"Mother??"
Black Zetsu's eyes nearly popped out of its head. How could its mother, Kaguya, make such a move, using both hands to catch the opponent's weapon?
"Mother, let go and use another ability!"
Kaguya's expression showed some urgency, but she realized she couldn't move at all—her hands were stuck to the blade.
"I can't move," Kaguya admitted.
"What did this brat do to you?"
Black Zetsu, now worried, emerged from Kaguya's sleeve, forming a black spike from its body and swiftly attacking Yoichi.
Though Black Zetsu wasn't powerless, its combat ability was weak compared to top-tier fighters, depending heavily on the strength of its host. However, at this moment, Yoichi couldn't counterattack, so Black Zetsu's attack would rely on his physical toughness.
"Kamui!"
Just as Black Zetsu's spike was about to pierce Yoichi's heart, the blade was twisted by the Kamui technique, snapping in two.
"Obito?"
"No, it's me!" Yoichi said with a smile, and suddenly a Kamui clone appeared next to Black Zetsu, grabbing it and pulling it off Kaguya using the power of Yin-Yang Release.
With the chakra provided by the real body, the Kamui clone could still form a Truth-Seeking Ball or two.
"Let go of me!"
Black Zetsu struggled, but the Kamui clone wasted no time, transporting Black Zetsu to the Kamui dimension.
Black Zetsu was essentially Kaguya's remote control. Though it lacked strength, its strategic suggestions were often sharp.
Now undisturbed, Yoichi suddenly released the Truth-Seeking Ball sword he had been holding. In the next instant, his energy was completely drained—chakra and stamina vanished in a flash. Simultaneously, Kaguya regained control of her body, her hands finally free to move.
"Life energy!"
Though Yoichi had lost all his chakra and strength due to the Bare-Handed Blade Catching technique, he still possessed life energy. Having previously absorbed the life energy of three great beasts, he now used it all.
In an instant, his chakra and stamina were fully restored, and with Kaguya so close, it was time for his next move.
'This isn't good…'
Kaguya's emotions shifted to panic as Yoichi's hand approached her. She had long forgotten what panic felt like after all these years, but now the sensation returned in full force.
'Use Heaven's Subjugation to move to another world... it's too late!'
As the thought crossed her mind, Kaguya felt Yoichi's right hand grasp her wrist.
Zzt!
It was as if an electric current shot through her body. Kaguya froze, and then her entire body trembled uncontrollably.
"Ugh~!"
Kaguya let out a muffled groan as she lost control of her floating ability, beginning to plummet toward the ground.
Fortunately, Yoichi grabbed her in time, preventing her from crashing into the snow below.
For several seconds, Kaguya's body calmed down from the overwhelming sensation, but as soon as she tried to regain composure, another wave of electric-like energy surged through her.
Because Yoichi hadn't let go of her wrist, the ability continued to trigger.
This was a rule-based ability, and even someone as divine as Kaguya couldn't escape its effects.
"Kaguya, what did you mean by those words earlier? It seems like you know my abilities quite well..."
Before Yoichi could finish his question, Kaguya bit her lip again in frustration.
Seeing her reaction, Yoichi decided to let her down, bringing them both to the ground. While landing, he quickly marked three Flying Thunder God seals on Kaguya's body.
"Alright, now you can answer my earlier question. Have you met me before?"
Once they touched down on the snowy ground, Yoichi released his grip on Kaguya, though his hand remained only a couple of centimeters from her, ready to react.
The cold of the snow helped Kaguya regain some of her composure, and the pink blush on her face began to fade. The icy goddess of the moon returned, though her eyes still burned with a mix of anger and shame. This situation had brought back memories she would rather forget.
For the first time in over a thousand years, Kaguya felt genuinely emotional. Even when her sons betrayed her, she hadn't been this furious.
"I will never forgive you for this humiliation!" Kaguya spat, but before she could finish, Yoichi grabbed her hand again, sending another shock of energy through her body.
After two or three minutes, when Kaguya's body finally relaxed, Yoichi spoke up again.
"You better answer my questions properly, or I'll keep you in this state for three whole days, Kaguya. Think carefully before you respond!"
Kaguya, her body still trembling slightly, replied, "I understand."
As she looked at Yoichi's hand, preparing to extend toward her again, her once icy face showed a trace of panic.
"Good. Now, answer my question: you seem familiar with my abilities. Have you seen me before?"
"...Have you forgotten what you did to me?" Kaguya's normally serene white eyes looked at Yoichi with a hint of resentment, as if he had wronged her in some significant way.
