Ch. 121Joining Forces Against Otsutsuki Kaguya, Boastful Words
Chapter 48 Summary: Joining Forces Against Otsutsuki Kaguya, Boastful Words
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Jobu realizes that Otsutsuki Kaguya had embedded part of her data within the Ten-Tails long ago, allowing her to resurrect through whoever became its jinchūriki.
- Kaguya uses this hidden Karma-like data to invade Jobu’s body and transform his Sage Body, intending to seize control of him completely.
- Jobu recognizes that his treasure-chest system is of little use in this crisis and relies on brute force to resist Kaguya’s possession.
- Kaguya claims that Jobu is her descendant and orders him to surrender his body, promising him glory in return. Jobu responds with outrageous insults and boasts, refusing to submit.
- Hagoromo and Hamura discover that Kaguya may completely take over Jobu within an hour. They initially consider attacking the moon, where Kaguya remains sealed, but Jobu points out that they can attack her spirit directly.
- The opposing fighters temporarily call a truce. Although some, including Tobirama, want to attack Jobu while he is vulnerable, Otsutsuki Yosuke argues that Jobu must be protected. If Kaguya takes over, she could return to the Ninja World as an unbeatable threat.
- Hagoromo and Hamura use the Spirit Transformation Technique, splitting off portions of their mental power to attack Kaguya’s soul directly.
- Their attacks weaken Kaguya’s projection, allowing Jobu to expel most of the data within his Karma and prevent her immediate possession.
- Jobu proudly taunts Kaguya, claiming that her own sons have sided with him. Kaguya’s projection becomes faint, but instead of losing her composure, she calmly warns that his arrogance has made her curious about how his story will end.
Character Developments
- Uchiha Jobu: Shows intense resistance, determination, and resourcefulness despite feeling helpless against Kaguya’s superior power. His crude humor and arrogance remain intact, and he gains confidence after successfully forcing Kaguya’s data out of his body.
- Otsutsuki Kaguya: Is revealed to have prepared a long-term resurrection method through the Ten-Tails. She demonstrates immense power and confidence, viewing Jobu merely as a vessel and descendant. Even when weakened, she remains composed and ominous.
- Hagoromo and Hamura: Shift from considering a direct attack on the moon to cooperating against Kaguya through spiritual attacks. Their willingness to defend Jobu shows that stopping their mother takes priority over old conflicts.
- Tobirama and the other combatants: Must temporarily set aside their hatred of Jobu. They remain resentful of him, but recognize that Kaguya’s resurrection would be a far greater danger.
- Otsutsuki Yosuke: Emphasizes the scale of Kaguya’s threat and persuades the others to protect Jobu rather than exploit his weakness.
Significant Themes
- Temporary alliances against a greater threat: Former enemies cooperate because Kaguya’s return would endanger the entire Ninja World.
- Resistance against destiny and inherited power: Although Kaguya claims authority as Jobu’s ancestor, Jobu refuses to accept being reduced to a vessel.
- Arrogance versus true power: Jobu’s boastful words contrast with Kaguya’s overwhelming strength, but his defiance and confidence help him endure.
- The danger of sealed evil: Kaguya’s imprisonment has not eliminated her threat; her hidden data allows her to influence the living and seek resurrection.
- Family conflict and betrayal: Kaguya attempts to control her descendant, while her own sons oppose her and join forces with Jobu.
Character Interactions
- Kaguya demands that Jobu surrender his body as an act of filial honor, while Jobu mocks and provokes her with vulgar boasts.
- Hagoromo and Hamura debate how to stop their mother and ultimately attack her spirit to aid Jobu.
- Tobirama urges attacking Jobu, but Yosuke warns that harming him could trigger Kaguya’s full resurrection.
- Jobu criticizes Hagoromo and Hamura’s initial plan, prompting them to recognize the usefulness of their spiritual abilities.
- After Hagoromo and Hamura weaken Kaguya, Jobu drives her further from his body and boasts that her own sons are fighting on his side. Kaguya responds with a calm warning rather than anger, preserving the sense that she remains a looming threat.