Naruto: Uchiha is not Raikage!

As night deepened, Hagoromo and Hamura returned to their usual posts, separated from the mountain where their parents and sister lived by several winding valleys and dense forests.

The barrier operated silently, enveloping the area in tranquility and a light mist, making it difficult for ordinary creatures to approach or even glimpse its true interior.

The two brothers sat cross-legged on a rock that offered a view of the roots of the sacred tree, but their minds were not on being vigilant.

Their father's candid words still echoed in their ears, intertwining with the image of the desolate planet shown by Gamamaru, making their breathing heavy.

"Father...did not deny it."

"Hamura Otsutsuki said in a low voice, his voice sounding somewhat faint in the night wind."

"Ah."

Hagoromo Otsutsuki responded, his gaze drifting towards the faint outline of his parents' residence in the distance.

"He only said that the divine tree draws on the life force of all things that will eventually pass away, and... he didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with it, or rather, he had his own plans."

"What should we do, brother?"

"Should we go and apologize?"

Hamura Otsutsuki looked at Hagoromo Otsutsuki, his eyes filled with even greater confusion.

Their father's calm, even knowing, attitude left them more bewildered than anger or explanation.

It was as if what they learned was not some horrifying truth, but a common occurrence that had already been foreseen and even taken into account.

Father, did you already know they would ask?

This power made Hamura Otsutsuki feel that he shouldn't have gone to that Toad Kingdom with his brother.

After a long silence, Hagoromo Otsutsuki slowly said:
"As my father said, observe and think; as the toad said, verify."

He paused.

“But we will continue to protect the sacred tree, at least until we find out the whole truth, and until our father or mother tells us the other decision themselves.”

This was more like a form of self-persuasion. Ōtsutsuki Hamura sensed the tension in his brother's voice, but he didn't point it out.

The two sat side by side, watching over the sacred tree in the darkness, each lost in their own thoughts, until a faint light appeared on the horizon.

At this moment, the two brothers also had an unspoken disagreement.

……

The first rays of morning sunlight streamed softly into the room through the delicate wooden lattice windows.

Kiyoshi's biological clock woke him up from his light sleep on time, but before he even opened his eyes, a warm, unusual scent surrounded him.

He opened his eyes, and the sight that came into view made him slightly startled.

Kaguya Otsutsuki lay on her side beside him, one hand gently resting on his arm.

Instead of wearing that formal and conservative white kimono, she changed into a... purple silk slip dress.

The fabric was extremely soft and clingy, outlining her stunningly curvaceous figure. Large areas of her smooth shoulders, neck, and arms were exposed, and the purple silk contrasted sharply with her snow-white skin.

Her long, pure white hair was scattered messily on the pillowcase, with a few strands clinging to her cheeks and long eyelashes covering her eyelids.

Kiyoshi watched quietly for a few seconds, and a slight smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

Indeed, purple has a certain charm.

He reached out and gently brushed away a strand of hair from Kaguya Otsutsuki's cheek with his fingertips.

This movement startled her. Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's long eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened them.

Her pure white eyes were initially hazy with the light of waking up, but they became clear when they met Qing Si's smiling gaze. However, they did not immediately look away or regain their usual detached clarity.

She seemed to take a moment to assess the situation before her, and then, quite naturally, moved a little closer to him.

"woke up?"

Her voice was less cold and clear than usual, and more languid.

"Ah."

Kiyoshi responded, his gaze sweeping over her purple halter dress.

"new clothes?"

Kaguya Otsutsuki followed his gaze and looked down at herself, seemingly only then realizing what she was wearing.

There was no embarrassment on her face; she simply stated calmly:

"Human clothes are sometimes more comfortable to wear, so I picked out another one from the ones you gave me."

She paused and added.

"The fabric is strange, but... it's definitely comfortable."

Qing Si chuckled softly, his arm naturally encircling her waist, pulling her closer to him.

Even through the thin silk fabric, one could clearly feel the softness and fullness of her body.

"suitable for you."

Seiji commented.

Very moist.

not bad.

Kaguya Otsutsuki did not resist the hug; she even slightly adjusted her posture to make herself more comfortable.

