The Meteorite In Hand

"What are you doing?" Akahoshi shouted, gritting his teeth, "I'm your employer. Are you trying to ruin Konoha's reputation and violate the rules?"

"Sorry," Kaguya smiled slightly, "I'm no longer considered part of Konoha."

With that, Kaguya's palm emitted a burst of repulsive force, hitting Akahoshi with such impact that his chest caved in, sending him flying like a cannonball. He crashed through several walls before slamming into a distant hill.

Everyone around was stunned. They couldn't believe that this seemingly delicate and beautiful girl was so powerful, taking down Akahoshi with a single blow.

Sumaru stood there, dumbfounded, feeling like he was in a dream.

The scene fell silent. The ninjas Red Star brought looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what to do. Their strongest person had been severely injured in an instant; they had no chance.

"What are you doing here?" Kaguya said coldly, "Do you want to fight too?"

The crowd snapped back to reality and ran away, some even dropping their weapons in their haste to escape.

"Damn it, why are you interfering?" Akahoshi struggled to his feet, wiped the blood from his mouth, and gripped the meteorite tightly, then stabbed it into his own chest. "I'll kill you all!"

As the meteorite pierced his chest, an enormous amount of chakra burst forth from Akahoshi, forming a purple dragon in the air.

"I'll kill you all!" Akahoshi roared, and the dragon charged at Kaguya under his command.

"Watch out!" Sumaru shouted.

Kaguya snorted, extended her arm, and aimed her palm at Akahoshi. A powerful repulsive force erupted.

With a loud "boom," the dragon shattered into countless pieces of purple light. Akahoshi spewed blood and was sent flying. The difference in power was too great; even with the meteorite containing Ten Tails' chakra, Akahoshi was no match.

Kaguya grabbed the meteorite with her palm. With a pull, the meteorite flew into her hand due to her gravitational power. She examined it, noting the strong chakra it contained, confirming it was indeed from the Ten Tails. These people simply didn't know how to use it properly, which was a waste.

Kaguya absorbed the chakra from the meteorite, drawing it into her body.

"No, you'll die doing that!" Natsuhi struggled to reach her, trying to stop her, but it was too late. Kaguya had already absorbed all the chakra from the meteorite.

Sumaru rushed over, asking anxiously, "Are you alright?"

"Thank you for your concern," Kaguya smiled, "But first, shouldn't you greet your mother?"

Sumaru hesitated, biting his lip and turning away without speaking.

Natsuhi walked up and reached out to hug Sumaru, but he slapped her hand away.

"Go away!" Sumaru shouted, "I don't want to see you. I don't have a mother. My mother is already dead!"

Natsuhi's expression darkened, and she withdrew her hand. "I'm sorry, I..."

"Why are you only coming back now? Where were you before?" Sumaru shouted, "I don't have a mother like you!" Tears glimmered in the corners of his eyes.

"Smack!"

Sumaru's face was suddenly slapped hard, and he staggered, a bright red mark appearing on his cheek. He was stunned, looking at Kaguya in shock.

"Your mother did this to protect you, to protect the village," Kaguya said sternly. "If it weren't for your mother, you would have died a long time ago. Her absence doesn't mean she didn't want to come back; she just couldn't. She risked her life to come save you today, doesn't that prove anything?"

Sumaru trembled all over, pursing his lips and falling silent.

Natsuhi was also at a loss, unsure of what to do. She wanted to hug Sumaru but was afraid of being pushed away.

Kaguya sighed. Are all kids this prideful nowadays? Clearly, he missed his mother, but when she finally came, he said things to ruin the moment.

Kaguya quietly walked behind Sumaru and gave him a push. He stumbled and fell into Natsuhi's arms.

Smelling the familiar scent, Sumaru froze. This time, he didn't push Summer Star away. Instead, he hugged her tightly, tears welling up in his eyes.

The next morning.

The sun was bright, the weather clear, and the breeze gentle, bringing a refreshing coolness. The air was fresh and invigorating.

"Do you really have to go?" Sumaru asked regretfully. "Can't you stay a few more days?"

"No," Kaguya replied, "I have other things to do. I can't stay long."

"Here, take this bento for the road. My cooking isn't great, but I hope you don't mind," Natsuhi said with a smile, handing Kaguya a lunchbox.

"Not at all, thank you, Auntie," Kaguya said, taking the lunchbox. "Well, I'm off. Goodbye."

Kaguya smiled gently, waved, and turned to leave.

As they watched her figure gradually recede, Natsuhi lightly tapped Sumaru and smiled, "Didn't you say you wanted to confess?"

Sumaru shook his head slightly, a smile appearing on his face. "Such a perfect girl, I don't deserve her yet. But I'll work twice as hard and, when I become the greatest Star Shadow, I'll go find her." He clenched his fists as he spoke.