"Thousands of years ago, you stole the secret techniques I had gathered in the Land of Ancestors and—"
"Alright, I get it. No need to explain further," Yoichi interrupted. He realized this must have been something his future self had done, possibly taking an artifact from that time.
But what did the future him have to do with the present him? After all, he hadn't committed those actions himself.
Next, Yoichi asked, "You didn't seem surprised by my bone-shattering ash bone technique. Why is that?"
"Isn't this the result of my prayers?" Kaguya answered, still unsure herself. After being freed from her seal, she had reflected on the fact that, though she was supposed to have no awareness while sealed, she had somehow prayed and received a response.
And the response had been from this man.
Kaguya's gaze was a mixture of complex emotions—shame and anger. She had been subdued by this man yet again.
Before she could fully process her thoughts, Yoichi once more grabbed her hand, and the familiar electric current surged through her.
"What kind of look was that? Remember, I can seal you at any time. Whether or not I do depends on my mood."
Yoichi's warning forced Kaguya to nod reluctantly. He now wondered what to do with her.
Killing her was impossible, as even the Yin-Yang Release couldn't finish Kaguya off. Sealing her would require splitting her chakra, body, and consciousness with the Six Paths Chibaku Tensei.
Kaguya was different from a weakling like Ōtsutsuki Urashiki. She had consumed the strongest Divine Tree fruit, not only gaining immortality but also distributing her power to Hamura and Hagoromo, elevating them to the Six Paths level.
But if he wanted to go through all that effort, why revive Kaguya at all? He could have just eliminated Madara and gathered all the tailed beasts himself.
'Let's see what the strategy guide says.'
Yoichi opened the Strategy Guide, and after reading the suggestion, he made up his mind.
"Kaguya, what do you plan to do next?"
"I... I want to reclaim the chakra," Kaguya answered, briefly glancing at Yoichi, before lowering her head again, like a servant trying to avoid eye contact.
"You plan to reclaim the chakra to fight against other Ōtsutsuki enemies? If that's the case, you don't need to. The other Ōtsutsuki are my targets as well!"
With that, Yoichi pulled out the eyes of Urashiki from his dimensional storage—a pair of Byakugan infused with powerful eye strength.
"This is…"
Kaguya was surprised, sensing the powerful eye energy within them. Only someone who had consumed a Divine Tree fruit could possess such a level of ocular power, though it was still far weaker than her Nine Tomoe Rinnegan.
"These are the eyes of one of your kin, Ōtsutsuki Urashiki. He's already dead. But I know your greatest enemy is Isshiki, and he's still alive, hiding somewhere in the ninja world."
Hearing Isshiki's name made Kaguya's face tense up with fear.
"He's dead. There's no way he's still alive."
"Think about his eye technique and your clan's life force, Kaguya."
Yoichi cut off Kaguya's denial. If Isshiki were to fully recover his strength, he'd be the most powerful Ōtsutsuki that Yoichi knew of.
But he'd never get the chance to do so.
"Now, you have two choices: either be sealed again, or become my subordinate like Urashiki did. Don't worry, I won't use you to feed the Divine Tree or make you into medicine."
Yoichi looked down at Kaguya, who was still sitting in the snow, as he presented her with the options. Sealing her would be a waste of her strength. It would be better to follow the Strategy Guide's advice.
"I... I..." Kaguya hesitated, but before she could finish her sentence, she felt Yoichi grab her hand once more, and that familiar electric sensation rushed through her body again.
This cold feeling was the only thing that could snap her out of the moment.
"Kaguya, think carefully before you answer."
Yoichi warned her. Even in this freezing snow world, he could sense her fear.
After that, Kaguya answered all of his questions without resistance.
Neither her chakra nor her constitution could withstand his ability.
"Your answer?"
"I... I will serve you as your protector."
Kaguya's voice trembled, with a hint of reluctance, completely devoid of her usual cold demeanor. She had been coerced in the most humiliating way to become the subordinate of her ancient enemy.
"That's the right answer, Kaguya. As my subordinate, at least you won't have to worry about being fed to the Divine Tree. Even if Ōtsutsuki Shibai shows up, you'll be safe."
Yoichi smiled. Shibai wasn't even on this planet, so exaggerating things was easy.
"How do you know—"
Before Kaguya could finish her sentence, she stopped. This man seemed to know more than she did, yet he never revealed anything. She decided not to ask any more questions.
Despite her anger, Kaguya felt a slight sense of relief. Long ago, she had fought Isshiki to avoid being sacrificed to the Divine Tree, but now…
"Kaguya, tell me what you've been up to since I left."
