293. Call Me the Sage of Six Paths

"Are you full?"

Hanekawa glanced at the empty bowl and asked with a smile.

"Mmm."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya gave a noncommittal response.

Her expression was cold, making it difficult to discern any deeper emotions.

"I'll go wash the dishes."

Hanekawa stood up, patted Tsukihime's head, and said, "You two can talk."

He picked up the bowls and chopsticks and headed to the kitchen.

The living room fell into silence.

Under Tsukihime's expectant gaze, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya didn’t know what to say.

She and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki had spent a thousand years in the shinobi world, yet they had exchanged fewer than ten words.

The Ōtsutsuki clan cared only about power, not interpersonal relationships.

"Tsukihime."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya finally spoke.

"What is it, Mom?"

Tsukihime naturally stepped forward, holding her arm.

"I’ll teach you how to use the Rinnegan."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya recalled what Hanekawa had said earlier.

"But Dad said he’d teach me."

Tsukihime tilted her head.

"It doesn’t matter who teaches you."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya hesitated for a moment before raising her hand and mimicking Hanekawa, gently patting Tsukihime’s head.

"Alright."

Tsukihime smiled, her eyes crinkling with joy.

After finishing the dishes, Hanekawa returned to the living room—only to find Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime gone.

His gaze instinctively turned to the window.

"Is that Shinra Tensei?"

Hanekawa noticed that everything around Ōtsutsuki Kaguya had been repelled, and he couldn’t help but feel surprised.

But upon reflection, it made sense.

After all, the Rinnegan originated from the Rinne Sharingan.

As he watched Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime, Hanekawa thought of Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Ōtsutsuki Hamura.

In the original timeline, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya had actually been a decent mother to her two sons.

Unfortunately, their ideals clashed, and with the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku stirring trouble, it led to a tragic conflict between mother and sons.

Now, with Tsukihime in the picture, would history repeat itself? Would mother and daughter turn against each other?

Hanekawa suddenly realized something.

If Ōtsutsuki Kaguya wasn’t sealed away, the future of this shinobi world would be drastically altered.

He couldn’t help but inhale sharply.

Did this mean he and Tsukihime would have to seal Ōtsutsuki Kaguya away?

Hanekawa rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Forget whether they could even defeat her—right now, he had no reason to seal her away.

But if they didn’t, it would undoubtedly lead to major problems in the future.

Hanekawa let out a soft hum.

He remembered the history lessons from the ninja academy.

The textbooks never mentioned Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.

So where had she gone?

Perhaps there was another way to resolve this issue.

Unable to come up with an answer, Hanekawa stopped dwelling on it.

He stepped outside but didn’t disturb Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime, instead testing his Rinnegan from a distance.

Night deepened.

Hanekawa noticed something peculiar.

The current shinobi world had no moon.

"It’s getting late. Time to go back, take a bath, and sleep."

Hanekawa withdrew his gaze and approached Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime.

"I don’t need to bathe."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya paused before replying.

"Bathing isn’t just about cleanliness—it helps relax the body too."

Hanekawa smiled. "Won’t you give it a try?"

"..."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya realized this man simply didn’t listen to her.

"Mom, let’s take a bath together!"

Tsukihime grabbed her hand.

"I’ll prepare the hot water."

Hanekawa turned and headed to the bathroom.

"Let’s go."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya glanced at Tsukihime and, in the end, didn’t refuse.

After filling the bath, Hanekawa waited in the living room.

Half an hour later, the door opened.

Hanekawa instinctively looked up—and his eyes brightened slightly.

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya wore a white nightgown, her smooth hair cascading over her shoulders.

Though her expression remained cold, she no longer seemed as untouchable, carrying a faint trace of mortal warmth.

"Where is my room?"

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya asked flatly.

"That one."

Hanekawa pointed.

"What about me?"

Tsukihime quickly asked.

"The room to your mother’s right."

Hanekawa paused before adding with a grin, "Or you can sleep with your mom."

"Dad can do that."

Tsukihime tilted her head. "I’ll sleep alone."

With that, she released Ōtsutsuki Kaguya’s hand and ran to her room.

"Goodnight, Mom and Dad."

She waved before closing the door.

Hanekawa looked at Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, sensing a slightly awkward atmosphere.

This daughter was just… too perceptive.

"Earlier, I said I would 'consider' bearing descendants with you—not that I agreed."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya stated impassively.

