Golden light.
A foreboding presence.
Momoshiki.
That name lingered in Naruto's mind like a curse from a distant memory. He had seen him once — in another timeline, another life — when he was already the Seventh Hokage. At that time, Momoshiki, along with Kinshiki, had descended upon the Earth. In that battle, Naruto had been captured in his attempt to protect Konoha.
It was only through the desperate efforts of the other Kage, along with Sasuke's intervention, that Naruto had been freed. Together, they had stood shoulder-to-shoulder against the terrifying might of the Ōtsutsuki invaders.
Now, however, things were different. Momoshiki and Kinshiki still drifted among the stars, light-years away, searching. They had not yet reached Earth for two reasons: the incomprehensible distance of space itself, and their lack of a precise location. Yet Naruto remembered clearly — from those fractured memories — that the invaders had departed early, long before their eventual appearance in his past life. Their goal had always been the same: to seek out the Earth and harvest the Chakra Fruit from the God Tree.
Naruto drew in a long breath, steadying himself, before glancing back at the pale figure behind him.
Toneri Ōtsutsuki, descendant of Hamura, staggered and collapsed onto his knees. Sweat poured down his face, his chest heaving with ragged breaths.
"I'm sorry…" Toneri gasped, clutching his chest. "I've reached my limit. I can't continue to detect their presence."
The Tenseigan, with all its dazzling power, came at an impossible cost. Its activation drained not only enormous amounts of chakra, but also gnawed away at Toneri's very life force.
Naruto crouched, grasping Toneri by the arm. With a warm pulse of orange, he infused him with a touch of Kurama's chakra, stabilizing his body.
"Toneri, you saw them, didn't you?" Naruto's voice was steady, but there was weight behind every word. "You saw the ones outside this world."
Toneri raised his tired eyes, his expression grave. Slowly, he nodded.
"I saw him. The man in the sky. In truth… I've sensed that presence for a long time. It always felt as though someone — or something — was peering down at Earth from beyond the stars."
Naruto's gaze sharpened. "They're Ōtsutsuki. Their purpose has never changed. They come for the Chakra Fruit. Long ago, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the mother of the Sage of Six Paths, descended with them. To save the world, Hagoromo and Hamura stood together and sealed her away."
Toneri's jaw tightened. He had once fought Naruto with misguided conviction, but after being defeated, he understood the truth. Naruto's words now carried no lies, only a burden shared from the Sage himself.
"I understand," Toneri said firmly, straightening his back despite his exhaustion. "I'll help you, Naruto. I will protect the world Hagoromo and Hamura entrusted to us."
Naruto gave him a solemn nod.
From the side, Sasuke stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Naruto… what's our next move?"
Naruto turned toward Toneri. "Come back to Earth with us."
But Toneri shook his head immediately. His white robes swayed gently under the moonlight as he replied, "No. The moon cannot be left unattended. It is my duty to remain here."
Naruto frowned. "That's not what worries me. If those Ōtsutsuki arrive before we're ready… you'll be sealed away without even a chance to resist."
Toneri's expression was calm, almost eerily so. "If that happens, it will mean I've fulfilled my duty. The ancestor Hamura entrusted the Tenseigan to me. Only I can use its power to scan the cosmos and detect threats. That responsibility cannot fall to anyone else. If nothing else, I can serve as the first warning for Earth."
Naruto clenched his fists, but he could not deny the truth in Toneri's words. His role as sentinel of the moon was undeniable.
"Fine," Naruto said at last. "But in that case, I need to make sure you're not alone in this."
He reached forward and clasped Toneri's forearm. With a quick motion, a faint seal spread across Toneri's skin, glowing briefly before fading.
"This is my Flying Thunder God mark," Naruto explained. "If you encounter an Ōtsutsuki, don't fight alone. Channel your chakra into the mark, and I'll come instantly."
Toneri allowed a small smile to touch his lips. "Understood."
But before Naruto could say more, Toneri suddenly clutched his head, his face contorting in pain.
"Ahhh—!"
With a cry, his Byakugan flared. His eyes detached, soaring toward the enormous Tenseigan core before fusing back into it.
When it was done, Toneri sagged, breathing hard but appearing calmer.
Naruto stepped closer, his voice low with concern. "Are you telling me… you can't hold onto those eyes?"
