Sun God Star
After checking Naruto and Sasuke's mental states, Hyuga Hitoshi could tell from their responses that this experiment—using the Infinite Tsukuyomi to train mental resilience—was a success.
Even though Naruto was acting as clueless as ever, the training had strengthened his mind and solidified his beliefs. With that level of determination, the mass-produced, downgraded chakra fruits made with time manipulation wouldn't have any negative effects on them.
Naruto's current demeanor wasn't exactly an act, but it was similar to how Senju Hashirama behaved—appearing carefree on the surface while hiding overwhelming power underneath. The moment he got serious, his opponents would feel an unbearable pressure.
That being said, while the "downgraded" Infinite Tsukuyomi worked well as a training method, Hyuga Hitoshi noticed a few flaws.
For example, even though time could be fast-forwarded, each session still took several days to complete. Efficiency-wise, this kind of "life simulation" might not be suitable for everyone.
Hmm, Danzo's life trials might be a better alternative.
In the end, Hyuga Hitoshi decided to rewrite the script using Danzo's life as a model. The new script would serve as the final mental test for the Great Ninja Competition. Everything would start from the moment Danzo hesitated, unable to voice his resolve.
Naruto and Sasuke's Limited Tsukuyomi was originally just a spur-of-the-moment experiment. But fate was funny that way. The two brothers, bound by destiny, had unwittingly put on a grand performance for Hyuga Hitoshi right before the Great Ninja Competition's main event.
And their teamwork in "giving away their mother" was so smooth that even the great Sun God himself was left speechless.
As for the gains? Aside from valuable experiment data, he had also somehow acquired a freshly revived "Little Pepper."
Hyuga Hitoshi glanced at Kushina, who had been fully resurrected but still looked a bit conflicted. He didn't push the matter. After all, in the Limited Tsukuyomi, even peppers could be reshaped to a special form. The body was already in place—now it was just a matter of time.
The experiment had taken quite a while. Naruto and Sasuke's "two lives" had even overlapped and caused a brief fusion of worlds. But to someone of Hyuga Hitoshi's level, decades inside the Tsukuyomi world had only been three days in reality.
He was more than satisfied with this little side show. So much so that when Yugito reminded him about work, he was still smiling.
"Hitoshi-sama, today is the start of the Great Ninja Competition's main event. According to your schedule, besides giving a speech, you'll also be holding a public trial for Gamamaru and Otsutsuki Hagoromo before the event begins. Public interest in this matter remains high.
"Additionally, the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure has sent a message, saying they're fully prepared to welcome your grand entrance."
Brother Fugaku really knew how to ride the hype wave.
Once he confirmed that the public trial of the Sage of Six Paths would take place in Konoha before the competition, he didn't waste a second. He immediately contacted the First Hokage, paid out of pocket, and had Hashirama build a new venue overnight.
Hashirama, ever the cheerful worker, happily put in some overtime—then casually lost all his earnings at the Konoha casino, where the money conveniently flowed right back into Fugaku's hands.
Basically, he had scammed free labor out of the First Hokage.
But that wasn't really an issue. Fugaku knew what he was doing.
And just as Yugito said, the title of "Sage of Six Paths" carried significant weight. He was a well-known legend across the ninja world. Now, he had suddenly appeared—and even stood in opposition to the Sun God Kingdom. There were definitely hidden truths worth investigating.
"By the way, Hiashi-sama suggested combining the trial with your speech at the Great Ninja Competition. He praised your generosity but also asked the secretary team to prepare countermeasures—just in case the Sage of Six Paths says anything unexpected."
Yugito hesitated before speaking.
After spending so much time around Hyuga Hitoshi, she was no longer a political novice. Even though Hiashi's words were phrased awkwardly, she understood the real meaning behind them.
Times have changed. Even Hyuga Hitoshi's closest clan brothers now treat him with respect and obedience. Words are an art, and perhaps Hiashi has a talent for politics. His words were a subtle reminder to Hyuga Hitoshi—before the public trial, he should make sure Rikudou Sennin and Gamamaru stay under control, only saying what they should and keeping their mouths shut about anything that might cause division.