Truthfully, she had no idea how reproduction even worked.

"I know."

Hanekawa smiled lightly. "See you tomorrow."

He turned and entered the adjacent room.

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya stood still, lost in thought.

After just one day together, habits she’d maintained for a millennium had already begun to shift.

The night passed uneventfully.

Morning arrived.

The three of them sat at the table again, eating breakfast—three bowls of ramen.

Tsukihime ate happily.

Though Ōtsutsuki Kaguya showed no reaction, her empty bowl spoke volumes—she had no complaints.

"I’m heading out today."

Hanekawa cleared the table as he spoke.

"Should I come?"

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya asked coolly.

She knew Hanekawa was leaving to establish the Shinobi Sect.

Since it involved her chakra, she felt the need to ask.

"No need. I can handle it alone."

Hanekawa smiled. "Stay and teach Tsukihime."

He already had a plan for recruiting members.

In the current shinobi world, aside from local deities and the three great sage regions, no supernatural forces existed.

Attracting followers would be simple—just demonstrate power.

Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Hanekawa appeared near the Land of Ancestors, the largest nation in the shinobi world.

Instead of entering the capital, he stopped at a mountain outside the city.

With a wave of his hand, two nearby trees were instantly sliced into pieces.

Using chakra manipulation, he swiftly crafted two humanoid puppets.

After obtaining the A-rank trait "Puppet Master," Hanekawa had studied puppet-making techniques.

This was his first attempt, but with his overwhelming strength and various trait bonuses, it posed no difficulty.

The puppets were simple—no complex functions, just basic movement.

Their purpose was purely for dramatic effect.

After a moment’s thought, he used another tree to carve seven sitting cushions.

Hanekawa levitated midair, sitting cross-legged.

The two puppets and seven cushions did the same.

He then donned a half-mask, revealing only his Rinnegan and the upper half of his face.

With another wave, he infused two puppets’ throats with chakra.

The next instant, a booming voice echoed across the land.

---

Land of Ancestors – Great Metropolis

As the capital of the shinobi world’s most powerful nation, the Great Metropolis was bustling with activity.

Then, every pedestrian on the streets instinctively froze.

"The Rabbit Goddess, moved by the suffering of the shinobi world, has decreed the teaching of divine arts. Those destined may journey to the Goddess Mountain outside the city to learn."

The voice resonated as if spoken directly into their ears.

Everyone wore expressions of shock.

"Who’s the Rabbit Goddess? I’ve never heard of her!"

A young man blurted out.

"Did you all hear that too?"

A middle-aged man nearby widened his eyes.

"You heard it as well?"

A street vendor asked in disbelief.

"It’s a miracle!"

Someone immediately dropped to their knees and cried out.

In an instant, the entire Great Metropolis was in an uproar.

Though gods existed in the shinobi world, they never shared their techniques—instead demanding offerings.

Failure to comply brought calamity or abandonment.

For the Rabbit Goddess to willingly teach divine arts was unprecedented.

---

Great Metropolis – Royal Palace

The Emperor shot to his feet.

Though he ruled the Land of Ancestors, before the gods, he was no different from a commoner.

"Attendants!"

He bellowed. "We depart at once for Goddess Mountain!"

The temptation of divine arts was irresistible, even for a ruler.

He had witnessed the terrifying power of gods—capable of reshaping the world with a gesture.

Regardless of any schemes, he 'had' to go.

---

Great Metropolis – Moat

A toad clad in a cloak lifted its head.

"Who is this Rabbit Goddess?"

It spoke in human tongue, its face twisting in thought.

After a pause, it vanished.

Reappearing in Mount Myōboku, the toad entered a deep temple.

At its center sat an orange toad, eyes shut in slumber.

The cloaked toad hesitated but ultimately dared not disturb it.

The seated toad’s name was…

Gamamaru.

This was the Great Toad Sage from the original timeline.

Of course, the title "Great Toad Sage" didn't exist yet—it was simply the leader of Mount Myōboku.

After a moment, Gamamaru suddenly awoke, gasping for breath.

"Great Elder, did you have another prophetic dream?"

Fukasaku, seeing this, felt a chill in his heart and quickly asked.

Unlike other toads, Gamamaru was born with the ability of prophecy.

Because of this, it had some knowledge about Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki planting the Divine Tree.

In the original timeline, it was Gamamaru who revealed the truth about Ōtsutsuki Kaguya to Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Ōtsutsuki Hamura.

