Star City, at night.
This city, rapidly rising under Asura's rule, remained brightly lit even at night.
Unlike Konoha's tranquility, the nights in Star City carried a vibrant, forward-moving energy.
In the core area of the Star City, inside a domed structure built of black basalt, the lights were blazing, yet it was filled with a cold, unnatural silence.
This was Menma's exclusive research and command center. In the vast space, aside from the complex, three-dimensional star chart composed of pure Chakra slowly rotating at the center, only a few strange instruments connected to unknown lines emitted a low hum.
Menma stood before the star chart, his posture erect.
He wore his iconic three-eyed fox mask, which appeared exceptionally calm under the eerie blue light. Only his deep blue pupils were sharp enough to seemingly pierce through the stars.
He extended his index finger, a point of faint light gathering at its tip, and gently tapped on a node of the floating star chart.
The node instantly lit up, like a stone thrown into a calm lake. An invisible ripple, perceptible only to specific souls, instantly spread out.
This was a chakra network constructed through [Engraved Tsukuyomi] and [Yachihoko], transcending distance, ignoring barriers, issuing a silent summons.
Before long, the air rippled like water. A figure dressed in a dark, high-collared combat outfit seemed to peel directly out of the shadows.
Hikari was still aloof, her exquisitely cold face expressionless. When she appeared, the air seemed to carry a hint of a sharp blade's chill.
But in her Mangekyo Sharingan looking at Menma, there was a trace of imperceptible softness.
Immediately after, the side door opened, and Kanon's figure walked out.
She wore a modified red Uzumaki Clan's attire suitable for action, over which was a Hoshinin's flak jacket. Her vibrant, fiery red long hair fell softly. Her expression was gentle yet efficient, her temperament gentle with a maturity formed by time.
Almost simultaneously, the heavy metal door slid open silently.
Kimimaro walked in. The youth's posture was straight as a spear, his gray-white long hair falling behind his shoulders. His face still carried a trace of sickly pallor, and the transplanted Byakugan in his eyes occasionally flashed with the sharpness of a battle race.
Finally, in the shadowy corner of the laboratory, space twisted slightly, and Shisui's figure emerged.
His expression carried an lingering complexity, hiding deep worry and a trace of barely perceptible struggle. His newly transplanted Three-Tomoe Sharingan warily scanned the cold surroundings and the assembled members, who could be considered the core combat strength of the Land of Stars.
He knew that those summoned here were Shura's most trusted and sharpest forces.
"Sir." Several voices spoke in unison, echoing in the spacious operations room.
Even Shisui bowed slightly.
Menma's gaze, through the white three-eyed fox mask, slowly swept over the four.
He turned, his fingertip tracing across the Chakra Star Chart. The chart instantly transformed, focusing, enlarging, and finally settling on a model of the Ninja World's planet.
That sphere, suspended outside the model, deliberately enlarged, emitting a cold moonlight.
"I have summoned you all because there is a mission requiring you to accompany me on an operation." Menma pointed to the enlarged moon.
His voice was low but clearly pierced through the hum of the instruments.
Upon hearing this, everyone was slightly surprised.
Shura's strength was evident to all. He had single-handedly raided Konoha and Kumogakure, caused chaos, and retreated calmly. Besides Shisui, the other three knew Shura had also been to Kirigakure, taking advantage of the Kaguya Clan's rebellion to bring back Kimimaro and Haku.
"The moon?" Hikari's cold voice carried a trace of subtle astonishment.
Even with her experiences, this was too unbelievable.
"This mission is to raid the Otsutsuki Clan residing inside the moon," Menma continued.
Shisui's pupils constricted sharply, looking at the figure at the head position with disbelief.
'The moon?'
'The Otsutsuki Clan?'
This completely exceeded their understanding of the Ninja World!
Menma gave them no time to digest the information, continuing in a steady, unquestionable tone. The information hit their cognition like a flood.
"The Otsutsuki Clan on the moon are descendants of the Sage of Six Paths' brother, Otsutsuki Hamura, and are also the 'Main Family' of the Hyuga Clan. A thousand years ago, Hamura led part of his clan to migrate to the space inside the moon to guard the seal. They consider themselves the [Watchers] and [Guardians] of the Ninja World, view the Ninja World as a defiled land, and intend to 'purify' it."
"For certain reasons, after losing their Byakugan, their combat style differs greatly from the Ninja World. They rely on a special ocular technique called the [Giant Tenseigan], formed by fusing countless Byakugan, which can manipulate attraction and repulsion, control puppet armies. Their Chakra is ancient and powerful, so they are not to be underestimated."
Menma concisely explained the origin of the moon's Otsutsuki Clan and their history of splitting due to ideological differences, eventually leading to a war between the main and branch families.
"This raid mission…" Menma's voice was resolute, breaking the gravity: "The objective is to locate their core area, the [Reincarnation Chamber], assess their war potential, obtain critical intelligence, and, if necessary, eliminate threats."
