6

The secret room is silent, heavy with tension. The strongest shinobi in history have gathered, preparing for the unknown threats beyond their world.

And then—the door creaks open.

Everyone turns.

Orochimaru steps inside, a smirk playing on his lips. His golden eyes gleam with amusement. "Well, well… I must say, you all look rather tense. But don't worry—I've brought some old friends to join the conversation."

Before anyone can react, three figures step forward.

The air in the room shifts, emotions clashing violently as the identities of the newcomers become clear.

Obito Uchiha.Madara Uchiha.Itachi Uchiha.

Kakashi stiffens. His visible eye widens in shock. "Obito…?" His voice is almost a whisper, disbelieving. The man he had mourned, hated, fought, and forgiven—standing before him once more.

Minato's breath catches. His former student, the one he failed to save, the boy who had destroyed his village—he's alive. "Obito…" He doesn't know whether to be relieved or horrified.

But Obito simply stares back at them, unreadable. "I'm not here to fight."

Meanwhile, Hashirama's reaction is immediate.

The First Hokage's eyes darken as he locks onto Madara.

"Madara."

The Uchiha legend smirks, arms crossed. "Hashirama."

Tension crackles in the air.

Tobirama's grip tightens on his sword. "Why is he here?"

But Hashirama exhales, stepping forward. "I should be asking you the same thing, Madara. Are you here to start another war?"

Madara chuckles. "That depends. Is there an enemy worth fighting?"

Hashirama narrows his eyes. "You tell me."

Across the room, Sasuke's body goes rigid.

Because Itachi is here.

For a moment, Sasuke forgets everything—Kaguya, the Ōtsutsuki, the future of the world.

All he can see is his brother.

"Itachi," he breathes.

Itachi's gaze meets his, unreadable yet warm. "Sasuke."

The younger Uchiha clenches his fists. A thousand emotions swirl inside him—grief, guilt, longing, respect. He doesn't know what to say.

But Itachi speaks first. "I see you've grown stronger."

Sasuke swallows hard. "I had to."

Itachi nods. "Good."

For now, that's enough.

Orochimaru watches the emotions unfold, clearly amused. "It seems my guests have made quite the impact."

Naruto finally speaks up, still recovering from the shock. "Why… did you bring them back?"

Orochimaru's smirk widens. "Because if Kaguya was telling the truth, then we'll need every powerful shinobi this world has ever known."

Silence.

Then, Hashirama turns to Madara. "Madara… will you fight for this world?"

The legendary Uchiha pauses. Then, his smirk fades, and for the first time, his expression is serious.

"If the enemy is strong enough to make you hesitate, Hashirama…" His crimson eyes burn. "Then I suppose I have no choice."

Obito crosses his arms. "Tch. If we're really dealing with threats worse than Kaguya… I'll fight too."

And finally, Itachi meets Sasuke's gaze.

"I fought to protect the village," he says. "I'll continue to do so."

Sasuke's breath is steady. Then, slowly, he nods.

"Then let's begin."