A restriction like that was something he believed the Sun God could easily enforce—the real question was whether he wanted to.
Besides, there was no real need to put Rikudou Sennin and Gamamaru's trial on public display. They could just be dealt with in secret, sentenced behind closed doors, and executed. A simple announcement afterward would be enough. A public trial was too risky.
"Hiashi, what's with this Sarutobi-style thinking?"
Hyuga Hitoshi chuckled helplessly. That guy had grown over the years, but deep down, he was still too conservative.
Damn it. I'll make sure he gets the full Sarutobi experience and learns what it's like to deal with those annoying bears!
"The Sun God Kingdom is not Konohagakure, and I am not the useless Third Hokage. I don't fear opposition!"
As Teuchi opened the portal to Earth, the great Sun God stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the depths of space. His unstoppable presence radiated naturally from him, leaving Pepper in a daze. She instinctively pressed her legs together.
"Besides, Hiashi has always misunderstood one thing."
Hyuga Hitoshi raised his hand, pointing toward Earth with a calm expression.
"Whether it's the Five Great Nations or the smaller ones, everything in the ninja world—except for the Sun God Kingdom—was never about us asking to protect them. It was always them begging us!"
"As rulers, we must never mix up that concept."
With the ninja world in crisis and the Otsutsuki clan lurking in the shadows, if someone actually listened to Rikudou Sennin's words during the trial and turned against the Sun God Kingdom at such a critical moment, then they simply had a death wish.
In short, they were asking for it.
Besides, Hyuga Hiashi's worries were unnecessary. The reason the public trial of Rikudou Sennin and Gamamaru was attracting attention wasn't because people doubted the Sun God Kingdom. Most were just curious. Seeing a figure who had been dead for a thousand years appear again felt unreal. Once they saw his true nature, their beliefs would shatter—they wouldn't admire him, let alone follow his example.
Ninja World.
Konohagakure was unusually lively today.
The trial venue, which had been built through overtime work, was now packed. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that over 90% of the ninja world's elites were gathered here. Their expressions varied—some were excited because they had passed the preliminaries, while others, eliminated from the competition, had gone from contestants to spectators.
Qualifying for the main event wasn't easy. It filtered out those who were just there to make up the numbers. But even those who failed didn't need to despair. In the new ninja world, everyone had a place. With different strengths and talents, not everyone had to focus on combat.
The new ninja world and the Sun God Kingdom had plenty of roles beyond fighting—people like Orochimaru, with his research skills, or those suited for government positions, were in high demand. As long as someone performed well, they would still earn respect.
Of course, there was no denying that standing out in the Grand Ninja Tournament, receiving the Sun God Seal, and joining the Sun God Guard was an irresistible honor. It was understandable that those who failed would feel disappointed.
"Uh… are you saying we might have to speak later?"
In a corner of the venue, the three Otsutsuki members looked utterly confused as they stared at Uchiha Madara, struggling to understand what the Second Squad's construction leader was saying.
What did he mean by "a chance to prove loyalty"?
My sister was sent to the maid selection competition—doesn't that already prove our loyalty?
Just imagining his sister being humiliated by those disgusting, lowly Earthlings made Otsutsuki Momoshiki's face twist with rage. Fortunately, Urashiki and Isshiki, standing beside him, were reasonable enough to hold him back. After suppressing Momoshiki, Isshiki turned to Uchiha Madara, waiting for him to continue.
"You three bear the name Otsutsuki. We all know what that means."
Uchiha Madara spoke calmly.
"But you're different. Despite being Otsutsuki, you've chosen to serve the Sun God. You can't blame us for being suspicious. After all, when fighting the Otsutsuki clan, suddenly having three of their own people in our ranks is bound to raise doubts. That's why the tests for you will be tougher."
"Besides…"
Uchiha Madara's expression turned serious as he scanned the three men's faces.
"Who was it that swore their loyalty because of the Sun God's unmatched charisma? Who said they submitted from the bottom of their hearts and that the Sun God was their idol?"
"This is one of the rare moments when you get to stand before the Sun God and prove your devotion. This is an honor that few Sun God Guards ever get. And you're hesitating?"
