356-360

Chapter 356: Chika vs. The Dutiful Son

"What’s with the Sharingan? Could it be that Fujiwara Aizen is also from the Uchiha clan?"

The Raikage voiced the question on everyone’s mind, his tone laced with curiosity and concern.

At the same time, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Why does everything always seem to involve the Uchiha?

"No, Aizen isn’t a member of the Uchiha clan," Tsunade said with a shake of her head. "Frankly, I’m not afraid of making a fool of myself by admitting this—it’s one of Konoha’s shameful secrets."

"Most of you here probably remember what happened three years ago, during the joint Chūnin Exams held by Suna and Konoha, when Aizen exposed the truth behind the Uchiha clan’s massacre."

"Lady Hokage, this..." Shikaku began hesitantly, interrupting her cautiously.

Rumors were one thing. But openly admitting to the truth? That would surely tarnish Konoha’s image and, by extension, the legacy of the Third Hokage.

Tsunade raised her hand, silencing him. "It doesn’t matter. What was sown in the past is reaped in the present. If that old man Hiruzen and Danzo hadn’t been in cahoots, none of this chaos would’ve happened."

"They brought this disgrace upon themselves. And honestly, given that Konoha—and the entire ninja world—is now at a critical juncture, there’s no point hiding anything anymore."

She took a deep breath before continuing, "As for how Chika awakened the Sharingan, it’s tied to another secret—a tale that begins nine years ago on the night the Uchiha clan was annihilated, with the clan’s former leader, Uchiha Fugaku..."

With that, Tsunade began recounting the story Aizen had once used to deceive her.

When everyone learned that the Uchiha massacre was indeed orchestrated by Konoha’s higher-ups, and that Uchiha Itachi had acted on orders from Danzo and the Third Hokage, their disdain for Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo only deepened.

At the same time, when they heard that Fugaku had transferred his bloodline to Aizen in order to protect his wife, they couldn’t help but marvel at the strange abilities of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Even a bloodline limit could be passed down.

And not only that, it could even be inherited.

The Uchiha clan truly lived up to their reputation as one of the strongest clans after the Senju.

Geniuses, all of them.

But tragically, they lacked common sense—so much so that they were easily manipulated by Hiruzen and Danzo.

If Fujiwara Aizen hadn’t intervened, Hiruzen and Danzo might still be running rampant.

"So, Fujiwara Aizen awakened the Sharingan as well?" the Raikage asked.

Tsunade nodded slowly, and Mabui chimed in, "Then why have we never seen him use it?"

"Probably because he doesn’t need to," the Raikage replied, his expression darkening as he recalled his battle with Aizen. "For someone of his caliber, the Sharingan is more of a luxury than a necessity."

At this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Indeed, even the ultimate Uchiha technique—Susanoo—had been easily shattered by Aizen in a single strike. To him, the Mangekyō Sharingan was redundant.

Mabui seemed to recall something and added, "Oh, right! Lady Hokage, Lord Raikage, we just received a message from Lord Kazekage. Uchiha Itachi said we need to find Naruto."

"Itachi claims Naruto holds the power to stop him. Previously, because of his association with the Akatsuki, we chose to ignore him."

"But now, it seems he was actually a Konoha spy sent into the Akatsuki during the Third Hokage’s regime. Should we..."

Before she could finish, a transmission came through: Naruto and Killer Bee had escaped.

The most shocking part? Jiraiya had joined them.

As in the original timeline, the Raikage and Tsunade left to intercept them.

Command temporarily fell to Shikaku Nara and Mabui as acting strategists.

The outcome was predictable: Naruto, using both his persuasive skills and his body flicker technique rivaling the Flying Thunder God, evaded the Raikage’s Lightning Armor and managed to convince him.

With the Eight-Tails, Nine-Tails, and Jiraiya officially joining the fray, the scene shifted back to the Fourth Division’s battlefield.

"Uchiha Itachi," Gaara began, addressing the figure before him, "the Hokage has already informed me of your story. Given the current situation, you must realize that Madara is behind this war."

"As a ninja of Konoha, I trust you’re not genuinely an enemy of the Allied Forces. But Naruto is the key to this conflict. Can you tell me what contingency you’ve left in him?"

Itachi muttered under his breath, "So it’s finally come to light. Was it Aizen who revealed it?" His expression softened, almost as if he felt vindicated. But then he straightened, his face becoming serious.