"Fukasaku, what brings you here?"

Gamamaru asked after regaining its composure.

"Something strange has happened in the Land of Ancestors."

Fukasaku recounted the events in the Land of Ancestors.

"As expected."

Gamamaru wasn't surprised.

"Is it related to the prophecy?"

Fukasaku couldn't help but ask.

"Indeed."

Gamamaru said solemnly, "The prophecy shows that this event is both an opportunity and a calamity for the shinobi world."

"I understand the opportunity part, but what does calamity mean?"

Fukasaku thought for a moment before asking.

"I don't know."

Gamamaru shook its head. "Prophecies are inherently vague."

"So what should we do now?"

Fukasaku hesitated before asking.

"The divine arts used by gods all rely on natural energy."

Gamamaru said with confusion, "Logically, such techniques should be impossible for humans to use."

It had once tried to teach humans the divine arts of Mount Myōboku, but all attempts ended in failure.

Moreover, those humans eventually turned to stone after coming into contact with natural energy.

"Is this Rabbit Goddess deceiving people?"

Fukasaku asked hesitantly.

"Probably not."

Gamamaru stood up. "We’ll have to see for ourselves to know the truth."

......

Goddess Mountain.

When the first group of residents from the Land of Ancestors arrived, they witnessed a sight that defied belief.

Hanekawa, two puppets, and seven cushions were all floating midair.

Their doubts were immediately dispelled.

First, the voice they heard hadn’t lied to them.

Second, levitation was an ability only gods possessed.

Seeing that Hanekawa paid them no attention, the crowd didn’t dare speak up, instead kneeling reverently on the ground.

Time passed slowly.

More and more people gathered.

Some, having knelt for too long, began to question the situation.

Just as their hesitation grew, Hanekawa casually waved his hand.

Pale green chakra scattered like mist, washing over them like a spring breeze, instantly relieving their fatigue.

"Thank you, divine one!"

The crowd cheered in unison, their doubts completely erased.

Among them was the Emperor of the Land of Ancestors.

Another half-hour later, Hanekawa opened his eyes.

He had sensed the toads of Mount Myōboku.

Though Gamamaru hid itself well, it couldn’t escape his perception.

The current Hanekawa was a true Six Paths-level being.

After all, he had not only Sage Body but had also absorbed part of the Divine Tree’s chakra.

Apart from lacking Yin-Yang Release, he had already surpassed the original Sage of Six Paths.

Though he sensed Gamamaru, Hanekawa remained calm.

Without Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Ōtsutsuki Hamura, attempting to turn the tables and seal Ōtsutsuki Kaguya would be harder than reaching the heavens.

"Welcome, all of you."

Hanekawa cleared his throat and spoke from midair.

The crowd watched eagerly, their faces filled with anticipation.

"This isn’t natural energy."

Gamamaru’s heart sank at the sight.

Instinctively, it felt wary of this so-called Rabbit Goddess.

It recalled the prophecy—both an opportunity and a calamity.

The chance for humans to learn divine arts was undoubtedly an opportunity.

But the calamity… perhaps it meant the Rabbit Goddess had ulterior motives.

"You may call me the Sage of Six Paths."

Hanekawa spoke unhurriedly. "I am the emissary of the Rabbit Goddess, here to establish the Shinobi Sect and pass on divine arts to you."

Since Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo no longer existed, he would take on the mantle of the Sage of Six Paths.

This was also to unlock the S-rank trait—"I Am Myth."

"Sage of Six Paths!"

The Emperor of the Land of Ancestors couldn’t resist asking, "How can we join the Shinobi Sect?"

"All of you have the opportunity."

Hanekawa raised his hand, releasing a vast surge of chakra.

The energy dispersed into tiny seed-like particles in the air, sinking into each person’s body.

"These are chakra seeds."

Hanekawa explained. "With them, you can cultivate divine arts."

"That simple?"

The Emperor and others wore expressions of disbelief.

"Of course, it’s not that simple."

Hanekawa shook his head. "You’ve only gained the qualification. How far you progress depends on your own efforts."

He waved his hand again.

Chakra condensed in the air, forming a passage of text—the most basic chakra extraction method.

"This is the foundational technique for chakra."

Hanekawa explained. "If you train diligently day and night, your bodies will accumulate more chakra, growing stronger over time."

Gamamaru and Fukasaku exchanged glances, both seeing shock and confusion in each other’s eyes.

