A day and a half passed in the blink of an eye.
8:00 AM.
Jiraiya and the others arrived at the Hokage Office right on time.
When they saw Naruto and the others already gathered there, they were not overly surprised.
After all, during the graduation exam, those three had already displayed astonishing strength—strength that was not inferior to their own.
"Let's move." Kitazawa stood and spoke calmly.
The group departed at once and soon arrived at the open clearing before the Forest of Death.
Time passed slowly, the air heavy with tension.
"They're here!"
Hyuga Hiashi activated his Byakugan and detected the approaching Chakra signatures. He immediately issued a warning.
Moments later, piercing whistles echoed through the sky. More than a dozen figures descended from the distance and landed firmly upon the earth.
At the forefront stood the Six Paths of Pain.
Behind him were six members of the Akatsuki Organization—new recruits, none of whom had appeared in the original story.
Kitazawa's eyes narrowed slightly.
As expected, Zetsu and Obito remained hidden in the shadows, refusing to reveal themselves.
That was only natural.
Zetsu had always acted as the intelligence operative within the Akatsuki and had rarely displayed combat ability.
As for Uchiha Obito, his Kamui was ideal for ambushes. Hidden in the dark, he was at his most dangerous.
"Yahiko?" Jiraiya's voice slipped out involuntarily when he saw Deva Path Pain.
"Hand over the Seven-Tails and the Nine-Tails," Deva Path Pain said coldly, ignoring Jiraiya entirely, "and I may spare your lives."
"That will never happen." Kitazawa shook his head without hesitation.
"In that case… witness the power of a god." Deva Path Pain waved his hand.
Summoning Technique!
The Animal Path formed hand seals and slammed both palms onto the ground.
Giant Multi-Headed Dog. Giant Drill-Beaked Bird. Giant Panda. Giant Ox. Giant Rhino. Giant Crustacean. Giant Centipede—
One after another, enormous Summoning Beasts materialized, filling the battlefield with overwhelming pressure.
"The three of you—Summoning Technique." Kitazawa glanced toward Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata.
Without hesitation, the three bit their thumbs and pressed their palms to the ground.
Amid thick plumes of smoke, three colossal figures appeared. Gamabunta of Mount Myōboku. Manda of Ryūchi Cave. Katsuyu of Shikkotsu Forest.
Jiraiya, who had been preparing to summon as well, froze in place.
He stared at the three sacred Summoning Beasts and felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi were equally shaken.
The symbol of the legendary Konoha Sannin had always been the Summoning Beasts of the Three Great Sage Lands.
Without question, the future of Konoha would rest upon these three.
Before anyone could reflect further, the battle of the Titans had already begun. The sheer size of the Summoning Beasts unleashed a catastrophic, destructive force.
Mountains trembled. The earth cracked. Dust clouds surged into the sky.
"Let's go!" Naruto shouted. "Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
An army of Shadow Clones burst into existence and charged toward the remaining Akatsuki members.
Yakumo followed closely behind.
She had already discovered that her Genjutsu was ineffective against the Six Paths of Pain, whose Rinnegan negated illusions.
"Multiple Arrows!" Hinata stood firm, drawing back her bowstring.
Nine Yin Release Arrows shot forth in succession.
"Spiral Arrow!" Neji activated his Byakugan, locking onto the Animal Path.
Blocking Absorption Seal!
The Preta Path appeared instantly before the Animal Path and absorbed the Spiral Arrow without difficulty.
Sasuke's gaze fixed upon the Asura Path.
Aside from Deva Path Pain, the Asura Path possessed the most aggressive offensive capabilities.
Shino raised his hands. A swarm of Kikaichu poured forth, surging toward the Human Path like a black tide.
"You all hold your position for now." Kitazawa stopped Jiraiya and the others from intervening.
Originally, Naruto and the others were meant to face only the six Akatsuki members.
But clearly, that was insufficient. Adding the Five Paths of Pain made the balance far more appropriate.
Shinra Tensei! Deva Path Pain fixed his gaze upon Kitazawa.