"I’m sorry, Lord Kazekage. While I trust the Allied Forces, and I will reveal my own weaknesses in due time, this particular matter is too critical. Unless Naruto is standing before me, I cannot divulge it."

"If I were to say anything, Madara would immediately learn of it, and the Allied Forces would be at an even greater disadvantage."

At that moment, Itachi was still unaware that the crow he had planted in Naruto had long been switched out.

"I see," Gaara said, deciding not to press further.

There was no point.

The battle erupted without further words.

Gaara moved his hand, sending sand to entrap the Dutiful Son, the Second Tsuchikage, the Second Mizukage, and the Third Raikage.

The Second Tsuchikage, with his sensory abilities, and the Dutiful Son, with his Sharingan, evaded the attack, each pursued by Ōnoki and Chika respectively.

Meanwhile, the Second Mizukage and Third Raikage, though briefly restrained, broke free with their oil and Lightning Release techniques.

The battlefield quickly split into four distinct zones.

Chika faced Uchiha Itachi; Gaara and Ōnoki fought the Second Tsuchikage, while the Third Tsuchikage and Second Mizukage were surrounded by numerous Allied ninja.

"Amaterasu!"

Both Chika and Itachi narrowed their left eyes while opening their right, simultaneously unleashing black flames that clashed in mid-air, burning until they canceled each other out.

"So, you’ve awakened the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan," Itachi remarked, activating Susanoo and slashing at Chika with the Totsuka Blade. "Is it Chika’s eyes?"

Chika activated his own Susanoo, meeting Itachi’s blade with a golden Totsuka Blade. "Please. I wouldn’t gouge out my own eyes, let alone my sister’s. Besides, my sister Chika lives a carefree life. She hasn’t even awakened the Mangekyō."

The two Totsuka Blades clashed repeatedly, sending shockwaves through the air, resembling a battle between two colossal warriors.

Nearby Allied ninja were blown away by the sheer force.

As Chika fought Itachi, he spoke casually, "My father helped me awaken it. He used your brother’s eyes. After the masked man transplanted your eyes into Sasuke, he took Sasuke’s blind Mangekyō and your remains."

"Using a special medical technique, he restored and fused the two, creating an Eternal Mangekyō. Then he transferred that Eternal Mangekyō’s power into my eyes."

---

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 357: The End of Obito*

"What about Sasuke?" Obito finally asked the question he cared about the most.

Chika struggled to suppress her laughter. "The 'Second Pillar' is consumed by hatred now, completely unable to extricate himself. He blames the Leaf Village for the death of his beloved brother."

"And so, he joined the Akatsuki. Seems like he spends his days plotting how to destroy the Leaf."

"Not long ago, he even caused a huge scene at the Five Kage Summit. Attacked everyone in sight. Though, of course, he ended up getting beaten up again."

As they spoke, Chika pondered how to deal with Itachi Uchiha.

She realized her mind-reading ability seemed to be restricted.

While she could still understand Obito's thoughts, his body wasn't under his own control but rather compelled to act by the orders of the Edo Tensei summoning.

This reminded her of something Aizen had once told her:

"Don't rely too much on mind-reading. Otherwise, if you encounter an enemy immune to it, you'll find yourself at a disadvantage."

Since that was the case, she'd just have to use another method.

"What about Aizen?" Obito had no idea what Chika was thinking and pressed on with his questions.

Her response was *Earth Release: Earthquake Core.*

Obito's Susano'o couldn't protect the ground beneath him.

Chika formed a symbolic hand seal, then slammed her hands onto the ground. The earth around Obito's feet erupted, lifting the terrain several meters high.

At the same time, Chika's Susano'o readied an arrow imbued with the power of Kagutsuchi. It shot towards the exposed area beneath Obito's feet that his Susano'o couldn’t cover.

Obito, ever the most resourceful strategist of the shinobi world, demonstrated his exceptional combat intelligence and reaction time.

In a split second, he shifted the direction of his Susano'o, deflecting the arrow with the Yata Mirror.

While he avoided a fatal blow, the movement caused him to lose balance as the unstable ground beneath him crumbled.

"*Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!*"

Chika formed another symbolic hand seal, and from her mouth emerged a massive water dragon over a hundred meters long. It lunged ferociously at Obito.

