As the portal closed behind them, Daniel and Toneri stepped into a world marked by devastation. Daniel's Rinnegan faded, his eyes returning to their usual appearance. He blinked once, adjusting to the sudden change in light and energy. Before them lay an expansive wasteland, its barren ground cracked and lifeless. Desolation stretched as far as their eyes could see. The sky hung heavy with an eerie orange tint, resembling an eternal sunset marred by ash and dust.
It was unmistakable—this world had been drained of all life and energy, its vitality stolen to feed a sinister purpose. The air felt dense, filled with a haunting stillness, devoid of even the faintest trace of natural life.
Daniel narrowed his gaze, sensing the remnants of chakra that lingered faintly like echoes of its former presence. "Well, this is charming," he remarked casually, his tone light but laced with sarcasm. "Guess we know what happens when the Otsutsuki get their way."
Toneri, meanwhile, took a step forward, his blindfolded face turned slightly upward as he absorbed the weight of the atmosphere. "This… this is the fate we were warned to prevent," he muttered, his voice trembling with solemnity.
His ancestors on the moon had always spoken of the Otsutsuki's true purpose. The clan didn't just seek new worlds to conquer—they searched for planets rich in chakra, assessing their viability for the planting of a Divine Tree. The Divine Tree—the Ten-Tails—was their tool for harvesting planetary energy, draining the essence of the land, the life forms, and the chakra networks, all to create the ultimate prize: a Chakra Fruit. Once consumed, the Chakra Fruit granted immense power, but it left worlds barren and lifeless. The Otsutsuki scouts served as vanguard units, assessing planets and preparing them for the arrival of the higher-ranking clan members.
"The Divine Tree… This is what it leaves behind," Toneri said, his voice growing firmer as he pointed toward the horizon. Far in the distance, a towering tree-like structure loomed, its skeletal frame casting shadows across the wasteland. "This is the reality my clan failed to act against. This is why Earth needs to be protected, no matter the cost."
Daniel shrugged, his posture relaxed despite the gravity of Toneri's words. "You make it sound dramatic, but yeah, I get it. Earth's got a big target on its back, and you're trying to play hero. Good for you." His carefree tone did little to mask the sharp edge of his words.
Toneri tightened his fists but refrained from responding immediately. He moved forward, following the faint chakra trail that led to the towering structure. Daniel floated beside him, his body emanating faint energy as he scanned their surroundings with a casual ease.
"You know," Daniel began, breaking the silence, "all this doom and gloom talk about the Otsutsuki might be wasted on me. I don't care much about their plans. I care about stopping them because it's fun. And hey, the bonus is Earth doesn't get turned into this mess." His grin widened slightly, the glint of his Rinnegan revealing traces of amusement.
Toneri shook his head, his voice steady as he replied, "Your reasoning is shallow, but I can't deny you're effective. Just don't let your recklessness cost us everything."
The two continued toward the tree-like structure, the faint remnants of chakra signatures growing stronger. As they approached, it became clear that the Divine Tree had been fully harvested. Its roots sprawled across the ground like scars, the entire planet reduced to nothing more than a husk. Hovering above the skeletal frame of the tree were four distinct figures—each radiating power and dominance.
Daniel and Toneri stopped short, observing the scene from a distance. The four figures were Otsutsuki, their pale, ethereal forms hovering effortlessly. Two of the figures moved closer to each other, forming seals in perfect synchronization. Slowly, a crack in space-time began to open, swirling with cosmic energy as a portal took shape.
Daniel tilted his head slightly, recognizing the technique. "Looks like they're leaving," he muttered.
Toneri stepped forward abruptly, his voice sharp. "Those two—they're the scouts! If they escape now, they'll report back to the clan. We have to stop them!"
Without waiting for Daniel's response, Toneri took off flying at full speed toward the portal. His chakra flared as he closed the distance quickly, but before he could reach the portal, the two scouts vanished into the swirling vortex. The crack in space-time sealed shut behind them, leaving no trace.
Daniel sighed, shaking his head. In an instant, he used Instant Transmission, teleporting next to Toneri. "Relax, they're gone. Chasing them now is pointless," Daniel said, his tone calm but commanding. "Besides, we've got bigger matters to deal with." He gestured toward the remaining two Otsutsuki figures still hovering above the Divine Tree.
As if sensing their presence, one of the Otsutsuki figures turned slowly to face them. Their pale eyes glowed faintly, their aura radiating controlled power and menace.
"Who are you, and what do you seek here?" the Otsutsuki asked, their voice echoing across the wasteland.
Daniel's grin returned as he floated beside Toneri, his green aura flickering faintly. "Looks like they noticed us. Let's see what they've got," he said, his excitement barely contained.
Toneri, however, remained focused, his blindfolded face turned toward the Otsutsuki. "Be careful," he warned. "These aren't ordinary opponents."
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