Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

Huh~

A gentle breeze swept across the boundless, serene world.

"It's unbelievable," said the Sage of the Six Paths, his voice tinged with awe. "It's rare to see someone with such a vast inner space."

As he spoke, the time that seemed frozen in this ethereal realm began to flow again.

Kirito stepped lightly onto the calm water, ripples spreading outward with every step, as he approached the Sage of the Six Paths.

The Sage of the Six Paths introduced himself with a calm demeanor. "My name is Otsutsuki Hagoromo. In the ninja world, I am often referred to as the 'Sage of Six Paths' or the 'Father of Ninja.'"

"I know," Kirito replied, his gaze fixed on the man hailed as the theoretical strongest ninja.

The Sage of the Six Paths nodded in satisfaction. "That makes things simpler," he said, relieved that Kirito understood who he was without further explanation.

Kirito's composed demeanor contrasted with the erratic temperaments of Indra and Asura's reincarnations, which often demanded lengthy explanations.

Raising his shakujō staff, Hagoromo tapped the still water beneath them, and rippling images appeared. Reflections of Naruto and Sasuke materialized, with Asura and Indra standing behind them.

Hagoromo began to explain. "Naruto and Sasuke are the reincarnations of my two sons, Asura and Indra. As someone from the past, I can only observe the world through them and witness the evolution of ninjas.

"I also became aware of your presence through Naruto. Like me and my mother, Otsutsuki Kaguya, you possess the blood of the Otsutsuki clan. At first, I feared that your existence might bring calamity to the ninja world.

"But I see now that you are a kind person, one who would not subject this world to ruin for the sake of power, unlike my mother."

Hagoromo paused for a moment before asking, "Is this explanation acceptable to you?"

Kirito nodded. "Yes. So, what do you need from me?"

Hagoromo moved closer to the water's surface, and the image of a striking woman with pale eyes and long silver-white hair appeared.

"I hope you will protect this world from the incursions of my mother's kin."

The Sage of the Six Paths recounted the tale of Kaguya Otsutsuki, who came to Earth, consumed the Chakra Fruit of the Divine Tree, and gave birth to Hagoromo and his brother Hamura.

He explained how Kaguya, in her bid to prepare for the inevitable arrival of the Otsutsuki main family, turned people into White Zetsu to create an army. Dissatisfied with her methods, Hagoromo and Hamura ultimately sealed their mother.

Hagoromo became the Ten Tails Jinchuriki, while Hamura led a faction to the moon, where they guarded Kaguya's body for generations.

"My mother and we, her sons, belong to the Otsutsuki clan, a family that travels across the universe harvesting the life force of planets through Chakra Fruits.

"I believe you recall the Otsutsuki Urashiki, who hunted Naruto two years ago."

Kirito nodded. He understood that Hagoromo referred to the events involving Urashiki, who came from another dimension to pursue Naruto.

"The Otsutsuki are insatiable. They ravage planet after planet in their quest for Chakra Fruits. As long as the ninja world exists, they will eventually return.

"The power I bestowed upon Naruto and Sasuke was meant to help them end the cycle of conflict caused by Indra's reincarnations, such as Madara. However, my power alone won't suffice against future Otsutsuki threats.

"You, as a member of the Otsutsuki clan, are the only one who can face them."

Seeing Kirito's indifferent expression, Hagoromo added, "If you hesitate because of your connection to the Otsutsuki clan, don't worry. To the Otsutsuki main family, all other members of the clan are merely expendable resources. They would not hesitate to kill you for their gain."

Kirito replied coldly, "I feel no connection to the Otsutsuki clan. I killed Urashiki without a second thought."

Hagoromo seemed hopeful, but Kirito continued. "However, I don't like being tethered to one responsibility. When this war ends, I may travel the ninja world, or I might leave this planet entirely to explore the cosmos.

"I can't stay in the ninja world as its guardian. I'm fighting now only for the friends I've made. So, I won't agree to your request."

Hagoromo paused, then smiled understandingly. "I see. That's fair. I, too, was once young and restless. I can understand your feelings.

"Still, I believe that as time passes, you will come to love this world and want to protect it, just as I did."

Hagoromo firmly believed that those who grew up in this world would ultimately wish to safeguard it. After all, he had created the ninja system to unite people and foster understanding through chakra.

Seeing Kirito's reluctance, Hagoromo made one final request. "If the ninja world ever faces a crisis so great that it teeters on the brink of collapse, I hope you will step forward to save it.

"In return, I will pass on all the abilities I have acquired in my lifetime."

"After I've resolved the current war?" Kirito asked.

"No," Hagoromo replied. "I can teach you now."

He extended his hand. "Even with my power, it will take time for you to master it. As you progress, I will guide you further.

"If you wish to consult me, you can summon me anytime using the 'power of yin and yang' or the chakra of Indra and Asura. This is the only way I, a man of the past, can interact with the present."

"Fine," Kirito agreed, placing his hand on Hagoromo's outstretched palm without hesitation.

He had no reason to refuse such power, especially when it aligned with his current goals.

As Hagoromo transferred his abilities to Kirito, the latter asked, his voice icy, "I have one question. If I kill Kaguya, will you approve?"

(End of Chapter)