An invisible repulsive force erupted outward, blasting away the Shadow Clones in its path before continuing straight toward Kitazawa.
Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall! Kitazawa clapped his hands.
Wooden pillars curved upward from the earth, forming a massive arched barrier. The repulsive force collided with it, causing the structure to tremble violently.
"Fall back!" Kitazawa warned as he leapt into the air.
Chidori Senbon!
Lightning crackled along his arm. With a flick of his wrist, countless lightning senbon shot forth, enveloping Deva Path Pain.
Shinra Tensei was still within its cooldown interval. Deva Path Pain immediately flashed to the left to evade.
The instant Kitazawa landed, he gave chase.
Beyond the northern boundary of the Forest of Death stretched an unbroken mountain range.
Upon one peak stood Uchiha Obito, masked and silent, overlooking the distant battlefield.
Today, a war fan rested upon his back. The Uchiha war fan possessed the ability to deflect and absorb enemy Ninjutsu, converting them into violent gusts.
In the original work, Obito had deflected Naruto's Rasengan with it. Uchiha Madara had gone even further, using it to deflect a Tailed Beast Ball.
Obito's gaze remained locked upon Kitazawa.
Hatred burned within his eyes.
He had not forgotten the humiliation of losing his arm. Though Kakashi had delivered the blow, his resentment extended further.
At that moment, the earth shifted.
Zetsu emerged from below. Its body was divided into black and white halves—the fusion of Black Zetsu and White Zetsu.
"What terrifying strength…" Black Zetsu observed Kitazawa overwhelming Deva Path Pain and spoke in a low tone.
In its understanding, aside from the reincarnations of Ashura and Indra, no such powerhouse should exist in the Ninja World.
And Kitazawa clearly did not match the bloodline or age of such reincarnations.
On the contrary, Naruto and Sasuke were far more likely to be the current generation's reincarnations of Ashura and Indra.
They were born the same year Uchiha Madara died. One carried the blood of the Uzumaki Clan. The other, the Uchiha Clan.
"Can Nagato win?" White Zetsu asked.
"Deva Path Pain will struggle." Black Zetsu considered carefully before replying. "He must gather all Six Paths into one—or summon the Gedo Mazo."
Black Zetsu understood the terror of Senju Hashirama's Wood Release.
While Kitazawa was not quite Hashirama, his displayed strength had already surpassed Deva Path Pain's current state.
"If I find an opening, I can assist him." Uchiha Obito spoke in a cold voice.
His confidence stemmed from Kamui and Izanagi.
Kamui would allow him to approach Kitazawa without a sound. Even if he failed, Izanagi could rewrite reality and preserve his life.
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu remained silent. They both understood that Uchiha Obito harbored deep resentment toward Kitazawa.
At the same time, if he truly coordinated with Nagato, there was indeed a possibility of killing Kitazawa.
In truth, it wasn't only him. If an ideal opportunity presented itself, Black Zetsu would also attempt a sneak attack.
However, it had always been exceedingly cautious. At the slightest hint of danger, it would retreat without hesitation.
To resurrect Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, it had endured and schemed for a thousand years.
Its patience was immeasurable. Unless absolutely cornered, it would not easily reveal itself.
"Is this the power of a god? Nothing special." After exchanging blows for some time, Kitazawa's voice rang out across the battlefield.
Jiraiya, Uchiha Fugaku, and the others who were observing the battle subconsciously exhaled in relief.
Before today, the Akatsuki Organization had placed immense psychological pressure upon them.
After all, seven Jinchūriki had already fallen into their hands. Even Ōnoki and the Fourth Raikage had been unable to deal with them.
But now, just as Kitazawa said, they did not appear invincible.
"You wish to witness the power of a god? Very well." Deva Path Pain's tone turned frigid.
He immediately recalled the Chakra from the other Five Paths.
Kitazawa's words were a signal. Even a staged battle required complete effort.
Planetary Devastation!
Deva Path Pain rose into the air and clasped his hands together.
A small black sphere materialized, radiating a terrifying gravitational pull. In an instant, the earth convulsed violently.
