"What… this is too terrifying…"
Obito emerged from the lingering flames, shock etched across his face. He hadn't anticipated Ashveil's combat power reaching such an unprecedented level.
Elsewhere…
Sasuke, alongside Orochimaru and Kabuto, had used Impure World Reincarnation to resurrect the previous Hokage.
When Orochimaru saw Hashirama, his pulse skipped.
"That man… he could break free at any moment. He's not someone we can control!"
"Tch, Uchiha brat…" muttered the Second Hokage, preparing to strike at Sasuke.
Hashirama's voice cut through the tension.
"Tobirama, don't move!"
The single command froze the Second Hokage instantly. Through this, Hashirama finally realized that a power like Ashveil had entered the Shinobi World.
Tobirama's eyes narrowed. The Uchiha had always earned his mistrust. Hearing of Ashveil's feats, his first thought was of their clan.
"Is it the Uchiha again… Uchiha Night Feather?" he muttered.
Sasuke's lips twitched.
"No… this Ashveil isn't from the Uchiha. His identity is shrouded in mystery," he said solemnly. "And he's certainly not a ninja from Konoha."
The Third and Fourth Hokage exchanged glances.
Not from this village… A powerhouse… Could someone rivaling the First Hokage exist outside our lands?
Kabuto, recalling his previous encounter with Ashveil, added gravely:
"I fought Ashveil once. His power may even surpass Madara's. And judging from the current battlefield, he is surely protecting the Ten Tails. His true objective… remains unknown."
Everyone's expressions hardened.
"If that's true, we must act immediately. This is a threat greater than Madara. We cannot allow him to control the Ten Tails."
Hashirama, usually genial, immediately calculated a strategy. The only way to confront Ashveil was to coordinate with Madara, at least temporarily.
"Let's go. On the way, update me on everything Ashveil has done," he commanded.
Sasuke and the four Hokage rushed toward the battlefield. Ashveil, sensing movement through his Observation Haki, noticed reinforcements approaching.
"Such immense power… it seems the real battle is beginning," he murmured. Almost all Shinobi, except for those at the Six Paths level, had arrived.
Suddenly, four figures appeared in the sky. Kakashi's eyes widened.
"That person… it's a Senpai!" he said in shock.
Naruto looked up, recognizing a familiar, noble figure—his father.
"Four Red Yang Formation!"
The four Hokage's chakra flared, forming a massive barrier. The Ten Tails, on the brink of transformation, was immediately sealed.
"The Four Red Yang Formation requires four Kage acting together… Hashirama, it must be your doing!"
Madara's excitement flared.
"Let's fight!" he called, eager for combat.
Hashirama's expression remained calm.
"Hold, Madara. There's more important work to do," he replied firmly.
Madara's eyes spun with curiosity.
"You're not planning to face Ashveil first?"
Hashirama's gaze was resolute.
"Yes, we must act. Temporary cooperation with you is necessary."
Tobirama scowled.
"Be cautious! Do not trust Madara's schemes!"
Hashirama shook his head.
"I'll handle this. As Konoha's founder, I have authority to coordinate the Allied Shinobi Forces."
Madara narrowed his eyes, silently warning himself. Obito was next in line to exploit Ashveil's battle, his task being the absorption of the Ten Tails.
The battlefield erupted as attacks converged on Ashveil. Hashirama, alongside the four Hokage, advanced. Kakashi and Naruto observed, stunned by Ashveil's overwhelming presence.
"I didn't expect the Great War to escalate this fast," Kakashi muttered.
Naruto, beside him, pressed, "Kakashi-sensei, what now?"
"Confronting Ashveil directly is our best option. Conserve your chakra… we still have Madara to face afterward," Kakashi replied, calculating.
The battlefield overflowed with killing intent. Every escape route Ashveil might take was blocked. Yet, he smiled.
"So many challengers… I've waited long for a war like this. The rewards will be tremendous."
Ashveil began gathering Conqueror's Haki within him, radiating power so intense it sent shivers through the Shinobi World. Hashirama's intuition flared.
"This enemy… unprecedented," he whispered. "Even my own power is inferior. His talent surpasses Madara's, and his chakra exceeds mine."
Black markings appeared on Hashirama's eyebrows—Sage Mode activated. The Fourth Hokage followed, Naruto at his side, activating Sage Mode in tandem. Kakashi watched, struck by the intensity of their combined presence.
Suddenly, the earth trembled.
Kakashi's eyes widened as he realized: this was not Ashveil's attack, but the First Hokage's technique. A colossal Wood Golem rose, delivering a heavy blow toward Ashveil.
Madara, recalling past battles, tensed.
"In that case… I'll show my full power, Ashveil!"
He activated Susanoo. Two colossal titans now loomed—one formed by Madara's Susanoo, the other by Hashirama's Wood Golem. Both charged at Ashveil.
Meanwhile, quietly, a figure approached the Ten Tails. The Kage unleashed their attacks from the Golem's shoulders. Naruto and Killer Bee fired a massive Tailed Beast Bomb toward Ashveil.
The battlefield trembled as energy rippled, moments of void forming amid the overwhelming power.
Ashveil smiled faintly.
"Very well… I'll let you all feel my strength. You like growing bigger? Fine, I'll give you the chance."
He activated his Conqueror's Haki Susanoo. A colossal, shadowy phantom materialized in the sky, forged from the immense power of his Conqueror's Haki.