Chapter 312: The Ten-Tails Jinchūriki
Seeing the scene before him, Jiraiya's expression changed drastically as he glared at Hozuki Gengetsu. "You're absolutely insane!"
Even at a time like this, they were still thinking of using the Akatsuki's setup to crush the morale of the Allied Forces.
"My orders are to drive you out of here. Instead of trying to convince us with words, why don't you show us with strength?" Gengetsu replied.
This was a genjutsu space, essentially an alternate spiritual realm. Everything experienced here would be etched into one's mind forever, making it the perfect opportunity to affect the Allied Forces deeply.
If they could handle this well and leave an indelible impression, future battles might be won without ever having to fight.
With such power at their disposal, why shouldn't they use it?
Smirking, Gengetsu raised his hand in the shape of a gun, condensing a droplet of water at his fingertip.
Whoosh!
The water droplet shot out at extreme speed, slicing through the air like a bullet with a sharp whistling sound.
Jiraiya's face darkened as he sidestepped the attack.
In this spiritual space, the stronger someone's chakra, the greater their power. Without access to scientific tools, sheer numbers were meaningless.
Facing Snow Country, which had resurrected numerous powerful figures from the shinobi world, the odds weren't in their favor…
Boom!
A deafening explosion rang out as a Tailed Beast Bomb streaked through the air, leaving a blazing trail before landing in front of Fugaku and detonating with tremendous force.
The shockwave spread rapidly from the point of impact, whipping up fierce winds and scattering dust and debris, forcing back the enemies surrounding Fugaku.
In the next moment, Killer B appeared in a flash, his voice carrying its usual peculiar rhythm. "Yeah, yeah, Hokage told me! You can get us outta here. Start with my big bro and the Hokage—we'll hold these guys off!"
Without waiting for a reply, Killer B, cloaked in Tailed Beast chakra, charged at the Third Kazekage and the others.
Elite jōnin from various villages and generals from the Land of Iron followed suit, stepping forward to block the powerful foes.
Fugaku hesitated for a moment before turning to the Raikage and the others, who were retreating toward him while fending off attacks. He sighed heavily, then quickly joined them and used his dojutsu to send them away.
This had been his goal all along when he entered this space. Yet, seeing the brutal battlefield before him, he couldn't feel the slightest relief.
Even if the leadership escaped safely, losing too many rank-and-file shinobi would have dire consequences.
After all, even the most brilliant general couldn't lead without soldiers. If the lower ranks were all controlled, what use was a leader left standing alone?
Nearby, Hanzō swung his chakra-infused scythe, preparing to send a shinobi away. However, a sharp katana suddenly thrust out from the side, using precise force to deflect the scythe.
The katana then arced upward, aiming for Hanzō's neck.
Hanzō's eyes flickered, and he swiftly dodged the slash aimed at his throat. He turned to face his attacker. "Who are you?"
"Mifune. I once crossed blades with you, Lord Hanzō. Perhaps you've forgotten," the samurai said, gripping his sword with both hands as he cautiously regarded Hanzō.
Though the "Demi-God" had been defeated by the Moon God, his strength was undeniable. Even the Legendary Sannin had fallen to him in the past. No one dared to underestimate him.
Hanzō nodded thoughtfully. "Mifune… the general of the Land of Iron, correct? I do remember you."
"To be remembered by Lord Hanzō is an honor," Mifune said respectfully, though his tone remained serious. "But you're a spirit now—you shouldn't be under anyone's control. Why fight for Hyuga Fuji?"
"He's just trying to secure a chance to live," came an elderly voice from behind Hanzō, answering in his place.
Hyuga Fuji had promised that those who served him would be resurrected.
"How ironic for the great Demi-God to be reduced to this, clinging to someone else's promise," the voice continued with a tinge of mockery.
Hanzō's expression darkened as he turned to see Chiyo standing behind him. "Chiyo, what are you doing hiding behind me?"
