Chapter 4: The Sage’s Judgment

Silence.

Sakura's question hung in the air, but before Kakashi could answer, a new presence filled the battlefield.

Powerful. Ancient.

I felt it before I even turned my head—a ripple in the world itself, like space had bent to make way for someone greater. The air grew heavy with unseen force, and a soft, blue light shimmered into existence above us.

Then, he appeared.

Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki.

The Sage of Six Paths hovered above the battlefield, his form translucent yet commanding, his Rinnegan eye gleaming with quiet understanding. His expression was calm, unreadable, but there was something beneath it—something uncertain.

He had seen everything. This work was created by shredder121

I inhaled sharply, forcing my hands to stay steady. This was it. I had claimed that the Ōtsutsuki were coming. Now, it was time to make my move.

I turned my gaze to him, my lips parting as I whispered, "You know it's true, don't you?"

Hagoromo's brows furrowed slightly. He did not speak immediately, but he did not deny it either.

"The Ōtsutsuki will come," I continued, my voice quiet but firm. "This world is not safe. I saw it—I felt it. And you, of all people, must know it too."

Naruto and Sasuke stiffened, their gazes shifting toward the Sage. This was no longer just my word against theirs.

Hagoromo's presence alone changed everything.

The old sage sighed. His voice, when he finally spoke, was calm and measured. "The threat of the Ōtsutsuki is real."

A murmur of shock passed through the group. Naruto's eyes widened, and even Sasuke's grip on his sword tightened slightly. Kakashi and Sakura exchanged glances.

I pressed forward. "Then tell them, Hagoromo. Tell them that I did not lie. That I have always been thinking of this world."

Before he could answer, another voice cut through the air.

A voice filled with absolute devotion.

"My mother is the kindest, most generous person in existence!"

Black Zetsu.

I almost sighed in relief. My most loyal creation emerged from the shadows, his black form slithering forward as he took his place beside me. His golden eyes gleamed with fervor, his voice filled with certainty.

"For centuries, she has done nothing but worry about this world," he declared, his tone laced with righteous indignation. "Even now, after suffering betrayal and isolation for two thousand years, she thinks not of herself, but of you! The people of this world! My mother does not deserve suspicion—she deserves gratitude!"

I remained silent, letting his words settle.

Naruto hesitated.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

Hagoromo exhaled. "This is complicated."

Perfect.

That meant there was no immediate judgment. No immediate sealing.

And as long as I could keep that uncertainty alive, I still had time.