
"Isn't that my line?" Kitagawa Minamoto smirked, feeling as though his dialogue had been stolen. But he didn't mind, because what belonged to Momoshiki would soon belong to him.
Buzz—A golden lightsaber sliced through the heavens, its power erupting as Kitagawa Minamoto countered Momoshiki.
Boom—In an instant, the two clashed, sparking a deafening explosion!
The storm of their collision warped the dark clouds above, as if the very fabric of space had been shattered. The violent energy expanded across the sky, then spread to the distant horizon. The already devastated area below was reduced to even greater ruin.
When the storm reached the town below, almost every ninja suffered its wrath.
"Damn it, even the aftershock has this kind of power?"
"Ugh, I can't even open my eyes!"
"These guys... they're terrifying."
All the ninjas struggled to endure, but none chose to retreat. Their Kage was still here, and they couldn't abandon them. Despite their suffering, some continued to fight.
"Are those guys the legendary Ōtsutsuki?" Naruto, though struggling, was still able to function. He raised his head to gaze at the sky, having heard of the Ōtsutsuki and witnessed some of their battles. But no one had explained their true nature to him.
"Tch, Kitagawa Minamoto faced these kinds of people in the Land of Earth last time..." Naruto clenched his fists, feeling both frustrated and aware of their terrifying power. After all, he noticed that even Kurama within him seemed afraid!
"Rare indeed..." Naruto chuckled, then turned his attention to Kakuzu and Hidan, who were also struggling under the immense pressure. "No matter what happens to them, I'll deal with you two first!"
With that thought, Naruto charged forward, Kurama's chakra blazing brightly around him.
"Damn it." Seeing Naruto rush toward them again, Kakuzu cursed under his breath, while Hidan struggled to lift his massive scythe. Under such heavy pressure, even moving was an arduous task. At that moment, they heard Naruto's voice.
"Time to finish you off, and remember this—"
Originally just one voice, it suddenly multiplied into hundreds shouting in unison! Countless glowing Rasengan filled the sky, completely enveloping Kakuzu and Hidan.
"I'm not a dead-last!"
Boom— Boom— Boom—
Thunderous explosions erupted, the light from the Rasengan completely consuming Kakuzu and Hidan.
"Hmph, those Ōtsutsuki..." Sasuke's gaze shifted upward, the sheer power above stirring a deep yearning within him. But he knew that he wasn't yet qualified to face them directly. Even now, he doubted he could defeat Madara Uchiha.
Over the years, he had learned to take things step by step, lest he face the wrath of Tobirama Senju and Kitagawa Minamoto.
"So for now, I'll deal with these two." Taking a deep breath, Sasuke felt his eyes nearing their limit. He resolved to finish off his opponents before his vision failed completely.
"Once this is over, I need to focus on improving myself. I can't afford to stagnate. Even if I can't catch up to the seniors..." Sasuke inhaled deeply, his chakra surging once more, and his Susanoo roared with renewed vigor.
"I absolutely can't fall behind!"
The raging power swirled around him, his Susanoo growing to over 200 meters tall. The massive chakra blade was awe-inspiring, its overwhelming force striking fear into all who witnessed it.
"This guy..." Sasori felt uneasy at the sight of the towering Susanoo, while Itachi Uchiha couldn't help but mutter softly.
"You're pushing yourself this hard, Sasuke..."
Sasuke ignored them, maximizing his ocular powers to their limits. He intended to exhaust every ounce of his strength.
"Is this the power of the Uchiha..." Sasuke murmured, blood streaking his cheeks, but he paid it no mind. "I want to see if Impure World Reincarnation truly has no limits!"
With a low growl, Sasuke's Susanoo moved, its massive blade drawing chakra as it swung—like the heavens themselves tilting and the earth shifting!
"Momoshiki has already done it, quite cooperative indeed."
Inside the damaged high-rise, Kitagawa Minamoto's Divine Tree clone was dealing with Pain and Kimimaro. Obito was still "disconnected," showing no signs of reconnecting, while the others were also suffering.
The pressure from the battle outside wasn't doing them any favors, though Kimimaro and Pain were still holding on.
Pain's resilience wasn't surprising—his potential was limitless, and his true ceiling had never been discovered. What truly held him back wasn't his abilities, but his Rinnegan!
As for Kimimaro...
"My battles with him have accelerated his Kāma's development considerably."
Kimimaro's body was now covered in black markings, looking somewhat similar to Momoshiki. With the Kāma's help, his power increased, his speed quickened, and even his Dead Bone Pulse techniques grew more formidable!
