At the same time, on a star at the far end of the universe—the Ōtsutsuki homeworld—three young Ōtsutsuki entered an ash-gray palace.
Deep within the grand hall sat a solitary figure, hovering above the ground. His face was shrouded in darkness; only a pair of black eyes traced with silver ripples could be seen.
The three young Ōtsutsuki immediately dropped to one knee upon entering, bowing their heads respectfully toward that figure.
A majestic voice echoed from the depths of the hall.
"Ōtsutsuki Isshiki has been completely destroyed."
Hearing this, all three Ōtsutsuki were shaken.
The one standing in the middle raised his head and asked,
"Not even a Kāma was left behind?"
"No. However, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya is still alive. The two of them left long ago, and even now have not returned with the Divine Tree's fruit. This matter can no longer be ignored. Momoshiki, Kinshiki, Urashiki—go to the planet where Isshiki's life vanished and investigate. If you find Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, bring her back as well."
Kinshiki lowered his head and said coldly,
"As a guardian, surviving while one's master dies is an unforgivable dereliction of duty—a disgrace to a guardian. Ōtsutsuki Kaguya has already committed a capital crime. I propose that once she is found, she be executed on the spot."
"Isshiki's death cannot be separated from Ōtsutsuki Kaguya. It is highly likely that she monopolized the Divine Tree's fruit. If that is indeed the case, then she will serve as high-quality nourishment for the next Divine Tree's maturation. Therefore, we need Kaguya alive."
Hearing this, Kinshiki nodded.
"I understand."
Urashiki glanced sideways at Kinshiki, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips as he thought,
'Little Momo really is lucky to have such a loyal guardian. How enviable.'
At this moment, the majestic voice rang out once more.
"Urashiki, your talent is exceptional. The clan has decided to make an exception this time and grant you an opportunity to travel beyond. When you return, I will assign you a guardian."
Urashiki's face immediately lit up with joy. He lowered his head and offered his thanks with utmost respect. Beside him, Momoshiki wore a look of disdain. Born into the noble lineage of the Ōtsutsuki, and confident in his own extraordinary talent, he had always looked down on an Ōtsutsuki like Urashiki, who spent his days acting frivolously.
Still, this was that one's decision. No matter how displeased he felt, Momoshiki would not show it here.
"Enough. I will provide you with the spatial coordinates. Depart at once."
As soon as the words fell, a black spatial portal materialized behind the three. They rose, respectfully took their leave, and vanished into the portal.
After they departed, the figure deep within the palace slowly closed his eyes and completely merged into the darkness.
...
Returning to the ninja world.
Carl and the other two were currently inside the office of Terumi Mei in Kirigakure.
However, the "Mizukage's seat" that Mei usually occupied had been claimed by Carl. The Mizukage herself was seated on a sofa opposite him. Standing behind her, to the left and right, were Chōjūrō and Ao. All three watched Carl—who was calmly sipping tea—with extreme caution.
Lily and Kaguya sat beside Carl on a long bench that had been temporarily brought in. Both women stared into the distance, eyes unfocused, as if deep in meditation.
After a while, Carl set down his teacup. Mei immediately gave Chōjūrō a look. Chōjūrō stepped forward at once, refilled the cup with fresh tea, then retreated respectfully.
Taking advantage of the moment, Mei carefully spoke,
"So… the three of you came from Konoha?"
Carl smiled faintly.
"Yes, but we are not ninja of Konoha. To be precise, we do not belong to any faction at all."
"Then may I ask what brings you to Kirigakure this time…?"
Carl lightly tapped his finger against the tabletop and lifted his gaze toward Mei. Mei instinctively lowered her head and hurriedly said,
"My apologies. I shouldn't have pried into this matter!"
Carl waved his hand dismissively.
"It's nothing. I just happen to be looking for someone within Kirigakure's territory. Since we're already here, though, there's something I need to take a look at."
As he said this, Carl turned to look at Kaguya and smiled.
"Kaguya, you've already sensed it, haven't you?"
Kaguya came back to herself and stood up.
"Yes, Carl-sama. It is a part of my power. May I go and reclaim that portion of my strength?"
As she spoke, a look of hope shone in her eyes. Carl spread his hands.
"That's your own business. Do as you like."
Hearing this, Kaguya was overjoyed. Unable to restrain herself, she stepped forward and grasped Carl's hands.
"Thank you, Carl-sama, for helping me. I am willing to remain by your side and serve you!"
Lily glanced sideways at Kaguya and Carl, curled her lips, and thought to herself,
'I knew it. These two were bound to get together sooner or later.'
Carl did not immediately respond. He simply looked quietly at Kaguya.
This reaction made Kaguya think she had been rejected. Her expression dimmed slightly as she said,
"I understand… Carl-sama must think I once betrayed Ōtsutsuki Isshiki. But back then, I only wanted to survive…"
Carl interrupted her at that moment.
"Kaguya, you're still afraid that the Ōtsutsuki will come looking for you in the future, aren't you? You want to seek refuge with me. Is that right?"
Kaguya stiffened. She pressed her lips together, then slowly nodded.
"Yes. I know you may not keep me, which is why I wanted to strengthen myself as much as possible—to protect my own life."
"Good. That's an honest answer." Carl nodded. "I agree. From now on, you can stay by my side."
"I'll just—wait, what!?"
Kaguya's eyes flew open, her face filled with disbelief. She never imagined Carl would actually agree so readily. The shock left her completely unprepared.
Carl, on the other hand, spoke casually,
"I was the one who killed Ōtsutsuki Isshiki. At this point, I'm already on bad terms with them. Since that's the case, I might as well keep you by my side and deal with them together. After all, you've already completely opposed them yourself, haven't you?"
Kaguya nodded vigorously. Her long hair brushed across Carl's cheek. Carl raised a hand to move it aside, then stood up.
"Alright. In that case, from now on, you're my handmaiden. Let's go—retrieve your power."
Kaguya softly replied with a quiet "Mm," her gaze gentle as she looked at Carl.
Seeing this, Lily clicked her tongue, stood up, stretched lazily, and walked over to Carl.
"Another handmaiden, huh? Your handmaiden squad has expanded again."
"Oh? Don't tell me you want to—"
"No!"
Mei listened to the conversation among the three with a completely baffled expression. Seeing Carl about to leave, she hurriedly asked,
"Um… Carl-sama, what exactly are you interested in within Kirigakure?"
"That giant old turtle staying at the bottom of the lake."
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+80 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg