As the scene fades in, we are transported back to a simpler time, a flashback to when Boruto and Sakuya were younger, training together under the watchful eyes of their respective fathers, Naruto and Tsukasa.

The training ground is lush with greenery, sunlight filtering through the trees as Boruto and Sakuya spar with each other, their movements fluid and synchronized. Naruto and Tsukasa stand nearby, offering guidance and encouragement to their sons.

Naruto: "Keep your focus, Boruto! Remember, precision is key."

Tsukasa: "And Sakuya, don't let your guard down. Anticipate your opponent's moves."

Boruto and Sakuya nod in understanding, determination shining in their eyes as they continue their training. The bond between father and son, as well as between the two friends, is palpable in the air.

As the flashback fades, we return to the present, where Boruto and Sakuya are now teenagers, meeting up with their friends in the village. The memories of their training sessions with their fathers linger, a reminder of the journey they've been on together.

The village was peaceful, the warm breeze brushing past the streets as Boruto and Sakuya walked side by side, their steps light but their expressions carrying a sense of quiet alertness. They'd learned, over the years, to never take this peace for granted. The scars from past battles ran deep, but there was always a looming sense that something worse was just beyond the horizon.

Sakuya glanced at Boruto, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "Hey, remember when we were younger, and this walk was the hardest part of training?"

Boruto chuckled softly, hands behind his head. "Yeah, now we walk miles without thinking about it. Guess that means we're getting old, huh?"

Before Boruto could continue, a sudden, loud crash echoed through the village. The ground beneath them trembled slightly, followed by the unmistakable sound of people screaming.

Boruto's eyes sharpened, his demeanor immediately shifting from casual to focused. "What the hell?" he muttered, scanning the direction of the commotion. "That's coming from the eastern district..."

Sakuya's expression darkened, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his father's sword strapped to his back. "Let's go."

In unison, they broke into a sprint, darting through the streets toward the chaos. As they neared the source, the air grew thick with dust and smoke, the smell of destruction clinging to the wind. And then, they saw them — towering creatures, their grotesque forms twisted with Otsutsuki markings, laying waste to buildings and attacking the villagers with a brutal, uncaring force.

"Otsutsuki creations..." Sakuya muttered under his breath, his heart racing.

The creations moved with terrifying precision, their attacks leaving devastation in their wake. The shinobi of the village were already engaged, trying their best to fend off the monstrous invaders, but it was clear the creatures were not ordinary foes.

Boruto gritted his teeth, chakra flaring around him. "We can't let this go on."

Without hesitation, Boruto activated his Jougan, the faint glow of his eye intensifying. Sakuya's Ketsuryūgan gleamed with crimson light, the two prepared to leap into battle. But before they could even move, an ominous presence flooded the area, stopping them both in their tracks.

From the smoke, seven figures emerged, walking slowly and purposefully. Their silhouettes were menacing, each radiating a different deadly aura. At the center, leading them, was Kawaki.

Beside him, his subordinates: Jewel, with her cold, calculating stare; Kaze, the silent and deadly wind user; Akifumi, whose body seemed to ripple with suppressed power; Eve, the pale woman with an eerie, dangerous air; and then Eida and Daemon, who wore expressions of twisted amusement. Finally, Riku, the youngest of them, held a sinister grin, his eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

Kawaki's face was emotionless, but his intent was clear. He had come to finish what he started.

"Kawaki!" Boruto's voice carried both disbelief and fury as he locked eyes with his former friend.

Kawaki's gaze shifted briefly toward Boruto, but there was no trace of the boy they once knew — only cold indifference. "This village... it will fall today."

The words hung in the air like a death sentence. As if on command, Jewel, Kaze, Akifumi, Eve, Eida, Daemon, and Riku spread out, each one targeting different parts of the village, wreaking havoc with their unique powers.

Sakuya narrowed his eyes, gripping his sword tightly. "You won't get away with this."

Kawaki's eyes flickered toward him, a shadow of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, but I will."

Before Sakuya or Boruto could react, Jewel leapt into the fray, her chakra lashing out like a whip, forcing them to dodge. Kaze, with barely a flick of his wrist, sent a gust of wind so sharp it sliced through stone like paper. The villagers screamed as buildings were torn apart, and the shinobi were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer power of the Dead Corps.

Boruto skidded to a halt, gritting his teeth. "Sakuya, we have to stop them, or the village..."

"I know," Sakuya replied, eyes already blazing with the red glow of his Ketsuryūgan. "But it's not just them. We have to take Kawaki down too."

Kawaki watched the destruction unfold, his expression never changing. "This is just the beginning. This world doesn't need shinobi. I'll reshape it with my own hands, and you... you won't stop me."

Boruto clenched his fists, the image of his father and everything the village stood for flashing through his mind. "Over my dead body!"

The two forces clashed, the air around them crackling with the tension of the coming battle. The Otsutsuki creations continued their rampage, but now, Boruto and Sakuya faced not just monsters, but the man who once stood with them — now their greatest enemy.

As Kawaki's Dead Corps tore through the village, the Leaf's future hung by a thread. This wasn't just another battle. It was a war for survival.

The chaos raged on around them as the village was torn apart by the Otsutsuki creations and Kawaki's Dead Corps. Sakuya and Boruto stood their ground, their eyes locked on the enemies before them, each knowing that every second they wasted meant more lives lost, more destruction.

Jewel stood at a distance, her chakra flaring dangerously, while Kaze's cold expression remained unreadable as he slowly walked forward, the wind around him sharp and deadly. Sakuya could feel the pressure mounting, his heartbeat thundering in his chest as the two powerful enemies bore down on him. He knew he had no choice but to fight them both, no matter the cost.

Boruto, meanwhile, had already made his decision. His Jougan flared to life, and without warning, he vanished in a blur of motion, leaving Sakuya behind as he speed-blitzed through the battlefield. In the blink of an eye, Boruto appeared behind Akifumi, landing a heavy strike to his ribs that sent him crashing into the dirt. Eve turned, her face twisted in surprise, but Boruto was already on her, delivering a crushing kick to her abdomen, sending her flying backward.

Eida and Daemon barely had time to react as Boruto closed the distance between them, his speed overwhelming. He delivered precise, bone-shattering blows, making them both stagger. Riku, the youngest of Kawaki's subordinates, tried to keep up, but Boruto's sheer velocity left him helpless as Boruto delivered a swift punch to his gut, forcing him to crumple to the ground.

Sakuya's eyes widened at Boruto's display of power. "Boruto!" he shouted over the chaos, his voice cutting through the noise. "You... you're leaving me with them?"

Boruto skidded to a halt, glancing back over his shoulder as his eyes found Sakuya's. There was a calm determination in his expression, one that Sakuya recognized all too well. "This fight... it's between me and Kawaki," Boruto called back. "I'll handle him. You... you've got this. Your allies are on their way."

Before Sakuya could respond, Boruto had already turned his back and darted toward Kawaki, who stood unmoved, watching with cold, calculating eyes. Jewel and Kaze began to advance on Sakuya, their expressions hungry for the battle to come.

Sakuya clenched his fists, his Ketsuryūgan glowing red, his chakra flaring with intensity. "Fine... bring it!" he yelled as he charged forward to meet Jewel and Kaze head-on.

Jewel smirked, her hand crackling with energy as she unleashed a torrent of chakra toward Sakuya. He barely managed to sidestep the attack, but Kaze was already on him, using the wind to slice through the air. Sakuya leaped into the air, dodging Kaze's deadly blades of wind, but the pressure was on. This was going to be a fight for survival.

Just as Jewel prepared to launch another attack, several shinobi arrived on the scene, landing beside Sakuya. Wasabi, Tsubaki, and Yaeko stood at his side, their expressions fierce and ready for battle.

"We're here, Sakuya!" Tsubaki shouted as she drew her blade.

"We'll handle this together," Wasabi added, her body already glowing with chakra as she prepared her technique.

Sakuya gave a small nod of relief, his allies had arrived. Now, they had a chance to push back against the overwhelming forces of Kawaki's Dead Corps.

---

Meanwhile, in the distance, Boruto and Kawaki had dashed away from the main battlefield, finding themselves in a secluded clearing just outside the village. The sounds of destruction were still audible, but here, it was eerily quiet as they faced each other.

Boruto stood tall, his eyes locked onto Kawaki's with a fierce intensity. "It didn't have to be this way, Kawaki. We were brothers once."

Kawaki's expression remained cold, unreadable. He crossed his arms, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Brothers? That was a long time ago, Boruto. You and I... we're nothing alike anymore."

Boruto narrowed his eyes, his hands tightening into fists. "You're wrong. You chose this path. You chose to destroy everything we cared about."

Kawaki's gaze hardened as he took a step forward, his presence radiating a palpable menace. "You don't understand, Boruto. This world... it's broken. The shinobi system, the endless cycles of war and death... I'm putting an end to it. And if that means destroying the Leaf Village, so be it."

Boruto's heart clenched in his chest. The man standing before him was no longer the Kawaki he once knew. He had become something darker, something far more dangerous. "So, what? You'll destroy everything and rebuild it in your image? You're no different from the Otsutsuki you hate."

Kawaki's eyes flickered with a dangerous glint. "The Otsutsuki want to destroy this world for their own selfish reasons. I'm doing this for a greater good. You just can't see it yet."

Boruto's chakra flared, the Jougan glowing brightly in his eye. "I won't let you do this. Not to the village. Not to our family."

