With the competition nearing its end, the tension in the air was palpable.
The scoreboard glowed brightly: three wins for Madara, three for Hashirama.
This next match would decide everything.
"Time to finish this," Madara said calmly, his Sharingan spinning like a warning.
Hashirama grinned. "Don't get cocky, Madara. I've still got one more ace."
From the sidelines, Gin waved the referee flag lazily. "Alright, final match! Place your bets, but remember—no crying if you lose!"
The barrier flared to life once more, enclosing the final two Tailed Beasts in the arena.
On Madara's side: Gyūki, the Eight-Tails.
On Hashirama's side: Kurama, the Nine-Tails.
The two titans locked eyes, their killing intent clashing in an invisible storm.
"Let's see if the 'big bad fox' lives up to the hype," Gyūki muttered, flexing his tentacles.
Kurama bared his fangs in a smirk. "You'll regret saying that."
Before the signal was even given, Gyūki lunged, his massive fists swinging like wrecking balls. Kurama blocked with a chakra-coated forearm, sparks of pure energy flying from the impact.
"Octopus Wrap!" Gyūki roared, his tentacles snaring Kurama's body in an iron grip.
"You think this is enough to hold me?" Kurama growled, his chakra exploding outward in a crimson flare. The pressure cracked the ground beneath them, and Gyūki was forced to leap back to avoid being torn apart.
They exchanged blows at lightning speed for creatures their size, the ground quaking with every hit. The crowd roared, but even the loudest voices faltered when both Tailed Beasts began to gather chakra at their mouths.
Two massive Tailed Beast Bombs formed—one deep violet, one pitch black.
The explosion was blinding. Dust and smoke swallowed the entire arena. For a moment, no one could tell who had the upper hand.
As the haze cleared, Gyūki stood… barely. His chest was heaving, burns scorching his hide.
Kurama walked forward, his fur singed but his eyes sharp and full of fire.
"Looks like I win," Kurama said flatly.
"Not… yet!" Gyūki yelled, mustering every ounce of strength left in his body. He leapt high into the air—
Above him, hidden in the glare of the sun, a colossal Tailed Beast Bomb was already descending. It was so large it blotted out the sky.
Madara's eyes widened. "When—?!"
"While you were watching Gyūki struggle," Kurama said.
The bomb hit. The barrier shook violently, golden light straining to contain the blast. When it faded, Gyūki lay unconscious on the ground.
"The Eight-Tails is unable to battle! Victory goes to the Nine-Tails!" Gin's voice rang out.
Hashirama pumped his fist in triumph. "That's the match!"
Madara folded his arms, silent.
"Big bro," Gin said with a grin, "you lost because you didn't read the fine print. Next time, check the Tailed Beast rarity before you catch them."
Madara's glare promised retribution.
The Hokage contest was settled. Next up—the Five Kage Summit. And this time, it wasn't just business—it was a friends-and-family affair.
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