Chapter 20: Minamikawa Yuu Controlled by Kaguya?
"Your father may have been bewitched by Ōtsutsuki Kaguya…"
When he mentioned Yuu, a trace of hesitation flickered through the Great Toad Sage's eyes. "As a ruler, his talent is beyond doubt. But he is still a mortal. It is only natural that he could be swayed by Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, an outsider from the heavens."
"Even so, that doesn't erase his achievements."
"It was he who made this land prosper again. It was he who allowed mortals to live and work in peace, so they could lead stable lives."
His words carried unmistakable admiration for Yuu.
Despite his hostility toward Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, the Great Toad Sage held deep respect for what Yuu had done.
Mount Myōboku's lineage had stood upon this land for countless years, revered by many as a holy land. As one of its true leaders, the Great Toad Sage had visited the mortal world across many ages to observe how people lived.
He had witnessed tragedy with his own eyes. He had seen how cruel mortal life could be, and he had pitied them.
Compared to the rulers of the past, Yuu was as pure as a saint.
He did not indulge in women. In his entire life, he had only one woman: Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
He did not pursue luxury either. For his daily life, he only required enough to meet basic needs.
Under his rule, people were well fed and well clothed. They no longer had to fear war, nor did they live under the constant threat of a ruler's oppression. Their lives could be called blissful.
But the God Tree remained a massive hidden danger.
As long as it continued to absorb the world's Natural Energy, the day would come when that Natural Energy ran dry.
And if that day truly arrived, the consequences would be unimaginably dire.
That was why the Great Toad Sage had taken the risk of appearing before the brothers at all.
"Father…"
Hagoromo and Hamura exchanged a glance, both hesitation and conflict showing in their expressions.
To be honest, they didn't believe their father was someone who could be easily bewitched.
In their hearts, Yuu had always been rational, clear minded, and steady.
How could someone like that be so easily swayed?
And swayed by their mother, of all people.
Even though she was their mother, the brothers could not call her wise. Aside from her overwhelming power and breathtaking beauty, Kaguya's personality was full of flaws, with little else to praise.
If someone claimed a person like her could "bewitch" Yuu, they could not accept it.
Then… was he being controlled?
That thought rose naturally in both of them.
It was possible.
Kaguya might not be clever, but her strength was undeniable. With power that no one could rival, it was not impossible for her to control Yuu in order to achieve her own goals.
Maybe Yuu had already realized the danger, but couldn't break free because of Kaguya's intimidation and pressure.
"Whatever the truth is, once we see Father, we'll know everything."
Hagoromo steadied his breathing, thinking through it carefully.
"Brother, should we go back?" Hamura asked, looking at Hagoromo.
"Good."
Hagoromo nodded without hesitation.
"On the matter of saving the world, our goals align," the Great Toad Sage said. "If you need any help, you may ask me."
"Both of you have great talent for Senjutsu. If possible, come with me to Mount Myōboku and train."
"When Senjutsu is combined with Chakra, it can produce terrifying power. Perhaps it could even allow you to stand against your mother."
"Senjutsu…"
Hagoromo thought for a moment, then nodded. "That sounds good."
Within the palace of the Land of Ancestors, there were also people who used Senjutsu, mostly witches and mages.
They used crude, incomplete versions, said to be simplified forms of true Senjutsu. Yet those so-called techniques were mediocre at best. Not only was the power ordinary, the consumption was shockingly high, far inferior to Chakra.
The brothers had investigated it out of curiosity before, only to conclude it wasn't very useful.
But after sensing Natural Energy for themselves, Hagoromo's opinion had changed.
Natural Energy was not weak at all. Even the God Tree required it to grow.
If they could fully master that power and integrate it into their combat system, the outcome might be completely different.
Of course, that was for the future.
Right now, there was something more urgent.
The next day, they set out to return.
Moving at full speed and leaving everyone else behind, they quickly made their way back to the capital of the Land of Ancestors.
When they returned to the familiar palace, they went straight to Yuu's residence.
Before entering, both brothers felt a tightness in their chests.
They were afraid of the possibility that Yuu truly was under Kaguya's control.
They were afraid they would see something they could not accept.
But when they finally saw Yuu, they were stunned.
In the garden behind the palace, Yuu stood alone, looking unhurried and relaxed.
His expression was calm, his bearing composed. He held a watering can in his hand, quietly watering the flowers in the garden.
The entire scene felt peaceful, with not the slightest hint of anything abnormal.
Only when he heard their footsteps did he turn around in surprise.
Then he looked at Hagoromo and Hamura with a warm smile.
"Why are you back so soon?" he asked. "Have you already had your fill of fun outside?"
He didn't seem to notice anything strange about them at all. He simply looked pleased to see his sons again.
"Father…"
Hagoromo and Hamura studied him closely, and only then did they quietly release the breath they had been holding.
From the moment they arrived, both had been sensing with everything they had.
Hagoromo used Natural Energy to feel for any distortion or foreign influence.
Hamura activated his Byakugan to its fullest, observing Yuu's condition down to the finest detail.
No matter how they looked, they found nothing wrong.
Yuu wasn't being controlled by anyone.
He was still himself.
The instant they confirmed it, the weight in their hearts loosened.
No matter what the truth was, as long as the worst possibility had not happened, it was already a relief.
"It seems you've made quite a few new discoveries this time," Yuu said, meeting their gazes with a faint smile.
"Did you come to share them with me?"
.....
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