Then, Menma said gravely: "After years of war, the moon's Otsutsuki Clan has declined. There should now be only two clansmen left, along with a large number of puppet armies. However, there are also two mysterious powerful beings on the moon. Although they currently lack the ability to interfere with the mortal world, we cannot rule out the possibility that one might try to communicate with me."
'Two... mysterious powerful beings who cannot interfere with the mortal world?'
'Powerful enough for Shura to take seriously and specifically warn about?!'
'Just how strong are they?!'
'And how does Shura know these secrets?'
Shisui's mind was filled with questions.
Menma's gaze fell on Hikari: "So, Hikari, your combat strength is key to countering the moon's Otsutsuki Clan in case I am absent."
Feeling Menma's emphasis, Hikari slightly raised her head and nodded heavily.
Menma then looked at Kanon and said: "Kanon, prepare more sealing technique scrolls, especially powerful seals targeting energy entities and puppets."
"Yes!" Kanon was eager.
Finally, his gaze swept over Kimimaro: "Speaking of which, the moon's Otsutsuki Clan are also the ancestors of your Kaguya Clan. Cherish this mission."
"Yes, sir!" Kimimaro responded with a grave expression, knowing his strength was the weakest on this mission, so he valued this opportunity especially.
"Additionally…" Menma paused, his gaze turning to Shisui, carrying a meaningful tone: "The head of the Hyuga Clan's branch family, Hyuga Hizashi, will be accompanying us. He, and the Hyuga Clan's branch family, will be members of the Land of Stars in the future."
This statement was like a bomb dropped into deep water.
"What?!" Shisui could no longer remain silent, exclaiming in shock!
He sharply looked up, the three tomoes in his pupils contracting slightly, his face filled with extreme astonishment that even overshadowed the shock from 'the moon' and 'the Otsutsuki Clan'!
'The head of the Hyuga Clan's branch family?'
'Defecting from Konoha?'
'Joining the Land of Stars?'
'How is this possible?!'
'The Hyuga Clan, especially the branch family, because of their [Caged Bird] cursed seal, has always been considered the Ninja Clan least likely to betray Konoha… is it because of that cruel [Caged Bird]?'
This thought instantly flashed through Shisui's mind, a chill rising from his spine.
'If even the Hyuga Clan's branch family, who are known for loyalty and rules, were to...' A strong impulse made him almost want to immediately send this news back to Konoha!
But reason and cold reality instantly doused him awake.
This is the core of the Star City!
Right now, he is surrounded by the unfathomably powerful Shura, Hikari whose Ocular Power surpassed his by magnitudes, the Uzumaki Clan's member skilled in sealing techniques, and that dangerous-feeling Kaguya youth!
Since Shura dared to say it directly in front of him, it can be seen he is unafraid of Shisui escaping.
Any unusual movement from him would be nothing short of seeking death!
Shisui could only clench his fists. This sense of powerlessness made his newly transplanted Sharingan tremble involuntarily.
Konoha's foundation was being eroded in ways he couldn't imagine.
The fissures within Konoha were once again laid bare before him.
A flash of understanding and indifference passed through Hikari's eyes. She held no affection for Konoha, and her feelings for the Uchiha Clan existed only because Menma needed them.
The Hyuga Clan's branch family leaving Konoha was, in her view, merely a dead branch naturally falling from a rotting tree.
Kanon's expression remained calm, though a hint of approval for the Hyuga Clan's branch family breaking free from their shackles appeared in her eyes.
Kimimaro was completely indifferent to all this. His attention was focused solely on 'battle' and 'enemies', his white eyes burning with fighting spirit.
"The mission is clear. Prepare immediately," Menma issued the final order.
The three solemnly acknowledged: "Yes!"
Shisui could roughly guess the purpose behind bringing him along on this operation and had no choice but to respond in kind.
Valley of the End.
The massive waterfall hung like an inverted heavenly river, thundering down into the deep pool, churning up a mist that refracted the moonlight into a hazy glow.
The hundred-meter-tall stone statues of Hashirama and Madara stood facing each other across the water, silently towering over the rushing river on either bank like eternal monuments, telling the tale of legend and hatred from decades past.
On top of Madara's statue, several figures stood as if they had materialized out of thin air.
Menma stood at the forefront, his black robe flapping in the night wind, his gaze piercing through the mist towards Hashirama's statue opposite.
Hikari stood to Menma's left, the night wind blowing her dark garments. Her Mangekyo Sharingan shone like two cold stars in the night, vigilantly scanning the surging river below and the dark forest on the opposite bank.
Beside her, Shisui stood with his arms crossed, his figure somewhat stiff. His newly transplanted Sharingan was also active, his complex gaze crossing the canyon towards Hashirama's statue, slightly dazed, lost in thought.
