Though he had more or less accepted the other's identity, Ichimomozuki still cautiously asked, "Why would you appear here?"
As a Ōtsutsuki from that harsh era in the future, making up excuses was just routine. Ryushi calmly replied without flinching, "The clan leader foresaw that a force threatening the Ōtsutsuki might arise within this star region, so he specially sent me here to eliminate this potential danger!"
"I see! That explains why the clan leader's vision has fallen upon this place!" Isshiki and Momoshiki immediately expressed their reverence.
Even among the monstrous Ōtsutsuki clan, their clan leader was practically worshiped like a god!
Seeing that the two believed him without any doubt, Ryushi secretly sighed again—in the future, that godlike clan leader would actually be defeated by the Great Demon King Shimaseki, a battle that established the Great Demon King's legendary reputation!
"If time had allowed, returning to seek assistance would have truly been the best option! Sigh, if only I had arrived at an earlier time period!"
Shaking off his thoughts, Ryushi said calmly, "Tell me what's going on with this planet."
With no suspicion, Ichimomozuki carefully explained, "Although there are quite a few Ōtsutsuki traitors on this planet, the real threats actually come from two natives—Seiki Shimaseki and Sosuke Aizen…"
Hearing this, Ryushi couldn't help asking in disbelief, "What did you say? How could there possibly be someone among these natives as strong as...the Great Demon King Shimaseki?"
Although the Great Demon King Shimaseki hadn't yet achieved his Complete Form currently, there absolutely shouldn't be anyone among the natives on the same level as him!
Now, it was Ichimomozuki's turn to feel confused, "You know him? Also, although his strength is impressive, why are you so surprised?"
Ryushi couldn't explain the Great Demon King's future achievements to him, so he casually brushed it off, "Because the clan leader specifically mentioned Seiki Shimaseki in his prophecy, calling him a terrifying monster!"
"Whoa! Even the clan leader mentioned him…"
After calming down, Ryushi asked, "Are you certain that this Sosuke Aizen is truly as powerful as Seiki Shimaseki?"
Ichimomozuki nodded firmly, "I'm certain!"
Rubbing his chin, Ryushi muttered, "Any chance we could convince him to join us?"
Hearing this whisper, Ichimomozuki immediately shook his head repeatedly, "Maybe some superficial cooperation could work, but eventually, he's still a human from planet Earth—he'll never truly align with us!"
Ryushi didn't feel like explaining anything. In the future timeline, Sosuke Aizen no longer existed, meaning he most likely had been defeated and killed by the Great Demon King Shimaseki during this war!
If he let Aizen in on that future, maybe the fear of dying would push him to switch sides?
Just as Ryushi hesitated, Ichimomozuki suddenly asked, "Ryushi, exactly how strong are you?"
Putting aside his doubts temporarily, Ryushi smiled confidently, "I suppose I'm slightly stronger than you by a hair."
Ichimomozuki perked up, "Really?"
Ryushi continued indifferently, "I've presided over two God Tree Festivals!"
At this, both Isshiki and Momoshiki finally had no doubts in their hearts.
Isshiki had only presided over one God Tree Festival, and even then, he was in an incomplete state. Momoshiki had consumed only two-thirds of Kinshiki and was still no match for Isshiki!
Under these circumstances, even if the effects of the God Tree Festival vary in strength, the enemy's power is definitely above theirs combined—Gatai cannot match them!
Ichimomozuki said, "Then why hesitate? The two of us should just go and crush them!"
Ryushi raised an eyebrow, "Is it really that simple?"
"It's exactly that simple!" Ichimomozuki asserted confidently. "Neither of them individually is stronger than me, but together they're slightly superior. With you joining me, we'll definitely be more than they can handle!"
Convinced, Isshiki began to feel the urge to act—maybe cutting the Gordian knot wasn't such a bad idea after all!
Still, he suppressed his impulse and asked, "Do you have anyone trustworthy under your command?"
Ichimomozuki sounded displeased, "You don't trust me?"
Isshiki pacified him, saying, "It's not that I don't trust you. I'm just analyzing things from the perspective of these lower lifeforms. After all, we're too powerful, and it's easy for us to overlook certain details!"
Ichimomozuki reluctantly accepted this explanation, grumbling, "Among my subordinates, there's a White Snake I can trust!"
Isshiki looked surprised, "Are you sure? I noticed its condition seems less than ideal."
Ichimomozuki waved a hand dismissively, "With these pitiful creatures, you can't afford to be too polite. The more authority you display, the more obedient they become!"
Isshiki didn't press further, "Since you insist, I'll go along with it then."
Soon after, the White Snake Sage arrived, clearly confused about being summoned.
Upon learning of Isshiki's presence, the White Snake Sage joyfully exclaimed, "Excellent! With Lord Isshiki joining us, how could our plans possibly fail?"
Ryushi gave a slight nod, then explained Ichimomozuki's idea before asking, "What do you think? Is this feasible?"
The White Snake Sage hesitated, cautiously glancing at Ichimomozuki before finally mustering the courage to say, "In my humble opinion, this approach might not be the best idea."
Ichimomozuki's eyes flared with anger, ready to speak, but Isshiki stopped him.
"Don't rush," Isshiki said before turning back to the White Snake Sage. "Continue."
Carefully choosing his words, the White Snake Sage explained, "Isshiki and Momoshiki might not realize that humans are particularly cunning and deceitful by nature—they always like to keep hidden aces up their sleeves. Especially someone like Seiki Shimaseki and Sosuke Aizen, who are among the most treacherous of them all. No one knows exactly how many secret weapons they've concealed!"
"Isshiki and Momoshiki have never truly backed them into a corner, meaning what you've seen of their strength is only what the enemies chose to reveal. Under these circumstances, taking action recklessly would carry tremendous risk!"
"Hmm, you're right," Isshiki slowly nodded, recalling the time he ambushed Seiki Shimaseki only to nearly get killed in return.
That man had possessed the strength to rival his own back then, yet never revealed his true abilities before—nearly costing him his life!
What a devious scheme!
Seeing how easily Ichimomozuki had been convinced, Isshiki's eye twitched violently, his heart filled with frustration. How could I have almost believed that fool?
The Otsutsuki have proven time and again, through blood and tears, that the Great Demon King is an old fox—appearing to be at his wit's end while hiding countless aces up his sleeve!
Yet that man hadn't even pushed his opponent to the brink or forced them to reveal a single hidden strength, yet he dares to speak so boldly here!
How was he supposed to believe this man actually stood a chance?
Seeing the atmosphere had grown tense, the White Snake Sage tentatively voiced his opinion. "In truth, to uncover the two of them's hidden strengths, all we need to do is let things take their natural course!"
Ryushi asked, "Let things take their natural course?"
The White Snake Sage nodded. "Since they're both partners and rivals, if we simply let things unfold naturally, they'll inevitably come to a confrontation. In that final battle, all their hidden strengths will be revealed!"
"All you need to do, Ryushi, is deliver the final blow at the decisive moment!"
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>