Ch-230 Madara escapes.

Everyone who was finally liberated from the shackles of the 'Edo Tensei' was overwhelmed with joy and relief, and it wasn't just the freed individuals who felt this way. Other people who deeply respected them or had a personal connection with their relatives were also overjoyed, feeling a sense of vicarious happiness and liberation. Moreover, even those who weren't related to the freed individuals in any way, whether by blood, bond, or acquaintance, couldn't help but feel an uncontainable sense of happiness and celebration, as no one desires to face an opponent who possesses the formidable advantage of partial immortality and an endless, limitless supply of Chakra, making them a nearly invincible force on the battlefield.

Before returning to the Pure Land, Dan Kato went to meet Tsunade, and after having a brief and heartfelt conversation with her, he departed for the Pure Land.

Sasuke watched as Itachi disappeared before his eyes, finally freed from the 'Edo Tensei'. His eyes welled up with tears as he beheld the scene.

After Itachi vanished completely, Sasuke's eyes and face returned to their calm and composed state. Recalling his steadfast goal to destroy Konoha, Sasuke departed from the location without hesitation, intent on resurrecting Orochimaru.

----

"It appears that the caster of the 'Edo Tensei' has either perished or has intentionally lifted the technique," Jiryoku stated, his face a picture of calmness.

When Onoki and Gaara gazed upon Madara, enveloped in a radiant white light, and realized that this luminescence signified the cancellation of the 'Edo Tensei' ninjutsu, they were instantly overcome with joy.

However, their joy was short-lived, as Madara formed a hand seal and reversed the cancellation of the 'Edo Tensei', thereby preventing his return to the Pure Land and allowing him to remain in the world. As a consequence, the white light enveloping him vanished completely, and everything reverted to its previous state.

Onoki and Gaara were incredulous at this turn of events. However, Jiryoku, who had foreseen that Madara would ultimately succeed in remaining in the world, remained utterly composed.

"It appears that my ability to reverse the cancellation of the 'Edo Tensei' and forcibly sustain my presence in this world does not come as a surprise to you?" Madara inquired, his voice characterized by an unsettling calmness and a hint of curiosity.

"Why would I be surprised, considering you've lived for nearly a century before passing away? I wouldn't be astonished if you've mastered all the forbidden jutsu from various villages," Jiryoku remarked, his tone suggesting a sense of inevitability, as if stating a self-evident truth.

When Madara heard Jiryoku's statement, his face was filled with surprise, and he was utterly petrified. No one, except for Black Zetsu, White Zetsu, and Obito, knew that he had lived for so long.

"How do you know this?" Madara asked, his voice tense. He was racking his brain, trying to figure out who might have betrayed his secret.

"I just know," Jiryoku replied very plainly.

Madara realized that Jiryoku was not going to reveal his source, so he refrained from asking further. After fighting with Jiryoku for such a long time, Madara understood that he was no match for Jiryoku until he could harness the power of the 'Sage of Six Paths.' Therefore, he was left with only one option: to retreat from the battle, get resurrected, obtain the ten-tails, and finally gain the power of the 'Sage of Six Paths.'

Madara is a very decisive person, so without wasting any time, he acted on his thoughts. Understanding the gravity of the situation and determined to take immediate action, Madara used 'Almighty Push' at its maximum power. This was the strongest level he could muster at that moment, and he directed the powerful attack towards Jiryoku.

Despite the immense force behind 'Almighty Push,' Jiryoku remained unaffected by the direct impact. However, the sheer power of the technique rendered him unable to move. As a result of the attack, the entire area was enveloped in a thick cloud of dust, obscuring vision. Seizing this opportunity, Madara employed the 'Body Flicker Technique' to make a swift escape from the area.

Although Madara managed to move a considerable distance using the 'Body Flicker Technique,' he was still within the detection range of Jiryoku's 'Observation Haki.' This ability allowed Jiryoku to sense Madara's presence despite the distance. However, Jiryoku's primary objective was not to pursue Madara but to prevent him from embarking on a killing spree. He aimed to avoid a large number of casualties among the 'Allied Shinobi Forces,' and thus, he decided against following Madara.

After Madara left, Jiryoku emerged from his 'Devil Mode' and returned to his normal state. He was panting slightly; it wasn't because he was exhausted, but the intensity of the battle had been overwhelming. Jiryoku needed to rest and recover his strength to be at his peak, as he anticipated facing many more challenging battles in the future. Furthermore, the upcoming confrontations were expected to be even fiercer and more demanding than the one he had just endured. Seeking a place to rest, Jiryoku found a large stone that was big enough for him to sit on and catch his breath.

Onoki and Gaara, observing Jiryoku emerge from his formidable 'Devil Mode' and take a seat on a nearby rock, immediately understood that Madara had departed from the battlefield. They knew that if Madara were still present, Jiryoku wouldn't be taking a moment to rest. Recognizing the significance of the situation, both of them promptly approached and stood in front of Jiryoku.

Gaara, with a concerned expression, asked, "Are you alright?"

Jiryoku responded calmly, "Yeah, I am absolutely fine. I just need to rest for a few moments."

Gaara and Onoki found this to be a reasonable explanation. After all, the intensity of the battle they had just witnessed was immense. Jiryoku, unlike Madara, did not possess the advantages of the 'Edo Tensei' form, which grants unlimited stamina and boundless chakra. The toll of such a fierce confrontation was evident, and they understood that Jiryoku needed time to recuperate.

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