Hearing that, the three Otsutsuki members lowered their heads in shame.
But then, Urashiki suddenly realized something. His eyes widened in shock as he looked at Uchiha Madara.
"Wait… are you saying we're already part of the Sun God Guard?"
The Sun God Guard!
At that moment, Urashiki and Momoshiki's faces lit up with excitement.
No further explanation was needed.
News about the Sun Guard is always shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: they are the closest and most trusted force under the Sun God. They will also be the main force in the future battle against the Otsutsuki clan.
But that's not the key point. The real shocker is the rumor that every member of the Sun Guard has a Sun God Seal!
You don't even have to risk your life in the Great Ninja Tournament to get one?
Seriously?
I thought the selection for the Sun Guard was supposed to be extremely strict. So why does it seem so easy for them?
"I'm not entirely sure of the details, but Black Zetsu told me that Lady Kaguya is very pleased with your sister and even mentioned it to the Sun God."
So the Sun Guard has a backdoor entry option too—if you happen to have a beautiful sister. And not just any sister, but one of the two "flowers" from the Otsutsuki homeworld, someone who was once at odds with Kaguya.
Of course, the Sun God's maid squad is technically his reserve harem, but when they first join, their status is nowhere near that of the divine consorts. Especially now—Momoshiki's sister barely got into the selection through connections, and whether she can become an official maid is still uncertain.
At that exact moment, as Hyuga Hitoshi returned to Earth and Kaguya passed by the maid selection site on her way to testify at the public trial, their eyes met.
Two women who had been rivals back on the Otsutsuki homeworld.
Kaguya, ever so magnanimous, immediately took Otsutsuki Myouying under her wing as a personal maid.
Fate is always strange and unpredictable.
But what the three from Momoshiki's group will never know is that while it seemed like they were only accepted into the Sun Guard due to Momoshiki's sister's "sacrifice," in reality, the deal had already been set from the start.
Even without Otsutsuki Myouying, they would have still made it into the Sun Guard.
After all, they are living, breathing Otsutsuki—perfect as an example to warn the ninja world, a symbol of the enemy, and a motivation for the ninja world to move forward.
"Evil outsider! My prophecy has never been wrong. Your existence is the source of this world's disaster! The chaos you've brought is unforgivable!"
There was no doubt who was speaking.
It could only be the Great Toad Sage.
As Hyuga Hitoshi appeared in the public trial, this was the first thing that ugly old toad said in front of everyone.
Even the revived Sage of Six Paths, standing beside him, was momentarily stunned.
He had heard the Toad Sage say similar things before, but he always thought it was just a smear campaign against Hyuga Hitoshi.
Why was the toad still going on about this?
But the Sage of Six Paths was not the Toad Sage.
He didn't understand the Toad Sage's way of thinking.
The so-called "Sacred Lands" weren't just hyped up by the three Great Sages—they had real power. The snakes of Ryuchi Cave could cultivate into humanoid forms, the White Snake Sage's healing abilities could regrow limbs, and the Great Toad Sage's prophecies were real.
These abilities were part of natural energy cultivation and remnants of Earth's ancient power.
But the problem was, the Toad Sage could only see fragments, and it was never certain whether they were real or not.
It hadn't had a prophetic dream in centuries.
Until last night.
For the first time in ages, the Toad Sage slept—and saw a completely different ninja world.
A world where the Sun God Kingdom didn't exist.
A world where two prophesied children saved everything, following the script laid out for them.
The Toad Sage had even given Naruto hints in that dream, telling him to seek out the octopus.
And now, even after waking up, the dream still felt unbelievably real.
Of course, if the Toad Sage were to say this out loud, Hyuga Hitoshi would probably just ask if it got trapped in Infinite Tsukuyomi too.
But the Toad Sage kept silent.
It had realized something.
What if that world—the one without Hyuga Hitoshi—was the real world?
And what if this world had been altered by an outsider?
For a moment, the Toad Sage was shaken by its own thoughts.
An outsider...
Just like the Otsutsuki once were.
Could someone have used a reincarnation method similar to the Otsutsuki's Karma Seal?
