The images playing on the Heavenly Screen...
Sasuke and Naruto leaped from the top of the stone statue, their Chakra exploding into huge circular ripples on the water's surface.
When their arms first collided, the splashing water refracted a rainbow of colors in the setting sun.
Bang!
What exploded on the surface of the water wasn't water droplets, but boiling Chakra!
Sasuke's right fist was wrapped in Chidori Stream lightning, while Naruto's left leg was entwined with crimson Tailed Beast Chakra. Each collision caused the air to explode, and the water beneath their feet constantly caved in and then recovered.
During the fight, Sasuke grabbed Naruto's hand and rapidly formed hand seals. Naruto's pupils contracted sharply—the Nine-Tomoe Rinnegan reflected his astonished face.
Si-Wei-Shen-Hai!
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A fireball ten meters in diameter spewed from Sasuke's mouth, the scorching heat evaporating the water into white mist. As Naruto leaned back to dodge, a scorch mark was still left on his collar.
"It's not over yet!" Sasuke's Rinnegan suddenly widened, unleashing multiple fireballs to block Naruto's retreat. Amidst the boiling steam on the water's surface, Naruto rapidly ascended, stepping on the remains of the First Hokage statue.
Spiral -- Spiral
The sound of Kunai piercing the air interrupted the hand seals. A flash of cold light appeared on the steel wire, and Sasuke's figure instantly teleported in front of Naruto, his knee slamming heavily into Naruto's abdomen.
"Cough!" Naruto crashed through three layers of rock, but grinned through the dust and smoke.
Boom! The rocks shattered, Naruto's right leg cleaved down like a battle axe. Sasuke's crossed arms cracked as he blocked the attack, his bones snapping as he crashed into the waterfall's rock face.
Naruto then leaped up and unleashed Rasengan with both hands at Sasuke, but Sasuke easily dodged it.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"
Naruto summoned multiple Shadow Clones that attacked Sasuke, but Sasuke easily defeated them, though they still managed to encircle him.
Sasuke's Rinnegan spun rapidly, and he suddenly formed hand seals the instant his clones surrounded him:
"The Banshō Ten'in!"
Naruto had been positioned in four directions, was uncontrollably thrown towards the center. Suddenly, black flames erupted from Sasuke's body.
"Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi!"
The three clones screamed and dissipated in the black flames, while the real Naruto used the Tailed Beast Claws to protect his vitals, and the Six Paths Senjutsu markings shone on his face.
Sasuke then leaped backward and unleashed Great Fireball, which Naruto blocked with his Tailed Beast Claw. However, Sasuke instantly appeared behind Naruto was shocked, thinking (of his left eye...).
Naruto's neck hairs stood on end—it was Sasuke's left eye Amenotejikara that activated the space displacement!
"Chidori!"
Lightning pierced through Naruto's Tailed Beast Cloak on his back, blasting him into the bottom of the lake. Sasuke's Susanoo instantly took shape, and when the giant purple bow was fully drawn, the arrows were actually made of Amaterasu black flames.
Call out--!
The black flame arrows set the water ablaze where they passed, only to collide with several Truth-Seeking Orbs that suddenly appeared. The black spheres formed by Yin-Yang Release collided with the black flames, triggering an explosion that distorted space.
Suddenly, a hundred-meter-high curtain of water rose from the lake, Perfect Susanoo emerged from the waves. The giant, covered in Tengu Armor, wielded two swords, each strike cleaving through the waterfall's torrents.
"Roar--!"
The golden Nine-Tails soared into the sky from underwater, and the collision of the two colossal beings began to change the landscape of the Valley of the End.
Boom!!
The world fell silent. In the blinding white light, two figures could be vaguely seen locked in a brutal, hand-to-hand combat at the epicenter of the explosion. When the light dissipated, the image froze:
Naruto's Nine-Tails, Chakra fist burning with golden Chakra, clashed with Sasuke's Perfect Susanoo's fist, which was wreathed in Amaterasu black flames, at point-blank range.
The real Shinobi World...
