Night deepened.
In every corner of Konoha, the shinobi were making their final preparations.
Some checked their ninja tools, some replenished their Chakra, and others said goodbye to their comrades.
Everyone knew that tomorrow's battle might be the hardest of their lives.
But no one backed down.
Because this was their home.
The place they would protect with their lives.
The darkness before dawn was always the deepest.
But dawn would come at last.
On the morning of the third day, the sky was still gray.
The walls of Konoha were crowded with shinobi in full battle gear.
Naruto and Sasuke stood at the front. Neither spoke; they simply waited in silence.
"Time is almost up." Shikamaru's voice came through Ino's Mental Link. "Everyone, prepare for battle."
A heavy tension hung in the air.
Just then, the sky suddenly darkened.
It wasn't because of clouds. A huge black portal had opened above the Valley of the End.
"He's here," Sasuke said quietly.
Isshiki stepped out of the portal.
He wore a white robe, and his silver-white hair fluttered in the wind. The two protrusions on his forehead had grown more prominent, almost like horns.
He hovered in the air, looking down at Konoha.
"Three days are up." His voice echoed over the entire village. "I've come to honor our agreement."
Naruto stepped forward.
"Wait!"
Isshiki looked at him.
"Do you have any last words?"
"Not last words," Naruto said. "I want to make a deal with you."
"A deal?" Isshiki laughed. "You think you're in any position to bargain with me?"
"Can't hurt to try," Naruto said. "If we win, you leave this planet and never come back."
"And if you lose?"
"Then do whatever you want," Naruto said. "We'll all be dead anyway, so you can do whatever you