"Kinshiki, prepare for battle."
As Momoshiki squeezed those words out, the hulking figure behind him had already stepped forward. Chakra erupted from his body like a volcano, forming a layer of visible white vapor on the airless lunar surface.
Urashiki also flashed forward from the rear to Momoshiki's flank, his golden vertical pupils fixed on Shengu Xuan, his hands already forming a seal.
The three Otsutsuki surrounded Shengu Xuan in a triangular formation.
But Shengu Xuan paid no attention to their positions. His chaos-colored eyes were fixed on the curved horns on Momoshiki's forehead and the faint Rinnegan markings emerging on the backs of his hands, and something suddenly struck a chord in his mind.
"Wait a second."
His voice made all three Otsutsuki pause mid-charge.
"Momoshiki, Kinshiki, Urashiki." Shengu Xuan recited their names, the corners of his mouth beginning to rise. The curve was exactly the same as when he had faced Kaguya earlier-pure amusement. "An arrogant maniac with white hair and horns, a big bald hired thug, and a blue-haired, boyish-looking lackey."
Momoshiki narrowed his red eyes. "You know us?"
"More than that." Shengu Xuan pulled his hands out of his pockets, laced his ten fingers behind his head, and tilted his head up to look at Momoshiki's wary face. His tone was languid, as though recalling something amusing. "I know who you are, where you came from, and what you want to do. I even know how you'll die."
Momoshiki's Rinnegan spun faster.
"You're bluffing."
"Bluffing?" Shengu Xuan smiled. It was a faint smile, but all three Otsutsuki on the lunar surface took half a step back at the sight of it. "Momoshiki, your ability is absorbing ninjutsu and releasing it with twice the power. Kinshiki is your loyal dog, responsible for taking hits and dealing damage.