Setsuna, Would You Betray Me?

After school.

Inside the barbecue restaurant.

Hyuga Setsuna and the others sat at their table, chatting freely.

"I told you, didn't I? Setsuna would definitely beat that arrogant Gyo Uchiha. Even though I'm from the Uchiha Clan too, I've always found that guy annoying."

Obito Uchiha sat at the table with his mouth stuffed full of grilled meat, speaking boisterously.

"Congratulations, Setsuna!"

Kurenai Yuhi picked up a piece of grilled meat and placed it in Hyuga Setsuna's bowl, speaking gently.

"Thank you, Kurenai."

Hyuga Setsuna stared distractedly at the sight of everyone gathered before him. Obito Uchiha was arguing with Kakashi, while Rin tried to mediate from the side. Asuma watched Kurenai Yuhi ignore his attempts at conversation, nursing his heartache alone. Their classmates nearby were loudly discussing their hopes and expectations for the future.

What a wonderful scene.

But Kakashi's father, the White Fang, would soon commit suicide because of that incident. By then, Kakashi would shut away his heart and become a cold, emotionless person.

Even with the bonds he later formed with Namikaze Minato, Obito, and Rin, he would close off his heart once more after the Battle of Kanmubi Bridge.

Even Obito Uchiha would be taken away by Uchiha Madara then and groomed into a pawn.

Obito Uchiha's silly face suddenly leaned close to Hyuga Setsuna, his expression suspicious.

"Setsuna, what are you thinking about? I've been calling you forever, but you didn't react at all."

"And you actually beat Gyo Uchiha after he awakened his Sharingan. Looks like aside from beating Kakashi, I'll have to add you to the list too! Hahaha!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Kakashi, who always wore a deadpan expression, said one thing.

"Idiot!"

"Hah, you smug bastard, are you trying to settle things with the future Hokage, Obito Uchiha, right now?"

"Kakashi, Obito, stop arguing. You two are always like this whenever we get together."

Watching the two start arguing again while Rin tried to stop them, Hyuga Setsuna smiled. He could think about the future later. For now, he needed to work hard and grow stronger.

As he smiled, Hyuga Setsuna suddenly noticed Kurenai Yuhi looking at him. He turned to her with a questioning expression.

"What is it, Kurenai?"

Kurenai Yuhi looked at Hyuga Setsuna with a sweet smile.

"It's nothing. I just thought you seemed unhappy before, Setsuna, but now you seem to be in a better mood."

"Really? I didn't even notice. You're quite observant, Kurenai."

"Not really. It was just an ordinary observation."

With a blush on her face, Kurenai Yuhi lowered her head and spoke shyly.

Asuma silently ate grilled meat and drank juice beside them. Seeing Kurenai Yuhi's shy appearance, tears of sorrow streamed down his face, his grief flowing into a river.

At the entrance of the barbecue restaurant.

"Setsuna, I'm heading back now. Get some rest early, okay?"

Kurenai Yuhi spoke softly to Hyuga Setsuna.

Hyuga Setsuna, who was waving goodbye to the others, looked at Kurenai Yuhi with a smile.

"You too, Kurenai. Get some rest early."

Looking at Hyuga Setsuna, who seemed even more charming and refined than usual today, Kurenai Yuhi felt her heart beat a little faster.

After saying goodbye to everyone, Hyuga Setsuna headed toward home.

"You did well today."

Otsutsuki Kaguya's voice sounded beside Hyuga Setsuna's ear, carrying a hint of praise.

"Hehe, it's all thanks to your excellent guidance, Grandmother."

Walking down the road, Hyuga Setsuna offered a small bit of flattery.

In the Sealing Space, Otsutsuki Kaguya's lips curved slightly at Hyuga Setsuna's flattery. Though she did not like it, she still found it pleasing when it came from someone else.