Kawaki uncrossed his arms, his expression darkening. "Then I guess we settle this once and for all."

The tension between them grew thick, the air charged with chakra as they stood face to face, their gazes locked in a battle of wills. There would be no more words, no more chances for reconciliation. This fight would decide the future.

In a flash, they both moved, dashing toward each other with blinding speed. Their fists collided, sending shockwaves through the air. The final battle between Boruto and Kawaki had begun.

The battlefield around them was a blur of movement, flashes of chakra clashing and the ground trembling underfoot from the ferocity of the battle. Sakuya stood side by side with Tsubaki, Wasabi, and Yaeko, all of them panting heavily, their bodies bruised and battered from the relentless assault of the Dead Corps. Jewel, Kaze, Riku, and the remaining enemies surrounded them, a deadly look of determination in their eyes. The odds were overwhelming, and Sakuya could feel the pressure of the situation weighing heavily on him.

"This... this is insane," Wasabi muttered, clutching her side where a deep cut oozed blood. "How are we supposed to fight off all of them?"

"We have no choice," Tsubaki responded, her blade trembling in her hand, but her voice steady. "We need to hold out... just a little longer."

Sakuya's eyes darted across the battlefield, analyzing the movements of each enemy. He knew they were running out of time. Jewel and Kaze were relentless in their attacks, and now, Riku was charging forward, his eyes locked onto Yaeko with deadly intent.

"Yaeko, watch out!" Sakuya shouted, but the warning came too late.

Riku, moving faster than Sakuya had anticipated, closed the distance between him and Yaeko in a flash, his chakra-charged fist raised to strike. Time seemed to slow as Sakuya's heart pounded in his ears, the horror of what was about to happen crashing over him like a wave. Yaeko's wide eyes mirrored his own fear, but her body was frozen, too exhausted to react in time.

No.

Without thinking, Sakuya's legs propelled him forward, his body moving on instinct alone. In a split second, he threw himself between Riku and Yaeko, his own chakra flaring defensively.

The impact was brutal. Riku's fist, glowing with the concentrated power of his attack, slammed into Sakuya's gut with enough force to break the ground beneath them. The sound of bones cracking echoed through the battlefield as Sakuya gasped, blood spraying from his mouth. His body jerked violently as the pain tore through him, his vision blurring.

"Sakuya!" Tsubaki's voice rang out, filled with panic and desperation.

Wasabi's breath hitched as she saw the blood stain the ground beneath him. "No... Sakuya, no!"

Sakuya stumbled backward, his knees buckling beneath him as he cradled his gut, trying to stem the blood pouring from the wound. His breath was shallow, labored, but he managed to look up at Yaeko, who was staring at him, wide-eyed and trembling.

"Are... are you okay?" Sakuya choked out, his voice barely above a whisper as blood dripped from his lips.

Yaeko fell to her knees beside him, her hands trembling as she reached out to steady him. "You... you idiot! Why did you—?"

Before she could finish, tears began streaming down her face. Tsubaki and Wasabi rushed to their side, their faces pale with fear and concern. The battle around them seemed to fade, the only sound the shallow gasps of Sakuya as he struggled to stay conscious.

"Sakuya, hang in there!" Tsubaki knelt beside him, her hands already glowing with what little healing chakra she had left. "You're going to be okay, just hold on!"

Sakuya's vision flickered, his head swimming as the pain threatened to pull him under. But he forced a weak smile as he looked at the girls beside him, trying to ease their worry. "I'm... I'm fine. I'll... I'll be fine."

"You're bleeding too much!" Wasabi said, her voice cracking. "We need to get you out of here, right now!"

"Not... yet," Sakuya gasped, his body trembling from the effort of speaking. He could feel the darkness creeping at the edges of his vision, but he couldn't let himself fall yet. "We... we have to finish this."

Riku stood over them, his eyes narrowing at Sakuya's defiance. "You should've stayed down, boy," he spat, chakra flaring as he prepared to finish the job.

Before Riku could strike again, Tsubaki shot to her feet, her blade gleaming in the dull light of the battlefield. "Stay away from him!" she yelled, slashing toward Riku in a desperate attempt to hold him back. Wasabi followed her lead, her chakra pulsing as she prepared her technique.

Sakuya tried to stand, his legs wobbling beneath him as he clutched his stomach, the pain unbearable. "I... I'm not done yet..."

"You've done enough!" Yaeko cried, pulling him back down as tears continued to stream down her face. "You don't need to fight anymore! Please!"

But Sakuya shook his head, his determination unwavering. "I... I have to. We can't... lose."

Riku sneered, his fist glowing once more as he prepared to strike. "You should've died protecting her. Now, I'll make sure none of you walk away from this alive."

The girls braced themselves, ready for the worst, when a surge of chakra suddenly erupted in the distance. Sakuya's eyes widened as he felt it—a familiar presence. Reinforcements.

Jewel and Kaze's heads snapped toward the source of the chakra, their faces momentarily filled with confusion.

Then, in the blink of an eye, Sakuya's allies appeared—Boruto's other teammates, reinforcements from the village, joining the battle at last. Kunai flew through the air, striking the ground at Riku's feet and forcing him to leap back.

"Sakuya, hang in there!" a voice called out.

Boruto wasn't far. They just had to hold out a little longer.

As Sakuya felt the darkness closing in, his last thought was a promise—I'm not letting you win, Kawaki...

The battlefield trembled beneath the fierce clash of chakra. Sakuya was barely holding onto consciousness, his body beaten and bloodied from the previous battle. The rest of Dead Corps — Jewel, Kaze, Riku, Akifumi, Eve, Daemon, and Eida — loomed over them, preparing for their final strike. Yaeko, Tsubaki, and Wasabi were standing guard in front of Sakuya, their stances showing determination, though fatigue was evident on their faces. They were overwhelmed, outnumbered, and exhausted, but they refused to back down.

Jewel's wicked smile spread across her face as she stepped forward, her chakra pulsing ominously. "It's over. You won't survive another attack."

Kaze stood beside her, his eyes cold and calculated. "Just stay down, and we'll make it quick."

But before anyone could move, a sudden burst of chakra erupted from behind. The air rippled with an intense energy, and in an instant, a large group of reinforcements appeared on the horizon, speeding toward the battleground. The ground shook beneath their feet as Sarada, Mitsuki, Himawari, Nao, Kaede, and the others — Shikadai, Inojin, Chocho, Namida, Sumire, Enko, Doshu, Tsuru, Hoki, Hako, Rengo, Denki, Metal Lee, and Iwabee — charged in.

"We're not too late, are we?" Sarada shouted as she skidded to a stop in front of the group, her Sharingan blazing with determination.

Tsubaki let out a sigh of relief, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You made it just in time."

Wasabi's face brightened slightly as she saw the reinforcements arrive. "Thank goodness..."

Himawari immediately rushed over to Sakuya, her eyes wide with worry. "Sakuya, are you okay? What happened?"

Nao and Kaede, Sakuya's sisters, quickly moved to his side, helping him to his feet despite the pain radiating through his body. "You look awful, Sakuya," Nao said softly, her voice trembling.

Kaede clenched her fists, trying to hold back her emotions. "You shouldn't have taken that hit..."

Sakuya winced, managing a weak smile. "I'm fine... really."

Himawari's gaze shifted as she scanned the battlefield, her expression growing more anxious. "Where's Boruto? Where's my brother?"

Sakuya's smile faltered as he glanced off into the distance, where Boruto had disappeared with Kawaki. "He... went off. He's fighting Kawaki... by himself."

Himawari's heart sank, and her hands balled into fists. "He's what?! Why didn't you—"

"He didn't give me a choice!" Sakuya interrupted, wincing as his voice strained. "He wanted to face Kawaki alone... I couldn't stop him."

Sarada's eyes darkened at the mention of Kawaki. "Boruto won't have it easy against him... we need to end this fight and go help him."

Jewel sneered, watching the reinforcements gather. "It doesn't matter how many of you show up. You're still nothing compared to the Dead Corps."

Kaze's chakra flared up beside her, and the rest of the Dead Corps followed suit, readying themselves for the inevitable fight. "We'll tear through you, just like we've done to the rest."

"Don't be so sure," Shikadai called out, his expression calm yet calculating as he assessed the situation. "We outnumber you now."

"Numbers don't mean anything if you don't know how to use them," Daemon said, grinning wildly. Eida stood beside him, her gaze as cold as ever.

Sumire stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "We'll protect the village... no matter what."

"Everyone, get ready!" Sarada ordered, taking her stance. "Let's finish this!"

In an instant, the battlefield exploded into chaos once more, with Sarada, Mitsuki, Himawari, Nao, and the others launching their attacks at the Dead Corps. The clash of steel, the hum of chakra, and the sound of fists meeting flesh echoed across the battleground.

As Sakuya was helped to a safer distance by Nao and Kaede, he glanced over at the battlefield. His mind raced with worry for Boruto, but he knew his friends needed him to recover if they stood a chance of helping him.

Meanwhile, **Boruto and Kawaki** had found a more isolated place to fight, far from the village. The air around them crackled with tension, both of them standing several meters apart, their eyes locked onto each other.

"You still don't get it, do you, Boruto?" Kawaki growled, his voice low and filled with a chilling certainty. "This world has no place for both of us. You should've stayed out of my way."

