In the endless stretch of space far from the Ninja World… the "good son" whom Naruto had previously released was now weeping as he recounted his "ordeal."
After adding plenty of embellishments, he successfully portrayed himself as a valiant warrior who had fought fiercely for three days and three nights before finally being overwhelmed by a group attack and forced into a heroic retreat.
But the Shinigami Elder wasn't interested in the dramatic story.
What captured his attention were Yakumo's descriptions of the Ninja World, the Rinnegan, and the scenes he had witnessed.
"Hahahaha! Well done, boy!"
"Ninja World… that's the place!"
"Notify the Clan Head. We've finally found the location!"
Standing over 1.8 meters tall, the Shinigami Elder looked like a robust old man—yet anyone who mistook his appearance for weakness would meet disastrous consequences.
He was an expert at the One-Turn Demigod realm.
"Elder… what's so special about this place?"
Yakumo asked cautiously.
Though he felt a deep, instinctive longing, he had no idea why. Understanding Yakumo's lack of knowledge, the Elder took the time to explain.
After listening carefully, Yakumo finally understood.
The Rinnegan realm born in the Ninja World was of enormous importance to their clan. Acquiring it could elevate their race a whole half-rank in status.
The Shinigami Clan already had a unique position in the universe, managing the undead and shouldering part of the world's karmic balance.
But the Rinnegan brought even greater benefits—especially the Rinnegan Underworld, which held astonishing authority.
This was a prize beyond measure.
"Wait—Elder Hadō!"
Yakumo quickly called out as the Elder turned to leave.
Seeing Yakumo hesitate, Elder Hadō frowned.
"What is it now? Want a reward? Don't rush. You'll receive plenty once everything is settled."
"A-ah… It's just… Elder, the Ninja World isn't simple. There are Demigod-level experts there—and their strength might be even above yours!"
Yakumo said it nervously. If he didn't warn the Elder and something went wrong, he'd not only lose his reward but might be thrown into the Gloomy Lands to suffer the torment of the Gang Wind.
"What did you say? A Demigod stronger than me?!"
Elder Hadō's eyes narrowed dangerously.
His expression clearly said:
You fought a superior Demigod for three days and nights?
And even survived being ganged up on?
You expect me to believe that?
Yakumo gave an awkward grin, pretending innocence.
Inside, he knew the reward was gone—and punishment was likely coming.
"You brat, stop spouting nonsense! I've already reported everything!"
Elder Hadō's rage grew as he stared at him. He had already transmitted the information moments before. If it turned out to be wrong, he'd lose all dignity.
"It seems our plan needs revision."
After shooting Yakumo one last glare, Elder Hadō left.
Ninja World
The Super Class selection soon reached its end.
After a fierce battle between Metal and Yotsuki Fū, Metal narrowly claimed victory.
The Chief Student of this term was Boruto. He met Sarada in the finals, and both displayed subtle signs of surpassing the Kage level. Boruto even had techniques he hadn't used yet.
Even with her Susanoo, Sarada failed to overcome him.
Thus, Boruto became the Chief Student of the Super Class.
Many civilians watched the match with excitement… but the attention of higher-ups shifted the moment intelligence about the Ōtsutsuki Clan's arrival surfaced.
On the Moon
Naruto, Shisui, Sasuke, Neji, Lee, and several others had gathered.
Naruto looked at Kaguya calmly.
"How much time do we have?"
"About a quarter of an hour," Kaguya replied softly, though unease crept into her expression.
The incoming Ōtsutsuki were traveling at superluminal speed. While a quarter hour sounded short, the distance covered was enormous.
A heavy silence followed as they waited.
"…They're here."
Three rays of light pierced the void, descending toward the moon.
Moments later, three figures emerged before them.
"Just now, we sensed a probing force," one of them said coldly.
"So… were you waiting for us?"
Ōtsutsuki Urashiki spoke first, arrogance dripping from every word.
"You harlot… you actually consumed the God Tree fruit."
Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki's expression shifted the moment he laid eyes on the nine-tomoe Rinnegan on Kaguya's forehead. Disgust flashed across his face as he rebuked her.
"To think someone with the noble bloodline of the Ōtsutsuki would mingle with these inferior natives… You are unworthy of our name—traitor."
His cold voice carried an air of divine superiority, causing even the seasoned warriors present to feel a flash of irritation.
The way he stood made it clear: in his eyes, only Kaguya had the right to exist before him.
"Is that all a grand Ōtsutsuki amounts to?"
Madara stepped forward, voice calm and dismissive. "I can crush you myself."
"Heh… a descendant of that harlot?" Momoshiki laughed mockingly. "You're nothing more than an impure mongrel."
"You're courting death."
Madara snorted, then launched a massive attack straight at Momoshiki.
Momoshiki lazily extended a pale hand—absorbing the attack completely—then fired it back with even greater power.
Faces hardened across the battlefield. The amplified blast surged forward like a falling star.
But—
With a casual wave of his hand, Naruto erased it.
Just like that—gone.
Momoshiki and Urashiki froze.
A moment ago, they hadn't even registered Naruto's presence… and now he had nullified a Demigod-level strike with a gesture.
What technique was that?
Before they could react further—
"Wood Release: Forest of a Myriad Phenomena!"
Hashirama slammed his hands together. A colossal forest erupted upward, smashing into Urashiki and hurling him far into the distance.
"Konoha's Azure Beast has arrived!"
"Eight Gates—Evening Tiger!!!"
Might Guy charged in next, opening the Gates without hesitation.
The modern Evening Tiger roared forth—vast, condensed, luminous—like a celestial beast that could swallow the heavens.
It tore through space itself as it lunged at the trio.
The sheer pressure made their faces twist in shock.
The three Ōtsutsuki hurriedly activated their Rinnegan dōjutsu, yet—
Nothing happened.
The techniques fizzled out instantly.
Refusing to believe it, Urashiki poured all his strength into Shinra Tensei—
only for the force field to shatter like fragile glass.
A thunderous impact followed.
The trio were blasted thousands of meters away, tumbling across the moon's surface and carving twin ravines in the ground.
Kinshiki, in an instant of loyalty, had shielded Momoshiki with his own body.
In the silence that followed, Might Guy blinked innocently at the destruction he'd caused.
"…Are they really that fragile?"
(End of Chapter)
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