Months quietly slipped away, and Shun stayed by the sun the entire time, never leaving. He constantly fine-tuned the barriers and energy conversion channels, adjusting the array patterns based on the sun's energy fluctuations, ensuring stable energy output and optimal conversion efficiency.
During this time, the sun showed signs of violent energy several times, but he suppressed them quickly with his precise Chakra control and extensive experience with secret techniques, stabilizing the situation.
When the sun's light turned soft and the energy fluctuations were no longer violent, reaching a stable state, Shun slowly raised his hand and lightly gripped toward the sun.
Spatial power instantly erupted, and that star emitting endless light slowly shrank under the pull of invisible force. It reduced from tens of thousands of meters in diameter to the size of a basketball, finally turning into a brilliant golden stream of light.
Following his body, it burrowed into his internal space and settled firmly, resonating with his Life Origin.
The moment the energy surged into his body, Shun shuddered, his back involuntarily straightening, and golden light patterns appeared on his forehead. His entire body was instantly steeped in golden energy. The warm and majestic energy spread rapidly through his Chakra pathways.
Like a surging river, it swept through his entire body, and every cell was frantically absorbing this energy. The cell walls were constantly strengthened and evolved, emitting a faint hum.
It gradually took on a thick layer of golden light, becoming increasingly condensed and mellow.
His Chakra pathways were also continuously widened and strengthened under the nourishment of the energy, capable of holding more power.
Shun could clearly feel that his life level was undergoing a qualitative sublimation.
Cell activity was infinitely activated, and his lifespan was extended to the magnitude of ten billion years, giving him nearly eternal life.
His body was surrounded by a continuous flow of vitality and energy, and every breath could trigger a glimmer from the sun within him. His aura was heavy and steady, no longer having the slightest hint of instability.
Shun slowly closed his eyes, feeling the pulse of the sun and the flow of energy within his body.
The energy fluctuations around him were already countless times greater than before, heavy and condensed. This was enough to confront Shibai, who was trapped in the River of Time, and even gave him a slight upper hand.
With a light leap, Shun traveled through the Universe relying solely on physical strength. This was just a warm-up for him, just to move his body and release the surging power within.
He looked toward the direction of the River of Time, where the space was distorted and obscure, glowing with a faint black aura.
He could faintly feel Shibai's violent and unwilling energy fluctuations, like a trapped beast roaring.
At this moment, the corners of Shun's lips curled up slightly, and with a calm and confident smile, he sensed his changes over and over again.
"Shibai, your good days are over."
— — —
The evening breeze carried the scent of osmanthus from the courtyard, blowing away the chill of drifting through the Universe.
The vermilion pillars were heated by the warm lamps, and as the palace lanterns swayed, light and shadow wove mottled patterns on the ground.
It was still the familiar sight from memory.
The maids had long been waiting, bowing before the vermilion gates, their plain kimonos making their figures appear gentle.
Their voices, raised in unison to offer greetings, were filled with awe and respect. "Lord, the Queens are waiting in the main hall. All preparations for the banquet are complete."
Shun nodded slightly, yet he naturally exuded majesty and poise. "Mhm, I understand."
Having said that, he stepped through the corridor, looking toward the sound of children's play coming from ahead.
The youngest daughter, Yuuka, was sharp-eyed and was the first to break free from the maid's hand.
She ran on her short legs and threw herself into Shun's arms, her soft, sweet voice laced with longing and grievance. "Papa! You're finally back! Yuuka missed you so much!"
Shun bent down to pick her up steadily, the warmth of the sun lightly covering her back, instantly turning into a heart full of tenderness.
"It's papa's fault for making you wait so long, Yuuka."
After saying that, he pinched his youngest daughter's cheek.
"Have you been listening to your mothers and training and studying well?"
Yuuka hugged his neck and gently rubbed her head against his shoulder, nodding. "I've been very good. I even practiced Medical Ninjutsu with Karin-nee and Shion-nee."
Sasuke and Hamamaru also gathered around.
Sasuke held a short blade, its surface glinting coldly. His cool chin was slightly raised, and his eyes held confidence and the stubbornness of a youth. "Father, I've grown stronger again during this time. I can protect my mothers and sisters."
