"What's going on?"
This wasn't just a question lingering in the mind of the Sage of Six Paths, but one that echoed in the hearts of everyone present.
They couldn't comprehend what had just happened.
Hadn't they already lost?
Hadn't they been completely destroyed?
Why were they still alive now?
Moreover...
"Guy?!"
Kakashi suddenly turned around, looking at Guy, who was sitting up with a bewildered expression. Not far away, Lee's face was also filled with disbelief.
"Guy-sensei, you..."
"Huh?"
Guy scratched his head awkwardly, smiling with a hint of disappointment.
"Kakashi, Lee, it seems both of you lost. Wait, no—Minamoto?!"
It took Guy a moment to react. He immediately tried to stand up and continue fighting, but suddenly realized something was off.
"Didn't I already use the Eight Inner Gates? Normally, I should be dead. Why am I..."
"Huh? We're all fine? Wait..."
Deidara also stood up nearby, looking around at the crowd with confusion. What he saw was the same bewilderment mirrored on everyone's faces.
"We're still alive?"
"No way—that feeling earlier, it really felt like dying..."
"Hold on, my injuries... how are they healed?"
"Huh? Mine too. But what's going on here?"
They were lost and unsure. From Mei Terumi to the elder Ōnoki, from the Second Tsuchikage to the Second Mizukage, everyone shared the same confusion.
Even Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—who was touching his abdomen with a strange expression—were no different.
And then...
"What exactly happened to us?"
Madara Uchiha furrowed his brow deeply, feeling immense perplexity about the current situation.
"I don't know either, but..."
Hashirama Senju raised his head, looking toward Kitagawa Minamoto and the Sage of Six Paths. It wasn't just him; almost everyone, after their brief mental blankness, instinctively turned their gaze toward the distant figures.
They all felt a strange sense of confusion.
"Minamoto... Sage of Six Paths..."
Naruto looked dazedly at Kitagawa Minamoto and the Sage of Six Paths, while Sasuke's face was filled with bewilderment.
"You... we..."
Ino also sat on the ground in a daze. Earlier, Kitagawa Minamoto had brought her down from the sky, but she, too, was full of questions about everything happening before her.
What was going on? What had happened? What was the meaning of all this?
These questions echoed in everyone's hearts, continuously shaking their inner thoughts.
The impact of it all was simply too overwhelming!
"Have you all woken up now?"
Suddenly, Kitagawa Minamoto's voice rang out. He looked at everyone with a smile, speaking leisurely.
"Why linger in sleep during life? Death guarantees eternal rest, but you're not dead yet."
"Minamoto... Sage of Six Paths..."
Tobirama Senju seemed to have realized something. He abruptly stood up, shouting loudly.
"Was all of this planned by you two?!"
Planned?
Because the Chakra of the "Golden Tree" was still spreading, this sentence instantly reverberated across the entire battlefield!
In that moment, all the ninjas seemed to snap out of their daze. In their minds, a particular phrase echoed clearly:
"Sage of Six Paths, isn't it time to end this? If this continues, they'll truly die..."
Suddenly, all eyes locked onto the Sage of Six Paths. Judging by his "cold and ruthless" reputation, it wouldn't be surprising if he had orchestrated this.
After all, he was someone who had no qualms about using his own brother, forcing his sons into endless cycles of reincarnation, and even turning his mother into a "meat shield."
Such a man, who had let the Ninja World endure a thousand years of bloodshed, might indeed be capable of even more terrifying acts.
But...
"Why?!"
Naruto still couldn't believe it. Even though his heart was now filled with excitement and joy, that fervent emotion blossoming within him, he couldn't forget the pain and despair of earlier.
Not just him—Sasuke and the others around him felt the same way. The current reality was so beautiful, it almost felt unreal.
"Indeed, it was planned."
Kitagawa Minamoto didn't deny it. He glanced at the pale-faced Sage of Six Paths, then sighed before speaking softly.
"As for why, it's simple—the Sage of Six Paths wanted to test your capacity."
"Capacity..."
"Yes, your capacity. To see if you could endure the most extreme situations—like just now."
"Just now..."
Recalling the events of earlier, that feeling of utter despair seemed to rush back at them.
In an instant, everyone in the Ninja World displayed expressions of extreme pain. That sensation of everything inside them shattering, even now, left them gasping for air.
"Exactly, just like that feeling earlier."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled as he spoke. He glanced at the Sage of Six Paths, noticing the old man seemed about to speak. Following the principle of "bullying the meek," he quickly continued before the Sage could say a word.
"The Sage of Six Paths once told me—the Ninja World has had it too easy. Despite enduring a thousand years of bloodshed, this place possesses things other planets lack."
"Chakra, ninjas, and various powerful individuals born in this world—even the Sage of Six Paths himself."
