Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

In theory, after determining that Boruto and Kawaki posed no immediate threat, Kakashi should have arranged for them to leave. However, to be cautious, he decided to keep them at the Hokage Building, awaiting Naruto or Kirito's return to confirm their identities. At this time, no detail could be overlooked.

Opening the door to the "Welcome Room," Kirito's gaze immediately landed on Boruto, who was fidgeting nervously, and Kawaki, who sat with his eyes closed as if resting.

As soon as Boruto spotted Kirito, his eyes lit up. "You're so tall! Wait—you're Kirito, right? Do you remember me?"

Despite the Otsutsuki's unmistakable appearance, Boruto wanted to confirm just to be sure.

"I remember. You're Boruto," Kirito replied as he closed the door. After a brief pause, he added, "Didn't the person who accompanied you last time come along?"

"It's really an Otsutsuki…" Kawaki muttered as he opened his eyes, his expression betraying his surprise. Despite mentally preparing himself, seeing Kirito in person—especially with his Otsutsuki features—left Kawaki stunned.

As soon as Kirito stepped into the room, Kawaki's Karma mark began to ache.

"Sasuke-sensei is injured right now," Boruto explained without hesitation. "He fought against the leader of the 'Kara' organization, someone named 'Jigen.' Jigen came to Konoha through Kawaki's Karma and tried to take him away. Dad and Sasuke-sensei teamed up to stop him. In the end, only Sasuke-sensei returned, gravely injured.

"Before we left, Sasuke-sensei sent me to ask for your help."

Kirito was surprised by Boruto's words. Sasuke, of all people, asking for his help? He still remembered Sasuke's stubborn demeanor when they'd met in the past—acting as if nothing could ever defeat him.

But this Jigen… Kirito's thoughts turned serious.

If he can overpower both Naruto and Sasuke, his strength must exceed Momoshiki's by far. But that name, 'Jigen,' doesn't follow the usual Otsutsuki naming pattern. Could he be something else entirely?

Kirito's gaze shifted to Kawaki, who was clutching his palm in pain where the Karma mark was etched.

In Kirito's vision, Kawaki's Karma had already progressed more than 70%, bringing him dangerously close to becoming a vessel for a strange Otsutsuki.

Judging by this Karma, it's not Momoshiki's. Could this mean the opponent is yet another Otsutsuki?

Boruto broke the silence. "This is Kawaki," he introduced. "He has a Karma mark like mine. The one who gave him the mark is Jigen. He ended up near Konoha after an accident, and Dad adopted him. But now Jigen wants to take him back."

Kirito's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Naruto adopting a child, but he said nothing. Instead, he walked up to Kawaki and took his marked hand.

"This might hurt a bit," Kirito warned before resonating with Kawaki's Karma.

"Ahhh—!" Kawaki cried out as black lines spread from his palm across his left side, reaching his face.

"Hmm… Isshiki," Kirito murmured, recognizing the pattern. Searching through Urashiki's memories, he confirmed the identity of the Otsutsuki tied to Kawaki's Karma.

Strange… Wasn't Isshiki supposed to be sacrificed for the growth of the Ten Tails? If Kaguya is still alive, then Isshiki should be dead. Why hasn't he appeared all this time?

Boruto's concerned voice broke Kirito's thoughts. "Did you figure something out?"

"This Karma belongs to 'Isshiki Otsutsuki.' It doesn't seem to match the name 'Jigen' you mentioned," Kirito replied as he let go of Kawaki's hand. The black lines receded, and Kawaki panted heavily.

"I've heard of this," Kawaki said between breaths. "Jigen is Isshiki. The Karma on Jigen's body has already fully manifested."

Kirito frowned. "It's probably more complicated than that. I'll investigate further." Turning to Boruto, he added, "You both look exhausted. Let's head to my place so you can rest. We'll discuss everything tomorrow."

"But we need to return now!" Kawaki protested, pulling out a damaged prosthetic arm that had once belonged to Naruto. "The Seventh Hokage is still in danger!"

Kirito's gaze softened as he noticed Kawaki's missing elbow.

"Don't worry," Kirito said calmly. "If you return through time-travel, you'll arrive the moment you left. No time will be wasted. For now, I need to understand the situation fully so we can prepare a countermeasure."

Kirito's logic made sense to Boruto, who nodded after a moment of silence. "Alright, we'll rest for now."

Reluctantly, Kawaki agreed as well, though his concern for Naruto still lingered heavily on his face.

Sensing their unease, Kirito reassured them. "Don't worry. Since I've agreed to help, I'll ensure Naruto is rescued. I've already dealt with two Otsutsuki—adding another one to the list won't be a problem."

A few minutes later, Kirito led Boruto and Kawaki through the bustling streets of Konoha toward his residence.

"Wait a second," Kirito said abruptly, stopping in his tracks.

Opening a small spatial portal, he retrieved something resembling a telescope and handed it to Boruto. "Take a look in that direction."

Confused, Boruto raised the telescope and pointed it toward the moon. His expression quickly shifted from curiosity to astonishment.

"Is that… Dad and Mom?" he murmured.

Through the lens, he saw Naruto and Hinata embracing under the moonlight. Slowly, Boruto's stunned expression softened into a smile.

"I didn't know Dad could be so romantic," he muttered. "Why didn't they ever tell me about this?"

The sight seemed to ease Boruto's worries as he observed the two figures under the moon. Regret suddenly flashed across his face. "I should've brought a camera…"

(End of this chapter)