Shun reached out and pressed his hand on his shoulder, feeling the restless Six Paths Chakra within him.
"Sasuke, I know you've become stronger, but you're too impatient. You need to settle your heart and take things one step at a time so you can walk more steadily."
He turned to look at Karin nearby and beckoned her over. "Karin, you've always been meticulous. Remind your brother Sasuke more often in the future not to be impulsive when things happen."
Karin walked quickly to his side and nodded slightly. "Yes, father, I will remember."
She stole a glance at Sasuke beside her and gently pulled his sleeve, signaling him to restrain his aura.
Hamamaru stood tall and straight. Though young, he exuded a calm temperament, very much like an elder brother. "Father, I want to go to the military department to train and learn."
Shun nodded. "You may. When the time comes, I will give you an army of a million, and you can learn while practicing."
Shun looked at the children before him, warmth surging in his heart. He patted their shoulders one by one, his appreciative gaze falling on each child's face.
The main hall was brightly lit, with eight gilded palace lanterns making the hall feel warm and cozy.
The fresh aroma of food was interwoven in the air, and twenty-four beautiful and elegant Queens sat around the main seat. Each had her own charm, yet they all looked toward the door together, with unhideable expectation hidden in their eyes.
Among the many Queens, Kaguya had shed the aloofness of a deity. The moment she saw Shun's figure, all the concern in her eyes turned into soft light.
Kaguya said, "It's good that you're back. Spend more time with these sisters tonight, they've missed you very much."
Mikoto had a faint smile on her lips, filled with the joy of a long-awaited reunion.
Tsunade wore a dark kimono with her long hair tied loosely, unable to hide the joy and impatience in her eyes, wishing she could step forward immediately to ask about his experiences over the past few months.
Kurenai held a warm tea cup while waiting quietly, her temperament serene.
The sisters Hinata and Hanabi had their Byakugan lightly closed. When they sensed Shun's unique Chakra, they slowly opened their eyes, a fine soft light appearing in them.
...
"Everyone, you've waited a long time."
Shun put Mirai down and told her to go back to the other children. Then he walked to the main seat and sat down, gesturing for the banquet to begin. His gentle tone dispelled the last bit of restraint in the hall.
Maids entered in a line, serving one exquisite dish after another. There were traditional Uchiha flavors, rare ingredients from various places, and even space specialties he had mentioned by chance.
It was clear the Queens had prepared meticulously for a long time, their hearts poured into it.
Laughter and chatter filled the room as the children moved between the seats.
Sometimes they acted spoiled toward the Queens, and sometimes they gathered around Shun to tell him interesting stories.
Manaka gently served food to Shun, while Shion sat by his side, detailing the trivial matters of the estate.
Karin sat next to Sasuke, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing her sleeve. Her gaze often fell on her father, hiding a bit of admiration and closeness, and occasionally she would peel a fruit for Mirai.
Zetsu sat quietly in the corner, occasionally looking up at Shun, her eyes full of pure reliance.
Shun noticed Karin always silently taking care of her sister. He reached out and placed a piece of pastry she liked from a plate into her bowl, his tone gentle. "Karin, don't always just look after others, eat more yourself."
Karin looked up to meet Shun's gaze, her eyes instantly lighting up, and she nodded quickly. "Thank you, father."
Halfway through the banquet, the children and Queens became increasingly curious about the power of the sun surrounding Shun.
Karin was the first to stand up and walk to Shun's side. Her tone carried shyness and curiosity, her eyes full of admiration. "Father, is the power of the sun in your body truly inexhaustible like a star? When I use sensory techniques, I feel your power is warm and majestic."
Sara followed closely, her tone inquisitive. "This power is completely different from our Chakra. How do you control it so perfectly?"
For a moment, everyone's gaze focused on Shun. There was curiosity, awe, and even unmasked admiration.
Shun raised his hand and lightly swirled his wine glass, the wine within reflecting fine golden light—an unintentional overflow of power of the sun.
"This power originates from the essence of a star. It seems violent, but it actually has its own laws. Controlling it is not about suppression, but about coexistence."
A thread of pale gold light condensed in his palm, floating in mid-air, its light soft and not dazzling.
Kurenai asked softly, "Can this power be passed on to the children?"