The situation changed in an instant.
Uzumaki Naruto lost the Nine-Tails, and Uchiha Sasuke was stabbed to death by Uchiha Madara.
The two future powerhouses were instantly eliminated, and many people in the Naruto World wore grave expressions. What now?!
After all, a Jinchuriki who loses their Tailed Beast is doomed, and beside Sasuke there didn't seem to be anyone who could save him.
So this genius Uchiha boy who had awakened the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan was simply going to die at the hands of Uchiha Madara?
But that couldn't be right—if they died here, who would fight in the climactic showdown later?
Many were puzzled, yet also intrigued, because next Madara would reclaim his Rinnegan and inevitably clash with Might Guy.
Most viewers condemned the uploader for cutting the footage at the critical moment.
They desperately wanted to know whether Six Paths Madara would be kicked to death by Might Guy—or, if not, what fate awaited Might Guy himself.
Inside the Akatsuki Organization, Naruto World.
...
Uchiha Itachi said nothing; his Three-Tomoe Sharingan slowly spun. Though silent,
Kisame beside him sensed a different air. Though Itachi's face was blank, Kisame could feel that seeing his little brother stabbed by Madara had left Itachi far from calm, even if it was only a video.
"As expected of the legendary Uchiha Madara." Watching the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan–wielding Sasuke defeated outright, Deidara broke into a cold sweat.
That was the legendary Ninja Uchiha Madara—truly terrifying.
"I knew Senju Hashirama really killed Uchiha Madara, but I never imagined Hashirama would say those words."
Kakuzu sighed; when he tried to assassinate Hashirama, the man had spared his life,
yet the very Uchiha Madara who helped Hashirama build Konoha and end the chaos was killed by him.
"Hypocrite,"
Pain said quietly, eyes on Hashirama. "By Konoha's account, the First Hokage created the Village to protect family and comrades,
yet he slew his own brother for the Village—that's putting the cart before the horse. So much for the so-called God of Shinobi."
No one replied; they all realized that Hashirama's act had likely pushed Madara to create the Infinite Tsukuyomi world.
Of course, Hashirama was only a catalyst; the real reason Madara sought Infinite Tsukuyomi was probably his despair at a world full of betrayal and slaughter, one that offered no peace.
"Speaking of which, Itachi is the same."
Scorpion spoke, looking calmly at Itachi. "Like Hashirama, you slaughtered your clan for peace—ironic, since Villages were first built to protect the people inside."
"My old man handled that part well."
Deidara chimed in, pride and disdain mixing. "He drones on about the Will of Stone, but he treats us great."
... Scorpion fell silent.
Both Deidara and Scorpion had been treated well in their villages; had they not chosen to become Rogue Ninja, they'd have been high-ranking, if not Kage.
"So Itachi-san has the makings of a Hokage?" Kisame smiled.
"With Itachi's strength, Hokage would be no problem."
White Zetsu added cheerfully. "Among everyone I know, Itachi is one of the very strongest."
"Indeed," Black Zetsu echoed. Though the Akatsuki was riddled with spies,
Nagato hadn't made a move, so the group could endure.
At most, Nagato and Obito would come asking whether the plan should proceed.
As the mastermind behind the shinobi world's twilight, he was confident—Akatsuki couldn't function without him and White Zetsu.
Poor Madara, though—his every future act had been exposed. Hidden in the shadows, he was truly pitiful.
Black Zetsu couldn't help but laugh; at first he'd thought Obito would be revealed, only for Uchiha Madara to be unmasked instead.
All his schemes and future plans had been laid bare by that mysterious video creator.
No matter—being exposed now benefited Akatsuki. The Five Great Nations had been on the verge of alliance,
but after seeing this video they'd believe Akatsuki held a trump card to resurrect Madara.
Though Uchiha Itachi was a member, he wasn't part of the true "high command," so he would relay the information with caution.
...
Itachi, praised by all, remained silent, watching the dying Sasuke and Naruto on-screen, unnamed emotions flickering in his eyes.
Hokage Office, Konoha Village.
"So this is Madara." Watching Sasuke killed and Naruto lose the Nine-Tails, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt an unprecedented threat.
Even the Second Hokage's ambush had left Madara merely pinned to the ground.
Yet the Second had acknowledged Sasuke and urged Madara to stop his wrongs.
That eased Hiruzen's mind and strengthened his resolve: protect Sasuke at all costs—Danzo must not interfere.
The only Uchiha the Second had ever praised was Kagami; now Sasuke joined that short list.
For Itachi's sake and for the Second's expectations, Hiruzen was ready to stop Danzo.
The only man in Konoha who might harm Sasuke was Danzo—and at that thought Hiruzen's eyes flashed cold.
