(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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The scene grew more silent.
A medical ninja was not even supposed to fight, they were only required to have basic training.
Yet here, Colt was saying it was reasonable for medical ninjas to punch someone easily and beat them.
The Fourth Raikage, the most hotheaded of them all, couldn't hold back his disbelief.
"Reasonable, my ass! What kind of medical ninja has a punch that strong?"
Colt shrugged and pointed toward Tsunade, who was equally stunned.
"Our Fifth Hokage's monstrous strength—would you dare face it head-on?"
The Fourth Raikage found himself speechless.
It was true.
Tsunade's terrifying fists were known throughout the ninja world, and even he wouldn't dare to take them directly.
'Was this really how a medical ninja was supposed to fight?'
For a moment, not only him but everyone else who had heard Colt's words fell into a state of confusion.
Especially the medical ninjas.
It was as if they had just unlocked the door to a new world.
How could medical ninjutsu become stronger?
Train your fists first!
"Hahaha!"
Madara wasn't seriously injured, as most of the force had been absorbed by his Truth-Seeking Ball.
"As expected, the Truth-Seeking Ball is ineffective against a master of the Sage mode like you!"
"But don't think I came unprepared."
With that, a war fan appeared in Madara's hand.
It was an item he had deliberately retrieved from Obito.
Having watched Colt's battle with Orochimaru, Madara was well aware of the Truth-Seeking Ball's limitations.
This fan, crafted from the God Tree, was nearly indestructible and had a powerful rebound effect—perfectly designed to counter Colt.
"Now, let the real battle begin!"
In the depths of the spiritual world.
Naruto slowly awoke on a water-covered ground.
"Am I dead?" he mumbled.
"What do you think death is?"
An elderly man, floating atop his own Truth-Seeking Balls and wielding a staff, spoke slowly, catching Naruto's attention.
"In my world, the concept of death might not be the same as yours."
"Who are you? And why do you talk so weird?" Naruto scratched his head in confusion, but soon his attention was drawn elsewhere.
"You have the Rinnegan!" he was stunned.
"Ah, an excellent question. Due to the age gap, our ways of speaking might differ," the old man continued.
"I don't know if the name you know me by matches mine, but let's try."
"I am the embodiment of peace and order—Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki."
Naruto stared blankly.
"...Who?"
Hagoromo sighed.
"You can also call me the Sage of Six Paths."
Naruto's eyes widened.
"Wait, you're the Sage of Six Paths?!"
Hagoromo nodded slowly.
"It seems you've heard of me. Well, now that that's settled, let's move on to more important matters."
Hagoromo began explaining the origins of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and the impending danger of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Naruto, for the most part, struggled to absorb the sheer volume of information, sometimes looking confused and at other times nodding in understanding.
But he managed to remember the key points:
"So, we have to defeat Uchiha Madara, and if your mom shows up, we seal her too, right?"
Naruto's face fell.
"But I can't beat Madara... and your mom sounds even scarier, Grandpa Sage."
Hagoromo smiled gently.
"You may not be able to now, but soon you will have the power to stand against him."
He extended his hand to Naruto.
"I will give you my strength."
Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement.
"And Colt! He'll definitely beat Madara too! With him, your mom won't even show up!"
Hagoromo paused.
He tapped his staff lightly, causing ripples to form on the water.
A scene of Colt and Madara fighting appeared, showing Madara being pummeled by Colt's relentless physical attacks.
"Kamiyo Colt... I cannot fully grasp this person."
Hagoromo was visibly surprised.
"It's astounding that someone stronger than both Ashura and Indra exists in this world."
"Right?! Colt is crazy strong!" Naruto exclaimed enthusiastically.
Hagoromo, however, shook his head, his expression solemn.
"Unfortunately, he is still no match for my mother."
"As the original master of chakra, she is an immortal being. Even I was only able to seal her away back then."
"Without the Rinnegan and the power of Yin and Yang from the Six Paths, Kamiyo Colt poses no threat to her."
Placing his palms in front of Naruto, Hagoromo added.
"Only you, along with the reincarnation of Indra, have the chance to seal her with my power."
Meanwhile, in another part of the spiritual realm.
Hagoromo's other incarnation explained the same story to Sasuke, recounting the legacy of Indra and Ashura.
Sasuke, pondering the old man's words, looked up.
"So, you're going to fully awaken the power within me?"
Hagoromo nodded but then paused.
"You're missing a portion of Indra's chakra, but it's a minor setback."
The same thing had happened with Naruto, but he didn't explain to him for obvious reasons.
Sasuke recalled when Orochimaru had attempted to possess his body… he had likely siphoned off some of his chakra.
That must be the reason.
"Then, will I finally be able to beat Colt?"
Sasuke's rivalry with Colt had never left him.
Even now, the thought of surpassing him burned brightly in his heart.
Hagoromo's expression remained calm.
"Your enemies do not include Colt, but Uchiha Madara and my mother."
His tone was firm as he extended his hand toward Sasuke.
"Chakra, the energy that connects people's hearts, should not be used for competition."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed.
What was this old man trying to say?
Was he really telling him to give up on surpassing Colt?
Sasuke felt a flash of impatience.
He didn't care about being some reincarnation of Indra or whatever.
To him, Hagoromo was just an old man lecturing him.
So, he cut straight to the point:
"Just tell me, will I become stronger than him, or not?"
Hagoromo's response to that was simple.
"No."