"But do the people living here truly have the courage, the resolve, to face the Ōtsutsuki Clan?"
"Does the thousand-year bloodshed he orchestrated truly prepare everyone for this?"
"On this matter, he harbors doubt, which is why he sought me out—hoping I would do something..."
Pausing briefly, Kitagawa Minamoto looked at the furrowed brows of everyone present, then smiled before speaking again.
"Do you all know what would happen if this planet had no Chakra, no various powers, and no ninjas?"
"No Chakra, no ninjas..."
This question made tens of thousands of ninjas frown deeply. Though hypothetical, thinking back to the battles against the Ōtsutsuki, especially the Golden Tree that still radiated light and shadowed the skies, everyone couldn't help but shiver.
"No life on this planet would survive."
At that moment, Kaguya spoke. Her gaze had been fixed on Kitagawa Minamoto, and she felt that he had completely transformed.
The aura he exuded now, even when she had consumed the fruit, was utterly incomparable.
Suddenly, her suspicions grew stronger, and she became more convinced that Kitagawa Minamoto's strength was not just due to his bloodline—it seemed deeply tied to the emotions of this world.
Of course, it might also have something to do with the so-called "ascension to godhood." She decided to cooperate for now, lest she truly be "devoured" by this man.
"The planet would become a dead star, never able to recover, no matter how much time passed."
"All living beings..."
Even though they had heard this before, hearing it directly from Kaguya now made it feel entirely different.
Complete extinction. Utter annihilation. The transformation into a dead star. Such thoughts sent chills down everyone's spines.
"Exactly, all living beings..."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded at Kaguya, then immediately spoke again.
"That kind of ultimate despair, that kind of utter helplessness, that feeling of being trapped in hell—this is where it all begins..."
"And in such a hellish environment, facing powerful enemies, facing seemingly unbeatable opponents, facing that ultimate despair, the Sage of Six Paths wanted to see..."
"Whether you could still muster courage, whether you could still clench your fists, embracing the belief that 'even in death, we must not give up,' and continue fighting."
"Even in death, seek the hope of life. Even in hell and darkness, follow the footsteps of light."
"Courage and resolve are forever the anthem of humanity. The thousand years of bloodshed didn't just hone strength—it forged unyielding resolve."
"And this, is what the Sage of Six Paths hoped to confirm—the capacity he most wished to see in you."
Kitagawa Minamoto's words were calm, but they struck everyone's hearts like a thunderclap!
Ultimate despair, the darkness of hell... Everything earlier seemed to fit perfectly!
Their greatest hope, the one who bore the mantle of "savior," Kitagawa Minamoto, had suddenly become the "evil of the world."
He severed all bonds, ignored all emotions, and denied everything.
With cold indifference, he pointed his blade at everyone. The collapse, the despair—it was beyond words!
"To find the light of hope in hell."
Naruto couldn't help but mutter, and Sasuke lowered his head, quietly repeating the words.
"Even in death, seek the hope of life."
"Courage is the anthem of humanity..."
Hashirama Senju was also somewhat dazed, while Madara Uchiha clenched his fists tightly.
"Capacity—this is the capacity the Sage of Six Paths wanted to see, the capacity belonging to humanity..."
"But!"
Suddenly, Naruto couldn't hold back. He looked at Kitagawa Minamoto and the others, speaking softly.
"Why do this? Haven't we already defeated the Ōtsutsuki? Why..."
"You think you defeated them?"
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled and shook his head. He looked at Naruto, then sighed.
Meanwhile, Tobirama Senju seemed to have figured everything out.
"This wasn't our victory—it was Minamoto's doing, it was the Sage of Six Paths' doing. We were merely the backdrop."
"Second Hokage-sama..."
Minato Namikaze looked at Tobirama curiously, but Tobirama stood up, speaking loudly.
"I think I've finally understood the Sage of Six Paths' intentions!"
"Time changes, people grow old. The Sage of Six Paths hopes not only for us to possess such resolve."
"He also hopes we will remember this pain, never forget such despair, and ensure that our descendants, our future generations, remember this as well!"
"Never forget the Ōtsutsuki Clan, never forget their terror and devastation!"
"Only by experiencing it firsthand can we ensure our descendants and everyone else never forget."
"Only then will we remain vigilant against the Ōtsutsuki, continue to uphold this resolve and belief, and never falter in protecting our homeland!"
"Am I right, Sage of Six Paths, Minamoto?"
As Tobirama's words fell, his gaze burned brightly as he looked at the Sage of Six Paths and Kitagawa Minamoto.
His extreme fervor could no longer be contained!
Not just him—everyone's eyes involuntarily turned toward them.
After Kitagawa Minamoto and Tobirama's explanation, combined with the Sage of Six Paths' past actions, they realized that this might truly be the work of the Sage of Six Paths.
