After speaking with Guang, Akira and Kaguya returned beneath the Divine Tree in the second layer of the Peach Paradise.
Akira used Wood Release to craft a small tea table.
Steam rose gently from the cups as they sat facing each other.
"About your living arrangements," Akira said, lifting his cup, "would you prefer to move to the first layer—to my village—or stay here? I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Kaguya held her tea, lowering her gaze in thought.
"…The first layer isn't suitable for planting a Divine Tree, is it?"
Akira answered honestly, "No. It would disrupt the balance of natural energy."
"In that case… I'll stay here for now."
"You don't need to base your decision on the tree," Akira said. "If you're worried, I can assign people to watch over it."
Kaguya lifted the cup to her lips, blowing lightly before taking a sip.
"The tree isn't the main reason."
"I've lived alone for too long. Returning to a crowded life all at once… feels strange."
"This place is quiet."
"I like it."
"…I see."
"Then I'll build you a palace here."
"No need."
"Palaces are cold."
"I'll build a small house beneath this tree myself."
She paused, her voice softening.
"If you have time… come visit me. Drink tea. Talk with me."
"That would be enough."
Akira smiled. "Alright."
Then he suddenly remembered something and stood up.
"There's one last loose end."
—Yomotsu Hirasaka!
Black patterns flickered—
And Black Zetsu was released from the frozen time domain.
His consciousness instantly reconnected.
"Please… don't hurt Mother!"
"…Huh? Where is this…?"
"Mo—Mother!?"
The moment he saw Kaguya, everything else disappeared from his world.
"You've… revived?"
"And… your hatred… it's gone…"
"So this is your choice…"
"…That's wonderful."
Tears streamed down his black face.
Kaguya set her cup down, frowning slightly.
Now that she had returned—
And chosen to let go of the past—
Black Zetsu had no purpose left.
He wasn't truly her child.
Just a tool created by Yin-Yang Release.
For a brief moment—
She considered erasing him.
"…Come here."
Black Zetsu crawled forward on his knees, stopping before her.
He already understood.
If my disappearance allows Mother to move forward…
Then I accept it.
"Mother… please take care of yourself…"
"I'm glad… truly glad… that I could see you like this… at the very end…"
Kaguya raised her hand.
His tearful, devoted gaze—
Overlapped with the fierce, hateful expressions of Hagoromo and Hamura from long ago.
In the end—
She couldn't bring herself to do it.
…
He has served me for a thousand years.
Even if only as a tool…
That still counts for something.
Letting go… doesn't require destruction.
Her hand slowly lowered.
"…Can you fetch water, cook, and serve tea?"
"I can't yet, Mother… but I'll learn!"
"As long as it's for you… I can do anything!"
"…Then learn."
Black Zetsu slammed his head to the ground.
Tears poured endlessly.
"…Yes…"
Just like that—
A thousand-year cause and effect…
Finally came to an end.
"Gulp."
Akira set down his tea and opened his mouth.
A scroll slid out from deep within his throat.
He spread it across the table.
"This is the summoning contract for the Gates of Peach Paradise."
There were three layers.
And three gates.
The first page—
First layer: Outer Peach Paradise.
Names inscribed: Akira, Konan, Hagoromo.
Kaguya frowned. "Hagoromo still has access?"
"Yes. His soul still lingers. Without assistance, he can't enter—but the contract remains."
The second page—
Second layer.
Only Akira's name.
"This gate is stricter. Only the living can form contracts. Souls alone cannot."
"Even Hagoromo can't enter here."
Akira looked at her.
"I'll grant you access."
"…Alright."
Kaguya pressed her hand onto the scroll.
Her name appeared beside his.
Now—
She was the only one besides Akira who could freely enter.
She glanced at the third page.
Blank.
"The third gate is broken," Akira explained. "It was already like that when I inherited this place. I've tried forming a contract… but failed."
"Maybe someday."
He rolled the scroll up and swallowed it again.
Then—
His right eye flickered.
A crystal sphere appeared in his hand.
Kaguya looked at it curiously. "What is this?"
"A viewing sphere. Enhanced with my ability."
"You can observe the first layer freely."
"Take it. For when you're bored."
"…I accept."
Akira stood.
"You're leaving?"
"Yeah. Still a lot to do."
"I'll come visit when I can."
"And if you feel like it… come find us anytime."
…
September 29th.
5:30 AM.
Thirty kilometers southeast of Konoha's temporary camp.
On a mountain peak—
"Orochimaru-sama, why stop here?"
"According to Sasuke, Naruto has gained overwhelming power."
"With his current perception… he'll notice us immediately."
"So—"
"We strike with an unexpected vanguard."
Orochimaru formed hand seals.
His hair fluttered wildly.
—Summoning: Edo Tensei!
"RUMBLE—!"
Four coffins rose from the ground.
"Orochimaru smiled faintly."
"Akira… now I'll use the contingency you left me."
"Clang—!"
The coffin lids opened.
Standing within—
Were the four Hokage of Konoha.
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