Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

Hearing Naruto's decision, Kirito asked in disbelief, "Are you sure?"

Although Kirito didn't understand why Naruto adopted Kawaki, he was even more surprised by Naruto's decision to let him stay at his house temporarily. Kirito wasn't sure if this was due to Naruto's big heart or sheer courage.

"Father, is this true?" Even Boruto was puzzled by Naruto's arrangement.

While Boruto regarded Kirito as a friend, he also understood the risks associated with the Ōtsutsuki clan. Involving Hinata and Himawari in such a situation seemed reckless.

Seeing everyone's hesitation, Naruto smiled and said, "Don't worry. I said I trust Kirito. So, Kirito, what's your decision?"

Kirito immediately replied, "Of course, there's no problem. I promise I won't cause any trouble."

"Good. Then it's decided," Naruto concluded. Seeing no further objections, he turned to the next topic. "Now, let's get back to what we were discussing, Shikamaru."

"Ahem." Shikamaru glanced at Kirito and began, "Based on what we know about Code, it seems that Ishiki, who still has a connection to Code, might not be an Ōtsutsuki anymore. Yet, you're certain that he is."

"That's right," Sasuke confirmed. "The evidence is that he kept the Ten Tails in another dimension. Unfortunately, I can no longer access it using space-time ninjutsu."

"The coordinates must have been altered. That's likely the headquarters of the Kara Organization," Shikamaru speculated. "So the question remains—who is Ishiki?"

Shikamaru turned to Kirito and asked, "As someone from the Ōtsutsuki clan, can you explain this?"

Kirito thought for a moment before analyzing, "It's likely that Ishiki isn't dead yet."

"Is that the Ōtsutsuki who implanted Karma into Kawaki and Jigen?" Shikamaru asked, recalling Kawaki's mention of Ishiki. "Why do you think so?"

"First, the fact that Jigen could defeat both Naruto and Sasuke indicates that his Karma had fully manifested. Otherwise, he wouldn't stand a chance against them.

"Second, if Ishiki were dead and Jigen's Karma fully activated, Jigen would have reincarnated into Ishiki. That's how Karma works—it's a mechanism that can't be altered.

"The fact that Jigen remains in human form means Ishiki isn't dead and is likely controlling Jigen's actions from behind the scenes, like a 'puppet master.'"

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances, recalling Jigen's actions. Moments later, they both nodded in realization. "So that's what it is…"

Shikamaru, still skeptical, asked, "What is it? Did you remember something?"

Naruto stood up and pointed to his abdomen. "At the end of the battle, before Jigen subdued Sasuke and me, I noticed his abdomen cracking like glass. He said something like, 'Tch, reaching the limit already.'"

Sasuke added, "That must mean Jigen couldn't handle Ishiki's power anymore. After all, he's just an enhanced human at his core."

Reflecting on Jigen's overwhelming power, Sasuke recalled how Jigen had countered their strongest attacks. This reinforced his belief that Jigen's abilities surpassed any ordinary human.

"In that case, if Jigen comes to Konoha again, we could track Ishiki's location or disrupt the signal he uses to control Jigen," Shikamaru suggested.

"I'll form a specialized team in the ninja barrier unit to shield Chakra signatures," Sai, the head of Anbu, proposed.

Naruto nodded. "Thank you, Sai."

The group discussed further details about Kara, Borō, and the alternate dimension, deciding to prioritize finding clues about Kara's base.

That evening, Naruto returned home with Boruto, Kawaki, and Kirito after Sakura's inspections confirmed his health.

Passing through the courtyard, Kirito noticed that the black rods left behind had been cleared. Only a few scars on the lawn remained.

Naruto opened the door, and Boruto yelled, "We're back!"

"Welcome back, Dad!" Himawari ran out from the living room, throwing herself into Naruto's arms. "Mom made a lot of delicious food!"

"Really? That's awesome!" Boruto shouted as he dashed toward the kitchen.

Kirito followed Naruto, observing the Hokage's modest house. I didn't notice it before, but Naruto's home feels a bit cramped. Especially for a Hokage…

"Welcome back! Oh, do we have a guest?" Hinata asked, surprised to see Kirito.

Naruto, slightly embarrassed, explained, "Kirito will be staying with us for a few days."

"Sorry to intrude," Kirito said politely.

"No problem," Hinata replied with a slightly hesitant expression. "But we don't have any spare rooms."

Before Naruto could respond, Kawaki interrupted, "It's fine. He can take my room."

"...Alright. Kirito, is that okay with you?" Naruto asked.

"It's fine with me," Kirito replied.

"Dinner's ready!" Boruto called, already seated at the table.

Since rescuing Naruto, Boruto had been in high spirits, proud of his role in saving his father.

"Boruto, did you wash your hands?" Hinata asked.

"Of course!"

"Great. Let's eat first. We can talk more tomorrow," Naruto said to Kirito. "I hope you'll enjoy the meal."

Sitting at the table, surrounded by familiar yet unfamiliar faces, Kirito felt a mix of excitement and unease. He hadn't expected Naruto to take him in so readily.

One moment, he'd been wondering if his old currency was still valid in this era; the next, he was having dinner in the Hokage's home. Life truly moved unpredictably.

With curiosity, Kirito took a bite of the food and exclaimed, "This is delicious!"

"Thank you!" Hinata said with a warm smile. "I made a feast to celebrate Naruto's safe return."

Typically, their dinners were simpler and individually plated. Tonight's gathering was special, coinciding with Kirito's arrival.

With mixed feelings of nervousness and gratitude, Kirito spent his first night in the future world at Naruto's home.

(End of Chapter)