Her cheek was pressed against his chest, and she could hear his steady heartbeat.

This intimate embrace was still a new experience for her, but strangely, she didn't reject it; in fact, she felt a strange sense of security.

However, at such close range...

A longing would rise within Kaguya Otsutsuki.

Kiyoshi's chakra is just too... tempting.

She swallowed hard, her saliva escaping her throat.

Absorbing chakra is practically her instinct.

It is also the most intense of all desires, even those that are considered mild.

But... after spending time with Kiyoshi recently.

Kaguya Otsutsuki realized that other desires were gradually rising within her as well.

The intertwining of these forces actually diminished the urge to devour Kiyoshi's chakra.

Kiyoshi lowered his head and gently placed a kiss on her smooth forehead.

Kaguya Otsutsuki's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and she raised her pure white eyes to look at him, her expression filled with clear doubt:
"What's this?"

"Good morning kiss."

Kiyoshi explained, his fingers stroking her silky long hair.

"A way of expressing closeness and greeting, which is common in some places in human society."

"kiss……"

Kaguya Otsutsuki repeated the word, seemingly savoring it.

The spot on my forehead where I had been touched still retained a warm, soft sensation. It wasn't unpleasant; in fact,... a strange feeling spread along my spine, bringing a slight, tingling shiver that felt very comfortable.

She recalled the electric current from yesterday, which had been meant to be educational but had caused her to lose her composure, but the feeling now was completely different—gentler, more… indescribable.

She looked at his face, which was so close to hers, and his eyes, which always held insight and a hint of amusement, seemed particularly focused at that moment.

An impulse, or rather, a curiosity based on her strong learning instinct, drove her to react.

She tilted her head slightly and, mimicking his earlier gesture, gently pressed her lips to his.

It felt soft and slightly cool to the touch, carrying her unique, faint scent. It was just a simple touch, and then it was gone in an instant.

Kiyoshi was clearly taken aback by her direct "return" gesture. He paused for a moment, then his smile deepened.

He felt that Kaguya Otsutsuki was like a taciturn little cat, but she would imitate his actions and behaviors.

After Kaguya Otsutsuki finished the action, her expression remained blank, but her pure white eyes stared intently at him, as if observing his reaction or waiting for some kind of feedback or evaluation. Her demeanor possessed a clumsy earnestness.

"How does it feel?"

Kiyoshi asked in a low voice, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb.

Kaguya Otsutsuki thought for a moment and said honestly:
"Tingling, soothing."

She paused for a moment, as if carefully discerning her inner feelings.

"Unlike yesterday's 'teaching,' this was more...warm."

Qing Si lowered his head again, and this time, the kiss did not stop at a mere lingering touch.

He lowered his head and kissed her, then patiently guided her.

Kaguya Otsutsuki's body was initially tense, but she quickly relaxed.

The aura belonging to Kiyoshi completely enveloped her, making the tingling sensation even stronger.

It gave her a slight feeling of dizziness.

She instinctively reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck.

They parted ways after a long while.

Kiyoshi pressed his forehead against hers, looking at her so close to his face.

Her pure white eyes seemed to be misted with a very faint watery light, and her cheeks were flushed with an almost imperceptible blush. Her breathing was slightly rapid, and the turmoil in her large heart was even more obvious under the purple suspender dress.

Although her face still didn't show much expression, her slightly parted lips and somewhat unfocused eyes were enough to overturn her usual aloof image.

She didn't even step back immediately, but instead gently rested her head on his shoulder.

Kiyoshi held her close, feeling the rare tenderness in his arms, and his heart was filled with comfort.

Kaguya Otsutsuki's changes were slow and real, like a glacier gradually melting away in spring. Each small breakthrough was an exploration and attempt that she herself did not fully understand.

The process itself is enough to inspire a sense of conquest.

That's why Qing Si stayed here for quite some time, instead of rushing back a thousand years later.

After snuggling together for a few more moments, Qing Si patted her back:
"Time to get up, I'll go prepare breakfast."

Kaguya hummed in agreement, but did not make a move immediately.

