"I took it myself."
As Sasuke's words fell, he thrust the Kusanagi Sword forward.
The tip did not pierce Madara's chest. Madara turned aside, caught the blade in his left hand, and twisted hard with all five fingers, bending the Kusanagi Sword into a crescent on the spot.
"This is what qualifies you?" Madara stared at him. "A sword, a pair of eyes, and those people hiding behind the water mirror, cheering for you?"
"What you're holding isn't a sword."
Sasuke flicked his wrist. The blade suddenly sprang straight, and Chidori surged into Madara's body through his arm.
Madara let go and retreated. The chakra in his newly repaired right arm broke apart again, and Susanoo's armor plates peeled off his shoulder.
"It's the last thing you can still hold on to."
Madara looked down at his right arm and pressed his left hand against his shoulder. Chakra kept leaking between his fingers.
"You're stalling."
"So are you."
"I have no need to stall."
Madara raised his head, and the chakra around his body began to change.
All the Wood Release Roots remaining along the coast converged beneath his feet. Charred roots burrowed into the soil, drawing out a surge of cold, damp natural energy. In the direction of Ryūchi Cave, the earth vein that had already been severed lit up with white light again.
Shikaku's voice came through the Communication Array Stone.
"Commander, there's a massive chakra flow in the eastern earth vein. We can't determine the source."
"Keep recording."
"That power is approaching the battlefield. Should we withdraw all troops?"
"Have them withdraw."
Shikaku paused for a moment.
"Including the Four Kage?"
"They've already been taken to the Medical Corps."
"What about Madara?"
Sasuke watched the natural energy gathering steadily beneath Madara's feet.
"He stays."
Kakashi took over