The Pure Land, at the very heart of the board.
No other pieces disturbed this place. It was spacious and quiet, like a world unto itself.
The clashes between Hashirama Senju's Wood Release and Madara Uchiha's Susanoo, the shock waves from Kaguya and Asura's battle, and the surges of energy from elsewhere were all like distant scenery. They had some effect, but could not disturb the two "players" here.
A standard Go board floated between the Sage of Six Paths and Naruto Uzumaki.
Black and white points of light dotted the board, forming a... well, a rather "distinctive" game.
The Sage of Six Paths sat cross-legged with the Black Staff resting across his lap, his expression calm. His gaze occasionally swept over the board or turned toward the fierce battles in the distance, as though everything was under control.
Naruto Uzumaki, sitting opposite him, seemed somewhat... different.
Not only was he sitting in the Jade General's position, but he also wore a wooden helmet he had just grown with Wood Release. Simple in design yet exceptionally sturdy, it covered his blond hair completely.
At that moment, Naruto was staring intently at the Go board before him, his brow furrowed as though he were thinking hard.
But that game... anyone who understood Go would probably have been stunned by the sight.
Black and white stones crisscrossed the board, but rather than playing Go, he seemed to be playing five-in-a-row.
Just then, another dazzling golden sword beam came crashing down in the distance, in Neji Hyuga's direction. Even from so far away, its tremendous power and blinding radiance were clearly visible.
Sensing that power, Naruto's furrowed brow suddenly relaxed, and an amused smile curled his lips. He seemed to recall the farce among the Hyuga elders that he had just witnessed through