Naruto : My Father Ascended — Now What?

Tensai approached Reizan's chamber, his footsteps echoing lightly across the polished obsidian floors of the floating sanctum. He had received a telepathic summons—short, direct, and heavy with intent. The Awakening Ceremony was nearing, and his young lord, Reizan Ōtsutsuki, had questions.

Inside the chamber, Reizan sat upon a throne-like seat carved from dark crystal, his eyes calm but sharp. A faint pulse of energy surrounded him, the afterglow of training or perhaps contemplation. There was a knock at the door.

"You may enter, Tensai," Reizan called out, his voice level but expectant.

The door slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing a tall, imposing man with curved horns and silver armor adorned with black runes. He bowed low, his tone respectful yet warm. "Young Lord, I am at your service. You may ask anything you wish about the Awakening Ceremony."

Reizan nodded, studying Tensai's expression for a moment. "Alright, let's start from the beginning. I know the ceremony is about receiving the Kama seal and that there's a tournament for the younger generation. But that's where my knowledge ends. I need the full picture."

Tensai's lips curved into a small smile, clearly pleased that Reizan was taking this seriously. "Of course, my Lord. The Awakening Ceremony begins in three days. It will take place in the Fifth Sector, on the Galatic Platform—an artificial construct the size of an entire solar system, refined and maintained by the Ōtsutsuki clan for millennia."

He paused, letting that scale sink in. "At its center burns a special sun, one not forged by nature, but by our ancestors. It doesn't radiate heat, but perception. It sees the soul. During the ceremony, it evaluates the latent potential of each participant, and based on that, bestows a specific Kama seal. The stronger the potential, the more advanced the seal."

Reizan's brow twitched slightly in interest, and Tensai continued. "An Initiator—essentially the overseer—will explain the details during the event. After the seal is given, the youth of the clan—those between ages nine and one hundred—will compete in a grand tournament. The top three will be honored with unique treasures, though the specifics remain hidden until the test concludes."

"Winners also gain the right to choose a personal follower from the branch families," Tensai added, his gaze sharpening. "However, your status is… exceptional. As the son of Lord Shibai, you'll be allowed first choice—an unprecedented honor."

Reizan's expression remained mostly unreadable, but inwardly, he was surprised. "So, I don't need to take on clan missions, either?"

Tensai nodded solemnly. "Correct. The Clan Leader usually issues personal trials or duties to promising youth. But your lineage exempts you. You walk your own path."

Reizan sat back, digesting the information. A solar system-sized arena, a sentient sun that bestows power, a tournament to showcase strength, and a follower's bond sealed in tradition... It was a lot.

"So the talent test determines the strength of the Kama I'll receive," Reizan mused aloud, eyes narrowing slightly. "And the tournament prizes are likely more than symbolic. Hmph…"

He paused, then added more quietly to himself, "I've already reached Pseudo-Supreme at twelve, and my combat power's pushing High-Stage Supreme. If I revealed my true power, I'd terrify the elders and give them reason to fear… maybe even conspire."

He clenched a fist for a moment, thoughtful. "Better to show only Low-Supreme power for now. Let them underestimate me."

A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "Tensai, I also have to complete the mission on Planet Alpha afterward. You may accompany me this time, but I need to start preparing for when you can't. I'll have to choose a capable branch family follower during the ceremony—someone I can mold, trust… and use."

Tensai bowed once more, sensing the dismissal in Reizan's tone. "Understood, my Lord. I will make the necessary arrangements. May your preparation be fruitful."

As the door closed behind him, Reizan sat alone in the silence of his chamber, staring at the space beyond the window. Stars glimmered faintly across the void.

"So much expectation," he whispered to himself. "But I will rise above it all… not because of my name—because of my power."

And with that, he stood, chakra flaring around him as he began training once more—refining his divine arts and mastering ocular abilities. 

Two Days Later

The sun above the dwarf star barely cast its golden hue when Reizan stood before the mirror in his chamber, dressed in a regal white haori adorned with blood-red tomoe circling the hems like ancient seals. His twin horns shimmered with a cold brilliance, casting a faint silver glow. Despite the elegance he wore, his expression was calm—serene even—but beneath those eyes was a storm of preparation, calculation, and quiet anticipation.

A soft knock echoed on his chamber door. Reizan didn't bother to turn. "Let's go, Tensai."

