After lunch, Shūichi had just arrived at the command center when Ao reported the latest battle developments—the enemy's Edo Tensei forces had appeared.
When the name "Dan Katō" was mentioned, Tsunade visibly trembled, her expression shifting subtly.
"Don't worry," Shūichi said softly.
Tsunade shook her head slightly. "It's nothing."
For anyone, dealing with an ex-lover is complicated, especially one who has died and returned, rather than merely parted ways.
However, Shūichi didn't mind.
Tsunade's first time and her current child both belonged to him. No matter how formidable the ex might have been, the past was just that—the past.
On the other hand, Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched his teeth upon hearing that both Danzō and Kagami Uchiha had been resurrected. "That bastard Orochimaru..."
Tobirama Senju remained composed. "It seems it's my turn to step in."
"Yamanaka clan, coordinates!"
Yamanaka Inoichi responded immediately, "Yes, Second Hokage!"
Tobirama turned to look at Hashirama, Shūichi Hoshita, and Minato Namikaze. "Elder brother, Shūichi, Fourth Hokage—Nagato and Uchiha Madara are yours to handle."
Hashirama nodded. "Rest assured, this battle will bring everything to an end."
"Still, Tobirama, be cautious and don't underestimate the enemy."
Tobirama nodded and vanished without a trace.
---
#### The First and Second Divisions' Frontlines
The Fourth Raikage, wrapped in lightning, stared furiously at Killer Bee, who emerged from the forest. "Bee!"
"Damn Orochimaru! He even dared to... Curse him!"
Killer Bee's expression was conflicted. "I never thought we'd meet again like this, fool, you fool!"
He had thought himself lucky to avoid being controlled, only to find Nagato had made him into a Six Paths puppet. Now, Orochimaru had brought him back with Edo Tensei.
That damned bastard!
Nearby, Yugito Nii's expression was even more complicated.
If it weren't for Shūichi Hoshita, she might have ended up like Killer Bee and the Fourth Mizukage—manipulated, her soul toyed with.
Not far away, Dan Katō scanned the ninja alliance. His gaze quickly locked onto a familiar figure. "Dingza!"
Boom!
A massive Akimichi Chōza descended from the sky, looking at Dan Katō. "I never thought even you would be resurrected!"
Dan nodded. "It seems something big has happened in the ninja world. All the villages have united..."
"You know my abilities, Chōza. You'll need barriers to hold me down."
Before Chōza could respond, a chain pierced through Dan's body, locking his soul in place.
"This is..." Dan's expression changed. "They've bound my soul!"
Chōza looked up to see Shūichi descending. "Lord Shūichi!"
"Chōza-senpai."
Shūichi landed gracefully and, without a word to Dan, directly pulled his soul from the Edo Tensei body, sealing it into the Memory Palace.
While Dan, as an ex-lover, posed no threat to Shūichi's relationship with Tsunade, it was better not to let him linger.
At that moment, Tobirama Senju appeared, weaving hand signs.
"Fourth Raikage, Third Tsuchikage—I'll handle these individuals!"
As he spoke, coffins began to rise from the ground.
From the coffins emerged: the Second Tsuchikage, Third Raikage, Third Kazekage, Second Mizukage, Third Mizukage, First Raikage... and others such as Ameyuri Ringo and Mangetsu Hōzuki.
"This kind of battle is honestly a bit dull," muttered the Second Mizukage, observing the situation.
The First Mizukage frowned. "Even so, we must fight. Gengetsu, show me how much you've grown since my time!"
The Second Mizukage rubbed his temples. "First Mizukage, this isn't the time for that."
The Second Tsuchikage leaped into action, weaving signs. "You're all talking too much!"
---
Tobirama turned and asked, "Who wields the Seven Ninja Swords?"
"Second Hokage, that would be me!"
Hayate Gekkō appeared, performing a summoning technique.
All the swords except for the Executioner's Blade, Samehada, and the Twin Swords Kiba materialized.
Their former owners immediately reclaimed them.
Sensing the impending clash, Ōnoki shouted, "Everyone, clear this battlefield immediately!"
"Brats! Let the Edo Tensei warriors and the Sealing Unit handle this fight. We need to deal with the White Zetsu army quickly—that's our priority!"
The Fourth Raikage gritted his teeth, suppressing his urge to charge at Orochimaru. "Understood!"
---
"Dan Katō, sealed!"
"First Mizukage, sealed!"
One report after another returned from the frontlines.
Hearing that Dan Katō had been sealed, Tsunade felt a subtle relief.
First loves were always special. (T/N: Damm, Thats Hurts!)
"Let's name the child Hoshita Nawaki," Tsunade suddenly said.
Shūichi hesitated. "Not using the Senju surname?"
Tsunade shook her head. "Since the clan has disbanded, there's no need. Let the child inherit his uncle's name."
Shūichi nodded. "Nawaki it is, then."
