FLASHBACK
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE ATTACK ON KONOHA
The frozen cliffs towered above, their rugged faces gleaming like polished steel in the faint winter light. Between them, a lowland valley stretched, blanketed in a thick layer of snow that seemed to glow with an ethereal radiance. The air was heavy with the silence of a snowfall, each flake dancing gently to the ground as if in reverence to the stillness.
Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered. A vibrant purple portal materialized, its edges pulsating with an otherworldly energy. From its center, a figure burst forth, landing gracefully on the snow-covered ground.
The portal vanished as abruptly as it appeared, leaving behind a lone individual.
He stood tall, his raven-black hair disheveled from the journey. His piercing eyes, a deep, burning crimson, scanned the surroundings with a mixture of caution and purpose. His attire, a sleek black cloak with a prominent Uchiha crest on the back, billowed behind him, snowflakes settling upon its folds.
Sasuke Uchiha, the renowned shinobi, exuded an aura of quiet confidence, his sharp features chiseled from years of unyielding determination.
With a swift glance, Sasuke took in his surroundings. The lowland valley stretched before him, a seemingly endless expanse of snow-encrusted terrain.
His gaze settled on a structure in the distance – a ruin, its once-majestic architecture now battered by time and the elements.
The exterior walls, crafted from weathered stone, stood resolute against the harsh environment. Snowdrifts reached halfway up the walls, as if attempting to reclaim the structure for the wilderness.
Ivy and moss claimed sections of the ruin, tendrils snaking through cracks and crevices. The entrance, a massive stone doorway, hung crookedly from hinges twisted by the relentless forces of nature.
Above, the sky seemed to weep, snowflakes continuing their gentle descent.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his thoughts focused on the ruin. With a fluid motion, he began his trek through the knee-deep snow, each step purposeful.
The silence enveloped him once more, the only sound the soft crunch of snow beneath his feet.
As Sasuke ventured deeper into the ruin, he entered a vast, cavernous chamber. The air inside was heavy with the scent of aged stone and forgotten history.
Before him stood an imposing statue, its grandeur awe-inspiring. The figure depicted a woman of majestic beauty, clad in a traditional kimono carved from the same rock as the statue. The kimono's intricate designs and patterns were meticulously crafted, with subtle textures that seemed to mimic the folds of fabric.
The woman's face was serene, yet powerful. Her features were delicate, with high cheekbones, a slender nose, and lips that seemed to hold a whispered secret. Her eyes, cast from polished obsidian, gazed into the distance, as if beholding a realm beyond mortal comprehension.
Upon her forehead, two curved horns protruded, their surface etched with subtle, swirling patterns. The horns seemed to glow with a soft, ethereal light, as if infused with an otherworldly essence.
The statue towered above Sasuke, its height surpassing his own by nearly tenfold. If Sasuke stood at its base, the statue's waist would be lost in the shadows, its torso stretching upward like a colossal pillar. Its head would brush against the chamber's vaulted ceiling, casting a majestic shadow across the walls.
Moonlight streamed into the ruin from various openings, casting an ethereal glow. Beams of silver light converged upon the statue from all directions, illuminating its majesty. The effect was mesmerizing, as if the moon itself paid homage to the figure.
The statue stood within a large, walled enclosure, its surfaces cracked and worn. The walls, once sturdy, now showed signs of decay, their stones weathered and crumbling. Fissures spread like veins across the surface, a testament to the passage of time.
Despite the ruin's state, the statue remained untouched, its beauty unmarred. An aura of mystique surrounded it, as if the very fabric of reality protected this sacred depiction.
Sasuke recognized the figure – Kaguya Otsutsuki, the legendary matriarch of the Otsutsuki clan.
Sasuke cast a fleeting glance at the statue, his eyes instantly recognizing the figure of Kaguya Otsutsuki. He approached the statue with measured steps, his gaze drawn to the base where a scroll of deep purple hue lay. The scroll seemed to radiate an aura of antiquity, its surface adorned with intricate symbols that whispered secrets of the past.
As Sasuke picked up the scroll, his thoughts drifted to the legendary matriarch of the Otsutsuki clan. "Otsutsuki Kaguya," he mused to himself, "with her warped hunger for power, she sought to enslave the entire world, bending reality to her will." His mind wandered further, recalling the Great Ninja War that had ravaged the shinobi nations. "We managed to seal Kaguya away, but countless lives were lost, families were torn apart, and the very fabric of our world forever altered." A lingering question haunted him, "Yet, was her ambition solely driven by greed for power? Or was there another motive, hidden beneath the surface?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his thoughts consumed by the enigma.