Boruto's expression remained calm, though a fire burned behind his blue eyes. "You keep saying that, but you've forgotten what this village means. What *Naruto* meant."

Kawaki's eyes flashed dangerously. "Don't say his name."

Before Boruto could respond, Kawaki lunged, chakra surging around his body as he unleashed a flurry of attacks. Boruto barely managed to dodge the first few, countering with a swift strike of his own, but Kawaki was relentless. His strikes were faster, more brutal, and Boruto could feel himself slowly getting overwhelmed.

Kawaki's fists slammed into Boruto's defenses, sending him skidding back. "You've always been soft," Kawaki said, his voice dripping with disdain. "That's why you'll lose."

Boruto gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. "I'm not done yet!"

In a flash, Boruto summoned his chakra, preparing a Rasengan, and dashed at Kawaki. Their attacks collided, sending shockwaves through the air and tearing up the ground beneath them.

For a moment, they stood at a stalemate, their eyes locked as they poured everything into the fight. But slowly, Boruto felt Kawaki's overwhelming power pressing down on him, pushing him back.

"You're too weak," Kawaki sneered, his chakra flaring even stronger. "You can't stop me."

Boruto's mind raced. He had to find a way to turn the tide. **He couldn't let Kawaki win.**

Back at the village, the fight raged on, with Sakuya's friends desperately trying to hold their ground against the Dead Corps. But all of them knew that Boruto's battle with Kawaki would determine the fate of everything.

Sakuya's vision blurred as he staggered to his feet. His body screamed in agony, every inch of him aching from the beating he had taken, but he couldn't stay down. Not now. Not with everything that was at stake.

His sisters, Nao and Kaede, had rushed over to help him moments earlier, but he gently pushed them away, despite their protests. His eyes were fixed on one person: Riku. The Dead Corps member stood a short distance away, his arms crossed, watching the chaos around him with an arrogant smirk plastered on his face.

"Stay down, Sakuya!" Nao shouted, grabbing his arm again, her voice pleading. "You're hurt! You can't keep fighting like this!"

"I have to," Sakuya rasped, blood still trickling down his chin. He wiped it away, refusing to let his pain show. "If I don't... they'll destroy everything. I won't let them win."

Kaede stepped in front of him, her eyes wide with worry. "You've already done enough! You don't have to fight anymore—let us handle it!"

But Sakuya shook his head, his gaze never leaving Riku. "I'm not done yet. He's mine."

Riku, noticing the conversation, chuckled darkly, his voice cutting through the sounds of battle. "You've got guts, I'll give you that." He unfolded his arms, taking a few slow steps forward. "But guts aren't going to be enough to stop me. You can barely stand."

Sakuya clenched his fists, chakra flickering around his hands as he summoned what little strength he had left. "I'm not going to let you walk away from this."

Riku raised an eyebrow, amused by Sakuya's determination. "You think you're going to beat me in that condition? You should have stayed down when you had the chance."

Without another word, Sakuya's feet slammed into the dirt, launching him forward at blinding speed. His chakra surged, despite the immense pain coursing through his body. The ground cracked beneath him with each step as he closed the distance between him and Riku.

"Stubborn little brat!" Riku sneered, barely raising his guard. He swiped his arm through the air, sending a powerful wind-based jutsu hurtling towards Sakuya. "Get crushed!"

The wind roared as it came crashing down like a tidal wave. Sakuya gritted his teeth, focusing every ounce of his chakra into his legs as he narrowly avoided the attack, flipping through the air and landing just feet away from Riku.

Sakuya didn't waste a second. His fists blazed with chakra as he thrust his palm toward Riku's torso. "I told you—I'm not done!"

Riku's eyes widened at Sakuya's speed, but he quickly countered, blocking Sakuya's strike with a raised arm. The impact sent a shockwave through the ground beneath them. Riku grinned. "That's all you've got? Pathetic!"

He twisted his body, swinging a knee into Sakuya's ribs. The force sent Sakuya flying backward, crashing into the rubble of a collapsed building.

"Sakuya!" Kaede screamed, rushing toward him, but Nao grabbed her arm, holding her back.

"He won't stop, Kaede," Nao said, her voice strained with emotion. "He'll fight until the end."

Riku laughed as he sauntered closer to where Sakuya had crashed. "You should've listened to your sisters. I told you, guts won't be enough."

But through the debris, Sakuya slowly rose, wiping more blood from his mouth. His breaths were ragged, but his eyes still burned with defiance. He clenched his fists once more, his chakra swirling violently around him as he glared at Riku.

"You talk too much," Sakuya muttered, his voice low but steady. "Let's finish this."

Riku's smirk faded slightly as he saw the determination in Sakuya's eyes. "Tch. You're really willing to throw your life away for this?"

Sakuya said nothing in response. Instead, he disappeared in a blur, faster than before, and reappeared right in front of Riku, his fist crashing into Riku's jaw with enough force to send him stumbling back.

Riku spat blood, rubbing his chin as a dark expression crossed his face. "You're starting to piss me off."

Riku's own chakra surged now, violent and dark, as he charged toward Sakuya, aiming to end the fight. "You want to die that badly? Fine, I'll grant your wish!"

The two clashed, exchanging rapid blows that shook the battlefield around them. Fists met with blinding speed, jutsu colliding with explosive force. The ground quaked beneath them, and the air crackled with energy as they fought for their lives.

Riku's attacks were brutal, each one aimed to end the fight swiftly. But Sakuya moved with precision, dodging and countering as best he could, despite the pain that wracked his body. His movements were slowing, but he refused to fall. Not yet.

"I can see you're tiring," Riku sneered, launching a powerful kick into Sakuya's midsection, sending him crashing into the dirt once more. "It's over, kid. Stay down!"

Sakuya gasped for breath, his vision blurring as he struggled to get up. But he wouldn't stop. He couldn't stop.

Suddenly, a memory of Boruto flashed in his mind. The two of them, training together as kids, pushing each other to their limits. Boruto's voice echoed in his head: "We never give up, no matter what. That's the ninja way."

Sakuya's eyes snapped open, and with a final burst of energy, he rose to his feet once more. His chakra flared, bright and burning, as he raised his hand toward Riku.

"I told you," Sakuya said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "I'm not done yet."

With a fierce battle cry, he unleashed his chakra, launching himself at Riku with everything he had left.

The fight wasn't over. Not yet.

Sakuya's breath was shallow, each inhale stabbing through his chest as if his ribs had turned into jagged shards of glass. Blood dripped down the corner of his mouth, and his legs trembled beneath him. He could feel his body screaming for him to stop. But even as his vision blurred, one thing remained clear: Riku.

Riku stood before them, his form beginning to warp and shift, power swelling in waves that shook the very earth beneath their feet. His smirk had turned into something far more sinister, more otherworldly, as the air around him twisted. The veins on his face bulged, his pale skin becoming almost translucent, and his eyes — once sharp and cold — morphed into the eerie, inhuman glow of the Ōtsutsuki.

"You think you've seen everything?" Riku's voice deepened, his tone laced with arrogance and malevolence. His body began to levitate, and from his back emerged six translucent, ethereal wings — like those of a dragonfly, only they shimmered with chakra so potent that it caused the air to vibrate. His transformation wasn't just a physical shift; it was as if his entire being had ascended beyond that of a human or shinobi. He now appeared more akin to an ancient god of destruction.

The ominous symbol of the **Ōtsutsuki** appeared on his forehead, a menacing black diamond that pulsed with chakra. Beneath the symbol, his eyes were now a brilliant, blinding white, with swirling rings that resembled the infamous Rinnegan, but sharper, more predatory.

Sakuya, his sisters, and the others who remained on the battlefield could only watch in horror and awe as Riku continued his transformation.

"Ketsuryūgan or not, you're all going to die here," Riku declared, his voice reverberating with a chilling calm. "No one can stand against the might of an Ōtsutsuki. And this village will burn."

Tsubaki, Wasabi, and Yaeko gasped, taking cautious steps backward as the overwhelming chakra pressed down on them like a suffocating wave. The power radiating from Riku was unlike anything they had ever felt. Even the strongest shinobi of their era would have been shaken to their core.

Sakuya gritted his teeth, wiping the blood from his lips with a trembling hand. He could barely stand, his vision flashing in and out of focus. The sight of Riku's transformation sent chills down his spine, but more than that, it reignited the fire of his resolve.

"No..." Sakuya muttered under his breath.

Nao rushed to her brother's side, eyes wide with worry. "Sakuya, you can't keep going like this! He'll kill you!"

"Sakuya, please! You've already pushed yourself too far," Kaede pleaded, her voice breaking.

But Sakuya's eyes locked onto Riku's monstrous new form, and in that moment, something clicked inside him. He knew that he didn't have the luxury of stopping. **They couldn't run.** Not from this.

"We can't beat him... not like this," Sakuya whispered, his tone low and dark, before pushing his sisters back gently. His breath steadied, and his trembling hand moved to his forehead, hovering just over his Ketsuryūgan eye. "But I still have one card to play..."

His friends and family watched in a mixture of shock and fear as Sakuya touched the second mark near his left temple — the mark of the second power of the Ketsuryūgan, a forbidden technique passed down through his lineage. It was a power he had never dared use before, not in any real battle.

"Sakuya, what are you doing?!" Yaeko shouted, trying to rush toward him, but Wasabi grabbed her arm, holding her back. "That technique—he's not ready!"

"He knows what he's doing!" Wasabi said, her eyes fierce but lined with worry. "He has to!"

