Kaede looked at Ōtsutsuki Shēren.
At first, he hadn't intended to fight. He only came here to take Kaguya away. After all, this branch of the Otsutsuki clan on the moon would eventually dwindle down to only Shēren in a few years. That was no different from extinction.
So Kaede had no need to waste effort.
But he hadn't expected Shēren to be so stubborn. Since that was the case, he didn't mind wiping him out along the way.
"You… you—"
Before Shēren could finish speaking, the sound of rushing wind came from afar.
Turning his head, he saw his father, Ōtsutsuki Banri, arriving. Several cautious clansmen followed behind him.
All of them were adults, dressed in white robes. Their eyes no longer held the pure Byakugan, but something similar, though clearly weaker.
This was the mark of its degeneration.
For countless years, the descendants living here had been drained by the Tenseigan to preserve the strength hidden in the shadows. The bloodline power of each generation had been absorbed.
That was why Shēren needed a bride with the true Byakugan. She would bring new vitality to their dwindling lineage.
"Who are you? Why have you come here?"
Banri pulled Shēren behind him and stared at Kaede with vigilance.
From the moment Kaede entered the forbidden grounds, Banri had already sensed his presence. He had quickly gathered what remained of their clan and rushed over.
What he hadn't expected was that Shēren had already made contact with this intruder.
Either way, someone suddenly appearing on the moon could not be anything but dangerous. And this boy's power was terrifying.
If he showed his true strength, they would have to protect the forbidden land.
It was their mission.
After all, that place sealed a demon. If released, the world itself would be destroyed. Their clan's purpose was to remain here, guarding that place until the demon perished completely. Only then could they finally rest.
"So these are your last clansmen. Truly pitiful. I only came to take one person. If you don't stand in my way, I'll spare you insects your lives."
Kaede's voice was calm.
If they insisted on seeking death, he would oblige. But if they knew their place, he had no interest in killing them. With barely a few dozen left, they posed no threat. There was no need for needless slaughter.
"Who do you want to take?"
Banri asked cautiously.
He knew this boy's strength was extraordinary. And for someone to appear on the moon after millennia of isolation was beyond strange.
Kaede's answer came without hesitation.
"Ōtsutsuki Kaguya."
"What? There's someone inside the forbidden land?"
Banri's eyes widened. He had never heard that name before.
"You may not have heard of her. She has been sealed inside. Let me through."
Kaede said indifferently.
Now Banri understood his intent.
The forbidden land. The place where the demon was imprisoned. If that seal was broken, the world would be doomed.
This boy could not be allowed to succeed.
"If your goal is the forbidden land, then you should leave now. We will never allow you to enter!"
Banri declared firmly.
"Is that so? I'm afraid that's not your decision to make."
Kaede chuckled.
Why did people always think they could stop him?
"Attack!"
Banri shouted.
"Gentle Fist!"
His clansmen charged, striking out with their taijutsu.
But the next moment—
Black flames burst forth, engulfing them completely.
The heat was unbearable. If it rose even slightly, they would be reduced to ashes.
"This… this—!"
Banri froze in shock. Their techniques hadn't even touched Kaede.
"I told you already—I didn't want to hurt you. I only came to take someone. But since you've chosen to resist, I have no choice."
Kaede's voice was calm, his expression unreadable.
The black flames roared, burning mercilessly as screams filled the air.
"Don't hurt my father!"
Shēren cried, rushing forward with a handful of shuriken.
He hurled them desperately—but the attack was laughable.
Kaede didn't even bother to lift a hand. The natural energy swirling around him blasted Shēren away, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Argh!" Shēren cried out in pain.
The flames burned hotter, ready to devour all who remained.
But then—
A green Truth-Seeking Orb shifted into the form of a massive blade, slicing through the black flames and extinguishing them.
Kaede turned sharply.
Shēren stood once more.
No… this wasn't Shēren anymore.
It was Ōtsutsuki Hamura, seizing his descendant's body to face Kaede directly.
"So you've finally come out. I thought you'd stay hiding forever. Ōtsutsuki Hamura… you've been in the shadows long enough."
Kaede crossed his arms and sneered.
Hamura had always been here. That much Kaede knew.
"Sigh… I always knew this day would come. I just didn't expect it to be so soon. These people are my descendants. They bear you no malice. They are only obeying the laws I left behind. Why strike them down?"
Though Shēren's young voice spoke, the eyes and bearing were those of an aged man.
"I said it before—anyone who chooses to oppose me becomes my enemy. And I have one rule: my enemies are erased, down to the root. No one can stop me. That is my way."
Kaede's gaze was unshakable.
(End of Chapter)
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