"It's gradually taking on aspects of Yin-Yang Release. As expected of the Ōtsutsuki..."
But this level still wasn't enough against Kitagawa Minamoto, even his Divine Tree clone. The clone might not be able to use Ōtsutsuki powers, but it lacked nothing else!
"Universal Pull!"
As Kitagawa Minamoto pondered, Pain suddenly roared. An extreme pulling force erupted around Kitagawa Minamoto. The ground trembled slightly, everything around him tilted inward, and countless boulders were drawn toward him.
Even Kitagawa Minamoto was slightly pulled, and Kimimaro quickly coordinated his attack.
"Dead Bone Pulse: Dance of the Clematis Flower!"
His spine extended from his body like a whip or spear, driving toward Kitagawa Minamoto. A gray, misty chakra swirled around the sharp spinal protrusion!
"Good coordination," Kitagawa Minamoto smiled, then added, "But still not enough."
Before he finished speaking, he had already nimbly twisted to avoid the sharp spine. Simultaneously, he raised one hand vertically. Yin-Yang Release power rapidly gathered in his palm, and a black short sword materialized!
Buzz—The sword slashed through the air, Yin-Yang Release accompanied by natural energy roaring and howling. In the blink of an eye, Kimimaro's spine was severed!
At the same time, Kitagawa Minamoto flashed to appear before Pain.
"The true power of the Rinnegan was never these trivial techniques. Don't you even know Yin-Yang Release?"
As he spoke, the Yin-Yang Release sword descended. Its terrifying edge seemed capable of destroying everything, and a brilliant light shot skyward.
Even as a Divine Tree clone, after absorbing the chakra of several Ōtsutsuki and gathering the power of all nine Tailed Beasts, his strength was beyond imagination. Though he couldn't kick through a Susanoo like his original body, combined with Yin-Yang Release and Sage techniques, he was still far beyond ordinary shinobi!
"Damn it..." Pain's face turned ashen as he faced the blade. Without hesitation, he gathered all his chakra, his Rinnegan spinning rapidly.
"Almighty Push!"
Boom—A tremendous sound echoed, the ground cracking beneath them. Tsunami-like waves of chakra surged outward, and the building finally collapsed completely!
Deidara and Kakashi immediately fled with the others. This battle had already exceeded all expectations, and they knew Kitagawa Minamoto likely wouldn't let them intervene anyway.
"Tch, truly terrifying, hmm," Deidara muttered as he protected Kurotsuchi and the others. Though they looked disheveled, they weren't particularly surprised. They had witnessed Kitagawa Minamoto's abilities in Iwagakure, and he was actually showing restraint now.
"Kakashi, are you alright?" On the other side, Rin Nohara looked worriedly at Kakashi, who stood protectively in front of her.
"I'm fine. I'm an Impure World Reincarnation. You need to protect yourself," Kakashi replied, though he looked somewhat battered, he smiled reassuringly. "I promised the old Obito I would protect you. I failed before, but now I'll risk everything to keep that promise, even as a reanimation!"
"Kakashi..." Rin whispered, while Kakashi glanced at Obito in the distance.
"Rin, he's not the Obito we once knew. You know what he's done. We can't afford to be naive!"
Rin wanted to say something, but recalling everything Obito had done—from the Nine-Tails incident to his subsequent actions—she understood Obito's crimes were unforgivable. What about Kirigakure? And now that times had changed, with villages united to build peace, Obito continued to disrupt that peace.
No one would forgive Obito, nor would anyone agree to let him go!
Realizing this, Rin could only sigh. "I understand. Obito must face the consequences of his actions."
"Rin..."
Obito remained in a dazed stupor, still wrestling with whether he had been wrong. But he had no answers, nor did he dare to contemplate them. He just wanted to hide in his Kamui dimension and empty his mind.
Especially after noticing the change in Rin's gaze...
"I only wanted this world to become peaceful. I only wanted to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Why is everything my fault in the end?"
"Rin couldn't be found. Rin was always encouraging me. Why did it end like this?!"
Obito's heart screamed silently. Why did everything he do seem wrong?
But at that moment, a strange power surged through him. Black markings appeared on his body without his notice. He felt filled with power, and it seemed as though someone was speaking to him!
Though he couldn't hear or understand clearly, somehow he felt he comprehended the message.
"This world is hell, beyond salvation. I must change it."
"Only by changing this world can war disappear and Rin's tragedy never repeat!"