Riku watched Sakuya with amusement. "Oh? One last desperate trick before you die? It won't matter. The power of an Ōtsutsuki is absolute."

Sakuya ignored him, his hands shaking as he activated the second variation of the Ketsuryūgan, a surge of blood-red chakra enveloping his body. His vision sharpened, his injuries still present but fading into the background as raw power coursed through him.

The second power — Ketsuryūgan: Ascendant Vein.

Riku's smirk faltered slightly as Sakuya's chakra spiked. The ground around Sakuya cracked, rising in shards and debris, swirling around him in a blood-red cyclone. His Ketsuryūgan eyes glowed brighter, and blood markings began to spread across his skin, weaving intricate patterns that linked his chakra directly to the life force of the earth around him. It was a deadly gamble — this technique didn't just draw on his own chakra but borrowed from the life energy of the battlefield itself.

"You're not the only one with ancient power, Riku," Sakuya growled through gritted teeth. "You might be an Ōtsutsuki... but I carry the blood of legends too."

Riku's expression shifted to a more serious one, and he extended his hand, gathering a vast amount of chakra into a single, swirling sphere of energy. "Let's see how long you last then!"

The ground quaked as Riku launched his attack. The sphere of energy shot toward Sakuya with immense force, destroying everything in its path. But Sakuya didn't flinch.

In the blink of an eye, he was gone.

He reappeared mid-air, dodging the incoming attack with a speed that surpassed even his own previous limits. His body moved like a blur, almost as if the very air bent to his will.

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"Blood Dragon Ascension: Crimsongale Strike!" Sakuya roared, his voice echoing across the battlefield as he launched himself toward Riku.

Riku's eyes widened in surprise as the blood-red dragon formed around Sakuya, coiling and twisting in the air like a serpent. The air screamed as the dragon surged forward, its eyes glowing with deadly intent, every inch of it shimmering with the power of the Ketsuryūgan.

Riku grinned and flared his wings, summoning another devastating attack. "This is what you're staking your life on? Fine! Let's see whose power is greater!"

The two titanic forces collided mid-air in an explosion of light and power. The shockwave flattened the landscape around them, sending debris flying in all directions. For a moment, everything was consumed by the blinding flash of their clash.

And then, silence.

As the dust began to settle, Riku hovered in the air, blood trickling down his face, his wings tattered. He looked down at Sakuya, who was standing, barely, his body wracked with pain. But the fire in Sakuya's eyes had not dimmed.

"You're... still standing?" Riku snarled, his voice trembling with disbelief.

Sakuya's voice was barely a whisper, but it was full of resolve. "I told you... I'm not done yet."

Sakuya's body trembled as he stood there, his eyes locked onto Riku. His breaths came out in ragged gasps, but his resolve only deepened. The second power of his Ketsuryūgan surged within him, red energy wrapping around his limbs like a fierce storm ready to be unleashed. The battlefield was quiet, save for the flicker of flames and the crackling of debris around them.

Riku hovered in the air, blood dripping down his face, his Ōtsutsuki transformation leaving him in a god-like state. But even with his wings battered and his chakra flaring like a beacon, the damage Sakuya had done left cracks in Riku's godhood.

"You're a fool, Sakuya." Riku's voice was sharp, laced with both arrogance and frustration. "Even with all that power, you're just prolonging the inevitable. You can't win against me."

Sakuya wiped the blood from his mouth, ignoring the searing pain coursing through his veins. His gaze hardened. "I'm not here to win, Riku. I'm here to end this."

With a flash of chakra, Sakuya vanished from sight, his speed blinding as he dashed straight toward Riku. His sudden movement caught Riku off guard — the Ōtsutsuki barely had time to react before Sakuya was upon him, his hand outstretched, eyes glowing with the deadly red hue of the Ketsuryūgan.

"You're too late!" Riku snarled, throwing out a desperate blast of chakra from his wings to push Sakuya away.

But Sakuya didn't flinch.

Sakuya grabbed Riku by the face, fingers digging into his skin.

"What—?!" Riku's eyes widened in shock, and he could feel it—the surge of chakra, the unmistakable crackling energy that began building inside his body.

Sakuya grinned through the pain, his voice dark and full of finality. "You're not going anywhere, Riku. Exploding Human Technique!"

In an instant, Riku's body began to convulse, his eyes widening as Sakuya's chakra took hold of him from the inside. He could feel the violent energy surging through his veins, growing, expanding — ready to tear him apart.

"Get off me!" Riku screamed, his wings flaring as he desperately tried to break free from Sakuya's grasp.

But Sakuya held firm. His hands burned with chakra, forcing the power deeper into Riku's body. With a final push, he leapt back and shouted, "Fire Style: Rasengan!"

Sakuya's Rasengan spun into existence, but this one was different—flames wrapped around the spinning sphere of chakra, turning it into a burning vortex of destruction. The fire chakra inside the Rasengan roared, hungry and wild.

With a fierce shout, Sakuya thrust the fiery Rasengan directly into Riku's chest.

The world seemed to explode around them.

BOOM!

Riku's body shot upward like a missile, the force of the Rasengan sending him high into the sky as flames licked at his wings, tearing them apart. The heat of the attack was so intense that even from the ground, the villagers could feel the scorching air from the impact.

The Rasengan spiraled violently, embedding itself into Riku's body, his screams echoing through the sky as the attack detonated in a fiery inferno. For a moment, the sky itself seemed to light up with the explosion, casting a fiery glow across the village below.

But Sakuya wasn't finished.

He had one final move — one final act to ensure this fight was over.

With his Ketsuryūgan still blazing, he raised his hand, clenching it into a fist. The red chakra flared violently, and Sakuya's voice cut through the chaos like a blade.

"Exploding Human Technique: Final Release!"

And in that moment, the power he had implanted inside Riku reached its peak.

BOOM.

The explosion that followed shook the heavens. Riku's body, still soaring through the air, detonated in a violent eruption of chakra and blood. The blast tore through him from the inside out, leaving nothing but a trail of fiery destruction.

Sakuya watched from the ground as the remains of the Ōtsutsuki's transformation were swallowed by the explosion, the sky ablaze with the aftermath. His breathing was labored, his body screaming at him to stop, but he remained standing, eyes fixed on the sky, waiting for the dust to settle.

When it did, there was nothing left of Riku.

No body. No wings. No trace of the Ōtsutsuki who had threatened to destroy everything. Only the fading embers of the battlefield remained.

Sakuya collapsed to one knee, his hand gripping the earth to keep himself upright. Blood dripped from his wounds,

Sakuya's vision blurred as the adrenaline that had fueled him began to fade. His body was giving in to the pain—his muscles screamed, his chakra reserves were all but gone, and every inch of him ached from the battle. The ground beneath him spun, and for a moment, he couldn't tell if he was still standing or if he had already fallen.

His knees buckled.

Thud.

But just as his body began to tip forward, an arm shot out from behind him, wrapping around his chest and catching him before he could collapse completely.

"Sakuya!" Tsubaki's voice trembled, thick with worry and relief.

He blinked, trying to focus. Her face came into view, her wide brown eyes filled with concern as she held him up, her grip firm but careful, as though he might break if she squeezed too tightly.

"Tsu...Tsubaki..." he muttered, his voice hoarse and barely above a whisper. The strain of the battle had stolen his strength, but somehow, the warmth of her presence kept him anchored, kept him awake.

Tsubaki pulled him closer, resting his weight against her shoulder. "You idiot... You pushed yourself too far. You could've—" Her voice cracked, the words caught in her throat, unable to finish the sentence.

Sakuya's head lolled slightly to the side, exhaustion tugging at his eyelids, but he managed a faint smile. "Couldn't... let you guys handle it alone. Besides... someone had to finish Riku."

Tsubaki's grip tightened, her emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. She was both furious and relieved—furious that Sakuya had taken such a dangerous risk, and relieved that he was alive.

"Don't do something like that again," she muttered, her voice shaking. "You scared me."

Sakuya chuckled weakly, wincing as pain shot through his ribs. "Sorry... didn't mean to scare you." He tried to stand on his own, but his legs gave out again, and he collapsed further into her arms.

As Tsubaki was about to call out for help, Wasabi and Yaeko rushed over, both of them battered and bruised from the battle but otherwise standing strong.

"Sakuya!" Wasabi knelt beside him, her cat-like eyes wide with worry as she looked him over. "You took a hit for us... You idiot, you should've—"

"He always does this," Yaeko muttered, crossing her arms but unable to hide the softness in her voice. "Thinks he's invincible."

Sakuya coughed, a bit of blood trickling down his chin, but he managed to grin at them. "Guess... I'm not as tough as I thought."

"You're still an idiot," Tsubaki muttered, but her tone was much gentler now.

Before any of them could say more, a familiar sound echoed through the battlefield — the hurried footsteps of reinforcements.

From the shadows of the village's outer walls, shinobi from the Hidden Leaf appeared, led by Shikamaru and Sakura, with Konoha's forces spreading out to assess the damage and assist the wounded. Their presence brought a collective sense of relief over the battlefield, the sight of Konoha's symbol a beacon of hope after the brutal fight.

"Finally..." Sakuya exhaled, his voice barely audible. He had been holding on, waiting for this moment — waiting for help to arrive, to make sure the village was truly safe.

Sakura, with her medical staff in tow, immediately took control of the situation. Her sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, and she quickly spotted the group. She hurried over, her hands already glowing with healing chakra.

