The next second, they met in the center of the hollow chamber. The sphere of light collided with the spear, unleashing an earth-shattering boom. The entire God Tree trembled, and more cracks spread across its walls.
[Outside the God Tree]
Naruto, Sasuke, Minato, and Ulquiorra stood outside the God Tree, feeling the violent tremors coming from within.
"They've started fighting," Minato said.
"This is our best chance," Ulquiorra said. "His Majesty Liuyu is keeping Isshiki occupied. We can use this opportunity to destroy the God Tree's core."
"But the core is inside the trunk, protected by a barrier," Naruto said.
"His Majesty Liuyu has already broken the barrier," Ulquiorra said. "Now someone just needs to reach the core and destroy it with Yin-Yang Release."
"I'll go." Naruto stepped forward.
"I'm going too," Sasuke said.
"No." Minato stopped them. "It's too dangerous in there, and Liuyu and Isshiki's fight could catch you in the crossfire."
"That's exactly why we need to go." Naruto looked at his father, determination filling his eyes. "Dad, we're not kids anymore. We can protect ourselves, and we can protect others too."
Minato looked at his son and saw the maturity and resolve in his eyes.
"All right." He finally let go. "But be careful. If anything goes wrong, retreat immediately."
"Got it." Naruto nodded.
He and Sasuke exchanged a glance, then charged toward the God Tree's trunk together.
Liuyu had opened a hole in the trunk that led straight to the core. The two slipped inside and crawled forward through the narrow passage.
On either side of the passage, the God Tree's roots writhed, trying to entangle them. But Sasuke kept swinging Ame no Habakiri, cutting down every root that came near.
At last, they reached the chamber housing the core.
Inside, Liuyu and Isshiki's battle