Naruto Uzumaki couldn't sit still any longer.
He knew what Sasuke had been through. That guy, Uchiha Itachi, didn't just kill his own parents—he slaughtered his entire clan!
Someone like that was unforgivable!
Having grown up without parents, Naruto craved family more than anything.
And yet, this Uchiha Itachi trampled all over the idea of family!
He'd caused Sasuke so much pain!
As Sasuke's bond, Naruto was determined to stand by his side!
"Kurama! Let's do this!"
"Alright, you annoying little brat!"
In an instant, a massive Nine-Tails materialized, dominating the battlefield with its overwhelming presence!
A colossal Complete Susanoo and a terrifying Nine-Tails were now ganging up on a not-quite-complete Susanoo.
Uchiha Itachi realized things had spiraled way beyond his expectations.
Not only were they beyond his expectations, but they were also completely out of his control.
Originally, he'd planned to have a fight with his little brother, let Sasuke win, and then hand over his eyes before dying.
But now? It wasn't about whether he could throw the fight—it was about whether he could survive this onslaught from these two monsters!
After all, he had to pass his eyes on to Sasuke.
If he died here, all his plans would be for nothing!
But his foolish little brother had gone completely berserk…
And then there was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki!
A Nine-Tails and a Complete Susanoo? How was he supposed to fight that?!
At that moment, Sasuke and Naruto locked eyes.
Their gazes burned with fiery passion.
Itachi felt a sinking dread wash over him.
"Sasuke!"
"Naruto!"
"Sasuke!"
"Naruto!"
The two shouted each other's names with fervor, then nodded in sync.
"Sasuke, maybe it's time we try that move!"
"Got it!"
Ever since Sasuke awakened his Mangekyou Sharingan and Naruto gained full control of the Nine-Tails' power, Madara Uchiha had told them they could develop a joint technique.
The name of that technique?
Susanoo: Tailed Beast Calamity!
Or, as it was also called… Armored Nine-Tails!
Back in the day, Madara had used this very technique to battle Hashirama Senju's Thousand Hands Buddha. Sure, he still lost, but…
"Sasuke!"
"Naruto!"
"Armored Nine-Tails! Tailed Beast Calamity!"
In a flash, Naruto and Sasuke appeared atop the Nine-Tails' head. The beast's body began to be enveloped in Susanoo's armor, covering its claws, head, and tails completely.
Even the Nine-Tails' nine tails sprouted massive katanas, like giant claws!
Itachi's eyes twitched uncontrollably.
He was dumbfounded.
Seriously?!
Tailed Beasts and Susanoo could be combined like that?!
This was way too overpowered!
How the hell was he supposed to fight this?!
"Uchiha Itachi! I'm going to kill you!"
The Tailed Beast Calamity charged at Itachi's Susanoo.
Boom!
The Nine-Tails' claws pinned down both arms of Itachi's Susanoo, while the nine katana-wielding tails slashed furiously at it.
Itachi felt his Susanoo teetering on the brink of collapse.
Damn it! This isn't working!
If he died like this, what would happen to his eyes? What about his foolish little brother's eyes?!
No way!
Gritting his teeth, Itachi steeled himself.
He'd planned to go easy on Sasuke, but now? He was the one hoping Sasuke would go easy on him!
His Mangekyou Sharingan spun wildly, and his Susanoo began to transform. The skeletal giant grew flesh and donned its signature armor.
Itachi was pushing his Mangekyou to its limits.
Even in its complete form, his Susanoo could barely hold its own against the Armored Nine-Tails!
Meanwhile, the Nine-Tails was having the time of its life. Wearing Susanoo's armor felt awesome!
Back when Madara controlled it, it had been forced into Susanoo and promptly pummeled by Hashirama's Buddha. But now? Things were different!
Now, it was willingly wearing Susanoo, and it didn't have to fight that Buddha—it was up against another Susanoo!
Heh heh heh heh heh…
Kurama, the Nine-Tails, was finally standing tall!
This was exhilarating!
With a single swipe, the Nine-Tails sent Itachi's Susanoo stumbling. Its nine tails pinned Itachi's Susanoo in place.
Then, its massive jaws opened wide…
A Tailed Beast Bomb began to form in its mouth!
Buzz!
BOOM!
The devastating Tailed Beast Bomb slammed into Itachi's Susanoo. Itachi's heart raced with relief—he'd just poured everything into powering up his Susanoo.
If he hadn't, that bomb might've killed him!
Even so, the blast shattered his Susanoo's armor completely.
Blood streamed from Itachi's eyes.
The strain on his Mangekyou was too much, forcing him to release his Susanoo.
Staggering back a few steps, Itachi barely steadied himself, looking at Sasuke with a bitter expression.
"Sasuke… listen to me!"
Itachi wanted to explain everything. If he didn't, he was sure he'd die here!
His death wasn't the issue—but he hadn't passed his eyes to Sasuke yet!
"Shut up! I'm not listening! Is this your pathetic attempt at mercy? Are you begging me now?!"
Sasuke cut him off sharply.
"Sasuke! Just hear me out!"
Itachi was desperate. All he wanted was to hand over his eyes and die!
"No way! I'm not listening to your nonsense!"
"Sasuke, everything I did was for a reason!"
"Screw your reasons!"