"Tsubaki, Wasabi, Yaeko, step aside!" Sakura ordered as she knelt beside Sakuya, her hands hovering over his wounds. She didn't waste a second, her chakra pouring into his body, immediately mending his more serious injuries.

As the healing light enveloped him, Sakuya's breathing began to even out. His head lolled to the side, his eyes half-lidded but still open. His sisters — Nao and Kaede — rushed over, their faces pale with worry.

"Sakuya!" Kaede cried, dropping to her knees beside him. "Are you—?"

"I'm fine..." Sakuya managed, his voice soft, though his body was clearly still trembling.

Nao wiped at her eyes, holding his hand tightly. "You don't always have to do everything on your own, you know."

Himawari, his cousin, stood nearby, her own eyes full of fear. "Where's Boruto?" she asked quietly, her voice almost breaking. "You said he went after Kawaki... by himself?"

Sakuya's gaze shifted toward her, and he nodded, though the movement was sluggish. "Yeah... He said... it's his fight."

Himawari's breath caught, and she bit her lip, glancing toward the direction where Boruto had disappeared. A storm of emotions washed over her—worry, fear, but also faith. She trusted her brother, but that didn't stop the gnawing concern in her heart.

Shikamaru approached, assessing the situation with his usual calm demeanor, though there was a hint of worry in his gaze. "We'll send reinforcements to Boruto soon. First, we need to take care of you and secure the village."

Sakuya managed a weak smile, despite the pain coursing through his body. "He's stubborn... He'll be fine."

Tsubaki, still holding him up, gave him a stern look. "You better be fine too. You're not allowed to collapse just yet."

Sakuya chuckled weakly. "I'll try... my best."

As the shinobi of Konoha continued to spread across the battlefield, tending to the wounded and securing the area, the weight of the battle began to lift. The village, though scarred and damaged, was still standing — and so were its people.

But Sakuya, despite his injuries, couldn't shake the thought of Boruto. His mind drifted back to the moment they parted ways, and the silent understanding between them. This was far from over. Kawaki was still out there.

And Boruto was facing him alone.

The battlefield was far from calm. Though the shinobi reinforcements had arrived, there was still a lingering presence of danger. The remaining members of the Dead Corps stood tall, battered but far from broken—Jewel, Kaze, Akifumi, Eve, Eida, and Daemon. Their eyes glinted with malice, and their bodies radiated with the remnants of Ōtsutsuki power.

As the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf began to rally together, one figure stepped forward—Tsukasa. His tall, imposing form radiated a quiet but unyielding resolve, his white robes fluttering in the wind. His Ketsuryūgan eyes flared with power, a mirror of his son's determination. This was no time to hold back.

Beside him, his wife, Tenten, moved into position. She, too, had the look of a battle-hardened warrior—her hands ready at her arsenal of scrolls, a vast supply of weapons stored within them. Her presence was sharp, precise, and deadly.

"You think you can still take us?" Kaze sneered, wiping a trail of blood from his mouth, his body twitching with anticipation. "You're just one man."

Tsukasa's eyes never wavered, locking onto each of the Dead Corps members with the same cold precision. "One man is all that's needed."

Tenten stepped up beside him, her voice calm but resolute. "And one woman for support."

Tsukasa spared her a glance, his lips twitching into the faintest smile. "Let's clean this up."

With a flash of motion, Jewel made the first move, her body blurring as she lunged toward Tsukasa, her fists glowing with ominous energy. "I'll take your head!" she screamed, her voice filled with venom.

But Tsukasa was faster. With a single step, he sidestepped her attack, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist mid-strike. He twisted her arm with ease, sending her crashing into the ground with a brutal force. Jewel let out a gasp of pain, but before she could retaliate, Tsukasa's foot came down on her chest, pinning her to the earth.

"You won't get the chance," he said coldly, his Ketsuryūgan eyes glowing.

Before anyone could react, Kaze and Akifumi rushed in from opposite sides, their chakras surging with deadly intent. Kaze unleashed a torrent of wind blades aimed directly at Tsukasa, while Akifumi coated his fists in crackling lightning, aiming to strike him down from the other side.

"Now!" Tenten called out, her fingers dancing across the seals of her scroll.

With a burst of smoke, a massive wave of weapons—shuriken, kunai, and blades of all sizes—shot out from Tenten's scrolls, intercepting the incoming attacks. The wind blades clanged against the flurry of kunai, deflecting them harmlessly away from Tsukasa, while Akifumi found himself bombarded by a barrage of explosive tags attached to Tenten's blades.

BOOM!

Explosions rocked the ground, sending Akifumi stumbling backward, his body covered in burns and cuts. He let out a scream of frustration, but Tsukasa was already on him.

With a flick of his wrist, Tsukasa's blood-red chakra manifested into the shape of a whip, extending from his hand. It lashed out at Akifumi, wrapping around his neck and yanking him into the air before slamming him down into the ground with a bone-shattering force.

"Kaze!" Akifumi shouted desperately, his voice breaking.

But Kaze, still trying to recover from Tenten's barrage, was too slow. Before he could move, Tsukasa blurred forward, appearing before him with deadly precision.

Tsukasa's voice was low, filled with a quiet intensity. "You're nothing but remnants. You never stood a chance."

In a single motion, Tsukasa unleashed a torrent of blood-chakra spikes from the ground, skewering Kaze's limbs and pinning him in place. The man screamed, writhing in pain, but the fight was already over for him.

Jewel, still pinned beneath Tsukasa's foot, struggled to break free, her face twisted in rage and desperation. But every time she moved, Tsukasa applied more pressure, keeping her subdued.

Tenten, standing beside her husband, gave a small nod of approval. "Not bad. You haven't lost your touch."

Tsukasa chuckled, his gaze still locked on the remaining enemies. "You either."

But it wasn't over yet. Daemon and Eida stood at the back, their eyes narrowed. Eida's allure and Daemon's reflection abilities made them far more dangerous than the rest. Eida's voice cut through the battlefield, cold and amused.

"You really think this is the end?" she asked, her eyes glittering with condescension. "We're not so easily dealt with."

Tsukasa's gaze hardened, and he took a step forward. But before he could advance, Daemon lunged at him, his small figure moving with terrifying speed.

Tenten reacted instantly, throwing a kunai straight at Daemon. But as expected, the kunai reversed direction mid-air and shot back toward her, forcing Tenten to dodge at the last second. "Damn," she muttered under her breath. "That reflection ability..."

"Let's try something else," Tsukasa said, narrowing his eyes at Daemon.

He stepped toward Daemon, his chakra flaring as the Ketsuryūgan activated in full force. Blood-red energy surged around Tsukasa, pulsing with raw power as he prepared his next move. His hands moved into a series of complex hand seals, and suddenly the ground beneath Daemon began to ripple.

"Blood Prison Technique!"

A crimson barrier erupted from the earth, wrapping around Daemon in a swirling vortex of blood-chakra, cutting off his movements completely. Daemon's eyes widened in shock as the walls of the prison tightened, restricting him.

Eida's eyes flared with anger, her usual composed demeanor cracking. "Daemon!" she yelled, rushing forward to save him.

But Tenten was ready for her. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a new scroll—this one filled with explosive kunai. The ground exploded with fiery blasts, forcing Eida to halt her advance and leap back to avoid the deadly rain of weapons.

"Looks like you're not as untouchable as you think," Tenten said with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with confidence.

Tsukasa stepped closer to Daemon, his hand glowing with ominous red chakra. "I'm ending this now."

Before Daemon could react, Tsukasa slammed his hand down, sending a surge of chakra into the blood prison. The prison constricted, squeezing tighter and tighter until Daemon's screams echoed through the battlefield.

With a final burst of energy, the prison collapsed in on itself, and Daemon fell silent.

Tsukasa turned to face the remaining enemies—Jewel, Kaze, Eida, and the unconscious Akifumi—his expression cold and determined.

"You're done," Tsukasa said, his voice low and unyielding.

Tenten stood beside him, her weapons ready for any final resistance. "It's over."

And this time, the silence on the battlefield confirmed that it truly was.

The battlefield was filled with tension, every movement heavy with the weight of the conflict that had ravaged their village. A sense of collective urgency gripped the group of shinobi who had just arrived—many familiar faces from across the generations of the Hidden Leaf. They stood, poised and ready, their eyes locked onto the battle ahead.

Sarada, Mitsuki, Nao, Kaede, Himawari, Inojin, Shikadai, Chocho, Namida, Sumire, Enko, Doshu, Tsuru, Hoki, Hako, Rengo, Denki, Metal Lee, Iwabee, Tsubaki, Wasabi, Yaeko. Along with their parents and teachers—Sakura, Ino, Karin, Sena, Temari, Konan, Kaida, Koharu, Hanabi, Sasuke, Sai, Kiba, Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Choji, and Shino—all stood at the ready, watching as Tsukasa and Tenten faced the remaining members of the Dead Corps.

The wind howled across the desolate field as Tsukasa and Tenten stood in the center of the chaos, their faces grim but resolute. Across from them, Jewel, Kaze, Akifumi, and Eida eyed them warily, all bruised and bloodied, but still dangerous.

Sakuya, standing at the sidelines, tried to steady himself. His body screamed in protest, muscles torn and bleeding from the earlier battle. He clutched his side, where the deep gashes from Riku's earlier attack still oozed. But even with the pain threatening to overwhelm him, his gaze remained on his parents, struggling against the overwhelming numbers.

