Dimensional Kaguya Ōtsutsuki

The night was deep, the sky dotted with stars and a full moon hanging high. Yet tonight's moon was different—it emitted a faint crimson glow, an ominous and eerie aura.

The sudden outbreak of the fire had taken everyone by surprise. Most people, still asleep, had no chance to react before they found themselves surrounded by roaring flames with no way to escape. The fire was not only abrupt but incredibly intense, exacerbated by the strong winds that fanned the flames. Compounded by the explosions and ruptures of gas pipelines, the fire quickly spiraled out of control. Even with the city's entire fire brigade mobilized, it was too late to make a meaningful impact.

All around were harrowing screams, heart-wrenching cries, and desperate pleas for help, a cacophony that echoed through the inferno, making the entire scene feel like a descent into hell.

Under such circumstances, ordinary means were powerless to curb the blaze's relentless advance.

Kaguya furrowed her brows, raising her arm and spreading her fingers. Chakra surged wildly through her body, flowing out from her hand to envelop the entire city in a massive field of energy.

The previously clear night sky abruptly darkened as thick black clouds gathered overhead, obscuring the once-brilliant stars and luminous full moon. The darkness deepened as the clouds coalesced into a vast expanse of storm clouds that seemed to press down from the heavens.

Suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by the rumbling crash of thunder. Moments later, torrential rain began to pour, a deluge so intense it seemed like the heavens had burst open. The cascading rain fell upon the raging flames below, drenching them mercilessly.

The rain had an immediate effect. Within moments, the towering flames began to diminish, no longer as ferocious as they had been just moments earlier.

This was no ordinary rain. Infused with Kaguya's chakra, the water carried an icy chill, nearly freezing in temperature. It rapidly sapped the heat from the flames, quelling their intensity far more effectively than any normal rain could.

Finally, the fire was brought under control, and the rain gradually subsided, leaving behind only wisps of smoke and a faint drizzle. As far as the eye could see, the area was reduced to ruins. Once a bustling neighborhood, it now lay in shambles—a scene of utter devastation.

Just as Kaguya was about to leave, a faint sound reached her ears. She paused, her brows knitting as she turned toward the source of the noise. Following the sound, she came upon a pile of darkened rubble. What had once been a home was now a charred wreck, its furniture reduced to cinders and its walls crumbled to ash.

"Help… someone… please…"

The weak voice came again, stirring a moment of surprise in Kaguya. She stepped forward, raising her arm and waving it lightly. A burst of invisible force swept through the wreckage, sending debris flying and revealing a small, fragile figure beneath.

It was a little girl, no more than four or five years old, dressed in singed pajamas. Her tiny body was covered in cuts and burns, her skin blackened from the flames. She had suffered severe burns, injuries so dire that even immediate medical attention would likely be futile. Yet for Kaguya, this was but a minor issue.

Walking over, Kaguya bent down and gently scooped the child into her arms, cradling her against her chest.

"Help me… Daddy… Mommy…" the girl murmured weakly, her small hands clutching tightly at Kaguya's clothing. Her voice, fragile and tender, trembled with fear. As the words left her lips, her head lolled to the side, and she fainted.

Kaguya looked down at the child in her arms, momentarily stunned. Her face, smudged with dirt and ash, resembled that of a little painted doll. Kaguya reached out, wiping away the grime with her sleeve to reveal a familiar visage.

Origami Tobiichi.

Kaguya's eyes widened in surprise. Of all the things she expected, stumbling upon Origami Tobiichi in such circumstances had never crossed her mind. This was entirely unexpected, almost surreal.

A sudden realization dawned on her, as if a bolt of lightning had struck her mind and dispelled the fog obscuring her thoughts.

Kaguya had long been puzzled by Origami's unusual behavior—her inexplicable attachment, her unwavering trust, and her willingness to betray AST and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces for Kaguya's sake. None of it had made sense. For a time, Kaguya had even suspected Origami of harboring ulterior motives.

But now, she finally understood.

Ten years ago, she had saved a young Origami from certain death. This act of salvation had left a deep impression on the girl, forging a bond that explained her present loyalty. It all made sense now—the affection, the closeness, even Origami's tendency to follow her around like a devoted companion.

This feels like something straight out of a fairytale, Kaguya thought with an ironic smile. Like a modern-day version of the legend of the Snail Girl.