His gaze shifted, and beside the scroll, he noticed a small, unassuming turtle. Its shell, a pristine white, sheltered a delicate body of light green and white hues. A vibrant red thread encircled both the turtle and its shell, infusing the scene with an air of mystique.
Intrigued, Sasuke carefully picked up the turtle, its small size belied by the weight of curiosity it sparked. "What's this?" he wondered, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
As he stood lost in thought, the turtle's mouth suddenly opened, revealing a hidden secret. Sasuke's chakra began to flow into the turtle, absorbed with an unsettling silence. Initially oblivious, Sasuke's eyes snapped wide in shock the next moment, his grip releasing as if burned. The turtle fell to the ground, its gentle thud echoing through the ancient ruin.
Sasuke's confusion deepened as his chakra continued to seep away, leaving him vulnerable. Desperate for control, he unsheathed his sword, its familiar weight a comforting presence in his hand. With precision, he aimed the blade at the turtle lying motionless on the ground.But in the blink of an eye, the turtle vanished.
Sasuke's gaze darted wildly, scanning the surrounding area for any sign of the mysterious creature. His eyes swept from left to right, searching for a glimpse of its light green and white scales. The sudden disappearance left him disoriented.
Turning his head to the right, Sasuke's eyes widened as he spotted the turtle floating effortlessly in mid-air. Its red thread wrapping glistened, seeming to pulsate with an otherworldly energy.
"How...?" Sasuke trailed off, his mind struggling to comprehend the impossible.
Uraume, the turtle, spoke in a detached, ethereal tone, "Hmm... you possess a strong chakra, but it pales in comparison to Urashiki Sama's."
Sasuke's grip on his sword tightened. "Urashiki... who is this, and who are you?!" he demanded, urgency etched on his face.
The turtle's tranquil demeanor remained unchanged. "I am Uraume, and Otsutsuki Urashiki Sama is the one I serve."
The name "Otsutsuki" resonated deeply within Sasuke. Another member of the legendary clan, beyond Kaguya? The revelation ignited a firestorm of questions and doubts.
Before he could interrogate Uraume further, she closed her eyes, as if bidding farewell. Sasuke's unspoken queries hung suspended, leaving him with only fragmented answers.
The silence stretched, punctuated only by Sasuke's ragged breathing.
Sasuke realized that Uraume, the turtle, wouldn't divulge any further information. He carefully tucked the turtle and scroll into his cloak, his mind already racing with strategies. "Otsutsuki Urashiki... I'll take her back. She's a valuable source of information." His thoughts swirled, pondering the implications of this new discovery.
Suddenly, Sasuke's instincts screamed warning. He sensed an immense, oppressive chakra looming on the horizon. Its sheer magnitude sent a shiver down his spine.
Acting swiftly, Sasuke sprang into action, leaping away from the ground. Simultaneously, a towering figure emerged from the shadows, charging toward the spot where Sasuke once stood. The newcomer unleashed a devastating chakra blade, its crescent-shaped edge slicing through the air with a deafening roar.
The blade bit deep into the earth, causing the ground to crack and shudder. The impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, leaving smoldering fissures in its wake. Sasuke landed gracefully, his feet thudding against the ground far from his original position.
As the dust settled, Sasuke beheld the figure: Otsutsuki Kinshiki, an imposing giant with alabaster skin. A single horn protruded from his temple, while a flowing white garment covered half his face, leaving the other half exposed. A striking Byakugan gleamed in his visible eye.
Kinshiki's voice rumbled, calm yet heavy with menace. "I didn't think anyone else could enter this place besides us." His words hung in the air like a challenge.
Sasuke's brow furrowed, his gaze locked onto the Byakugan. The Sharingan in his own eye pulsed with heightened awareness.
"I am Otsutsuki Kinshiki," the giant declared, his voice dripping with confidence. "On guard!" With the final word, Kinshiki charged toward Sasuke, his massive strides devouring distance.
Chakra blades materialized in Kinshiki's enormous hands, their perfect proportions suiting his colossal frame. Sasuke drew his sword, the familiar weight bolstering his resolve. Activating his Sharingan, he sprinted forward, ready to clash with the giant.
The two combatants collided, their tools meeting in a shower of sparks. Kinshiki's brute strength initially pushed Sasuke back, but the younger ninja refused to yield. Undaunted, Sasuke pressed forward, his sword flashing in the pale light.
Despite his valiant efforts, Sasuke's smaller stature put him at a disadvantage. Kinshiki's crushing blow sent Sasuke flying across the ruin, smashing through ancient structures. The ground shattered beneath him, and dust exploded outward.