"I have to help them," Sakuya muttered, his voice strained but determined.

Nao and Kaede, his sisters, were immediately at his side, holding him back. "You're too injured, Sakuya," Nao said, her voice trembling with worry. "You can't go out there like this."

Kaede nodded, her brow furrowed in concern. "You'll only get yourself killed if you push any further!"

Sakuya's breathing was ragged, but his eyes burned with resolve. "I can't just stand here while they fight alone. They're my parents, Kaede. I have to—"

Himawari stepped forward, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Sakuya, please. You've done enough. Let them handle this. You can barely stand."

Even Hanabi, his aunt, joined the others, her voice stern. "Listen to your cousin, Sakuya. You're no use to them dead." Her usually warm eyes were hard now, reflecting the harsh reality of the situation.

Despite their pleas, Sakuya tried to step forward, determination pushing him beyond his physical limits. But as he took a step, his legs buckled under him, and he collapsed back onto the ground, gasping for air.

"Sakuya!" Nao and Kaede cried out, rushing to support their brother.

Himawari crouched down beside him, concern etched on her face. "You're pushing yourself too hard. You can't fight like this."

Sakuya gritted his teeth, his frustration evident. "I... I have to help them..."

But as the pain coursed through his body, he could do nothing but watch helplessly as the battle unfolded before his eyes.

...

Tsukasa and Tenten stood side by side, their backs straight as they faced their enemies. The tension in the air was palpable. Tsukasa's Ketsuryūgan eyes flared brightly, while Tenten held her scrolls at the ready, her fingers twitching with anticipation.

Jewel laughed mockingly as she flicked her hair back, her eyes narrowing at the two of them. "You two think you can handle all of us? Don't make me laugh."

Eida stood beside Jewel, her presence radiating a quiet, cold confidence. "You're outnumbered," she said, her voice soft but dripping with malice. "It's only a matter of time before we crush you."

Kaze cracked his knuckles, a grin spreading across his face. "I'm gonna enjoy this. Let's tear them apart."

Akifumi remained silent, but the crackling energy surrounding him spoke volumes. His lightning-infused chakra hummed in the air, ready to strike.

Tenten glanced at Tsukasa, her lips curving into a confident smirk. "Outnumbered?" she echoed, her voice filled with amusement. "We've been through worse."

Tsukasa nodded, his expression grim but resolute. "Numbers don't matter. Skill does."

With a sudden burst of speed, Kaze was the first to move, his body turning into a blur as he launched a barrage of wind blades toward Tsukasa. At the same time, Akifumi shot forward, his fists crackling with lightning as he aimed a devastating blow at Tenten.

But the pair was ready.

Tenten moved with precision, her scrolls unfurling in an instant. A barrage of weapons shot out, intercepting the wind blades mid-air with a series of loud clangs, deflecting them effortlessly. She spun, her body moving with the grace of a seasoned warrior, as she dodged Akifumi's lightning-enhanced strike, flipping backward before hurling a kunai toward him, laced with explosive tags.

"Take this!" Tenten shouted as the kunai detonated on impact, sending Akifumi flying backward with a blast.

Meanwhile, Tsukasa faced off against Kaze and Jewel. Kaze lunged at him with ferocity, his hands glowing with raw wind chakra, but Tsukasa sidestepped with ease, his Ketsuryūgan glowing. With a swift motion, he formed a series of hand seals, summoning a blood-chakra whip that lashed out at Kaze, wrapping around his leg and yanking him off balance.

Jewel, seeing her ally falter, rushed at Tsukasa with a chakra-infused punch aimed directly at his chest. But before she could land the blow, Tsukasa's whip twisted, redirecting the energy into the ground and sending a shockwave toward Jewel. The ground exploded beneath her feet, causing her to stumble back in surprise.

"You're not getting through us that easily," Tsukasa said coldly, his voice unwavering.

Back at the sidelines, the group of shinobi watched the fight unfold, their eyes wide with awe and tension.

Sarada clenched her fists, her Sharingan activated. "They're holding their own, but this fight isn't going to end easily."

Shikadai, his face calm but his voice tense, nodded. "Yeah. That's the Dead Corps for you. We need to be ready to jump in if things go south."

"Tsukasa-san and Tenten-san are strong," Mitsuki said quietly, his eyes focused on the battlefield. "But they're going to need backup soon."

"Backup?" Chocho huffed, crossing her arms. "More like they're gonna need us to swoop in and save the day."

Denki adjusted his glasses, a worried look crossing his face. "We have to trust them for now. Rushing in might make things worse."

Karin placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, her voice soft but filled with concern. "I can't believe this is happening. Those kids... They've grown up so much, but this battle—"

Sakura's gaze remained locked on Tsukasa, her voice firm. "We need to stay focused. If things escalate, we'll move in together."

In the distance, the sound of battle raged on. Jewel, Kaze, Akifumi, and Eida continued their relentless assault, but Tsukasa and Tenten stood strong, their teamwork seamless as they fended off the attacks.

But even as they fought, Sakuya's vision blurred. The pain in his body was overwhelming, but the frustration of being unable to help weighed even heavier on his heart.

"I have to... get up..." he muttered weakly, but his body refused to move.

Nao, Kaede, and Himawari remained by his side, their expressions filled with worry.

"Sakuya, just rest," Kaede urged softly. "They'll handle it."

But deep down, all of them knew this fight wasn't over yet. The Dead Corps was a formidable enemy, and the Hidden Leaf's greatest challenge was far from finished.

The battlefield roared with chaos as Tsukasa and Tenten fought valiantly against the remaining members of the Dead Corps. The tension hung thick in the air, charged with chakra and the promise of violence.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Tsukasa spotted Akifumi lurking, his hands crackling with dangerous lightning. He was poised to strike, a malicious grin on his face as he crept up behind Tenten, who was momentarily distracted by Kaze's relentless attacks.

"Tenten!" Tsukasa shouted, his voice sharp as he lunged forward, pushing her out of the way just as Akifumi unleashed his attack.

The lightning surged past Tenten, sizzling through the air where she had just been standing. Tsukasa felt a surge of anger bubbling within him; he had no intention of letting anyone harm his partner.

"That was a cheap shot, Akifumi!" Tsukasa barked, his eyes blazing with fury. He could feel the heat of his blood chakra surging through him as he activated his Blood Dragon Ascension technique.

With a powerful roar, a massive dragon made of swirling blood chakra erupted from his body, its scales shimmering ominously. The dragon let out a fierce roar, turning its gaze towards Akifumi, who now stood frozen in shock.

"You think you can just sneak attack my wife and get away with it?" Tsukasa growled, the fury in his voice sending shivers through the air.

Before Akifumi could react, the blood dragon lunged forward, jaws wide open, and enveloped him. The sheer force of the attack caused the ground to tremble as the dragon clamped down, leaving a haunting silence in its wake. Tsukasa's chakra flared, filling the battlefield with a crimson glow, signaling his dominance.

In the aftermath of the attack, Jewel, Kaze, and Eida stared in shock and disbelief. Jewel's expression twisted in fury. "You... you killed him!" she shouted, her voice a mixture of anger and grief.

Kaze clenched his fists, rage boiling over. "You think that makes you a hero? Killing one of your own just to prove a point?" His tone dripped with contempt.

Eida, though maintaining her calm demeanor, narrowed her eyes at Tsukasa. "This is not how you should fight. There's no honor in slaughtering an opponent without a chance."

But Tsukasa stood firm, his eyes unwavering. "You want honor? This is war, and I won't hesitate to protect my family or my village." His voice echoed with resolve, igniting a fire within the hearts of his allies.

From the sidelines, the assembled shinobi of the Hidden Leaf watched, their expressions filled with a mix of admiration and concern.

Sakura clenched her fists, her heart racing as she watched her husband. "He's serious... He's not holding back. This isn't like him."

Himawari whispered to her mother, her voice trembling. "Is Uncle Tsukasa going to be okay? He's so angry..."

Ino's eyes remained fixed on the battle, worry etched on her face. "He's fighting for his family, for Tenten and for the village. He'll do whatever it takes."

Sarada's gaze flickered to her mother. "We need to prepare to back them up if this turns into a full-scale war. We can't let it end here."

As Jewel, Kaze, and Eida regrouped, their expressions hardened. The death of Akifumi had fueled their rage, transforming the battle from mere skirmish into a fierce vendetta.

"You'll pay for that!" Jewel screamed, channeling her chakra as she prepared to launch her next attack. Kaze and Eida flanked her, both ready to unleash their fury on Tsukasa and Tenten.

But Tsukasa was undeterred. He clenched his fists, channeling his blood chakra, his eyes fixed on his enemies. "Come at us. We'll show you the true strength of the Hidden Leaf!"

Tenten stood beside him, her resolve matching his. "Together, we'll take you down! You think you can intimidate us? You have no idea what we're capable of!"

The battlefield crackled with energy, the atmosphere thickening with the promise of a fierce battle to come. The remnants of the Dead Corps were enraged, fueled by loss and desperation, while the defenders of the Leaf stood united, ready to fight for their home and family.

With a roar, the battle reignited, and the clash of jutsu and steel echoed across the valley, signaling that the true fight had just begun.

The battlefield was thick with tension as Tsukasa took a slow, deliberate step forward, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The air crackled with the remnants of Akifumi's defeat, and a heavy silence hung over the shinobi gathered around him. He could feel the anger boiling beneath his skin, a fury that begged for release.

