"I…"
Might Guy's body was like charred coal.
He couldn't even utter a second word. The moment he opened the Gate of Death, the countdown to his own end had begun.
That red steam…
It wasn't just his blood burning—
It was his very life being consumed.
And yet, Guy didn't fear death. What he truly wanted to know was—had his years of training been worth it?
"I understand what you mean."
Shigen placed a hand on Guy's chest. A white glow shimmered over his heart, forming a sun-like seal.
"No!"
Everyone thought Shigen was about to kill Guy.
But when Naruto dived down, he suddenly stopped. Even Kakashi, rushing in, was halted by Naruto's extended hand. There was a complicated look in Naruto's eyes.
"This much power is enough to keep you alive."
"The art of forcibly opening the body's chakra points and the damage it causes…"
"I mastered it in the ancient age."
Shigen stood slowly. His voice drifted into Guy's ears.
"I've long since grasped every facet of human medical science. With my body beyond human limits, I can release tens of thousands of times more chakra instantly—without a shred of harm."
"Your effort wasn't wasted. It just pales slightly next to mine. You've trained thirty years for your path…"
"But thirty years isn't even half a life."
"Compared to someone like me who's endured over a thousand years in the realm of the dead, it's only natural you'd lose at thirty."
"..."
Guy gave a bitter smile.
But—
The battlefield had no more room for laughter.
Because now, there was no one left to stop Shigen from interfering in Madara's battle.
Two versus two?
Or…
One versus two.
Shigen floated into the air beside Madara, facing Sasuke and Naruto.
"They're not bad…"
Madara chuckled, his eyes still blazing with the thrill of battle.
"I wouldn't mind continuing this fight with these two brats…"
He had to admit—
The student he'd raised, Sasuke, had grown into a real thorn in his side. Now that Sasuke also possessed a Rinnegan and Six Paths power, he was finally worthy to challenge his former mentor.
"Go use Infinite Tsukuyomi."
Shigen shook his head, calmly taking over the task of holding off Naruto and Sasuke. It was finally time to fulfill his true mission.
Naruto in Six Paths Sage Mode.
Sasuke with the Rinnegan.
"I'll send you up."
Shigen raised his hand, opening a Yomotsu Hirasaka space-time gate to the moon, letting Madara approach it directly.
This way…
Even if Sasuke used Amenotejikara, it would be meaningless. Shigen could warp space at will to aid Madara.
"Tch…"
"Those two kids really drew the short straw."
Madara smirked, stepping back through the gate and vanishing near the blood moon in the sky.
"Sasuke!"
Naruto anxiously glanced at him, hoping Sasuke could use his eye to stop Madara.
"It's too late."
"And useless, anyway."
Sasuke shook his head, understanding what Shigen was doing.
"Right now, we need to avoid Infinite Tsukuyomi at all costs. We absolutely can't afford any misstep…"
As for fighting Shigen…
Sasuke didn't think they could take him down in such a short time—especially since Shigen, even blind, still overwhelmed them.
If they were stalled—
Naruto could easily fall under Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Then Sasuke alone would be meaningless.
But Shigen wasn't going to let them off easily. He launched himself at Naruto, chakra scalpel forming in his palm.
"!!!"
Sasuke's expression shifted sharply.
Once battle begins—
Only when both sides give up can it end.
Above them, beneath the blood moon—
Madara raised his head, reaching for the horned crest on his forehead. He ripped it off, revealing a blood-red Rinne-Sharingan.
"So getting near the moon really does activate the Rinne-Sharingan…"
"Now, it's time."
Madara raised his hand, finally feeling the satisfaction of his plan's culmination. With the whole world trapped in an eternal dream—war would end.
The blood moon bloomed with light!
Its glow bathed the world like daylight. As it fell on every soul, their heads lifted instinctively, and their eyes began to change—into Rinnegan.
In that moment—
None of them could move.
They couldn't even speak.
Or perhaps…
They had no desire to speak—
Because their minds were slowly entering their dream worlds, where all their wishes were fulfilled.
This was the ultimate genjutsu.
And the end—
Of the world.
Below the moon—
Naruto and Shigen's battle raged on.
But Sasuke immediately activated Perfect Susanoo, spreading its wings to shield Naruto and himself.
Until—
The world's glow faded.
Darkness reclaimed the earth.
No—
It became deeper than before.
Countless ninja, unable to move, began sinking deeper into the mire of the swamp.
"God: Birth of the World of Trees!"
As the self-proclaimed savior, Madara wouldn't allow the people of his new world to die.
He raised his hand, and massive roots burst from the earth—emerging all across the world.
Each root unfurled vines, binding every victim of Infinite Tsukuyomi—suspending them like mummies on the branches.
Those caught in the jutsu would live forever in their dreams—
Their bodies in the real world, like living corpses.
"Finally…"
Black Zetsu looked up at the ninjas dangling from the God Tree.
Its heart raced—Kaguya's revival plan was complete.
Now—
Only one thing remained.
Black Zetsu lifted its head—
Watching Madara descend from the sky with a triumphant smile.
"It's done."
Madara landed beside Shigen, content.
"The world… is finally at peace."
"This isn't peace!"
Naruto snarled, glaring at Madara.
"You turned everyone into living corpses! What's the difference between this and death?!"
"Naïve child…"
"If you lived my life, you'd understand. This is the best fate I can give them."
Madara dismissed his words with a wave, even referencing Shigen.
"Long ago, Lord Shigen believed humans could achieve peace on their own—that belief led to centuries of war."
"..."
Shigen remained silent.
"Doesn't matter now."
"You won't be around to learn that lesson."
Madara clapped his hands, his eyes gleaming with battle lust.
"Let me show you the dream world…"
But—
Suddenly!
Black Zetsu appeared behind Madara—
And stabbed its black hand through his chest!
"Madara, he's right."
"Infinite Tsukuyomi isn't peace."
Shigen's voice came with Black Zetsu's betrayal, speaking into Madara's ear:
"True peace… can only be created by someone truly strong. Infinite Tsukuyomi is nothing more than a dream."
"No…"
Black Zetsu's voice turned arrogant, correcting him:
"You're wrong, Shigen."
"True peace… can only be created by a true god."