"Could we move somewhere else first? I... I want to…"
Kaguya mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
Noticing her unease, Yoichi agreed. "Fine. Go ahead."
Swoosh!
As Yoichi released his hold on her, Kaguya quickly teleported away into a different dimension, taking only herself with her.
"How naive!"
Yoichi smirked, sensing the Flying Thunder God markings he had placed on her. Just in case Kaguya tried to flee to another dimension, he had prepared three seals and even hidden them away.
The six dimensions connected to Heaven's Subjugation were all linked, meaning Kaguya couldn't escape!
In the primordial space, Kaguya bit her lip, angered and humiliated. "I will... I will have my revenge."
"Revenge? On me?"
A familiar voice came from behind her, causing Kaguya's face to show panic. Before she could react, a hand rested on her shoulder.
"Mm...!"
"No, I... I won't…"
"You can't escape, Kaguya. Think carefully before you act!"
"Fine... I understand."
This time, Kaguya was genuinely afraid.
Afterward, Kaguya returned to Yoichi's side without saying another word.
"Take me out of here first. Once we leave, recall all of the Divine Tree."
"I understand."
Her response was flat, with an almost imperceptible hint of bitterness. With a wave of her hand, Kaguya used Heaven's Subjugation to transport both of them back to the ninja world.
(End of Chapter)
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The scene shifted, and Yoichi and Kaguya returned to the ninja world.
"Dispel the Divine Tree, Kaguya," Yoichi said to Kaguya. Though her pure white eyes flashed with a trace of reluctance and grievance, she complied.
This Divine Tree was her garden, and just as her secret techniques were stolen from her a thousand years ago, now her garden was being taken. Despite her unwillingness, the memory of her encounter in the primordial space forced Kaguya to release the Divine Tree's hold on the chakra it was absorbing, freeing the people bound to it.
While Kaguya was alive, canceling the Infinite Tsukuyomi only stopped the Divine Tree from absorbing chakra from those not caught in the genjutsu. However, releasing those already encased in the Divine Tree required her direct action.
"Sit down and tell me about the Ōtsutsuki clan," Yoichi said, referring to the Strategy Guide. He used Wood Release to create a table and chairs, inviting Kaguya to sit.
The Strategy Guide analyzed that despite Kaguya's immense power, she was naive in many ways—her betrayal by her two sons proved that.
Additionally, she harbored deep fear toward the Ōtsutsuki clan after betraying them, swallowing the Divine Tree fruit meant for the clan and ambushing its protector, Isshiki.
The key now was to reignite Kaguya's fear of the Ōtsutsuki and position himself as her only protector. That would hasten her submission.
Kaguya turned slightly, her white eyes betraying a hint of discomfort. "There's nothing to say about the Ōtsutsuki. I don't know much about them," she replied.
Just as the Strategy Guide had indicated, Kaguya was deeply fearful of the Ōtsutsuki, avoiding the topic entirely.
"Since the Ōtsutsuki are my targets, I need information on them. If an enemy comes, who will fight them—you or me?" Yoichi paused, then continued, "Kaguya, why did you create the Zetsu to fight the Ōtsutsuki? Those things can't even reach space. What were you thinking?"
"... At the very least, they can drain some of their chakra."
Kaguya was silent for several seconds before responding, though she avoided looking Yoichi in the eyes. She had the feeling that Yoichi was looking at her with that same condescending gaze again.
"I only know five Ōtsutsuki. The rest of the Ōtsutsuki can only be contacted by the protectors. Protectors aren't qualified to participate in the Ōtsutsuki's main affairs."
Slowly, Kaguya began to share more about the Ōtsutsuki. She was Isshiki's protector, or more accurately, his subordinate.
In their group, there were three protectors: Momoshiki, Isshiki, and Urashiki. As for the lower-ranked subordinates, there were Kinshiki, herself, and Tsukishiki.
These "lower subordinates" were essentially fodder for the Divine Tree, sacrificed when necessary to help the protectors evolve.
However, the Ōtsutsuki clan seemed to have undergone internal conflict. Kaguya mentioned that Isshiki had taken the body of Shibai, who was meant to be offered as a tribute, but the details were unclear to her.
Without that incident, Kaguya would never have dared to attack Isshiki. The strength of the protectors was too overwhelming.
Kaguya went on to share what she knew about the abilities of Momoshiki, Isshiki, Urashiki, Kinshiki, and Tsukishiki.
However, Urashiki and Tsukishiki were already dead—the former had been captured by Yoichi and was now being studied in Orochimaru's lab, while the latter had likely been sacrificed to the Divine Tree.
