A Special Gift

"What was this strange feeling? Why had even the Byakugan that saw through fate failed?"

The Byakugan gleamed, taking in the endpoints toward which each strand of fate led, yet it still could not make out what upheaval had occurred on the ninja planet far beyond the stars.

"Lord Momoshiki, if there truly is an unforeseen complication, then consume your subordinate first. I was born for this very purpose!"

The burly man before him lowered his head in salute. His browless face, the Otsutsuki clan's distinctive pale skin, and his long gray hair all gave him a fierce appearance.

The crimson ring behind his back absorbed radiation from the cosmos, converting it into the energy that sustained his life and prepared him for battle.

"There is no need. Though it is somewhat troublesome, it is merely trouble. It is not worth losing your life over before the God Tree is planted, Kinshiki."

Otsutsuki Kinshiki respectfully bowed deeply, then silently awaited Momoshiki's orders.

"That Kaguya has gone so long without submitting a God Tree Fruit to the higher-ups, without even sending a necessary communication..."

"She has most likely kept it for herself. To dare violate the Otsutsuki clan's precepts and selfishly claim the fruit while disregarding the will of the God of the Otsutsuki... perhaps this time, there will be some unusual gains."

Momoshiki sneered repeatedly. Perhaps he could take advantage of this to obtain benefits other than the God Tree Fruit itself—refining a few pills, for instance. The higher-ups who had assigned him this task would likely turn a blind eye.

Unless absolutely necessary, he truly did not wish to sacrifice Otsutsuki Kinshiki, the servant who had faithfully served him all this time.

At that thought, Momoshiki's smile grew brighter, though he still unconsciously restrained that cold, merciless grin in