In a lively little town, Ōtsutsuki Toneri and the other two walked along the bustling streets.
"Father,"
listening to the noisy clamor surrounding them, Toneri suddenly spoke softly,
"Toneri wants to stay in the Ninja World."
This was a decision he had made only after careful thought, and he chose to state it directly to Ōtsutsuki Hagaku.
After all, if he wanted to remain in the Ninja World, he had to pass Hagaku's approval first—and at present, Hagaku's strength far surpassed his own.
If he tried to slip away on his own, there was a very high chance he would simply be captured and taken back.
Especially since Ōtsutsuki Hagaku possessed the Byakugan.
Trying to hide from him would be exceedingly difficult.
In that case, it was far better to speak openly—to appeal with reason and emotion alike.
"…What did you say?"
Hagaku froze for a moment, then stopped and turned to look at Toneri, disbelief evident on his face as he asked again.
The Ninja World—
such a filthy, chaotic place—and Toneri wanted to stay here?
"I want to remain in the Ninja World to temper myself," Toneri said softly, tilting his head up toward Hagaku's position.
"Father, you should understand—there is no place in the clan's territory suitable for my training."
Because he had no eyes, Hagaku could not see Toneri's gaze.
Yet the firm resolve carried in his voice alone was enough to make Hagaku realize—
This was no whim.
He was serious.
"But Toneri…"
Hagaku fell silent for a moment before speaking helplessly.
"You're only seven years old."
Yes.
His son—Ōtsutsuki Toneri—was only seven.
How could he possibly feel at ease leaving him alone in such a turbulent and dangerous world?
What's more, Toneri had no eyes.
Blind from birth.
Though his perception abilities were already exceptional, it was still an undeniable flaw.
Hagaku understood Toneri's determination to grow stronger—he could feel it clearly.
But Toneri was simply too young.
How could he truly let go?
"Listen to your father," Hagaku continued gently.
"Wait until you're a bit older. Then I'll allow you to come here to train, alright?"
Despite Toneri's strength and his maturity far beyond his years, Hagaku was still deeply worried.
"Father,"
Toneri replied without hesitation, his delicate, beautiful face filled with unshakable resolve,
"Toneri is not a flower raised in a greenhouse, nor a child wrapped in swaddling cloth."
"I need to face storms and wind. If I always live under your protection, then when will I ever truly spread my wings and soar?"
Return to the moon?
Grow a few more years first?
Impossible. Absolutely impossible.
He had already had enough of that cursed place.
There was no way he was going back—no chance in this lifetime—
…Well, maybe he'd still have to go back someday.
But that was later.
"And please, Father,"
seeing hesitation appear on Hagaku's face, Toneri quickly pressed on,
"believe in me. Believe in your son. I won't let anything happen to me. Please—let me stay in the Ninja World!"
No matter what, he had to seize this opportunity.
If Hagaku absolutely refused—
Then he would be forced to take a risky path and flee overnight with Ōtsutsuki Kyokusen.
Hagaku's expression grew more conflicted, his gaze flickering.
He truly did not wish for his child to remain on this twisted, chaotic continent.
But…
Looking at the expression on Toneri's face, Hagaku sighed deeply in his heart.
This child…
Had he ever pleaded like this before?
No.
Never.
Perhaps because of the mocking and cold treatment he had endured in his early years, Toneri's mind had always matured far beyond his peers.
Enough…
Enough…
"Very well," Hagaku finally said, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
"Since this is your decision, I will agree."
At that moment, his reluctance and worry were unmistakable.
But this was Toneri's choice.
"Thank you, Father!"
Toneri's face lit up with irrepressible joy.
"I will never disappoint you!"
Success!
Just as expected—using "training" as the reason carried an extremely high success rate.
Toneri felt elated.
With permission secured, everything else became easy.
He had finally broken free from that foolish clan on the moon—
Freedom was his.
And the time to truly make his move had arrived.
"Heh… but I must still remind you of one thing,"
Hagaku said, smiling faintly at Toneri's excitement before turning serious again.
"In this world, you must be cautious in all matters. The one who stole the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path is absolutely not simple."
The Outer Path Statue had unquestionably been stolen by someone from the Ninja World.
And to silently reach the moon and transport such a colossal existence without leaving the slightest trace—
That person must possess terrifying space–time ninjutsu.
Otherwise, there was simply no way to explain it.
"Yes. Toneri will be extremely careful,"
Toneri replied respectfully, though inwardly he felt a strange urge to laugh.
Of course the one who stole it wasn't simple.
That man was Uchiha Madara—
the second human in centuries to awaken the Rinnegan through his own power.
But at this moment…
Uchiha Madara was already dead.
"I believe in you, Toneri," Hagaku said with satisfaction, nodding.
"Whether in talent or in mind, you are a once-in-a-generation genius. Your future will undoubtedly shine."
"I don't know why you are so obsessed with power," he continued softly,
"but I trust that you have your reasons. Just remember—be careful in everything you do."
He sighed again, helplessly.
Hagaku could not understand Toneri's urgency for strength.
But he trusted him.
And that was enough.
"Father…"
Toneri froze slightly, emotions stirring within him.
This father…
Had truly treated him well.