Toneri shook his head slowly. "The Tenseigan is not mine to command freely. I can draw upon its power in moments of crisis, but I cannot sustain it forever. Without my eyes, I am far weaker. I cannot even summon the technique I once used to cleave the moon itself."
Naruto absorbed his words. Suddenly, it became clear why Toneri had been so easily sealed by Urashiki Ōtsutsuki in the other timeline.
"I'll find a way," Naruto said firmly. "I'll bring you a pair of Byakugan from Earth. You'll need them if we're to fight together."
Toneri blinked, surprised by Naruto's earnest promise.
Naruto grinned faintly. "With the Byakugan, you'll be a powerful ally. And honestly? I'd rather not face what's coming without as many friends as I can get."
Toneri said nothing more, but his silence spoke volumes. For the first time in a long while, he felt hope.
After a few final words, Naruto clasped his hands together, cloaking Sasuke and himself in Nine-Tails chakra.
"Goodbye, Toneri. I'll return."
With a resonant hum, the Flying Thunder God activated. In a blink, the moon vanished from their sight.
A flash of light, and they reappeared outside the walls of Konoha.
Naruto exhaled, dispelling Kurama's chakra cloak. Sasuke's Mangekyō dimmed, his Susanoo fading away.
The sudden chakra disturbance was immediately picked up by the village's sensory division.
"There's movement!"
"Over there!"
A squad of shinobi raced toward the source, but when Naruto and Sasuke leapt onto the village wall, the truth became clear.
"It's Naruto!"
"Naruto's back!"
"Report to Lady Hokage at once!"
Cheers erupted across the ramparts. The hero of the Fourth Great Ninja War had returned. Though Sasuke stood at his side, it was Naruto's name that drew shouts of joy. His reputation after the war had become unmatched, his popularity explosive across every village.
Inside the Hokage's office, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kakashi, Shizune, and Shikaku were already gathered.
"Welcome back, Naruto," Tsunade greeted, her voice firm but warm. "I take it your trip to the moon was a success?"
Naruto smiled, scratching the back of his head. "Not bad. I accomplished what I set out to do."
"That's good." Tsunade exhaled in relief. "Shizune, lift the highest alert level."
Shizune, pig in arms, nodded immediately. "Yes, Lady Tsunade." She left at once.
Shikaku leaned forward, his usual calculating gaze softened with a smile. "The moon's orbit has stabilized. No risk of collision anymore. That's thanks to you, Naruto."
Jiraiya crossed his arms, eyeing his godson. "You mentioned someone on the moon before. What happened with him?"
Naruto's expression grew serious. "Toneri. He's Hamura's descendant. He misinterpreted his ancestor's will, but now… he's chosen to protect Earth. He'll remain on the moon to serve as our watchman. I left him a Flying Thunder God mark so I can reach him instantly if needed."
Jiraiya nodded slowly. He trusted Naruto's judgment.
At that moment, the doors burst open.
"Naruto!"
Hinata rushed in, Hanabi close behind. Behind them trailed Itachi and Shisui, both calm and composed.
Ignoring the room full of eyes, Hinata threw herself into Naruto's arms.
"Hinata…" Naruto whispered, wrapping her gently in his embrace. He stroked her dark hair, his voice soft. "It's alright. It's over now."
Hinata nodded against his chest, trembling with relief.
Jiraiya coughed loudly, and Hinata flushed crimson, quickly stepping back, though her hand lingered near Naruto's sleeve.
Itachi and Shisui entered, bowing politely. Tsunade rose from her seat, addressing them.
"Since Naruto has resolved the crisis, we can turn our attention back to the Alliance. From this day, Itachi will serve as the captain of Konoha's Ninja Alliance training division. Shisui, you'll be his vice-captain. Any objections?"
Itachi's eyes widened slightly. "Lady Hokage, I… I may not be fit to lead. Shisui—"
But Shisui placed a reassuring hand on his cousin's shoulder. "No, Itachi. This role suits you. We'll follow Hokage-sama's orders together."
Tsunade gave a satisfied nod before turning to Kakashi. "Kakashi, prepare the formal handover. Within days, the daimyo will issue the official decree to the entire world."
Kakashi's expression hardened with resolve as he bowed. "Understood."
The room grew quiet, the weight of both relief and anticipation hanging in the air. The moon was safe, for now. But beyond the stars, the threat of the Ōtsutsuki loomed ever closer.
And Naruto knew — this was only the beginning.
.
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