Trees, shattered stone, soil, and debris tore free from the ground and shot skyward.
"What is this?!" Uchiha Fugaku and the others stared upward, their expressions filled with disbelief.
The sheer scale of the phenomenon shook their hearts.
On a distant mountain peak, Obito's eyes narrowed beneath his mask.
"Planetary Devastation…" Black Zetsu's tone sharpened with excitement. "Nagato is finally using his true power."
"But Kitazawa has the Flying Thunder God Technique," White Zetsu reminded him.
"He can evade Planetary Devastation."
The mention of the Flying Thunder God Technique caused Obito's expression to twist beneath the mask.
Back then, armed with confidence in his Mangekyō Sharingan, he had attacked Konoha and unleashed the Nine-Tails.
Yet Minato Namikaze had utterly outmaneuvered him with Flying Thunder God. That humiliation had never faded.
"He can escape," Black Zetsu said calmly, "but the others cannot."
"His only option is to shatter Planetary Devastation head-on."
"…This is an opportunity." Obito's heart stirred.
Planetary Devastation was renowned as the strongest Sealing Technique in the Ninja World.
Once caught within its range, gravity would bind the body and disrupt Chakra flow, making escape nearly impossible.
"If it proves effective," Black Zetsu mused, "it's worth attempting."
Before the Forest of Death—
"Defensive formation!" Jiraiya shouted.
In truth, there was no need. Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi had already reacted.
The omnipresent gravitational pull was dragging them toward the sky. For the first time, they experienced firsthand the terror of the Rinnegan.
Anxiety crept into their hearts. They could not help but worry for Kitazawa.
Meanwhile, Kitazawa calmly assessed the situation.
He briefly considered using the World-Extinction Arrow again to shatter Planetary Devastation as he had before.
But he dismissed the idea. This time, he wanted to draw Uchiha Obito out.
Minato Namikaze could be used to locate him if necessary—but that would be a last resort.
If Obito revealed himself voluntarily, it would be far better.
Sage Mode!
Wood Release: Wood Human Technique! Kitazawa swiftly formed hand seals.
In the next instant, a colossal wooden golem rose from the earth. It stood before everyone, resisting the gravitational pull of Planetary Devastation.
The pressure on Jiraiya and the others immediately lessened. They looked up at the towering wooden figure, stunned.
The wooden golem dwarfed even the sacred beasts of the Three Great Sage Regions.
It rose like a mountain, piercing the heavens.
Within Konoha Village, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tsunade also witnessed the massive wooden figure.
"Kitazawa's Wood Release… already bears the shadow of the First Hokage." Hiruzen's voice carried rare astonishment.
As Tobirama's student, he had witnessed Senju Hashirama's Wood Release personally.
That overwhelming, near-invincible power had seemed unmatched.
Yet Kitazawa's growth was astonishing. He was drawing ever closer to that legendary realm.
Tsunade smiled faintly. For once in her life, she had placed her bet correctly.
Her gaze drifted toward Kurenai. After this matter was resolved, she would speak with her.
On the battlefield, Deva Path Pain had already reclaimed the Chakra of the Five Paths.
Naruto and the others halted their engagements.
The six newly recruited Akatsuki Jonin had already been restrained by Kurama Yakumo and Sasuke.
"Amazing…" Naruto couldn't suppress his awe as he stared at the wooden golem.
Sasuke dismissed his Susanoo.
Moments earlier, he had considered using Susanoo to shield against the gravitational pull and attempt to destroy the core from within.
Hinata remained silent. Her Byakugan remained fixed on Kitazawa, who stood atop the golem's head.
Ninja Art: Mind Transmission Technique! Kitazawa quietly established contact with Nagato.
Banshō Tenin! Deva Path Pain extended his hand once more.
A tremendous gravitational force locked onto Kitazawa.
Kitazawa feigned surprise, as though caught off guard by Banshō Tenin for the first time.
His body was violently pulled into the air. The closer he drew to the core of Planetary Devastation, the more overwhelming the suction became.
