"Is… is he dead?"
Seeing Isshiki, reduced to just a head, skewered like a sausage by Six Paths Naruto, Tobirama couldn't suppress the horror in his heart.
Good heavens.
Are the successor Hokages this ruthless?
Indeed, this Naruto, like his brother, who seemed cheerful and easygoing day-to-day, turned far more brutal than anyone when he became ruthless and killed!
Untouchable, truly untouchable!
"He's dead, completely dead!"
Naruto gave a definitive answer.
Isshiki, forced to revive, had little lifespan left. After suffering multiple severe injuries in succession, he was already on the brink of death.
Moreover, the Kurobō (Black Staff) made from a Truth-Seeking Ball could annihilate most matter and seal all chakra.
Naturally, it snuffed out Isshiki's last spark of life.
After all, if Naruto in Six Paths Sage Mode, combined with the Eight Gates, couldn't finish off Isshiki, the entire ninja world might as well give up—what's the point of fighting?
Additionally, Naruto had developed a good habit of being cautious. He reactivated his Senrigan to scan, ensuring Isshiki had no hidden tricks or revival possibilities to eliminate any risks.
"So, is there anything else to do?"
"For now, nothing. Let's head back to the village first."
Naruto activated Amenominaka again, bringing Tobirama back to the ninja world, to the familiar Hokage Rock.
Lux was still waiting there.
He was well aware that Isshiki posed almost no threat to Six Paths Naruto, brimming with killing intent. Capturing or killing Isshiki was merely a matter of spending a bit more or less time.
Even if Naruto somehow failed, at worst, he'd be revived. Plus, in Parallel World 7, there was still Sasuke, at quasi-Six Paths level, as backup, so Lux wasn't worried at all.
When he saw Naruto return carrying 'Isshiki's skewered head,' Lux was quietly stunned.
As expected.
The 'sack of rice' incident in Parallel World 7 had truly traumatized Naruto too deeply.
The current Naruto probably shared many similarities with Nagato from Parallel World 5.
"All done?"
"All done!"
Naruto flashed his white teeth, smiling brightly.
After killing Isshiki, he gradually calmed the boiling killing intent and anger, becoming a bit more cheerful and gentle.
Emotions are like desires—they need to be vented occasionally, or they'll harm the body.
"Seventh Hokage, that thing in your hand…"
Tobirama's gaze shifted to Isshiki's remaining head and the precious Black Eye.
This was pure Ōtsutsuki clan material!
Its value was truly immeasurable!
Though Tobirama wasn't as obsessed with research as Orochimaru, he greatly desired such valuable research material.
Especially now, when he was short on precious special eyes to compensate Madara for his loss.
"This? Second Hokage Uncle, you want it?"
"Y-Yes!"
"Then take it."
Naruto generously tossed Isshiki's head to Tobirama. He wasn't obsessed with corpses or the like.
After all, Isshiki was dead. The remaining corpse didn't matter to him, so handing it to Tobirama was fine. Besides, this was an enemy from the other side's space and time.
Tobirama joyfully caught the corpse, his face blooming like a chrysanthemum.
He immediately sealed Isshiki's head into a scroll, as if returning to the past when he only needed to harvest Bijuu and loot behind his brother. That comfortable sensation was truly delightful.
Too comfortable!
"Thank you! This really helps me a lot."
"Naruto-kun, is there anything else you need? As long as I can do it, I'll try my hardest to fulfill it!"
Tobirama was deeply grateful to Six Paths Naruto.
Without the other party, he didn't know when he could have dealt with the major threat of Isshiki.
Plus, he got a special eye and valuable experimental material for free.
"Needs?"
"I don't think there's anything I want."
"Oh! If possible, Second Hokage Uncle, please pay more attention to the Uchiha clan and my parents in the future. They shouldn't have to be sacrificed in the village's internal power struggles…"
The adult Naruto was different from his teenage self.
He already knew about the Uchiha clan's tragedy. There were external factors, but it was largely due to Konoha's internal power struggles.
All of this could have been avoided.
Though he knew this wasn't his world or the same space and time, he still hoped that he and Sasuke in this world wouldn't have to endure that painful childhood again.
This was his only request.
"Don't worry, that kind of future won't happen!"
Tobirama gave a bitter smile and promised earnestly. He understood what Naruto meant.
But on his side, those issues were no longer problems.
He was still alive, Kagami was still alive, and Madara was still alive; the tragedy of the Uchiha clan massacre in the future was fundamentally impossible.
Moreover, their Danzō had died for the village. How could he continue to harm it?