"Wait—what if it's a girl?" Tsunade snapped, glaring at him.
At that moment, Hashirama Senju suddenly leaned in. "Tsunade, you're having a child?"
"When did this happen?"
His loud voice immediately drew the attention of Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Shikaku Nara.
Tsunade's pregnancy hadn't been announced publicly; only Shizune and a few others knew.
Now exposed, Tsunade felt embarrassed and flustered.
After all, her child was Shūichi Hoshita's.
It was nothing short of a cougar devouring a young cub!
---
"Congratulations, Shūichi! You're going to be a father!"
Minato Namikaze beamed, giving Shūichi a thumbs-up.
He never imagined that his own disciple could win over Tsunade. He was well aware of how fiery Tsunade's temper was—far worse than his wife Kushina's.
If he were in Shūichi's place... Minato didn't even dare to finish the thought.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was complicated. He hadn't expected Tsunade to end up with Shūichi instead of Jiraiya himself.
And to make matters more astonishing, Hiruzen knew Shūichi wasn't tied to just one woman—he also had Mei Terumi.
Young people these days were truly something else!
Then again, with someone like Shūichi, what woman could say no?
Hiruzen's thoughts drifted to his own son, Asuma. Although talented, Asuma still had a long way to go to match Shūichi's level.
Hiruzen held onto hope: perhaps, after this war, Asuma could truly grow and shine.
---
Meanwhile, in the daimyo's territory, Asuma was indeed showing significant growth.
---
After a moment of joy, Ao suddenly shouted, "Third Hokage! Uchiha Madara's chakra has appeared, and he's moving at incredible speed toward the First and Second Division battlefront!"
Hearing this, Hashirama immediately declared, "Fourth Hokage, Shūichi—it's time for us to move!"
Shūichi and Minato nodded in unison.
Tsunade grabbed Shūichi's hand. "Come back alive!"
"You wouldn't want your child to grow up without a father, would you?"
At her unusual tone, Shūichi leaned close to her ear. "One child isn't enough, is it?"
With that, Shūichi walked over to Hashirama and Minato. A spatial gateway quickly materialized beside him. "First Hokage, sensei—let's go!"
"What a convenient space-time jutsu. As expected of Shūichi!" Minato praised before stepping through the portal, with Hashirama following closely behind.
Before leaving, Shūichi turned to Hiruzen and said, "Third Hokage, once our battle against Madara and Nagato begins, make sure no other units approach the battlefield."
"A battle like this will undoubtedly be cataclysmic. Ordinary ninja won't stand a chance."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "Understood."
"Shūichi, the future belongs to you young people. Make sure to come back!"
Shūichi smiled confidently. "Don't worry. We'll win this fight!"
After a final nod to Tsunade, he stepped into the spatial gateway.
---
### The Graveyard of Mountains, Northern Frost Country
Emerging onto the barren land, Minato, Hashirama, and Shūichi stepped out of the spatial portal one after another.
Minato leaped onto a towering tree, scanning the area before descending and using his sensory abilities. He smiled. "This is an excellent battlefield—surrounded by mountains and forests, with no villages nearby."
Hashirama nodded in agreement and turned to Shūichi. "Have you sensed the Jinchūriki of the Ten-Tails?"
Shūichi nodded. "Yes, he's on his way."
The moment Nagato sensed Shūichi's chakra, he began moving as well.
Both sides understood that, at this stage, only they were each other's true opponents.
Soon, Uchiha Madara and Nagato appeared in their line of sight.
"As expected... This Nagato is even closer to the Six Paths Madara state than Obito ever was in the original story," Shūichi thought, his gaze sharpening as he observed Six Paths Nagato.
Nagato and Madara landed a short distance away. Moments later, Uchiha Obito emerged from the Kamui dimension to join them.
Shūichi chuckled, activating a summoning array behind him. With a loud bang, Uchiha Shisui appeared.
"Shūichi, I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me!" Shisui said with a playful smirk.
Shūichi smiled. "How could I? You're the one I trust to guard my back!"
On the other side, Madara smiled faintly. "It seems the outcome of this war will depend on you all."
He turned to Nagato, his tone mocking. "But he feels... different. Nagato, do you really think you can win?"
Nagato replied calmly, "Of course. Nothing in this world can surpass the power of the Ten-Tails, can it?"
Madara chuckled but said no more. He leapt away and called out, "Hashirama!"
Hashirama shouted back, "Fourth Hokage!"
Minato nodded. "Understood!"
Without hesitation, the two launched into action, heading straight for Madara.
On the opposite side, Uchiha Obito vanished and reappeared atop a nearby mountain peak.
Uchiha Shisui immediately said, "Shūichi, I'm going!"
Shūichi nodded. "If necessary..."
Shisui nodded in understanding. "Got it!"
With that, Shisui began moving toward Obito's position.
