Finally, on the battlefield around Ashveil, flowers and vines suddenly sprouted from the ground. Giant blossoms unfurled almost immediately, releasing thick clouds of poisonous gas that spread rapidly.
Ashveil's eyes narrowed, calm and calculating. He recognized the technique instantly—it was one of Hashirama's abilities, likely something Madara had secretly learned.
"Hey, Madara," Ashveil said with a chuckle, his voice carrying across the field. "Is this just a single ability you picked up from Hashirama? You don't need to show off in front of me, do you?"
Madara froze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
It seemed the new generation wasn't entirely ignorant after all. They even recognized Hashirama's techniques. A faint crease appeared between Madara's brows.
"Kid, then I want to see how you intend to defend against my Ninjutsu!" he growled, unleashing a massive surge of poisonous gas toward Ashveil.
But Ashveil remained unfazed. With a focused exhale, he activated his Conqueror's Haki. The poisonous gas, even before reaching him, was blown away by the sheer force of his presence.
Madara's eyes narrowed again.
"Could it be… this kid also possesses a special Bloodline Limit?" he muttered in disbelief. From his perspective, Ashveil's abilities were far beyond a simple Ice Shield technique.
With a sudden flourish, Ashveil activated his Golden Conqueror's Haki. The immense pressure radiated outward, crushing all the flowers and vines beneath it. One by one, the plants withered instantly under the overwhelming force.
Madara could hardly believe his eyes.
Hahaha! After so many years, besides Hashirama, this is the first time I've encountered someone like this! Madara laughed, a deep, rolling sound that echoed across the battlefield. His blood surged with excitement.
"But… it's a pity my body can't reach its full potential," he admitted. "To defeat someone like this, I would need my prime physical form."
Just as Madara prepared to unleash another wave of his Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu, two figures appeared in the sky, one red, one black. Naruto and Killer Bee had arrived, both panting from exertion.
"That person has a Sharingan… who is he?" Naruto asked, wide-eyed.
Meanwhile, more reinforcements arrived behind Madara—Second Mizukage, Third Raikage, Fourth Kazekage, Kinkaku, Ginkaku, and many other formidable figures. The Ninja Alliance, inspired by Ashveil's intervention, surged forward once more. The battlefield became densely packed with shinobi.
Amidst the chaos, a massive tree erupted from the ground, towering into the sky—a monstrous form that Ashveil immediately recognized as the Ten Tails, his strongest "experience monster." Protecting it was now his top priority, though he could still strike at anyone who got in the way.
Seeing that most key players were present, Ashveil raised his voice, projecting over the battlefield.
"Everyone has pretty much arrived… perfect! I shall make my declaration!"
"I… Thorne Ashveil, will be an enemy to the entire ninja world! The Ten Tails is my goal. Anyone who attempts to destroy or monopolize it, I will obliterate!"
He activated his Conqueror's Haki, standing majestically in the air. The battlefield fell silent as everyone processed his words.
From the ranks of the Ninja Alliance, jawlines dropped.
"Did he just say he wants to protect the Ten Tails?"
"Monopolize the Ten Tails… what does he mean?"
"Could it be… the Ten Tails is like food to him?"
"Terrifying…"
Kakashi arrived shortly after, assessing Ashveil's presence. Rather than thinking him arrogant, he realized Ashveil had the strength to back up his words. Using a special Ninjutsu, Kakashi projected Ashveil's data into the minds of the ninjas, giving them a clear understanding of his overwhelming power.
On the other side, Obito appeared. Madara's eyes narrowed.
"What is this Ashveil?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
Obito gave a bitter smile.
"A newly emerged Akatsuki member… his power rivals yours. Be careful; he might even take the Ten Tails for himself."
Madara's lips curved slightly.
"Finally… someone more arrogant than me," he muttered. "So this kid is an enemy not just to the Ninja Alliance, but to us as well… I want to see how strong he truly is."
Madara gestured sharply, preparing to unleash his Ninjutsu.
"I had planned to toy with them slowly," he murmured. "But with his appearance, my plans may be ruined."
He activated his Impure World Reincarnation and regained full control of his body. His aura soared to its peak.
Obito and Madara unleashed a combined Fire Release, aimed to annihilate the Ninja Alliance army.
But Ashveil responded. His Golden Conqueror's Haki radiated outward, instantly blocking both attacks. The flames collided against the invisible wall of his Haki, unable to proceed further.
Even Madara looked surprised.
"What… incredible…" he muttered. "Ordinary Ninjutsu will barely faze him…"
The Ninja Alliance soldiers gawked, astonished.
"Is his power truly that terrifying?"
"I thought we could never block an attack this strong… yet Ashveil's ability saved us."
Kakashi's eyes were grim.
"Why did he save us? He doesn't play by the rules. Right now he helps, but he could strike at any moment. Be ready."
Just as Kakashi spoke, a terrifying pressure swept the battlefield. Cold sweat poured down Might Guy's face.
"Everyone! Brace yourselves! Ashveil is about to unleash his ability!"
Almost instinctively, every shinobi assumed a defensive stance—but it was useless.
Ashveil's attack arrived in an instant. The sheer pressure of his Golden Conqueror's Haki pressed down on the ground with overwhelming force, forcing everyone to the earth. Even White Zetsu and the strongest of the alliance crumpled under the weight.
Madara himself broke into a cold sweat, astonished at the raw power.
A light drizzle began to fall, giving Madara a feeble excuse. "It must be rain," he muttered to himself. "Definitely not my sweat."