Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

When Orochimaru was alive, he conducted extensive research on the power of the Uchiha clan, including their connection to their ancient rivals, the Senju clan.

At that time, his studies revealed that the Sharingan could suppress the rampage of Hashirama cells, while those same cells could enhance the power of the Sharingan. Danzo's arm, which was filled with Sharingan, was one of the results of this research.

Building on this, and inspired by the lost legend of the Sage of the Six Paths, Orochimaru hypothesized that the power of the Sage could be attained by fusing the abilities of the Uchiha and Senju clans.

After leaving Konoha, he set his sights on Itachi's Sharingan but ultimately failed. Shifting his attention, he targeted Sasuke Uchiha, the young orphan of the Uchiha clan who had yet to reach his full potential.

After Orochimaru's death, Kabuto, who had inherited all of Orochimaru's research, continued this work. His efforts finally bore fruit through Uchiha Madara. The reincarnated Madara, restored in a youthful state, retained the Rinnegan that he had awakened before his death.

Whoosh! Looking up at the massive meteorite plummeting from the sky, Kabuto smiled with satisfaction. "As I expected, the hypothesis was correct. Through my hands, I can finally glimpse the power of the Sage of the Six Paths."

"Don't misunderstand. That's not your power," Madara retorted, crossing his arms as he looked at Kirito.

Being reincarnated through Edo Tensei, Madara could not be killed by a meteorite. He had no concern for Kabuto's survival. To him, if Kabuto perished here, it only proved he was a coward hiding in the shadows. Madara's real interest lay in Kirito's response. He wanted to see how Kirito would face the meteorite head-on and whether he could deem him a worthy opponent.

[Today, it's finally time to use that!]

Kirito, the center of attention, ignored the small exchange between the other two. With excitement, he clasped his hands backward.

Zzzzt…

Countless tiny golden sparks of lightning crackled to life around him, gathering rapidly into his palm.

Zzzzt!

The golden lightning grew larger and thicker, radiating a dazzling brilliance as Kirito forged a massive golden spear in his hand. The sheer intensity of the light stung even Kabuto's eyes.

"This light... it's almost stronger than the White Shock Technique…"

Kabuto instinctively considered shielding his eyes using his snake abilities, but the menacing presence of the others kept him from making such a reckless move. He forced himself to watch, squinting through the unbearable radiance.

From Kirito's position at the center of the forest, a golden glow spread out like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon.

[Take this—my fully charged Sunlight Spear!]

With a surge of power, Kirito brandished the spear, stepped forward, turned his shoulders, and hurled it at the descending meteorite with all his strength.

Whoosh!

The golden spear cut through the air, piercing the massive meteorite effortlessly. Instead of exploding, golden lightning erupted from within the rock like the roots of a great tree, spreading rapidly. In seconds, the colossal meteorite crumbled into a fine powder, disintegrating completely.

"Not bad," Madara muttered inwardly, though a trace of disenchantment flickered across his expression. He acknowledged Kirito's power but found the display too… gentle. Still, he admitted the technique was effective.

Just as Madara turned to re-engage Kirito in combat, a golden light far brighter than before descended upon the battlefield, casting its brilliance over everything.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A blinding explosion erupted, the sheer force shaking the heavens and obliterating everything in its path. Another, far larger meteorite was consumed entirely by the blazing sun Kirito had unleashed, and the resulting shockwave flattened the entire forest.

RUMBLE…

"Hokage, do you see that? What is that?" Raikage A asked.

From the coalition command center hundreds of kilometers away, Tsunade stood at the tower's edge, watching the radiant sun rising in the distance. The sound of the distant roar echoed in her ears.

"My disciple has encountered a powerful opponent…" Tsunade replied grimly.

Just as she prepared to descend and issue orders, Shikaku Nara hurriedly arrived, his face serious. "We just received a report from the intelligence team. The chakra levels coming from that direction are beyond terrifying. The detection water balloons used to measure chakra… distorted."

Tsunade's expression hardened. "Understood. Inform the other three Kage to prepare for immediate deployment. There may be enemies there that require our intervention."

Shikaku hesitated. "The surprise attack force heading toward that route has yet to report back. With chakra levels like these, I fear…"

"Exactly!" Raikage Ai interrupted, his voice filled with intensity. "It's not my style to sit around. I've been itching to beat that masked man!"

Tsunade gave the sun one final glance as it began to fade. Without another word, she descended the stairs, ready to mobilize.

Under a now-clear sky, the once-lush forest had been reduced to a barren wasteland, replaced by a massive, bowl-shaped crater.

Thud!

An arm covered in scales burst from the earth, dragging a battered Kabuto out of the dirt.

"Hoo, hoo, hoo… Almost…" Kabuto gasped, scanning his surroundings. Even with his inorganic reincarnation technique protecting him, he had barely survived the blast.

Crack, crack…

Nearby, ice crystals reformed into floating shapes, while wooden coffins marked with ominous symbols erupted from the ground. One by one, several ninjas wearing "nin" forehead protectors emerged.

"Where are we…?" Kankuro asked, bewildered.

Moments ago, they had been heading toward the Akatsuki base. Then came the blinding light, trapping them in what seemed to be an inescapable container. Now, they found themselves in an unfamiliar battlefield.

"Take Mitarashi Anko and leave immediately. The next fight will be too dangerous for you." Kirito, carrying an unconscious Anko, approached Kankuro.

"You're…" Kankuro froze, realization dawning as he glanced around. He looked at Kirito in shock, unable to speak.

(End of this chapter)