Their strength was considerable—in the eyes of many humans, they were akin to gods.

Yet they hadn’t escaped Hanekawa’s perception.

If it were just detection, they wouldn’t be so alarmed.

What terrified them more was that they, too, had been implanted with chakra seeds.

"The Shinobi Sect possesses seven divine arts. Once you master the basics, you may begin learning them."

Hanekawa paused. "The first to succeed may use chakra to leap onto these seven cushions, becoming direct disciples of the sect."

"What?!"

The crowd was instantly electrified with enthusiasm.

Without hesitation, they sat on the ground and began extracting chakra.

"Great Elder, should we train as well?"

Fukasaku asked with concern.

"Not yet."

Gamamaru hesitated for a few seconds. "We don’t know if this chakra is beneficial for us."

Ordinary humans couldn’t use natural energy, so gaining the ability to wield chakra was immensely appealing.

But they were different.

They could already harness natural energy.

Since they didn’t yet know that combining natural energy with chakra created senjutsu chakra, they remained cautious.

Hanekawa saw this but paid them no mind.

The reason he gave them chakra seeds was simple—even if he didn’t, they could obtain them through humans later.

More importantly, this would pave the way for the future emergence of Sage Mode.

What puzzled Hanekawa was that only Mount Myōboku had shown up—Shikkotsu Forest and Ryūchi Cave were absent.

But even if they didn’t come now, they would cross paths eventually.

Though the three great sage regions competed with each other, they were allies when it came to matters concerning Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.

Hanekawa refocused and looked down.

The seated crowd was diligently extracting chakra.

At present, no prodigies stood out.

This made sense.

The reason future generations had so many geniuses was that chakra had circulated for a millennium, fundamentally altering their bodies and bloodlines.

Right now, these were just ordinary humans.

Still, there were slight differences.

Half an hour later, Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.

In the far-left corner, a young girl had successfully extracted a wisp of chakra.

At that moment, three lines of text appeared before his eyes:

[S-rank Trait: Founder of the Shinobi Sect]
[Activation Condition: Establish the Shinobi Sect]
[Effect: Mastery of all seven chakra natures increases by 300%.]

Hanekawa was momentarily stunned.

"Isn't this one of the effects of the A-rank trait 'Seven-Nature Jonin'?"

Combined with the new trait, his mastery over the seven chakra natures had reached an astonishing 500%.

Hanekawa focused his will and extended his hand.

Seven distinct chakra types surged from his palm.

The sensation was as natural as moving his own limbs.

He attempted to merge the seven chakra natures together.

After several tries, he succeeded.

A black orb hovered silently above his palm.

Hanekawa couldn't suppress a surge of triumph.

This was a Truth-Seeking Ball.

If Ōtsutsuki Hamura and Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo could create them, there was no reason he couldn't.

Truth-Seeking Balls were formed by the convergence of all seven chakra natures, capable of unleashing power far beyond Kekkei Genkai and Kekkei Tōta.

Yet, they weren't the same as Kekkei Mōra.

Their utility was immense.

They could be used offensively—capable of obliterating entire forests with ease.

At the same time, they could serve as versatile tools, morphing into any weapon.

For instance, the Sage's Staff wielded by Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo in the original timeline was a Truth-Seeking Ball in disguise.

Hanekawa nodded in satisfaction.

The S-rank trait "Founder of the Shinobi Sect" had granted him this ability—definitely worth it.

I wonder if the Shinobi Sect can trigger another new trait.

He had a strong feeling it would.


---

"Sage of Six Paths."

An hour later, the young girl Hanekawa had noticed earlier stood up, her voice respectful. "I'd like to try."

Hanekawa gave a slight nod.

The girl focused, channeling chakra into her legs before leaping onto one of the floating cushions.

The crowd erupted in gasps and murmurs of envy—especially those still struggling to extract chakra.

But more than envy, her success fueled their determination.

She had proven that chakra was real, that divine arts were attainable.

"What’s your name?" Hanekawa asked, stabilizing her with a pulse of chakra so she wouldn’t fall.

"Haori," the girl answered.

Hanekawa blinked.

That name sounded familiar.

After a moment, he recalled—she was an anime-original character, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo’s first love.

In the original timeline, she had been sacrificed to the Divine Tree under Ōtsutsuki Kaguya’s orders.

Her death became one of the catalysts for Hagoromo’s rebellion.

