Naturally, the Ancient One did not refuse Senju Haruto's request.
For one, if everything Haruto said was true, then she would certainly do everything in her power to help a fellow Sorcerer Supreme. For another, if he was lying, then granting him access to the library might expose inconsistencies—little cracks in his story that would eventually betray him.
No matter how she looked at it, there was no harm in allowing him entry.
Still, while Haruto and Kaguya would be permitted to stay at Kamar-Taj for now, the Ancient One asked that Haruto conceal the truth of his title as Sorcerer Supreme. She wanted to avoid stirring up unnecessary trouble.
"That won't be a problem," Haruto agreed with an easy smile, then left with Kaguya for the rooms prepared for them, intending to rest for a while.
Kaguya, however, could not bring herself to remain in her own quarters. Instead, she stayed close by Haruto's side.
Just moments ago, when the Ancient One had attempted to probe their minds with her immense spiritual power, Kaguya had felt an overwhelming pressure crash down on them. The weight of it had been suffocating—so much so that even she, the so-called progenitor of chakra, had no real confidence in her ability to withstand it.
And yet, at that critical instant, Haruto had stepped in front of her, shielding her completely. He had absorbed all of the pressure and threat without flinching, bearing the full brunt on her behalf.
To him, it might have seemed trivial. But to Kaguya, the sensation was unlike anything she had ever known.
For the first time in countless centuries, she felt… safe.
As if staying by Haruto's side meant she would never again have to face betrayal, danger, or fear.
For the briefest of moments, she felt what it was like to be protected.
A feeling she had never known, not in any age or through any encounter. Not even from her own two sons, Hagoromo and Hamura—both of whom had betrayed her and sealed her away on the moon.
"What's the matter?" Haruto asked when he noticed her following him so closely, expecting perhaps that she wanted to question him—about how he knew so much about the Sorcerer Supreme, or about this strange world.
Haruto had already rehearsed what to say. Though he trusted Kaguya in his own way, he still needed to guard against giving too much away. He had his words prepared, ready to spin her a story if she pressed him.
After all, for all her age and power, she had never truly endured the harsh lessons of society. Haruto was confident he could bluff his way through anything when it came to her.
But to his surprise, Kaguya asked nothing at all.
Instead, she simply looked him in the eye and said, "I like being with you. Is that not allowed?"
Her gaze locked onto his. There was no hesitation, no thought behind her words—just truth.
Haruto blinked, momentarily thrown off. He couldn't make sense of it.
Was she afraid he might seal her away, so she wanted to keep watch on him at all times? But if that were the case, wouldn't her Byakugan or her sensory abilities serve her better?
"…Fine," Haruto said at last. He couldn't quite follow her logic, but he wasn't bothered by her decision to stick close.
Besides, he had only just obtained his spiritual and magical power. He was brimming with energy and had little need for sleep.
"The Ancient One won't object to me bringing you into the library anyway. Since you want to follow me, then come along."
With that, Haruto led the way forward.
Before parting from them, the Ancient One had given Haruto a rough map of Kamar-Taj. One glance was all it took to burn it permanently into his mind. After all, spiritual strength wasn't only useful for affecting others—it also enhanced oneself. A memory that never forgot was one such perk.
Time to finish the sign-in, Haruto reminded himself silently. The sooner he completed the task, the better. Delaying would only make things messier.
Behind him, Kaguya walked in silence. She seemed to mean her words literally—I like being with you. Nothing more, nothing less.
No questions. No conversation. Just quiet presence.
"Are women always this strange," Haruto muttered in his head, "or is it just her?"
His thoughts carried him all the way to Kamar-Taj's famed library.
But just as he reached for the door, it swung open from the inside.
And out stepped Kaecilius.
Their eyes met instantly.
"You again," Kaecilius said, feigning calm.
The last time they'd crossed paths in the sanctum, a single look from Haruto had dropped Kaecilius unconscious. Even now, with Haruto suppressing his aura, the memory of that humiliation burned vividly in his mind.
Worse still, the Ancient One had told the others that Haruto was gifted with extraordinary magical talent, but lacked control over his power. Disasters had followed him as a result, and he had come to Kamar-Taj to learn discipline.
That story had been carefully crafted to cover Haruto's true identity, and to explain his presence here.
Kaecilius, who had always considered himself one of the most talented sorcerers alive, had clung to the belief that he might one day surpass the Ancient One herself.
And yet, faced with Haruto, he had been humiliated.
"You're blocking my way," Haruto said flatly, his voice low, urging Kaecilius to move.
As a traveler between worlds, Haruto knew well what Kaecilius would become: a betrayer, a disciple who would ultimately turn against his master. Even the Ancient One herself would fall by his hand.
Hungry for power, Kaecilius would abandon his humanity and devote himself to Dormammu.
With that knowledge, Haruto had no reason to hold him in any regard.
"You—!" Kaecilius' shame quickly ignited into anger at Haruto's tone.
"If I recall, your name is Haruto, isn't it?" Kaecilius said sharply. "Tomorrow is the combat trial. Spiritual power will be sealed during the fight." His lips curled. "I look forward to crossing blades with you."
It was a challenge—an open invitation to prove himself.
The combat trials were designed to train a sorcerer's reflexes and mastery over spells and relics. Spiritual force would always be restricted; otherwise, the test would devolve into a contest of raw talent, stripping it of purpose.
"You'd be better off wondering what's for dinner tomorrow," Haruto replied with complete indifference. His tone carried no weight, no tension—just dismissal.
"Anyway, have you finished daydreaming yet? If so, step aside. I'd like to read." He brushed past him without so much as a pause, adding lightly, "Oh, Kaguya—tonight, let's have Chinese food. It's been a long time since I've had a proper meal."
As he spoke, Kaecilius stepped aside instinctively, allowing Haruto and Kaguya to pass.
Watching Haruto's lofty, superior demeanor as he disappeared into the library, Kaecilius' fists clenched tight. The anger in his heart only grew hotter.