"What is this power... could it be?!"
Sensing the terrifying aura radiating from Madara, Hashirama could not help but be startled.
"It's the Eight Inner Gates."
Feeling the terrifying power emanating from within Madara, Kou spoke in a deep voice.
He had already confirmed the source of that power when Uchiha Madara descended upon the conference room in the Land of Rice.
After all, setting aside the vastly enhanced perception he had gained after awakening the Rinnegan—Kou had practiced this technique since childhood and knew it inside out.
The direction of chakra flow within Madara's body, along with the aura that had suddenly multiplied severalfold, were all signs of the Eight Gates being fully opened!
As for why Madara could keep the Eight Gates open under normal conditions, Kou had already found the answer in his heart when that dark chakra erupted from Madara's body...
Kou took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the heaviness in his heart as he looked meaningfully at Madara in the distance.
He had to admit that Madara with the Eight Gates open was not someone he could easily contend with.
The current Madara was already comparable to... no, beyond the Six Paths!
"Looks like the next battle will definitely be a tough one."
Feeling the pressure that enveloped the entire island and even spread into the surrounding seas, fine beads of sweat appeared on Kou's forehead.
At the center of that pressure, Madara felt the two frail sealing forces on his body and smiled disdainfully.
"Wood Release infused with Senjutsu, and an Uzumaki Clan sealing technique enhanced by Senjutsu and mixed with Adamantine Sealing Chains and the power of the Nine-Tails."
"They're decent enough, but against me, Uchiha Madara... they're still far from enough!!"
The instant he finished speaking, he abruptly straightened up.
"Boom!!!"
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