Uzumaki Naruto frowned slightly as he listened to the words of the Sage of Six Paths.> "It seems like the path chosen by the Sage of Six Paths is very similar to the decision made by the First Hokage back then," Naruto thought.> "They both believed that people could achieve mutual understanding through the bonds of Chakra."Although Naruto didn't say anything out loud, a cold snort echoed in his mind.> "The powerful First Hokage and the Sage of Six Paths before us… they're far too naive!"> "Maybe it's because they were born with power, always standing above everyone else, that they never truly understood the evil and divisions within people's hearts!"> "But I'm different. Since childhood, I've endured the cold stares, the gossip, and the hatred of the villagers. I understand better than anyone what the ninja world really needs to achieve lasting peace!"Still, Naruto chose not to argue directly with the Sage. Deep down, he knew that in the story of Indra and Ashura, it was Indra's ideology that aligned more with his own views.But because it clashed with the Sage's ideals, Indra's ideas were discarded without true consideration.> "Even immortals only believe what they want to believe," Naruto thought with a sigh.He pushed those thoughts aside. After all, the Sage of Six Paths was already dead, and the future of the ninja world would be shaped by Naruto's own hands now.Instead of continuing the debate, Naruto chose to change the subject.> "Grandpa Sage of Six Paths… earlier, you mentioned your mother was Ōtsutsuki Kaguya. You said she always looked up at the sky… Does that mean she isn't originally from this continent?"The Sage of Six Paths nodded solemnly, caught off guard by the sudden question. Even in his lifetime, this matter had troubled him.> "So… Grandpa Sage… beyond the ninja world… is there some terrifying enemy waiting out there?"> "With Kaguya's immense power, returning to her origin shouldn't have been difficult. But she chose to remain on Earth, and in the end, you had to seal her. Why?"Hearing Naruto's question, the Sage's expression softened, and he smiled, full of relief.> "It seems Ashura finally chose someone who isn't so foolish this time."> "You're right, Naruto. Strictly speaking, my mother and I are not from this world."> "After her arrival, I eventually discovered the truth: my mother, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, was from the Ōtsutsuki clan—a powerful race from beyond the stars."> "They live in the distant cosmos, absorbing the life force of planets using the Divine Tree to gain power. Even my mother was terrified of them."> "Fortunately, during my lifetime, they never returned… but one day, they will come again. And when they do, the ninja world may face total destruction."The revelation shook the observers in the parallel world.Fourth Raikage: "W-What… So Chakra and ninjutsu… they come from aliens?!"Ohnoki: "Hmph! We've been waging wars among the Five Great Nations for generations. And now we find out we've been nothing more than frogs in a well!"Terumi Mei: "If the Ōtsutsuki clan truly returns as the Sage says… I fear our strength won't be enough to stop them."Danzo: "Tch, what's there to fear? If you make me Hokage, I'll take decisive action to protect the village!"Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Danzo, don't be foolish! Even the Sage of Six Paths, the founder of all ninjutsu, was afraid of them!"Orochimaru: "Hehehe, this is getting interesting… The Ōtsutsuki clan, you say? I'd love to dissect them… maybe the secret to immortality lies within their cells!"Senju Hashirama: "As the reincarnations of Madara and me, maybe the hope of this world lies with Naruto and Sasuke."Tobirama: "But Brother… they're still Genin! How could they possibly shoulder that burden?"Hashirama: "Rank doesn't determine strength, Tobirama. Just like the Naruto from that parallel world—his journey proves anyone can rise beyond expectations. I believe Naruto can grow into the ninja this world needs."Naruto: "R-Really? First Hokage-sama, you believe in me?"Hashirama: "Of course! After all… you're basically me!"Madara: "Hmph. Hashirama is as naive as ever. I'd rather trust my own power than leave our fate to that Uchiha brat! As for the Ōtsutsuki clan—they're just a bunch of arrogant fools!"Sasuke: "…"Back in the spiritual realm, Naruto's eyes narrowed.> "Grandpa Sage… I think I finally understand you."> "On one hand, you hope the people of the ninja world will communicate and understand each other through Chakra."> "On the other hand, you know that the true enemy doesn't come from within, but from beyond the sky."Naruto's expression turned serious, and his tone became firm.> "Isn't that a contradiction, Sage of Six Paths?"> "If one day, the Ōtsutsuki clan does come to destroy us… do you think your so-called kindness will stop them?"> "Do you believe that the Ōtsutsuki—who've gained power by harvesting and annihilating planets—will accept your noble ideals?"> "Right now, with our strength, do we even have the right to sit at the table and negotiate with them?"Faced with Naruto's barrage of direct questions, the Sage of Six Paths fell silent.> "This… this…" he stammered.> "To be honest, Naruto… I hadn't thought that far ahead…"Naruto wasn't surprised by the answer.> "Of course you didn't. If you had truly thought it through, you'd know that peace built on kindness and empty ideology is fragile."> "It can be broken in an instant by someone stronger—especially if that someone comes from the stars."> "True peace… requires strength."Even the Sage of Six Paths, a revered immortal, seemed shaken. Naruto's words had struck a chord.And then—Naruto's expression changed. He gave a faint, harmless smile.But despite the warmth in that smile, the Sage couldn't help but feel a sudden chill in his bones.> "Grandpa Sage… you don't want the ninja world you created to be destroyed, right?"> "???"
