Everyone had originally pinned their hopes on Naruto and Sasuke to counter the threat from beyond the heavens and protect the peace of the Shinobi World.
But today's battle had utterly shattered their last illusions.
Even the strongest fighters in the Shinobi World were still not strong enough to face Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
In Konoha, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed at the empty sky, their expressions deeply troubled.
"We're in serious trouble." Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly, his eyes filled with worry. "Isshiki may really appear in the Living World ahead of time. Naruto and Sasuke haven't matured yet. From here on, he'll only grow more brazen."
Jiraiya's expression was grave. "His target has been the Nine-Tails all along. The next time he appears, he'll launch an all-out assault. He won't hold anything back."
Tsunade clenched her fists and said heavily, "As we are now, we can't possibly stop Isshiki at full strength. The only uncertainty left is that his injuries have become even more unstable."
Within the Sky Screen.
The smoke over Konoha's battlefield gradually cleared. Amid the devastated ruins, Naruto and Sasuke stood side by side.
The two were about to settle down and discuss their next steps in detail.
But before either could speak-
Naruto and Sasuke turned their heads at the same instant, looking toward the far end of the sky.
A streak of crimson light tore across the heavens and, in an instant, landed firmly atop the shattered ruins of the Hokage Office.
Red hair streamed in the air, and faint crimson sealing chains flickered around his body.
It was the Uzumaki Elder!
After landing, the elder coolly surveyed the ruined battlefield and blasted ground around him. His brow furrowed slightly as he asked in an even tone,
"Where is he?"
"What happened to that presence