The contractors learned about the news from the main battlefield through various channels, and the Derived World Contact Platform was unusually lively. For these contractors, the Naruto War was far too early.

According to the normal timeline, the Naruto War would erupt a month later. By then, the contractors would have returned to Reincarnation Paradise and wouldn’t participate in the Naruto War.

Even if they were forced to join the Naruto War, these contractors would shrink back. Their tasks were actually very simple, just playing the role of supporting characters on the battlefield, and because they participated in the Naruto War, the rewards they received were more generous.

Bringing the Naruto War forward was just Su Xiao’s main task, so it wouldn’t affect other contractors. On the contrary, these contractors even received some benefits.

This time, in the Derivative World, four powerful contractors entered, two of whom had grudges against each other. Of course, they would tear each other apart, and as expected, one of them died in battle, and the other was not far from death, thus using an item to forcibly return to Reincarnation Paradise.

Of the remaining two, one was Rose, who was slain after a battle with Su Xiao. As for the last one, this guy was interesting.

This guy was called Black Cross. Just by looking at the codename, one would think he was a tough guy, but in reality, it wasn’t the case. Black Cross was strong, a wild summoner.

Unfortunately, Black Cross was too damn ’Buddha Nature’, belonging to the kind who doesn’t compete with the world. After completing his main task, he would instantly become laid-back, touring the Naruto World leisurely. If others needed resources to become stronger, then Black Cross needed time and didn’t need many resources at all.

Such a Buddha-like guy fled after hearing ’Night of Beheading’ entered the same Derivative World as himself. Yes, this guy, who had the ability to fight Su Xiao to the death, ran away.

In his words, fighting and killing were too exhausting, and only ’holding steady’ was the ultimate strategy.

Black Cross indeed did that. Among third-tier contractors, he’s definitely experienced the most Derivative Worlds. When promoted to the third tier, he’d gone through 28 Derivative Worlds + War Worlds, twice nearly being judged a violator by Reincarnation Paradise for being too ’Buddha Nature’ in the War Worlds.

Setting this ’Buddha Nature’ dude aside for now, the current situation on the battlefield seemed a bit odd.

Obito was floating in mid-air, staring blankly at everyone. After becoming the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, his consciousness seemed to be affected.

"Everyone, stay vigilant. The enemy attempting to claim the power of the Ten Tails has appeared. Regardless of his goal, we must find a way to stop him."

Senju Hashirama shouted. He was known as the God of Ninja, and his words undoubtedly carried weight. The large group of ninjas in the distance felt their hearts pounding because they were fighting alongside the God of Ninja.

Right after Senju Hashirama spoke, a figure appeared near them — it was Obito.

The current Ninja Union Army was split into two groups. One consisted of Naruto, Sasuke, Senju Hashirama, and a few others. Although their numbers were small, they were the main force responsible for fighting Obito. As for those chunin and jonin in the distance, from the current looks of things, if they didn’t want to die, it was best they didn’t get too involved.

"Obito, stand down."

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, spoke. He was also in a perfect Jinchuriki state, having split the Nine-Tails into two parts, with the Yang chakra sealed inside Naruto and the Yin chakra within him. Thus, the father and son’s appearances were now very similar.

On the battlefield, Minato Namikaze had the most complicated feelings because Obito was once his disciple.

"Obito?"

Obito looked at Minato Namikaze with confusion, finding the voice somewhat familiar.

"Old..."

Obito uttered a single word, then stopped unclear why he said it.

Hearing this, Minato Namikaze was a bit startled because he realized the word Obito was trying to say — teacher, as he was once Obito’s team leader, and had heard Obito call him this countless times.

Not only was Minato Namikaze’s reaction significant, but Madara, who had just arrived nearby, also narrowed his eyes, sensing Obito’s unusual emotional change.

"The talisman was indeed shattered, and it seems Obito has lost his ability to judge. This is an opportunity."

Madara felt the situation becoming increasingly complicated, so he merely observed from a distance without approaching Senju Hashirama and the others.

Of course, Senju Hashirama noticed Madara’s arrival, which made him understand the situation was worsening.

"Follow me."

Senju Hashirama’s words were natural, and upon hearing them, Tobirama and Hiruzen Sarutobi knew he was calling them. One was his brother and the other his disciple. When addressing Hiruzen Sarutobi, Senju Hashirama would call him Monkey, a nickname an elder uses affectionately for his junior.

The three stood in a line shoulder to shoulder.

"I’ll be straight; this guy... is stronger than me."

Senju Hashirama spoke quietly.

"Big brother, even if you didn’t say it, I could sense it."

Tobirama’s expression was somewhat grim. It turned out that some of his developed ninjutsu seemed to have done little good for the Ninja World, such as Edo Tensei.

"Lord Hashirama, the three of us will test his capabilities."

"Hmm, Monkey is right. We’re immortal now, but... I’m not so confident about Madara over there. Tobirama, Monkey, you two are responsible for probing while I prevent him from approaching the living and monitor Madara."

"Understood, Big brother."

"Yes, Lord Hashirama."

The three needed no discussion of detailed battle strategies, as they had often fought together when alive.

Senju Hashirama, Tobirama, and Hiruzen Sarutobi soon engaged with Obito. The truth was, the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki Obito was incredibly strong, completely suppressing Tobirama and Hiruzen Sarutobi, while Senju Hashirama couldn’t give his all as he needed to guard against Madara.

Madara was hesitating. Upon seeing Senju Hashirama in action, he found it increasingly difficult to suppress the ’all energies’ within him. He was eager to battle Hashirama once more, as this was his long-standing rival, someone he hadn’t seen in many years. In the past, they were inseparable friends and comrades.

Obito, although in battle, remained in a dazed state, seemingly unaware of his own identity. Yet, his combat strength was terrifying, wielding the Power of the Six Paths!

Naruto wanted to join in, but Minato Namikaze blocked him, indicating that they should first observe and understand Obito’s capabilities. This was indeed also the intention of Senju Hashirama and the others.

The roar shook the heavens, leaving pot-marked craters on the ground, and the surrounding ninjas were all in shock.

Just as the situation on the field became unclear, Su Xiao arrived on the battlefield, positioned near Madara and far from Naruto’s camp.

"All sorted over there?"

Madara, while speaking to Su Xiao, kept his eyes fixed on Senju Hashirama.

"Sorted, but there’s something I need to ask you..."

Su Xiao said something softly to Madara, even causing him to be momentarily stunned. He turned to stare at Su Xiao, his gaze clearly asking, which side are you on?!