A year and a half was enough time to change many things.
Chiya had taken Kaguya with him, and over the past year and a half, they had traveled to many places.
He also let Kaguya experience the local customs and cultures of various regions, giving her the experience of being human.
The smoke of war, the cruel reality, the conflicts in various places...
Chiya had been using his own "ideological theories" to shape Kaguya's thinking.
These thoughts, for now, seemed to have minimal effect on Chiya himself.
But in the long run, they would inevitably change Kaguya's view of this world.
At every place they visited, Chiya would carefully sense the energy fluctuations in the surroundings.
Although he had not yet found a suitable "energy source."
However, under Chiya's guidance, Kaguya's combat skills had advanced by leaps and bounds.
Compared to a year and a half ago, her control over her own abilities had become much more refined.
The most unexpected thing was that the relationship between Chiya and Kaguya had also quietly changed during their time together day and night.
At first, Kaguya was always silent and reticent, mechanically executing Chiya's guidance.
As time passed.
She began to actively ask about battle strategies, and even occasionally showed a trace of a smile during training.
This "God Tree guardian" who stood high above others was actually as innocent at heart as a young girl who knew nothing of the world.
Before they knew it.
They finally stepped into the most desolate desert.
The scorching sun baked the earth, heat waves distorting their vision.
Walking all the way to the deepest part of the desert, Chiya's Sharingan finally keenly captured the familiar energy fluctuations deep underground...
Chiya stopped in his tracks and crouched down.
He pressed his palm against the scorching sand, carefully sensing.
It really was the Dragon Vein!
Finally found you!
"It's here."
Kaguya stood beside him, her silver hair fluttering slightly in the wind.
She had clearly also sensed this massive power.
In her white eyes, a hint of joy appeared.
"The energy here... is massive."
Chiya stood up, a trace of excitement flashing in his eyes.
"This power exists, making it the best place for the Ten-Tails to take root.
If used properly, it can also greatly enhance your strength.
When facing Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's arrival, the success rate of our previous plan will also increase significantly!"
Kaguya was silent for a moment, then said softly.
"Are you really sure you want to do this?"
Chiya looked at her, his gaze firm.
"I'm sure."
Kaguya hesitated no further and slowly raised both hands.
"Ten-Tails, descend."
Immediately after, a huge magic formation appeared in the sand before Kaguya and Chiya.
In an instant, the desert earth shook violently, a fierce wind suddenly rose, and the sand surged like ocean waves.
A massive crack appeared in the center of the formation, and accompanied by a deafening roar, a colossal creature emerged from the formation, summoned forth.
Ten-Tails!
Chiya's pupils contracted. This was the first time he had seen the true form of the Ten-Tails with his own eyes.
It was shaped like a giant beast, its entire body covered in a menacing shell, ten tails dancing in the air like giant pythons, its single eye emitting a blood-red light. Just its very existence was suffocating.
"This is... the Ten-Tails?"
Chiya murmured.
Kaguya stood before the Ten-Tails, her expression calm.
A light flashed in her eyes.
The Ten-Tails, controlled by Kaguya, suddenly extended countless tentacle-like arms, thrusting deep into the ground.
"Boom!"
Violent chakra erupted from underground like a volcanic explosion, shooting straight into the sky.
The Ten-Tails greedily absorbed this energy, its body swelling at a visible rate, its shell gradually taking on a metallic luster.
Kaguya immediately flew up and landed on top of the Ten-Tails' head.
She pressed both hands on it and began directly absorbing the chakra transformed by the Ten-Tails.
Chiya could clearly feel Kaguya's aura strengthening accordingly.
"Hum!"
A low resonance came from the air. Kaguya's silver hair moved without wind, surrounded by a pale blue chakra aura.
Her power rapidly increased, even causing the surrounding air to become distorted.
Chiya stood in the distance, quietly watching this scene, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.
"As expected, this plan went very smoothly..."
Several hours later, Kaguya finally stopped absorbing.
The Ten-Tails' aura had weakened considerably, but it was not completely exhausted.
This was what Chiya had specifically reminded her, if they found an energy source, to leave a portion of chakra as "bait" to lure Ōtsutsuki Isshiki to take the bait.
Kaguya leaped down from the top of the Ten-Tails' head, landing gracefully before Chiya.
Her aura was much stronger than before, her white eyes flowing with starlight-like radiance, her entire being seemingly reborn.
"It's a success."
She said softly.
Chiya looked at her, suddenly reached out and ruffled her hair, smiling.
"I didn't expect things to go so smoothly. Now all that's left is to wait."
Kaguya froze.
She had never been touched so intimately before and didn't know how to react for a moment.
Chiya's palm was warm and strong, gently stroking her silver hair, his movements natural and tender.
Kaguya blinked, her cheeks slightly flushed, but she didn't dodge.
Chiya looked at her like this, his heart stirring.
He suddenly said in a low voice.
"Kaguya..."
Kaguya raised her eyes to look at him, her eyes carrying a trace of doubt and anticipation.
Chiya took a deep breath, looking directly into her eyes.
"Be with me!"
"..."
Kaguya was completely stunned.
Her expression went from blank to shocked, then to at a loss, and finally turned into a faint shyness.
"You... do you know what you're saying?"
Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.
Kaguya now felt completely different from when she had first come to this world.
When she first arrived, Kaguya was like a celestial stone fallen from the heavens, carrying an ethereal air, spotlessly pure.
It was as if she was completely out of place with the entire mortal world.
There was not a trace of humanity about her.
Now, after a year and a half together.
What difference was there between Kaguya and an ordinary woman?
Chiya smiled.
His year and a half of "reformation" had been even more successful than expected!
"Of course I know."
He stepped forward and gently held her hand.
"We've been together for over a year. You should know better than anyone my feelings for you."
Kaguya's fingers trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away.
"But I am a sinner of the Ōtsutsuki Clan, and in the future, I will surely be an enemy of the entire Ōtsutsuki Clan..."
Chiya shook his head.
"These have never been obstacles. Besides, haven't we already decided to resist fate together?"
Kaguya was silent for a long time, finally saying softly.
"...I agree."
Chiya was stunned.
"What?"
Kaguya turned her face away, the tips of her ears slightly red.
"...According to the customs of your homeland, I agree to be with you."
Chiya looked at Kaguya, warmth flooding his heart, and couldn't help but pull her into his embrace.
Kaguya was initially somewhat stiff, but soon relaxed, gently leaning against his chest.
The desert wind was still scorching, but their hearts had never been so calm.
Before long, they returned to an oasis in the desert.
There was a temporary dwelling that the two of them had built.
After entering, it wasn't until nightfall.
Only then did the two reluctantly leave the dwelling.
Outside by the campfire, Kaguya leaned against Chiya's shoulder.
Her face still carried a blush that had not yet faded, lazily asking softly.
"Next, what should we do?"
Chiya gazed at the dancing flames, his eyes deep.
He raised his arm and gently drew her into his embrace.
He slightly adjusted his posture to make her more comfortable leaning against him.
"Wait."
"Wait?"
"Wait for Isshiki to descend."
Chiya said in a low voice.
"We've already made our preparations. Now we just need to patiently wait for the right moment."
Kaguya nodded lightly, breathing in Chiya's unique scent, and slowly closed her eyes.
Chiya turned his head to look at her and found a faint smile at the corners of her lips.
He couldn't help but lower his head and place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Rest well, you're tired too!"
Kaguya made a sound of acknowledgment, without opening her eyes, but the smile at the corners of her lips deepened.
The campfire gradually died down, starlight falling.
The figures of the two people leaned on each other in the night, as if even fate could not separate them.
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