He hoped his old friend wouldn't force his hand; if Danzo dared move, Hiruzen would kill him himself.
Now Hiruzen looked at Shimura Danzo not as a friend but as the Third Hokage of Konoha.
Anyone who threatened the Village would be removed—and Danzo now fit that description.
On the other side of Konoha Village
Looking at the Nine-Tails being ripped from his body and sensing his own death, Naruto cried out in shock, "What?! I'll die if Kurama leaves me?"
"Of course. But if you die, I die too,"
the sealed Kurama answered calmly. "Still, I never imagined a single Rinnegan could hold such terrifying power."
Although the Gedo Statue is the natural bane of the Tailed Beasts, Kurama dreaded Uchiha Madara; the man truly was terrifying.
One brief clash and both he and the other beasts had been laid low—was this the ocular jutsu of the Rinnegan?
Kurama's expression turned grave. Uchiha Madara really was fearsome. He looked at Naruto and made up his mind.
Since Naruto was the prophesied child, he would do everything to boost the boy's strength; in any case, time was desperately short.
If he didn't help Naruto grow stronger now, the situation would turn dire.
The footage kept rolling.
Six Paths Madara had vanished somewhere, while Minato Namikaze and Kakashi were preparing to rip the Rinnegan from Obito and wipe out Black Zetsu.
Sensing how troublesome the pair were, Black Zetsu muttered irritably, "You two are really annoying!"
"Obito's consciousness is fading," Kakashi realized as he watched Black Zetsu speak; Obito's will was being suppressed.
Minato, Rasengan in hand, glanced at Kakashi. "Get ready, Kakashi."
Just as they were about to strike, the Nine-Tails within Minato spoke up. "Wait, Minato! Switch your Chakra to sensory mode."
"?!"
Though puzzled, Minato obeyed. A moment later his face paled. "Don't tell me…!!"
The Nine-Tails went on, "With your focus here, there's no doubt—my other half has been extracted."
The Rasengan in Minato's hand vanished.
Kakashi, baffled, wondered why their teacher had broken off the attack.
At that instant, Black Zetsu, Minato, and Kakashi all looked skyward.
Gaara arrived, carrying Naruto and Sakura.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura called first, placing her hands on Naruto and using Chakra to keep his fading breath alive.
"What happened?"
Kakashi still hadn't grasped the situation.
Sakura spoke rapidly, "The Nine-Tails was extracted from Naruto. If this continues…"
"Naruto…" Seeing his son like this, Minato was momentarily at a loss.
Gaara hurriedly said, "The Nine-Tails inside Naruto told me to tell you, Fourth Hokage: transfer your half of the Nine-Tails into him—he said that will save Naruto."
"Oh?"
Black Zetsu watched, visibly surprised.
"Kakashi, handle him," Minato said, moving to Naruto's side and leaving Black Zetsu to Kakashi.
"Got it," Kakashi nodded.
Gaara dropped down as well, eyes locked on Black Zetsu. "Count me in."
Even one-handed, Minato formed seals single-handedly. Looking at the weakened Naruto, he saw an image of his wife, Kushina Uzumaki.
He had sworn to her he would protect their child no matter what; as Hokage, he would absolutely shield his son.
And not only as Hokage—as a father he would guard his child.
"With the power I have now…"
Minato gazed at Naruto and prepared to transfer the Nine-Tails within him into his son.
"This time, for sure!!!"
Nine-Tails Chakra flared. Just as Minato was about to deliver half of Kurama, a black shadow burst between him and Naruto and snatched the half-beast away.
Yes—he blocked father and son and seized the Nine-Tails.
"!!!!!!!!!!"
Everyone stared in disbelief. How?! Hadn't Gaara and Kakashi been keeping Black Zetsu at bay?!
Sakura and Minato froze.
Even Minato's half of Kurama exclaimed in shock, "That one—!"
"Nine-Tails!" Black Zetsu rasped, laughing. "At last, you're mine!"
"What happened?!"
Sensing something amiss, Gaara turned—only to see a black silhouette beside the Fourth Hokage. It was Black Zetsu!!!
"!!!!!"
With half of Kurama stolen, Minato instantly formed a Rasengan to strike, but Black Zetsu melted into the ground and re-entered Obito.
"How's Naruto now?!"
Gaara was frantic.
Boom—!!!
A figure crashed from the sky, stunning everyone present.
Gaara's eyes widened as if he'd guessed the truth. "Could it be…"
Black Zetsu, still controlling Obito, smiled hoarsely. "Lord Madara."
"You're too slow, Zetsu!" Six Paths Madara growled. "I came myself!"
Clearly Madara was furious at Black Zetsu's pace. "Zetsu, how long do you plan to stay stuck to Obito?"
