Planetary Devastation began to crack apart. The massive sphere of stone and debris shuddered, splitting as the core crumbled from within.
The ninjas of the Second Unit, who had been dragged high into the air, fell one by one, landing on the battlefield.
Even under Kabuto's control, Nagato's face twitched with faint surprise at the sight.
Suddenly, an iron fist punched through his back, bursting out of his chest.
The shock loosened Kabuto's grip, and Nagato's spirit snapped free. He turned his head slightly and saw Guts standing behind him. With a faint, weary smile, he spoke:
"Please… take care of Konan for me. She's been through so much… she's really… a very gentle person…"
Guts pulled his fist free and replied simply, like a promise carved in stone:
Konan's paper form dissolved as she sprinted to him, reaching out. But all she could touch was the cold crumble of Edo Tensei dust.
"Don't… feel sorry for me, Konan. This… is fine…"
His body was swallowed by the sealing scroll, and the battlefield fell quiet.
[Special Achievement Unlocked: "Liberation of the False Savior"]
[Template Character: Issei Hyoudou — Completion Rate: 24.08%]
Guts didn't speak. He let Konan grieve in her own silence.
A short distance away, Hanabi was tugging excitedly at her sister's hand.
"Quick! Guts! Come see! Onee-san's eyes!"
Hinata's pure-white Byakugan was gone, replaced by glowing blue irises, rippled with a strange white-and-blue pattern.
Guts exhaled, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"That old man Ōtsutsuki Hamura… he really did it."
Hinata hesitated, touching her eyes in disbelief.
"Teacher… what… what is this?"
"Just like the Uchiha's Sharingan can awaken the Mangekyō," Guts explained, ruffling her hair with a grin.
"The Byakugan has its own evolution. The conditions are just way harsher. You… might be the first in Hyūga history."
"R-Really?" Hinata whispered.
"Hey! What about me!?" Hanabi demanded, practically bouncing.
"You? Pfft. Wait until you actually grow up." Guts flicked her forehead.
"Who's a child?! I've kissed you lots of times!"
Hinata turned bright red and clamped her hand over her little sister's mouth in panic.
This was not the place for that!
If anyone overheard, what would they even think?!
Hanabi eventually wriggled free, grinning like a gremlin.
As the sun set and dusk washed the battlefield in orange light, the war moved elsewhere.
On the border of the Fire and Lightning countries, the fights raged with the kind of ninjutsu that leveled forests and split rivers.
Edo Tensei soldiers Uchiha father and son, Nagato, Danzō were terrifying enough.
But for normal soldiers? Even the lesser Uchiha were a nightmare. Many ninja finally understood why the clan's name once made villages tremble.
Thanks to Guts and Hinata, the Second Unit stabilized. Hinata, now wielding the Tenseigan, rose to the peak of Kage-level combat.
Though not yet on Guts level, she was no less dazzling... a young heroine born in blood and war.
By nightfall, the Second Unit joined up with the shattered First Unit under Darui's command. The difference in casualties was staggering:
First Unit: 8,000 strong → 6,000 dead
Second Unit: Barely any deaths under Guts command
The First Unit had been devastated by the masked man with the Gedo Statue. If Guts hadn't arrived, Obito would have erased them completely.
Around a dim campfire, the survivors ate dry rations in silence.
"Ugh… no dango, no soup. War sucks," Anko complained, Samehada slung across her back.
"Where's Naruto stationed?"
"Uh… with Kakashi, I think? Daimyō protection team," Rock Lee said.
No Nine-Tails. No Killer Bee training. He's barely Kage-level right now.
If the Sage of Six Paths boosts him, he'll need years to digest that power... unless he gets Kurama.
Meaning… everything still falls to me.
He stood, brushing the snow from his coat.
"Hinata. You're the strongest here besides me. You take command."
"Sensei?" she blinked.
"I'm going to end Edo Tensei. That snake Kabuto… he dies tonight."
Anko's brow furrowed.
"Orochimaru and Kabuto are slippery bastards. You sure you can even find him?"
"He can't hide his snake stink from me."
"I'll go with you!" Hanabi raised a fist, eyes shining. "I won't hold you back!"
"I am taking someone," Guts said, flicking her nose.
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