At that moment...
The unconscious Naruto and Itachi were "activating their cheats" in their respective mindscapes.
The Sage of Six Paths appeared in both places, asking them the same question at the same time.
"So, what is your answer?"
Without hesitation, Naruto and Itachi spoke in unison within their separate mindscapes.
"Itachi and I..."
"Naruto and I..."
"Will protect this world together!"
Hagoromo smiled with relief and raised both hands.
"Come on!"
"Now, I will entrust both my power and the responsibility of protecting the world to you brothers."
Itachi and Naruto took Hagoromo's left and right hands respectively.
The mighty powers of yin and yang flowed endlessly into their bodies.
Looking at their young faces, Hagoromo seemed to see Indra and Asura.
"What you choose to do from now on, and how it all ends, will be entirely up to you."
Hagoromo murmured to himself.
"I have always been proud of you brothers. Don't disappoint me again..."
Hagoromo's chakra abruptly departed, setting off once more on a solitary journey of ascetic wandering.
(I'll walk from south to north, and from white to black.
No one will see me, or know who I am.)
Crack!
A sound like a mirror shattering rang out.
Naruto and Itachi regained consciousness at the same time.
Their eyes snapped open, and they immediately looked at each other.
"Naruto!"
"Itachi... dattebayo?!"
Only then did Naruto realize that, for some reason...
Not only was he lying right on top of Itachi, but his arms were also locked tightly around him.
He hurriedly let go of Itachi.
Pushing himself up with both hands, he flipped off the makeshift stretcher.
Fugaku, who had been keeping watch nearby, sighed in relief at the sight.
"You two are finally awake. Minato and I were worried sick just now."
(*Not just