However, Kaguya's musings were cut short as she glanced back down at the unconscious child in her arms. A pang of pity stirred within her as she realized the girl had called out for her parents in her final moments of consciousness.

I should find them, Kaguya decided. If she's become this important to me, then her parents deserve saving as well.

With her sharp senses, it didn't take long for Kaguya to locate Origami's parents beneath a pile of debris. Unfortunately, she arrived too late. The two had succumbed to smoke inhalation shortly after the fire began, their lifeless bodies a somber testament to the tragedy.

For a moment, Kaguya looked at the unconscious girl in her arms, her small face still etched with worry even in sleep. Sighing, Kaguya made her decision.

"Fine. I'll go all the way," she muttered. "It's just more chakra anyway."

Kaguya raised her arm, her fingers forming a sword-like seal. Her luminous, star-filled eyes began to rotate with a hypnotic glow as she softly uttered, "Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique."

At her command, two orbs of pale green light emerged from her body, arcing gracefully through the air before descending upon Origami's parents. Their bodies jerked violently as their hearts began to beat once more. They gasped, drawing in fresh breaths, and their ashen faces regained a healthy flush. Even their wounds closed rapidly, healing before Kaguya's eyes.

Letting out a small breath, Kaguya looked back at the child in her arms and smiled wryly. "Hiding this from me all this time, huh? Just wait until we get back—I'll make sure you get what's coming to you."

As if sensing her words, the little girl stirred faintly, her tiny hand clutching tightly at Kaguya's clothes in her sleep.

Accompanied by the piercing sound of sirens, police cars and fire trucks sped toward the scene, their red warning lights flashing conspicuously in the dark night. Shortly after, ambulances followed close behind, and medical personnel quickly disembarked, hurrying to treat the injured.

This fire had been catastrophic, reducing nearly the entire community to rubble. The number of injured and dead was beyond count. Fortunately, Kaguya had employed her ninjutsu to summon torrential rain, greatly reducing the blaze's intensity and extinguishing the inferno before it could claim even more lives.

"Excuse me, do you need help?"

A soft voice came from behind Kaguya. She turned to find a young woman in a nurse's uniform standing there. The nurse had long, flowing hair, neatly groomed eyebrows, and clear, crystalline eyes framed by glasses. Her face was beautiful, her figure tall and voluptuous, accentuated by the black stockings she wore, exuding a mature charm.

However, her heavy dark circles and drowsy demeanor suggested a lack of sleep. She seemed so groggy that she might yawn at any moment, her body swaying precariously.

Kaguya's forehead twitched. Is this woman really a nurse? That sleepy, unsteady appearance hardly inspired confidence. Kaguya even wondered if entrusting Origami Tobiichi to her care might lead to Origami's premature demise.

"This little girl is injured. Please take care of her," Kaguya said, handing Origami over to the nurse. "Her family is nearby, unconscious. Please ensure they are taken to the hospital as well."

Leaving them here was clearly not an option. If the fire hadn't claimed them, the chaos could still result in their deaths, such as being trampled in the confusion—an indignity Kaguya was unwilling to allow.

"All right, I understand," the nurse said, taking Origami into her arms and letting out a yawn.

After entrusting Origami and her family to the nurse, Kaguya left the scene. Along the way, she passed clusters of people, most in a pitiful state. Their clothes were ragged and scorched, their bodies bearing visible burns. The tragic sight was heart-wrenching.

"Darling, you're back." Kurumi Tokisaki, who had been anxiously awaiting Kaguya's return, lit up upon seeing her. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she ran toward Kaguya.

"Mm, I'm back," Kaguya said with a smile. "How's the little one?"

"She seems fine," Kurumi replied. "But, what do you plan to do with her?"

Kaguya blinked in confusion. "Plan to do? What do you mean?"

"Have you not thought about it?" Kurumi asked, tilting her head. "She's awakened her Spirit power now. She's no longer human—she's a Spirit. Never mind the potential destruction her unstable power could cause; if humans discover she's a Spirit, they'll undoubtedly mobilize the military to capture her. Then…"

Kurumi trailed off, but Kaguya understood her meaning perfectly.

As a human, Kotori Itsuka could continue living a relatively normal life. But as a Spirit, her existence would invite chaos and the scrutiny of malicious organizations, such as DEM Industries. Their leader, Westcott, had always coveted Spirit power.