Within Konoha...
"These two brats... will they grow up to this size?" Tsunade suddenly stood up, the floor-to-ceiling window behind her reflecting the image of the two enormous figures colliding in the Heavenly Screen.
Shizune, trembling in Tonton's arms, said, "Lady Tsunade, this... this is beyond the scope of ordinary ninjas, isn't it?"
On the Konoha Training Ground, Sakura's fists clenched white. "Sasuke-kun... Naruto... what are you guys...?"
Hiashi, the head of the Hyuga Clan, activated his Byakugan, attempting to analyze the Chakra flow between the two figures in the Heavenly Screen. "Incredible... Naruto-kun's Chakra has completely merged with the Nine-Tails, while Sasuke's Chakra has undergone a qualitative change to an incomprehensible degree..."
Kiba Inuzuka, cradling the trembling Akamaru, asked in a hoarse voice, "Hey, Shino... can your clan's insects... handle that kind of monster?"
Shino Aburame adjusted her sunglasses. "Based on the available data... no."
Choji Akimichi's bag of potato chips had already fallen to the ground, but he was completely unaware. "Shikamaru... are we really classmates with guys like this?"
Shikamaru looked up at the Heavenly Screen, his brow furrowed. "This is terrible... The future of the Shinobi World is probably going to be turned upside down."
The video continued playing on the Heavenly Screen...
Dark clouds rolled and gathered like ink, dyeing the entire sky a somber, oppressive hue.
Sasuke's Susanoo stood tall, its purplish-black Chakra rising like flames. The two giant swords gleamed with a cold, eerie light under the dark clouds, and each strike tore through the air with a deafening roar.
On the other side, Naruto's Nine-Tails Chakra Body was equally terrifying. The golden-orange Chakra fluttered in the gale, and the nine giant tails stirred up towering waves.
"What's wrong? Aren't you going to fight back?" Susanoo, inside the crystal barrier of Sasuke, shouted coldly.
He manipulated Susanoo exert force, his two swords slashing out in a cross shape, forcing Nine-Tails to retreat step by step, and the violent shockwaves crushed the surrounding ground.
At this critical moment, Naruto, controlling the Nine-Tails' Chakra, suddenly launched an attack, Susanoo away.
Its thick Chakra tail coiled around Susanoo's ankle like a giant python, and with a deafening roar, it swung the purple giant up and slammed it into the water in the distance.
In an instant, water sprayed skyward, and shockwaves created huge ripples on the surface.
The Nine-Tails slowly straightened its body, its nine tails dancing like flames behind it.
It opened its gaping maw, and jet-black energy rapidly swirled and condensed between its fangs, distorting and drawing away the surrounding air— the Tailed Beast Bomb, powerful enough to destroy everything, was taking shape.
A blinding purplish-black light burst forth from the energy core, illuminating the gloomy battlefield with flickering light, and the terrifying energy fluctuations caused the entire space to tremble.
Just as Naruto's Chakra Nine-Tails was Susanoo, suddenly, the dark clouds in the sky burst open, and blinding lightning ripped through the heavens!
Susanoo raised his left hand inside Sasuke, and violent Lightning Release Chakra frantically gathered in his palm, emitting a sharp Chidori sound.
In an instant, a bolt of lightning that pierced the heavens and earth crashed down, the blinding light striking the Nine-Tails like divine punishment! The massive energy impact blasted open the entire body of water, and the golden Chakra Nine-Tails was forcefully cleaved into the water, stirring up towering waves.
Susanoo flapped its wings and soared into the sky, its purple energy wings appearing particularly chilling under the lightning. Sasuke looked down at the Nine-Tails struggling in the water, his voice low and cold. "Suppressing yourself and passively taking hits will kill you."
However, the Nine-Tails, Chakra in the water, did not remain still; instead, it slowly stood up.
Naruto, inside the Nine-Tails, raised his head, his azure eyes flashing with unwavering determination. "I don't want to kill you."
