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As the tension rises, Hashirama and Madara step forward, both taking positions to referee the spar. Hashirama grins, his hands resting casually behind his back, "Let's see what you've got, Naruto and Sasuke. I'll keep things fair."

Madara, with a more stoic expression, adds, "Try not to die. We're watching."

Naruto and Sasuke nod, their eyes focused and determined. With a signal from Hashirama, the battle begins.

For the first few minutes, Naruto and Sasuke fight fiercely, using all their power, including Kurama's chakra and Sasuke's Rinnegan abilities. The two are a blur of movement, working seamlessly together, and it seems like they might actually have the upper hand. Brown Zetsu, though strong, is starting to show signs of struggle, his movements slower as he takes several powerful hits.

Naruto grins, "We've got him now, Sasuke!"

Sasuke, his Sharingan glowing, keeps up the relentless pace. "Don't get cocky. We need to finish this."

But then, just as they start feeling the victory within reach, Brown Zetsu shifts. His body starts to morph and change, glowing with a fierce energy. Hashirama watches with a raised brow, "This… he's evolving."

Madara narrows his eyes, the reality of the situation dawning on him. "It's not over yet."

Brown Zetsu's transformation is rapid and intense, his form becoming more streamlined and powerful. Within moments, he has evolved into a more dangerous version, far stronger than before. Naruto and Sasuke fight harder, but the gap in power quickly becomes evident.

After an intense five more minutes of struggle, Brown Zetsu manages to land a final, devastating blow, sending both Naruto and Sasuke sprawling to the ground. Their bodies ache from the force of the attack. Brown Zetsu stands tall, the battle clearly in his favor.

Hashirama steps forward, his hands raised. "That's enough! Brown Zetsu has won this round."

Naruto pushes himself to sit up, grinning despite the pain. "Man, I didn't think he'd get that strong that fast." This work was created by shredder121

Sasuke grimaces, wiping the sweat from his brow. "We need to be ready for that kind of evolution when fighting Isshiki."

Brown Zetsu stands silently, the energy from his evolution still radiating from him. He looks at the two, his tone cold. "You both are stronger than I anticipated. But remember, this is nothing compared to what you'll face."

Madara looks at Hashirama, a slight smirk on his face. "They were close. But not close enough."

Hashirama chuckles lightly. "They'll get there. No one gets stronger without pushing their limits."

Tsunade, standing off to the side, steps forward, concerned. "Next time, don't push too hard, both of you. We still need you in one piece for the fight with Isshiki."

Despite their exhaustion, Naruto and Sasuke exchange a look, determination in their eyes. "We'll get stronger," Naruto says with a grin, his usual optimism returning. "Next time, we'll win for sure."

Sasuke nods. "We'll be ready."

The team begins to regroup, the reality of their training setting in. The fight against Isshiki and the coming battle with the Zetsu army will test them more than ever. But for now, they've learned one thing—there's still much more to be done.