For Kotori's safety, letting her remain unguarded was out of the question.

Kaguya initially considered using the Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique to resurrect Kotori's parents. However, upon examining the site of the fire, she discovered that the extreme heat had vaporized their bodies completely, leaving no remains. In such circumstances, even Kaguya's technique could hardly succeed. Moreover, having already used the ability on Origami's parents, Kaguya's chakra reserves were significantly depleted. Using it again would require more preparation time, something they couldn't afford at the moment given the instability of Kotori's Spirit power.

"It seems there's only one option," Kaguya murmured, gently taking the young Kotori from Kurumi's arms.

"You mean…" Kurumi's eyes widened in surprise, already guessing what Kaguya intended.

"That's right," Kaguya nodded. "The only way is to seal her power. This is the only way to protect her from external threats and keep her hidden from prying organizations."

Kurumi looked at the sleeping young Kotori, then reached out to pinch her soft, rosy cheeks. With a teasing smile, she said, "To be so cherished by Darling… it's enough to make me jealous."

With a feigned sigh of resignation, she added, "It seems what you can't have is always the most alluring. Now that Darling has a new flame, it seems I've been forgotten."

Kaguya stepped closer, reaching out to flick Kurumi's forehead. Surprised, Kurumi winced, clutching her head. "Ow! That hurts!"

"Stop talking nonsense," Kaguya said, her voice calm yet firm. "Do you still not understand my feelings for you?"

Kurumi, still holding her forehead, quickly approached Kaguya with a mischievous grin. Tilting her head playfully, she leaned forward and clasped her hands behind her back. "Are you mad at me?" she asked sweetly.

"No," Kaguya replied flatly.

"Don't be so stingy! I was only joking," Kurumi said, tugging at Kaguya's arm like a spoiled child. "Come on, smile for me." As she spoke, she stretched Kaguya's cheeks, forcing a smile onto her face.

Helpless against Kurumi's antics, Kaguya sighed. "I'm not angry. If I got upset over something so trivial, wouldn't that make me incredibly petty?"

"Not angry, huh?" Kurumi blinked her wide, enchanting eyes.

"Why would I be? I was just thinking about something," Kaguya explained.

It wasn't a lie. Kaguya had indeed been deep in thought—about Kotori's situation. While the incident seemed resolved, it raised even more questions.

Where did Kotori's power come from? How had she suddenly acquired Spirit power without any discernible cause? It defied all logic. In the original story, a mysterious entity referred to as "Phantom" had granted several individuals Spirit powers, transforming them from humans into Spirits. But the nature of this "Phantom" was never explained, leaving Kaguya puzzled.

For some reason, Kaguya had a nagging feeling that she would meet this Phantom someday—and that the encounter wasn't far off.

"Really?" Kurumi tilted her head curiously.

"Really," Kaguya affirmed, only to suddenly realize something. "Wait… where's the young Kotori? Where did she go?"

"Oh no!" Kurumi exclaimed, her eyes wide with alarm. With an embarrassed chuckle, she stuck out her tongue and confessed, "I think… I may have accidentally dropped her earlier."

Kaguya: "..."

Since it was impossible to bring the young Kotori back to the future, Kaguya sealed both her abilities and her memories before entrusting her to the care of the hospital nurse. She figured that, being in a democratic country, the authorities would handle the situation properly.

Nonetheless, Kaguya added several protective ninjutsu seals to Kotori's body. These seals were designed to activate automatically if she encountered danger, helping her escape unscathed. This method drew inspiration from techniques used by Uchiha Itachi and Jiraiya in the original series. Just as Itachi had sealed Amaterasu in Sasuke's eyes, Kaguya employed a similar method—albeit far more discreet and significantly more powerful.

These seals served as Kaguya's insurance policy on Kotori. If unforeseen events occurred, the future might change in unexpected ways. While everything seemed stable from the present perspective, caution was always prudent.

"Here, this is for you." Kurumi Tokisaki, holding the young Kotori in her arms, passed her over to Kaguya with a playful grin. "This is your reward for all your effort. Make good use of it!"

"Ahem, stop talking nonsense." Kaguya reached out to take Kotori from Kurumi, then asked, "By the way, how much longer can your ability last? Using your Twelfth Bullet must consume a massive amount of Spirit energy."

