Chapter 17: The Calm Before the Storm

The battle had ended, but the scars remained. The wreckage of the battlefield lay in ruins, with Isshiki's power still looming over them. Though he had chosen to retreat, his presence was still deeply felt, like a shadow cast over the world.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura slowly got to their feet, their bodies battered, bruised, and drained from the fight. The weight of their losses felt heavier than ever, and the reality of the power they were up against finally settled in.

Obito was the first to speak, his voice raspy from the toll the fight had taken. "Isshiki's power is beyond anything we've faced before. We were barely able to survive. If he wanted, he could have ended it all right there."

Kakashi's gaze was steady, his usual calm demeanor hiding the deep concern he felt. "But he didn't. That's something we can hold on to. We know his arrogance is his weakness. He sees us as ants under his feet. And that could be his downfall."

Might Guy, though battered, managed a grin. "If he underestimates us, he'll be sorry." His eyes glinted with the old fire that made him such a formidable force. "We just need to be prepared for when he comes back."

Naruto clenched his fists, his heart burning with a new determination. "We can't let this world fall to him. The villages… the people… they're all counting on us. I won't let Isshiki destroy everything."

Sasuke, who had been silent until now, spoke up, his voice low. "We need to train. We need to get stronger. If we're going to stand against him, we can't afford to hold back anymore. No more running. No more hesitating."

Sakura nodded, wiping blood from her lips. "And we need to make sure the other Kage are ready too. If Isshiki comes again, they need to be able to fight back. We can't do this alone."

Obito looked between the group, sensing the resolve in their voices. "We'll need time to prepare. But we don't have much. The Ōtsutsuki are already here, and they won't stop until they've taken everything from us."

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "We need to be ready for anything. The battle with Isshiki was only the beginning." This work was created by shredder121

The group fell silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. But they all knew one thing: They couldn't let this world fall into darkness.

The following week, preparations began. The villages rallied their forces, knowing that they had only a limited amount of time to prepare for the storm that was coming.

Naruto and Sasuke focused on their training, pushing their bodies and chakra reserves beyond their limits. They knew they would need every ounce of strength they could muster. Sakura, ever the diligent and determined medic, helped patch up the injured while training in her own way, further honing her chakra control and strength.

Obito, Kakashi, and Guy joined in the training, each imparting their experience and skills to the younger generation. Despite their injuries, their strength was undeniable, and their wisdom was invaluable.

But in the back of their minds, the looming threat of Isshiki never faded. They had to be ready for his return—and they had to be ready for the other Ōtsutsuki who were sure to follow.

Meanwhile, far away from the hidden villages, in a secluded dimension, Kaguya watched.

Her eyes glowed with an eerie light as she observed the events unfolding through her White Zetsu spies. The creation of her army, the rise of new threats, and the clash between the most powerful beings on the planet.

Black Zetsu appeared beside her, his form emerging from the shadows.

"You've been busy, Kaguya," Black Zetsu commented, his voice dripping with admiration. "You've created quite the storm. The Ōtsutsuki will be watching closely. And you'll be ready when they arrive, won't you?"

Kaguya remained silent for a moment, her thoughts turning inward. She had her own plans, her own schemes brewing. Isshiki might have been a threat, but the Ōtsutsuki were nothing compared to what she was preparing.

"They'll be ready," Kaguya said softly. "But it won't be just Isshiki that they have to face."

Her smile was dark. The game was just beginning.