The battle between Shinichi and the demon Moryo finally came to an end.
As Moryo's deafening roars gradually faded within the sea of fire, the countless puppets under its control collapsed as well, crumbling into ashes that the fierce flames devoured completely.
The surrounding battlefield lay in ruins. Embers still smoldered across the scorched earth, and the air shimmered with the searing heat left by the inferno.
Shinichi slowly withdrew Ryujin Jakka, and his Sage Lightning Chakra Mode gradually faded. His breathing was slightly labored, sweat beading at his temples, but his gaze remained sharp as a blade.
"It's over," Shinichi murmured, surveying his surroundings to confirm that Moryo's presence had been completely erased from this world.
In the distance, Tsunade had finished off the lesser enemies and was racing toward him. Miroku stood at the edge of the ruins, palms pressed together as she silently bowed to Shinichi, thanking him for ending the nightmare that had haunted the Land of Demons for generations.
Just as the smoke of battle was about to clear, a strange tremor suddenly rose from underground!
"Wood Release: Cutting Sprigs!"
A specialized White Zetsu suddenly burst from the ground, his hands rapidly forming hand seals. Several sharp wooden spikes shot out like venomous snakes from their den, aiming straight for Tsunade's vital points!
"Tsunade!!"
Miroku cried out, her face instantly paling. Tsunade's pupils contracted, and her body instinctively tried to dodge, but White Zetsu had been lying in wait for a long time. His ambush came so swiftly that she had almost no time to react!
In the distance, Shinichi saw Tsunade being ambushed, and his mind went blank. It was as though the entire world had fallen silent.
"Tsunade...?"
Fear, rage, grief—every emotion surged wildly within him like crashing waves. An uncontrollable torrent of