The ground shook violently, as if a powerful tectonic event were taking place.
A long while later.
As the dust drifting through the air slowly settled, the colossal figures hidden within finally came into view again.
They were two enormous wooden Buddhas. One was dark green with a hint of dusky gold, and almost all of the countless arms that had once been layered across its body were gone.
Naruto, glowing with golden light, was also breathing faintly as he stood atop the Buddha's head, warily watching the one opposite him.
Across from Naruto stood another enormous Buddha. Its surface was wrapped in wisps of blue flames that faintly took the shape of armor.
But clearly, under the assault of some tremendous force, the armor could no longer hold its shape.
Even the two long, thick blades had vanished without a trace.
Madara, now with only one Rinnegan, stood panting atop the Buddha and looked up at Naruto.
His face was full of indignation and resentment.
When it came to chakra control and mastery of Wood Release, the brat before him couldn't hold a candle to him.
And yet, the chakra inside the boy surpassed his own by an entire level, both in quality and quantity.
Madara was certain that if he had possessed Six Paths-level power and his other Rinnegan, then not only would the brat before him have stood no chance—even with that inexplicable fellow from Sunagakure joining him, they still would not have been a match!
Madara glanced down at Hashirama's face on his chest. The Senjutsu markings on this "dearest friend, sworn brother" had grown dim. It was a sign that the Senjutsu Chakra was nearly depleted...
After all, he had siphoned this Senjutsu Chakra from Hashirama. Though it had been immense in quantity, Madara had