The Sage of Six Paths had never focused solely on the present. His vision had always been extraordinarily far-reaching.
Though cold and ruthless, his plans had always been centered on the survival of this world.
He never cared what the people of today thought—his goals were always long-term results!
"After experiencing this, we'll never forget. We'll always remember it in our hearts."
"When we return, I imagine we'll begin targeted education..."
"The Kages will likely start various arrangements to improve the quality of our education."
"We'll ensure we never forget this, we'll always remember this pain, and we'll develop an even greater resolve and belief to protect our homeland."
"This belief will be passed down continuously, to prepare for the next arrival of the Ōtsutsuki!"
"This... is the Sage of Six Paths."
At that moment, everyone's expressions subtly changed.
The Sage of Six Paths—a true, cold, and calculating god who would manipulate everything for the survival of the world!
"Big brother, so this was your plan all along?"
Hamura also showed an incredulous expression, but quickly nodded in understanding.
"No wonder you didn't tell me—you had already thought so far ahead?"
"..."
The Sage of Six Paths remained silent, while Black Zetsu couldn't help but sigh.
"No wonder you always beat me. I've always been just a pawn in your game. The gap between us is like the moon and a firefly—I truly lost fair and square..."
"..."
The Sage of Six Paths clenched his fists slightly, while Kaguya also sighed at that moment.
"Hmph, you truly are Hagoromo—manipulating the entire world, you're truly awe-inspiring!"
"..."
The Sage of Six Paths clenched his fists even tighter, and Kitagawa Minamoto sighed as he spoke.
"I knew the Sage of Six Paths' intentions, which is why I cooperated so willingly. The Sage of Six Paths truly cares for the entire world!"
Kitagawa Minamoto's words only made the Sage of Six Paths' fists clench even harder!
He had only learned about all this a few minutes ago.
Was this really what he intended?
He had initially thought Kitagawa Minamoto planned to bear all the blame, but...
In the end, the blame was shifted back onto him?!
Was he really here to bear all the consequences of evil?
"Wait!"
Just as the Sage of Six Paths was about to "explode in silence," Naruto suddenly thought of something.
"Minamoto, he's like you—he's also an Ōtsutsuki, isn't he? This..."
Naruto's words instantly drew everyone's attention. They also realized something.
"Lord Minamoto is such a powerful Ōtsutsuki. No matter how hard we try, we can't compare. Doesn't that mean other Ōtsutsuki..."
"Moreover, Lord Minamoto is always here—do we really have to suffer so much?"
One thought was mainstream, but a second thought also echoed in the hearts of many.
Even the Sage of Six Paths, Hamura, and Black Zetsu turned their gazes toward him. They were equally curious.
Facing the question, Kitagawa Minamoto remained calm.
"I am indeed an Ōtsutsuki—I only discovered this after becoming a ninja."
"After becoming a ninja?"
Kakashi looked at Kitagawa Minamoto incredulously. He hadn't expected the boy's transformation to start from that moment!
However, in his memory, Kitagawa Minamoto seemed to be an orphan. There was no information about his parents.
All they knew was that he had been brought back to Konohagakure, living there without ever going to an orphanage.
"Yes, after becoming a ninja, the bloodline and power of the Ōtsutsuki began to gradually awaken."
Kitagawa Minamoto looked at Kakashi, smiling as he nodded.
"And I have to thank Guy-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, and all of you for your guidance. Without it, even with such a bloodline, I might not have been able to develop it."
Guy, Kakashi, and even Jiraiya—those who had once taught Kitagawa Minamoto—felt a strange sense of disbelief.
Had they actually taught an Ōtsutsuki?
"As for where my bloodline came from..."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged, planning to stop there. He believed no one would dare to ask further.
But Kaguya couldn't help but speak.
"I suspect your bloodline truly comes from Ōtsutsuki Shibai—the one who has already become the Ōtsutsuki God!"
"Ōtsutsuki God?!"
Her words instantly left everyone stunned.
To them, the Ōtsutsuki were already indistinguishable from gods.
And yet, above these "gods," there was an actual god?
"He transcends dimensions, surpasses the concept of life and death. His soul has already left this world, but his body remains here."
Kaguya continued, sighing as she spoke.
"Thousands of years ago, we all felt him break through the barriers of this world, completely transcending it."
"But where he completed this transformation remains unknown. It wasn't until a thousand years ago, when Isshiki and I arrived here, that Isshiki discovered his remains."
"Perhaps it was his transformation in this world that made this planet so unique."
"And his bloodline might have been hidden and passed down in another form, which you seem to have inherited."
"Haven't you noticed? You're truly extraordinary. Right now, you might even be close to becoming the Ōtsutsuki God."
