"Go, Hawking!"
Seeing Hawking seemingly fall into a disadvantage in his battle against Six Paths Madara, all the ninjas below could not help shouting encouragement for him.
Might Guy and Rock Lee especially. If Tenten and Neji had not held him back, Might Guy would have opened the Eight Gates and rushed up to help.
"This is getting my blood pumping a little too."
Hearing the hopeful cheers from below, Hawking muttered inwardly:
"Too bad I'm going to let you down."
According to his plan, he was bound to lose the upcoming battle against Six Paths Madara. Otherwise, Madara would not be able to reclaim his Rinnegan and revive Kaguya Otsutsuki.
The reason he was still fighting now was simply to keep Six Paths Madara from growing suspicious.
Otherwise, after being so overwhelming against Six Paths Obito just moments ago, if his strength suddenly plummeted, even an idiot would know he was doing it on purpose.
He could only gradually lower his strength, making it seem as though he had used some ninjutsu to enhance his power earlier, and now its effects had worn off.
Just like activating Sage Mode during battle, then having Sage Mode end and his strength drop drastically. That would make sense.
And since he was currently in Shinigami Mode, it would be even easier to put on an act.
"Now!"
Sensing that the timing was about right, Hawking instantly released Shinigami Mode. His Shinigami Garb and Zanpakuto vanished, and his movements deliberately became much slower than before.
"I've given you the opening. Let's see whether you can seize it."
Hawking looked at Six Paths Madara with anticipation in his eyes, and Six Paths Madara did not disappoint him. He indeed keenly noticed the change.
"So that state from before was not your normal level of