Kanon stood quietly slightly to the right, several specially made sealing talismans glowing faintly in her hand under the moonlight.
Kimimaro stood at the very back, his gray-white hair stirring in the wind.
The tremendous roar of the water masked all other subtle sounds.
Meanwhile, outside Konoha Village.
Hizashi had changed into dark, practical casual wear, his aura restrained.
His wife, similarly dressed plainly, and his young son, Neji, accompanied him.
Neji, seemingly nervous about visiting relatives and leaving Konoha for the first time, tightly held his mother's hand.
Hiashi personally saw them to the village gate, watching his twin brother with a complicated expression.
Hizashi had requested leave under the pretext of 'visiting old friends of the Taketori Clan and taking Neji for a change of scenery', which is perfectly reasonable. The timing, route, and even return time were clearly stated.
"Go and return soon, Hizashi." Hiashi's voice carried a barely perceptible heaviness.
Hizashi gave his elder brother a deep look, his eyes containing too many unspeakable things. In the end, he just bowed solemnly: "Yes, Hiashi-sama."
Then, he quickly disappeared into the night with his wife and son.
The Taketori Clan was also within the Land of Fire. After Hizashi arrived at their territory with his family, he was quickly welcomed by the Taketori Clan's head. Old friends meeting naturally led to sharing a few drinks.
Late at night.
After reassuring his worried wife and ensuring his sleeping son was settled, Hizashi left a shadow clone behind and slipped quietly out of the guest quarters.
Merging into the night like a hunting leopard, he pushed his Byakugan's abilities to the limit, avoiding the Taketori Clan's guards, and sped towards the Valley of the End.
Relying on the secret coordinate mark left by Shura, Hizashi accurately arrived at this legendary battlefield.
He took a deep breath, Chakra circulating within him, and leaped up lightly. In a few bounds, he landed steadily on the broad, thick shoulder of Hashirama's massive stone statue.
The night wind ruffled his short hair. The [Caged Bird]'s mark on his forehead seemed especially stark under the moonlight.
Steadying himself, he immediately activated his Byakugan!
Veins bulged! The powerful penetrative vision of the Byakugan instantly pierced through the mist filling the canyon and the hundreds of meters of distance, accurately scanning the figures on top of Madara's statue opposite!
In the Byakugan's field of view, the outlines of Chakra were clearly visible.
First to imprint on his Byakugan was the iconic black robe and fox mask… Shura!
Hizashi's heart settled slightly.
But then, he clearly saw the others behind Shura, and the expression on his face instantly froze, transforming into one of extreme shock!
'Two Uchiha?!'
The Uchiha Clan's Chakra Signature was unmistakable. The form of one particular Chakra felt... familiar?!
Hizashi's breath caught in his throat!
'That face, those eyes...'
Even if the Chakra Intensity felt slightly weaker, he would never forget that unique Chakra Fluctuation, not after fighting alongside him in the Third Great Ninja War!
'Uchiha Shisui!'
The famously [Body Flicker Shisui] of Konoha, the Uchiha Clan's genius, the Elite Jonin trusted by the Third Hokage, who had mysteriously disappeared some time ago.
'He was... really still alive!'
'And he was standing right beside Shura, within the ranks of the Land of Stars!'
There was also a warm and vast Chakra, with the signature red hair…
'A member of the Uzumaki Clan?!'
And the last youth, whose Chakra carried an eerie feeling of white bones, that feeling…
He absolutely could not mistake it!
'A survivor of the annihilated Kaguya Clan?!'
The immense sense of absurdity and impact made Hizashi almost lose his footing!
'Konoha's Uchiha Genius... had also betrayed the village?!'
'How is this possible?!'
Shisui's presence here represented a meaning far more terrifying than seeing any powerful individual from the Land of Stars!
It meant Konoha's intelligence might have long been leaked.
'Could it be that the Uchiha Clan, like myself, also had... requests of Shura?'
'The Uchiha Clan, the Uzumaki Clan, the Kaguya Clan... and my Hyuga Clan!'
'What exactly did Shura intend to do!'
On top of the opposite Madara's statue, Shisui's gaze also pierced through the water mist, landing on Hizashi.
When he clearly saw the distinct [Caged Bird]'s mark on the other party's forehead, confirming his identity as the head of the Hyuga Clan's branch family, Shisui's heart felt as if struck hard by a heavy hammer!
He had still held onto a faint sliver of hope, hoping it was some kind of trick by Shura…
But now, seeing it with his own eyes!
Hizashi was really here!
He had truly betrayed Konoha!
The complexity in Shisui's eyes was instantly replaced by a deep pain and the bewilderment of shattered beliefs.
He stared fixedly at Hizashi on the opposite statue. Across the rushing river, the thundering waterfall, and the invisible chasm named 'allegiance', their gazes met. Unspeakable shock and bitterness flowed silently between them.