Chapter 125:
Kaguya's choice of "daughter" identity perhaps stemmed from wounds of betrayal by two sons not yet healed.
Changing gender might avoid repeating past mistakes.
Black Zetsu, or perhaps now she should be called Yoya, felt so moved she nearly cried.
She understood clearly she was merely a mass of chakra Mother had hastily separated back then, knew that in Mother's heart, her position might forever fall short of those two rebellious brothers.
But through a thousand years, only she had always considered Mother.
Finally receiving recognition now, Yoya couldn't help shedding black tears, her entire body softly collapsing on the floor.
Kaguya gazed at the black sludge on the floor, murmuring softly: "As Otsutsuki clan, this appearance is indeed improper."
She extracted part of the God Tree's essence from within, preparing to inject it into Yoya's body.
Yoya sensed her intention and hastily discouraged: "Mother, you've only just escaped confinement, precisely when you need recovery..."
"It's fine." Kaguya's tone was calm. "I also hope to have a companion. Accept this power."
"Mother..." Yoya no longer declined.
This was Mother's first gift to her. She treasured this sentiment.
As light merged in, the black sludge gradually condensed into an oval sphere over a meter tall.
Under Kaguya's Byakugan observation, a human silhouette vaguely appeared within the sphere.
Half a day passed. The sphere surface began showing cracks, fine patterns continuously spreading.
Finally, a pale foot stepped from the fissure.
The shell slowly cracked. A petite figure emerged from within.
She appeared around seven or eight years old, skin fair as jade.
Waist-length silver hair like moonlight-woven silk, head bearing two delicate small bone horns identical to Kaguya's yet appearing more tender and adorable.
Most eye-catching were those pure white eyes currently timidly gazing toward Kaguya, carrying newborn child-like innocence and dependence.
Slender limbs still carried somewhat infant-like roundness, her entire person like Kaguya's exquisite miniature.
She tentatively stepped forward, silver hair gently swaying with movement, somewhat shyly calling softly: "Mother..."
In her heart, as Kaguya's daughter, appearance should naturally resemble Mother.
So she shaped herself according to memories of Mother's appearance. But in her eyes, Kaguya was this world's most beautiful existence. The resulting image turned out especially adorable instead.
Originally she'd wanted to shape an adult form, but unfortunately Kaguya's provided power was limited, ultimately only forming this current tender appearance.
But no matter, she could slowly grow later.
Kaguya watched this little girl transformed from black sludge, hearing that soft "Mother," couldn't help freezing slightly, maternal feelings surging from her heart.
Clear water flowed from her palm as she carefully washed away mucus on Yoya's body. Water gently brushed the girl's fair skin, removing every trace of residual filth.
Yoya stood quietly, allowing Mother's care.
Those pure white large eyes filled with tears—this was the first time in a thousand years she'd felt Mother's such gentle treatment.
Kaguya tore a section of plain white fabric from her own hem, fingers nimbly weaving it into simple robes. She carefully fastened the sash for her daughter, movements gentle.
"Yoya," she said softly, fingertips brushing hair from her daughter's forehead. "Don't betray me."
This sentence was spoken extremely lightly, still carrying some sadness, making Yoya's tears finally unable to resist flowing.
She vigorously shook her head, silver hair gently swaying with the motion.
"Never will." The girl's voice carried sobs yet was exceptionally firm. "I'll forever be Mother's child."
She threw herself into Kaguya's embrace, small arms tightly circling Mother's waist. This embrace bore the emotion of a thousand years' wait finally fulfilled, also brimming with treasuring this warmth.
Kaguya froze slightly, then raised her hand to lightly stroke her daughter's back. This simple action was unfamiliar to her after a thousand years.
She had once held Hagoromo and Hamura this gently too...
Yoya raised her small face. Those white eyes identical to Mother's currently brimmed with pure adoration.
Space suddenly rippled. A black-haired, black-eyed handsome youth stepped through.
Kaguya instantly tensed, veins immediately bulging around her Byakugan. This familiar yet dangerous aura... what was he here for?
Yu looked at the tightly nestled Kaguya and Yoya, realizing he'd come at an inopportune time.
He examined Yoya's face extremely similar to Kaguya's, somewhat surprised: "Your daughter?"
Kaguya didn't want to answer, but considering the other's strength, still responded quietly: "Yes."
Then Yoya also noticed the arrival. Seeing Yu's face clearly that instant, she stiffened completely, fear instantly overwhelming her entire body.
"Mother... be careful..." She tremblingly clutched Kaguya's hem, voice shaking. "This person... is very dangerous..."
Yu raised an eyebrow slightly. This little one seemed to recognize him?
His gaze turned toward Yoya. The girl, frightened by this glance, shrank backward, gripping Kaguya's hem even tighter. A dark wet patch gradually spread below the skirt hem—the young body ultimately couldn't withstand such terror.
Actually with her thousand years' experience, she shouldn't lose composure like this, but this newly born body not only limited power, even thought patterns were affected. A child's fragile body and mind simply couldn't bear those heavy memories and emotions.
Yu noticed the water stain on the floor, sighing lightly.
He now looked like a villain bullying a single mother and daughter.
"Seems today isn't a good time for conversation." He stepped back half a pace, space rippling again. "I'll visit another day."
Before finishing, his figure had vanished into the ripples.
After Yu's aura completely disappeared, Yoya gradually calmed. She recalled the earlier conversation, unable to resist asking: "Mother knows that person?"
Kaguya's expression showed some gravity, unconsciously touching her forehead—the mark planted by the other still remained there.
She nodded lightly: "He's different from other humans."
Yoya's heart tightened, an ominous premonition rising: "Mother fought with him?"
Kaguya was silent for a moment, slowly nodding: "You could say we exchanged blows."
***
20+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces