Awen grabbed a White Zetsu, his expression hardening as his hands formed seals.
"Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu!"
As Awen formed the seals, the White Zetsu screamed. Paper surged forth and wrapped around it, but just as the Impure World Reincarnation took effect, it suddenly stopped. The paper-like material peeled away, and the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu failed.
"What? How is that possible? The Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu failed? Menma's soul should have returned to the Pure Land already!" Awen said in disbelief.
Tobirama Senju explained, "When someone has come to terms with the world and has no attachments left, their soul can break free from the Impure World Reincarnation's control. Naruto also failed when he helped Sasuke use Impure World Reincarnation on Itachi Uchiha. Kabuto Yakushi had the same result when he tried to reincarnate Kakashi's father, Hatake Sakumo."
"The same was true for Konan's lover, Yahiko, who had been dead for years. Menma truly had no attachments left in this world, which is why the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu failed. Awen, don't blame yourself. Menma must have known everything you did for him, and he was surely grateful. I think that if he were here, he would tell you to keep moving toward the future and live happily."
Naruto patted Awen on the shoulder in comfort and let out a soft sigh. He had not expected this outcome either.
"Whew..."
Awen quickly composed himself. Looking at the glacier slumbering in the distant desert, he clapped his hands together.
"Ice Mountain Drawing Jutsu, release!"
As Awen formed seals, the bone-piercing glacier vanished, and the cold wind that had been blowing all along disappeared as well. His eyes turned purple as he entered Sage Mode.
*That's Senjutsu like Shion's. It's incredible. Though because he's a man, he can't continue cultivating it