Caught in a Desperate Battle

Namikaze Minato felt an overwhelming sense of pride. As expected of his son—he had truly embraced the Will of Fire. Minato had been worried that, with him gone, no one would be there to guide Naruto and he might go astray. But now, seeing how deeply Naruto understood it, he was already worthy of becoming Hokage.

Hearing Naruto's words warmed Sakura's heart. That was just how girls were. No matter what you did, as long as you cared about them, that was enough—even if it was only a lie.

Girls like that were easy to please, and Sakura was one of them. Whatever else happened, knowing he cared about her was enough.

Sasuke remained expressionless. He neither agreed nor disagreed, but no one noticed the faint relief that flickered in his eyes. Though he claimed not to care, he couldn't help but feel moved.

People with hearts cold as ice weren't devoid of feelings. They had merely shut their hearts away, keeping others from reaching them. But when something touched them, they could still be moved.

One day, even hearts cold as ice would thaw. It just took time.

"Hmph. Let's deal with this guy first." Sasuke gave a cold snort, then the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "You'd better not die."

"Yeah." Naruto smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. Even if you die, I won't."

"Let's go!" they shouted together, steeling themselves as they charged at Kaguya.

Sasuke had already retrieved the Kusanagi Sword. The two charged toward Kaguya, throwing punches and kicks at her.

The three fought as one. In everyone's eyes, they had become a blur of black, their movements impossible to make out. Only Tobirama, Hashirama, and Namikaze Minato—with the keen eyesight granted by the Flying Thunder God Technique—could follow them.

Their dazzling Taijutsu left