Meanwhile, the neon lights of Ginza, Tokyo, illuminated two figures who looked utterly out of place.
Kaguya glanced at the cakes through the shop window, an inscrutable smile curling her lips. "The things in this world are rather novel."
"I heard this realm was different from the Shinobi World, so I asked to come out of curiosity. I hope you will forgive the intrusion."
Tetsuhiro shot her a sidelong glance. His system panel displayed: [Ōtsutsuki Kaguya bond level: 30%!]
He knew this woman's predatory nature all too well. Her ruthless deeds in the original story were still vivid in his mind.
"I know what you're plotting. Forget it!" He stepped in front of Kaguya, his gaze growing dangerous. "These worlds belong to me!"
"I understand," Kaguya replied coolly.
She suddenly stopped and looked toward a department store, light swirling in her Byakugan. "Somewhat interesting."
The system notification sounded just then: [Target has developed an interest in modern technology. Bond level +1%.]
Tetsuhiro suppressed his impulse, suddenly realizing something—could shopping with a woman really improve her affection? He pointed to the dessert shop ahead. "They say sweets can put you in a good mood."
Kaguya stared at the cakes for several seconds, yet said, "What dull things."
Tetsuhiro immediately realized she was just being stubborn and paid for a cake.
"Go ahead. I happened to want some too."
And so, the two sat down on chairs and began eating.
"Mmm..." Kaguya couldn't help making a sound as she tasted her first bite.
[Interest in cake. Bond level +2.]
"Good, right? Have some more. We're here to relax and enjoy life."
"Mm..."
The appearance of such a classic Nippon beauty instantly set the entire news industry ablaze.
A flood of reports soon spread to every corner of the world, eventually reaching a certain wife...
"Well, well! Here I am, working myself to the bone every day handling government affairs, and you heartless bastard are out having fun with another woman behind my back! Get out of my way! I'm going to teach him a lesson!"
Her red hair flew wildly, and everyone scrambled to avoid her ferocious expression. Only her son could talk her down at all.
No matter how chaotic things became inside Pangaea Castle in the Shinobi World, Tetsuhiro, at least, was still working hard to win Kaguya over.
Is he really just buying meaningless things? What on earth is this man thinking? With her immensely long hair trailing behind her, Kaguya glanced at Tetsuhiro beside her and sank into thought.
Tetsuhiro led her into a shop, picked up a small bottle, and sprayed it. "This is called perfume. It gives off a rich fragrance."
"What use does it have?"
"Uh, it can put you in a good mood? And attract the opposite sex's attention, I suppose."
"I have no need of it. Only the God Tree can bring me pleasure."
Tetsuhiro bought the perfume, which cost a hundred thousand yen, and gave her a knowing look. "I knew it. You're still fixated on planting trees. There are countless ways to grow stronger across the myriad worlds. Eventually, planting trees won't be the only thing on your mind."
Kaguya said woodenly, "This is all I know. Most of my power also comes from the God Tree."
"Your perspective is too narrow. You'll understand in time. Take this world, for example. It might not have any powerful fighters, but the power of technology is not to be underestimated. In another ten years or so, a devastating weapon called an atomic bomb will appear.
"If we took it head-on, even at full power, we would suffer serious injuries. That's technology!"
"..." She looked at him strangely, as though he were an idiot.
"The Expansive Truth-Seeking Orb? Unfortunately, it can't protect you from nuclear radiation. Never mind, you wouldn't understand even if I explained."
"All you need to know is that I won't hurt you."
Instead, her expression grew even colder. "Even my husband and my two sons wanted to harm me. What makes you any different? Humans are heartless creatures. They deserve to die!"
"What about your maid-Natsuno?"
Kaguya shuddered, visibly astonished. "How do you know about her?!"
Tetsuhiro didn't answer, continuing on his own. "You're venting your resentment and hurt. You're worried and afraid. Just like Urashiki, you're merely struggling at the bottom."
"You even know about Urashiki? Who exactly are you?"
"Who I am doesn't matter. What matters most right now is changing your outlook and making you stronger!"
"..."
"All right, those three family members of yours died long ago. You're the only one still alive in this world, without even anyone left to take revenge on. It is a little pitiful. So, could you give me a chance?"
Tetsuhiro took her hand. It felt cool against his skin.
Perhaps it was because she hadn't had contact with anyone for so long, or perhaps it was simply her nature, but Kaguya actually seemed at a loss. Her mind instantly went blank.
[Physical contact. Bond level +5!]
Tetsuhiro instantly realized he had a chance!
Oh? Is this why the Reverse Harem Technique worked on Kaguya? Judging by what she did after coming down to earth, she really was like an innocent young girl. Well, an old woman now.
That thought excited him even more.
"Forget your painful past. Cast aside that crushing burden and embark on a new life with me. You could have lived without a care..."
Kaguya's cheeks flushed faintly, and she stammered in surprise. "Y-you do know how old I am, don't you? I'm a thousand years older than you!"
Tetsuhiro gave her a gentle smile. "I know. Age isn't a problem. I'll be able to live for a thousand years too."
Kaguya tried hard to pull her hand free, but his broad, strong palm held it firmly, neither letting her escape nor causing her any pain.
Her gaze darted about in panic, and she said helplessly, "This is disgraceful in public! Let go of me."
"Oh, so it's fine in private?"
"That is not what I meant. Let go at once."
Whoosh... While she was still struggling to pull away, Tetsuhiro suddenly released her hand. Her momentum instantly threw her off balance, sending her tumbling toward the floor. Just as she began to regain control of her body-
Tetsuhiro appeared beside her with the Body Flicker Technique, took her hand, and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"How careless. You almost fell."
At that moment, the system kept notifying Tetsuhiro inside his head: bond level +++!
Kaguya looked embarrassed. He had clearly caused it. "It was obviously you..."
"But you were the one who told me to let go."
Their eyes met at close range, and Kaguya's heart, dormant for a thousand years, actually began to race. The blush on her cheeks grew more pronounced as she clutched her sleeves, fighting not to lose herself.
To Tetsuhiro, it only brought out a different kind of beauty in her.
The warmth and softness beneath his hand sent a flutter through his heart.
Without thinking, he gave her waist a squeeze.
"Ah..." A strange, breathy moan escaped her lips.
"...How long do you intend to hold me?" To hide her embarrassment, Kaguya quickly regained her usual icy demeanor and forced him away.
Though a faint fragrance still lingered at his nose, Tetsuhiro yielded to the force and stepped back with some regret.
"Sorry. Your beauty enchanted me, and I couldn't help..."
"You're still talking about it? Forget what just happened."
Instead, Tetsuhiro chuckled. "I'll never forget that softness as long as I live. I'm even planning not to wash my hands for a month."
"What do you mean, not wash your hands? Why?"
Looking at her adorably blank expression, her Byakugan eyes wide, he once again struggled to suppress his smile.
"Because someone's scent and the feel of her are still lingering on my hand. I can't bear to wash them away."
"You... shameless man!" Flustered and furious, Kaguya swung her little fist at him.
Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack!
At such close range, the moment she raised her hand, Tetsuhiro flickered over and immediately twisted her arm behind her, restraining her.
"You're a little strange, aren't you? You didn't lash out when I did that earlier, but a few dirty words and you-oh, I get it.
"You prefer actions!"
"Shut up! I do not!" She angrily turned her head aside.
"Mrs. Kaguya, you wouldn't want to grow old all alone, would you..."
"What are you doing? Keep your hands still!"
"Ah..."
Before you continue