Tsunade raised a hand to wipe the cold sweat from her forehead and spoke softly, still shaken.
"She's gone... Looks like Hara really was scared off."
Jiraiya released Sage Mode, utterly exhausted. He let out a long, weary breath and murmured,
"She must be gone."
"The Sage of Six Paths suddenly appeared to watch over the Shinobi World. That kind of deterrent is terrifying. No matter how wild or arrogant Hara is, she'd never dare cause trouble right under his nose."
"She's no match for the Sage of Six Paths!"
Beside them, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly, profound emotion filling his eyes.
"It seems those two children, Naruto and Sasuke, have been receiving special attention from the Sage of Six Paths in the Pure Land all along."
"And that's not all. Otsutsuki Hara's sudden appearance, her secret schemes, and her designs on the Shinobi World have also drawn his full attention."
"That's a good thing. With the Sage of Six Paths watching from the shadows, Hara will have serious reservations about her actions from now on. She won't dare act without restraint."
Tsunade nodded firmly. Without another word, she collected herself and issued an order in a grave voice.
"Everyone, begin rescue operations immediately! Clear the battlefield and treat the wounded!"
But as everyone swiftly began clearing the area, the sight before them weighed heavily on their hearts.
Not a single ninja struck, gravely wounded, or caught in Isshiki's attacks had survived. There wasn't even a chance to treat them.
Across the vast battlefield, there were no grievously wounded survivors strewn about, crying in agony. Instead, silent devastation and sorrow lay everywhere.
Uchiha Itachi stood silently, his presence cold and still, his expression utterly grim.
No one saw the situation more clearly, or looked further ahead, than he did.
Isshiki was