When a Tailed Beast Ball hits head-on… the only thing that breaks is everyone's understanding of power.
Golden light swallowed Ayato's vision.
For a fraction of a second, the battlefield vanished, replaced by endless drifting particles of radiant geo energy. Ancient symbols shimmered through the air like fragments of forgotten civilization, carrying an oppressive dignity that made even the air feel heavier.
Then—
Reality snapped back into place.
[Ding!]
[First draw completed.]
[Selected Role: Geo Archon — Morax — Zhongli]
[Role-play activated.]
[Initial synchronization: 100%]
[Remaining role duration: 30 minutes]
[Projection enabled?]
Ayato didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
The transformation unfolded instantly.
A tailored black coat formed around his body, layered with elegant gold accents that gleamed faintly under the moonlight. His once ordinary black hair lengthened slightly, flowing freely with a refined, noble grace. His eyes shifted into luminous golden pupils that carried the calm authority of something ancient and eternal.
A spear materialized in his left hand—dark metal etched with glowing runes, its presence alone radiating lethal weight.
The Vortex Vanquisher.
Ayato's body lifted gently from the ground, hovering several meters above the battlefield as if gravity itself acknowledged his authority.
Below him, the Nine-Tails snarled, its Tailed Beast Ball already hurtling forward like a miniature sun of destruction.
Minato's pupils shrank in horror.
"He's going to take it head-on?!"
Outside the sealing barrier, Hiruzen's breath caught in his throat. His instincts screamed danger so violently that every muscle in his body tensed.
Behind him, Danzo silently appeared, one eye narrowed sharply as he studied the newcomer.
"That aura… it's like standing before a god," Hiruzen muttered.
The Nine-Tails bared its fangs.
If it was going to be sealed anyway, then it would at least drag one more soul into oblivion.
The Tailed Beast Ball slammed forward.
Ayato extended his right hand calmly.
"Dominus Lapidis."
Golden geo energy surged violently around his body.
The earth beneath him trembled as ancient power condensed into a translucent shield that enveloped him completely. Hexagonal patterns interlocked like a crystalline lattice, reinforced by dense stone energy layered upon itself.
The shield finished forming—
And the Tailed Beast Ball collided.
BOOOOOOM!
A catastrophic shockwave exploded outward.
The forest flattened instantly. Trees snapped like toothpicks, debris spiraled into the sky, and dust clouds swallowed the battlefield in choking darkness. Even the Adamantine Sealing Chains barrier rippled violently from the impact.
Minato shielded his face, his heart pounding.
Even he wouldn't dare directly block a Tailed Beast Ball without extreme preparation.
Inside the smoke—
A faint golden glow shimmered steadily.
The dust was swept aside by a casual flick of Ayato's spear.
The Jade Shield remained perfectly intact. Not a single crack marred its surface.
Silence fell.
The Nine-Tails' massive eyes widened in disbelief.
"…Impossible."
Its strongest attack—completely negated.
Minato felt his knees weaken in shock. A breath he didn't realize he'd been holding escaped his lungs.
"He's… unharmed?"
Outside the barrier, Hiruzen stared blankly.
Danzo's pupils contracted sharply.
"That shield… if I can obtain him for Root…"
Greed flickered violently in his gaze.
Far away, hidden among the shadows, Obito froze in place. Even Black Zetsu's expression twisted into stunned disbelief.
No record.
No trace.
No precedent.
This power did not belong to this world.
Ayato slowly descended as a massive stone pillar erupted beneath his feet, lifting him gracefully above the battlefield.
Golden light washed across the ruined landscape like sunlight after a storm.
"Every journey has its end," he said calmly, his voice carrying an effortless authority. "There is no need to rush toward destruction."
His gaze locked onto the struggling Nine-Tails.
"Even you, Kurama."
The Nine-Tails snarled, hatred boiling violently inside its massive form.
A human… addressing it by name?
Who exactly was this man?
Ayato lifted his spear slightly.
Golden energy rippled through the air, pressing down like a mountain of invisible pressure. Even the massive tailed beast felt its limbs trembling.
For the first time in centuries—
Fear crept into Kurama's heart.
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