Obito, still not in control of his actions, countered with a Great Fireball Technique.

Unfortunately, the fireball was no match for the water dragon infused with Chika's Sage Chakra. It exploded into a cloud of steam before the water dragon engulfed Obito's Susano'o and sent him crashing into a distant mountain range.

"That water dragon technique surpasses even the Mizukage!" exclaimed some Hidden Mist shinobi from the allied forces who were near the battlefield.

Having initially retreated far away to avoid Amaterasu's flames, the allied shinobi saw Chika's water technique hit Uchiha Itachi. Their morale soared.

This, however, infuriated the Second Mizukage, who had been going easy on them.

Thus began an amusing tirade.

The Second Mizukage, shaking with anger, berated the ninja from all villages, lamenting how each generation was worse than the last.

Some allied shinobi mockingly referred to him as "the mustached guy with no eyebrows."

The scene shifted back to Chika.

She dismissed her Susano'o and leaped down to where Obito had fallen.

As the dust settled, Obito's shattered Susano'o revealed his battered form.

"You've lost, Chika," came a voice.

Suddenly, a kunai was pressed against Chika's neck. Obito had silently appeared behind her.

The Itachi within the Susano'o turned into a puff of smoke—it had been a shadow clone all along.

The Susano'o vanished.

This was Itachi's signature ability: detaching Susano'o from his body to mislead opponents.

Using the Susano'o to distract Chika, Obito thought he had successfully outwitted her.

"Not necessarily," Chika replied calmly. Her body began to fade away.

Before Obito could react, he felt a presence behind him.

"*This is genjutsu!*" Obito exclaimed, spinning around.

Too late. A golden flaming sword pierced through his back.

"You're not the only one who can detach your Susano'o," Chika said, her expression resolute. Behind her, a golden Susano'o wielding the Totsuka Blade stood tall.

"I suppose you know what comes next," she added.

"Your genjutsu has surpassed even Shisui's," Obito admitted as the dust of Edo Tensei began to scatter from his body. A serene smile appeared on his face.

"Do you have any last messages for Lady Mikoto, Sasuke, or Chiharu?" Chika asked, even though she already knew his thoughts.

Obito shook his head with a bitter smile. "I've said everything I needed to to my mother and Chiharu. I trust Aizen will take good care of them."

"My only regret is that I couldn't find Kabuto and stop the Edo Tensei. And I failed Sasuke the most."

"But now, with you and Naruto here, I believe the war and Sasuke's fate will turn out for the best."

With those words, Obito was sealed into the Totsuka Blade, meeting the same end as Nagato in the original story.

Meanwhile, the Second Mizukage continued to vent his frustrations.

Under the influence of his giant clam’s mirage, the allied shinobi flailed around helplessly despite knowing his abilities. Many fell to his Water Gun Technique, causing significant casualties.

"You all are hopeless," he growled, his little mustache trembling in anger.

"Really?" came Chika's voice.

In an instant, the mirage dissipated, and the Second Mizukage's true form was revealed. Before he could activate his Explosive Clone, Chika's golden Susano'o fired an arrow that pierced through him and his summoned clam.

"Impressive girl," the Mizukage muttered as his body dissolved. "It seems the Uchiha Clan has a bright future after all."

Even as he was sealed away, he believed Chika was a member of the Uchiha Clan.

With the Mizukage defeated, Chika hurried to the Third Raikage's battlefield.

There, she used her mind-reading ability to deduce the Raikage's weakness by observing the lightning-shaped scar on his chest.

She forced him to use his Hell Stab technique and, like Naruto in the original story, turned his own attack against him.

The Third Raikage was sealed.

Chika continued to shine in the Fourth Great Ninja War, her exploits elevating her to legendary status.

She proceeded to the battlefield of the Second Tsuchikage. Using her enhanced perception, she predicted his evasion tactics.

With the help of Gaara and Onoki, she unleashed a Sage Art: Chidori Sharp Spear to deliver a decisive blow.

(End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 358: The Plan Officially Begins*

"To think someone so powerful could seal four of my strongest pawns so easily... She truly is worthy of being Lord Aizen's daughter."

In the pitch-black cave, Kabuto casually discarded the four pawns representing Uchiha Itachi, the Third Raikage, the Second Tsuchikage, and the Second Mizukage.

Adjusting his glasses slightly, he mused, "It's time to move the battle to the next phase."

