Chapter 4: Echoes of the Past
The Land of Fire. The Hidden Leaf. The names meant little to Shiro, but the weight they carried in this era was undeniable. If this village was truly Hagoromo's legacy, then it would be the first step in reclaiming his lost power.
Shiro moved through the dense forest, his steps silent, his thoughts sharp. He had taken what little supplies the dead shinobi carried—basic rations, a small dagger, and a crude map. The village was several days away, but he didn't intend to walk in blindly.
He needed more. He needed a plan.
Night fell, and he found shelter within the hollow of a great tree. As he sat in the darkness, memories stirred—visions of Kaguya, her celestial beauty, her power, her love. She had given him everything. And yet, he had been powerless to protect her.
His fists clenched. No more.
Closing his eyes, he focused inward, reaching for the fragments of his sealed strength. He could feel it, buried beneath Hagoromo's chains, waiting to be freed. Slowly, he pulled at the restraints, pushing against the seal.
A sharp pain seared through his mind, forcing him to his knees. He gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out. The seal was strong. Too strong. But not unbreakable.
Panting, he opened his eyes. His body was drenched in sweat, but he could feel it—a flicker of power, faint yet undeniable. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Shiro smirked.
He would tear down Hagoromo's seal, piece by piece.
And when the time came, the world would tremble beneath his wrath.