Eida stood her ground, her expression steely and confident. "You think you can scare me with your rage?" she taunted, smirking at him. "You're nothing without your precious family to protect."

Tsukasa's eyes narrowed, a spark of electricity dancing along his fingertips. "You have no idea what I'm capable of," he replied, his voice low and dangerous. He prepared to unleash a Chidori, the familiar crackle of energy filling the air around him.

But before he could launch his attack, Jewel and Kaze struck. "Now, Kaze!" Jewel shouted, and the two rushed at Tsukasa, launching a combined assault. Kaze's fist slammed into Tsukasa's gut, knocking the wind out of him, while Jewel followed up with a swift kick that sent Tsukasa crashing into the ground.

"Tsukasa!" Tenten screamed, her eyes wide with fear as she watched him fall. She quickly turned her attention to Jewel and Kaze, anger igniting within her. "You won't get away with this!"

With a fierce battle cry, Tenten charged at Kaze, aiming a swift punch at his face. But he dodged effortlessly, countering with a powerful blow that sent Tenten reeling. Jewel and Eida closed in, flanking her as they began to unleash their relentless assault.

"Get her!" Jewel yelled, her attacks coming in rapid succession. Tenten fought valiantly, but she was quickly overwhelmed by their coordinated strikes. Before she could react, a powerful blow knocked her unconscious, and she crumpled to the ground.

"NO!" Tsukasa's voice echoed through the battlefield, a primal roar of rage that sent chills through everyone watching. His eyes glowed with fury as he pushed himself up, the sight of Tenten's limp body igniting a fire within him.

"I will not let this stand!" he bellowed, fists trembling with contained power.

"Calm down, Tsukasa!" Hanabi called out, her voice breaking through the chaos. "You need to focus! Don't let your anger cloud your judgment!"

But Tsukasa could hardly hear her. The fury coursing through him drowned out all rational thought. Just as he prepared to charge at Eida, his mind raced with thoughts of his wife lying unconscious, the very person he had sworn to protect.

Summoning his strength, he decided he wouldn't risk losing himself in rage. With a quick hand sign, he created a shadow clone of himself. "Get Tenten to safety!" he commanded, his clone nodding before scooping Tenten into its arms.

"Let's go!" the clone shouted, racing towards their allies, who were watching the fight unfold with bated breath.

As the clone dashed away, Tsukasa felt a moment of clarity amid the chaos. "I'll deal with you three first," he said, eyes blazing as he turned back to Eida, Jewel, and Kaze.

"Think you can take us on alone?" Kaze scoffed, stepping forward, ready to engage. "You're outnumbered!"

Tsukasa smirked, a fierce determination etched on his face. "Sometimes, it only takes one."

He launched forward, the air around him thick with tension, ready to unleash the fury of a father protecting his family. Jewel and Kaze exchanged glances, realizing they had underestimated him.

"Let's end this!" Jewel shouted, and the three of them charged at Tsukasa, the battle reigniting with ferocity.

From the sidelines, the other shinobi watched in awe, their hearts racing as they prepared to intervene.

"He's unstoppable when he's like this," Sarada murmured, her fists clenched tightly. "We need to support him!"

Mitsuki nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "Let's go. We won't let them take him down."

As they prepared to join the fray, Tsukasa felt the power of his allies backing him up, fueling his resolve. The fight was far from over, and he would do whatever it took to protect those he loved.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as Tsukasa gripped the hilt of his katana, its blade gleaming ominously in the fading light. A fierce determination burned in his eyes, a testament to the battle unfolding around him. He could feel the pulse of his Ketsuryūgan resonating with the chakra surging within him, urging him to unleash its power.

"This ends now," he declared, his voice steady and resolute. He could feel the weight of his family's expectations resting heavily on his shoulders. Tsukasa had faced many battles, but this one felt different—it was personal.

Eida scoffed, stepping forward with a mocking grin. "What's that supposed to be? A fancy sword? You really think you can take us on alone?" Her tone was laced with arrogance, but Tsukasa could sense her underlying fear. The darkness swirling in his eyes intensified.

"Not just a sword," Tsukasa replied, focusing his chakra into the blade. The katana began to hum with energy, a crimson aura enveloping it as the Ketsuryūgan's unique power intertwined with the weapon. "This is a symbol of my resolve to protect my family."

"Let's see what you've got then!" Kaze shouted, charging at him with reckless abandon.

With a swift motion, Tsukasa unleashed a kenjutsu technique unlike anything seen before. "Bloodstorm Slash!" he yelled, swinging the katana in an arc. The crimson chakra erupted from the blade, slicing through the air like a wave of liquid fire.

The blast collided with Kaze's charge, sending him skidding back, his eyes wide with shock. "What the hell was that?" he exclaimed, struggling to regain his footing.

"Damn it, he's stronger than I thought!" Jewel muttered, her confidence wavering as she watched Tsukasa stand firm, a fierce light in his eyes.

"Tsukasa! You've got this!" Hanabi shouted from the sidelines, her voice cutting through the chaos. The other shinobi rallied behind her, their cheers echoing like a chorus of support.

Tsukasa felt their encouragement bolster his strength, and he pressed forward. "I'm not finished yet!" He lunged at Jewel, executing a series of rapid strikes with precision, each swing of his katana leaving a trail of crimson energy in its wake.

Jewel barely managed to deflect his blows, but the sheer power behind them forced her to backpedal. "We can't let him get close!" she shouted to Eida and Kaze. "We need to work together!"

"Agreed," Eida replied, her expression shifting to one of determination. "We'll overwhelm him. We can't allow him to keep gaining momentum!"

Tsukasa narrowed his eyes, reading their movements like a book. "You think teamwork will save you?" He twisted his body, unleashing a powerful kick that sent Kaze crashing into the ground. The impact reverberated through the battlefield.

"Focus!" Jewel yelled, trying to regroup. "We need to take him down before he gets too strong!"

As they attempted to coordinate their attacks, Tsukasa felt the energy pulsating through him, the chakra resonating with each swing of his katana. "You can't defeat me!" he shouted, slashing through the air with a ferocity that echoed through the battlefield. "For my family, I will fight until the end!"

The crowd of shinobi watched in awe, their hearts racing as they saw Tsukasa, their leader, unleash his unique power.

"Sakuya, look!" Kaede exclaimed, pointing at their father with wide eyes. "He's incredible!"

"I knew he could do it!" Sakuya said, his voice filled with pride. The strength of their father ignited a fire in their hearts, a determination to stand beside him no matter the cost.

"Let's finish this!" Tsukasa roared, channeling all his chakra into one final strike. "Final Bloodstorm Slash!" The blade glowed brighter than ever before, a beacon of hope in the darkness.

With a decisive swing, the crimson energy erupted outward, forming a massive arc that surged toward Jewel, Kaze, and Eida. The force was overwhelming, the air itself vibrating with the intensity of his attack.

"Move!" Eida screamed, but it was too late. The energy collided with them, engulfing the battlefield in a blinding light.

As the dust began to settle, Tsukasa stood panting, his katana resting at his side. He gazed at the aftermath of his attack, knowing that he had given everything he had to protect those he loved.

"We won't lose!" he vowed, and behind him, his family and friends rallied, ready to fight alongside him to the bitter end. The battle was far from over, but Tsukasa felt invigorated by the support of his comrades, knowing they would face whatever came next together.

The battlefield lay in ruins around Tsukasa, the echoes of his Final Bloodstorm Slash still reverberating through the air. The oppressive silence that followed felt surreal, as if the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for the aftermath to unfold. Tsukasa's chest heaved with exertion, sweat streaming down his face, the weight of his katana suddenly feeling like a mountain on his shoulders.

As he stood amidst the remnants of his attack, the adrenaline began to ebb, leaving him light-headed. His vision blurred momentarily, and for a split second, it felt as if the ground beneath him was shifting. Damn it, not now, he thought, gritting his teeth. He couldn't afford to falter, not when his family and friends needed him.

With sheer determination, Tsukasa used the hilt of his katana to steady himself. He felt the cold steel press against his palm, a reminder of the fight still raging around him. "I won't fall... not now," he muttered under his breath, each word a mantra as he fought against the fatigue threatening to overwhelm him.

The dust began to settle, revealing the battered forms of Jewel, Kaze, and Eida, struggling to rise from the ground. Tsukasa narrowed his eyes, seeing the anger and disbelief etched on their faces. They weren't out of the fight yet, and he had to be ready.

"Is this all you've got?" Tsukasa called out, his voice hoarse but filled with an indomitable spirit. "You're going to have to try harder than that!"

Eida pushed herself up, a fierce glare in her eyes. "You think you've won? This is just the beginning!"

Kaze grunted as he slowly pulled himself to his feet, shaking off the remnants of the blast. "We won't let you take us down that easily!"

Tsukasa's grip on his katana tightened. Despite his fatigue, a surge of resolve coursed through him. "You don't get it. I won't let you hurt my family or this village. I've fought too hard to back down now!"

The remaining members of the Dead Corps exchanged uncertain glances, their confidence shaken but not entirely extinguished. Jewel stepped forward, fury flickering in her eyes. "You think we're afraid? We'll crush you and anyone who stands in our way!"

"Bring it on," Tsukasa challenged, his voice steady despite the fatigue threatening to drag him down. "You'll have to get through me first!"