Just as he clasped his hands together, preparing to summon Madara Uchiha, a figure suddenly appeared and grabbed his wrist.

"Lord Aizen?" Kabuto froze, staring at the newcomer in surprise. The man had short, messy black hair, a handsome face, wore a white long coat, and carried a samurai sword with a dark green hilt at his waist. Who else could it be but Aizen?

"Are you planning to summon Madara now?" Aizen asked with a smile. "Don’t tell me you intend to bring him out here of all places."

Kabuto nodded. "That’s correct. With the Edo Tensei army on the main battlefield sealed, there aren’t any ninja nearby strong enough to summon Madara. This is the only location where I can summon him and send him to the battlefield."

He frowned. "Is there a problem?"

"There’s a significant problem," Aizen said, releasing Kabuto's hand. "With your Edo Tensei, there’s no way you can control someone of Madara's caliber."

"That’s impossible!" Kabuto exclaimed, shocked.

He was well aware of Madara’s power. Truly strong shinobi were capable of resisting Edo Tensei’s control for brief moments. If the Second Tsuchikage’s clone hadn’t been discovered by Chika, Kabuto wouldn’t even risk it. Still, he felt confident in his improved Edo Tensei and the Sage Mode he had mastered at Ryuchi Cave.

"Are you saying my Edo Tensei isn’t strong enough to control Madara?" Kabuto asked, unconvinced.

Aizen’s voice turned serious. "When the gap between the deceased and the caster becomes too vast, the jutsu’s restraints can be ignored, allowing the resurrected to rebel against their master. Madara possesses the Rinnegan and Hashirama’s cells, and you’re using a special sacrifice to revive him. If I hadn’t intervened, summoning him now might’ve cost you your life."

Kabuto broke out in a cold sweat, his heart pounding in fear. "I see... If Madara is truly that powerful, should I still summon him?"

"Of course," Aizen said firmly. "But before that, let me share my plan."

He then began to explain his strategy for the "Infinite Tsukuyomi," revealing his use of the Dragon Vein’s power to traverse time and space and his knowledge of secrets such as Kaguya Otsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths, and Black Zetsu’s machinations. However, Aizen was aware of Orochimaru listening in through the Cursed Seal on Anko Mitarashi. To mislead Orochimaru, he used Kyouka Suigetsu to alter the snake sannin’s perception, ensuring Orochimaru would remain in the dark about his true objectives.

After listening to Aizen’s explanation, a mix of shock, excitement, and disbelief flickered through Kabuto's golden snake-like eyes. Finally, he sighed. "I never imagined, Lord Aizen, that you’ve accounted for everyone in your plans."

"Not everyone," Aizen said with a serious expression. "I never intended to hide anything from you."

Kabuto considered for a moment before laughing bitterly. "Do I even have a choice in this? Still, if the Director can be resurrected and live in a world without conflict... perhaps it’s not so bad."

He clasped his hands together, performing Edo Tensei to summon Nonō Yakushi.

Kabuto watched in astonishment as Aizen effortlessly revived Nonō with just 50 units of chakra, her body shedding the dust-like appearance of Edo Tensei.

"Incredible... simply incredible," Kabuto murmured, his mouth agape. Despite being a skilled medical ninja himself, this display left him in awe.

"I thought it would take more chakra," Aizen said casually, withdrawing his hand from Nonō’s chest. "In a quarter of an hour, she’ll wake up. Leave Madara’s summoning to me. I’ll summon him in an hour."

Turning to Kabuto, he added, "Spend this time with her. While part of our plan involves her, sometimes a kind lie is the best option. What matters is the result."

"I understand." Kabuto handed over a summoning scroll, then knelt in gratitude, tears forming in his eyes as he gazed at Nonō’s slowly recovering form. For the first time in years, his hollow heart felt whole.

Not wanting to intrude on their reunion, Aizen cast one last glance at Orochimaru’s hiding place before vanishing with Flying Thunder God.

---

Meanwhile, reports poured into the Allied Shinobi Forces’ headquarters:

"Uchiha Itachi has been sealed by Chika."

"Chika has broken the Second Mizukage’s Mirage Genjutsu. He’s sealed."

"The Third Raikage’s weakness was exploited by Chika, and he was pierced by his own technique. He’s sealed."

