Chapter 376: The Pure Land
After listening to the Sage of Six Paths, it became clear that Kaguya's sealing was part of the Great Toad Sage's plan all along. That old toad was like some hidden mastermind behind the shinobi world, pulling all the strings.
Madara found it impossible to believe that the toad didn't know about Black Zetsu.
It was one thing for the Great Toad Sage to watch him fall into a trap without warning—after all, they had no relationship, and the toad had no reason to help him.
But why did it have to push him further into the pit?
If not for Hyuga Fuji taking control, he would have been sacrificed to resurrect Kaguya—just a mere stepping stone for the so-called Child of Prophecy, nothing more than the clown of the shinobi world.
The Great Toad Sage foresaw all of this and yet still helped orchestrate his downfall. In the past, it had even intervened to protect Uchiha Fugaku and Minato, forcing Madara to change his plans and pushing him step by step toward his current fate.
(Great Toad Sage: Was that really me? I'm not taking the blame for this!)
Madara might have let it slide before. But now that he had confirmed the true extent of the toad's influence from the Sage of Six Paths himself, he wasn't going to just let it go.
If he ever had the chance, he would definitely pay a visit to Mount Myōboku.
Seeing the dark expression on Madara's face, the Sage of Six Paths sighed.
Even without Madara voicing his thoughts, he could already guess what had happened between him and the Great Toad Sage regarding Kaguya's resurrection. He understood why Madara was furious.
After sealing his mother, the Sage himself had reflected on the Great Toad Sage's role in various events. It was far from innocent.
But in the end, Kaguya had undeniably been in the wrong, and he and his brother had saved the shinobi world. That was why his relationship with the toad hadn't suffered.
But Madara was different.
He was the scapegoat.
The sacrificial pawn meant to revive Kaguya.
Not the Child of Prophecy—just a tool.
"The Great Toad Sage's methods may not always be noble, but ultimately, it acts for the sake of the shinobi world. I hope you can be somewhat understanding."
The Sage of Six Paths took responsibility for his old friend's actions. "As long as you don't take its life, I won't interfere in your dispute."
Then, worried that Madara might go overboard, he added, "The Great Toad Sage can foresee the future—it is a valuable force for the shinobi world. Since you desire peace, keeping it alive is the best option."
He knew Indra's personality well. Even as a reincarnation, Madara's temper wouldn't be much different.
But Madara was rational. As long as the benefits and risks were clear, he would restrain himself.
Unlike Asura, Indra always thought things through.
Madara frowned. "Oh? So you're really determined to give Hashirama and me your power? You're not afraid we'll turn against you?"
"Because I know your nature."
The Sage of Six Paths smiled. "You won't stand by and watch as the shinobi world's peace is destroyed."
Then, he looked at both Madara and Hashirama in their respective spiritual domains and spoke:
"Now, extend your hands toward me. I will pass my power to you. The fate of the shinobi world, the future of its people—it will all be decided by this era, by you!"
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After transferring his power and watching Madara and Hashirama depart from the spiritual realm, the Sage of Six Paths withdrew his consciousness and returned to the Pure Land.
"Now, it's up to them. As an old relic, I should stay out of it... but will I really be able to?"
His gaze turned toward the Pure Land.
"Hyuga Fuji… that boy seems determined to force my hand. He has been testing me all these years. Even now, he hasn't immediately sealed my mother—is he waiting for me to act?"
As he pondered this, he surveyed the Pure Land.
"Will the flames of war reach even here?"
The Pure Land was bathed in a soft golden glow, like the gentle light of dawn cascading over the landscape.
The radiance shimmered in the air, illuminating the floating specks of dust, making them look like tiny spirits dancing in the light, flickering like fireflies.
It was like an eternal painting, untouched by the chaos of the mortal world—only endless peace and tranquility remained.
Many of the once-mighty figures of the shinobi world had found their final resting place here.
But that peace was broken as a new soul, full of confusion, arrived in the Pure Land.
The Sage of Six Paths immediately recognized him—the Fourth Raikage, former leader of the Land of Lightning…
…And the bastard who had started the rumor that he had an illegitimate son!
The very same Raikage who had stolen the Six Paths' treasured tools from Kinkaku and Ginkaku, convinced the Daimyō to acknowledge the "descendants of the Sage of Six Paths," and led entire national ceremonies worshiping the Sage as their ancestor.
Thinking back on these outrageous events, the Sage of Six Paths frowned.
The Fourth Raikage's actions had all been about exploiting his name to consolidate power, using "divine legitimacy" as a tool to strengthen his rule.
But in doing so, he had spread widespread rumors that the Sage had a hidden bloodline beyond the Senju and Uchiha—a "secret heir" among the Daimyō's lineage, slandering his reputation.
The Sage was a patient man, but even he harbored resentment toward the Raikage for this nonsense.
"Still… what's done is done."
"You're here," the Sage said calmly, his voice carrying a sense of detachment and authority.
The Fourth Raikage's soul trembled. He still hadn't fully grasped what was happening.
He looked around in confusion, his gaze eventually landing on the Sage of Six Paths.
"I… where am I?"
His voice held uncertainty and unease.
"You have left the mortal world. You are now in the depths of the Pure Land."
The Sage's voice remained steady. "This is the final destination of all souls—the resting place of those who have departed."
The Raikage froze, unable to process the reality before him.
"Nagato was supposed to be the sacrifice… so I should have been freed from control. Then why am I dead? Who killed me?"
"I… I don't understand," he muttered. "Why am I here?"
"Because you have completed your purpose in the mortal world."
The Sage of Six Paths spoke slowly.
"No matter what you did in life, it is now in the past. Here, you will face the truth of your own soul. May you find peace in the depths of the Pure Land."
Hearing this mystical speech, the Fourth Raikage fell silent.
He lowered his head, lost in thought.
After a long pause, he finally looked up at the Sage and hesitantly asked:
"You… are you truly the legendary Sage of Six Paths?"
From the moment he saw those Rinnegan eyes, he had suspected. But at first, his mind had been too overwhelmed to process it properly.
But now, if this really was the Pure Land, then who else could possess the Rinnegan?
Only the Sage of Six Paths himself.
The Fourth Raikage hadn't wanted to meet him—if the Sage decided to hold him accountable for the Daimyō's nonsense, he might not just die…
He might be erased entirely.
Seeing the Sage nod in acknowledgment, the Raikage's expression twitched.
Bracing himself, he asked, "Why are all these souls lying in deep sleep? Is the Pure Land merely a place of rest? It's not the paradise people say it is?"
"Even souls have a lifespan. Sleeping preserves their existence. But if you wish to remain awake, no one will stop you."
The Sage's gaze darkened slightly.
"However… I advise you to retreat into the Pure Land's depths and slumber. This place may soon become a battlefield."
The moment his words fell, a strange presence suddenly appeared next to the Raikage.
The Sage of Six Paths narrowed his eyes.
(End of Chapter)