(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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After learning the truth from the Sage of Six Paths, Naruto and Sasuke spent time fusing their newfound powers.
The Chakra Naruto had obtained from the other tailed beasts merged, forming several Truth-Seeking Balls, while Sasuke, evolved a Six Tomoe Rinnegan.
This Rinnegan not only possessed a unique ocular ability, but it also allowed him to enhance his Susanoo.
When the two awoke, they saw Madara flying high above, the divine tree growing rapidly toward the sky.
Without wasting time, Namikaze Minato sent them out of the barrier.
Once outside, Colt could tell what Madara was about to do.
However, he didn't act.
Deciding not to interfere directly, Colt contacted the rest through the Yamanaka's secret technique and briefly explained the Infinite Tsukuyomi. He didn't intend to stop them from falling into the illusion—it could be an interesting dream for them, after all.
Madara, noticing that Colt didn't move, breathed a sigh of relief.
Despite playing tough earlier… If Colt had interfered, he wouldn't have been able to handle it.
However, his focus shifted as he saw two figures rushing out of the barrier—Naruto and Sasuke.
"I can't let you disturb my Infinite Tsukuyomi." Madara waved his hand, releasing a few black orbs into the air.
The ground began to crack as chunks of earth were pulled upward by the gravitational force, forming massive meteorites. With a swift motion, Madara folded his hands.
"[Tengai Shinsei!]"
The meteorites accelerated toward the earth, their descent turning them into fiery projectiles due to the intense friction with the air.
Sasuke and Naruto had no choice but to halt their pursuit, focusing all their energy on destroying the meteors.
If the meteorites hit the ground, the ninja coalition hiding in the Four Red Yang Formation wouldn't survive.
Colt watched from afar, nodding slightly.
"They've reached the Six Paths level, not bad—still a bit inexperienced, but impressive nonetheless," he thought.
The Sage of Six Paths had certainly passed on useful techniques.
In the air, Madara didn't bother with Sasuke and Naruto anymore.
His goal was simply to stall them. With the divine tree still growing and Madara ascending higher, the blood-red moon in the sky began to change.
The moon now reflected the Rinnegan, adorned with Tomoes.
Madara whispered to himself, repeating the inscription he had read on the stone tablet.
"When one with the power of Rinnegan approaches the moon, the Eye of the Moon will appear to realize Infinite Tsukuyomi." Closing his Rinnegan, Madara revealed a third eye on his forehead—a red Rinne-Sharingan.
He raised his hands toward the moon.
"Infinite Tsukuyomi... activate!"
The blood-red moon transformed, its surface glowing with the power of the Rinnegan.
A flash of light illuminated the world, casting moonlight that bore the essence of the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Anyone exposed to this light, whether indoors or outdoors, looked up subconsciously, their eyes replaced with the Rinnegan as they fell into the illusion.
"Damn, we were too late!" Sasuke and Naruto also felt the effects of the light, with Naruto's eyes starting to lose focus.
Reacting quickly, Sasuke used the Susanoo's wings to shield Naruto, sparing him from the illusion.
"We should go to Colt first! We can't let him fall into the Infinite Tsukuyomi!" Sasuke urged, his voice calm but tense.
He understood Colt's importance in this battle and flew straight down toward him using his Susanoo.
Meanwhile, Colt seemed lost in thought.
He was curious about what his dream would be like in the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
However, even without revealing his Rinnegan, the technique had no effect on him.
"Well, this is awkward," Colt thought.
"Is this ultimate illusion really so powerful?"
Sasuke rushed toward him, calling out, "Colt! Don't fall into the illusion!" Seeing Colt's dazed eyes, Sasuke grew anxious.
"Relax, I'm fine," Colt responded casually.
Sasuke sighed in relief and quickly enveloped the three of them with the Susanoo, protecting them from the light of the illusion.
Surveying the area, Sasuke noticed the Four Red Yang Formation had collapsed, and the Hokages who had maintained the barrier were now caught in the illusion.
His face grew serious. "It's just the three of us left."
Naruto clenched his fists, his anger barely contained.
His parents had just been revived, only to be dragged into the illusion by Madara.
Colt turned to Sasuke, asking with a faint smirk, "So, was the ninjutsu I gave you useful?"
Sasuke, visibly frustrated, snapped, "What are you talking about in such an important situation!" He couldn't comprehend Colt's casual attitude in such a dire situation.
"Sorry, sorry. Maybe I'm still feeling the effects of the Infinite Tsukuyomi," Colt chuckled, playfully shifting the blame onto Madara.
"Tsk," Sasuke snorted, maintaining Susanoo as he waited for the illusion to end.
Despite the situation, a competitive fire burned within him. After gaining the power of the Six Paths, he felt the need to test his newfound strength against Madara.
High above, Madara's attention was drawn to Sasuke's Susanoo.
"The Infinite Tsukuyomi is supposed to be the ultimate illusion... it should affect everything. So why is Sasuke unaffected?"
Black Zetsu appeared from Madara's sleeve, speaking in a low tone.
"Only the power of the Rinnegan can counter the Rinnegan."
Madara frowned. "It seems he's acquired abilities we weren't aware of."
Events had spiraled out of control ever since Madara's resurrection. He hadn't anticipated the Infinite Tsukuyomi failing to capture Colt and the others.
Frustrated by the unexpected turn of events, Madara clenched his fists and focused his energy.
"[God: Nativity of a World of Trees!]"