Even if Danzō were revived in the future, with his current courage and deeds surpassing Hiruzen's, willing to die for the village, Tobirama felt he wouldn't stray again.
"Good!"
"By the way, Naruto, I wanted to ask, on your side…"
Tobirama wanted to ask something more, but Naruto sensed something strange.
"Huh? Wait, I…"
An invisible repulsive force was acting on Six Paths Naruto, making him increasingly detached from this world.
It was as if the surrounding space was pressing on him, trying to crush an egg.
This invisible repulsive force kept growing stronger, making it harder for Six Paths Naruto to breathe under the pressure. Unless he activated the Eight Gates again, he wouldn't last long.
"His time here is almost up. You'll talk again another time."
Lux waved his hand.
Originally, Naruto could have stayed here for a few hours. But his frequent use of full power drew the world's attention and rejection, even shortening his stay.
Especially since Naruto had just unleashed terrifying power beyond the Six Paths. Fortunately, it happened in another dimension; if it had been in this real space, he might have been forced back instantly.
No matter how strong an individual's power, it was still difficult to resist the rejection of an entire world.
"Oh, I see."
"Then see you next time, Stone-faced Second Hokage Uncle, bye!"
"See you~~"
Naruto waved cheerfully.
Lux activated his ability, instantly sending Six Paths Naruto back to Parallel World 7.
Seeing Six Paths Naruto disappear, Tobirama stood silently, recovering only after a moment.
From killing Black Zetsu to annihilating Isshiki.
Did the entire process take ten minutes? That even included chatting time…
Too terrifying!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After seeing Naruto off, Lux noticed Tobirama still lost in thought and said casually:
"What, shocked into a daze?"
"No, no. Just amazed. Amazed that a future Hokage could be that strong. Minato is indeed a great disciple! His son is extraordinary too…"
"Why don't you have a kid yourself?"
Tobirama was taken aback, then chuckled.
"Lord, don't joke. I'm this old; how could I want to burden someone else? Being alone is fine. Besides, my disciples don't seem too bad now."
"Really? No problem. If you don't have a kid, someone will have one for you…"
"Huh?"
Tobirama was confused. What did that mean?
As if someone could force him to have a child.
Though with the mysterious abilities of the Tenshou Sennin, such a miracle might be possible.
But no!
No way!
"No need to worry, you'll find out in the future…"
Lux chuckled.
He was looking forward to when Parallel World 1 Tobirama brought his Uchiha baby to meet Parallel World 2 Tobirama—how would the baby address the other 'parent'?
And what kind of jokes would arise between the two?
It would surely be hilarious!
Tobirama stared at Lux, feeling a chill in his heart, a vague sense that 'someone's plotting against me.'
As he prepared to ask further and investigate, he suddenly remembered something.
"Oh no!"
Tobirama slapped his head, deeply regretful.
"What's wrong?"
"I forgot! I should've asked the Seventh Hokage for help again! With him on my side, couldn't I easily defeat Madara?"
Tobirama regretted his oversight, cursing himself for not thinking of it earlier!
With Six Paths Naruto here, what did he have to fear?
Just bring Six Paths Naruto to beat Madara senseless.
Then, take advantage of his defeat and paralysis to stab his butt hard. That way, the bet could be settled easily!
Even the precious Black Eye wouldn't need to be paid as compensation.
Though a bit immoral, wasn't it great?
Blame that evil Madara, who always bullied him in the past…
"You sure?"
"Isn't that good?"
"Naruto can't stay here forever. Even if he helps you defeat Madara once, after he leaves, have you thought about how Madara will take revenge on you?"
"Uh…!"
Tobirama was stunned, instantly breaking out in a cold sweat. He only thought of the benefits, forgetting the aftermath would be even worse!
If that happened, after Naruto left, Madara might beat him until he soiled himself and then throw him into his own mess!
"Wait! There's another way!"
"Madara's a battle maniac. Just use the excuse of a spar and have Naruto knock him out. Then, whatever I do to him, he won't notice!"
Tobirama came up with another wicked, crazy idea, secretly praising his own brilliance.
Lux was slightly stunned, giving Tobirama a disdainful glance.
"Tch—Tobirama, you've fallen!"
Tobirama shook his head helplessly: "I had no choice! It's all because of that damned bastard, insisting on making a bet and proposing such a weird request!"
"Forget it, you'd better drop those thoughts."
"With Naruto's character, he wouldn't go along with your plan."
Lux directly shut down Tobirama's delusions.
If it were the naive teenage Naruto, he might've been tricked by Tobirama into doing something bad.
But for the mature, adult Hokage Naruto, he definitely wouldn't help Tobirama mess with the Uchiha ancestor.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to explain it to Sasuke later.