Six Paths Nagato observed silently. Once the others had departed, he finally spoke:
"Shūichi, do you really think this battle is necessary?"
"If we joined forces, we could swiftly bring peace to the entire shinobi world—a unified world of harmony you once envisioned. War would vanish forever!"
Shūichi chuckled lightly. "Nagato, you shouldn't declare victory so early."
"As per our agreement, the loser submits. Surely you don't expect me to surrender without putting up a fight?"
"Besides, you must have sensed it—my condition, hasn't it changed?"
Nagato nodded. "You have indeed grown stronger. But compared to the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki, it's still not on the same level."
Shūichi smiled, rebutting, "Strength isn't solely determined by chakra levels."
"It's about the spirit."
Nagato frowned. "You think your spirit surpasses mine?"
"Ha! Shūichi, your arrogance is astounding."
"In that case, let me see just how strong your so-called spirit really is!"
Shūichi smirked. "As you wish."
Whoosh!
Golden energy enveloped Shūichi as he entered Six Paths Sage Mode. His body floated upward, radiating immense power.
On the other side, Uchiha Madara noticed the transformation and narrowed his eyes in surprise.
"This guy... That chakra mode is almost on par with Nagato as the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki. How did he achieve this?"
After a moment of shock, Madara chuckled. "Interesting. This makes things even better."
He turned his attention back to Hashirama.
"Well then, let's settle this, Hashirama!"
Gaining the power of Hashirama's Sage Art was already part of Madara's plan!
Boom!
Madara's Susano'o materialized, and he leapt to the brow of the giant construct.
"Hashirama, this time, no one can save you!"
Hashirama instantly activated Sage Mode, forming hand seals as he declared, "Your schemes won't succeed!"
Wood Style: Wood Human Jutsu!
A towering wooden humanoid rose, entwined with a massive wooden dragon. Standing atop its head, Hashirama and Minato stood side by side.
The battle of destiny commenced once again!
The Susano'o's longsword clashed with the wooden dragon's jaws, and the fists of the Susano'o and the wooden humanoid collided violently.
Boom!
Blinding light and a powerful storm erupted, shaking the battlefield. Minato, standing atop the wooden humanoid, struggled to maintain his balance.
"They're too strong!" Minato squinted, assessing the situation.
Suddenly, the wooden humanoid was knocked over by a kick from the Susano'o and sent flying with another.
Boom! Boom!
The Susano'o advanced, slashing downward with its blade.
The wooden humanoid clasped its hands together, catching the blade, while the wooden dragon coiled around the Susano'o's legs, pulling it off balance.
Clang!
Seizing the opportunity, the wooden humanoid struck sideways, disarming the Susano'o of its blade. However, it staggered backward under the force of a countering elbow strike.
The battle was evenly matched!
The Susano'o drew a second blade and resumed its assault.
The wooden dragon bit onto the blade, while the wooden humanoid dropped its stance and grappled the Susano'o.
"This is our chance!"
Minato's eyes gleamed as he instantly entered Sage Mode. Ascending into the air, he formed a rapidly expanding Rasengan in his hand.
Sage Art: Super Giant Rasengan!
Boom!
The Susano'o slammed its elbows downward, forcing the wooden humanoid to its knees.
But it was too late.
Madara glanced up just as the massive Rasengan descended directly onto the Susano'o's face.
Crack!
The Susano'o's head split open, crumbling rapidly.
"It worked!"
Minato smiled triumphantly.
But Madara also smiled. "Not bad, Fourth Hokage. But..."
The Susano'o began to transform, shifting from a flesh-like state to a full-body armored tengu form.
Minato's expression shifted.
Boom!
The wooden humanoid could no longer hold the Susano'o and was kicked aside. Numerous magatama appeared, shooting toward Minato.
Whoosh!
Minato vanished in an instant.
Madara turned toward the wooden humanoid and saw Minato's figure there. He snorted, "Flying Thunder God, huh? Not impressive, but having a fly buzz around is still annoying."
Madara's distaste was evident—his younger brother, Izuna, had been killed by Tobirama's Flying Thunder God technique, leaving him with a deep-seated irritation.
Unfolding its wings, the full-body Susano'o launched toward the wooden humanoid.
Playtime was over. It was time to get serious.
---
Glancing toward his teacher Minato and Hashirama's intense battle, Shūichi raised his hand. Purple lightning gathered, condensing before firing.
Takemikazuchi's Lightning Beam!
In response, a Truth-Seeking Orb in front of Six Paths Nagato expanded into a shield, intercepting the attack.
Crack!
Electricity scattered, chipping away at the black material of the shield, though it didn't penetrate.
However, in an instant, lightning pillars shot toward Nagato from multiple directions.
"So fast!"
Nagato was slightly startled, expanding several more Truth-Seeking Orbs to counter the incoming lightning strikes.
(End of Chapter)
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