Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

Floating beneath the radiant moon that shone like the sun, Madara gazed down at the earth. Below him, every living being lay ensnared under the power of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

"Under the light of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, nothing can remain hidden," Madara declared, raising his arms and pressing his palms together before his chest. "Now, let the Divine Tree World Birth begin!"

Crack!

The once-quiet earth shook violently. Massive, thick branches burst through the solid ground, rising high across the world. These towering limbs stretched over every being ensnared by the genjutsu's power.

Swish!

Tough vines shot out from the branches, wrapping around the slumbering individuals on the ground like mummies. The vines lifted them into the air, suspending them neatly in rows.

From beneath the surface, White Zetsu emerged and addressed Black Zetsu, who was inhabiting Obito's body. "Some people aren't affected by the Infinite Tsukuyomi! Why?"

Black Zetsu turned its gaze toward the curled form of Susano'o, pondering aloud. "Could it be because of the Rinnegan? The reincarnations of Indra and Asura are always a nuisance… and that one of the same clan..."

"What should we do? If we don't control them, won't it disrupt the plan?" White Zetsu asked anxiously.

"It doesn't matter anymore," Black Zetsu replied, looking up at Madara's distant figure. "Nothing can stop this now."

Madara, satisfied that every living thing had been ensnared by the Divine Tree World Birth, deactivated the light of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

"The ideal world is finally complete," he said with a sense of triumph.

Gazing at the scene below, he felt a deep sense of vindication. In this world, there would be no more conflict, no more betrayal. No one would hurt one another, and everyone would find satisfaction—even himself, untouched by the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

"Still, there are some who slipped through the net. No matter… I'll crush their hope myself."

Madara propelled his body forward, descending rapidly toward the massive purple Susano'o below.

Inside Susano'o

"How could this happen… everyone…" Sakura murmured, her voice trembling as she saw the vines wrapping around and suspending everyone outside Susano'o.

"Guy-sensei, Lee…" TenTen whispered, her worry etched on her face.

Kakashi observed the scene carefully, trying to deduce Madara's intentions. "They haven't been killed. Madara is controlling them with these vines… but why go to such lengths to subdue everyone?"

Naruto, his gaze fixed outside, fidgeted anxiously. Sasuke interrupted his thoughts.

"The Infinite Tsukuyomi isn't the end," Sasuke reminded. "According to the Sage of Six Paths, this is only the beginning. The real battle starts now. Naruto, instead of worrying about others, focus on defeating Madara quickly."

"I know!" Naruto snapped. "You don't need to remind me! Just don't slow me down later, or I'll leave you in the dust!"

Suddenly, a powerful aura surged behind them, causing both Naruto and Sasuke to spin around, instantly ready for battle.

At the center of their vision, Kirito, who had been motionless with his eyes closed, slowly opened them. On his forehead, the Rinne Sharingan glowed ominously.

"It can't be!" Sakura gasped, her eyes widening as she instinctively covered her mouth.

"Rinnegan? No, it's the Rinne Sharingan!" Kakashi exclaimed, his sharp observation immediately catching the difference. "And it's… even stronger than Sasuke's!"

Sasuke, his disbelief evident, stared at Kirito. "How does someone who isn't Indra's reincarnation have this kind of power?"

Naruto, meanwhile, shouted loudly and without hesitation, "Kirito! What's going on?!"

Kirito smiled faintly at their reactions. As TenTen approached him, she asked with concern, "Are you okay? You didn't move for so long…"

"I'm fine," Kirito replied calmly, stretching his refreshed body. He glanced at the group and added nonchalantly, "This is who I am."

"…What?" Aside from TenTen, everyone stared at him in disbelief.

Before they could question him further, Kirito pointed outside and said, "The Infinite Tsukuyomi is over. It's time to end this."

As if on cue, the white light shielding Susano'o began to fade, and the daylight returned to darkness.

Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi had come to an end.

"I know you all have a lot of questions," Kirito continued, "but I'll explain everything once this battle is over."

Without waiting for a response, he began walking toward Madara.

Naruto, grinning confidently, hefted the staff formed from his Truth-Seeking Orbs onto his shoulder and followed. "Alright! Time to take down Madara and save everyone. By the way, why do I feel so reassured for some reason?"

"..." Sasuke said nothing, but he trailed behind them, controlling Susano'o as it unfurled its massive wings and stretched its body, clearing a path forward.

The Rear Guard

As Sakura and Kakashi prepared to follow, Kirito's voice called back to them.

"Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, stay here. The next battle is too dangerous for those without the power of the Six Paths. Someone also needs to guard the people captured by the Infinite Tsukuyomi to prevent any distractions or ambushes."

"But—" Sakura began to protest, only for Naruto to turn back with a grin and a thumbs-up.

"Leave it to us! This time, we've got it for sure!"

"Trust them, Sakura," TenTen said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "As much as I'd like to join, this isn't a fight we can handle. If you're upset, you can beat them up when they get back!"

Sakura let out a reluctant sigh. Seeing TenTen's smiling face and acknowledging her own exhaustion, she finally agreed. "Fine."

Kakashi didn't object either. Sitting down to rest, he considered their position. Though he was the most fatigued among them, he resolved to stay alert.

Even if we're at the rear, we're still a backup layer of insurance. If things go south on the battlefield, we can still turn the tide, at least with my Kamui.

On the quiet battlefield, those who had not fallen to the Infinite Tsukuyomi began their final advance toward the decisive battle.

(End of Chapter)