He felt an unprecedented force seize him.
In the next instant, his body was hurled toward the ever-expanding mass.
After absorbing countless fragments of earth and stone, the once-small sphere had already transformed into a massive celestial body suspended in the sky.
"Hokage-sama?!" Uchiha Fugaku and the others' expressions changed drastically at the sight.
Kitazawa forcefully twisted his body mid-air and landed atop the massive sphere of Planetary Devastation.
However, the overwhelming suction pressed down on him from all directions, forcing him into a hunched posture. He appeared as if he could be pulled into the core at any moment.
At that instant, his brow lifted slightly.
Space behind him distorted.
Uchiha Obito emerged from the swirling vortex of Kamui.
He gripped the Uchiha war fan in his left hand while his right palm struck directly toward Kitazawa's back.
Wood Release: Cutting Technique!
The skin along Obito's right arm bulged violently as sharp wooden branches burst forth, their tips gleaming like blades.
Kitazawa's Byakugan had been activated the entire time. The moment space warped, he had already seen Obito's arrival.
In that split second, he weighed two options.
First—counterattack immediately.
When Obito attacked, he was in a tangible state. That was the only moment he could be struck.
Second—use this chance to leave a Flying Thunder God Mark on him.
Although Obito still bore Minato Namikaze's Flying Thunder God Mark, Minato's remaining Chakra was only a wisp. His sensing range was limited.
If Kitazawa engraved his own mark, then as long as Obito remained within the Ninja World, he could be located.
Unless Obito became the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki, the Flying Thunder God Mark would be impossible to remove.
Kitazawa chose the latter without hesitation. Obito possessed Izanagi. One Sharingan could sustain it for ten minutes.
Killing him twice within such a short window was unrealistic.
Moreover, for the sake of maintaining the act, Nagato would continue attacking.
Bang! Kitazawa seized Obito's wrist.
The sharpened branches pierced his palm, and blood flowed down instantly. He ignored the pain and swung his left fist forward.
Obito reacted with astonishing speed, raising the Uchiha war fan to block.
A tremendous force collided.
After being absorbed and converted by the war fan, the impact transformed into a raging storm that blasted outward.
Without hesitation, Obito activated Kamui and vanished from sight. He understood clearly that such a storm could not injure Kitazawa.
Kitazawa did not pursue.
The Flying Thunder God Mark had already been engraved upon Obito. That was enough.
He withdrew his right hand. The puncture wounds caused by the wooden branches had already healed.
With his current physique, even without releasing the Yin Seal, any non-fatal injury would regenerate rapidly.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
Kitazawa disappeared from the sphere's surface, escaping the gravitational range of Planetary Devastation.
He reappeared atop the Wooden Arhat's head.
Sage Art: Wind Release: Rasenshuriken!
He raised his hand. Senjutsu Chakra surged forth, forming a massive shuriken-shaped Rasengan.
Without hesitation, he hurled it toward Planetary Devastation's core.
Boom!
The still-forming cosmic mass detonated violently under the impact of Sage Art: Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.
A tempest descended from the sky. Chakra currents scattered like exploding fireworks.
Jiraiya and the others involuntarily held their breath. The falling Chakra fragments felt like mountains crashing down upon them.
At that crucial moment, the Wooden Arhat raised both arms, shielding the battlefield and blocking every aftershock.
"Damn it!" Obito reappeared atop the distant mountain peak.
"How is his reaction so fast?!" Black Zetsu frowned deeply.
"It's as if he has eyes on the back of his head," White Zetsu muttered.
They were unaware that Kitazawa's Byakugan had been active. The Byakugan granted a near-complete field of vision.
Unless the disparity in strength was overwhelming, an ambush would never succeed.
"It seems the only way to defeat him is to summon the Gedo Mazo." Black Zetsu spoke decisively.
As its words fell, Nagato immediately formed hand seals.
Summoning Technique!
With a thunderous shock, the Gedo Mazo materialized upon the battlefield.
Gamabunta and the other Summoning Beasts instinctively retreated.