As for Isshiki, though Kaguya believed her ambush had been successful, Yoichi knew better. Isshiki was hiding within Jigen, looking to cultivate a new vessel.
Moreover, Isshiki had already nurtured a Ten Tails. All he needed was sufficient energy and an Ōtsutsuki to create another Divine Tree and bear its fruit.
Isshiki wouldn't be able to accomplish that for decades, but Yoichi could. With Urashiki's chakra and the power of the Dragon Vein, he could grow the Divine Tree much faster. It was as if Isshiki's plan was gifting Yoichi a Divine Tree!
As Kaguya recounted her knowledge of the Ōtsutsuki, Yoichi interjected with comforting words and derisive comments about the other Ōtsutsuki, as instructed by the Strategy Guide. This subtly raised Kaguya's favorability toward him.
Before their battle, Kaguya's favorability toward Yoichi had been 20. Now, it had risen to 58.
This meant Kaguya no longer viewed him as a threat, and he was just two points away from shifting her perception of him from "a tolerable acquaintance" to "a friend."
"Let's head back. When we get to Konoha, don't harm anyone. Just live as you did in the Land of Ancestors."
Yoichi told Kaguya, releasing his chakra to signal his Kamui clone to locate him.
Moments later, the space around them twisted, and the Kamui clone emerged, tossing a black orb back to Kaguya.
"Here, take this back. No more schemes. Have Black Zetsu gather all the White Zetsu in the ninja world and have them come to Konoha within a day," Yoichi ordered.
"Mother, what's going on? This brat—"
"Enough, I am now his protector," Kaguya replied coldly, sealing Black Zetsu within her sleeve and temporarily suppressing its consciousness.
Black Zetsu was another form of Kaguya's "wedge." Although given sentience by the power of Yin-Yang Release, its sole purpose was to ensure Kaguya's resurrection. Now that she had been revived, Black Zetsu had fulfilled its purpose.
"Come with me. I'll use Flying Thunder God to take us back."
"Mm-hm~~"
As Yoichi placed his hand on Kaguya's shoulder to teleport, he suddenly remembered his Succubus Body ability.
Kaguya trembled and collapsed onto the table, barely managing to recover after several moments.
Even when her body regained control, Kaguya was still panting heavily, clutching her chest as her body quivered.
Having experienced this sensation nearly twenty times in the span of half a day, even her divine body was struggling to endure the constant, uncontrollable surges of emotion.
"Sorry, I forgot about my ability. You'd better open the portal to return," Yoichi said with a sigh, glancing at the Strategy Guide to find that Kaguya's favorability had increased by another two points.
'She's still so naive, living in fear of the Ōtsutsuki and the betrayal of her sons,' Yoichi thought, seeing the guide's instructions.
"Are you alright, Kaguya? Do you need to rest for a while?"
"I'm... fine," Kaguya replied, her pale skin tinged with pink. Her tone was slightly odd as she added, "That strange... vulgar ability... you should stop using it."
"It will stop in half a month. I can't control it either," Yoichi sighed. The ability was so strong that no woman could resist, yet its uncontrollability was troublesome. He feared he'd have to refrain from touching any women for two weeks, or risk overwhelming them.
Otherwise, even a simple touch could lead to their utter exhaustion.
"Where is Konoha?"
"There, where you sense those strong chakra signatures—that's Konoha," Yoichi pointed toward Konoha, as his clone dispelled the jutsu, releasing chakra that Kaguya could detect.
Once she confirmed the location, Kaguya nodded and used Yomotsu Hirasaka to open a space-time portal.
As for Madara, who was still breathing faintly nearby, and Ōnoki, who was on the verge of death, Yoichi had already instructed his Kamui clone to take Madara away. After all, his Rinnegan was too valuable to waste.
"It seems the situation has been resolved. The trees sprouting from the ground have released those caught in the genjutsu, and the genjutsu itself has been dispelled," Tobirama Senju said, receiving information from his shadow clones. He wasn't one to sit idle and had sent clones to gather intelligence while remaining inside.
"I've confirmed the same. Fourth Hokage, let's send a message to the Rain District and the Sand Special District to check in," Hashirama Senju suggested after receiving memories from his Wood clones.
"Understood," Sakumo Hatake replied, motioning to an ANBU operative to send the message.
With the Infinite Tsukuyomi dispelled, Konoha's higher-ups gathered at the Hokage building. After learning that the genjutsu affecting the entire ninja world had been lifted, even the chūnin in the room heaved a sigh of relief, including Hyūga Rimi, who had recently gained the power of the Tenseigan.
