The sealing space was shrouded in utter darkness. Time here was nearly meaningless, and Ōtsutsuki Toneri had no way of knowing how long had passed.
By rough estimation, it had likely been several hours.
"Grandmother, it's getting late. I'll come to see you next time," Toneri said to Ōtsutsuki Kaguya with a gentle smile.
Tomorrow, he would return to the Ninja World. It was a good opportunity, one he did not plan to repeat.
By the time he ascended the moon again, the Ōtsutsuki clan would likely be wiped from existence entirely.
"…Very well. Then go," Kaguya said, momentarily surprised, a faint ripple appearing in her gaze. Her voice remained calm but carried a subtle undertone of resignation.
Though she enjoyed having someone to talk to, Kaguya understood that Toneri could not stay with her long.
After all, he still had to grow, and she wished for him to mature quickly—strong enough to help her break the seal.
Kaguya would not let the trivial override the essential.
"Hmm, Grandmother… let me hug you," Toneri said with a slight smile on his delicate, closed-eyed face. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Kaguya's leg…
Well, he was still small. He could only reach that far.
Kaguya froze for a moment. A trace of surprise shimmered in her pure Byakugan. Then, seeing this adorable little child, she gently placed her hand on Toneri's head and stroked it softly.
This child…
A faint glow flickered in Kaguya's eyes. He seemed to like her—a pure, unhidden affection.
She had not felt this kind of warmth for a very, very long time.
Yet Kaguya did not overthink it, assuming this child simply regarded her as family.
And indeed, they were family. Bound by the same bloodline.
Toneri pressed his face against Kaguya's kimono. A subtle fragrance filled his senses.
He could not name the scent, yet it was calming, uplifting his spirit.
"Grandmother, next time I come to see you, it won't take too long. Please trust me," Toneri said after a while, releasing Kaguya and smiling at her.
The resolve in his words left no room for doubt.
"I trust you. You are extraordinary. Go now~" Kaguya's lips curved slightly, a faint smile breaking the usual icy calm, a rare warmth creeping into her tone.
This child was indeed special, Kaguya realized.
He trusted and felt close to her, and as the Rabbit Goddess, she could sense it clearly.
"Grandmother, your smile is beautiful," Toneri said, tilting his head. His innocent, genuine voice sounded tender and youthful, immensely endearing, though his eyes remained tightly closed.
Yet the Rinnegan in his palm allowed him to see the world.
Even in a faint smile, Kaguya's beauty was breathtaking.
"You are not the first to say so… but alas," Kaguya murmured, her eyes reflecting memories, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
Yes. Her own children had once said the same—but in the end, they had betrayed her.
They could not comprehend her methods, their wills opposed hers, even taking up arms to seal her.
"Grandmother, do not be sad. I will not let you down," Toneri said lightly, smiling. He naturally understood who Kaguya referred to.
Impossible. He would never disappoint her.
From the moment he decided to see Kaguya, he had already chosen the path for his future and prepared for the enemies he would face.
The entire Ninja World could be his opponent—so what?
He, Ōtsutsuki Toneri, was ready.
"First, you must grow stronger~ Your current power is indeed too weak," Kaguya said with a faint smile, her tone neutral.
A single sentence proved nothing; Kaguya knew that human lies were the deadliest weapons.
"…" Toneri remained silent. Did she have to mention his strength again?
He was only seven. That his abilities were already remarkable should count for something, shouldn't it?
Fine, fine. You're strong. Sorry for the disturbance.
"No need for such worry. You still have time to grow. Consider this a meeting gift from me," Kaguya said, noticing Toneri's silence. Her faint smile deepened slightly.
Her long fingers extended, and a white sphere of light shimmered, slowly entering Toneri's third eye.
"Grandmother?" Feeling new images and memories fill his mind, Toneri looked at Kaguya with joy.
Hachijū Kamisora Strike! Kyōsatsu Gaikotsu! Expansion Seeking Orb! Yomi Hirazuka!
And countless techniques from various disciplines—Kaguya had given Toneri all her jutsu!
Except for Amenominaka her exclusive ability from the Nine-Tomoe Rinne-Sharingan, she held nothing back.
"You possess a bloodline rivaling mine, and your Rinnegan has awakened. All these techniques are yours to learn," Kaguya said with a faint smile, sensing the surge of emotion within Toneri.
Even her normally calm heart felt a trace of joy.
"Thank you, Grandmother!" Toneri hugged her leg again. Truly a supreme boss!
This gift… was overwhelmingly generous.
The Ōtsutsuki clan's legacy was astonishingly profound.