"The Second Tsuchikage has been sealed with the combined efforts of the Kazekage, the Tsuchikage, and Chika."

"Naruto’s clones have spread across all battlefields, identifying White Zetsu infiltrators. We now have a decisive advantage."

The headquarters was abuzz with relief. "As expected of the daughter of Konoha's once-in-a-lifetime genius," many remarked. "Even without the Sharingan, she can defeat former Kage-level opponents."

"It seems deploying Chika and Naruto was the right decision," Shikaku Nara said with a rare smile.

But Tsunade remained tense. "We can’t let our guard down. Don’t forget, Madara recently obtained the Six Paths tools containing Kinkaku and Ginkaku. He hasn’t even made his move yet."

Her words sent a chill through the room. Suddenly, the sensor ninja Ao spoke up, his voice trembling. "A new enemy has appeared—a small squad, but their chakra levels are terrifying."

"Who is it?" Raikage demanded.

"It’s Madara," Ao confirmed, his face pale. "He’s leading the team himself, along with former Jinchuriki, including the Fourth Mizukage."

Chapter 359: The Arrival of Uchiha Madara

Nara Shikaku's face turned grim. “I never expected Madara’s subordinates to have such powerful squads.”

As one wave subsided, another arose. Ao spoke again, “It’s not just Madara. There’s also the Fourth Division battlefield... My god, what an immense chakra.”

The sun hung high in the sky.

After parting ways with Kabuto, Aizen returned briefly to Amegakure, setting up a Kido barrier around his wife and children’s residence to shield them from the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

An hour later, he arrived at the Fourth Division battlefield of the Allied Shinobi Forces.

“It’s about time,” Aizen murmured, narrowing his eyes at the blinding sun. Following the technique Kabuto provided, he formed hand seals and summoned two coffins.

One was intended for Kabuto to observe the battle and communicate with Madara.

The other, naturally, was for Uchiha Madara.

*Crack!*

The coffin lid shattered.

Out stepped a middle-aged man clad in crimson layered armor, his spiky hair unmistakable—the strongest "porcupine" of the ninja world.

Just like in the original story, Madara kicked the coffin lid aside and made his domineering entrance. “Finally, I’ve been revived. It seems Nagato has grown quite a bit.”

“This isn’t Rinne Rebirth; it’s Edo Tensei,” Aizen said with a calm smile.

“Edo Tensei?” Madara paused, looking down at his hands and murmuring, “So, it’s not Rinne Rebirth?”

“Of course not. Nagato was swayed by the current Nine-Tails Jinchuriki’s ‘Talk-no-Jutsu.’ He sacrificed himself to revive the thousands of Konoha ninja he had killed.”

“Everyone’s like this... Oh well, it doesn’t matter.” Madara fixed his gaze on Aizen. “There’s something about you that feels oddly familiar, but I can’t sense any chakra. It’s as if you’re entirely merged with nature itself—completely undetectable.”

“You’re no ordinary young man. Are you the summoner?” Madara's eyes narrowed dangerously.

“No, I’m not. Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Aizen—Fujiwara Aizen. You could say I’m an ally of Tobi—no, the other Madara.” Aizen ignored Madara’s threatening gaze and turned to the second Edo Tensei body. “The one who used Edo Tensei is my associate.”

The Edo Tensei body trembled and regained clarity. “I’m Kabuto. Lord Aizen brought me here as an accomplice.”

“Using Edo Tensei to communicate with me? How underhanded,” Madara scoffed.

Kabuto remained unfazed, smiling calmly. “There’s no other choice. You’re the legendary ‘Shinobi Shura.’ Edo Tensei can’t bind you anymore. For safety, this was necessary.”

“Hmph, at least you’re self-aware,” Madara sneered, then turned to Aizen. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll attack you?”

“Of course, if you’re capable of doing so,” Aizen replied nonchalantly.

“You’ve got guts, kid.”

Madara’s gaze sharpened. As they locked eyes, the wind carried sand between them, and the red armor and white robes swayed momentarily before settling.

At that moment, the air seemed to freeze.

“Are we fighting?” Aizen asked with a smile. “The legendary Shinobi Shura, Uchiha Madara.”

“Alright then, let me see what you’re made of.” Just as Madara prepared to strike, Black Zetsu emerged from the sand. “Wait, Lord Madara.”

