Host, please proceed to the Ten Rings' hidden cavern in seven days for your next sign-in!
Completing the sign-in will grant a reward!
"The Ten Rings?"
Senju Haruto blinked, recalling that the group who had kidnapped Stark and forced him to build missiles were none other than members of the Ten Rings.
"So this time the sign-in location ties directly into Iron Man's very first storyline?"
Judging by all the previous sign-in locations, every place he was sent to had significance. The system had never once given him some nameless, obscure destination.
"Seven days, huh…"
Haruto mentally noted the time. There was still a while before he had to complete the next sign-in—enough for him to take care of other matters.
Like…
"Arthur."
Haruto turned, calling the sorcerer to his side.
"What is it, Guardian?" Arthur raised his head respectfully.
By now, he and the other sorcerers of the Sanctum looked upon Haruto with absolute admiration, their hearts burning with the desire to follow him.
"It's nothing major. I may be the Guardian of the New York Sanctum now, but I'm not yet familiar with how things are run here. Until I fully understand the situation, I'll leave the day-to-day management to you."
Haruto's tone was serious.
In truth, what was there about the Sanctum's business that he couldn't understand? It was mostly about guiding sorcerers in their training. Unless some powerful dimensional being invaded, there was little more to worry about than daily matters.
And honestly, Haruto had no interest in dealing with such things.
He wasn't a true Guardian, nor did he want to play the superhero role in this world—bearing responsibility, opposing Dormammu, standing as Earth's last line of defense.
Besides, until Thanos' eventual invasion, Dormammu had only appeared once—and Strange had handled that by bargaining rather than brute force.
Compared to the situation here, Haruto cared far more about the Land of Fire.
After all, he was the Hokage now.
Uniting the shinobi world would take him only minutes. The so-called Three Kage Summit was little more than a formality.
In reality, the entire shinobi continent was already his domain.
The only question was… should he keep the continent as it was, building it up, strengthening its defenses, and turning it into the most powerful nation on Earth?
Or—
Should he take all of the shinobi of the Land of Fire and migrate to Wakanda, seizing the land for themselves?
A cuckoo taking another's nest.
"Forget it. Wakanda can wait."
Even though he was currently playing the role of Sorcerer Supreme and Guardian of the Sanctum in this universe, Haruto felt little obligation to act as a selfless paragon of justice.
If he wanted to, he could simply manufacture some excuse, stir up conflict, and sweep across Wakanda without resistance.
But conquering Wakanda wasn't a priority.
"Better to head back to the Land of Fire first."
He considered the matter. Things here in New York were more or less settled. The next sign-in wasn't for another ten days.
As for the Sanctum's magical tomes, he could just leave a shadow clone to study them, then dispel it later. There was no reason for his true body to remain here.
Back when he had trained at Kamar-Taj, he had already obtained the Sling Ring. With it, all he had to do was picture the Hidden Leaf Village, and a portal would open directly to it.
"I understand," Arthur said quickly, nodding.
Though Haruto was now the Guardian and they were his followers, his talent and power were beyond anything ordinary reason could explain.
In other words—Haruto was a once-in-a-generation genius.
How could anyone treat him with the same expectations placed on normal people?
The only thing Haruto needed to do was lend his strength when beings from the Dark Dimension invaded. That alone was more than enough.
As for the rest of the time—Haruto was free to do whatever he pleased.
"Still, even so, I suppose what he truly wants is simply to deepen his study of magic," Arthur thought with quiet admiration. Haruto wasn't just talented—he was also diligent. The rare type who combined overwhelming genius with tireless effort.
"Oh, that's right. Let me show you to your room," Arthur added suddenly, as if remembering.
Since Haruto was now Guardian of the New York Sanctum, naturally he would reside there.
From the outside, the Sanctum didn't appear especially large. But as one of Earth's great mystical sanctuaries, its interior space was something else entirely.
Haruto nodded, accepting Arthur's offer.
The room wasn't huge, but it had everything he needed. Its antique décor and comfortable bed gave it a certain charm that Haruto found himself appreciating.
"You've had a long day, Guardian. I won't disturb you further," Arthur said with a smile at the doorway.
From the initial tests and challenges to the final trial, Haruto had been through much today.
Sensible as he was, Arthur decided not to trouble him any longer.
"Mm." Haruto waved him off. He had considered correcting Arthur to just call him "Haruto," but then decided against it. Titles didn't matter much to him.
Besides, he had no intention of forging a close friendship with Arthur.
As the door clicked shut, Haruto let out a quiet breath.
"Time to return to the Land of Fire."
He reached for the Sling Ring's power.
But just then, something unexpected happened.
Kaguya, who had always remained close by his side, suddenly stepped back.
"What's wrong?" Haruto asked, surprised, turning to her.
"The people there do not welcome me," Kaguya said softly. "Nor do I wish to see them."
Her voice was gentle, her expression calm—no trace of anger or resentment. To Haruto, it sounded like she was simply stating a trivial fact.
"I understand."
It wasn't hard to imagine what she felt, considering her past.
Though she was known as the Progenitor of Chakra, none were grateful. Instead, they feared her.
Even the Sage of Six Paths had chosen to seal her away.
The eyes of shinobi and civilians alike, when they looked at Kaguya, were always cold and filled with dread.
It was just like how the villagers of Konoha once looked at Naruto.
No… perhaps even worse.
After all, Kaguya's power was greater, and the threat she posed to the world was far more terrifying.
"Kaguya isn't Naruto," Haruto thought to himself. "I can't expect her to long for acceptance the way he did."
His lips curved into a faint smile as he looked at her.
"Wait for me."
"Yes. I will wait." Kaguya nodded gently.