Chapter 245: A Weak One, A Fake One—Die!

"What... is this?!"

Uzumaki Raiden's eyes widened in astonishment at the five-headed, thousand-armed wooden statue that had suddenly appeared on the battlefield. After a brief moment of shock, he quickly composed himself, though his heart was pounding with unease.

The chakra emanating from the wooden colossus was overwhelming.

"Wood Release... and Sharingan."

"Just perfect."

Raiden frowned. He knew White Zetsu could use Wood Release, but never at such a formidable level. Seeing the technique before him, Raiden realized that White Zetsu had likely captured Yamato, allowing him to harness this level of power.

Facing Uchiha Madara's Susanoo and this imitation of the True Thousand Hands technique, Raiden felt immense pressure. His blood boiled, and his body trembled slightly—not with fear, but with excitement.

"It's like facing both Madara and Hashirama at the same time."

"What a thrill!"

Rather than intimidating him, the overwhelming power before him sharpened his focus.

"Let's test the quality of this so-called Wood Release!"

Without hesitation, Raiden sent his golden giant charging toward the wooden statue. As he did, all five of the statue's heads opened their mouths simultaneously, releasing a torrent of elemental chakra—Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning, and Wind—all surging towards him in a combined assault.

The golden giant was instantly engulfed by the elemental storm.

"Not bad... simultaneous five-element jutsu."

Madara muttered in approval, and the Gedo Mazo raised its massive arm, sending a powerful blade of purple chakra slashing toward the golden giant, adding to the already devastating attack.

Explosions roared through the night sky, and the flames once again painted the heavens crimson.

Meanwhile, back in Konoha, Namikaze Minato was leading the barrier team in setting up a secondary barrier around the two massive golden spheres at the village entrance. At the same time, preparations were underway for the Jinchuriki sealing ritual.

With two Tailed Beasts to contain, and given Raiden's instructions to prepare for the hosts to control their power in the future, the sealing arrangements were extensive. For added security, an additional barrier was being erected around the spheres to prevent any unexpected incidents.

Suddenly, the distant explosion caught everyone's attention.

Minato and Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed at the fiery sky with concern.

"Minato, hurry up and finish here. Jiuming might need help soon."

"The sky's been lit up like that several times already... the battle must be intense."

Hiruzen gripped the transformed black staff in his hands, his tone heavy with worry.

Minato nodded in response, casting a glance at Kushina, who stood nearby cradling their child.

Kushina whispered softly to Naruto, tears brimming in her eyes. Though she knew her newborn couldn't understand, she couldn't stop apologizing.

She knew all too well the hardships of being a Jinchuriki, having seen it firsthand through Raiden. The thought of Naruto enduring the same pain made her heart ache.

On the other side, Senju Nawaki silently held Karin in his arms, his expression blank.

As the grandson of the First Hokage, Nawaki had always been prepared to sacrifice for the village, but the thought of his daughter becoming a Jinchuriki weighed heavily on him. Though he remained outwardly composed, no one could guess the storm raging within.

Naruto and Karin—two newborns—were already burdened with the heavy fate of becoming Jinchuriki.

Back on the battlefield, Madara and White Zetsu watched the aftermath of their assault with anticipation.

A shadow emerged from the inferno.

The golden giant strode forward, undeterred. Though a long sword mark marred its chest, the damage was minimal. Instead of weakening, its chakra now burned even brighter, exuding an even greater pressure that bore down on Madara and White Zetsu.

"Hmph. In the end, it's just a fake."

Raiden panted slightly but glared coldly at the towering wooden statue. As his determination surged, the golden giant charged forward once more.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The earth trembled under the giant's footsteps. Sensing the threat, the thousand-armed statue retaliated—its massive wooden arms stretched forth, aiming to crush the golden titan.

"Fourth Hokage! This is your end!"

White Zetsu shouted triumphantly, directing the wooden colossus to strike.

Just before the attack connected, the golden giant leaped into the air, raising the Sakegari no Tachi high above its head and bringing it down in a powerful arc.

The Gedo Mazo seized the opportunity, unleashing several sword beams towards the airborne giant.

Raiden, eyes flashing with resolve, let out a cold breath.

"Hmph!"

He hurled the Sakegari no Tachi with pinpoint precision, slicing through the incoming sword beams before it crashed into the earth below.

The golden giant landed atop the wooden statue, its massive foot crushing the central head into splinters.

Without hesitation, Raiden seized the advantage.

"DORARARARA!"

Fists rained down in a relentless barrage, reducing the thousand-armed colossus to a pile of sawdust.

"A weak one, a fake one—DIE!"

Roaring, Raiden's golden titan drove its fist into the statue's chest. As White Zetsu scrambled to escape, Raiden locked onto his position.

Golden chains shot out, ensnaring White Zetsu and Yamato, ripping them from the wooden construct.

As soon as Yamato was removed, the wooden statue ceased all movement, crumbling to the ground.

"Uchiha Madara without the Rinnegan... let's see how long you can keep dancing!"

Raiden sneered as the Kongō Fūsa shattered White Zetsu's grasp over Yamato and pulled the unconscious boy into the golden giant's core for safekeeping.

With one foe eliminated, the golden titan turned its attention to the Gedo Mazo. With a swift motion, it retrieved the Sakegari no Tachi, its blade glowing ominously once more.

Madara, perched atop the crippled Gedo Mazo, narrowed his eyes.

Raiden's golden figure charged once again, sword raised high, ready to deliver the finishing blow.

(End of this chapter)