The activation of the defensive barrier cut off every energy channel from the universe, isolating the Shinobi World from the cosmos once more.
The apocalyptic scenes of darkened skies, flashing lightning, rolling thunder, and trembling earth all began to subside as the barrier's luminous curtain came to life.
Yet an oppressive atmosphere still hung over the entire Shinobi World!
"It's those barriers!"
Otsutsuki Shibai's face twisted into a snarl.
Although his mind had already been taken over by the Overlord of Fear, Otsutsuki Shibai still retained some independent awareness, thanks to the several divine arts he possessed.
That independent awareness didn't resist the Overlord of Fear. Instead, it turned against the defensive barriers that blocked the energy channels and protected the Shinobi World.
"Anything that stands in the way of my becoming stronger must die!"
With a roar, Otsutsuki Shibai shot into the sky, then plunged toward the Divine Tree, the central node.
Nourished by the Overlord's power, he had completely mastered the several divine arts within him, and his confidence had reached unprecedented heights. He wanted to destroy the Divine Tree with his own hands, break the barrier, and let the Overlord of Fear's power continue seeping into the Shinobi World.
As for whether the Shinobi World lived or died, he didn't care in the slightest. At his level, he could survive in the universe even if the Shinobi World was gone!
At almost the same time, the other shinobi whose minds had been controlled by the Overlord of Fear rushed toward the other key nodes.
Destroying all nine key nodes and bringing down the defensive barrier had become the Overlord of Fear's side's most urgent task!
"All centers, be advised: incoming Chakra signatures detected. Prepare to defend!"
Warning broadcasts sounded simultaneously at all nine key nodes.
At each