Besides, if it actually worked, how could Lux enjoy the fun of seeing Tobirama get thoroughly beaten by Madara?
"That… makes sense. Then forget it."
Tobirama thought for a moment. Naruto's character was similar to his brother's. He really couldn't imagine his brother helping him take down Madara.
More likely, the two would team up to beat him instead.
So, it was better to abandon this delusion and prepare to take Madara's toxic beating honestly.
"Alright, handle the rest yourself."
"Don't forget the previous promise."
"This world has been delayed for so long; it's time to unite it soon."
The events in Parallel World 2 were nearly over, and Lux was preparing to leave.
Of course, he had to remind Tobirama before going.
"Understood, I won't forget!"
"Now that the threats of Black Zetsu and Isshiki are eliminated, I'll speed up the unification of the world."
Tobirama nodded in agreement.
Now, the entire world had no enemies capable of stopping Tobirama and Konoha Village. It was time to complete the final unification of the world!
It was perfect to use the attack on Konoha Village as a pretext to legitimately subdue all nations and villages.
Of course, poor Sunagakure would be the primary target.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
When Tobirama returned to the Hokage Building, only about ten minutes had passed since the explosion.
The rain in the sky had stopped.
But the scorched smell mixed with the somber atmosphere at the scene still lingered.
Most of Konoha's ninja at the scene had dispersed, clearing debris, digging for victims, and guiding nearby Konoha civilians.
All actions proceeded orderly under Kagami's direction.
At the center of the ruins.
Chiyo was still holding Danzō's body, crying, while Koharu considerately draped her outer cloak over her.
Hiruzen knelt not far away, his eyes slightly vacant. Beside him was the gentle Biwako.
Around them, Tōrifu led several Anbu ninjas standing guard, on alert for any further enemy attacks.
When Tobirama returned, many at the scene noticed their Second Hokage returning triumphantly.
"Sensei!"
Hiruzen was the first to struggle to his feet. The confusion in his eyes faded instantly, and he rushed toward Tobirama fiercely.
"Sensei, where's the enemy?"
"Where's Black Zetsu? Where's that bastard?"
"I'll definitely kill him! He's the one who killed Danzō…"
Hiruzen was like a wild ape holding boundless rage. One could imagine the burning anger in his heart.
With the deep bond and friendship between him and Danzō.
This blow and anger might be even more intense than Tobirama's own!
Moreover, Black Zetsu wasn't an invincible enemy. From start to finish, he only used vile schemes and calculations to trap them.
A sinister, cunning enemy like this, in Hiruzen's eyes, had to die!
"Black Zetsu is dead, completely eradicated!"
Tobirama gave his answer.
As a teacher, after being gone so long, if he couldn't even avenge Danzō, that would be truly shameful!
He had even considered: even if he had to grovel before Madara, he would find and kill Black Zetsu by any means!
Fortunately, Lux was powerful enough, and Naruto was brutal enough, so Tobirama didn't have to grovel before Madara…
Hearing that the mastermind, Black Zetsu, had been killed by Tobirama.
The rage that had just flared in Hiruzen's eyes dimmed again, turning listless as if he'd lost his purpose.
Though his teacher had avenged Danzō, the feeling of not being able to vent his anger or personally avenge his friend still left Hiruzen deeply depressed.
"Cheer up. Though Black Zetsu is dead, there are still plenty of White Zetsu roaming around."
"The attack and all the blood debts the village suffered today—they'll have to pay for it too!"
"Understood?"
Tobirama understood hatred well. He aptly reignited Hiruzen's anger to keep him from wallowing.
At times like this, having a clear target for revenge was far better than sinking into self-regret, self-blame, and despair.
"Understood!"
"I'll kill all the White Zetsu. I'll definitely avenge Danzō!!!"
Hiruzen exhaled a hot, turbid breath. His eyes turned fierce and spirited again. Clearly, he had found a target to vent his hatred, regaining his vigor.
"No need to rush. There'll be plenty of chances for revenge later."
"For now…"
Tobirama patted Hiruzen's shoulder, signaling him not to be too aggressive.
Then he shifted his gaze to Danzō's body in the distance and Chiyo, who kept vigil beside it.
Clearly, the next matter to handle was a bit tricky.
Sunagakure definitely had to be annexed. There was no room for compromise.
But considering Danzō's sacrifice and the ambiguous relationship between Chiyo and him.
The approach used couldn't be too aggressive.
He only hoped this young Kazekage would be sensible. Danzō had just passed, and it would be too cruel to start troubling and oppressing Danzō's widow right away!