"The Sage of Six Paths'... mother?"
Almost reflexively, Minato Namikaze's right hand dropped, his fingertips already touching the handle of the Flying Thunder God Kunai tucked into the Ninja Tool Pouch at his waist.
As a highly vigilant ninja who had lived through war, he instinctively went on guard when faced with the mother of the legendary Sage of Six Paths.
But a moment later, realization dawned. His fingers relaxed, and a trace of embarrassment and understanding crossed his face.
The fact that she was here in Naruto's home, even invited by Naruto to share a meal, already said a great deal.
At least for now, she was not an enemy. She might very well be an ally.
Or rather, someone Naruto had won over as a force to oppose the Sage of Six Paths.
Naruto was not surprised by the Fourth Hokage's reaction.
He waited for Minato to settle down before calmly offering his family a brief introduction:
"This is Kaguya Otsutsuki, the Progenitor of Chakra, and the mother of both Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths, and Hamura Otsutsuki."
Then he shifted the subject, gesturing toward the silver-haired woman beside Kaguya. "This is Otohime Otsutsuki, from the Ōtsutsuki Main Family. She's currently... staying in Konoha."
Finally, his gaze fell on the lump of black sludge trying desperately to look "well-behaved," and the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. "This is Black Zetsu, Kaguya's creation."
"Her son."
Black Zetsu corrected him.
But no one paid him any attention.
After the brief introductions, Naruto returned to his seat and picked up his chopsticks, as though he had merely introduced a few ordinary guests.
He took a bite of food before adding, almost as an afterthought:
"In this 'chess match' against the Sage of Six Paths, Kaguya... is also