After a while, she slowly sat up. The strap of her purple sundress slipped down a little, revealing her rounded shoulders.

She casually pulled him up, her movements returning to their usual nimbleness, but when she looked at Qing Si, there seemed to be a lingering feeling in her eyes from just now.

"I'm going to change clothes."

She said that, then got up and walked towards the room next door. As she walked, the silk skirt brushed against her long, straight legs, swaying gracefully.

Kiyoshi watched her leave before getting up to wash up.

When he arrived at the small kitchen in the courtyard, Kaguya Otsutsuki had already changed back into her signature white kimono, her long hair meticulously combed, and was sitting upright at the stone table in the courtyard, as if the enchanting scene of that morning had never happened.

But Kiyoshi noticed that although her posture was still upright, her eyes no longer stared blankly into the distance as before, but would occasionally look towards the kitchen.

Otsutsuki Haguro chattered on about the novelties she had seen at the market, while Otsutsuki Kaguya ate quietly, occasionally responding to Haguro with a word or two, and Kiyoshi listened.

In the distance, the mountains are verdant and the birds sing sweetly.

After finishing breakfast and tidying up, Kiyoshi looked at Kaguya Otsutsuki:
"How about I teach you some physical techniques today? Your fighting style relies more on 'Bloodline Limits' and eye techniques; perhaps I can compensate for that with closer physical skills."

A hint of interest flashed in Kaguya Otsutsuki's eyes.

As Otsutsuki, increasing their strength is an instinct ingrained in their very being.

"it is good."

The two arrived at a relatively flat open space. Kiyoshi stretched his arms and legs:
"I'll first demonstrate a basic martial arts routine, incorporating some power generation techniques and footwork. Watch carefully."

He moved swiftly and began practicing a set of movements. The movements were not flashy, but extremely fluid, and the force was swift.

Besides the taijutsu of Konoha, there are also taijutsu from other ninja villages in the ninja world.

Kaguya Otsutsuki stared intently with her pure white eyes, one eye opening on her forehead, the tomoe and ripples of the "Nine-Tomoe Rinne Sharingan" swirling slightly.

She wasn't just watching the movements; she was analyzing the activation of every muscle and the instantaneous flow of chakra.

After finishing his combo, Kiyoshi stood still, his breathing steady.

"Do you see clearly?"

Kaguya Otsutsuki nodded and strode to the center of the arena. She closed her eyes, seemingly reviewing and processing what she had learned.

A few seconds later, she opened her eyes and began to imitate Kiyoshi's movements.

Her first few movements were a bit awkward, but soon, her body seemed to be accelerated.

Her movements became increasingly fluid, faster, and her power control more precise.

It wasn't just about imitating the form; she even began to fine-tune certain details based on her understanding of the body and the "essence" captured by the Rinne Sharingan, making them more in line with her own power exertion habits and fighting rhythm.

Kiyoshi watched from the side, his admiration growing stronger. Kaguya Otsutsuki's learning ability was terrifying. The copying and analysis capabilities of the "Nine-Tomoe Rinne Sharingan," combined with her strong physical foundation and unparalleled talent in chakra manipulation, allowed her to master these basic taijutsu at an astonishing speed.

After finishing her combo, Kaguya Otsutsuki stopped, her breathing only slightly faster.

She looked at Kiyoshi, seemingly waiting for his evaluation.

"very good."

Qing Si stepped forward.

"You have mastered both form and spirit, and even developed your own understanding. However, physical skills are not just about routines, but more importantly, about practical application and adaptability. Come, let's have a spar, limited to physical skills, without using any other abilities."

Kaguya Otsutsuki nodded and assumed the starting stance she had just learned. Although many of her abilities were restricted, the fighting spirit of a strong person still flowed naturally.

Kiyoshi also withdrew most of his power, suppressing his strength to a level roughly equivalent to hers, and launched a full-scale attack.

In an instant, figures crisscrossed the open space, and the sounds of fists and feet clashing filled the air.

At first, Kaguya Otsutsuki was somewhat unaccustomed to the rhythm of pure physical combat, after all, she was used to overwhelming opponents with absolute power and eye techniques.

