Hagoromo became even more convinced that his mother's rule—one built entirely upon fear and bloodshed—was fundamentally wrong. People's hearts could be moved by warmth and kindness.
And the catalyst for all of those changes seemed to be Butterfly's appearance.
Naturally, the way Hagoromo looked at Butterfly gradually changed.
It was no longer simple gratitude. His gaze now carried admiration, dependence, and a tender, growing affection that he himself could scarcely conceal.
Whenever he was by her side, he felt more relaxed and happier than ever before.
Whenever they were apart, a quiet longing would rise within his heart.
Every smile, every expression she made tugged at his heartstrings.
Throughout the shinobi world, as everyone watched the Heavenly Curtain reveal Hagoromo's increasingly transparent feelings and the genuine smile he wore whenever he was with Butterfly, almost every viewer wore the same knowing expression.
"So that's it... He's fallen for her."
"So even the Sage of Six Paths had his first love when he was young."
"So this girl named Butterfly... is the Sage of Six Paths' wife? The ancestress of both the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan?"
Shinobi fascinated by history immediately let their imaginations run wild, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Suddenly, the legendary Sage of Six Paths seems... surprisingly innocent."
"Innocent? I'd say he was just inexperienced. A girl who wasn't afraid of him comforted him a few times, and he completely fell for her. His self-control wasn't exactly impressive."
But not everyone was so optimistic.
Those with years of experience—or particularly sharp instincts—slowly began to frown.
A veteran Anbu operative, long accustomed to conspiracies and sudden twists during missions, folded his arms and quietly said to his companion,
"I've got a really bad feeling about this."
"After watching this many episodes of the Heavenly Curtain, I've learned one thing. Whenever something beautiful or hopeful appears, it's usually followed by a devastating twist."
"If Hagoromo and Butterfly's relationship actually ends happily, I'd be more shocked than anything."
"I'd bet this Butterfly either has a hidden identity, meets a tragic end, or is directly responsible for setting the next tragedy in motion."
His words sent a chill through many of those who had been immersed in the atmosphere of this ancient romance.
Thinking back on the Heavenly Curtain's usual pattern, they had to admit he had a point.
Moments of peace and happiness often existed only to make the coming heartbreak even more painful.
An ominous sense of foreboding quietly spread among the audience.
Within the Pure Land.
The spirit of Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki watched the young man on the Heavenly Curtain who shared his name—a version of himself portrayed as emotionally expressive and even beginning to fall in love.
His expression was... difficult to describe.
Stroking his long beard, he could only laugh helplessly.
"The one behind this..." the Sage of Six Paths sighed, shaking his head. "Inventing ideological conflicts between my younger self and my mother was one thing. But now you're arranging a romantic subplot for me as well? Is this 'Butterfly' truly meant to become my wife?"
Naturally, the Sage of Six Paths knew his own past better than anyone.
He had indeed had a life partner and children.
But it had certainly not happened through such a dramatic meeting or emotional progression as the Heavenly Curtain depicted.
Watching this fictional version of himself sink deeper and deeper into romance left him feeling both absurdly amused... and strangely uncomfortable.
"So be it."
In the end, the Sage of Six Paths let out a quiet sigh and resumed his calm, detached observation.
"I'll continue watching and see how you intend to write this story. Is Butterfly meant to symbolize hope... or is she merely the fuse that will ignite an even greater tragedy?"
On the Heavenly Curtain, even the sunlight seemed brighter beneath the glow of this budding romance.
Hagoromo and Butterfly strolled together through fields touched by early spring, both wearing radiant smiles.
Under Butterfly's gentle gaze, Hagoromo reluctantly bid her farewell and began the journey home.
Butterfly remained standing at the entrance to her village, the same warm, reassuring smile never leaving her face until his figure disappeared completely beyond the horizon.
Only then did she turn and walk back alone toward what appeared to be an ordinary residence—though faint traces of a once-prominent noble household still lingered within its aging walls.
The moment she stepped inside, the smile on her face melted away like snow beneath the sun.
In its place remained a calmness utterly at odds with her age...
And a faint chill.
She entered the inner chamber.
Two men were already waiting.
One was a middle-aged man whose weathered face and conflicted eyes spoke of countless hardships. The other was slightly older, carrying himself with quiet composure.
"Father. Uncle."
Butterfly respectfully bowed to both men, her voice calm and devoid of any unnecessary emotion.
Looking at his daughter, the middle-aged man's face was filled with indescribable bitterness and guilt.
His lips trembled before he finally forced the words out.
"Butterfly... I've wronged you."
"I... I am a failure."
"I, Sarutobi Hi, head of the Sarutobi Clan, have fallen so low that I must sacrifice my own daughter in exchange for even the faintest hope of our clan's survival..."
His voice was hoarse with self-reproach and anguish.
Her uncle sighed heavily, placing a hand on Sarutobi Hi's shoulder before turning toward Butterfly with the same look of remorse.
"Butterfly... the clan has failed you."
"If there's anything you still wish for, tell us. As long as it's within the clan's power, we'll accomplish it... even if it costs us our lives."
"Father. Uncle."
Butterfly gently interrupted him.
Her eyes were clear and unwavering, free of resentment or self-pity.
"I chose this of my own free will."
"The clan raised me. The clan taught me."
"Now that our clan stands on the brink of extinction, as the eldest daughter of the Sarutobi Clan, it's only right that I step forward."
"You... have no reason to blame yourselves."
Far from easing their guilt, her words cut even deeper than any blade.
Sarutobi Hi turned his face away, unable to bear looking at his daughter's maturity.
Her uncle lowered his head in silence, his eyes reddening.
Instead, Butterfly smiled softly.
Within that smile lay a devotion and sense of responsibility that transcended her own personal feelings.
"If I truly have one wish..."
"I hope our clan can overcome this crisis..."
"And that the Sarutobi Clan... will rise to greatness once again."
"It will!"
"It absolutely will!"
Sarutobi Hi abruptly turned back, an almost fanatical determination blazing in his eyes.
Grasping his daughter's shoulders, he nodded forcefully.
"Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—that monster—destroyed our clan's honor and everything we built. She trampled us into the mud."
"But as long as the flame survives... as long as children like you still remain..."
"The Sarutobi Clan will rise again."
"It most certainly will!"
Butterfly's smile faded as well.
Her expression became solemn and resolute.
"I believe that with all my heart."
Sarutobi Hi took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent emotions within him.
Slowly releasing his grip, he spoke in a softer voice that carried the slightest tremor.
"...Go spend some time with your younger brothers and sisters."
"And then..."
"Make your preparations."
"We don't have much time left."
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