"The Rin before me may not be real—just this false world's struggle."
"Even if she is real, she's merely a tool controlled by Konoha!"
"Those resurrected by Impure World Reincarnation have no freedom. Rin is just an empty shell being controlled..."
"Kitagawa Minamoto benefits from this world's status quo, so naturally he uses various means to maintain it."
"The Rin in my heart, who constantly encouraged me, is the one who truly yearns for freedom and peace!"
"Only by breaking this world and restoring true peace can all these tragedies be prevented from recurring."
As Obito continued to mutter, the power within him grew stronger, and his resolve seemed to solidify. Light returned to his eyes!
"Rin, are you helping me again?" he whispered. His confusion and uncertainty were gone. This false world wasn't worth his attention or attachment. He knew what he needed to do!
"Hmph, it wasn't some inferior being who helped you—it was me!" Isshiki, seeing Obito recover, felt both irritated and relieved. Fortunately, this guy was an idiot, or he wouldn't have been so easily deceived.
"Speed up the process. Release me as quickly as possible. That's your primary task."
Isshiki took a deep breath, his thoughts jumbled, especially after witnessing "Momoshiki has done it too." The sight stirred something within him, and he couldn't help but glance at Urashiki beside him.
Boom— Boom— Boom—
Just as his emotions surged, the battle situation changed dramatically. Thunderous explosions assaulted his ears, and Kitagawa Minamoto's black sword flashed across the shattered ground.
Pain was sent flying, crashing into the ground with such force that he created a deep crater!
Kitagawa Minamoto didn't pause. He flashed to Kimimaro's side, his Yin-Yang Release sword slicing through the air.
Crack—Kimimaro's bones shattered, even the protective bone membrane completely disintegrating! Kitagawa Minamoto's fist struck Kimimaro's stomach, doubling him over, before another slash severed his left arm.
Splat—Blood sprayed as Kimimaro's entire left arm was cut off. In that moment, Kitagawa Minamoto grabbed Kimimaro's throat, lifting him into the air!
"Is this all you're capable of?" Kitagawa Minamoto calmly looked at Kimimaro, then glanced at Pain struggling to rise, before shaking his head slightly. "With your level of power, you dare to challenge me?"
"Is it almost over down there?" In the sky, the original Kitagawa Minamoto, locked in battle with Momoshiki, was naturally aware of the situation below. His Divine Tree clone faced only a Rinnegan-wielding Pain without the Kāma, a second-stage Kimimaro, an AFK Obito, and his broken companions.
Under these circumstances, the pressure wasn't significant, allowing Kitagawa Minamoto to focus on dealing with Momoshiki!
"Actually, Momoshiki isn't too bad right now. Though absorbing Kinshiki gave him a massive power boost, his combat abilities..."
The current Momoshiki was lacking. It was the typical Ōtsutsuki clan problem—possessing immense power but not knowing how to utilize it effectively.
Shinobi education emphasized maximizing limited power, sometimes doubling or even multiplying its effectiveness under the right conditions!
Precise battle control and tactical skill usage would become the key for future shinobi to counter the Ōtsutsuki. Of course, they would also need individuals like Naruto, Sasuke, and even that "Boruto" character...
Momoshiki probably only began studying tactics and combat techniques after being confused by Sasuke and Naruto and becoming "Momoshiki the Llama." That's why when Boruto was possessed, he displayed such overwhelming effectiveness!
"But now you've encountered me, which is simply your misfortune."
Looking at the seemingly frenzied Momoshiki, Kitagawa Minamoto decided to accelerate. The Tenseigan chakra within him surged once more. His "Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion" grew even more dazzling, like a genuine sun blinding Momoshiki's eyes!
"Lord Momoshiki, the probing and warm-up are about over," Kitagawa Minamoto's attacks intensified, though his smile remained unchanged. "I'm pleased to meet someone like you. Let's get serious and face each other at our best!"
"?" Momoshiki was taken aback. What warm-up and probing?
But soon he laughed, gripping his red staff and looking disdainfully at Kitagawa Minamoto. "You're playing mind games with me, boy. I've already stepped onto the Divine Ascension Stairway—"
Whoosh—Before Momoshiki could finish, Kitagawa Minamoto had transformed into a streak of light, appearing before him! His "Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion" gathered massive amounts of chakra, and without hesitation, he slashed fiercely at Momoshiki.
"What?!" Momoshiki's eyes widened. Kitagawa Minamoto's speed seemed faster than before, and the power he now wielded was far more ferocious! Could it be that what he said was true?
