Orochimaru and Tobirama suddenly froze in place, their movements cut short. The two of them turned around, eyes blazing as they locked onto Hikaru.
"Another world?"
That phrase alone stirred something deep within them.
As the most renowned scientists in the history of the Hokage, their thirst for the unknown was unmatched. Curiosity burned stronger than any plan they had previously conceived.
In this moment, whatever original goals they'd held were already tossed aside, replaced by an overwhelming anticipation for this so-called "other world."
Orochimaru's eyes sparkled with excitement, unable to hold back his question.
"What kind of world is it?"
Tobirama didn't speak, but the look in his eyes said it all—he too was burning with curiosity and desire to embark on this unknown journey.
Others in the room turned toward Hikaru with clear interest on their faces.
Hikaru caught the shift in their expressions and knew his words had hooked them.
He smiled slightly and began to explain.
"My abilities have improved recently. I sensed the coordinates of another world," Hikaru said slowly. "While I don't know exactly what kind of world it is, I'm sure of one thing—it's completely different from the Shinobi World."
He paused, glancing around the room before continuing:
"So, anyone interested in exploring the unknown with me?"
Hikaru, of course, didn't mention anything about the Idle Training System. That was his greatest secret. Instead, he simply claimed that traveling to another world was a result of his personal abilities.
As soon as he finished speaking, Orochimaru and Tobirama wasted no time. In the very next second, both expressed their desire to go without hesitation before they went to prepare themselves.
In contrast, Tsunade and the other four women seemed a bit hesitant.
They'd already accompanied Hikaru on many journeys across the Shinobi World. The thrill of travel no longer held the same appeal it once had.
More importantly, something else was weighing on their minds.
They exchanged glances, then turned their eyes to Chinatsu.
A slight nod from them carried deep meaning.
They wanted to offer this rare opportunity to Chinatsu—as a way to make up for the honeymoon that she and Hikaru had never been able to enjoy together.
Chinatsu understood their intention instantly, and a warm feeling bloomed in her chest.
She looked at them with gratitude in her eyes, then turned to face Hikaru.
Her gaze shimmered with anticipation as she spoke, her voice trembling softly:
"Hikaru, I want to see that world too."
She tried her best to remain calm, but the excitement and shyness in her tone couldn't be hidden.
Hikaru gave her a gentle smile, eyes full of affection, and nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Mito, Madara, and Hashirama each voiced that they had no intention of joining this otherworldly journey.
Meanwhile, Kaguya's heart churned like a stormy sea, impossible to settle.
Ever since she had secretly consumed the Chakra Fruit, she'd lived in constant fear of retribution from the Ōtsutsuki clan.
That fear had driven her to many mad, desperate acts.
But what brought her comfort was the knowledge that those Ōtsutsuki who had once seemed godlike to her—were nothing more than ants in the face of Hikaru's power.
And after spending the past two years by Hikaru's side, she had developed deep, indescribable feelings for this mysterious, overwhelmingly strong man.
Now, with all shackles and burdens gone, Kaguya chose to follow the voice of her heart.
That feeling, burning like a blazing flame, could no longer be suppressed.
After a long, private inner struggle, she finally gathered her courage and spoke in a slightly trembling voice:
"I… I want to go too."
Kaguya's voice trembled slightly, but there was a quiet strength behind it. That one sentence wasn't just a request—it was a declaration. A release of years of fear, guilt, and isolation.
To her, it felt like rebirth.
But once she began speaking, she couldn't stop.
She lifted her chin, eyes blazing.
"Hikaru is mine. Wherever he goes, I go. That's all there is to it."
It was a bold, unflinching claim—the kind only the Rabbit Goddess herself could make.
Everyone in the room fell silent, stunned by her sudden assertiveness. Gone was the distant, troubled figure who once stood alone. In her place stood a woman full of pride and fierce devotion.
Even Hikaru was caught off guard. But after a moment, he smiled—gently, sincerely.
He stepped toward her, the corner of his mouth lifting in amusement.
"Then I guess I have no choice but to bring you along," he said, eyes twinkling. "Can't exactly shake off someone that stubborn."
Without another word, he reached out and pulled her into a brief, quiet embrace—not romantic, but comforting. The kind of hug that said, you're not alone anymore.
He turned to the others, gave them a respectful nod, and said softly, "We'll be back soon."
Then, in a flash, he and Kaguya vanished—leaving behind only a faint ripple in the air.
Tsunade stared at the spot where they'd disappeared and sighed.
"…I get the feeling we're going to need a bigger house."
There was a teasing edge to her voice, but also a flicker of warmth in her eyes.
Nonō Yakushi gave her a sideways glance and smirked. "Planning to move out, then?"
"Not a chance," Tsunade said without hesitation, folding her arms. "That idiot's stuck with me."
That earned a round of laughter from the rest.
Whatever happened from here on out, one thing was certain—none of their feelings for Hikaru were fading anytime soon.
Back at their residence, Hikaru and Kaguya reappeared with a soft shimmer of chakra.
But as soon as they landed, Kaguya unexpectedly took the lead.
With a light push, she sent Hikaru stumbling onto a floor cushion, then planted one graceful leg in front of him. Her pale toes hovered just above the floor, poised, confident.
"Massage my leg," she said, voice calm—but her cheeks already flushed.
The words came out commanding, but the bashfulness tugging at her expression gave her away. This wasn't the cold, unreachable goddess of before. This was Kaguya—the one who'd allowed herself to feel.
Hikaru blinked, then gave her a half-laugh. "You've gotten bold."
She didn't respond, only stared down at him with determined eyes, lips pressed into a line to hide her embarrassment.
Hikaru chuckled, grabbing her petite foot and yanking her straight into his lap.
"Very naïve of you, Rabbit Goddess, to fall for that, now you're mine."
Kaguya didn't answer, she looked away, ears slightly pink.
"How cute." Hiraku remarked as he leaned forward to a kiss.
===
Later, the sliding doors stayed shut as soft candlelight spilled across the floor. Kaguya lay resting with her head on Hikaru's lap, her long silver hair cascading over the cushions like moonlight.
"Feeling better now?" Hikaru asked, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
She didn't answer. She didn't need to.
He smiled. This wasn't just the end of a journey—it was the start of a new one.