"Good." Hanekawa smiled. "You are the Shinobi Sect’s first direct disciple. From now on, call me 'Sensei.'"

"Yes, Sensei!" Haori beamed.

"Continue your training."

As she sat cross-legged on the cushion, the crowd’s fervor intensified.

With only six spots left, competition grew fierce.


---

"I’ll go next!"

Thirty minutes later, a young man sprang up, eyes blazing with determination.

He vaulted onto another cushion with ease.

"Your name?" Hanekawa asked.

"Futami, Sensei!" The young man bowed deeply.

"Second disciple. Keep refining your chakra."

Time flowed like sand through an hourglass.

By dusk, all seven cushions were occupied.

"Don’t lose heart," Hanekawa assured the remaining aspirants as he descended.

"Tomorrow, I’ll return—and seven more will be chosen."

Hope reignited in their eyes.

"You seven—come with me."

With a sweep of his gaze, Hanekawa vanished, taking them along.


---

"Where… where did they go?"

The Emperor of the Land of Ancestors rubbed his eyes.

"They must have ascended to the Rabbit Goddess’s divine realm!" someone cried in awe.

"The divine realm…" The Emperor whispered, torn between longing and duty.

As a ruler, he couldn’t abandon his nation.

But he had a new plan.

These seven are my subjects. Their families will ensure their loyalty.


---

At the Wooden Residence Near the Divine Tree

Eight figures materialized.

"That tree… it’s enormous!"

The disciples gaped at the towering Divine Tree, their minds reeling.

This must be the realm of the gods.

Then—

"Dad!"

Tsukihime sprinted into view, having sensed their arrival.

The disciples stared at her, stunned.

Her Rinnegan left no doubt—she was no ordinary human.

"Hungry?" Hanekawa ruffled her hair.

"Starving!" Tsukihime pouted. "Mom can’t cook."

Hanekawa had been gone all day.

Breakfast was the only meal she’d had.

"…"

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya flickered into existence, her expression unreadable.

The disciples froze, overwhelmed by her aura.

This… this must be the Rabbit Goddess herself!

"These are your students?" Kaguya’s voice was ice cold.

Weak. But usable.

"Yes." Hanekawa gestured. "This is the Rabbit Goddess. Address her as 'Divine Priestess.'"

"Divine Priestess!" The seven bowed deeply.

"Handle this." Kaguya seized Tsukihime’s hand. "We’re leaving."

In a blink, they were gone.

The disciples exchanged awed glances.

Teleportation… Will we ever wield such power?


---

Later That Night

After Tsukihime retreated to her room, only Hanekawa and Kaguya remained in the living area.

"Your thoughts on the seven?" Hanekawa asked.

"I care only about when they can be sacrificed," Kaguya replied flatly.

To her, they were nothing more than vessels of chakra.

"Sacrificing them now would be wasteful."

"Wasteful?" Her eyes narrowed.

"When would their chakra peak?" Hanekawa countered.

"At death," she admitted after a pause.

"Exactly. I propose creating a Pure Land—a realm where souls and chakra gather after death."

Kaguya’s gaze sharpened.

A Pure Land… No wasted energy. No rush.

For an immortal being, decades were but a breath.

"The key lies with the Shinigami," Hanekawa continued.

"Kill it?"

"No. It will guide souls to the Pure Land."

He envisioned the Dead Demon Consuming Seal—a jutsu that summoned the Shinigami at the cost of the user’s life.

If the Shinigami could ferry souls, it would solve the problem of maintaining the Pure Land.

"Well?" Hanekawa studied her.

"If it works, I’ll allow it," Kaguya conceded. "If not… we proceed with my plan."

"Agreed."

This wasn’t surrender—just a more efficient path to her goals.

And Hanekawa was confident.

After all, in the original timeline, Hagoromo had succeeded.


---

Meanwhile, in the Kitchen

A faint aroma lingered.

Hanekawa stared at the perfectly golden tempura shrimp in the pan.

Did she… actually cook?

But when Kaguya met his gaze, she simply said:

"You do it."

Then she walked away.

Hanekawa scratched his head, baffled.

"Mom!" Tsukihime called out.

"Hn." Kaguya’s reply was terse.

Internally, she was perplexed.

Her tempura hadn’t tasted nearly as good as Hanekawa’s.

How does he do it?

For the first time in millennia, curiosity flickered in her heart.


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2 worth chapters