Chapter 89

The laboratory was filled with a tense, suffocating air, the atmosphere thick with the weight of impending sacrifice. Dim, sterile lights cast an eerie glow over the operating tables, where warriors of Kumo and Iwa lay motionless, their fates uncertain.

Each of them had volunteered, knowing full well that this transformation could lead to death, delayed death, or even madness.

But there was no turning back.

Not when their enemy had made extinction the only alternative.

The Otsutsuki transformation was still an unstable process. Without Orochimaru or Tsunade's guidance, the procedure was even riskier. The ones overseeing it were skilled, but inexperienced—Jōnin from both villages, handpicked to assist the research team.

Ay had made sure they had capable hands, but it still wasn't enough to erase the danger.

And now, his own daughter stood before him, her hands gripping his arm tightly, refusing to let go.

"Father, are you sure?" Storm's voice wavered slightly, the rare vulnerability in her tone making Ay pause for the briefest moment.

His golden eyes softened for a split second as he looked at his daughter—his most precious legacy.

He had shielded her from the Fourth War, locking her away in a safety bunker to keep her from harm. Back then, he thought it was the right choice.

But now, that protection had left her unprepared for the cruel reality of war.

She had never felt true loss.

Never had to watch a loved one walk into certain death.

Until now.

Ay exhaled heavily, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. His grip was strong, unshakable, just as he had always been.

"These are the risks we have to take," he said, his voice carrying absolute certainty.

"I know Naruto's leadership might change the world completely, but when he is gone… it will always return to the natural order."

Storm's grip tightened, her fingers digging into his skin as if holding on could keep him here.

"But I don't want you to die, Dad! Please…"

For the first time in her life, she felt the crushing weight of reality.

Her life had been perfect, blessed, untouched by the horrors of war.

Now, she was being forced to accept the truth—her father might not come back.

Her Raikage.

Her father.

Ay's face remained stoic, but deep inside, he felt something he hadn't in years.

A crack in his unshakable resolve.

But it didn't change his decision.

Slowly, he reached out and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Storm," he said, his voice firm, yet strangely gentle, "watch over us. Learn from what we do today and improve from where we stop."

The words hit her hard.

Because they sounded like a final lesson.

A farewell.

Storm's eyes burned, her vision blurred by the sting of unshed tears.

She had never been weak, never cried—not even when her training pushed her beyond her limits.

But this—this was different.

This was losing her father before her eyes.

And she could do nothing to stop it.

Ay's massive hand patted her shoulder one last time before he pried her fingers off his arm.

She wanted to hold on, to force him to stay, but his grip was too strong.

He had already made his choice.

As he turned away, stepping toward the operating table, Storm could only watch.

Her heart screamed for her to stop him.

But her father had never been a man to retreat.

And now, he would walk forward one last time—

No matter what awaited him on the other side.

Kurotsuchi stood with crossed arms, watching the preparations unfold with a forced casualness that masked the storm within her heart.

She had seen too much death in her life—her parents, uncles, and countless comrades had already been taken from her.

Now, it seemed that it was time to let go of the last guiding hand in her existence.

But she would never let him see her pain.

Not Onoki.

Not the man who had always stood tall, even when his back betrayed him.

Instead of showing her fear, Kurotsuchi grinned, stepping up behind her grandfather and giving him a solid slap on the back.

"Come on, Grandpa," she said, her tone lighthearted, masking the ache in her chest.

"There's no way you're gonna drop before you hit 200. I know you're stubborn enough to make it happen."

Onoki grunted, wincing as he straightened his aching spine.

"Ah, my back!" he complained, though there was a flicker of warmth in his old, weary eyes. "At this rate, you're gonna kill me before I even get inside!"

Kurotsuchi smirked, her voice carrying a mocking edge.

"You're tough. You'll survive."

Onoki chuckled, shaking his head at her antics.

He could see right through her.

She was trying to make this easier—for herself.

And he loved her for it.

The old Tsuchikage placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair the way he used to when she was just a stubborn little girl following him around the village.

"I'm happy that you care so much," he said, voice softer now. "So don't worry about my life."

He straightened his aged form, determination burning in his gaze.

"I'll be achieving immortality soon."

Kurotsuchi let out a snort, rolling her eyes as if unimpressed.

"Yeah, yeah. Just don't screw up in there, old man."

But deep inside, her heart tightened.

Because no matter how much she joked, no matter how much she tried to act tough—

She knew there was a very real chance that she might never see him again.

And she wasn't sure she was ready for that.

Before Kurotsuchi could respond to Onoki's claim of achieving immortality, their exchange was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Naruto's followers had arrived.

A group of four strode toward them with an air of quiet confidence, their presence cutting through the tension like a blade. Orochi led the group, his steps measured and calm, while Akuma, Zoro, and Inari followed closely behind. Their expressions carried the weight of conviction, and it was clear they had not come for pleasantries.

Orochi stopped a few paces away, his piercing gaze sweeping over Kurotsuchi and the others before he spoke.