But with Kiyoshi's conscious guidance and encouragement, she made rapid progress.

The "Nine-Tomoe Rinne Sharingan" is constantly in operation, not only copying Kiyoshi's moves, but also constantly adjusting them in high-speed battles.

Her movements became more and more agile, the transitions more and more natural, and she even began to try some simple combinations and variations.

Although he still lacks experience and is occasionally caught off guard by Kiyoshi's cunning and shrewd moves, his terrifying rate of growth is enough to frighten any observer.

As the sun rose higher overhead, the primarily teaching-focused exchange came to an end.

Both of them had a light sheen of sweat on their foreheads, and their clothes were somewhat disheveled.

"Okay."

Kiyoshi stopped what he was doing, his breathing remaining steady.

"At your learning speed, you have already mastered the basic physical framework. What remains is practice and practical experience. This afternoon you can practice your power generation techniques and some targeted coping drills."

Kaguya Otsutsuki raised her hand to tidy her slightly disheveled sideburns, her pure white eyes sparkling, clearly quite absorbed in this learning process where she could clearly feel her own progress.

"Hmm. Physical combat... is quite interesting."

She gave her own evaluation.

"Unlike directly using force, it requires more precise control and prediction."

The two walked to a stone bench under the shade of a tree and sat down to rest.

Kiyoshi handed over the water pouch, which Kaguya Otsutsuki took and sipped.

Sweat trickled down her graceful neckline and soaked into the collar of her kimono.

She turned her head slightly to look at Qing Si beside her. He was gazing at the distant mountain mists, his profile sharply defined.

A strange, overwhelming emotion flowed slowly through her heart. It wasn't just the satisfaction of learning a new skill, nor was it merely the physical pleasure after the exchange.

It was something that stirred a strange, unsettling feeling within.

She thought of "kissing," of hugging, of the tingling comfort of cuddling in the morning, and of the inexplicable flutter in her heart as she sat side by side with him now.

These feelings were completely different from her past, when she existed solely to plant the sacred tree, wait for its fruit, and carry out her missions throughout countless years.

"like……"

She suddenly uttered a single word in a low voice, as if chewing on this concept that had previously been empty to her.

Kaguya Otsutsuki had heard Seiji mention this before, but she didn't understand it at the time.

Kiyoshi turned to look at her.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki met his gaze, her pure white eyes filled with a rare, almost incomprehensible, attempt to understand.

"You once said that humans would come together because of 'love,' have offspring, and protect each other. You taught me all of this, the food you made, the morning kiss... and now..."

She pointed to the two of them sitting side by side.

Are these all part of "love"?

Her question was direct and pure, without any worldly shyness or affectation; she simply wanted to understand the "thing" that was changing her existence.

Kiyoshi remained silent for a moment, without immediately giving a textbook definition.

He reached out and took her hand, which was resting on her knee.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's hands were slightly cool, her fingers long and soft.

"Love comes in many forms. Kaguya, the love for your children, the affection for your partner, the love for your home... It can be expressed as giving, as closeness, as understanding and tolerance, and also as wanting the other person to become a better person, just like when I teach you martial arts."

He said slowly.

"It's a connection that allows lonely individuals to feel warmth and meaning. Whatever you're feeling right now is part of your process of understanding and experiencing 'love.'"

Of course, Kiyoshi felt that the Otsutsuki probably couldn't live without so much love.

Because in her eyes, many creatures are not life at all, but merely consumables.

Kaguya Otsutsuki looked down at their clasped hands; Kiyoshi's palm was warm, enveloping hers.

The warmth traveled along their skin, merging with the warmth in her heart.

She seemed to understand a little, yet she also seemed more confused. But this confusion didn't bother her; instead, it gave her the motivation to explore.

She suddenly turned to the side and, mimicking her more intimate kiss from the morning, took the initiative to kiss Kiyoshi's lips.

It's no longer just a simple touch, but rather a journey with newly learned skills and a greater desire to explore.

Kiyoshi was taken aback at first, but then readily agreed.

This kiss was less innocent than the one in the morning, and more deliberate in its request and intimacy.