When the chaos settled, Sasuke lay outside the ruin, sprawled across the snow-covered lowland. His body battered, his breath came in ragged gasps.
Meanwhile, on a frozen cliff overlooking the battle-scarred landscape, a mysterious figure watched the fray unfold. Clad in flowing white attire, with long silver hair tied in a ponytail, this enigmatic observer wore a transparent hood that veiled their features.
The figure's gaze lingered on Sasuke's battered form, an unreadable expression hidden behind the hood's shimmering veil.
Sasuke charged toward Kinshiki, his Chidori at the ready. However, the giant's massive fist connected, sending Sasuke flying into a colossal rock. The boulder shattered beneath the impact, leaving Sasuke reeling.
Before he could catch his breath, Kinshiki closed in, chakra blades flashing in the pale light. Sasuke narrowly dodged the initial strike, but a follow-up blow sent him crashing into another rock.
As Kinshiki approached for the finishing blow, Sasuke sprang into action. With lightning-fast reflexes, he dodged the blade and counterattacked, slicing through Kinshiki's horn.
The momentum shifted in Sasuke's favor. Both combatants clashed, exchanging blows in a whirlwind of steel and chakra.Kinshiki swung his massive blade, but Sasuke dodged, exploiting the momentary opening. The blade bit into the earth, lodging itself deep within the ground.
Seizing the opportunity, Sasuke pinned Kinshiki's blade, preventing him from retrieving it. However, Kinshiki's free hand grasped Sasuke, lifting him high.Sasuke swiftly retaliated, unleashing a kunai into Kinshiki's palm. The giant relinquished his grip, momentarily stunned.
Undeterred, Kinshiki tried again, this time succeeding in slamming Sasuke into the ground.
As Kinshiki prepared to deliver the finishing punch, Sasuke rolled away, avoiding the blow by mere inches. The ground cracked beneath the impact.
Kinshiki's gaze swept the area, finally locating Sasuke standing at a distance.Enraged, Kinshiki unsheathed his massive blade, its red hue glinting menacingly. With a mighty roar, he charged toward Sasuke, soaring through the sky.
As Kinshiki descended, blade poised to strike, Sasuke utilized his Rinnegan to switch places with a nearby rock.Kinshiki's blade bit into the rock, reducing it to rubble.Perplexed, Kinshiki muttered, "A stone statue?" Struggling to free his blade, he became momentarily distracted.
Meanwhile, a figure with bluish-black hair emerged from the ruin, his crimson Mangekyo Sharingan eyes fixed intently on Sasuke.A gust of wind swept across the landscape, rustling clothes and hair.
On the ruin's summit, the small figure with Byakugan eyes and a transparent hood observed the battle."How careless, Kinshiki," the figure remarked, breaking the silence.
The wind howled, whipping clothes into a frenzy.The small figure's gaze locked onto Sasuke's Rinnegan, intrigue sparking within his eyes.
"Rinnegan?" he asked, voice tinged with curiosity."What are you searching for? Answer me. Where is Otsutsuki Kaguya?"
Sasuke's response was enigmatic,"You don't know?" he began, "She's no longer here."The small figure's brow furrowed, perplexed by Sasuke's cryptic answer.
The small figure's expression transformed from curiosity to shock upon hearing Sasuke's enigmatic words. "You will tell us everything you know," he commanded, his tone now laced with an air of authority.
Kinshiki, sensing his master's intent, charged toward Sasuke once more. His massive blade sliced through the air, but Sasuke dodged effortlessly, retreating to create distance.
Sasuke realized that facing two formidable foes would put him at a significant disadvantage. "If this drags on, I'll be overwhelmed," he thought to himself.
As Kinshiki closed in, Sasuke swiftly threw a kunai at the blade, momentarily distracting his attacker. Seizing the opportunity, Sasuke turned to flee.
Kinshiki's thunderous voice echoed through the landscape, "You're not escaping!" He gave chase, but Sasuke had already activated his Rinnegan.
With a burst of chakra, Sasuke opened a shimmering portal and leaped into its depths. The gateway vanished, leaving Kinshiki to stumble into empty space.
Sasuke emerged in a desolate desert landscape, the scorching sun beating down upon his back. He took a moment to ensure that both Uraume and the scroll remained secure.
Meanwhile, back there, Otsutsuki Momoshiki addressed Kinshiki, "Strange... I sensed another presence besides him." His gaze swept the area, as if searching for an unseen entity.
Kinshiki's confusion deepened, his brow furrowed in puzzlement. "What do you mean, Momoshiki Sama?" he asked.
Momoshiki's eyes narrowed. "There were four distinct chakra signatures: yours, mine, the Rinnegan guy's... and another." His voice trailed off, lost in thought.