"I hope we are not disturbing you," he began, his voice even yet commanding, "but we need a moment of your time."

Kurotsuchi narrowed her eyes, immediately wary. These four had no reason to be here, let alone within Kumo's research center. They shouldn't have even been allowed inside.

"What are you guys doing here?" she demanded, her tone sharp.

Orochi remained unfazed, replying with the same measured cadence. "We got permission from Miss Mabui." He glanced at the warriors and researchers moving about the lab, then turned his attention back to Kurotsuchi. "We wish to participate in the battle."

Kurotsuchi's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before she scowled.

"That's ridiculous," she snapped. "None of you can fight here, especially not him." She pointed at Inari, who stood beside Orochi with clenched fists and a determined expression.

Unlike the others, Inari was not a seasoned warrior. He was Naruto's student, a young boy caught in the whirlwind of war. His connection to Naruto made his presence here all the more dangerous. If anything happened to him, it would break Naruto's heart.

"What the hell were you thinking bringing him here?" she asked, her frustration mounting.

Orochi barely reacted to her concern before Akuma stepped forward, his red eyes burning with the desire for violence. With a single shove, he pushed Orochi aside and stood directly in front of Kurotsuchi, towering over her with an imposing presence.

"That is not for you to decide," Akuma growled. "We are warriors. That means we have already come to terms with the possibility of death in battle." His voice carried the edge of steel, his stance rigid with conviction. "We are not here to listen to your drivel about cowardice. We want to undergo the procedure and fight in this ultimate battle." His gaze darkened, his energy crackling around him. "It is our duty to our lord."

Kurotsuchi clenched her jaw, refusing to back down.

"I highly doubt you care for Naruto's wishes," she shot back, her voice like tempered iron. "You just want to leave behind corpses for him to grieve over. So many of us will die, but none of them are as close to him as you four. Do you want to break him?"

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, but Orochi remained resolute.

"Our participation is not only necessary—it is crucial," Orochi stated, stepping back in front of Akuma. "The Uzumaki clan wields too much power. You may not realize it yet, but you will need every capable fighter you can get. The people beyond mortal limits may be few, but the entire Uzumaki clan can easily connect with them and further strengthen them."

A shadow passed over his expression as he continued, his words slow and deliberate.

"Mikoto was an exception," he admitted. "He enjoys fair fights. But we don't know the true power of the clan leader. We only have this one opportunity to undergo the transformation. The battle will be over once your forces engage, and there will be no second chance." His voice hardened.

"We do not want Naruto to return to a broken world."

Silence stretched between them as the weight of his words settled.

"He told us to step forward when the world needs us," Orochi continued. "So we will. Even if it costs us our lives. That is the path we have chosen." His eyes gleamed with unwavering determination.

"Our lord will understand."

He paused before finishing, voice thick with finality.

"And he will glorify us… if we leave for the other world."

Onoki, who had been listening quietly, finally gave a small nod of approval. He had no qualms about additional fighters—especially ones willing to lay everything on the line.

Kurotsuchi, however, still looked troubled.

"Inari—" she began, but the young boy took a step forward, his small hands clenched into fists, his expression determined but uncertain.

"Miss Kurotsuchi, I really appreciate your concern," Inari said, his voice steady despite the nerves evident in his stance. "But I don't want to leave the safety of my family in the hands of others again." His voice wavered for a brief second before he steadied himself.

"We almost died during the Fourth War. I was helpless. There was nothing I could do." His breath hitched slightly, but he pressed on. "Now, once again, the world is about to enter an era of turmoil. And this time, Brother isn't here."

His eyes burned with resolve as he met Kurotsuchi's gaze.

"I can't just hide and pray for a hero to save us. Not anymore."

He took a deep breath.

"I don't know what will happen," he admitted. "But I do know one thing. Brother will understand." His voice grew stronger.

"And I want to make him proud that he chose me as his student."

The room remained still for a long moment.

Then—

Clap. Clap.

A slow, deliberate applause broke the silence.

Onoki grinned, nodding approvingly.

"Wonderful," the old Tsuchikage said. "Couldn't have said it better myself." His expression shifted, a hardened gleam entering his eyes. "You kids will make him proud."

Kurotsuchi exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. "Tch. Idiots."

Meanwhile, Storm turned toward Zoro, silently asking for his opinion.

Zoro simply shrugged. "I think we're ready for the advanced course."

He glanced at Akuma before smirking slightly.

"Naruto's training definitely gave us the edge. Unlike the others, we already know what we're doing."

His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, fingers curling around the grip.

"This transformation changes nothing for me." His voice was casual, but the glint in his eye revealed his growing anticipation. "I'll still focus on my swords."

Akuma, standing beside him, cracked his knuckles, energy flickering around his frame like an uncontained fire.

"And I will continue focusing on my body and energy manipulation," he added, his blood-red eyes gleaming.

A silence settled over them—a silence filled not with doubt, but with the weight of certainty.

They were ready.

And the world would soon bear witness to their resolve.