His voice pierced the battlefield, carrying an unwavering will, "You want to return to the lonely person you once were, how can I stand idly by? Precisely because we both understand that pain... that seeing you actively seeking solitude—"
Before the words were even finished, Nine-Tails roared to the sky, and a jet-black Tailed Beast Bomb condensed in its mouth once more, the destructive energy distorting the surrounding air! At the same time, lightning erupted again from the left hand of Susanoo in the sky, accompanied by the shrieking of Chidori and the swirling of purple lightning!
The next moment, two world-destroying forces erupted simultaneously— Susanoo swooped down, and Chidori tore through the sky; the Chakra Nine-Tails leaped up, and the Tailed Beast Bomb exploded!
Two extreme forces collided violently between heaven and earth—in an instant, the entire world seemed to be engulfed in a blinding white light!
The real Shinobi World...
Above the Heavenly Screen, the winds and Naruto surged, and the earth-shattering battle between Naruto and Sasuke continued, the violent clash of Chakra shaking the entire Shinobi World.
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure
The Fourth Raikage, A, stood on the high platform of the village, a solemn expression on his rugged face.
He crossed his arms, his muscles bulging, his gaze fixed on the battle between the two colossal figures in the Heavenly Screen, and said in a deep voice, "Konoha... truly has a wealth of talent!"
Darui, standing beside him, scratched his head lazily and said with a wry smile, "Lord Raikage, those two guys should still be just teenagers, right?"
The Raikage snorted coldly, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes. "Hmph, Konoha always seems to produce these monstrous new talents, it's really annoying!"
Land of Earth, Iwagakure
Ōnoki hovered in mid-air, his aged face filled with shock. Gazing at the devastating battle in the Heavenly Screen, he murmured to himself, "Konoha... it's truly terrifying."
"The performance of these two brats is just like a replay of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha from back in the day!"
He clenched his fists, a surge of resentment rising within him. "Heaven truly favors Konoha..."
Thinking of the current state of his Iwagakure, where there is a lack of young talent, he sighed even more.
"We finally got Deidara, but he defected to the Akatsuki..."
Recalling the powerful force displayed by Pain, the leader of the Konoha, during his invasion of Akatsuki, which had been shown on the Heavenly Screen, Ōnoki frowned even more deeply.
Land of Wind - Sunagakure
Acting Kazekage Baki was handling government affairs, while Gaara stood calmly beside him.
Ever since the scene of "Five Kage vs. Edo Madara" was shown on the Heavenly Screen, the high-ranking officials of Sunagakure have unanimously decided that Gaara will be the future Fifth Kazekage!
Baki watched the battle between Naruto and Sasuke in the Heavenly Screen, a complex light flickering in his eyes.
"Gaara, did you see that? I never imagined those two would become this strong."
Gaara was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "... Naruto, he's really strong."
Chiyo chuckled softly from the side, "It seems we can't lag behind in the future of Sunagakure either."
Land of Water - Kirigakure
Mei Terumi leaned lazily against the window, her red lips slightly upturned, watching the battle in the Heavenly Screen with great interest.
"Oh my, the young ninjas of Konoha are really captivating~" she chuckled, gently twirling her long hair with her fingertips.
"Not only is he incredibly capable, but he's also so handsome..." She narrowed her eyes, her tone slightly teasing, "What excellent standards for a partner!"
Ao, standing beside him, sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation, "Lord Mizukage, you're here again..."
On the other side...
The orange-red sunset cast its light on the forest clearing. Naruto sat cross-legged on a boulder, arms crossed, gazing triumphantly at the scene of his Shinobi World battle against the Heavenly Screen.
"Haha! Did you see that? My future self is super awesome!"
He jumped up suddenly, pointed at the golden-orange Nine-Tails Chakra body in the Heavenly Screen, and excitedly shouted to Jiraiya and Karin beside him, "Just you wait! I'll definitely beat that Sasuke guy up and then bring him back to the village!"
Karin pushed up her glasses. "I hope so. The Heavenly Screen is showing Naruto-kun being constantly suppressed by Sasuke..."