Rimi had believed that aside from Yoichi-sensei, she was the strongest person in the village, capable of wielding the giant Tenseigan to fend off invading enemies. However, the genjutsu from the moon had caught her off guard, leaving her defenseless. This filled her with both fear and frustration.
If she had performed better, she might have gained more recognition from Yoichi-sensei.
"First Hokage, Second Hokage, where is the Fifth?"
"He hasn't returned yet. The enemy wasn't in the Land of Fire," Tobirama said, folding his arms. "As for when he'll be back, we don't know. But since he has a clone in the village, he'll alert us if he needs backup."
Before Tobirama could finish, he and the others suddenly felt Yoichi's clone vanish, followed by the appearance of two powerful chakra signatures just outside the village.
"He's back!" Tobirama exclaimed as he and the others rushed toward the village gate.
Upon arrival, they found Yoichi and Kaguya standing there.
"Fifth Hokage, is this the enemy?" Tobirama asked, puzzled. The pressure emanating from Kaguya was immense, even though she wasn't releasing her chakra. The oppressive aura made everyone uncomfortable, including Hashirama.
"This is Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the Moon Goddess from a thousand years ago. She was the enemy, but after losing to me, she is now my protector."
Yoichi explained the situation briefly, informing them that Kaguya was no longer a threat, before continuing, "It's a long story, and I'll explain in detail later. But for now, I have some tasks for you, First and Second Hokage."
Madara Uchiha posed no threat to Yoichi or the village anymore. The gap in power between the Six Paths level and those below it was insurmountable. A single Truth-Seeking Ball was enough to stop any opposition.
How to handle Madara was up to the First Hokage, but the Rinnegan had to be taken.
"Let's not discuss this out here. We should head back to the village and—"
Thud!
Before Yoichi could finish his sentence, a black staff suddenly pierced through his chest, stopping him mid-speech.
"Jiraiya?!"
Tobirama, Hashirama, Tsunade, and the others were shocked, momentarily frozen by disbelief.
"You bastard! What are you doing?!"
Tsunade's face contorted with fury as she charged toward Jiraiya, throwing a punch with the intent to smash his skull.
Whoosh!
Before Tsunade's fist could land, Jiraiya vanished, reappearing a hundred meters away.
Jiraiya's appearance had changed, and now a set of Truth-Seeking Balls floated behind him. His eyes had turned into the purple Rinnegan.
"I didn't expect it to go so smoothly. Now, things will get easier... Six Paths: Chibaku Tensei!"
The black staff embedded in Yoichi's chest adhered to his body, encasing him in a black humanoid shape. It quickly flew into the sky, and in the next moment, the ground trembled as countless stones rushed toward Yoichi, forming a massive spherical prison of rock.
"Brother, let's take him down together. Fourth Hokage, protect the village!" Tobirama ordered coldly, throwing a Flying Thunder God kunai. "Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
The kunai multiplied, transforming into hundreds of copies that flew toward Jiraiya.
Raising his hand, Jiraiya said calmly, "Tobirama, you misunderstand me. I'm correcting the mistakes of the ninja world. Once I've sealed him and Mother Kaguya, I will leave this man's body. Shinra Tensei!"
The kunai were deflected by the repulsive force, but in the next second, one of Hashirama's Wood clones burst from the ground beneath Jiraiya, aiming a punch at him.
Boom!
Jiraiya summoned another black staff, shattering the Wood clone's arm with a single swing.
However, the shattered arm immediately grew into thick, sturdy wooden branches that wrapped around Jiraiya.
"Die!" Tsunade, still enraged, charged forward, ready to strike again. This time, a Truth-Seeking Ball appeared in front of Jiraiya, transforming into a black shield.
Bang!
A loud sound echoed as cracks began to spread across the black shield, and the sound of it shattering grew louder.
Jiraiya's expression shifted slightly. "She can even break a Truth-Seeking Ball? Impressive strength..."
Whoosh!
Jiraiya vanished from within the layers of wooden bindings just as Tobirama's Water Severing Wave and Yoichi's Bone-Shattering Ash Bone struck the empty space where he had been.
Jiraiya's calm gaze turned to Kaguya, and he spoke, "Mother, long time no see. You're still as tyrannical and domineering as ever."
"Hagoromo, I hate you. And Hamura! You sealed me for a thousand years!"
Kaguya's voice dripped with hatred as she glanced up at the growing seal in the sky. "Now, you've also sealed my only hope against the Ōtsutsuki. Hagoromo, you deserve to die!"
(End of Chapter)
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