Hyuga Setsuna walked through the streets of the Hidden Leaf Village, looking at the peaceful and tranquil village. Who could have imagined that this peace would be shattered in a few years, and the Third Shinobi World War would erupt completely?

This shinobi war would also change the fates of many people.

At that moment, Otsutsuki Kaguya within Hyuga Setsuna's body looked upon the bustling outside world through his eyes, a complicated expression appearing on her face.

Was this the new world Hagoromo had created after sealing her away?

It did not seem very wonderful. Wars still kept breaking out. It would be better for her to rule the world herself.

Hagoromo, Hamura, you betrayed me for this world, where war constantly erupted, and for these people who had nothing to do with you.

Once I get out, the world will once again fall under my rule!

Inside the Sealing Space, Otsutsuki Kaguya's face gradually turned cold.

At that moment, as Otsutsuki Kaguya's Jinchuriki, Hyuga Setsuna clearly sensed the emotional fluctuations coming from within his body. They even affected him.

"Grandmother, what's wrong?"

Sensing the complicated emotions within himself, Hyuga Setsuna asked softly and gently.

He could feel the sorrow, grief, and gradually growing coldness within her.

"Setsuna, would you betray me?"

Hearing Hyuga Setsuna's gentle voice, Otsutsuki Kaguya asked with a trace of anticipation.

"No, I would never betray you, Grandmother."

"Because you are my only family."

Hyuga Setsuna spoke softly, his face gentle.

That was right. Even though Otsutsuki Kaguya had initially wanted to take his body, after two years together, they had long become inseparable. They were now the most important people in each other's lives.

Hearing Hyuga Setsuna's words in the Sealing Space, Otsutsuki Kaguya's body trembled. Her face was filled with conflicted emotions, and her heart was in turmoil.

That was right. To this child, whose parents had died early, her appearance and companionship had long made her his only family.

Their fates had long been bound together, impossible to separate.

Seeing Otsutsuki Kaguya remain silent for a long time, Hyuga Setsuna asked in confusion.

"Grandmother, why aren't you saying anything?"

"It's nothing. I'm going to rest."

Otsutsuki Kaguya hurriedly suppressed the emotions in her heart and replied with feigned calmness.

Hearing Otsutsuki Kaguya's words, Hyuga Setsuna inwardly smiled.

He could sense Otsutsuki Kaguya's emotions. Even if she pretended to be calm, it was useless.

He had not expected Otsutsuki Kaguya to have a tsundere side.

She must have been moved by what he said just now. She was definitely embarrassed now.

In the Sealing Space, a faint blush appeared on Otsutsuki Kaguya's beautiful cheeks. She no longer carried the majesty of the Ancestor of Chakra, instead looking like an adorable woman.

Otsutsuki Kaguya had never told Hyuga Setsuna that she could actually listen to his emotions as well. Because her strength far surpassed his, she could even hear his inner thoughts.

She simply kept that ability sealed away and did not use it normally. But when she asked Hyuga Setsuna that question just now, she released the ability because she wanted to hear his true thoughts.

It was precisely because she had heard his true thoughts that Otsutsuki Kaguya's heart was so conflicted.

Outside, Hyuga Setsuna fell asleep.

The moon in the sky continuously sent down a stream of power, enveloping Hyuga Setsuna and accelerating the transformation of his already-changing Sage Body and Tenseigan.

Tonight's moon seemed to be working even harder than before.

In the future, with Hyuga Setsuna's arrival, what would become of the Shinobi World?

Many thanks for the thirteen recommendation votes from "Green-Robed Traveler Hears Swallow Song" and the five recommendation votes from "Exclusive Little Rascal" last night. Of course, I am also deeply grateful for the recommendation votes from the other readers.

This was Qing Meng's first book. If it was not written well, I hope all readers could offer criticism and corrections.

Lastly, if readers think Qing Meng's book is good, please cast a recommendation vote or add it to your favorites.

(The author thanks you with clasped hands!)