The roar of the waterfall still echoed across the Heavenly Curtain, but the atmosphere had changed completely. The intensity of training had given way to the solemn resolve of someone preparing to embark on a decisive battle, carefully laying plans for what lay ahead.
Hagoromo stood before Gamamaru, his posture straight and composed. His aura was restrained and profound, while deep within his crimson Sharingan, layers of light and shadow seemed to swirl with newfound complexity.
Looking at his mentor, he calmly declared,
"Gamamaru, I have successfully taken the first step in mastering the Three Corpses Technique."
Gamamaru paused ever so slightly.
Raising his ancient eyes, he silently studied Hagoromo for a long time, as though measuring the depth of his soul and the extent of the transformation he had undergone.
At last, he let out a soft sigh filled with the weight of countless centuries.
"As I expected... this technique was destined for someone like you."
"I spent countless years in meditation trying to comprehend it, yet I could never truly cross its threshold. And you... in such a short time, you've already entered its gates and begun to wield it."
"Perhaps this is destiny made manifest. I have now passed on everything I know. Having guided you this far, most of my mission has finally been fulfilled."
A faint but heartfelt smile appeared on Hagoromo's face.
It was gratitude for Gamamaru's selfless guidance, as well as quiet satisfaction that his own efforts had borne fruit.
But the smile quickly faded, replaced by solemn determination.
Gamamaru's expression likewise grew serious.
Looking directly at Hagoromo, he warned him in a grave voice,
"Hagoromo, although you have learned this technique, never forget that what you've mastered is only a fraction of its true potential."
"It is like an unfathomable ocean, and you've merely scooped up a single handful of water from its surface."
"You must continue exploring its depths. Truly understand the essence of division, fusion, and control. Make your embodiments of good and evil obey your will as naturally as your own limbs, until the three bodies act with perfect unity."
"Only by pushing it to the absolute limit of your current ability will it become your greatest trump card."
"I understand, Gamamaru."
All traces of emotion disappeared from Hagoromo's face as he gave a firm nod.
"This technique is unimaginably profound. I'll devote myself to mastering it—not merely to gain power, but because... I have to."
Gamamaru nodded approvingly.
Then his tone suddenly shifted, bringing the conversation back to the harsh reality they faced.
"Even so, Hagoromo... even if you perfect the Three Corpses Technique as far as your current realm allows... even if you've mastered Sage Mode... even if there are now three versions of yourself..."
"You still cannot be certain of defeating your mother, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki."
Hagoromo frowned sharply.
A thoughtful gleam flashed across his eyes.
He knew Gamamaru would never make such a warning without reason.
Meeting the Great Toad Sage's gaze, he asked gravely,
"Gamamaru... is there anything else you can teach me?"
Gamamaru slowly shook his head.
"No. I've already taught you everything I know."
His gaze drifted into the distance, seemingly piercing the forest itself to settle upon the towering God Tree.
When he spoke again, even his voice carried a trace of apprehension.
"But there is one thing you must remember."
"Besides Kaguya herself, you absolutely cannot overlook her greatest ally."
"An ally?"
Hagoromo's expression changed instantly.
Fighting his mother alone already felt like an impossible burden.
If she possessed another powerful ally...
The situation would become even more dire.
"My mother... has an ally? Who is it?"
Gamamaru withdrew his gaze from the horizon and looked directly at Hagoromo.
Word by word, he answered,
"The God Tree."
"The God Tree..."
Hagoromo froze for a moment before realization dawned upon him, followed immediately by even greater concern.
He had always regarded the God Tree merely as the source of his mother's power—a colossal reservoir of chakra, a tool of domination, little more than an enormous conduit of energy.
He had never considered that it might possess a will of its own.
Gamamaru spoke with unprecedented seriousness.
"The God Tree is far more than a gigantic plant containing immense power."
"It possesses independent consciousness. It is a life-form that transcends ordinary understanding—perhaps even a collective will."
"Its relationship with Kaguya is not simply one of master and servant."
"They exist in a form of symbiosis... or perhaps a partnership in which each benefits from the other."
"Should Kaguya ever face a true threat, the God Tree will never remain idle. It will use every ounce of its unimaginable power to protect her."
Gamamaru paused before continuing in a low voice.
"As for how powerful the God Tree truly is..."
"To be honest..."
"Even I dare not speculate."
"Its roots have drawn upon the very essence of this world for untold ages."
"No one can truly comprehend how vast its power has become."
The revelation struck Hagoromo like three bolts of lightning.
The God Tree possessed consciousness.
It stood beside Kaguya as her ally.
And its strength was beyond measure.
Until now, all of Hagoromo's plans had centered solely on defeating his mother.
Now, he realized he would also have to confront—or perhaps even prioritize—the God Tree, an existence even more colossal, mysterious, and terrifying.
After a brief moment of shock, Hagoromo quickly regained his composure.
His expression became calm and resolute once more.
"I understand."
"Thank you for the warning, Great Toad Sage."
"It seems relying on my strength alone still isn't enough."
His eyes sharpened as a new idea took shape.
"In that case..."
"It's time for me to seek allies of my own."
Gamamaru nodded slowly, approval flickering in his eyes.
Looking at Hagoromo, he offered one final piece of guidance.
"Isn't there already someone by your side with limitless potential?"
"Your younger brother, Hamura Ōtsutsuki."
"The two of you were born from the same source. The same extraordinary power flows through his veins."
"His potential is no less than yours."
"His path may differ from your own, and you'll have to earn his trust and understanding."
"You should give that some careful thought."
Hagoromo's body trembled slightly.
Hamura's figure immediately appeared in his mind.
The younger brother who had always stood beside him...
Gentle by nature, yet unwavering in conviction.
A brother whose strength rivaled his own.
That's right.
He was not alone.
Hagoromo lowered his eyes and fell into deep contemplation.
Countless memories of the time he had spent with Hamura surfaced one after another.
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