"What… is that?" Jiraiya's pupils contracted as he sensed the overwhelming presence of the Gedo Mazo.
A chill crawled down his spine.
No one answered.
Uchiha Fugaku and the others were frozen in shock.
Many of them had witnessed the Nine-Tails before. Yet compared to the Gedo Mazo, even the Nine-Tails seemed small.
"Is there truly such a Summoning Beast in this world?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened.
"Kitazawa is in danger. Stay here—I'll go support him!" Tsunade's heart trembled. Suppressing her fear, she prepared to move.
"Lady Tsunade." Kurenai grasped her wrist firmly.
"Believe in Kitazawa."
"But—" Tsunade had only spoken a single word when she suddenly froze.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did as well.
A colossal thousand-armed Kannon statue rose into the heavens. Its scale rivaled that of the Gedo Mazo.
The two titans faced each other as mountains incarnate.
For a fleeting moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought of the statues at the Valley of the End.
Had Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara returned?
"This is impossible!" Obito's voice trembled beneath his mask.
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu were equally stunned.
Especially Black Zetsu. For a thousand years, it had manipulated the reincarnations of Indra and Ashura, fueling their endless conflict.
Aside from those two bloodlines, every other ninja had been insignificant.
Yet this Kitazawa had appeared from nowhere. Its mind buzzed in disbelief.
Could the Sage of Six Paths have had another descendant? Was Kitazawa some forgotten reincarnation?
Otherwise, how could he wield power rivaling Indra and Ashura's heirs?
"Teacher Kitazawa… is that strong?" Sasuke unconsciously clenched his fists.
He had always known Kitazawa was formidable. But he believed that in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Naruto would not fall too far behind.
Now, his Susanoo seemed like a child before the thousand-armed Kannon.
"As expected of Teacher Kitazawa!" Naruto raised a thumbs-up, eyes blazing with excitement. "A man that strong—that's the true spirit of youth!"
Hinata and Neji stood in silence, too shocked to say anything.
A deep rumble echoed across the battlefield.
The Gedo Mazo charged forward and slammed heavily into the thousand-armed Kannon statue.
Top Transformed Buddha!
This time, Kitazawa did not layer it with Perfect Susanoo.
Even so, under the relentless barrage of the thousand-armed Kannon statue, the Gedo Mazo appeared unstable, as if it could collapse at any moment.
"Not good!" Black Zetsu's voice turned grave. "Nagato is going to lose!"
"This is the Gedo Mazo that devoured seven Tailed Beasts—how can it lose?"
Obito subconsciously took a step backward. He stared at Kitazawa, and an indescribable fear rose within him.
With his current strength, if he fought head-on, it would likely be extremely difficult to cause any real damage to Kitazawa.
"What do we do now?" White Zetsu said quickly. "Kitazawa will definitely seize the Rinnegan next!"
"The Rinnegan must not fall into Kitazawa's hands!" Black Zetsu immediately responded. "Let's leave now!"
"Leave?" Obito asked unwillingly. "Are we just giving up like this?"
"If we don't give up, what else can we do?" Black Zetsu shot back.
"…" Uchiha Obito fell silent.
He had already attempted one sneak attack. Kitazawa would certainly be on guard now. A second attempt would have an even lower chance of success.
"Don't worry. I have a backup plan." Black Zetsu took a deep breath and made its decision.
Nagato's body was already fragile. After this battle, it would likely deteriorate further.
It would be difficult for him to properly use the Rinnegan again.
It would be better to use his body to revive Uchiha Madara. Otherwise, no one would be able to defeat Kitazawa.
Moreover, once Nagato's Rinnegan was removed, there would be no suitable successor.
Should it be given to Uchiha Obito? Perhaps.
But even with the Rinnegan, Obito would likely still be unable to defeat Kitazawa. In the end, it would be meaningless.
"Hurry!" Black Zetsu urged as the Gedo Mazo collapsed under the thousand-armed statue's assault.
As soon as it finished speaking, it sank into the ground. Obito cast one last resentful glance toward Kitazawa before disappearing as well.