After a while, Kaguya Otsutsuki finally stepped back a little, her forehead pressed against his, their breaths mingling.

She maintained a neutral expression, but her eyes were bright and her lips were moist. Then, she did something that surprised even Kiyoshi.

Kaguya Otsutsuki leaned slightly, resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around his waist, her entire upper body almost nestled in his embrace.

"This was a kiss at noon."

She announced in a calm voice, but if you listened carefully, you could detect a very faint sense of oath.

She was trying to apply her understanding of how to express "love".

Kiyoshi chuckled, put his arm around her, and accepted this initiative of intimacy.

He couldn't help but wonder if Kaguya Otsutsuki was using her learning ability in the wrong direction.
Or perhaps... she actually enjoys it, even to the point of being a little addicted?

"Father! Mother!"

A clear and cheerful child's voice came from afar, interrupting the conversation between the two.

Otsutsuki Hako ran over like a happy little bird, holding a few freshly picked wildflowers in her hand.

Seeing her parents snuggling together, she blinked her big eyes and, instead of feeling embarrassed, smiled even more happily.

"Are you guys resting? I want a hug too!"

She lunged forward and squeezed between the two.

Kiyoshi smiled and put his arm around her. Kaguya Otsutsuki released her arms from Kiyoshi and gently patted Haguya Otsutsuki's head instead.

"Mother, were you practicing fighting with Father just now? I saw it! He was so amazing!"

Hagoromo Otsutsuki looked at Kaguya Otsutsuki with admiration.

"It's physical skill."

Kaguya Otsutsuki corrected her.

"I want to learn too! Father, you teach Mother, you must teach me too!"

Otsutsuki Hako grabbed Kiyoshi's sleeve and shook it.

"You're still young, so focus on building a solid foundation first."

Kiyoshi pinched her little nose.

"It's not too late to learn when you have better control over your chakra."

“Okay…” Otsutsuki Hako pouted, but quickly cheered up and held up the wildflower in her hand like a treasure.

"Look, the flowers I picked! I'm giving them to my mother!"

She clumsily tucked the largest and brightest flower into Kaguya Otsutsuki's hair.

The long white hair, paired with that bright color, had a unique and vivid quality.

Kaguya Otsutsuki did not refuse, letting her daughter do as she pleased, her pure white eyes watching Haguya Otsutsuki's excited little face.

Suddenly, Kiyoshi's gaze turned to a certain direction outside the barrier. Kaguya Otsutsuki noticed it almost simultaneously and looked up.

“A mortal is approaching.”

She stated it, her tone carrying a hint of annoyance at being interrupted and a touch of doubt.

Logically, the power of the barrier would naturally guide those who strayed away, or cause them to realize that "there's nothing special about this place" and leave. Very few people could walk "straight" towards the core area like this, even if it was very slow.

"Yes, I sensed it."

Kiyoshi nodded, his expression calm, seemingly unsurprised.

“A young woman named Yuri. Last night, when Hagoromo and the others were on duty, she asked for help on the outskirts, wanting to find a ‘sage’ to heal her grandmother. Hagoromo pointed her in the general direction.”

He paused.

“I temporarily adjusted the guidance of that part of the barrier to allow her to ‘find’ this place.”

In other words, if he doesn't allow it, this mortal woman named Yuzhi will only wander aimlessly around the outskirts of this mountain range, eventually returning exhausted.

He knew she would come, and even tacitly approved of her arrival.

Kaguya Otsutsuki glanced at him but didn't ask why.

She didn't feel much about the life and death of mortals, but Kiyoshi always seemed to have some reasons and plans that she didn't fully understand.

Otsutsuki Hagoromo asked curiously:

"Someone's here? Is it a guest?"

"I guess you could say I'm someone seeking help."

Kiyoshi stood up and straightened his clothes.

Kaguya Otsutsuki also stood up, took the slightly out-of-place wildflower from her hair, held it in her hand, and resumed her usual aloof and dignified demeanor.

Only her hair, slightly loosened by Otsutsuki Hagoromo, added a touch of humanity to her icy perfection. (End of Chapter)