Sakumo's resolve

Rumble—

A tremendous crash came from the outskirts of Mount Myōboku. It was the sound of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path savagely attacking the mountain's barrier.

Like a demon god descending upon the world, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path charged into Mount Myōboku with enough force to overturn mountains and seas.

Standing atop the statue's head, Madara roared with a crazed expression, "Hashirama, come out and fight me, or I'll destroy everything you've protected!"

At the same time.

Inside the Great Toad Sage's temple, the sage rested his enormous palm on Hashirama, seemingly transferring some sort of power to him.

The statue's assault and Madara's shouting resounded throughout Mount Myōboku.

Hashirama, too, sensed Madara's arrival.

Growing anxious, he wanted to go out and face Madara.

The Great Toad Sage said, "Don't rush, Hashirama. Have faith in your comrades!"

Inside the space where Kushina had sealed the Nine-Tails.

Kushina and Yugito had already entered Sage Mode.

Yugito had transformed into the Two-Tails to help Kushina fight the Nine-Tails.

After entering Sage Mode, Kushina unleashed her senjutsu-enhanced Adamantine Sealing. Bound by the technique, the Nine-Tails couldn't move a muscle.

Suddenly, the Nine-Tails sensed Madara. Fear came first, followed by rage—tremendous rage that erupted from deep within him.

That fury became tangible power, helping the Nine-Tails snap Kushina's sealing chains.

Then, his eyes bloodshot, he roared, "Madara! I'll kill you, Madara!"

The Two-Tails grew anxious. "This is bad! Kurama's hatred of Madara has driven him out of his mind! We have to find a way to restrain him!"

Outside.

Sakumo had a heart-to-heart with Kakashi, telling him about his guilt.

He knelt before Kakashi, who tried to help him up.

But Sakumo refused. "Kakashi, I'm sorry. I failed you, and I failed your mother even more."

"Father!"

Kakashi's eyes