Jiraiya crossed his arms, his gaze fixed intently on Naruto, whose Sage Mode and Nine-Tails Chakra were perfectly combined in the Heavenly Screen, and he pondered to himself:
"It seems that in a few years, this kid will be able to perfectly control the power of the Tailed Beasts..."
He had initially considered whether Naruto should try to access the Nine-Tails Chakra beforehand, but then he thought again—
"No, what's being projected on the Heavenly Screen is at least four or five years into the future. Right now, his foundation isn't solid enough."
"Hey, Naruto." Jiraiya suddenly spoke, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"Huh? What's wrong, Pervy Sage?" Naruto turned his head in confusion.
"Starting tomorrow—" Jiraiya held up one finger, his smile suddenly turning dangerous, "Training intensity doubled!"
"Eh--?!!" Naruto's scream instantly echoed through the forest.
Orochimaru's secret base...
In the dimly lit underground Training Ground, Sasuke stood shirtless, sweat trickling down his pale skin.
He had just finished a round of intense Sage Cursed Seal training, and as he panted, his crimson Sharingan stared intently at the purple Perfect Susanoo in the Heavenly Screen.
"Not enough..."
He clenched his fist, his nails digging deep into his palm, and blood dripped to the ground.
"I, within the Heavenly Screen, am still not strong enough!"
Orochimaru leaned against the shadows, his golden snake eyes gleaming with amusement. "Heh, Sasuke-kun, it seems you're not satisfied with your future self..."
Sasuke didn't answer, but coldly raised his hand, and the silver-white Cursed Seal patterns spread across his entire body like living things, and a violent burst of Chakra erupted instantly!
I will become stronger than the 'me' projected on the Heavenly Screen!
His voice was deep and resolute, as if he were announcing his ambition to the whole world.
Orochimaru chuckled softly, "This is truly something to look forward to..."
Amegakure...
Rain shrouded the steel-built ninja village. At the top of the towering tower, Pain, the Deva Path, stood silently by the window, his Rinnegan reflecting the earth-shattering battle in the Heavenly Screen.
His purple, rippled pupils contracted slightly, etching every frame of the clash between the Nine-Tails and Susanoo into his eyes.
Konan's paper wings fluttered gently behind her, and a flicker of emotion flashed in her blue-purple eyes.
"That blond kid... I can't believe he'll grow up to be this big."
Her usually cool voice carried a rare hint of solemnity. "The first time the Heavenly Screen played, he was able to contend with your Six Paths using Sage Mode. But now—"
In the Heavenly Screen, the shockwave from the collision of the Tailed Beast Bomb and Chidori evaporated the entire lake, and the blinding white light was oppressive even through the images.
Pain's lips curled into a cold smile, "In the end, it's just one of countless possibilities."
He raised his hand, raindrops shattering in his palm. "Once we gather all the Tailed Beasts and complete our plan, all this so-called 'future' will vanish like a bubble."
Konan's scraps of paper fluttered between her fingers. "But he belongs to Jiraiya- sensei..."
"That's precisely why we need to act swiftly." Pain turned around, his black robes with red clouds fluttering in the wind and rain.
"I won't repeat the mistakes made in the Heavenly Screen. I won't give him a chance to speak, I won't..." A dark glint flashed in Rinnegan, swayed by the so-called bonds.
A bolt of lightning struck down, illuminating the word "Dawn" hanging in the tower. As pieces of paper flew, Konan's figure gradually disappeared. "I understand. I will let Ze continue to expand the search for traces of the tailed beast."
Pain stood alone in the rain, his Rinnegan fixed on Naruto's resolute gaze reflected in the Heavenly Screen, cold rain streaming down his face. "Naruto Uzumaki... let me see if your Talk no Jutsu is faster, or my Pain's Deva Path."
In the shadows where no one could see, Nagato's thin fingers dug deeply into the armrests of his wheelchair.
Amidst the coughing, he stared at his well-defined knuckles. "When we finally meet... I will never let you... say it out loud..."
The rain in Amegakure intensified.