At this moment, the battle seemed to have turned into a race of whose life flame would extinguish first.
Yet, numerous spectators remained puzzled as to why Isshiki suddenly truncated his own lifespan.
At this juncture, the voice of Nine Tails resonated from the screen.
[Nine Tails elucidated to Naruto:
[Naruto, owing to Chakra's interconnected nature, we can diminish his vitality by decreasing the power output, thus diminishing his vitality!'
(In simpler terms, Naruto's sole task now is to persistently assail the enemy until the end of his lifespan!)
'This is the sole approach; he must ensnare Isshiki akin to a drowning demon!!'"
In the ensuing moment, Naruto launched another assault without hesitation!
"At this point, Nine Tails' cloak had contracted, diminishing both strength and speed, yet Naruto attacked undauntedly!"
"This triumph could only be his!"]
"Why doesn't he shrink to evade and lead Naruto to his demise? Wouldn't that be more advantageous?"
Off-screen at this juncture, Sasuke queried perplexedly.
Itachi gazed silently at the rather immature Sasuke, sighed, and expounded patiently:
"Firstly, Isshiki's lifespan is already precariously short; I estimate it won't surpass an hour."
"Secondly, he cannot risk relying on how long Naruto can endure without engaging. Should Naruto endure longer than anticipated, it would amount to suicide!"
"As Naruto mentioned, it's a dangerous gamble!"
"The stakes are the entire planet, wagering on who will succumb first in this battle!"
With these words, Itachi glanced at the young man a few meters away.
Burning Life, likely the only method to vanquish Ōtsutsuki in the future.
Thus, Naruto's fate was liable to be mortality, arriving much earlier than depicted in the footage.
Yet, in the eyes of the opposing party, no fear was discernible, only unwavering resolve.
A hush enveloped all those present.
Only Kushina managed to resist shedding tears at that moment, though her hands had clenched into tight fists, the crimson blood flowing unnoticed.
[The battle has commenced, and Isshiki's estimation seems off!"
"Even though Naruto's Baryon Mode has significantly decreased power compared to before, it still holds enough to subdue himself!"
"But he's trapped, forced to wager his life recklessly!"
"Another barrage follows, pressing heavily onto Isshiki!"
"With Naruto's fists incessantly pummeling him, the last remnants of life quickly slip away!"
"The first traces of despair emerge, yet suddenly Naruto's assault halts!"
"The Baryon Mode, fueled by life force, proves unsustainable, and Naruto coughs up blood, descending from godhood to mortality in an instant!"
"Enraged, Isshiki points accusingly at Naruto's throat, driving him to the ground!"
"But it's too late now; with only five minutes of life remaining, he can't locate Kawaki!"
"Just as he resigned himself to death, a sensation overwhelms him!"
"He erupts into wild laughter, then, with a single hand, activates the vortex Space-Time technique, pulling Kawaki out from beneath the Root Organization!"
"It's revealed that Kawaki's robotic right arm was initially crafted by Naruto, gifted to Kawaki."
"Moreover, this robotic arm operates on Naruto's chakra."
"Due to the chakra connection, Isshiki senses Kawaki through Naruto's chakra."
"Following the catastrophe, his demeanor has regained the calm and grace of yesteryears."
"Naruto's strength depleted, Sasuke impaled by the black rod, now resembling a vulnerable sapling, he could be felled in less than five seconds!"
"In the end, he emerged victorious from this gamble!"
"Meanwhile, Kawaki, upon his appearance, began fleeing frantically, yet was effortlessly apprehended by Isshiki."
"At the brink of despair, Sasuke utilized the power of Rinnegan to instantaneously shift positions, simultaneously deploying a smoke bomb to disrupt the Byakugan!"
"This unforeseen event sends Isshiki, nearing the end of his life, into complete disarray."
"Ignoring Sasuke, he soared into the sky, unleashing a furious roar, the blazing black rod raining indiscriminately like a tempest!"
"But after much futile effort, he failed to locate Kawaki, who had discarded his prosthesis!"
"With a swift motion, he wiped the blood from his lips, staining his pallid fingers conspicuously."
"This gesture foretells his impending collapse."
"In the next moment, consumed by rage, he crashes down upon Naruto with a resounding thud!"
[At this moment, his only recourse is to threaten Naruto's life, coercing Kawaki to emerge!]
In a distinct realm.
There's no hint of joy in Isshiki's eyes. Onscreen, his visage contorts into a crazed, grotesque expression!
He harbored no doubt that, at this very instant, many across the Ōtsutsuki domain were guffawing at his expense!
Simultaneously, as he anticipated the impending onslaught, his scheme to reap the rewards was dashed.
He must cleanse this disgrace with blood.
It will silence the scoffers, and perhaps the god who does not cast a glance upon him will not punish him!
Once, upon attaining power, he gazed upon the God Ōtsutsuki, and nearly crumbled beneath his scrutiny!
Similarly, now, all eyes in the Hokage realm fixate upon Isshiki in the footage, laced with derision.
They too shall remember the ignoble one!
Even in defeat, he shall deride the esteemed Ōtsutsuki as mere ants, a spectacle surely to entertain!
Of course, this is solely due to the potential triumph of Naruto's Baryon Mode in the future.
Otherwise, many might not find amusement presently.
Likewise, Tsuchikage, the Kages, and others ponder the impending crisis and the appropriate stance to approach Naruto at this juncture.
[Observing Kawaki's reluctance to surface, the countdown commences with a single stroke!)
[Hearing this voice, Kawaki slumps behind a colossal rock, his countenance fraught with despair. "
[That voice triggers memories of the dread instilled by Jigen's domination!
(Similar countdowns within the shell organization before, forced him out in terror, only to endure subsequent torments repeatedly."
[Now, the nightmarish countdown resurfaces, the fear etched into his marrow causing Kawaki's spirit to convulse violently, his mind inundated with flashes of past beatings.
[As the demon-like whisper persisted, it felt as though the tableau unfolded before him, his seemingly gentle facade reciting the dwindling numbers incessantly. "
["9,8,7,6. Kawaki, your demise looms if you remain concealed..)
["5.4.3.2..I've found you.")
("3.2.1..how regrettable,"]
[Following this numerical cadence, Kawaki's anguished cries echo.
In this moment, myriad viewers shudder, feeling an oppressive discomfort akin to being present themselves.
From despair to chaos to trance, Kawaki's struggle gradually waned.
Slowly, Kawaki rose numbly, his mouth feeling as if it held an empty shell, desperately awaiting the encroaching darkness.
But just as he surrendered to his fate, the illusion before him vanished.
In its place stood Naruto, the silent yet steadfast apparition, embracing him tightly.
Kawaki looked up to find Naruto gazing at him with a warm smile, radiating an aura of reassurance.
In that moment, Kushina could no longer contain her tears, softly murmuring:
"Minato, our son embodies the same kindness and gentleness as you."
****
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