The Lightning Sword struck in an instant!
It cleaved through Susanoo's armor, split the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path in two from crown to crotch, then tore through the earth of the River of the Undying. The thunderstorm unleashed underground heaved both halves of the ground inward, forming a V-shaped wedge!
Spla-a-ash...!
White, resin-like fluid poured from the split in the statue's body, leaving broad splashes across the ground ahead!
"Mother...!!!" Black Zetsu cried out in anguish.
Only then did Naruto realize something was wrong. "Oh no! The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path split open! Won't the Ten-Tails and the tailed beasts die?!"
He hurriedly formed hand seals and used the other technique Ōnoki had thrown in alongside the Earth Release: Golem Technique during his visit to Iwagakure-Kitsuchi's signature move.
-Earth Release: Mountain Earth Technique!
Clang! Clang!
The V-shaped wedge of earth closed still farther, crushing the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path between its sides!!!
"Aaargh...!!!!" The two severed halves of the statue's face screamed with similar yet distinct expressions of agony.
Kurama said, "What are you doing??"
Naruto said, "I'm squeezing the statue's flesh back together!!"
Kurama snapped, "Idiot! Do you think it's dough you can just squeeze together?!!!"
Naruto said, "But if we don't save it, the tailed beasts will..."
Kurama said, "Don't worry. That thing has incredible vitality, and it has eight tailed beasts' chakra inside it. Even split in half, it won't die that easily. Besides... that pitch-black fellow won't just stand by and watch!"
"Oh, then that's a relief..."
Naruto released his hand seal.
Clang! The Mountain Earth Technique came undone.
The split Demonic Statue of the Outer Path toppled to either side.
Black Zetsu said in a trembling voice, "Mother... does it hurt? Your son will save you right now!!!"
Smack!!