Within the God Tree, in a space devoid of light, Otsutsuki Hagoromo remained in a soul state, yet his heart surged with excitement.
After so many years of waiting, the moment had finally arrived.
Even the extraterrestrial threats that his mother had feared—he now had the confidence to stand against them.
And besides, wasn't the entire shinobi world still here?
With such a vast population, an endless supply of resources, the harvesting and cultivation of new God Tree fruits could continue indefinitely.
Without Danzo lurking around, Otsutsuki Hagoromo unleashed his powerful spiritual sense, scanning the shinobi world like a field ripe for harvest.
"The 'Ninja Federation'... a new order?"
The hostility from the old factions—an intriguing narrative.
Unfortunately, Asura and Indra were gone, and Black Zetsu had disappeared as well. It seemed he would need to sow new seeds once more.
"This… heretical child."
Sensing the bloodline within Konoha, a flicker of murderous intent flashed through his heart.
But it quickly subsided, replaced by a knowing smile.
"A fine bloodline. Perhaps it can weave an interesting new story."
Suddenly—
"So this is the God Tree? A rather impressive vessel… but your ideas truly disgust me."
"Who's there?!"
In the pitch-black space, a faint white glow began to gather, slowly condensing into a human figure.
"You… how can this be?"
Otsutsuki Hagoromo's expression turned to one of shock. His fluctuating aura rippled through the darkness like waves.
"If you can inhabit the God Tree, why can't I?"
Danzo's lips curled into a smirk.
"Besides, you're utterly repulsive."
With that, he took a deep breath, his expression filled with an almost intoxicated pleasure.
"So this is the fruit nourished by my own body? It's truly… tempting."
Seeing Danzo covet his millennia-old achievement, a ruthless glint flashed in Otsutsuki Hagoromo's eyes.
"This belongs to me. You, on the other hand, will serve as nourishment."
He extended a single hand, and the Sword of Nunoboko materialized, stabbing into the ground.
"Hm?"
"What are you trying to do? Is this what you mean?"
With just a glance from Danzo, a tree root emerged, twisting into an intricate wooden sculpture of himself.
Otsutsuki Hagoromo's face darkened in horror.
The God Tree… wasn't obeying his commands?
"What have you done to my God Tree?!"
"Your God Tree? It seems you're mistaken."
Danzo's voice carried an eerie amusement. "I suffered quite a loss this time… so you'll be the one to make up for it."
As his words fell, the darkness around them rippled like disturbed water.
Centered around Danzo, the black void gradually receded, revealing a space of interwoven blue and white light.
Otsutsuki Hagoromo's gaze sharpened. This space… was all too familiar.
"This is my domain! You will not take it from me!"
He slammed the Sword of Nunoboko into the ground, sending concentric ripples outward.
The invading blue-and-white realm began to retreat, swallowed once more by the darkness.
In mere moments, the two opposing forces stabilized, their respective souls shaping the battlefield.
Half of the space remained pitch-black.
The other half shimmered in blue and white.
Danzo smiled.
"Without the Pure Land as your foundation and without the God Tree's support, you're far weaker than I expected. If that's the case…"
Blue-white tendrils, like the arms of an octopus, extended forward, invading the darkness.
Bit by bit, they devoured and assimilated it.
"This… your soul… how is this possible?"
Otsutsuki Hagoromo's expression twisted in terror. Never had he imagined that Danzo's soul would surpass his own.
"You don't understand, do you? I have my advantages."
Danzo's gaze turned chilling, his intent to kill nearly tangible.
"This time, I'll make sure you're finished."
"No! I am the god of this world! I am the Sage of Six Paths!"
Otsutsuki Hagoromo's spiritual energy burst forth, but it was futile.
Nothing could stop the inevitable.
The blue-white realm continued its slow, relentless consumption, as if the death knell of fate had begun to toll.
As the surrounding darkness shrank to a mere patch beneath his feet, Otsutsuki Hagoromo's panic exploded.
"I won't die! You heretic! This is not my fate… God Tree! Help me! Take it all! Take my soul if you must!"
At his desperate cries, something unexpected happened.
Thick roots surged in from all directions, piercing into the blue-white space.
But this was a mental domain… How could these roots exist here?
Did the God Tree… have its own will?
Moments ago, it hadn't.
This went beyond Danzo's understanding.
His supposedly invulnerable soul space now felt like an unguarded house, utterly exposed to invasion.
One by one, the roots reached out, all converging toward Otsutsuki Hagoromo.
Like a serpent luring countless others, his body became the nucleus of a writhing mass of roots, forming a grotesque cocoon.
Only his face remained visible, twisted with unhinged delight.
"Hahaha! Come! Feast upon me!"
The roots pulsed, sucking in greedily.
Otsutsuki Hagoromo's once-solid soul grew faint and transparent.
Even his form withered—his features becoming gaunt, his skin shriveling, his eyes sinking into deep hollows.
Like a wraith.
Danzo's heart pounded. The transformation was happening too fast.
Wasn't this supposed to be a hot-blooded battle manga? Why had it taken such a horrific turn?
Before long, the roots ceased their feast.
The cocoon unraveled.
What remained of Otsutsuki Hagoromo looked even more emaciated than Nagato had been in his final days.
"God Tree… as promised… devour him… we are yours…"
Barely clinging to life, Otsutsuki Hagoromo's eyes burned with manic hatred as he glared at Danzo.
"I don't like playing this game."
Danzo turned to leave the God Tree—but found his soul trapped in place.
"Hahaha… stay with me… become the God Tree's eternal sustenance."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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