Years passed, and I grew up within the Otsutsuki clan, daily confronted with its ruthless cruelty. Despite my young age, I quickly developed formidable power that made me a feared and respected being among my peers.
As a member of the Otsutsuki nobility, I enjoyed certain privileges. Elite training, access to the clan's secret knowledge, growing influence... All assets that allowed me to establish my supremacy over my fellow beings.
I grew up in an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility, despite coming from a prestigious lineage. My clan kept me at arm's length, fearing my limitless potential. But I couldn't care less. Already proud and ambitious, I relished in my superiority and cultivated my solitude.
The years went by, and my power continued to grow. At the age of 5, I already mastered techniques that would have made even the most seasoned veterans of the clan envious. My combat genius commanded respect but also stirred jealousy, especially among the other children of noble descent.
I reached the age of 10, feared and revered by my peers. But despite my accomplishments, boredom crept in. I longed for a challenge worthy of my talent. That's when I heard about Kaguya, a 7-year-old girl from a lower branch of the clan.
"Hmm, destiny can be so ironic at times. Who would have thought, the goddess Kaguya was actually just an insignificant being. I wonder how she managed to reach such levels of power," I thought as I strolled casually towards the lower quarters, to meet our dear goddess.
As I searched for her, I found her in a secluded corner, surrounded by a gang of little brutes led by Momoshiki. One of the offspring of nobility, just like me. I knew him by reputation, but he had never interested me as an individual.
"So, the mistake of nature, still incapable of defending yourself? You are the disgrace of the Otsutsuki!" Momoshiki sneered as he roughly pulled Kaguya's hair. The girl gritted her teeth to hold back her tears, but the pain and humiliation were evident in her eyes. This sight was truly pathetic.
With a casual gesture, I pushed aside Momoshiki and stood in front of Kaguya.
"I think that's enough for today, Momoshiki," I declared in a cold tone.
"Akira! This is none of your business! This good-for-nothing should learn her place!" he retorted vehemently.
I gave him a frosty look.
"Her place? I'd say she's already above trash like you. Now, disappear from my sight."
Consumed by rage, Momoshiki lunged at me, fist raised, ready to strike. But I deftly dodged the attack with unsettling ease, shifting slightly to the side, letting his fist cut through the air just inches from my face.
With a swift and precise movement, I grabbed Momoshiki's hand, intertwining our fingers. Taking advantage of his bewilderment, I delivered a devastating right hook to his solar plexus. My fist remained lodged in his stomach for a few seconds, cutting off his breath and breaking his ribs.
Slowly withdrawing my hand, I looked at Momoshiki with undisguised disdain as he spat blood, doubled over in excruciating pain. Turning to his stunned lackeys, I coldly ordered:
"Out of my sight. Immediately."
His henchmen hastened to obey, supporting a staggering and deeply humiliated Momoshiki. I turned my back on them, ready to continue on my way. But before I could take a step, I heard a timid voice.
Kaguya looked up at me with a mix of fear and gratitude.
"T-thank you for helping me. I know I am weak. Everyone hates and despises me," she stammered.
I sniffed with disdain.
"Make no mistake, I did not help you out of kindness. I simply cannot stand seeing worthless beings like Momoshiki strut around. As for your weakness... you truly are useless as an Otsutsuki," I replied acerbically.
Then, after a brief silence, I added:
"If you no longer wish to be treated as a good-for-nothing, become strong. And if you feel incapable of achieving that on your own, then come find me. What do you say?"
Kaguya, both fascinated and terrified, nodded slowly. She did not yet grasp the extent of the commitment she was making. But one thing was certain: her life had just irreversibly shifted. Because I never did things by halves. I was going to shape this girl in my image.
Even if it meant annihilating the last vestiges of her innocence and compassion. The weak had no place by my side. And I was determined to make Kaguya a survivor in my image, a ruthless and unwavering fighter.