Aizen smirked at Black Zetsu. “I thought you wanted to see me fight Madara. But you’re in rough shape, only half a body. Got sliced in half?”

“You’re as sharp-tongued as ever,” Black Zetsu replied, seemingly immune to Aizen’s mockery.

“Black Zetsu, what’s going on?” Madara asked, displeased at the interruption.

Apologetically, Black Zetsu explained Aizen and Tobi’s alliance, as well as the ongoing Great Ninja War, in painstaking detail.

Aizen and Kabuto watched silently, their expressions hinting at disdain, as if they were witnessing a clown’s performance.

Even the normally domineering Madara seemed diminished by Black Zetsu’s groveling.

“That’s the situation, Lord Madara. Aizen is capable of taking on all five Kage single-handedly. If you and Aizen fight here, it’ll only benefit the Allied Shinobi Forces.”

Madara glanced at Aizen indifferently. “Taking on the Five Kage, huh? It seems you’re worthy of fighting me.”

Though in his heart, he added, But that’s all.  

“Fine. For Tobi’s sake, we’ll postpone our battle.”

Kabuto couldn’t hide his eagerness. “Then let’s head to the battlefield, Mr. Madara. This Edo Tensei is tailored specifically for you. It will enhance your power beyond your prime.”

“You’ve seen my prime?” Madara asked, arms crossed as he side-eyed Kabuto.

“No, I haven’t,” Kabuto admitted. “But Lord Aizen’s strength is the most powerful I’ve witnessed so far. I’m eager to see how strong the legendary Shinobi Shura truly is.”

“Hmph. You’re bold for a coward who hides in the shadows,” Madara sneered. He was never one for verbal sparring and preferred to silence critics with his fists.

“Very well. It’s been a long time since I fought. Let’s see if the Five Great Nations and their Kage are as weak as you say.”

Meanwhile, on the Allied Shinobi Forces’ side, a sensory ninja detected the Edo Tensei summons.

“There’s someone... over there,” they said, pointing to a rock ledge at nine o’clock.

Gaara, Ohnoki, Temari, and Naruto’s clone looked in that direction. The Edo Tensei figure emerged first.

“Is it him? Doesn’t seem like much,” Temari remarked, her tone relaxed after their victory against the previous Kage.

“I don’t sense chakra from him. There’s someone else,” the sensory ninja said, sweating nervously.

At that moment, Aizen stepped forward, and the Allied Forces erupted in shock.

“Wasn’t Fujiwara Aizen supposed to stay out of the battle? Why is he here?”

“No, it’s not Fujiwara Aizen. It’s someone else.”

Finally, Madara emerged, arms crossed, his long hair and golden armor swaying in the wind. His aura dominated the battlefield.

The Allied Shinobi Forces fell silent, the air thick with tension.

“Uchiha Madara,” Ohnoki muttered, struggling to say the name.

At that moment, he was once again haunted by the fear Madara had instilled in him.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 360: A Stronger Tsunade*

“Wearing a headband with the ‘忍’ symbol while donning uniforms of different villages… How surprising. The five great nations, once enemies, have actually united.”

On a massive stone pillar in the arid Gobi Desert, Uchiha Madara stood with arms crossed, his Sharingan, in its three-tomoe form, overlooking the Ninja Alliance.

Beside him, Aizen stood with his hands casually in his pockets, a serene expression on his face. “It’s merely a temporary alliance. The primary force uniting people is a common enemy.”

“Once that enemy is gone, it won’t take long before war breaks out among them again. The five nations united not because they wanted to, but because of us—the Akatsuki—and you, Uchiha Madara.”

“Frankly, if we were to lose, they might enjoy a few decades of peace, having shared hardships in this war. But as long as the ninja world remains divided, with its rotten system unchanged…”

“War will never cease.”

Madara looked at Aizen with surprise. “I didn’t expect that, besides me, someone else in today’s ninja world could see through this truth. I think I’m beginning to understand why Obito chose to work with you.”

“Seeing the truth doesn’t mean one can act on it, and acting doesn’t mean one is willing to.” Aizen smirked lightly.

“So, which are you?” Madara, despite his extremism, sought justice in his own way and found himself intrigued by Aizen.

“Who knows?” Aizen chuckled, raising his right hand and forming a symbolic seal.

“Are you planning to act?” Madara narrowed his eyes.

