Naruto: The Otsutsuki Naruto

Half a day remained before the lockdown of Amegakure would be lifted.

After a brief conversation with the four Hokage resurrected by Edo Tensei, Naruto Uzumaki reached a preliminary agreement with them. Together, they decided to engage in sparring sessions, allowing Naruto to familiarize himself with his newly awakened eyes and establish a new combat style.

The storm was brewing, and forces from all corners of the shinobi world began to stir restlessly.

Kabuto's Experimental Base

Within the dimly lit laboratory, Sasuke Uchiha had fully integrated the cells of Kokushō. The process had reached its completion.

Yet, contrary to Kabuto's expectations, Sasuke had not awakened the Rinnegan.

Kabuto, perplexed, muttered to himself, "What's going on? Kokushō's cells have been fully assimilated into Sasuke-kun's body. This integration is far more thorough and precise than Madara's transplantation of Hashirama's cells. So why hasn't the Rinnegan awakened?"

Although the Rinnegan had yet to manifest, Sasuke seemed rather pleased. "My chakra reserves have increased several times over. My proficiency with Wood Release has also improved significantly. But… I still can't use Adamantine Sealing Chains."

Seated in his wheelchair, Kabuto adjusted his glasses and replied calmly, "That's to be expected. The Adamantine Sealing Chains are an innate ability of the Uzumaki clan. The deeper powers of the Uzumaki lineage cannot be obtained through cellular means. However, more superficial abilities, such as enhanced cellular regeneration, can be acquired."

Kabuto leaned forward slightly. "What about your eyes? Any signs of change?"

This was the question Kabuto cared about most.

Sasuke hesitated. "Perhaps. My chakra has grown much stronger, so the scale of my ocular techniques should also be greater than before."

But quantitative changes were not what Kabuto sought. He had spent half a year painstakingly orchestrating this, all in pursuit of Sasuke awakening the Rinnegan.

"Why?!" Kabuto's voice trembled with frustration and disbelief. "Kokushō is the reincarnation of Asura, and Sasuke-kun is the reincarnation of Indra. The combination of these two should inevitably give rise to the Rinnegan! Why hasn't it happened as I envisioned?"

Was it a matter of time? Did the power need to settle further?

Or… was it battle that would serve as the catalyst?

Yes, that must be it!

Kabuto, convincing himself of this conclusion, spoke with a determined tone. "You need to fight, Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Fight? With whom?"

Kabuto pushed his glasses again, regaining his composed demeanor. "According to the latest intelligence, Naruto and Obito are about to engage in a decisive battle. Sasuke-kun, I want you to participate in that battle. It will greatly benefit your awakening of the Rinnegan."

Sasuke's interest was piqued, but he glanced at Kokushō, still in slumber within the experimental apparatus. "What about him? If we leave him like this, won't he die?"

Kabuto reassured him, "Don't worry. His vitality is extraordinarily strong. Before long, his lost cells will regenerate. Of course, the cost will be a reduction in his lifespan."

Kabuto gestured toward the equipment. "Besides, I've prepared sufficient nutrient fluid to sustain him. Leave him here for now. By the time we return, he should be awake."

Sasuke hesitated briefly before nodding. "Alright, then."

Deep down, Sasuke felt a pang of guilt toward Kokushō.

If it weren't for him, Kokushō might have lived a peaceful and carefree life. In a timeline without Naruto's return, Kokushō would never have appeared.

Yet even if Kokushō had not emerged in the past, his fate had long been predetermined. His existence had greatly influenced the future.

In a world untouched by Naruto's return, Kokushō would have lived in a small village in the Land of Water, marrying and having children, only to succumb to an illness later in life.

Before his death, Kokushō, who loved the mountains and rivers, would name his child Kawaki.

[Author's Note: This is an additional setting created by the author.]

Eventually, Kawaki would be taken by a man named Jigen, bought from his adoptive father for a hefty sum. But that is a story for the Boruto era. Those who understand will understand; those who don't may choose to ignore it.

Now, with the current timeline altered, Kawaki would likely never be born. Even if Kokushō were to have children, they would not be Kawaki.

Just as Naruto's marriage to Hinata in this timeline would no longer result in the birth of Boruto.

