Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

Boom!

With Kirito kicking sideways, the invisible body of the last Limbo: Border Jail clone was embedded into the solid ground and then slowly returned to Madara's body, entering a long cooldown period.

Looking at the large hole made by the Limbo clone, Madara said solemnly, "He can actually see it... he really can."

After awakening Limbo: Border Jail, Madara had conducted rigorous experiments to determine that the Limbo clone could not be detected through human senses or sensory ninjutsu.

Even in his earlier battle with Sasuke, the Limbo clone had confidently approached Sasuke, restraining him, yet Sasuke's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan failed to detect its presence.

However, the Limbo clone, imperceptible to others, appeared as clear as day to Kirito. Every one of Kirito's attacks landed precisely on the Limbo clone, regardless of how hidden or swift it was. Kirito effortlessly evaded or countered every move.

"Could it be that the Byakugan actually has the ability to see Limbo clones? Or is it that anyone who inherits the Sage of Six Paths' power can perceive them?"

Madara glanced at Kirito, whose appearance now mirrored his own, and was convinced that Kirito had inherited the power of the Sage of Six Paths' brothers.

In that case, it made sense that Kirito's Byakugan had the ability to observe Limbo clones.

Yet, Madara was not discouraged. Kirito did not possess the power of the Ten Tails, while Madara, with both the Ten Tails and the Rinnegan, was the closest being to the Sage of Six Paths.

Juubi's power, however, was still stabilizing, and it would take a little longer to activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Deciding to spend more time toying with Kirito, Madara flicked the black shakujō staff in his hand and said confidently, "It seems these clones are no match for you. Allow me to face you personally this time!"

Clenching his fists tightly as the white aura around him flared, Kirito replied, "Come on, Madara. You won't have another chance."

In the blink of an eye, both fighters vanished, reappearing in the center of the battlefield as if teleporting.

Clang!

Kirito's punch struck heavily against the shakujō staff Madara held across his chest, producing a sharp, resonant clash.

Both fighters avoided using ninjutsu, knowing that at their level, pure ninjutsu would merely serve as chakra fuel for their opponent. Instead, they relied on physical combat, infused with the natural energy of Sage techniques, for the greatest advantage.

"Sage techniques? When did he enter Sage Mode?" Madara muttered, feeling the overwhelming force transmitted through his staff.

Snap!

The staff, unable to bear the strain, shattered in two under Kirito's powerful punch. The force of the strike continued unimpeded, slamming into Madara's chest.

Bang!

With a muffled sound, Madara's chest caved under the impact. Blood and air surged upward, forcing his mouth to puff involuntarily.

"Storm Release: Light Fang!"

A sharp ray burst forth from Madara's mouth, shooting straight for Kirito's face.

Kirito leaned back just in time, narrowly avoiding the laser-like attack. Watching the beam pass mere inches from his eyes, Kirito thought, I need to stay vigilant against this move. Without Naruto's near-future prediction abilities, I can only react the moment Madara makes his move.

"Oh? You even dodged that," Madara said, secretly impressed. He had taken Kirito's punch on purpose to make him lower his guard, intending to strike with this unexpected attack. Yet, Kirito's reflexes proved far too sharp.

Seizing the momentary gap in Kirito's posture, Madara kicked Kirito, sending him airborne.

But just as Madara prepared to capitalize on the opening, Kirito's hand shot out, grabbing Madara's raised ankle.

"Got you!"

Gripping Madara's ankle tightly, Kirito exerted immense force, swinging Madara's body through the air in a wide arc before slamming him into the ground with tremendous power.

Boom!

The impact shattered the ground, leaving deep cracks radiating like spider webs and forming a large crater beneath Madara.

Before Madara could react, Kirito flipped in mid-air, driving his heel down onto Madara's head.

Boom!

The cracks deepened, and the battlefield was engulfed in smoke and dust. Moments later, Kirito leapt out of the debris, landing gracefully some distance away.

"Not bad. I felt like I almost died..."

As the dust cleared, Madara floated upward from the crater. His chest was visibly caved in but healing rapidly. Blood covered his forehead, and the horn-like protrusion had snapped at its base, revealing a raw scar.

Although his injuries were severe, they healed within moments—except for the broken horn, which remained irreparable.

"Did I underestimate him? Or is this newfound Sage power clouding my judgment?" Madara wondered silently. Despite his calm demeanor, the beating he had received left him questioning everything. How could he, with the Ten Tails' power, be so thoroughly overpowered?

"Lord Madara, hurry! The Ninja Alliance is making their move!"

White Zetsu's voice called from the ground, his gaze directed at the horizon.

Madara glanced in the direction Zetsu indicated but dismissed the concern. He was confident the Allied Shinobi Forces posed no threat to his plans.

At that moment, he felt a surge of power within, as if a voice urged him, The conditions are ready. It's time to activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Realizing the danger of delay, Madara decided to pause his fight with Kirito and prioritize the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Raising his arm, he generated numerous "Chibaku Tensei" cores, scattering them around. These cores coalesced into dozens of massive meteors.

"If you want to stop me, then protect your comrades from these falling meteors!" he said, sending the massive projectiles hurtling toward the Allied Shinobi Forces.

Without looking back, Madara flew toward the blood-red moon, laughing as he declared, "Let's settle this after the Infinite Tsukuyomi is complete. Hahaha!"

(End of this chapter)