Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

"Kirito, what did you mean by what you just said?" Naruto asked, his concern evident.

Kirito watched the blurred figure in the video projection and replied, "When an Ōtsutsuki reincarnates, all other Karmas linked to them are forcibly removed, except for the one in their chosen vessel.

"But this process of elimination is incredibly painful for the person bearing the Karma."

Amado, now composed, added, "That's correct. I've only read about this phenomenon in records, but it's a rare opportunity to witness it firsthand." He glanced at Kawaki. "You should consider yourself fortunate."

Kawaki stared at the Karma on his palm, his mind swirling with mixed emotions. For so long, he had wished to rid himself of the mark. Now that it was actually happening, he felt unprepared.

Suddenly, excruciating pain shot through his hand.

"Ahhh—!" Kawaki cried out, clutching his wrist as black lines snaked up his arm and spread across his body.

"Kawaki!" Naruto shouted, rushing to his side. "Are you okay?"

"Ahhhhh!!" Kawaki's screams grew louder as the black markings began to dissipate, as though wiped away by an unseen force.

With a thud, Kawaki collapsed into unconsciousness. Kirito stepped forward and caught him before he hit the ground. "Boruto, check his left hand," Kirito instructed.

Boruto knelt beside Kawaki and opened his palm. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Dad! The Karma—it's gone! It's really gone!"

Naruto exhaled deeply, a sense of relief washing over him. The disappearance of Kawaki's Karma validated Kirito's earlier claims and gave hope that Boruto's Karma could also be eliminated.

"This means we don't have to resort to drastic measures," Naruto muttered, grateful that Boruto's life wouldn't need to be sacrificed to stop Momoshiki's resurrection.

"Everyone, Ishiki is about to emerge," Amado's voice cut through the relief, drawing everyone's attention back to the projection.

In the video, the vortex of flames surrounding Jigen suddenly collapsed inward, vanishing in an instant. Only a swirling plume of smoke remained.

"The flames disappeared instantly..." Sasuke observed, narrowing his eyes.

"It's Ishiki's doing," Amado explained. "He's far stronger than Jigen. Shrinking flames this powerful in an instant is evidence of his superior capabilities."

As the smoke cleared, a tall figure stood where Jigen had been. His skin was pale gray, and a single spiraling horn jutted from his head like a crown. His left eye was a Byakugan, and his right eye bore a unique pattern resembling the character "米" (rice).

"That's Ishiki," Naruto said, his expression grim.

Even through the projection, Ishiki's overwhelming presence was palpable. It reminded everyone in the room of the fearsome power of the Ōtsutsuki clan—of Kaguya, Momoshiki, and Kinshiki.

One by one, the stone pillars around Ishiki shrank into nothingness, leaving the area clear except for Kashin Koji standing before him.

Suddenly, the feed cut off, leaving the screen blank.

"What happened?" Naruto asked.

Amado shrugged. "Likely the reconnaissance tool was destroyed. But it doesn't matter—our goal has been achieved. Ishiki has reincarnated into Jigen, removing Kawaki's Karma in the process.

"However, because Jigen's body isn't suitable, Ishiki's lifespan is now limited to just two or three days. The only thing we need to focus on now is keeping Kawaki hidden. If Ishiki can't implant a new Karma in Kawaki before his time runs out, he'll die permanently."

Naruto's brows furrowed. "What about Kashin Koji? What will happen to him?"

Amado sighed. "He's likely fulfilled his purpose. If Ishiki kills him, it's only because his mission is complete."

Naruto hesitated. "I don't know why, but I feel... uneasy about his fate."

Amado brushed off the concern. "Your focus should be on the fight ahead. Ishiki will come for Kawaki at all costs. With his lifespan so short, he won't hold back. He'll destroy anything in his way. Even with your strongest fighters—Naruto, Sasuke, and your Ōtsutsuki ally—underestimating him will lead to disaster."

After the discussion, Shikamaru received the official asylum document for Amado. Once it was delivered, Amado revealed that the bomb attached to Shikadai was fake—a ruse to ensure his safety and gain Konoha's trust.

Shikamaru's frustration was evident, but he ultimately chose not to press the issue, prioritizing Shikadai's safety over a grudge.

Naruto spoke up, "If we move now, we might be able to defeat Ishiki with Kashin Koji."

Amado shook his head. "I strongly advise against that. Ishiki's only goal is Kawaki. If you rush to him, you'll gain nothing but wasted time.

"Instead, focus on hiding Kawaki. With Naruto, Sasuke, and your Ōtsutsuki ally protecting him, you'll have the best chance of stopping Ishiki when he inevitably comes."

Shikamaru nodded in agreement. "Amado's right. If Ishiki can't find Kawaki, he'll likely come here and cause havoc in Konoha."

Sai added, "I'll begin evacuating the civilians immediately."

"Thank you, Sai," Naruto said.

Amado pointed out a significant challenge. "Ishiki has Byakugan. You'll need a place where Kawaki can't be tracked."

Naruto thought for a moment. "I know a place..."

Deep underground, Naruto led Kawaki to a facility built by the former leader of Root, Danzo Shimura. This secret base was specifically designed to counter the Byakugan's sight, its walls layered with powerful seals. Sealed since Danzo's death, it was now reactivated to protect Kawaki.

However, Kirito was not allowed to follow. As a relative outsider, he wasn't deemed "qualified" to access such a classified location.

Kirito remained on the roof of the Hokage Building, awaiting further instructions. Below, Shikamaru and the other ninjas mobilized to prepare for the inevitable battle.

Suddenly, Kirito felt a strange presence. A foreign chakra signature had appeared above Konoha.

Ino's voice came through the communication network.

"Attention, everyone! An unidentified individual has appeared in the sky above Konoha. The chakra doesn't match any known records.

"The enemy is here!"

(End of Chapter)