Chapter 292:
"Now it's your turn, Boruto." After using genjutsu to control Kabuto Yakushi, Uchiha Itachi turned to look at Future Boruto. "What exactly is your goal?"
"...Peace in the ninja world."
Future Boruto looked solemnly at the reanimated Itachi before him as he replied.
"Brother, should we make a move?"
Standing beside Uchiha Itachi, Sasuke asked.
"No." Itachi shook his head and fixed his gaze on Future Boruto. "Even if I joined forces with you, I still wouldn't be confident of defeating this guy... For now, let's trust him."
With that, Uchiha Itachi formed the seal to undo the Reanimation Jutsu using the release incantation he had just obtained from the genjutsu-controlled Kabuto.
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Battlefield of the Five Kage vs. Uchiha Madara
"The Reanimation Jutsu has been released... Seems like you had some powerful help on your side too."
Uchiha Madara looked at the Five Kage, who now wore expressions of relief and joy, and spoke indifferently.
"However, the Ten Tails is now fully prepared."
The Ten Tails erupted from the ground, facing Naruto—who had reconciled with Kurama and become a perfect Jinchūriki—alongside Kakashi, Might Guy, and Killer Bee.
"So this is the Ten Tails!"
Naruto stared up at the massive beast towering above him.
"No, Naruto, this isn't the Ten Tails' complete form," Kurama said from within Naruto. "The true Ten Tails requires chakra from all nine tailed beasts. Right now, it possesses the full chakra of One through Seven Tails, but only partial chakra from the Eight and Nine Tails..."
"Even though it's not the complete form, it's still enough to cast the large-scale genjutsu—Infinite Tsukuyomi."
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Konohagakure
First, they obtained the Shinigami Mask from the Uzumaki Clan's Naka Shrine on the outskirts of the village. Then, they summoned the Shinigami of the Reaper Death Seal to retrieve Orochimaru's sealed arms. After that, Orochimaru used the Reanimation Jutsu, using the White Zetsu parasitizing Sasuke—who had been keeping watch over him—as the sacrifice, and summoned the former Hokage.
As for the DNA of the former Hokage, the ever-curious and research-obsessed Orochimaru had, of course, already prepared that long ago.
"Oh yes, your question... about the village and what it truly means to be a ninja, right?"
Senju Hashirama stroked his chin, pondering aloud.
"My brother gave his life to protect this village, even if it meant killing his own clansmen. What exactly is this village he valued so much? And what does it mean to be a ninja who takes pride in defending it? I want to hear your thoughts first, before deciding on my own answer—and whether or not to seek revenge on Konoha..."
"Revenge on Konoha? You arrogant brat. In that case, I'll just settle things with you right now!"
The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, released a powerful wave of chakra.
The overwhelming chakra pressure struck everyone present—except for Future Boruto, who stood unfazed. In fact, a powerful surge of chakra burst forth from him as well.
"I never imagined that today's ninja world would produce someone who can rival me and Uchiha Madara."
Hashirama looked over at Future Boruto as he spoke.
"What? Big Brother, you're not seeing things? He looks way too young for that,"
Tobirama said, surprised. He was intimately familiar with his brother's strength. Though Hashirama often acted like a fool, his power was unquestionable—he had once brought about the first era of peace in the ninja world.
"I'm not mistaken about something like this."
Hashirama glanced at Tobirama, then unleashed a chakra aura even stronger than that of both Tobirama and Future Boruto.
"Also, calm down, Tobirama."
"That presence... doesn't feel like he's joking..."
Suigetsu muttered as he hid behind Jūgo, his body starting to liquefy.
"...Fine. So please stop releasing such terrifying chakra, Big Brother."
Tobirama relented.
"Haha, sorry, Tobirama! A-hahahaha!"
Hashirama burst out laughing like a fool, but none of the people present would dare actually treat him like one.
"That chakra I sense from you... it's Kurama's!"
Minato stared at Future Boruto. "What did you do to Naruto?!"
"What?! Naruto?!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi also turned to look at Future Boruto.
"Who is Naruto?"
Hashirama asked.
"He's the Fourth's son, and the current Jinchūriki."
Hiruzen answered.
All the Hokage present were well aware of the fate that befell Jinchūriki who had their tailed beasts extracted—they died on the spot. That was why Minato was so agitated.
"I see... In that case, you'll have to explain things clearly, young man."
Hashirama rarely looked stern, but now his expression was serious as he stared at Future Boruto.
Though he had died long ago, Hashirama still refused to tolerate harm done to the villagers.
"...In truth, I'm the Eighth Hokage from the future."
The anticipated black-and-white dramatic reaction didn't happen.
Hashirama examined the Hokage robe Future Boruto wore, then nodded with certainty.
"This craftsmanship... It really is the genuine article. Looks like you truly are the Eighth Hokage from the future."
"...You just believe whatever someone says?! Idiot big brother! Even if it's a Hokage robe, it could easily be forged!"
Tobirama was visibly skeptical.
"Also, aren't you worried that revealing this information so bluntly could affect the future?"
"It doesn't matter. You're all already dead, so there's no need to worry. As for these guys..."
Future Boruto turned to Orochimaru and Sasuke's group.
"Hey, he's not planning to kill us, is he?"
Suigetsu, half-melted, peeked out nervously from behind Jūgo.
"I just need to erase your memories using the Rinnegan."
"The Rinnegan?!"
Tobirama stared at Future Boruto. "The legendary eye of the Sage of Six Paths—can't believe you actually have it."
"I got it from Sarada. Oh right, Sarada is Sasuke's daughter."
"Wha—Sasuke's daughter?!"
Suigetsu pointed at Sasuke in shock. "Then, who does Sasuke marry in the future?"
"...Even if I told you now, you'd just forget it anyway."
"My daughter's eye... why is it in your possession?"
Sasuke asked.
"...A disaster struck the future ninja world—ninety percent of the population perished, including you and my father, Naruto. I came back to the past to change that future."
"Your father...? So that means, I'm your grandfather."
Minato pointed to himself, momentarily stunned.
"Yeah."
Future Boruto nodded, then turned back to Orochimaru and the others.
"Now then, it's time to erase your memories."
"Hey, are you guys seriously going to let him erase our memories?"
Suigetsu nervously peeked out again from behind Jūgo.
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things for you."
Hashirama said with a smile.