The Asura Path unleashed its array of mechanisms: chakra cannons, rockets, and weaponry; the Animal Path summoned a relentless barrage of creatures—multiplying hellhounds, a camouflaged chameleon, and the Yata no Karasu, a bomber in the skies.
The Preta Path absorbed ninjutsu with its sealing technique and devoured chakra.
The King of Hell summoned by the Naraka Path restored the damaged Pain bodies to full functionality.
And, of course, the Deva Path wielded the devastating Shinra Tensei and the gravitational pull of Bansho Ten'in.
Even with the combined might of the Eight-Tails and Two-Tails, they failed to break through the blockade and instead found themselves at a disadvantage.
Nagato, observing the battle from afar, commented coldly, "The power of the Tailed Beasts is underwhelming at best."
He formed a series of hand signs.
Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees!
Massive trees burst from the ground, writhing like dragons and serpents as they surged toward the Eight-Tails and Two-Tails in a relentless tide.
"It's Wood Release!"
The Eight-Tails roared, "Use Fire Release!"
"Understood!"
The Two-Tails opened its maw, unleashing massive fireballs that quickly split apart.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The explosions scattered wood fragments everywhere, but the seemingly endless growth of giant trees pressed forward.
The Eight-Tails prepared a Tailed Beast Bomb, firing it at the advancing wood, but the Naraka Path intercepted it, spreading its arms wide and absorbing the chakra entirely.
"Damn it! I forgot this one can absorb chakra!"
"Yugito, shrink your form and come to me!"
Seeing the approaching sea of trees, the Eight-Tails roared again.
Yugito immediately shrank to her human form and leaped onto the Eight-Tails' shoulder.
Wrapping its tails around itself, the Eight-Tails began spinning at high speed.
The spinning motion shredded the approaching trees, leaving them in splinters, unable to entangle the massive beast.
Nagato watched this with mild surprise. As the tree sea began to crumble, he advanced, aiming his palms at the spinning Eight-Tails.
Super Shinra Tensei!
The terrifying invisible force erupted. The spinning Eight-Tails froze mid-motion, and its tails unraveled, scattering as the massive body was hurled through the air.
The Deva Path seized the opportunity, unleashing black rods that pierced through the Eight-Tails' tails one by one.
"Damn it…"
The Eight-Tails let out a defiant roar but was subdued. Chakra drained from its form, reverting it to Killer Bee's body and sealing its Tailed Beast transformation.
"Bee, looks like we're not getting out of this one," the Eight-Tails muttered helplessly. "This guy's too strong. Prepare for me to be extracted."
"I'll use my tail severance technique to leave behind a clone, so you won't die when I'm taken. But how you escape after that is up to you."
"If you can, bring Yugito with you. Maybe that Shūichi guy can still save her."
Pinned to the ground, Killer Bee broke out in cold sweat. "In this situation, escaping seems next to impossible."
---
With the Eight-Tails subdued, the Two-Tails feigned a Fire Release attack on the Deva Path, using the distraction to try to pull the black rods out of Killer Bee.
But the fireballs were repelled, and Yugito's body was immediately drawn toward the Deva Path by Bansho Ten'in.
A barrage of missiles rained down, forcing the Two-Tails back into its original form and leaving Yugito unconscious.
Two-Tails and Eight-Tails: captured!
---
In Iwagakure, Obito Uchiha used genjutsu to force the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, Han, into a rampage, wreaking havoc across the village.
As Kitsuchi and his team managed to suppress the Five-Tails, Obito took the young Kurotsuchi into his Kamui dimension.
Watching the restrained Five-Tails, Obito sneered, "The son of the Third Tsuchikage, huh? Not bad."
At that moment, Susanoo emerged, slicing through the mountain-binding technique that restrained the Five-Tails.
"Susanoo!"
"Kurotsuchi…"
Kitsuchi's face paled as he realized his daughter had likely been captured.
"Damn it!"
Grinding his teeth, Kitsuchi formed hand signs and slammed his palms onto the ground.
The earth trembled as a massive stone giant rose to attack Susanoo.
"Pathetic."
Obito scoffed. Susanoo stepped forward, effortlessly shattering the stone giant.
Meanwhile, the Five-Tails, under Obito's control, fired a Tailed Beast Bomb. The energy tore through Iwagakure, leaving massive trenches in its wake.
Boom!
The Tailed Beast Bomb exploded, unleashing a storm that obliterated the landscape.
After firing three consecutive Tailed Beast Bombs, leaving Iwagakure in ruins, Obito calmly left with the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.
Four-Tails and Five-Tails: captured!
---
In Takigakure, Black Zetsu silently took control of the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, forcing her to incapacitate her guards and flee.
Despite Takigakure sending numerous shinobi to pursue her, the Jinchuriki's ability to fly and her high speed allowed her to escape effortlessly.
All of this unfolded under a watchful gaze.
In Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Takigakure, Shūichi's clones observed from the sky, concealed through electromagnetic camouflage and chakra field interference.
Though he felt reluctant as Iwagakure and Kumogakure fell, Shūichi ultimately chose not to intervene.