In the near-infinite variables of existence, Boruto and Kawaki were but fleeting possibilities—unlikely to occur again.

With this thought, Sasuke pushed Kabuto's wheelchair out of the experimental base.

It was early spring in Konoha's 65th year, a time when the chill of winter still lingered.

Kabuto gazed at the twilight sky, sighing wistfully. "In this state, I can't even walk anymore."

Sasuke, lost in thought, replied, "Kabuto, you once said you saw me as a younger brother, didn't you? I can't see you as an elder brother—my only brother is Itachi. But I can see you as family… someone very close to me."

Kabuto's expression softened. "That is truly an honor."

Boom!

The head and shoulders of Sasuke's fully-formed Susano'o emerged from the ground.

The massive construct lifted Kabuto in his wheelchair, along with Sasuke, and took to the skies, soaring toward the Land of Rain.

Elsewhere: Uchiha Madara's Resolve

Having left Mount Myoboku, Madara Uchiha now walked the shinobi world alone.

Black Zetsu had completely vanished. Previously, Madara could communicate with him through telepathy. But now, the connection had been severed—unilaterally.

This confirmed Black Zetsu's betrayal.

During his time training at Mount Myoboku, Madara had already decided on his future path.

If the Infinite Tsukuyomi was nothing more than an illusion, then let it remain a fleeting dream.

Dreams fade, and after longing, heartbreak, and regret, one must continue forward.

"The heavens burden those destined for greatness, testing their resolve with hardship and adversity, sharpening their will and strengthening their character."

Madara reevaluated himself.

"My arrogance allowed Black Zetsu to deceive me for decades. I've been surpassed by juniors like Naruto and Obito."

"But even if I've stepped down from the throne of the strongest, the proud blood within me refuses to retreat!"

"Where I fell, I shall rise again!"

With renewed determination, Madara returned to Konoha. Unnoticed by anyone, he entered the Uchiha Shrine.

Under the flickering foxfire, Madara stood silently before the Uchiha Stone Tablet.

It was here, long ago, that he had declared his ideals to Hashirama and issued his challenge.

But the grandeur of his past proclamations now seemed laughable.

"How absurd… How can I face Hashirama now?"

Clenching his fists, Madara's chakra roared with his anger.

RUMBLE!!!

The shrine trembled. Cracks spread from the tatami beneath his feet to the walls, reaching the stone tablet itself.

The tablet, once a symbol of hope but filled with empty lies, shattered into pieces. The Uchiha Shrine, which had stood since the founding of Konoha, was reduced to ruins.

As the blood-red sunset bathed the scene, Madara departed.

His proud silhouette against the dying light was a testament to his unyielding spirit.

Madara would not hide in the shadows.

He would go to Amegakure, challenge Naruto, and reclaim everything that was his—his Rinnegan, his title as the strongest.

Amegakure: The Barrier of the Four Red Yang Formation

Fourth Raikage A, clad in his Lightning Release Armor, relentlessly pounded the barrier with his fists like a torrential storm.

For three whole months, without sleep, save for brief breaks to eat and relieve himself, he had been tirelessly striking the barrier with everything he had.

During this time, he had fully adapted to his hyper-gravitational body. Through relentless tempering, his punching speed now rivaled his peak.

The shinobi of Kumogakure, initially resigned to despair, were moved by the Raikage's unwavering determination.

They formed a cheer squad, banging on pots and pans to cheer him on.

"Raikage-sama, you can do it!!!"

"You're the strongest!!!"

"Break through with the Will of Lightning!!!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The Raikage's fists grew faster and faster, surpassing even his own reflexes, creating countless afterimages.

CRACK!

A tiny fracture appeared on the barrier.

Meanwhile, deep underground in Amegakure, Naruto's sparring with the four Hokage had come to an end.

Through this battle, Naruto had mastered the use of his new eyes.

Now, it was time to unveil the treasures of the Sage of Six Paths.

Basho Fan. Kohaku no Johei. Benihisago. Shichiseiken. Kōkinjō.

With a flick of his wrist, the five legendary tools appeared. Naruto Uzumaki was ready to wield their full power.

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