Faced with Kaguya's question, Aiki finally spoke the truth.
"I am a descendant of the Divine People, chosen by the Ōtsutsuki. My family has served the god clan's children for generations—until the day the god's offspring comes of age."
For the Ōtsutsuki, adulthood came at exactly one hundred years.
A sudden chill gripped Kaguya's heart.
"After I come of age… will you leave me, Aiki?"
Aiki's voice was gentle, but tinged with sorrow.
"Human lives are short—barely a hundred years. Even as a Divine People's descendant, blessed by the gods, I can only live to one hundred and fifty at most. Someday, I won't be able to stay by your side. But to devote my best years to you… I have no regrets."
Kaguya, who had grown up with Aiki's companionship, couldn't imagine life without her. For the first time ever, the future felt terrifyingly uncertain.
Knowing how precious these days were, Kaguya cherished every moment with Aiki all the more.
Their bond was far more than master and servant—more like sisters, or even mother and daughter.
From Aiki, Kaguya learned that this eternally snowy land was one of many temples the Ōtsutsuki clan had built in alternate dimensions.
[In Movie 11, Sasuke tracked Kaguya's clues to this place and briefly clashed with Kinshiki.]
Kaguya also learned she was an Ōtsutsuki princess, daughter of the supreme 'Ōtsutsuki King Suikone.'
Yet, despite her title, she had never met her father, nor felt any privilege from her status.
Because in the Ōtsutsuki clan, only power truly mattered.
No matter your birth—if you were strong enough, you earned respect.
Inside the temple, Kaguya gazed up at her father's statue. The cold marble radiated nothing but the absolute, inhuman majesty of a god.
Learning her clan's iron law, Kaguya began to train in earnest. But not for pride or status—she hoped, in her innocence, to earn enough standing to negotiate for Aiki to stay by her side.
Yet, her aversion to combat held her back. Compared to the other clan members she'd never met, her progress was unimpressive.
In her spare time, she listened to Aiki's stories of humanity.
The camellias in the courtyard bloomed and faded, time slipping quietly by.
Aiki changed from youthful beauty to silver-haired elder in what felt like an instant.
Kaguya's coming-of-age day drew near.
That night, a blizzard raged. For the first time in a century, two men arrived—horns crowning their heads, white robes swirling in the storm.
From afar, Aiki watched, ancient eyes brimming with sorrow.
"So… it's time to say goodbye."
Kaguya had grown into a tall, ethereal beauty. Her hair fell straight to her heels, every gesture touched with otherworldly grace.
Standing before the mirror, she adjusted her appearance.
"Still awake so late?"
Aiki's voice was soft.
"Your escorts have arrived."
Kaguya's heart clenched. Even after all her preparation, the day came too suddenly.
She slowly set down her brush, slender hands tightening.
It's all right. We'll meet again someday.
She tried to comfort herself.
But then, Aiki suddenly knelt.
Kaguya's eyes widened in shock.
"Aiki—what are you doing?"
Aiki bowed her head.
"I must deliver the true divine command, Lady Kaguya. Please… end my life."
Kaguya froze, unable to believe what she'd heard.
Aiki revealed the cruel truth.
"Every servant who's accompanied a god's child must have their life ended by their master's hand—on the day of parting."
Kaguya staggered back, thunderstruck.
"No… this can't be real…"
Aiki's voice was steady.
"You don't need to feel sorrow. For me, this is the greatest honor."
Kaguya's emotions erupted.
"I can't accept this—how can I…?!"
The Ōtsutsuki's will was endless plunder, ceaseless evolution.
To fulfill their mission, there could be no room for emotion.
Yet, despite their immense power, the Ōtsutsuki resembled humans in form and face.
Facing "their own kind," compassion inevitably arose.
To eliminate this mercy, every newborn Ōtsutsuki was paired with a descendant of the Divine People for a hundred years. After bonds formed, a ritual was held: the god-child must personally end their companion's life, erasing any seeds of compassion.
Kaguya's voice shook.
"I… I can't…"
Aiki's tone was resolute.
"This is the burden of the gods. Lady Kaguya, please—complete the ritual."
Kaguya recoiled.
"No! I refuse! I won't do it—never!"
Seeing her collapse, Aiki's eyes filled with pain and urgency.
"Lady Kaguya, the messengers outside are here to witness the ritual. If you refuse, they'll judge you unfit for the divine mission—and kill you without mercy!"
Kaguya's voice broke.
"No!! I'll never hurt you, Aiki! I'll take you away from here! I won't let anyone hurt you!"
She rushed forward, grabbing Aiki's hand, ready to flee.
Aiki's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry, Lady Kaguya… I can't stand by and watch you destroy yourself."
Without hesitation, Aiki drew a blade and plunged it into her own heart.
Thud.
Aiki collapsed.
Crimson blood flooded Kaguya's vision, her eyes blurring with tears.
"Aiki…!!"
She cradled Aiki's body, sobbing.
Aiki's breath was faint, her words barely audible.
"Lady Kaguya… you're just like your mother, Nayotake—too kind. I worry you'll follow her path. In the god clan… there can be no compassion."
"Aiki…" Tears streamed down Kaguya's face.
Aiki reached out her wrinkled hand, gently wiping away Kaguya's tears, her own eyes shining with emotion.
"That you can cry for me… is my greatest happiness. Farewell, Lady… Kaguya…"
Her cold hand slid to the icy floor.
"Aiki!!" Kaguya clung to her, grief-stricken… Their parting was heartbreakingly final.
No one knows how long passed before Kaguya emerged from the temple.
The camellias in the courtyard swayed in the wind and snow, as if waving a silent goodbye.
As Kaguya walked by, the flowers withered.
From that moment on, her face never knew a smile again. Only a cold, unchanging mask remained.
That was the birth of the "Ice Princess Kaguya."
Out on the snowy plain—
A towering giant stood waiting, a small, veiled, and strikingly handsome man perched on his shoulder.
Kinshiki in his prime, and the rising Momoshiki.
"She's coming…"
Zzt! Young Momoshiki activated his Byakugan, watching Kaguya approach, contempt flickering in his gaze.
"Hmph. A hundred years, and her chakra's still so weak. No need to show respect."
Kaguya reached them, her expression calm and numb, as if she'd already accepted her fate.
Momoshiki leapt down from Kinshiki's shoulder, striding forward with arrogant disdain.
"Weak little princess, there's no palanquin here for you. But since you've disposed of your inferior servant, we'll take you back to Takamagahara to hear Our King's divine oracle. Feel honored… Kaguya."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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