Wasn't this old hag supposed to be fighting the Konoha forces? When had she gotten here?
Chiyo manipulated her chakra threads, controlling the surrounding shinobi to attack Mifune. "I couldn't bring my puppets into this space, so I have to use these weak shinobi. Without someone to protect me, any strong jōnin could send me out. I'll have to trouble you, Hanzō—make sure you guard me well," she said with a sly smile.
She couldn't exactly admit she didn't want to stay on the Konoha battlefield, could she?
With two white-haired shinobi there—one of whom had been her comrade—seeing them constantly reminded Chiyo of her son and daughter-in-law. She simply couldn't bear it.
Hanzō's brow furrowed. "Is that supposed to be a request for help?"
"Am I wrong?" Chiyo replied calmly.
"And you're any better?" Hanzō retorted. "You joined Snow Country just to secure your resurrection—and your grandson's. Don't act so superior."
"I'm a researcher," Chiyo said coolly. "As long as I keep demonstrating my abilities in research, I'll qualify for resurrection. I don't necessarily have to prove myself on the battlefield."
Hanzō looked puzzled. "You're not… being overworked?"
Word had it that researchers resurrected by Edo Tensei were made to work 24-hour shifts, completely exploited by Hyuga Fuji.
In this situation, she still seemed proud?
Chiyo fell silent, unwilling to respond further.
As the two bickered, their coordinated attacks put Mifune under tremendous pressure.
The Demi-God's strength was undeniable…
Similar scenes played out across the battlefield. Confronted by these legendary shinobi from the past, the Allied Forces felt a heavy weight in their hearts.
Many couldn't help but question:
If this was a preview of the final battle, and they lost here, could they really win in the real world?
---
Outside, on the outskirts of Ideal City.
Black Zetsu hid underground, his expression complicated as he observed the Ten-Tails and Nagato standing atop it.
Having been replaced by Black Zetsu No. 2, he had lost Madara's favor and was relegated to the role of a hidden agent. Now, he could only watch from the shadows as the scene he had dreamed of unfolded before him.
But his feelings were not as joyous as he'd imagined.
After all, there was still Hyuga Fuji, who seemed like a second brother, and the Ten-Tails wasn't yet in its perfect form. His plans might not proceed as smoothly as he had hoped.
"Do you need my help?"
Madara stood before the Ten-Tails, looking up at Nagato, who had his eyes closed. His expression was unreadable.
Aside from Konan, the masked Uchiha, and Obito, the other members of the Akatsuki had gathered here to witness this moment.
The plan had gone far more smoothly than expected. Whether collecting chakra or reviving the Ten-Tails, there had been no interruptions. Now, all that remained was for Nagato to become its Jinchūriki.
"No need. The Ten-Tails will obey me," Nagato said as he slowly opened his eyes and began forming hand seals.
Everyone's eyes sharpened, and they instinctively moved away from the Ten-Tails.
The moment Nagato completed the seals, the previously silent Ten-Tails let out a deafening roar, its massive body collapsing inward.
"It worked…"
Black Zetsu murmured to himself, his voice tinged with disbelief.
At last, the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki had been born. "Mother, just a little longer… soon…"
The Ten-Tails' body was drawn toward Nagato, its chakra swirling like a storm as it was absorbed into him. Nagato's body became a bottomless black hole, devouring the Ten-Tails' power.
As its immense chakra drained away, the Ten-Tails' once-massive body withered and shrank until it was completely absorbed.
The tangible chakra whipped up a cloud of dust.
When the dust settled, the Ten-Tails' towering figure had vanished. In its place stood Nagato in a terrifying new form.
Two horns protruded from his head, his skin was marked with irregular, scale-like patterns, and six black magatama symbols were symmetrically arranged on his chest.
A surge of immense chakra radiated from Nagato, leaving the Akatsuki members in silent awe.
"Such terrifying power… so this is the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki…"
(End of Chapter)