Kitazawa narrowed his eyes. It wasn't that he saw Obito's gaze.
Rather, he sensed the Flying Thunder God Mark vanish.
Without hesitation, he used the Body Flicker Technique and appeared before Deva Path Pain.
"I'll keep the Six Paths of Pain for you first."
After speaking calmly, he struck Deva Path Pain with a single punch, knocking him unconscious.
---
At the same time, far away—
Nagato, the true body, spat out a mouthful of blood.
Though this had been an act, the Chakra consumption had been real.
"Nagato, how are you?" Konan asked urgently.
"If Kitazawa is telling the truth, Black Zetsu and Uchiha Madara will arrive soon." Nagato wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"Kitazawa will also come," Konan said in a low voice.
"Mhm." Nagato nodded.
"Later, Black Zetsu and Uchiha Madara will likely try to distract you. Just do as they say."
"I understand." Konan stood and moved behind his wheelchair.
"To avoid suspicion, I'll take you away first." She pushed him out of the cave entrance.
The next second, space distorted.
Uchiha Obito appeared.
At the same time, Zetsu rose from the ground.
"What are you doing?" Konan immediately questioned.
"We have no ill intentions," Black Zetsu replied calmly. "Kitazawa will arrive soon. You cannot escape by moving like this."
Konan's expression darkened. A trace of hesitation appeared in her eyes.
"I will take Nagato away," Black Zetsu continued.
"You and Madara stay behind and delay Kitazawa. Once I am far enough, Madara can use space-time Ninjutsu to retrieve you."
"I don't trust you," Konan said coldly.
"Our goals are aligned. The Eye of the Moon Plan has already failed. We cannot turn against each other now." Black Zetsu's tone sharpened.
"There's no time!" White Zetsu added. "If we don't leave immediately, none of us will escape!"
"Konan… listen to it," Nagato said quietly after a moment of silence.
"But—" Konan hesitated. Finally, she nodded. "Be careful."
"Don't worry. I'll protect him." Black Zetsu stepped forward. "Nagato, I'll attach to you first. That way I can take you underground."
Nagato nodded slowly.
Black and white sludge-like forms spread across his body. They fused into him.
His body was then dragged beneath the earth.
After an unknown length of time, light returned to Nagato's vision. He found himself inside a cave.
"Where is this?" Nagato asked slowly.
"You don't need to know." Black Zetsu's tone changed. "Nagato, your mission is complete."
"What do you mean?" Nagato attempted to rise.
But black matter spread instantly across his body and arms.
He lost control. Kitazawa was right. But wasn't Uchiha Madara with Konan, holding off Kitazawa?
Then, who was Black Zetsu planning to revive?
Just as this thought crossed his mind, White Zetsu separated from his body. It opened its mouth and spat out a corpse.
The corpse had empty eye sockets—no eyes at all.
"Uchiha Madara?" Nagato blurted out.
Kitazawa had said his Rinnegan belonged to Uchiha Madara. And this corpse… had no eyes.
"You're quite clever." Black Zetsu's voice echoed coldly.
Nagato realized his hands were forming seals on their own. The seal was painfully familiar.
Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique.
"You've lost your value as a pawn." Black Zetsu spoke calmly. "Sorry. Now the chess player must personally clean up the board."
"So that's it…" Nagato suddenly calmed down.
He lowered his gaze to the black substance covering his body.
Transcription Seal—activated.
The Five Elements Seal. The Four Symbols Seal. The Eight Trigrams Seal. The Self-Cursing Seal.
All four Sealing Techniques descended upon Black Zetsu simultaneously.
Black Zetsu froze. Its voice erupted in anger and shock. "You tricked me!"
At that exact moment, Kitazawa appeared inside the cave.
Black Zetsu was stunned. Why would Nagato cooperate with Kitazawa? When had he learned the truth?
"Buy one, get one free? That generous?" Kitazawa laughed when he saw Uchiha Madara's corpse lying nearby.
Without hesitation, he began unleashing Sealing Techniques upon Black Zetsu in rapid succession.