“Not today. This is your stage. I wouldn’t steal the spotlight. But my daughter is in that alliance, and fists and blades don’t discriminate. Try not to hurt her.”

With that, Aizen disappeared from Madara’s sight, reappearing beside his daughter, Chika.

Madara, glancing toward the alliance, smiled faintly. “Tobirama’s space-time jutsu, huh? Interesting.”

Meanwhile, the alliance erupted in alarm.

“Fujiwara Aizen! Are you breaking the agreement?” the Tsuchikage demanded harshly.

“No, I have no interest in participating in this overwhelming battle. I’m just here to take my daughter. After all, not even 30% of you will survive this fight.”

Aizen placed a hand on Chika’s shoulder, his right hand still forming a seal, his gaze cold and playful. “Of course, you’re welcome to stop me, but the consequences will be beyond your capacity to bear. The survival rate would drop to zero.”

The alliance fell silent. Even Naruto’s shadow clone, standing nearby, didn’t intervene.

Still in his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Naruto could sense malicious intent. Aizen’s killing intent was directed at the alliance itself. He understood—stopping him now would likely spell death for everyone except Chika.

“A wise choice.” Aizen retracted his gaze and patted Chika’s head. “Let’s go, Chika. You’ve done enough for the alliance. Your dad doesn’t want you getting hurt in the upcoming battle.”

“The Rinnegan isn’t something you can contend with yet.”

Aizen’s mention of the Rinnegan was a deliberate warning to the alliance.

In the original timeline, Madara had been nearly hit by Naruto’s Rasenshuriken after Gaara’s sand had pulled him from Susanoo. Only his Rinnegan’s ability to absorb ninjutsu had saved him.

Now, Aizen was curious to see how the alliance would react, knowing Madara possessed the Rinnegan.

Sure enough, upon hearing “Rinnegan,” Onoki and Gaara exchanged grim looks, the weight of the revelation evident.

“Understood.” Chika nodded obediently, touched by her father’s affection. The two returned to Aizen’s previous spot beside Madara.

Chika cared little for the alliance’s fate. Her primary concern lay with a select few individuals. Her main reason for joining the battle had been to see her father and spend time with him.

“This girl is your daughter?” Madara glanced at Chika, intrigued. “Her chakra feels somewhat like that of the Uchiha. Is she the child of you and someone from my clan?”

“No, she’s the child of me and Konoha’s Fifth Hokage—Tsunade, the granddaughter of the First Hokage.” Aizen chuckled. “An unexpected outcome of a drunken night before she became Hokage.”

“Hashirama’s granddaughter? Now that’s interesting.” Madara smirked but soon lost interest, turning his attention back to the alliance. His expression grew playful and eager. “Let the battle begin.”

At the alliance headquarters, chaos ensued.

“Hokage-sama, Fujiwara Aizen has joined Uchiha Madara and an unknown Edo Tensei summoner on the battlefield. Aizen has removed Chika from the alliance’s ranks.”

“Madara has engaged the Tsuchikage and others. The alliance is suffering heavy casualties.”

“Damn it!” Tsunade slammed her fist on the table, standing tall and imposing as she approached the Heavenly Transfer technique platform. “Mabui, prepare the Heavenly Transfer technique immediately!”

Mabui hesitated, startled. “But that technique is for transferring objects. Unlike summoning techniques, it shreds living beings to pieces due to the speed. Only the Third Raikage, with his unparalleled physique, has survived it. Even the Fourth Raikage managed it only due to his bloodline. Hokage-sama, you…”

Shikaku, deep in thought, suggested, “There is another way. The Flying Thunder Formation, used by the Fourth Hokage’s guards, could be deployed with Katsuyu carrying the seal to the battlefield.”

“Yes, I won’t fall apart,” Katsuyu assured them.

Tsunade paused. “No. The Flying Thunder God technique has other uses. Aizen values his daughter and won’t break his word in her presence.”

“Our real concern is Madara. He’s a Uchiha, a clan adept at fire release. We’ll need water release to counter it. Send Katsuyu to the battlefield and have Genma and his team teleport the Mizukage there.”

Shikaku hesitated. “That’s a sound plan, but what about you, Hokage-sama? Are you…”

“No need for the Yin Seal. I have this.” Tsunade turned, her body suddenly covered in a layer of pitch-black energy—Aizen’s taught Armament Haki, shocking everyone present.

(End of Chapter)