Was Hyuga Hitoshi's body just a vessel for something else?
The mysterious Sun God Seal, his unnatural obsession with humanoid female beings, and that golden Tenseigan no one had ever seen before...
The answer was becoming clear.
"He does not belong in this world! He is an outsider who brings disaster! I have seen the truth in my prophecy!"
Bound tightly, the Toad Sage roared in anger, speaking words that only Hyuga Hitoshi truly understood.
And in that moment, Hyuga Hitoshi finally recognized that the legacy of Mount Myoboku wasn't entirely useless.
Just like the priestess of the Land of Demons, his divine consort Miroku, the Toad Sage also possessed an ancient ability.
Miroku, like the Toad Sage, had a similar power of prophecy.
And she could see far more than the toad could.
The ninja world always had a way of delivering unexpected surprises.
But faced with the Toad Sage's accusations, Hyuga Hitoshi remained completely unfazed.
He let the Toad Sage scream and try to stir the crowd into turning against him.
But it was pointless.
No matter how much it shouted, the entire trial hall remained silent, their gazes cold and unreadable.
Did no one believe the Toad Sage?
No.
Maybe they actually agreed with it.
After all, the ninja world had never seen someone as ridiculously powerful as Hyuga Hitoshi.
Maybe he really was an outsider.
But just like when Kaguya descended from the sky and ended the wars, earning the title of the Rabbit Goddess...
The Sun God had done even more.
He had brought lasting peace to the ninja world.
And aside from his obsession with female humanoid beings, he had shown no greed or ambition.
Under his rule, the ninja world had only gotten better.
He was the Sun God.
The one and only divine ruler of this world.
His vision was admirable.
His presence was unquestionable.
"Are you done talking?"
Finally, after Gamamaru ran out of energy, Hyuga Hitoshi spoke calmly.
"Maybe from your perspective, everything you did was justified, but is that really the case?"
Why combine the speech from the public trial with the Ninja World Tournament?
No special reason.
Today, after confirming that Limited Tsukuyomi could enhance mental strength and help people withstand the effects of a weaker version of the Chakra Fruit, Hyuga Hitoshi decided to lay everything out clearly.
In the past, discussions about the Otsutsuki clan were only touched upon during the Five Kage Summit. But now, his speech would serve as the official stance for the ninja world, the Otsutsuki clan, and future enemies.
Besides revealing the truth about the Otsutsuki, he also made it clear that the ultimate goal of the Ninja World Tournament was to select new members for the Divine Guard—an elite force dedicated to protecting Earth and the Sun God Kingdom, tasked with fighting against the Otsutsuki.
"It all started a thousand years ago..."
This time, Hyuga Hitoshi held nothing back. His explanation was even more detailed than what Konan had said during the Five Kage Summit. He covered everything—from Kaguya and Isshiki arriving on Earth a thousand years ago, their split, Kaguya's decision to protect Earth, her tragic fate of being sealed by her own sons, to how Gamamaru aligned himself with the Earth's side and played a role in the heroic narrative created by the Sage of Six Paths.
As he spoke, he laid out everything from a thousand years ago to the present, finally exposing the Otsutsuki clan completely.
A clan that drained planets dry by planting Divine Trees was now out in the open for all to see!
"You're up!"
At that moment, three "traitors" of the Otsutsuki clan—who had defected and pledged loyalty—were shoved onto the stage. These three had been swayed by the charisma of the Sun God and now stood there, completely bewildered.
Without a doubt, as they stood on stage and looked at the countless eyes staring at them, their expressions darkened.
Of course, nothing in this world comes for free.
Damn it, they knew joining the Divine Guard wouldn't be that simple!
If they ever got the chance to return to their home planet, their defection would be an undeniable crime punishable by death!
But did they have a choice now?
Obviously not!
The only path left was to go all the way—to reach the Sun God Kingdom's core and uncover the true secret of the Sun God. There was no turning back.
"The Otsutsuki clan... is an inherently evil race!"
Finally, under immense pressure, Otsutsuki Momoshiki decided to go all in and blurted it out. His words immediately influenced the emotions of his two companions.