Chapter 234: Hashirama and Naruto vs. Six Paths Madara

(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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"You kid, I really don't know what you're scheming," Tsunade muttered, her eyes narrowing as she rushed ahead of the Allied Shinobi Forces, stopping right in front of Colt.

The revived Hokages had regained their freedom from the Impure World Reincarnation, leaving everyone in shock.

An explanation was indeed needed.

Colt didn't hide anything and calmly explained the situation, much to the astonishment of those around him.

By the end, everyone was shocked.

However, Tsunade's expression grew complicated.

Even though Colt hadn't lied, she knew he was withholding some crucial information.

However, she decided that now wasn't the time to press him further.

There was a war to fight. After that, there would be an opportunity to ask.

"Colt-kun, thank you! Thank you for bringing Kushina back!" Namikaze Minato exclaimed, pulling his wife over and bowing deeply in gratitude.

Colt felt slightly awkward, unused to the formality.

They had become familiar in the sealed space.

Extending his hand, Colt extracted the chakra sealed inside Naruto, restoring it to Minato and Kushina.

Chakra carried memories, and as Minato and Kushina absorbed it, they quickly grew comfortable with each other again.

"So, that's the case…" Minato muttered.

"Come here, Hinata!" Colt called out, noticing her shyly standing behind Hyuga Hiashi.

He also beckoned Kurenai and the others over.

Taking Hinata's hand, Colt introduced her and the rest to his mother.

"Mom, these are your daughters-in-law."

"That's good." Meiko nodded approvingly but paused, a bit stunned. "Wait... did you say 'these'?"

Colt nodded confidently.

"Yes. Sister Tsunade said my genes are too good not to pass on, otherwise it'd be a waste."

"This... this brat!" Tsunade gritted her teeth, glaring at Colt.

'Throwing this onto me… do you think I'm Shimura Danzo?'

Kamiyo Meiko quickly adapted to the situation, a smile gracing her face.

"Tsunade-sama is right. You're very talented, Colt, and you should have more girlfriends."

Meanwhile, Kamiyo Shin looked at his wife in shock.

'When did she become so open-minded?'

He recalled having to write apologies when he came home late from drinking, yet here she was supporting multiple daughters-in-law for their son.

Sensing her husband's disbelief, Kamiyo Meiko gave him a stern look before engaging Hinata in conversation, making sure to also speak with the other girls.

The atmosphere around them felt surprisingly harmonious, despite the tension of war.

The nearby ninjas gawked at the scene, their jaws dropping.

'Isn't this supposed to be a war? How did it turn into a family meeting?'

Suddenly, the sound of an eagle's screech echoed through the sky.

A large ninja eagle approached swiftly, carrying Kakashi, Hashirama, and an unconscious Sasuke.

"Colt! Quick, save Sasuke! He was injured by Madara!" Kakashi shouted as he leaped down, holding the wounded Uchiha.

Naruto, wide-eyed, took Sasuke into his arms. Sasuke's chest wound was deep, and his condition was critical.

Colt stepped forward, placing his hand over Sasuke to begin healing.

His eyes shifted toward where the Gedo Statue had vanished.

"Naruto, I'll need time to heal Sasuke. Uchiha Madara is coming."

"I'll hold him off!" Naruto responded without hesitation, entering his Sage of Six Paths mode and charging forward.

"I'll join you!" Hashirama said, his expression turning serious.

He had questions for Madara, and now was his chance.

Madara, now empowered by the Six Paths, flew rapidly through the sky.

Though he had taken time to reabsorb the tailed beasts into the Gedo Statue, he soon arrived at the battlefield.

"Madara!" Hashirama called out, entering the Sage Mode as thick roots shot from the ground, twisting toward Madara in an attempt to ensnare him.

But Madara remained calm.

With the Six Paths Staff spinning in his hand, he easily cut through the roots as if they were paper.

"Hashirama, you're no longer a match for me."

Before Hashirama could react, Naruto appeared behind Madara, launching a massive Sage Art: Super Giant Rasenshuriken with his chakra arm.

"Shinra Tensei!"

A powerful wave of repulsion erupted from Madara, effortlessly deflecting Naruto's attack.

Madara then vanished from sight, reappearing instantly in front of Hashirama, landing a fierce punch to his face.

Hashirama was sent flying into the sky, crashing into the ground moments later.

Black rods shot from Madara's hands, pinning Hashirama to the earth and rendering him unable to move.

"My chakra... I can't feel it anymore," Hashirama muttered as he was forced out of the Sage Mode, his face grim.

Madara smiled down at him.

"I won't kill you, Hashirama. I want you to witness the world without war that I'm about to create."

Madara's satisfaction grew as he looked down at his long-time rival, eager to watch Hashirama's reaction when the Infinite Tsukuyomi succeeded.

"Let go of Grandpa First Hokage!" Naruto shouted, rushing forward with hundreds of Shadow Clones, each holding massive Rasengans.

"Out of my way, brat!" Madara's Rinnegan gleamed. "Limbo: Border Jail!"

The sound of Naruto's Shadow Clones exploding filled the air, leaving the real Naruto to confront Madara alone.

"Universal Pull!" Madara extended his hand, yanking Naruto toward him.

He dodged Naruto's Rasengan and stabbed him with the Six Paths Staff.

Naruto was injured badly, and was bleeding.

Before Madara could finish him off, two kunais landed beside Naruto and Hashirama.

It was Tobirama and Minato.

"Naruto!" Minato cried out.

"Brother!" Tobirama shouted as they both surveyed the scene, their eyes filled with concern.

"We have to get them to Colt!" Tobirama said, remaining calm despite the dire situation.

In an instant, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, transporting them away.

Madara, watching them flee, snorted before turning his gaze back to the Allied Shinobi Forces.

His plan was far from over.