Konoha.
Hokage's Office.
Kakashi and Shizune were busy working inside the office. Ever since the appearance of Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki and Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki, the fragile peace that the ninja world had enjoyed was completely shattered.
The Five Kage had already contacted the daimyō of their respective countries. A joint order was issued: aside from those responsible for food production and essential logistics, all individuals suitable for cultivation were to be incorporated into the Ninja Allied Forces.
This decision stunned the daimyōs of the Five Great Nations.
If things continued at this pace, how massive would the army become?
At the same time, the smaller nations outside the Five Great Countries began to panic. One after another, they sent envoys and documents to establish contact with the major villages. The reason was simple—when the Five Great Nations started expanding their military forces so frantically, it was terrifying for anyone watching from the sidelines.
What exactly were they planning to do?
Was another world war about to begin?
Or were the great nations preparing to swallow up the smaller ones?
Regardless of the reason, the smaller countries had to figure it out. Otherwise, they wouldn't even have a chance to survive. This was the reality of politics, and it was also the only way small countries could protect themselves.
As a result, Kakashi was drowning in work.
The small hidden villages surrounding the Land of Fire continuously sent letters to Konoha. Some requested to join the Ninja Allied Forces, while others demanded an explanation—why was this alliance being formed in the first place?
Faced with these inquiries, Kakashi had Shizune draft official responses. The goal was to maintain secrecy and avoid provoking unnecessary hostility from outside forces.
But the outcome was far from ideal.
The smaller villages didn't accept the vague explanations at all.
Instead, they made a unified request—Naruto Uzumaki should personally come forward and explain the situation.
They were scared.
Kakashi stared at the stack of documents on his desk, rubbed his forehead, and let out a helpless sigh. "Day after day like this… it's really exhausting."
Nearby, Shizune was organizing completed documents. After Kakashi reviewed and approved them, she would stamp them, bundle them together, and hand them over to ANBU ninja for delivery.
After finishing her current batch, she noticed Kakashi sighing and smiled gently. "There's no helping it. Those small countries lack any sense of security."
"In their eyes," Shizune continued, "if it weren't for Naruto, after the Fourth Great Ninja War, they would have been carved up long ago. To them, Naruto is like the First Hokage was back then—a symbol of justice and protection."
Kakashi nodded. "That's true."
"Naruto's strength and character make people trust him instinctively," Kakashi added. "When he speaks, people believe him."
Just as he finished speaking—
Buzz.
A space–time ripple spread through the office.
Naruto appeared out of thin air, accompanied by Sasuke and a woman cloaked in an ancient, dignified aura—Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
Because Kaguya's existence was far too sensitive, Naruto had avoided appearing in the village openly. Bringing her directly to the Hokage's Office was the safest option. Naruto was also certain that Kakashi would be here at this time.
"Finally back," Naruto said, stretching his shoulders casually.
Kakashi looked up and stood instantly. "Naruto! Sasuke! You're back—"
Then his gaze froze.
"…Who is that?"
Naruto turned around and grinned. "Yo, Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on Kaguya's back.
That silhouette…
Why did it feel so familiar?
Standing beside Kakashi, Shizune glanced at Kaguya's profile. The moment she saw her face clearly, her breath caught, and she instinctively covered her mouth.
"Ah—!"
Kakashi turned sharply. "Shizune?"
Shizune's eyes were wide open, her expression filled with shock and disbelief.
Kakashi followed her gaze.
At that moment, Kaguya slowly turned around.
The instant their eyes met, Kakashi felt as if his mind had been struck by lightning.
"…You…"
"…Ōtsutsuki… Kaguya?!"
Kakashi's pupils shrank violently.
The sealed progenitor of chakra—why was she standing in his office?!
Seeing Kakashi and Shizune's reactions, Naruto scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh… Kakashi-sensei, Shizune-nee, don't panic."
"I released Kaguya," Naruto said honestly, "and she's on our side now."
Shizune didn't even finish listening.
"Naruto!" she exclaimed anxiously. "How can you be this reckless?! You actually released Kaguya! Do you have any idea how serious the consequences of this could be?!"
Naruto scratched his head again. "I did think it through, Shizune-nee…"
Shizune let out a long sigh. This was far too bold. After all, the last great war had ended precisely because Kaguya was sealed away.
Kakashi walked around the desk and stood beside Naruto. He looked at Kaguya carefully, then smiled faintly. "This is my first time seeing the Progenitor of Chakra up close."
At that moment, a black mass slowly peeked out from Kaguya's sleeve.
Black Zetsu snorted. "Hmph. At least you have some self-awareness, brat."
Kakashi blinked and looked down. "Naruto… is that Black Zetsu?"
Naruto nodded casually. "Yeah. They were sealed together. Unsealing Kaguya naturally released Black Zetsu as well."
Shizune stood behind them, her mind completely overwhelmed.
Enemies from the past…
Released.
And now seemingly allies.
This felt unreal.
Kakashi looked at Kaguya, then at Naruto. "Naruto, if I'm not mistaken, you intend for Kaguya to become our ally, right?"
Naruto smiled. "As expected of Kakashi-sensei. That's exactly right."
Kakashi let out a quiet breath of relief.
Naruto wouldn't make such a decision without reason.
And that reason was obvious—information.
The Ōtsutsuki clan was an enemy from beyond the stars. Kaguya was the only one who truly understood them.
Shizune finally pieced everything together as well.
After serving as director of the Hokage's Office for two generations, her judgment wasn't lacking. Once she calmed down, the logic became clear.
Naruto continued, "Don't worry. Sasuke and I haven't completely removed Kaguya's seal. She's basically an ordinary person right now."
"Kakashi-sensei, I need a concealed residence," Naruto added seriously. "Preferably guarded by ninja, so Kaguya can stay there safely."
Kakashi nodded and turned to Shizune.
"I'll arrange it immediately," Shizune said, already moving toward the door.
After she left, Naruto lowered his voice. "Kakashi-sensei, this matter is classified as top secret for now. It must not be leaked."
"Understood," Kakashi replied firmly. "ANBU will handle the guards. I'll personally suppress any information."
With the arrangements settled, Naruto turned to Kaguya. "You're the mother of the Sage of Six Paths. I call him Grandpa, so calling you that would make things awkward."
He smiled warmly. "I'll address you as Ancestor Kaguya. After all, you're the origin of chakra on this planet. Thank you for bringing chakra to humanity."
Kaguya smiled faintly but said nothing.
Black Zetsu, however, laughed smugly. "Hmph, boy. At least this time you're sensible enough to recognize your mother as your ancestor."
Sasuke shot him a cold glare.
Black Zetsu immediately retreated into Kaguya's sleeve again.
There was no helping it.
Sasuke wasn't someone who merely intimidated—he was someone who truly killed.
The atmosphere finally settled.
Outside the Hokage's Office, the village bustled as usual, unaware that the woman who once nearly destroyed the world was now quietly residing within Konoha.
And above the peaceful surface of the village…
The shadow of the Ōtsutsuki loomed ever closer.
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