The Realm of Senju Hashirama
"Big Brother, what are you looking at?" Senju Tobirama asked in confusion. He also looked up in that direction, but aside from the four Kage Rocks, there was nothing there.
Not just him—many others followed his gaze. Orochimaru, Hiruzen Sarutobi, even the Sound Four and those Anbu all turned around at the same time, yet they still saw nothing.
A faint smile curled Senju Hashirama's lips. Looking up, he said, "What am I looking at? You'll find out soon enough."
As his words fell, it was as though thunder had erupted from flat ground. Heaven and earth trembled together as an immense chakra beyond everyone's comprehension suddenly descended.
At the horizon, the sea of clouds churned as countless rays of rosy light rose. Everything beneath that radiance slowed, and in an instant, the entire world seemed to become sluggish.
Within Konoha, every ninja who had been fighting stopped at once, staring blankly at the sudden change in the sky.
Even the enormous serpents in all four directions ceased their destruction and raised their heads toward the heavens.
A resounding holy hymn rang out, as though heaven and earth were singing in unison, praising the being about to appear. Amid the ringing chant, a white sage-like figure slowly descended from the sea of clouds.
"Turn the gears of time, and hold infinity within one's palm; sweep away fleeting light, and preserve eternity within a single instant!"
Amid that vast voice, the figure became clear in everyone's sight. No matter how far away they were, he appeared as distinctly as though he were right before them—even those outside Konoha saw him just as clearly.
Those still chasing and fleeing also looked up, their expressions varied as they stared at the sky. Temari and Kankuro's eyes were filled