As the wind whispered secrets in the desert, Sasuke stood resolute, his Rinnegan aglow. Unbeknownst to him, the mysterious figure with Mangekyo Sharingan watched from the shadows, a silent observer in the unfolding drama.
The threads of fate entwined, weaving a complex tapestry of intrigue and deception. The stakes had been set, and the game was afoot.
FEW HOURS LATER..
KONOHAGAKURE VILLAGE
Within the Hokage's office, the worn, wooden floor creaked beneath the weight of its occupant. The Seventh Hokage, with unruly blonde hair and weary, sky-blue eyes, slumped against his desk. His iconic orange shirt was disheveled, and the once-crisp fabric now seemed wilted.
Papers and documents lay scattered around him, like autumn leaves swept by the wind. The weight of responsibility etched deep lines on his forehead.
As he sat cross-legged on the floor, his hands cradled his head, elbows resting on his knees. "I messed up again..." The words escaped his lips, barely above a whisper.
Memories flooded his mind: the birthday celebration for his daughter, Himawari, and the chaos that ensued when his clone vanished. The recollection brought a mixture of frustration and regret.
The door slid open, breaking the spell of nostalgia. A deep, baritone voice announced, "Nanadaime-sama, I'm coming in."
A tall, lean figure with spiky black hair and piercing brown eyes entered the room. His sharp jawline and angular features softened as concern etched his face. He wore creamed coloured coat and black pants.
Shikamaru,upon seeing his friend's disheveled state, he hastened toward him. "Hey! What happened?" The worry in his voice was palpable.
Naruto lifted his gaze, revealing the depth of his exhaustion. "Well, I just messed up Himawari's birthday too." His voice was laced with self-reproach.
The Shikamaru"s eyes narrowed. "You sent a shadow clone to the house?" A hint of amusement danced in his tone.Naruto nodded sheepishly. "Yeah..."
A chuckle escaped the Shikamaru's lips. "You're hopeless! I told you to go home today." His words were tinged with affectionate exasperation.
Naruto stood, gathering the scattered documents. "That just wasn't possible." His movements were weary, weighed down by the burdens of leadership.
As they both rose to their feet, Shikamaru assisted in collecting the papers. "The preparations for the Chunin exams are late," Naruto muttered, frustration creeping into his voice.
"And there's the discovery of White Zetsu's ruins..." The visitor's brow furrowed, concern etched on his features.
Once they'd gathered the documents, Shikamaru handed them to Naruto. "It's been ten years already since the Great Ninja War... it's troubling."
The Naruto's gaze met his, a shared understanding passing between them. "Yeah..." The simple acknowledgment spoke volumes of their unspoken camaraderie.
The night glow of moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a white light upon the two friends. In this moment, they stood as more than Hokage and advisor – they were kindred spirits, bound by shared experiences and mutual trust.
Naruto's gaze snapped toward the door as a scroll hurtled through the air, flying straight toward his face. Instincts honed from years of battle kicked in, and he swiftly raised his hand.
His fingers closed around the scroll, catching it mere inches from his nose. The parchment's edge fluttered from the sudden stop, its seal – Kaguya's crest – emblazoned on the surface.
Naruto's eyes locked onto the doorway, his brow furrowed in surprise. Shikamaru, equally startled, turned to face the entrance.
That's when they saw him – Uchiha Sasuke, standing in the doorway, his piercing gaze surveying the room.
Sasuke's presence seemed to command the air, his dark eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. His black hair framed his chiseled features, an aura of mystery enveloping him.
The silence was palpable, heavy with unspoken questions.Then, Sasuke's low, smooth voice broke the spell. "A gift from Kaguya's Palace."
Shikamaru's eyes widened, shock written across his face.Naruto's expression transformed, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Sasuke!" The word was infused with a mix of joy, relief, and trepidation.
Sasuke's gaze locked onto Naruto's, his expression unreadable. Yet, for an instant, a flicker of something akin to camaraderie danced in his eyes – a spark that hinted at secrets shared, and battles yet to come.
As the scroll's seal seemed to whisper ancient secrets, the shadows in the room deepened, as if the very fabric of fate was shifting.
The wheel of destiny turned, its gears clicking into place. The whispers of a new era began, echoing through the halls of the Hokage's office.
And in that moment, three shinobi stood at the threshold, bound by threads of friendship and duty, poised to face the unknown.
---
Quiz Question:
What is the name of the turtle that Sasuke encounters in the ruin, which serves as a vessel for Otsutsuki Urashiki?
A) Uraume
B) Kame
C) Urashiki
D) Kaguya
Share your answer in the comments below!