A phantom entity. After half a day of experimentation, Yuki had gained a preliminary understanding of his Stand, "Kaguya-hime."
First, Kaguya-hime was visible only to him. No one else—including members of the Hyuga clan with their Byakugan active—could see her. Yuki had tested this during the banquet by pretending to be curious about an uncle's Byakugan while quietly summoning her to verify.
Since the Byakugan couldn't perceive her, it was highly likely that the Sharingan of the same grade would also be blind to her presence. As for higher-tier eyes like the Mangekyō Sharingan, Rinnegan, or Tenseigan, that remained to be seen.
Second, while in her "incorporeal" state, not only was she invisible, but no one could physically touch her. However, when she launched an attack, she could manifest into a "corporeal" state to make contact with objects or humans. In this physical state, she could also be touched—meaning she was at risk of being attacked.
Third, Kaguya-hime could understand and execute Yuki's commands, but her innate intelligence seemed low. She didn't communicate with him proactively yet and couldn't grasp overly complex sentences. While Yuki could control her via mental intent, speaking his commands aloud resulted in better execution and understanding.
By now, Yuki had figured out almost everything about Kaguya-hime except for her ability, "Tides of the Moon." Up until now, her effectiveness seemed minimal because her base stats were abysmal... except for one thing: dispelling genjutsu.
From Yuki's understanding, ninja genjutsu primarily works by injecting chakra into a target via sound, touch, or sight to trap them in an illusion. To break it, one must either disrupt their own chakra flow or have someone else disrupt it for them—similar to inserting your own note into someone else's melody.
A more advanced method involves using external chakra, such as that of a Tailed Beast. Kaguya-hime's existence fit this criterion perfectly. When Darby had placed his hand on Yuki's head, Yuki had already ordered Kaguya-hime to "overlap" him if his state became abnormal, merging their chakras to snap him out of the illusion.
But the situation was still grim. Darby was currently sprinting out of the Hyuga compound with Yuki slung over his shoulder. They were about to leave the estate's perimeter.
If this continued, Yuki's physical safety might not be an issue—Hiashi would eventually notice and kill Darby—but that would trigger the tragic chain of events from the original story. Therefore, as much of a bastard as Darby was, he couldn't die. If he did, his death would become the Cloud's leverage for extortion.
It was truly shameless—sending an agent to kidnap someone in their own home, then demanding compensation when he gets caught and killed. Yuki wondered who gave the Cloud Village the gall to act that way.
I have to ensure my safety without anyone getting killed. Both conditions must be met.
Based on their location and speed, they would be out of the Hyuga estate in about a minute. He had to break the stalemate immediately.
"Kaguya-hime! Use your ability: Tides of the Moon!"
Yuki shouted the command in his mind, though he let a tiny sound escape his lips just in case the floating entity was "asleep"—she wasn't always the most reliable partner.
Simultaneously, the tiny figure floating beside him snapped her head up toward the full moon hanging in the night sky!
"..."
As Kaguya-hime's pure white pupils locked onto the moon, white light began to emanate from her body, shimmering like fireflies in the dark!
Here it comes! So this is "Tides of the Moon"!
The moment she began absorbing lunar energy, Yuki felt an explosive power fill her small, cute frame. Five seconds later, the white light stabilized, and her base stats underwent a massive surge!
Normal State Stats: Destructive Power: E | Speed: E | Range: E | Persistence: E | Precision: D | Development Potential: ?
Lunar-Absorbed State Stats: Destructive Power: C | Speed: C | Range: B | Persistence: B | Precision: C | Development Potential: ?
Her attributes had increased several times over, especially in Range and Persistence.
Typically, an E-rank Range Stand cannot leave the user's body. A D-rank can move within a five-meter radius, and a C-rank can extend to ten meters. An B-rank, however, increases that to roughly thirty meters.
In other words, Kaguya-hime could now roam freely within a thirty-meter radius, and she possessed a significant degree of offensive power. As for the strength of that power...
BOOM!
Just as Darby was about to leap out of the Hyuga estate, the perfectly beautiful eaves above his head suddenly let out a massive roar and shattered into splinters!
The Hyuga architecture was traditional wood and very open; such a loud noise traveled far in the silent night. The estate was surrounded by secret guards. While they might ignore a crying child, a massive explosion was a different story.
"Dammit! What happened?!"
Darby's naturally squinty eyes widened in shock as he stared at the shattered roof. He hadn't seen anyone attack!
Regardless, his plan to retreat quietly was ruined. The Hyuga guards would be on him in seconds.
Kaguya-hime's destructive power is decent, at least in this state, Yuki noted.
Though Darby couldn't see a thing, Yuki saw it clearly. Under his mental command, the tiny figure had flown away from him at high speed, charged the eaves, and delivered a single palm strike.
That one strike had blasted a hole large enough for a person to crawl through, sending wood and tiles flying! If that hit a human, they certainly wouldn't walk away. Of course, that was for ordinary people; against a ninja, it might not be as effective.
Still, with Kaguya-hime being able to exert force, Yuki was no longer helpless. Otherwise, a three-year-old would have zero resistance against a Jōnin.
Crap! I have to move fast, or if I get surrounded... Darby thought.
"What was that noise? Over there! Move!"
While Darby was panicking, the sound of footsteps echoed from the rooftops nearby, rapidly closing in. The Hyuga secret guards were top-tier experts, easily on par with the village's Anbu.
Darby had only managed to infiltrate this far because of his years as a sleeper agent. If he was caught now, there would be no escape.
I have to go all out! Lightning Style: Lightning Phantom Body!
Realizing the guards were closing in, Darby knew he couldn't sneak away anymore. He immediately activated his signature Lightning Style ninjutsu, boosting his movement speed to its absolute limit!