"My apologies," Black Zetsu rasped. "But I've seized the Nine-Tails' half for you."
"Excellent."
Madara smiled—finally, good news. "Hand it over, along with the left eye."
"!!!!!"
Madara's arrival left everyone stunned and incredulous.
Obito had just been stripped of Six Paths power, yet Madara had already gained the Sage's strength—far too fast!
While they reeled, Black Zetsu, delighted by Madara's appearance, began peeling away from Obito.
Obito was no longer of use; he had no intention of remaining attached.
As long as Lord Madara is here, even if I leave this guy's body, there's nothing you can do about me!
Black Zetsu looked elated; he had no combat power, but Madara, wielding Six Paths strength, was the strongest being in the world right now—no one could defeat him!
Just as Black Zetsu was about to separate from Obito's body, he showed a startled expression and then slipped back inside.
"Ha! Ha!"
The unconscious Obito slowly opened his Three-Tomoe Sharingan and looked at Six Paths Madara not far away.
"Bastard! How are you still…?"
Black Zetsu was stunned—why did Obito still have the strength to resist him?
"It's not over yet." With his own will, Obito kept Black Zetsu from leaving. He stared at Six Paths Madara and said, "I have a question for you, Madara!"
"What am I to you?"
Six Paths Madara gave a cold laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. Asking such a boring question now?"
"To me you're nothing else—you are Madara!"
Obito recalled the moment when the dead Uchiha Madara had said that until he revived, Obito himself was Uchiha Madara.
Six Paths Madara looked at him calmly. "The one who denied this world was Madara. Those who acted on that idea and aimed to realize the Infinite Tsukuyomi were all Madara."
"That was also the path I once chose."
Obito spoke; he had once chosen that seemingly perfect road.
Six Paths Madara continued: "While I slept, I entrusted everything to you, letting you walk ahead of me; that was the path I set for you."
"You were supposed to live and die as Madara, devote your life to the goal, and become the Deliverer who saves this world."
Seeing Obito unmoved, Six Paths Madara went on: "The world preached by the Six Paths Sage has failed."
"..."
Obito's Three-Tomoe Sharingan turned toward Naruto, whose life was fading nearby; he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if thinking.
Six Paths Madara didn't seem to notice; he kept persuading: "Listen, the Chakra spread by the Six Paths was originally a force of connection, meant to link people's spiritual energy so they could understand each other's hearts without words and attain peace."
"The one who proclaimed this power in the name of Ninshū and passed it to the masses was the Six Paths Sage."
"But one day, people stopped using Chakra to connect hearts; instead they linked their own spiritual and physical energies, refining and amplifying their Chakra in vast amounts."
"They turned Chakra into the weapon called Ninjutsu, ironically repeating the mistake of the Sage's mother Kaguya, who had used Chakra as a military force."
At that moment Six Paths Madara was recounting the history of the Ninja World.
Sakura Haruno looked utterly bewildered. "What on earth is this guy talking about?"
It wasn't just Sakura; most people in the Naruto World were baffled. They knew of the Six Paths Sage, but was his mother really named Kaguya?
And how did Madara know the legends of Ninshū, and where had he learned this history?
Six Paths Madara went on: "All the Six Paths Sage did was intensify the conflicts between people."
"Even if hearts are linked," he began, and the silhouettes of two boys appeared.
They were young Madara and Hashirama, once the best of friends.
"The only thing you understand is… people can never truly understand one another. No matter what, Chakra only breeds strife and builds false hope."
"Like all of you, I seek peace while also seeking war—that is reality!"
"And in this reality, the power called Chakra forces us to endure endless pain."
He stated his understanding of the Ninja World, then looked at Obito and the Ninjas ahead. "Because we possess power, we crave war; because we lack power, we lose everything."
When he spoke of possessing power, Six Paths Madara revealed his Rinnegan, with flashes of his battles against Senju Hashirama in the background.
When he spoke of losing everything for lack of power, the scene showed a solitary Uchiha Madara walking away while his younger brother Uchiha Izuna lay in a coffin.
"I will create a New World that transcends all this—using the Infinite Tsukuyomi to forge a dream world free of detestable Chakra."
"Guided by me, the final and strongest wielder of Chakra—and that person is you! You are not Obito!"
Six Paths Madara looked at him seriously. "Because Uchiha Obito possessed Uchiha Chakra, he challenged Kakashi Hatake to become Hokage and win Rin Nohara's affection. Yet because his power was fake, he lost everything in the end."
While he spoke, sweat rolled down Obito's cheeks, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan trembling slightly.
Seeing this, Six Paths Madara played his trump card, shouting, "This is hell! Have you forgotten?!"
