Chapter 25 : Wrong Choice!

The earth trembled as immense ravines cracked open, mountain peaks crumbled, and rivers changed course. The landscape shifted continuously, creating an ever-changing terrain.

In the midst of this chaos, the surroundings transformed into an empty, forbidden zone as if nature itself was protesting. However, not long after, Uchiha Madara fell behind in the battle, eventually being sealed by Hashirama's Sage Art: Rashomon Gate.

Uchiha Madara found himself trapped under a dozen enormous torii gates, immobilized. The morale of the ninja coalition soared upon witnessing this sight. Even the spirits of the Hokage were lifted.

For the first time, the ninjas glimpsed hope, their hearts saved by the power of the First Hokage of Konoha, much like a savior.

Deep within the Pure Land, Madara's expression turned smug. Despite being slightly weaker than Hashirama during his lifetime due to Chakra imbalances, he knew his strength had now surpassed Hashirama's. The Impure World Reincarnation granted him limitless Chakra, rendering him slightly mightier than Hashirama.

Even if not inherently powerful, he would not be defeated. With his current state of confinement, it was evident that he had a plan in motion. But what exactly was he plotting?

In the world of the Shinigami, Aizen watched with curiosity. He saw through the situation, recognizing that Uchiha Madara's sealing was no accident.

"Marvelous. I anticipate your upcoming performance even more."

The scene transitioned, the camera shifting focus. Uchiha Obito, somehow, had absorbed the Gedo Statue and became the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki. However, the details were fragmented and fleeting.

Obito, in his Six Paths form, possessed unparalleled combat prowess that had once driven the ninja coalition to despair. Yet, it all devolved into a recording. The ending had been inverted – Obito's resolve wavered beneath Naruto's words. The tailed beasts were forcibly extracted, crashing down heavily. In a surprising twist, Obito began to introspect, apologizing and intending to use the Rinnegan's Rinne Tensei Technique to resurrect fallen comrades.

In the Pure Land, Madara didn't respond with anger; instead, he burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"Uchiha Obito, you're still as fragile as ever, you bastard!"

"Ha ha ha ha…."

Within a dark cavern, Obito's eyes trembled in disbelief. Was the person in that video really him? If so, why had he acted so foolishly? Could it be Naruto's doing, casting illusions on him?

"No! I'd never allow myself to become so vulnerable!"

Obito roared, a surge of murderous intent directed at Naruto.

Simultaneously, the creator of the video was also perplexed. His previous clips had breezed through, but this one had his full attention, refusing to skip ahead. The situation felt distasteful, akin to a public self-execution.

In the Shinigami world, Aizen was at a loss for words. What was this? It was too comical! He was witnessing a villain's conviction crumble solely under verbal influence – such vulnerability!

Beyond Aizen, villains from other worlds couldn't help but mock the spectacle. Even the trembling Muzan Kibutsuji regarded the scene with contempt.

[The scene continued.]

Among the ninja coalition, excitement ran high. Uchiha Madara was sealed, and Uchiha Obito was separated from the Nine-Tails beast. Victory in this war seemed within reach. Smiles adorned everyone's faces as the atmosphere brimmed with optimism.

Suddenly, a black tentacle-like appendage burst from under Obito, transforming into a pitch-black liquid that engulfed him. The long-awaited Black Zetsu had taken full control of Obito.

In the next moment, the Rinne Tensei Technique was activated amid sinister laughter. Uchiha Madara truly returned to life.

Simultaneously, in the dark cave, an enraged Obito lunged at Black Zetsu, but his fist struck only the ground – the enemy had vanished.

"It seems the tables have turned," Obito muttered, his resolve solidified as he donned his Uzumaki mask. He was headed to find Nagato. The video had changed things, turning them into allies against the looming threat of Uchiha Madara.

Uchiha Madara, like an insurmountable mountain, overshadowed both of them. Any future concerns seemed trivial – death was imminent.

At that moment, Uchiha Sasuke appeared, his expression proud.

"Amaterasu!"

Dark flames ignited on Uchiha Madara, but he didn't even bother to look back, sneering, "Such trivial flames can't compare to my power." The flames dissipated harmlessly, much to everyone's surprise.

In the world of the Hokage, Itachi couldn't help but twitch a wry smile. The Mangekyo Sharingan's ocular techniques were potent, but he hadn't anticipated such swift resolution.

On the rooftop in the Shinigami world, Kyoraku Shunsui laughed heartily.

"Tsk tsk, Sasuke's outward aggression has been met with someone even more adept at feigning. A classic slap in the face."

[Madara extended his arm, blood flowing from a bite, yet he grinned with pleasure.]

["The taste of blood is exquisite."

Though his Rinnegan had faded due to his non-transcendent state, Madara was intoxicated by the sensation of his own flowing blood. This sensation surpassed any enjoyment he derived from combat.

In the blink of an eye, Madara vanished, sending Naruto and others flying before absorbing Chakra from Senju Hashirama's body. In that instant, Sasuke descended from above, Kusanagi sword in hand. With a sneer, he remarked on Madara's vulnerability since losing his immortality.

"Does the Susano'o aid your agility?"

Madara proposed an alliance, but Sasuke rejected it outright, claiming that his choice was a mistake. The Kages, having regrouped after a brief defeat, returned to the fray.

Naruto, Sasuke, and the Nine-Tails suppressed the sightless Uchiha Madara and even severed one of his arms. The coalition cheered, victory within their grasp.

Yet, a White Zetsu emerged suddenly, and Uchiha Madara's arm burst forth to absorb it. Madara's expression twisted into a sinister grin, as he inserted something into his eye.

Ninjas everywhere tensed. The realization hit them all at once – Madara had awoken a Rinnegan!

Uchiha Madara then summoned the Gedo Statue from within Obito. Gazing at the tailed beasts, he wore a smug smile.

"At last, a graceful battle awaits."

A mysterious attack ensued, overwhelming the tailed beasts, rendering them powerless. Madara controlled them, sealing them within the Gedo Statue. As the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, Naruto's life-force waned rapidly, his Uzumaki bloodline the only reason he clung to life.

The ninjas' frustration was palpable – their doubts resurfaced. Could this man truly be defeated?

[The scene continued. ]

Senju Tobirama executed a surprise assault using the Flying Thunder God technique, but Madara turned the tide, ultimately impaling Tobirama with a black rod.

Tobirama appeared to listen to Madara's words, almost hypnotized. Meanwhile, a swift figure descended from above, positioning itself behind Madara. Tobirama's triumphant expression faltered as he realized he had been baited. Uchiha Sasuke stood frozen behind Madara, as though suspended in time.

With a composed expression, Madara turned and grasped Sasuke's fallen pheasant sword.

"I granted you an opportunity..."

"But alas, you made the wrong choice."

Without hesitation, Madara thrust the sword through Sasuke's heart.

*****

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