"Oh no, I forgot!" Kurumi exclaimed in mock panic. "I was so caught up in the show that I completely forgot about it."

Kaguya felt a vein twitch on her forehead. Was this girl really just here for entertainment?

"How long can you hold on, then?" Kaguya asked urgently.

Kurumi pressed her hands together apologetically, flashing a sheepish smile. "It's already gone."

"What's gone?" Kaguya blinked in confusion.

"My Spirit energy, of course!" Kurumi mimicked Kaguya's tone, shrugged, and closed her eyes with a mischievous smile.

"Ha?" Kaguya's head throbbed with exasperation.

As Kurumi finished speaking, the world around them abruptly began to shift. Countless figures flitted past, and the seasons changed in rapid succession—spring, summer, autumn, and winter cycling endlessly. Time seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye, the transformations so surreal that Kaguya felt as if she were caught in an illusion.

Suddenly, time screeched to a halt, like a train braking unexpectedly. The strange scenery dissolved, snapping Kaguya out of her daze.

When she came to, Kaguya realized something shocking—Kotori Itsuka, who had been cradled in her arms, was gone. Her hands were empty. What's more, Kurumi Tokisaki was nowhere to be found either.

"Kurumi!" Kaguya called out loudly, her voice echoing in the eerie silence. Only her own echo responded, the stillness oppressive and unnerving.

What's going on?

Frowning slightly, Kaguya looked around. The surroundings had transformed entirely, as though she had entered an unknown dimension. Kurumi Tokisaki's presence was completely absent. Examining her environment, Kaguya found herself in an unfamiliar place, one she had never visited before.

The scene before her suggested wintertime. The trees were bare, their branches skeletal against the sky. The cold air carried an ominous chill, and heavy snow fell in thick, fluffy clusters. A layer of white already blanketed the ground.

The blue sky was hidden by dark, inky clouds, casting the world into shadow and obscuring the time of day.

Amid the heavy snowfall, a piercing wind howled. Such frigid weather would make anyone loath to linger outdoors even for a moment. The chill wasn't just cold—it was cruel, biting deeper than a typical winter frost.

However, the cold posed no problem for Kaguya. The swirling snow and biting wind dissipated before they could reach her, repelled by an invisible barrier. Even the harsh chill was kept at bay, unable to penetrate her defenses.

This was a protective Chakra Shield—a technique Kaguya had developed after studying the concept of territory expansion from Realizer devices. It was one of her newer abilities.

Kaguya began walking along a countryside path. Although the heavy snow had obscured most tracks, her keen perception allowed her to detect faint footprints buried beneath the blanket of white. Following these footprints would undoubtedly lead her to signs of civilization.

This area didn't resemble a major city or even the outskirts of one. All around her were sparse, scattered woodlands with no tall buildings in sight. The atmosphere suggested a rural, perhaps even remote, location.

Before long, as Kaguya had anticipated, a small town appeared on the horizon.

Calling it a "town" might have been an overstatement. It wasn't particularly large, with few buildings, the tallest of which was a modest four-story structure in the center. The rest were single or two-story homes, scattered loosely across the area.

Perhaps due to the heavy snowfall and the late hour, the streets were deserted. Most residents seemed to be indoors, staying warm. The town's many lights flickered invitingly through windows, wisps of smoke rising from chimneys in a scene of quiet serenity.

Kaguya made her way toward the town, her heart tinged with curiosity. What is this place? Initially, she had assumed this was some kind of illusion or virtual world. However, her sharp intuition told her otherwise—this was a real, tangible world.

I need to find someone and ask what's going on.

Suddenly, a cacophony of voices reached her ears.

"Outcast! Get out of here, you jinx!"

"Yeah, you're nothing but bad luck! Get out of this village!"

"You're the reason my brother's dead! You cursed him!"

"And my grandmother too! She helped you, and look what happened!"

"Leave! Just leave!"

Hearing the angry shouts, Kaguya paused in surprise. She turned toward the commotion and began walking in its direction.

When she arrived, she found a group of children gathered around, their anger palpable. They were hurling stones and chunks of ice at a small figure in the center—a little girl.

The child stood in the snow wearing only thin, tattered clothes, her exposed skin bruised and frostbitten. Her body was covered in wounds, clearly inflicted by the stones and ice.

When Kaguya finally got a clear look at the girl's face, her pupils contracted sharply in shock.

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