Chapter 243 : Despair!!!

[The recoil sent Naruto crashing onto a massive black pole. Isshiki's gaze locked onto Naruto, who had murderous glare in his eyes.

"The next moment Isshiki steps firmly as he thrusts towards Naruto once more!"

"It's over!"

"This strike will end him!"

"Naruto!"

[Sasuke's urgent cry echoed from the smoke below. Naruto's pupils contracted slightly as a Rasengan materialized in his palm, swiftly pressed against the rapidly approaching threat.]

"A smirk tugged at the corner of Isshiki's mouth as he raised his arm to absorb the enemy's ninjutsu."

"But in that fleeting moment, Naruto vanished, replaced by Sasuke wielding the Kusanagi sword!"

"Sasuke switched positions with Naruto with the help of his Rinnegan!"

"As the sword almost reaches Isshiki's necks, it becomes impossible to absorb Chakra!"]

Off-screen, countless ninjas erupted in excitement!

Unexpectedly, Naruto and Sasuke displayed such flawless cooperation in dire circumstances!

Though the previous onslaught was devastatingly fierce, it also clearly caught Isshiki off guard.

The sole concern now was whether Isshiki would react swiftly enough to shrink his body in that instant!

["As a master of swordsmanship, Sasuke's attack proves precise!"

"The Kusanagi sword, covered with a streak of silver-white lightning, slashes in the blink of an eye!"

"Stalemate!"

"While Isshiki didn't turn smaller, the slash also failed to succeed!"

"At this seemingly pivotal moment, several black rods sprouted from Isshiki's neck, completely obstructing the Kusanagi sword!"

"This move is impressive, but it's a shame..."

Isshiki's expression remained calm, almost nonchalant, as if he had a remark to spare.]

In the Shinigami world, Aizen's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

He was starting to develop a liking for this Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.

The ease with which his opponent dodged moments ago indicated a remarkable skill!

The instant the black rods emerged, they could swiftly retract and conceal themselves!

The reason for not doing so was simple: to shatter the confidence of the two adversaries!

Or perhaps, to offer them a glimmer of hope, only to extinguish it!

[Naruto and Sasuke's pupils quivered, their hearts sinking to the depths.

[This seems to be the best opportunity yet, but it's having no effect!]

[And it's not over yet. Ōtsutsuki Isshiki has shifted away from relying on ultra-high speed and black rods to dominate, opting instead to confront with pure physical prowess!]

[Yet, the outcome remains the same.

[Naruto and Sasuke didn't last even ten seconds; they both collapsed in agony!]

Utter defeat!

Even spectators unfamiliar with combat could discern that this was a battle devoid of suspense.

[Sigh~]

[Landing gracefully on the ground, adopting a single stance, they gazed at the two figures coughing up blood, unable to rise, and spoke with a hint of disappointment:]

["Why bother continuing to waste your Chakra?"]

These words struck harshly upon the ears of those in the ninja world!

The sarcasm was glaringly obvious.

It was as though, before they even got serious, their opponents had fallen.

There was a sense of disillusionment lingering in the air.

Yet, at that moment, not a single ninja uttered a word, their faces drained of color as they stared at the screen.

The overwhelming might of the adversary was utterly incomprehensible, leaving no room for hope!

[Naruto's Nine Tails cloak had faded, evidently reaching its limit.

[Sasuke's condition wasn't much better; he trembled all over, clearly enduring intense pain throughout his body.]

[The thrust of the black rod earlier and the attack from behind had damaged his internal organs!]

[But despite it all, Sasuke mounted a final counterattack!]

[He jerked his head upward, the Three Tomoe spinning into Mangekyō, then blood flowed, and the power of the Mangekyō ignited!]

["Amaterasu!!!]

[Boom!)]

[The black flames erupted with the ferocity of a raging storm, engulfing his entire body in the blink of an eye.

[Yet, the anticipated screams or panic failed to materialize.]

[The figure bathed in flames remained serene, tilting his head slightly to regard Sasuke.]

["Is this the black flame Amaterasu that won't extinguish until its target is reduced to ash?"]

["However, even if it's Amaterasu, it's futile."]

Without using any abilities, this scene appears as a strategic suppression, rendering even the flames of Amaterasu unable to harm Isshiki.

"This kind of opponent, can we win against him in the future!"

In Iwagakure, Onoki, who had stood firm even in the face of Madara, now felt a profound sense of powerlessness, his eyes hollow and silent.

Not only him, but almost all the ninjas present.

Some ninjas even displayed madness, clamoring for preemptive destruction!

[The sound of flowing flames echoes.]

[But it's not that Amaterasu is effective; rather, the black flames flow around Isshiki's palm like water.]

"Ahh, haha!"

[Observing the expressions of despair and resistance, yet ultimately helpless, Isshiki finally laughed joyfully:]

"This is the expression I desire; there's nothing you can do about it."

It's evident that Isshiki truly relishes the sensation of having prey within reach in such encounters.

Naruto and Sasuke were not resigned, but they found themselves powerless.

However, in the next moment, both were stunned simultaneously.

[A crack resembling shattered glass appeared on Isshiki's body!]

The usual smile vanished, replaced by a deeply perturbed expression.

"My body couldn't withstand the strain; I've overexerted it!"

"I still require Kawaki; this vessel is no longer useful!"

After pondering for a moment, he sneered at the hopeful duo:

"What are you gazing at with such hopefulness?"

"Foolish!" 

With that, he raised his hand gently, and suddenly several sharp black rods pierced through the two individuals on the ground!

Several stakes clearly penetrated their internal organs!

As they were hoisted up by the piercing, appearing as if tortured, Isshiki regained his composure and remarked:

"Nevertheless, I've had my fun."

With those words, he extended his left hand towards the sky, and in an instant, a roar reverberated above the clouds.

Dark clouds churned, as though something dreadful was being born within!

[BOOM!]

Another deafening sound, an immensely large black square with a crimson border broke through the clouds and halted firmly in the air!

But one could sense its weight just by looking at it, and the oppressive feeling that engulfed the entire field was nearly suffocating.

With a flat expression, Isshiki spoke:

"Uzumaki Naruto, it might require some effort to kill you with the Nine Tails within you."

"I don't have that much time, so I'll save myself the trouble and seal you away."

"But you, on the other hand..."

Eyeing Sasuke with murderous intent:

"Your time-space ninjutsu is a ticking time bomb; you must meet your end here today."

With those words, he advanced slowly towards Sasuke, resembling a Grim Reaper in motion.

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