There was no time to think—Kitagawa Minamoto's golden sword was about to touch him, forcing Momoshiki to raise his red staff in defense.
Boom—The two forces collided, instantly erupting in a blinding flash of light! The radiance illuminated the entire sky, making it difficult for the ninjas below to keep their eyes open. Space seemed to warp even more, and Momoshiki's staff shattered in that moment!
He retreated frantically, glancing at his chest. Crimson blood flowed freely—Kitagawa Minamoto had wounded him with a single strike!
"Lord Momoshiki, though you're bold, you came too late," Kitagawa Minamoto's voice echoed through the heavens. His light-like figure had already caught up, his golden sword striking at Momoshiki again!
"You have indeed stepped onto the Divine Ascension Stairway, but I was one step ahead of you. Didn't I mention that Lord Urashiki provided me with invaluable insights?"
"Urashiki..." Though terrified, Momoshiki still reacted quickly. He deftly flung a string of red chakra chains at Kitagawa Minamoto!
"Damn it, Urashiki is a high-ranking Ōtsutsuki. His energy far surpasses Kinshiki's."
Momoshiki seemed to understand. The reason for Kitagawa Minamoto's explosive power was the difference in who he had absorbed. Having consumed Urashiki, he naturally gained more energy!
"Is continuous absorption of powerful Ōtsutsuki the key to greater 'evolution'?" Isshiki, having influenced Obito, once again focused on the battle in the sky. Though the fight below was intense, what happened above was far more important. Kitagawa Minamoto's words had plunged Isshiki into deep thought.
Yet his gaze unconsciously drifted between Momoshiki and Urashiki...
"Damn it!" Urashiki was completely numb. He never imagined things would turn out this way—after suffering so much, he had become an accomplice? Worst of all, counting himself, there were four Ōtsutsuki in this world.
"But three are lunatics, and I'm the only normal one?!"
Urashiki felt like he had fallen into a den of wolves, especially since he kept sensing Isshiki watching him, which terrified him even more. At that moment, he suddenly felt that the planet's natives were more trustworthy than his own kind, none of whom could be trusted...
Clang—In the sky, Kitagawa Minamoto's golden lightsaber casually swept through the air, shattering Momoshiki's chakra chains link by link. Momoshiki's expression hardened. A chakra battle-axe appeared in one hand, a chakra sword in the other.
Seeing Kitagawa Minamoto charging toward him, he quickly engaged, swinging his weapons frantically.
"Damn it!"
To his dismay, despite his swift attacks and considerable power, against Kitagawa Minamoto, it was as if all his moves were transparent, rendering his attacks completely ineffective!
He felt like a child, helpless regardless of what he tried!
"Is this the effect of absorbing the fruit...?"
"Lord Momoshiki, you should give yourself some dignity," Kitagawa Minamoto effortlessly countered Momoshiki's attacks, shaking his head calmly. "From birth, we stand at the pinnacle. Because of this, we strive to stand higher and shine brighter than anyone else, yet we remain bound by rules."
As he spoke, he seized an opportunity, his golden sword tracing an elegant arc.
Clink—Momoshiki's sword instantly shattered. In a fluid motion, Kitagawa Minamoto reversed his grip, driving his blade toward Momoshiki's arm!
Splat—Blood sprayed as, to Momoshiki's horror, one of his arms was severed.
"You, like Lord Isshiki and myself, yearn to reach even greater heights," Kitagawa Minamoto stated calmly, his golden sword slashing again. Momoshiki could only desperately wield his battle-axe in defense.
"The desire to ascend higher is rebellion against 'rules.' Only dissatisfaction with the 'status quo' drives progress forward. Therefore..."
With a nimble sidestep, he avoided Momoshiki's space-shattering axe swing. His golden sword flashed once more.
"Join me with dignity, Lord Momoshiki. Don't struggle like Lord Urashiki, who used the Kāma and only allowed me to obtain partial power. Ascend with me to the heights of heaven!"
Crack—Momoshiki's battle-axe shattered completely, and he was sent crashing heavily into the ground!
The tremendous impact made the entire earth tremble. As Momoshiki struck the ground, massive fissures spread across the landscape. The ground collapsed, creating a crater hundreds of meters deep before everyone's eyes!
Amidst the thick dust, Momoshiki struggled to stand.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
As soon as he rose, he couldn't control his violent coughing. He had almost forgotten when he was last injured, and now he was experiencing something entirely new—the sensation of death!
