The arrival of the Otsutsuki soon drew the attention of the shinobi world's strongest fighters. But attention was one thing; that immense power also left them intimidated.
Were they enemies or allies?
The question crossed all their minds. Only Hiruzen Sarutobi in Konoha had felt a similar power before, though the previous presence had not been nearly this strong.
Last time, they attacked Konoha-the Uchiha Residence...
This time, they probably weren't friends either...
Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes and prayed silently. It was not that he refused to act; he simply had faith in Chinatsu.
If even Chinatsu could not handle them, going there themselves would only mean throwing their lives away.
Unfortunately, Chinatsu was currently in a very awkward predicament and could not answer Hiruzen Sarutobi's prayers for the time being.
Chinatsu's current state was truly peculiar. If she had to describe it, she was somewhere between the "third dimension" and the "fourth dimension." Nature was itself a law, and her consciousness was gradually being assimilated into that great law, little by little.
This was the worst development Chinatsu had anticipated. Although she knew she absolutely could not let nature's consciousness assimilate her completely, actually maintaining her own consciousness was incredibly difficult.
[Assimilation]
There were different ways for a consciousness to merge with nature.
Chinatsu's consciousness could become nature's collective consciousness.
That was assimilation.
Nature's collective consciousness could become Chinatsu's consciousness.
That was also assimilation.
Chinatsu's true goal was the latter, not the former. Now, as nature's collective consciousness continually interfered with her, she understood... her opportunity had arrived.
Outside.
Naruto and Sasuke stepped out with determination in their eyes. Under the law that drew Otsutsuki to one another, the two sides soon came face-to-face.
The three Otsutsuki looked down at Naruto and Sasuke from above. One of them,