Nagato's and Obito's actions, while harsh, would contribute to the eventual unification of the ninja world.
And these villages needed to pay the price for their poor decisions.
"Let's hope the lesson sinks in this time."
One by one, Shūichi's clones vanished.
---
The Battlefield of the Land of Rain
Ōnoki, the Fourth Raikage, and the Fourth Kazekage were being relentlessly overwhelmed by Uchiha Madara's clone alone.
Meanwhile, Madara's real body, accompanied by Orochimaru and White Zetsu, arrived at the original battlefield.
Seeing Senju Hashirama once again, Madara was elated. "Hashirama!"
Hashirama's gaze darkened. "Madara!"
"Stop this senseless path. There's still time to turn back," he urged.
Madara's excitement faded, replaced by a slight smirk. "You're the same as ever, spouting endless lectures."
"Hashirama, the three consecutive Ninja Wars have already proven your path to be a failure."
"Mutual understanding? Impossible."
"Only the Eye of the Moon Plan can fulfill our dreams and bring true peace to the ninja world."
Hashirama immediately retorted, "Peace in a dream is nothing but false peace! Madara, stop your obsession!"
Madara snorted. "It seems neither of us can convince the other."
"In that case, just like before—let's settle this with a duel!"
Though, he lamented to himself: Unfortunately, this body doesn't feel the same burning passion as before.
Nevertheless, with plenty of time to spare, he decided to indulge in a fight.
Hashirama, seeing Madara's stubbornness, immediately entered Sage Mode. Turning to Shūichi, he instructed, "Shūichi, I'll hold off Madara. You take care of the summoner!"
Shūichi smiled. "The summoner may not necessarily stay aligned with one side, Lord First Hokage. There's no need to rush."
"Besides," he added, "to be honest, you may not be Madara's match right now."
Hashirama was momentarily stunned before chuckling. "It seems there are many secrets I don't know, but your confidence reassures me. Very well!"
With that, Hashirama stepped forward.
Orochimaru, watching the impending clash between Hashirama and Madara, was visibly thrilled. "These two are completely different from anyone else—uncontrollable. My plan to use them to obtain the Rinnegan won't work."
"But," he mused, his gaze shifting to Shūichi, "there might still be a chance."
"He seems to know far more than he's letting on, hiding critical information. How fascinating!"
Noticing Orochimaru's gaze, Shūichi smiled back. "Thank you, Orochimaru-senpai, for summoning Madara Uchiha."
Orochimaru was momentarily taken aback, while White Zetsu, standing nearby, felt a faint unease.
Madara finally shifted his focus from Hashirama to Shūichi. "That brat from back then… You seem very confident now."
Shūichi chuckled lightly. "Madara Uchiha, don't take that condescending tone. To be honest, you're a relic of a bygone era."
Madara's killing intent surged as he smirked. "Oh? We'll see if you still think so later."
White Zetsu chimed in, "Lord Madara, you should be cautious. This guy managed to hold his own against both Nagato and Obito, or rather, they weren't his match."
Madara remained unfazed. "Is that so? Excellent!"
Blue chakra began to envelop Madara, and in moments, Susanoo took shape—a humanoid form without armor.
Hashirama immediately formed hand seals.
Wood Release: Wood Golem Jutsu!
With a rumble, a massive wooden golem rose from the ground, with Hashirama standing atop the wood dragon coiled around its head.
Susanoo formed a chakra blade and swung it toward the wood golem.
The wood dragon opened its maw, biting down on the chakra blade, while the golem threw a powerful punch, forcing Susanoo to retreat.
The legendary rivals, now resurrected from the Pure Land, clashed once again.
However, in this state, Susanoo was no match for the wood golem. The chakra blade was soon disarmed and sent flying.
"Tch!"
Madara snorted, forming hand seals. Susanoo's form changed, gaining armor, making it even stronger, and manifesting dual chakra blades.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The ground quaked, as if mourning. Each clash between the colossal figures unleashed devastating storms, forcing onlookers like Konan to struggle to stay steady.
The Konoha shinobi present were left dumbstruck, swallowing hard.
"The power of the predecessors is overwhelming!"
"But… it seems like Lord First Hokage is at a disadvantage."
"Don't worry! Lord First Hokage surely has stronger techniques. After all, he won the battle at the Valley of the End back then!"
---
In the air, Konan frowned, worry etched on her face.
She knew that while Madara had lost at the Valley of the End, he hadn't possessed the Rinnegan back then.
Now, though he hadn't yet used the Rinnegan, the possibility loomed.
If Madara activated the Rinnegan, could Hashirama still stand against him?
Moreover, Madara, wielding the Rinnegan, would surpass Nagato in power. Could Shūichi handle him?
"With his knowledge of the Edo Tensei, he must have anticipated Madara's resurrection. He's probably confident enough to remain calm," Konan reassured herself.
But if things went south… Konan bit her lip. She swore to herself that she wouldn't let another tragedy like Yahiko's death happen again.
She was no longer the weak person she once was!
...
As Susanoo kicked the wooden golem flying, Shūichi immediately understood: in its current form, the wooden golem was no match for this Susanoo.
