Edward understood Shibai took an alternative path compared to Gods and Archmages. Gods have a mutually beneficial relationship with the Universe's Will, allowing them to control the fundamental rules or laws of the universe as a price for their freedom. Edward guessed above Tier 12, the path of Godhood may have found a way to remove the restrictions of faith and the Divine Kingdom. Or maybe, they have to abandon some of their powers to reach higher Tiers.
Meanwhile, Archmages forced the Universe Will to submit and give them access to the rules. As a result, no matter the universe, an Archmage will be powerful and not be restricted.
However, for some reason, Shibai did not follow the path of controlling [Authority]. Edward did not know whether he did not know of the existence of the rules or whether the Universe Will of this universe was more resistant to others. Regardless, Shibai used the power of the Universe Will to boost his attack, thus creating the concept of Shinjutsu.
'Did he steal the power of the Universe Will or come to an agreement with it?' thought Edward. Meanwhile, as he was distracted trying to analyze his opponent's Jutsu, Shibai took action.
A small black crack appeared next to him, and something came out from it and entered Shibai's body. Strange markings appeared on his face and horns.
"Sage Mode?" uttered Edward, but it was not finished. A white Chakra Cloth enveloped Shibai, drastically increasing his aura in the process.
'Another mode similar to Nine-Tail Chakra Mode or even Tenseigan Chakram Mode,' he thought, realizing Shibai was prepared to go all out. However, he did not care.
After seeing the latter's Shinjutsus, he had an idea he wanted to try. So, he needed a more comprehensive understanding of Shinjutsu.
Shinjutsu: Universe Push.
A terrifying gravitational force suddenly squashed Edward into meat sauce.
Crack!
His five-layer shield barely held on, leaving countless cracks.
'This attack was not a simple use of gravity; he controlled the gravitational force of the entire universe to use that attack.'
Edward could feel this attack was approaching the limit of Tier 8, reaching his current power without any boost. Regardless, his eyes lit up as he came closer to analyze the essence of Shinjutsu.
Shibai frowned after seeing his attack failed. Then, millions of different versions of himself suddenly appeared in the void.
"Shadow Clone Jutsus?" muttered Edward, knowing this Jutsus was one of the most broken abilities in Naruto–especially after being boosted by Shibai's Shinjutsus.
"Two can play at this game." He instantly converted his mana into Chakra before also using the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. This Jutusu is one of the few who was not well-transferred into mana.
Edward can use clone spells using Mirror Magic, Clone Magic, and even Transmutation. However, he could not create as many clones as the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
After creating the clone, he did not stop. He then cast multiple auxiliary spells like Agility Boost, Increase Attack, Defense Reinforcement, Vitality Boost, and many others. As such, his clones were much stronger than Shibai, thus winning the confrontation.
Shibai summoned twenty odd-looking Otsutsuki members with different horns and eyes. Their auras were similar to the Left and Right Protectors.
'Edo Tensei?' analyzed Edward. Then, something unexpected occurred. The twenty people fused until there were only three individuals.
"3 Tier 8 Otsutsuki," muttered Edward. The three of them took a position that formed a triangle before gathering their power together to fire a white beam at Edward.
Shinjutsu: Particle Style Light Beam.
Edward remained calm and did not even use a shield to block the attack. He raised his hand and stopped it directly with his body. With his [Aura] and powerful body, the attack only burned his skin and muscles and destroyed a dozen bones and organs; his limbs were intact, so it was a minor injury.
But, despite his current state, his eyes were bright as he appeared excited.
"I should be able to do it," he muttered as his Phoenix Bloodline activated to heal his injuries. He pointed his hand to cast a simple Fireball Spell.
Boom!
The three Edo Tensei Otsutsuki scattered into dust, burned into oblivion.
"I succeeded." His purpose from the beginning was to see if he could copy Shibai's Shinjutsu, and he did. However, he did not use the Universe Will to boost his spell, but his own Willpower.
'This method is similar to One Piece's Conqueror Coating."
Edward cast a Thunder Spell before infusing his Willpower. He suddenly noticed a strange mark appeared on the rune spells. He tried another Ice Spear Spell, and the same pattern emerged.
"It is similar to the black lightning of Conqueror Coating."
Edward fired these spells, and Shibai evaded. Unfortunately, dozens more spells surrounded him as Edward tested his new technique. He forced Shibai to use more Shinjutsu to learn from him. So, with time, as the Otsutsuki God was backed into a corner, Edward's proficiency in the Will Coating Technique drastically increased until he caught up with Shibai's level.
According to his calculation, this technique can boost a spell from 10% to as high as 5 times its normal strength. And that's only because he only recently developed it, and it's still in the early stages. Furthermore, the spell had other forms of properties not yet detected.
Edward calmly looked at the pale Shibai. The previously high and domineering god was replaced by a man on the verge of breaking.
"I guess it's enough playing around," commented Edward. "So, it's time for the last experiment."
He no longer hesitated and activated his Arcane Spark. With the power of his Karma, he used a Tier 9 Sealing Spell. Edward knew the limit of this world as Tier 8, so he wanted to know what would happen if someone used power beyond that Tier.
He suddenly frowned as he felt the Universe Will repelling him and even trying to force him out of this universe and into the Void.
'So that's how it is,' his eyes were full of wisdom as he figured out many things. This universe was small, containing exactly 100,000 galaxies. One of the reasons people of Tier 9 or higher cannot appear in this universe was not only because of the restriction of World Source but a defense mechanism of the Universe Will to prevent anyone from destroying the universe.
'As long as someone reaches Tier 9, they can destroy the universe galaxy by galaxy. The only issue is time.'
After figuring out this truth, he reduced his Spell to the limit of this world. Unfortunately, the tired Shibai could not resist his fate of being sealed.
Edward took a crystal in his hand that contained Shibai. He opened a portal to leave this dimension.
The spaceships had already taken over the five planets of the Otsutsuki Clans. So, he went to the Royal Clan Planet.
"How was the broadcast?" he asked Golem AD.
"Everything proceeded smoothly," replied the Golem. "According to the recent data, your approval rating amongst the Shinobi has drastically increased."
"Excellent. For the next month, I want most channels to show and talk about this battle." The media is a great way to brainwash the masses, and Edward has used this tactic too many times to count; he was now an expert.
"What about the mission I sent the Divination Golem?"
"It was a success," replied Golem AD. "They've captured an individual called Ryushiki with a unique Eye for Divination."
"More good news," nodded Edward, thinking Luna should be happy with this gift. "Found someone to do the preliminary research on the eye."
"Yes, Commander."
"I believe I can trust the rest to you?"
"There is no problem," replied Golem AD. "And if there is, I will contact you immediately."
"Good," replied Edward before heading to see Tsunade. However, he found her aura quiet and maybe even a little sad or gloomy.
"What's wrong? Did the fight shock you?"
"It did, but that's not what I was thinking."
"Then, tell me what's on your mind; I can't read minds. Well, I can, but that's impolite. So, please use your words."
Tsunade almost gave him the side-eye.
"I was just thinking about how you easily seal that God. I could not help but think that a more powerful individual will suddenly appear someday and seal you away–just like you did to him."
Edward paused for a moment, "This possibility is higher than you imagine. The Empire has many technological marvels or forbidden knowledge that countless Gods lust after.
"So, if I'm too weak, I will have the same fate as this Shibai."