As an Ōtsutsuki, he had rarely felt this way. But now, facing this clansman who had inspired him, he truly sensed his mortality!
"No, that's not right!" Suddenly, Momoshiki realized something. He raised his head, shouting desperately at the sky. "You're not what you seem! You couldn't have absorbed only Urashiki—you absorbed Isshiki too, didn't you?!"
"Lord Isshiki was indeed the first to break free from the constraints of rules, and I deeply admire him."
Kitagawa Minamoto's voice resonated through the heavens. In an instant, the dust cleared, revealing him floating in the sky. The Tenseigan chakra flowed around him, making him appear godlike as he gazed down at the battered Momoshiki.
"But he lacked dignity, ultimately fleeing. Lord Urashiki was similar. Only you understand me."
As he spoke, Kitagawa Minamoto looked at Momoshiki with "respect" filling his face.
"Only you didn't question my ideas, only you immediately grasped the significance of the 'Divine Ascension Stairway,' and only you promptly put it into practice!"
"I told you, we are kindred spirits. We may compete for our dreams, but the loser naturally becomes part of the victor."
"Lord Momoshiki, our minds will unite. Together, we will ascend the Divine Ascension Stairway. Together, we will ultimately pierce the heavens!"
"..."
Momoshiki had no words left. He had thought himself extreme, but now he understood—there were those even more radical, even more thorough!
"The Divine Ascension Stairway, piercing the heavens..." Isshiki gazed into the distance, his heart trembling, his fists clenched in silence. But as one who had been contemplating "Kitagawa Minamoto's path" and the "Divine Ascension Stairway," a seed within his heart was growing into a towering tree!
"It's over, it's all over... this Kitagawa Minamoto is going to get even stronger!" Urashiki had stopped thinking about Momoshiki, even hoping he would die quickly. But the thought of Momoshiki dying at Kitagawa Minamoto's hands filled him with renewed terror.
This man had already killed him once, and now he was becoming even stronger. If Urashiki were to be revived, wouldn't he just be offering himself up again?!
Especially with Isshiki becoming so untrustworthy, Urashiki felt completely lost. He believed trusting these natives was better than his own crazed clansmen...
"You really think you've won?!" Suddenly, Momoshiki roared again. He could be consumed by others, but others consuming him? Unthinkable!
Especially after discovering the "Divine Ascension Stairway," how could he willingly become someone else's "fruit"?
With his furious shout, the golden Rinnegan on his forehead emitted an eerie light. In an instant, amid earth-shaking tremors, a serpentine, multi-headed beast with canine features erupted from the ground, roaring at Kitagawa Minamoto through billowing clouds of dust!
This beast approached the Ten-Tails in scale. The aura it emanated made all the ninjas, even from a great distance, tremble with fear.
"Inushiki Kenmei?" Seeing this, Kitagawa Minamoto shook his head slightly, sighing softly. "Lord Momoshiki, why won't you give yourself some dignity?"
"Dignity?" Momoshiki glared furiously at Kitagawa Minamoto, his body rapidly regenerating. "The one who will walk the Divine Ascension Stairway will be me, not you! Do you really think you've got me cornered?"
"Sigh..." Kitagawa Minamoto let out a long breath, then suddenly smiled. "Actually, many things are predetermined, Lord Momoshiki. When did you start..."
"...thinking you still had a chance?"
"You—" Momoshiki tried to speak, but suddenly felt an immense energy surging toward him!
"What is this?" In that moment, he tried to dodge, but was shocked to find it useless no matter how he moved. That power seemed to have lassoed him like the ropes of fate!
Buzz—Golden light suddenly pierced through time and space, instantly enveloping both him and the giant beast. What followed was an earth-shattering roar, ground-shaking tremors, and rising dust that completely submerged the entire area!
The magnificent chakra storm turned everything before them into chaos, leaving only endless destruction and annihilation.
"Piercing the heavens, you say?" In the distant town, Isshiki's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Is this the future? Is this the power of the Divine Ascension Stairway?"
"It's over..." Meanwhile, Urashiki, who had distanced himself in the same mental space, turned deathly pale. He knew Momoshiki was doomed, and Kitagawa Minamoto would become even more terrifying!
But at that moment, a thought couldn't help but form in his mind:
"Without the 'Divine Ascension Stairway,' can I survive here?"
As he pondered, his gaze couldn't help but drift toward Isshiki, from whom he had distanced himself considerably. He sank into contemplation, filled with fear, anxiety, and complex emotions... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
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