Chapter 172: Fishing
Kaguya lifted her teacup for a light sip, concealing that trace of subtle displeasure in her heart.
She frowned slightly. "What do you plan to do?"
"Find them, or lure them here." Yu's tone was very calm.
"The Otsutsuki hide their whereabouts well." Kaguya shook her head. "Even I can't locate them in the vast universe."
Yu: "Then lure them here."
Kaguya couldn't help reminding, "This is very dangerous. It might attract all Otsutsuki in this star sector. Life-bearing planets are already scarce in the universe. Ones like Earth with such strong life signals are even rarer... It might draw several main family members."
"Perfect for catching them all in one net." Yu interrupted with indifferent expression. "Saves trouble later."
This statement made Kaguya suddenly realize something.
She studied Yu's seemingly calm face carefully, a thought surfacing. "Your injuries... can they not wait?"
Yu nodded lightly.
Kaguya's heart grew increasingly confused.
This human differed from all humans she'd encountered—why, in life's final moments, wouldn't he seek survival or enjoy remaining time but instead drag his broken body to battle unknown enemies? Even the Otsutsuki clan wouldn't treat their own lives so carelessly.
Truly a strange human.
Yu raised his eyes toward her. "You seem to be thinking something discourteous."
He could sense Kaguya's confusion.
How could he not want to linger in this world a while longer? If he could accompany loved ones even one more minute or second, that would be good.
But having mastered soul techniques, he'd repeatedly verified—this injury's root wasn't at the physical level. Most of his soul had already been devoured by the Pure Land, becoming that realm's nourishment.
His current self resembled more the lingering shadow left in the mortal world by Impure World Reincarnation, barely driving this increasingly decaying shell.
Every minute, every second, he could sense his essential existence slowly dissipating. Like sand in an hourglass—no matter how one tried holding on, it would ultimately return to nothingness.
Since the ending was already determined, then before completely disappearing, he'd clear the final threat for his family, for this planet. At least this way, everything he cared about could remain safe in the future.
Yu reined in his thoughts, suppressing that fleeting sentimentality back into his heart's depths. He raised his eyes toward Kaguya, gaze recovering its usual calm.
Having her thoughts seen through, Kaguya felt rare embarrassment. This human seemed able to easily perceive her thoughts and feelings.
Kaguya finally stated the method. "I can release the God Tree fruit's chakra fluctuations. All Otsutsuki responsible for this star sector will be attracted—no Otsutsuki can resist the God Tree fruit's temptation."
Seeing Yu's expression remain unchanged, she couldn't help reminding again, "But the consequences of doing this, I've already explained very clearly before."
"How long will it take?"
"As short as several days, but no more than a month at most." Kaguya considered her wording. "Space travel has too many variables. However..." She paused. "Once they receive the signal, they'll definitely rush here at maximum speed."
"Then let's begin."
Kaguya gazed at him. "You're certain about doing this? Even if you might face siege from multiple Otsutsuki nobles?"
"Stop being wishy-washy."
The guest room fell into brief silence.
Kaguya could sense beneath his calm exterior that unshakeable determination. She said no more, forming an ancient seal before her chest with both hands.
Light purple chakra slowly rose from within her, condensing into strange light patterns in the air. That radiance was neither dazzling nor eye-catching yet carried some palpitation originating from the universe's source, as though a sleeping heart was gradually awakening.
"The signal has been sent." Kaguya withdrew the technique, complexion slightly pale. "Now, we only need to wait."
Just then, Yoya's crisp voice came from outside the guest room.
"Mother, are you finished talking? I want snacks."
Kaguya and Yu's eyes met. The previously heavy atmosphere instantly dissipated.
She rose to pull open the door, seeing her daughter on tiptoes peeking inside.
"We're finished." Kaguya responded gently, reaching out to ruffle Yoya's hair.
Yoya happily grasped Mother's hand before smiling sweetly at Yu. "Will Uncle Yu also eat snacks with us? I brewed tea."
Yu shook his head warmly. "Thank you, but no need. I've intruded long enough. I should take my leave."
Just as his words fell, Yu left this place.
As Yu's figure vanished in spatial distortion, mother and daughter simultaneously sighed with relief.
Though Kaguya could maintain composure, Yoya had already gone limp on the ground.
Though not losing composure to the point of wetting herself like their first meeting, Uchiha Yu's existence still made her heart palpitate.
Kaguya bent down to gently lift her daughter. Yoya sensed Mother's embrace's warmth as her rapid breathing gradually calmed.
"Mother," she asked softly, "what were you discussing with Uchiha Yu just now?"
Kaguya didn't hide anything, telling her daughter everything about their earlier conversation.
After hearing, Yoya was greatly shocked, her small head rapidly processing.
Finally reaching a conclusion—they currently faced dual crises:
If Yu couldn't defeat the main family's assault, they'd inevitably suffer. But if Yu successfully annihilated all enemies, given his limited remaining time, would he conveniently eliminate Mother as a potential threat? After all, in Yoya's understanding, besides Yu, no existence was stronger than Kaguya.
She anxiously grasped Mother's arm. "Mother, let's leave this planet! It's no longer safe here."
Kaguya shook her head gently. "If not here, where else could we go?"
Before finishing her words, she suddenly felt moisture on her fingertips. Looking down, Yoya was blushing while tightly pressing her legs together—beneath that cute little dress's hem, a small patch of dark water stain had already spread.
"Yoya," Kaguya sighed helplessly. "You wet yourself again."
Yoya's small face instantly flushed crimson, burying her face in Mother's embrace with shame.
While also regretting—she shouldn't have molded her body so young. This loli body was far too sensitive.
Yet Kaguya showed no intention of reproach, only gently patting her back. Her fingertips glowed with faint chakra light—the damp fabric instantly recovered dryness.
"Mother..." Yoya's voice was muffled against Kaguya's chest. "Can't we really leave?"
Kaguya sat on the sofa holding her daughter, gaze toward the prosperous Konoha village scenery outside.
"The universe is vast, yet places willing to accept us aren't many." She gently stroked her daughter's hair. "And..."
She recalled Yu's earlier conversation manner.
That seemingly calm human—clearly already standing at life's end yet still planning a final battle to protect this planet.
"And," Kaguya collected her thoughts, "we should trust Uchiha Yu."
Yoya raised her head in surprise. "Why? He's clearly so terrifying..."
"Precisely because he's powerful, he's more trustworthy." Kaguya's tone was very calm. "The strong don't need to play conspiracies. If he truly wanted to harm me, he would have acted long ago."
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