Standing atop the wood dragon, Hashirama's expression was somber. "It's exactly like before."
Madara sneered. "But this time, the outcome will be different!"
With those words, both Madara and Susanoo formed seals simultaneously.
"Stabilize!"
In an instant, the turbulent chakra of Susanoo settled completely.
Prefect Body: Susanoo!
Boom!
Susanoo soared into the sky, wielding twin blades, and descended upon the wooden golem.
The wooden golem clasped one blade between its palms while the wood dragon bit down on the other, blocking the ferocious attack.
Even so, the ground beneath the wooden golem crumbled violently under the pressure.
Amid the rolling dust, Madara, standing on Susanoo's forehead, raised a hand.
Shinra Tensei!
Boom!
Caught off guard, Hashirama was blasted away by the immense force, his Edo Tensei body cracking visibly.
Taking this chance, Susanoo swiftly shattered the wooden golem into splinters.
Watching the scene, Orochimaru couldn't help but marvel, "What a perfect display of power!"
White Zetsu chuckled. "Indeed, Susanoo from the Mangekyō Sharingan is comparable to the godlike power of the Rinnegan."
"If you want it, simply transplanting Sharingan won't suffice."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Mangekyō Sharingan is rare enough as it is."
White Zetsu grinned. "Aside from Obito, there's another in Konoha—Uchiha Shisui. But his abilities seem to lean toward genjutsu, which might not be ideal for you."
Orochimaru sneered mockingly. "You're already plotting against allies before the battle is even won? That's not very wise."
White Zetsu replied bluntly, "For us, you're far more trustworthy than him."
Orochimaru smirked. "Should I be honored, then?"
White Zetsu shrugged. "Suit yourself. But if you want to unlock the secrets of the Rinnegan, the Mangekyō Sharingan is an indispensable piece."
Orochimaru stared at Susanoo with a cryptic smile, saying nothing more.
---
"Hashirama, in your current state, you are no match for me!"
The ground quaked as Susanoo advanced toward the recovering Hashirama.
"So this is the power of the Rinnegan…" Hashirama muttered, gazing up at Susanoo. He then formed hand seals.
Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands—Top Transformed Buddha!
A towering wooden Buddha emerged, with the wooden golem positioned atop its head.
"Now this is getting exciting!" Madara grinned as Susanoo leapt into the air.
Back then, even with the Nine-Tails' assistance, this technique had broken through his defenses and sealed the beast.
But this time, he vowed to overcome it!
The colossal Buddha moved, its many arms forming fists that rained down on Susanoo.
From a distance, Shūichi's eyes narrowed as he observed. Susanoo had abandoned its twin blades and was now meeting the Buddha's attacks with its fists.
"Is he combining the power of Shinra Tensei?" Shūichi speculated.
Sure enough, before the fists even made contact, the Buddha's arms began to crumble and shatter on a massive scale.
"As expected of the original," Shūichi smiled, "even in the Edo Tensei state, Madara's power surpasses Nagato's by far."
Utilizing the Rinnegan's Shinra Tensei, Susanoo blocked the Buddha's devastating assault head-on.
Banshō Ten'in!
Madara reached out with Susanoo, pulling Hashirama toward him. However, Hashirama's wooden golem quickly intervened, grabbing hold of him.
"In that case…"
Madara manipulated Susanoo to ascend high into the sky, forming seals with both hands.
Chibaku Tensei: Heavenly Fall!
A massive meteor descended from the heavens!
On the battlefield, Konan and the others looked up in shock.
"What… What kind of jutsu is this?"
"That massive meteor… there's no way to avoid it!"
Panic gripped the Konoha shinobi.
Snapping out of it, Konan shouted, "Everyone, retreat immediately! Get out of this range!"
The Konoha forces quickly followed her orders, leaping back to safety.
Meanwhile, atop the wooden golem's head, Hashirama stared at the rapidly falling meteor, unable to suppress his admiration. "Madara's techniques truly are endless!"
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!
Hashirama formed seals, and an ocean of trees sprang forth. The Buddha's arms rose in unison, joining the forest in halting the colossal meteor's descent.
Madara smirked. "So, what's your next move?"
The clouds parted, revealing yet another massive meteor descending from above.
Boom!
The first meteor shattered under the pressure, and the overwhelming force crushed the Buddha's arms. Though they regrew rapidly, they were relentlessly ground to pieces.
"I can't hold this much longer…" Hashirama frowned, maneuvering the wooden golem toward Shūichi's position.
"Where do you think you're going, Hashirama?"
Madara swooped down, slashing the wooden golem into fragments with two swift strikes.
Hashirama leapt to safety, but just as he prepared to summon another golem, the ground beneath him erupted. A wooden dragon shot out, coiling around him tightly.
"You've even mastered this technique!" Hashirama exclaimed in astonishment.
Boom!
Susanoo descended from the sky, and Madara gazed down at Hashirama. "Hashirama, the outcome has changed."
"This time, I will ensure you witness the completion of the Eye of the Moon Plan—a true world of peace without war!"
(End of Chapter)
Debate Here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Naruto/comments/7fw5e6/why_did_edo_madara_and_nagato_have_rinnegan/