The Sanctuary of Paradise Island
A fiery aura burst forth—Naruto Uzumaki stood tall, enveloped in the golden glow of the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.
Golden flames of chakra radiated from his body, and the wooden stakes around him began sprouting branches and leaves under the influence of its life force.
Yamato, stunned, thought to himself: Such vibrant vitality! Is this the power of the Nine-Tails Chakra?
But Orochimaru had a different perspective: This Nine-Tails Chakra Mode might look flashy, but in reality, it pales in comparison to Naruto's own chakra strength.
Naruto himself reflected: This mode's power is weaker than my own chakra. Well, that's because I haven't fully reconciled with Kurama yet. Without mutual agreement, I can't combine its chakra with my own and can only use one at a time.
Yes, you heard that right—Naruto's strength was actually greater when he didn't activate this chakra mode.
However, that didn't mean the golden mode was useless! At the very least, it served as a backup chakra source during combat. He could use this mode first to conserve his own chakra or rely on it for endurance when his reserves ran dry.
Moreover, this chakra mode possessed an ability even Sage Mode couldn't achieve: the ability to sense malice. No matter how skilled an enemy's disguise was, as long as they harbored ill intent, they couldn't escape detection!
Thinking of this malice-sensing ability, Naruto couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
In my previous life, after the Fourth Great Ninja War, I neglected this ability. In hindsight, during the battle against Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, if I had retained this malice-sensing power, his secret technique called "Daikokuten" wouldn't have been so troublesome!
And Momoshiki—when we defeated Isshiki, he took over Boruto's body and, while we were off guard, blinded Sasuke's Rinnegan!
If only I had kept the malice-sensing ability, Momoshiki wouldn't have succeeded so easily!
Crack!
Naruto clenched his fist tightly.
We once learned to fly, but forgot how to run.
This time, I won't make the same mistake!
I will cherish every power I gain and ensure each step of growth is meaningful and constructive!
In the Spiritual Realm
Kushina Uzumaki floated within the Nine-Tails Chakra, her ethereal form stabilizing and gradually recovering thanks to Kurama's chakra nourishment.
Naruto asked, "Mom, how do you feel?"
Kushina smiled contentedly: "It feels so good~ It's like soaking in a hot spring!"
Naruto was genuinely pleased; his approach was correct—Kurama's chakra could indeed preserve his mother's lingering spirit.
Kushina lamented slightly: "It's a pity that Minato's consciousness left within the seal is gone. Otherwise, we could've soaked in the hot spring together!"
Soaking in a hot spring as a family of three had been Kushina's dream ever since she became pregnant.
Naruto reassured her: "Someday, there'll be a chance, I think."
Kushina advised: "Naruto, although this Nine-Tails Chakra can regenerate after being consumed, don't keep it activated for too long. Whatever you do in the future, remember to pace yourself."
Naruto replied softly: "Yeah, I understand. But at least on the way back to Amegakure, let me keep it on—I want to talk with you more."
Kushina, both indulgent and helpless, said: "You really are impossible to deal with."
Naruto didn't teleport directly back to Amegakure using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
After leaving Paradise Island, they boarded the ship they had arrived on, docked at the Land of Lightning's port, and then traveled on foot toward the Land of Rain.
Throughout the journey, Naruto kept his golden chakra mode active, conversing with Kushina.
Even though he knew they would have plenty of time together in the future, he couldn't suppress his emotions and wanted to make up for the beauty he had missed in his previous life.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru seized the opportunity during their return trip, using equipment stored in his scrolls to transplant Hashirama Senju's cells into Naruto's body.
He calculated that by the time they returned, the cells would have fully assimilated with Naruto, granting him enhanced vitality and the power of Wood Release!
The supreme Wood Release—could it really be obtained so easily? Perhaps it seemed rushed, but it wasn't rushed at all. After all, Naruto had already awakened the true power of the Uzumaki clan!
Everything was simply a matter of course.
Light and Shadow Intertwined
In a dark underground lair...
Madara Uchiha stared at the flickering candlelight before him, lost in thought.
This proud man had once believed that after Hashirama's death, no one could stand in his way again.
Yet not long ago, he suffered defeat—twice in a row, at the hands of the same person!
If the first defeat was due to a careless mistake, the second was undoubtedly due to a difference in strength.
Naruto Uzumaki—within a short period, he adapted to my Rinnegan and, through Sage Techniques and the secret arts of various ninja villages, displayed strength comparable to Hashirama.
I, Madara Uchiha, with a soul tempered by war, a century of experience, and the reputation of a strongman, guarantee that no matter how gifted a ninja is, it's impossible to achieve such accomplishments at the age of sixteen!
There's definitely a massive secret hidden within Naruto Uzumaki!
Madara's eyes burned with madness: I'm curious about this secret!
Whispering Shadows
Black Zetsu emerged from the ground: "Lord Madara, at this point, you shouldn't dwell on such things anymore."
"Black Zetsu, huh?" Madara glanced sideways. Well then, do I have evidence for suspecting Naruto of harboring a secret?
Before retreating last time, Naruto left me with a message: 'Black Zetsu is Kaguya's will. It altered the Uchiha Stone Tablet.'
Regardless of whether Naruto's words are true or false, he at least knows about Kaguya and the tablet!
Black Zetsu asked for instructions: "Sasuke has gone to Kabuto's new hideout. Obito remains inactive. What should our next move be, Lord Madara?"
Madara's gaze shifted.
Whether Naruto intended to sow discord between me and Black Zetsu or had other unknown motives, I can't afford to trust Black Zetsu completely. But for now, until I retrieve the Gedo Statue and regain control of the White Zetsu army, I still need Black Zetsu to gather intelligence from the outside world.
Madara replied coldly: "Sasuke won't obtain the Rinnegan overnight. Until Obito officially makes his move, we'll remain dormant."
Black Zetsu hesitated: "But won't that cause us to lose the initiative?"
Madara glanced at his cracked, weathered hand: "The initiative is already lost. Naruto has undoubtedly grown stronger by now, while my Edo Tensei body's chakra can no longer increase!"
Crack!
He clenched his fist tightly.
How humiliating! I, Madara Uchiha, who once stood against Hashirama without allies, now have to rely on a pawn to confront Naruto Uzumaki!
Days Later
Upon returning to Amegakure, Naruto, accompanied by Konan, Orochimaru, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Yamato, arrived at the last undeveloped area in the western part of the village.
The moment had finally come.
Clap!
Naruto's eyes shone brightly as he formed seals with his hands, then clasped them to his chest, radiating overwhelming power.
Wood Release: Forest Mansion Technique!
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