A Three-Choice Start in Konoha

"Except for little Aino, anyone who dares come within a thousand meters of the God Tree will become an ice sculpture for future generations to admire!"

Liuyun held Kaguya's hand, his voice impossibly gentle.

"I-I know..."

The dazzling white light shone for three days and nights. During that time, it drew plenty of villagers and others with less innocent intentions.

But whoever came within a thousand meters of the God Tree became a deep-blue Ice Statue.

Over those three days, rings of ice sculptures formed around it. By a rough count, there were nearly a hundred.

With a hundred ice sculptures on display before them, those harboring schemes quickly abandoned their plans.

As the third day ended, the light bursting from the God Tree gradually faded, revealing a rainbow-colored fruit hanging from its highest branch.

Liuyun and Kaguya stopped their training as well.

"It finally bore fruit!" Liuyun smoothed Kaguya's disheveled hair and let out a long breath.

"Back on that other planet, the God Tree didn't make nearly this much commotion when it bore fruit!"

Resting her head on Liuyun's shoulder, Kaguya frowned as she recalled it.

"Maybe this world is especially suited to growing the God Tree," Liuyun said, offering a casual explanation.

"Enough talk. Let's pick the God Tree Fruit so you can eat it!"

After they changed clothes, Liuyun appeared at the top of the God Tree and plucked the fruit, which shimmered with a rainbow glow.

He placed it in Kaguya's hands and said softly,

"Go on, eat it. Afterward, I'll teach you how to use the God Tree Fruit's power!"

"And I'll train your combat skills. No matter what, I won't stand for those two unfilial sons defeating you!"

Kaguya rolled her beautiful eyes. "They're your sons, your own flesh and blood. Stop