The doors slid open, and the tall, battle-scarred Tensai entered with a slight bow. "As you command, Young Lord."

Together, they exited the sprawling Ōtsutsuki mansion nestled atop the core of the dwarf star. The atmosphere outside shimmered from the surrounding gravity wells. Just ahead, a massive structure began to de-cloak, revealing a galactic-class spacecraft—its hull sleek and silver, humming with ancient power. Its sheer size darkened the horizon behind it.

Reizan raised a brow. "This... is yours?"

Tensai gave a small, knowing smile. "Yes, my lord. This is my private vessel, one of the few remaining Second-Generation Ōtsutsuki-class warships. Normally used during galactic conflicts and forbidden for ordinary missions. The elders restrict its use to avoid dependency on external power. Most members must rise through their own talents, completing missions to prove worth—purging threats, securing chakra fruits, expanding the clan's control. But for events like the Awakening Ceremony... exceptions are made."

"I see," Reizan said, taking a moment to admire the ship's architecture. "Well then, let's not waste time. We have a long journey ahead."

As they entered, Reizan's eyes widened in awe. The inside of the ship defied all logic—colossal, almost as if a pocket dimension was embedded within its interior. Polished black-metal walkways stretched across what looked like a floating observatory. Around them were countless technological wonders: star charts projected on floating holograms, tracking modules, blinking consoles humming with cosmic energy, dimensional regulators humming silently in the background.

"This is... space technology?" Reizan thought, his mind flashing through the ancient scrolls he'd read. Nothing he imagined came close to this.

Tensai led him into the Command Chamber, the heart of the ship. It was a cathedral of starlight—translucent glass panels opened a view of the galaxy beyond, and at the center was the command deck with a towering screen showing the exterior and immediate star routes. The Galactic Platform was already highlighted on one of the floating 3D maps.

"This vessel is one of 150 built during the last cosmic era," Tensai explained with pride. "Each one has been enhanced with chakra-conversion engines and gravity field regulators. We'll be moving at speeds even light fears."

Reizan glanced at him. "Then begin. We've only got a day to reach the Galactic Platform, right?"

Tensai nodded and activated the controls.

With a burst of silent light, the warship surged forward—crossing one light-year in under a minute. The sudden motion pulled Reizan backward, though he quickly stabilized using his chakra, letting it wrap around his body and anchor him in place.

"Hmph. Even with gravity regulation... anyone without chakra mastery would've been torn apart," Reizan murmured, letting the pressure ease. "This isn't just fast. It's terrifying."

Tensai's voice echoed beside him. "We'll arrive within the hour. The platform is located deep in the Fifth Sector, closer to the central region of the Ōtsutsuki Dominion. Only 60–65 light-years from our current position."

One Hour Later

A monumental sight greeted them.

Outside the viewport, an unfathomably massive white platform extended endlessly into the stars. Its surface glowed faintly with divine patterns, moving and shifting as if alive. It was beautiful—terrifyingly beautiful. Dozens of other ships dotted the distant void, tiny compared to the scale of this construct.

"We're here..." Reizan whispered, breath caught for a moment. "Even after hearing about it… seeing it with my own eyes... it's something else."

"Yes, my lord," Tensai said, stepping beside him. "This platform was created by a Stage-8 Legend from the ancient branch. It's as large as an entire solar system and houses both the Awakening Ceremony and the combat arena. Only those blessed with the clan's highest recognition are allowed to step here."

As the ship began its descent, the glow from the platform intensified. Several members of the Ōtsutsuki clan were already gathered at the landing site. Among them was a tall, confident-looking man with crimson markings across his chest and a short cloak fluttering behind him.

His name was Toga, a genius of the main family and older brother to Momoshiki. This would be his fourth time attending the Awakening Ceremony—though he already bore a kama seal, his age still qualified him for the tournament. At 49, he had achieved the Six Paths – Half-Supreme stage. His eyes narrowed as he saw the massive ship descending.

"That… that's Lord Tensai's ship," Toga muttered. "Why is he here? And who is…?"

His words trailed off as the gates of the ship opened.

Reizan stepped out into the galactic wind, horns gleaming, his robes flowing like starlight. The other members stared in silence. His aura alone was suffocating, a presence that made even seasoned warriors pause.

"So… this is the heir of Shibai Ōtsutsuki…" someone whispered.

Reizan took a moment to breathe it all in.

He didn't say anything at first. But a small smirk tugged at the edge of his lips.