Hashirama had already said his final farewell to Madara. A titan of his age, Madara closed his eyes for good, his dream shattered.
Tobirama walked over and remained silent for a long time at the sight.
At Anyo's signal, Kikyo came over and whispered something beside the two men. After listening, they looked at Anyo in surprise, their eyes filled with relief, then nodded and followed Kikyo through the black portal.
After the three left, Anyo said to Sasori, "Optimus Prime is yours. Handle him as you see fit."
A smile spread across Sasori's face as he put away Madara's body with great interest.
Elsewhere, the prideful Nine-Tails ultimately chose to enter Naruto's body. Minato and his family of three left the area. Reunited after so many years, they had presumably returned to Konoha.
Soon, Ōnoki was the only outsider left on the grounds.
Facing Anyo, Ōnoki was somewhat nervous, with even a fine sheen of sweat forming on his forehead. Yet his gaze remained firm, without a trace of timidity.
Anyo smiled at him and said, "Interested in becoming Sky City's first deity? As a former Tsuchikage, the divine office I offer you is god of the earth."
Ōnoki had never dreamed Anyo would say such a thing to him. After a moment's thought, he shook his head and declined. "No. At my age, I don't have many years left. I'd still rather stay down below and watch how Iwagakure develops. Are you planning to take away my chakra?"
Anyo did not mind. He waved a hand and said, "There's no need. You can go, then."
After Ōnoki left, Anyo said to Sasori beside him, "Sky City was built with your Iron Fortress as its foundation. There, you can draw on the entire city's power to fight. It's also