Ōtsutsuki God...
Once again, everyone's gaze involuntarily turned to Kitagawa Minamoto.
At that moment, they seemed to understand why Kitagawa Minamoto was so powerful!
It turned out he had inherited a bloodline that even surpassed the "gods."
But thinking about completely surpassing the current "gods"...
"Transcending dimensions, surpassing life and death, a soul leaving this world?"
In other words, Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't stay here forever?
"Everyone leaves eventually, no matter the method."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled and shook his head. Kaguya might have been rambling, but it wasn't entirely off the mark.
At least she had provided him with an answer—one that was somewhat plausible.
"So, people must rely on themselves. Otherwise, when we're gone, how will you face the Ōtsutsuki?"
"This is also why the Sage of Six Paths orchestrated all of this. Depending on others has never been ideal."
"Only by improving yourselves, only by keeping the flame of unwavering resolve burning in your hearts, can you truly face the crises and challenges of the future."
"..."
The Sage of Six Paths was numb. Why had this been tied back to him again?!
Meanwhile, the people of the Ninja World fell silent once more. Kitagawa Minamoto's words echoed in their minds.
Indeed, right now, with Kitagawa Minamoto and the Sage of Six Paths, they could handle the crisis of the Ōtsutsuki.
But what about the future? What about their descendants?
Could they protect their homeland, preserve everything they had fought so hard to defend?
Ultimately, people had to rely on themselves!
As for Kitagawa Minamoto's identity as an Ōtsutsuki...
"Thinking back, it seems Ōtsutsuki Minamoto has rarely killed anyone. Even when he does, it's mostly related to the Akatsuki members, isn't it?"
Someone suddenly spoke up, and the words seemed to resonate with everyone in the Ninja World.
Ōtsutsuki Minamoto had always been incredibly restrained. Even though he acted like a typical "villain," he had never truly gone out of his way to kill.
Especially in this recent battle—no one seemed to have suffered any real harm. Even Guy, who had used the Eight Inner Gates, was alive and well.
"Lord Minamoto is too kind-hearted..."
"Even when he chooses to become the greatest enemy of the Ninja World, even when he's misunderstood by everyone, he still doesn't kill anyone!"
"In comparison, the Sage of Six Paths..."
"Well, everything is for the future of the Ninja World!"
Such thoughts and sentiments began to spread rapidly among the Ninja Alliance. The voices grew louder and louder.
At the same time, the Sage of Six Paths' fists clenched harder and harder, his face becoming increasingly pained.
He had no doubts now. This wasn't what he had intended, nor had he planned for things to unfold this way!
No, he hadn't!
But at this moment, no one cared about his thoughts anymore.
Naruto turned to look at Kitagawa Minamoto, muttering softly.
"Minamoto, you..."
Sasuke had been watching Kitagawa Minamoto all along. At this moment, he finally seemed to let go of his inner sorrow.
"Minamoto..."
Ino couldn't help but mutter, and the other members of the Konoha 11 also turned their gazes toward him.
Their emotions, which had been surging uncontrollably, could no longer be suppressed!
"Alright, everyone. After this battle, I think you'll understand more—you'll grasp the Sage of Six Paths' good intentions."
Kitagawa Minamoto noticed the Sage of Six Paths seemed to have something to say. He decisively patted the old man on the shoulder. Even if it was a spiritual form, it made no difference to him.
Then, he stepped forward and spoke with a smile.
"Moreover, even enemies can unite in the Ninja World's time of greatest need. This is also what the Sage of Six Paths most wanted to see!"
Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju exchanged glances upon hearing this.
Kakashi and Obito, one alive and one dead, also glanced at each other.
Ninjas from other villages couldn't help but size each other up. Once mortal enemies, they had now fought side by side!
"Don't blame the Sage of Six Paths. This kind of resolve and legacy isn't just what he wanted to see—it's something we've always needed."
As he spoke, he raised his hand toward the sky. The shattered moon was still hurtling toward the Ninja World.
Its energy tides had already begun to spread across the land. But Kitagawa Minamoto's calm demeanor remained unchanged.
The faint smile on his face no longer carried the indifference it once did. Instead, it exuded a sense of unprecedented tranquility.
"So, everyone—are you ready?"
As he spoke, Kitagawa Minamoto's Chakra surged.
In the sky above, the shattered moon suddenly came to a halt!
Countless people on the ground witnessed the miraculous scene.
The moon, which had been shattered into brilliant golden fragments, now seemed to reverse time.
When they snapped out of their daze, a new crescent moon hung in the heavens.
The moon remained as bright as ever, its silver light illuminating the land. Everything that had just transpired felt like a fleeting dream.
Kitagawa Minamoto's voice echoed in everyone's hearts at that moment.
"Welcome to this new world."