But as he spoke, his knees began to tremble, the exertion from the last attack catching up with him. The world spun slightly, and he realized he couldn't maintain this level of intensity for much longer. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to see Tenten standing beside him, her face a mask of concern.

"Tsukasa, you need to rest," she urged, worry lacing her voice. "You've pushed yourself too hard."

"No," he replied, gritting his teeth. "I can't stop now. They need to see what we're capable of. We can't let them win!"

Before Tenten could respond, Jewel charged at him with a feral scream, her body ablaze with fury. Tsukasa instinctively raised his katana, summoning every last ounce of strength he could muster. "I said, bring it on!" he shouted, bracing himself for the impact.

In a flash, he swung his sword with all the power he had left, determined to meet her head-on. The blade met Jewel's attack with a resounding clash, the shockwave rippling through the air. Tsukasa felt the force reverberate through his arms, and for a moment, he thought he might not hold his ground.

But he gritted his teeth, digging deep within himself. "For my family!" he roared, pushing back against the force of Jewel's attack, channeling everything he had left into that singular moment.

With a final, desperate surge, Tsukasa overpowered Jewel's assault, sending her sprawling backward. As she fell, he stumbled slightly, breathless but triumphant. "You won't take anything from us!" he shouted, the conviction in his voice echoing through the battlefield.

Exhausted yet unwavering, Tsukasa stood tall, his katana shimmering defiantly in the waning light. The remaining members of the Dead Corps hesitated, their resolve faltering as they stared down the determined shinobi before them.

This was it. The climax of their struggle. Tsukasa had fought not just for victory, but for the very soul of his family and village. And as he gazed into the eyes of his opponents, he knew they would not back down. Not now, not ever.

The soft hum of healing energy surrounded Sakuya as he slowly emerged from the depths of unconsciousness. His eyelids felt heavy, like lead, but as he blinked a few times, the blurred shapes around him began to sharpen. Familiar faces materialized into focus—his sisters, Nao and Kaede, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern.

"Sakuya!" Nao exclaimed, her voice a high pitch of excitement. "You're awake!"

Kaede leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "We were so worried about you! You scared us!"

Sakuya pushed himself into a sitting position, the remnants of pain flickering through his body but quickly subsiding. "What... happened?" he asked hoarsely, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You collapsed after the battle," Nao explained, the urgency in her voice palpable. "But you're safe now. Tsukasa and Tenten held off the remaining members of the Dead Corps. They... they did it, Sakuya."

His heart raced at the mention of his parents. "And Boruto?" he asked, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. "What about Boruto? He's still fighting Kawaki!"

Kaede nodded. "We lost sight of them, but we know Boruto won't give up. He's fighting with everything he has."

Sakuya pushed through the remnants of his fatigue, adrenaline flooding his system. "I have to help him," he declared, determination igniting within him. "We can't let Kawaki win!"

"Sakuya, wait!" Nao pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "You're still injured! You need to rest."

He shook his head vigorously, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "No time for that! If Kawaki gets his way, it won't just be Boruto in danger. It'll be the whole village. I won't let him destroy everything we've fought for!"

With that, Sakuya stood, his body wobbling slightly as he regained his balance. The energy from the healing had restored much of his strength, but he could still feel the lingering ache from his battle against Riku.

"Where's Tsukasa?" Sakuya asked, his voice firm. "I need to talk to him."

"He's strategizing with the others," Kaede replied, her brow furrowed with worry. "They're preparing for the final confrontation with Kawaki."

"Then I'll find him," Sakuya said, his resolve unyielding. "I'll make him see that I have to be there. I can't let Boruto face Kawaki alone."

As he stepped out of the room, the weight of the world felt both heavy and invigorating on his shoulders. The atmosphere was charged with tension, the air thick with the scent of smoke and remnants of battle. Sakuya strode purposefully through the village, heading toward the gathering point where the others were regrouping.

When he finally reached the meeting place, he found a circle of familiar faces: his father Tsukasa, Tenten, and the other villagers who had fought valiantly against the Dead Corps. The moment Tsukasa saw him, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"Sakuya! You shouldn't be up yet!" Tsukasa exclaimed, rushing forward to steady him.

"I'm fine, Dad," Sakuya insisted, shaking off his father's concern. "We don't have time for this. Boruto is still fighting Kawaki, and I need to help him."

Tenten stepped forward, placing a hand on Sakuya's shoulder. "You're not ready, Sakuya. You need to let us handle this."

"No," Sakuya replied, his voice rising in intensity. "If we want to protect the village and everyone we love, I have to be there. We're stronger together, and Boruto needs that strength now more than ever."

Tsukasa exchanged glances with Tenten, his expression torn. Finally, he sighed, the weight of leadership pressing heavily on him. "If you're this determined, then I won't hold you back. But you must promise to stay safe and listen to us."

Sakuya nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I promise."

"Then it's time we finalize our plan," Tsukasa said, turning to the gathered shinobi. "This is not just a fight for our village. This is the beginning of the final arc in our struggle against Kawaki. We'll call it the Eclipse Arc. We will reclaim what's been lost and put an end to Kawaki's reign of terror once and for all!"

The atmosphere shifted, an electric surge of energy flowing through the gathered warriors. Sakuya felt a sense of unity building around them, an unbreakable bond forged in the fires of battle. They were no longer just individuals fighting for survival; they were a family, a team ready to take on the darkness together.

"Let's go!" Sakuya shouted, the words bursting forth with fervor. "For Boruto! For our village! For everyone we love!"

With that declaration ringing in the air, the group began to mobilize, ready to confront the looming threat that Kawaki represented. The Eclipse Arc had begun, and Sakuya would not falter. Together, they would face the darkness head-on, determined to emerge victorious in the battles yet to come.

The world around Sakuya was a swirling haze as he slowly came to consciousness. The faint sounds of distant voices drifted through his mind, and he felt an overwhelming warmth enveloping him like a cocoon. For a moment, he didn't know where he was, the events of the battle fading in and out of focus like a dream. But as the haze began to clear, he became aware of the sharp ache coursing through his body.

He blinked rapidly, squinting against the bright light filtering through the window. The familiar figures of his sisters, Nao and Kaede, hovered anxiously nearby, their expressions a mixture of hope and concern.

"Sakuya!" Nao gasped, rushing to his side. "You're awake!"

"About time," Kaede added with a smirk, though her voice trembled slightly. "You had us worried sick!"

Sakuya pushed himself up with effort, feeling the strength slowly returning to his limbs. The memories of the battle flashed through his mind—Riku's brutal assault, his own injuries, the sacrifice made to protect his friends. Gritting his teeth, he fought through the pain, determination swelling within him.

"I... I need to help Boruto," he declared, his voice stronger than he felt. "Kawaki is still out there, and he's dangerous. We can't let him win!"

"Sakuya, you're not ready!" Nao protested, her eyes wide with alarm. "You've just recovered! You need to rest."

"No, I can't rest!" he insisted, shaking his head vehemently. "I'm done sitting on the sidelines. I've seen too much destruction, too many people hurt. This time, I'm fighting back! Boruto needs us—he needs me!"

As he swung his legs over the side of the bed, Sakuya felt a surge of energy coursing through him. It wasn't just the healing chakra that had restored his physical state; it was the fire ignited within his spirit. He had always admired Boruto's tenacity, his unwavering determination to protect their village, and now it was time for him to embody that same resolve.

Kaede stepped forward, her brow furrowed. "But you can barely stand! What if you get hurt again?"

"I'll take that risk," Sakuya replied, meeting her gaze with fierce intensity. "I refuse to let fear control my actions. I've learned that strength isn't just about power—it's about standing up for what you believe in, no matter the odds."

His words struck a chord within Kaede, and Nao exchanged a glance filled with understanding. They knew their brother had always been driven, but this new conviction radiated from him like a beacon.

"I'm with you, Sakuya," Nao said, her voice steadying. "If you're going into battle, then I'm right by your side."

Kaede nodded, a fierce smile breaking through her earlier concern. "You've got this, and we'll back you up. We're stronger together!"

"Yeah," Sakuya said, his heart swelling with gratitude for his sisters' support. "Together, we can make a difference."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Sakuya pushed himself off the bed and stood tall, the weight of his injuries still lingering but overshadowed by the determination coursing through him. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they prepared to leave, Sakuya's eyes gleamed with excitement and resolve. "Let's find Boruto and take the fight to Kawaki. This is our village, our home, and I won't let anyone take it from us!"

Together, they dashed through the village, each step fueled by a shared determination to protect their loved ones. Sakuya felt the adrenaline rushing through him, the thrill of battle igniting a fire in his heart. This wasn't just a fight for survival; it was a declaration of their resolve, a testament to their strength as shinobi.

As they approached the edge of the village, the atmosphere shifted. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the anticipation of what lay ahead. Sakuya could feel it—the weight of the world pressing down on them, but he refused to falter.

"This is it," Sakuya declared, turning to face his sisters. "We're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for our friends, our families, and our future. Let's show Kawaki that we'll never back down!"

With a unified shout, they surged forward, ready to confront the darkness that threatened their home. Sakuya's heart raced, and he felt the strength of his family beside him. This was his moment, his chance to grow into the shinobi he was destined to be. The fight against Kawaki awaited, and Sakuya was prepared to face it head-on, embodying the true spirit of a protector. The Dead Corps Arc may have come to an end, but the real battle was just beginning.