A girl appeared, lying in a pool of blood with a huge hole pierced through her chest.
Then a spiral mask slowly formed, and behind it appeared a Three-Tomoe Sharingan!
"!!!!"
Obito's body shook; he stared at Six Paths Madara, recalling that scene from years ago.
Old Madara looked at him calmly. "Come to me."
At the same time, Six Paths Madara said calmly, "Come, Madara!"
Old Madara added quietly, "From today on, you are the Deliverer."
Six Paths Madara continued, "Even now, you can still be the Deliverer."
Two versions of Obito from different times walked toward Madara.
Seeing this, Gaara, Kakashi, and Minato Namikaze finally couldn't stay still.
Gaara placed his hands on the ground and declared, "Desert Wave!"
A wall of sand blocked Obito's path.
"Kamui!"
Kakashi fixed his gaze on Obito's back; his Three-Tomoe Sharingan spun into a Mangekyo Sharingan as he prepared to use Kamui to banish Obito to the other dimension.
Whoosh—!!
Minato Namikaze flung a special Kunai and entered Sage Mode, hurling a Rasengan straight at Six Paths Madara.
Bang!
With a casual sweep of his Truth-Seeking Staff, Six Paths Madara severed Minato's arm, kicked the Rasengan-bearing limb away, then slammed his foot into Minato and sent him flying.
Minato crashed into Gaara, while the severed arm with the Rasengan struck Kakashi.
Sakura Haruno watched in shock; all three of them had attacked together, yet Six Paths Madara had brushed them aside as if swatting flies.
Uchiha Obito walked calmly toward Six Paths Madara, as though none of it concerned him.
"Come."
Six Paths Madara stretched out his hand in silent welcome.
Obito reached out as well.
Outside the screen, in Konoha Village of the Naruto World—
"Wait—!!! Hold on?!!!"
Naruto's eyes bulged. Staring at Minato on the screen, he muttered in disbelief, "The Fourth Hokage… is my father?!"
Minato's memories and inner voice just shown had finally made it clear: his father was the Fourth Hokage—the hero who saved the Village from the Nine-Tails.
He was the hero's son?!
"Ah… yes."
Jiraiya ruffled Naruto's hair, unsure what tone to take.
He knew what Naruto had endured in the Village all these years and had long wondered why Hiruzen hadn't looked after him better—
and who had leaked the secret of his Jinchuriki status.
Naruto had never lost control, so his identity should have been top-secret; no one should have known.
"Obito…"
Kakashi watched the screen, face twisted in conflict as Obito walked toward Six Paths Madara. Was he really returning to Madara's side?
"Don't lose to him, Obito!!!"
Might Guy shouted. As Obito's former comrade, he couldn't bear to see his friend sink into darkness.
He also ached for Obito—knowing that Rin had died by Kakashi's hand.
Hidden Mist Ninja had sealed the Three-Tails inside her and driven the two of them toward Konoha to unleash the beast.
To protect the Village, she had deliberately let Kakashi's Chidori pierce her heart.
Detective Conan World
"Six Paths Sage, Kaguya, Ninshu, Chakra…"
Kudo Shinichi studied the key points Madara had mentioned. The clip had to have a deeper purpose.
As the Holmes of the Heisei era, he excelled at spotting details. Like Miyu, he felt Uchiha Madara's loud presence meant he wasn't the ultimate mastermind.
But with too few clues, he could only list suspects for the hidden final boss:
1. The ever-background Six Paths Sage.
2. The briefly-flashed mother of the Sage—Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
3. Black Zetsu.
4. Uchiha Madara and Obito.
And, not quite a suspect, the uchiha stone tablet. Shinichi believed reading it would reveal most of the truth.
Unfortunately, its contents hadn't been shown; he felt thick fog still hiding the facts.
In terms of suspicion, the Six Paths Sage topped the list—he appeared often.
Yet Shinichi's gut told him the real puppet master was that fleeting name: Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
Detective intuition said the name that flashed by couldn't be ordinary.
"Getting more interesting," Shinichi murmured, eyeing Madara. "The supposed final boss actually craves peace—only the world he wants isn't one people will accept."
He knew that if he were in the Ninja World, he'd pay any price to stop such a dream.
A dream world sounds lovely, but illusion is illusion; it isn't real.
The video continued.
Six Paths Madara raised his hand; Obito raised his. As their hands were about to meet—
Obito suddenly shifted upward and plunged his hand into Madara's chest.
Viewers gasped at this new "betrayal," unable to process the scene.
A second earlier they'd been about to clasp hands as fellow saviors.
The next, Obito was literally speaking heart-to-heart with Madara.
Not just the audience—
Madara and everyone on the battlefield stared, stunned.