The moment the black flames hit the ground, the roots of the Flower Tree World fell silent.
Flames climbed the trunks, passing over branches, flowers, and crowns. Wherever they went, the Wood Release turned to charred fragments.
Before the pollen could reach the ground, the Black Fire burned it away.
Kakashi looked up into the air.
"Everyone, fall back behind the wall of fire!"
Black flames rose around the Fourth Position, cutting the Flower Tree World in two. The Wood Release Clones were swallowed by the flames, and the Susanoo skeletons collapsed one after another in the firelight.
A knelt on one knee, raising a hand against the oncoming heat.
"This isn't ordinary Fire Release."
Darui panted.
"You're only noticing now?"
"Less talking."
Ōnoki climbed out of the sand layer. The long blade in his shoulder was gone, but the wound was still bleeding. Gaara supported his body with sand.
"Lord Tsuchikage, go to the medical team first."
"I can still move."
"You can't even speak clearly anymore."
"I can."
Ōnoki raised his head and looked at Sasuke in the water mirror.
"He finally made his move."
Mei Terumi stood among the burned roots, several holes eaten into her sleeves by the pollen. Kurotsuchi supported her, and both looked up into the sky.
Sasuke's figure vanished from the water mirror.
The next moment, a spatial fluctuation appeared in the center of the Fourth Position.
His black Commander Hokage Robe swept through the firelight as Sasuke stepped out of the lightning, the ground beneath his feet still burning.
Kakashi immediately went to meet him.
"Commander."
Sasuke did not look at him. His gaze passed over the others and settled on the fallen Four Kage.
A pushed against his knees and stood.
"Sasuke Uchiha, you finally deigned to come."
"Raikage A, you