Chapter 252.1 : Talk about the Past!!

"It's quite a sight to see an Ōtsutsuki Isshiki taken down by a simple Shadow Clone Technique..."

Urashiki watched the footage from somewhere in the ninja world, his eyes filled with disdain. He found it hard to believe that someone like Momoshiki and Isshiki had managed to rise to the top of the Ōtsutsuki hierarchy.

These guys were arrogant, sure, but they weren't particularly bright. He couldn't help but laugh at the fact that Isshiki had been taken out by one of his own subordinates—Kaguya.

 To him, that was the ultimate slap in the face.

"The ending in the video is fitting," Urashiki thought with a smirk. "This might just be my chance to move up the ranks."

The corner of Urashiki's mouth twisted into a devious grin. Now was the perfect time to make his move. 

"Maybe it's time I meet Uchiha Madara in person!" he mused. "After all, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests."

To Urashiki, the God Tree fruit was worth pursuing, and the downfall of others just made it all the sweeter.

"There's no such thing as low-level power. When used correctly, any ability can be a game-changer in combat," he concluded. It was a lesson worth learning.

Meanwhile, at the Marine headquarters, Sengoku sighed heavily. Kizaru seated on other side nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, there's no such thing as a useless Devil Fruit," he agreed. "Those who think otherwise are destined for failure."

Garp, who sat nearby munching on donuts, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at their serious tones. 

A Buddha-Form human fruit and a Sparkling fruit—two of the most powerful fruits in existence—and they were talking about waste? He had to chuckle at the irony.

[The world had gone completely silent. As Kawaki stood amidst the swirling white dust, he felt a wave of relief unlike anything he'd experienced before. 

It was as if the sword of Damocles, long hanging over his head, had finally been shattered.

Suddenly remembering something, Kawaki ran to Naruto's side, his face pale with worry. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice unsteady.

Sasuke stumbled over, concern etched across his face. He knew Naruto better than anyone, and the power that had just exploded was far from normal, even beyond Isshiki. It had to come at a cost.

But before anyone could respond, a yellow flash zipped by them, leaving a trail of uncertainty in its wake.

Boruto lunges forward, driving a kunai into Sasuke's Rinnegan. As Sasuke recoils in shock, Boruto leaps back, his eyes now filled with a sinister light. 

Naruto watches in horror, unable to comprehend that his own son could do something so unthinkable.

In the next instant, a dark voice emerges from Boruto's throat, filled with malice and arrogance: "I never thought you'd actually beat Isshiki!"

The consciousness belonging to Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki awakens within Boruto, taking control.

Sasuke readies himself to engage in battle once more, but his body betrays him. 

He collapses as he's hit by a Rasengan that seemed to come from nowhere, leaving only Kawaki to stand against Momoshiki's onslaught.

Momoshiki's target is Kawaki, who is now 80% Ōtsutsuki, perfect for feeding the Ten Tails.

However, Momoshiki miscalculates; Kawaki uses a ninjutsu that engulfs him in flames, forcing Momoshiki to absorb chakra with his Karma. 

This sudden surge of chakra awakens Boruto's consciousness, forcing Momoshiki's spirit back into slumber.

With the immediate threat gone, the group rushes to Naruto's side, only to find him unconscious. As the dust settles, a figure stirs on the water's edge. 

It's Naruto, who breathes a sigh of relief—not because he survived, but because he sees Kurama, the Nine Tails, beside him, as he always has been.

"Thank goodness I'm still alive," Naruto says softly. "I was afraid I wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye."

Kurama's voice rumbles in response: "You know, our time is running out."

Naruto's expression becomes solemn, but he doesn't panic. He simply replies with a hint of disappointment: "I know. I just wish I could've said goodbye to Himawari and Hinata."

He then forces a smile: "But I guess Boruto and Kawaki won't have to worry about me anymore. They'll find their own way, just like me and Sasuke did."

Kurama's ears perk up with curiosity: "You mean like you and Sasuke?" he asks.

Naruto nods. "Maybe. Though Sasuke had a cool older brother, I always wished I had one too. But I guess I've had you by my side all along."

Kurama seems taken aback by this. He gazes at Naruto, watching the image of the little boy he'd known grow into the man sitting in front of him. 

The realization of their bond causes Kurama to shift uncomfortably, as if trying to hide his emotions.

"Hmph, are you feeling down? This isn't like you at all." Naruto's tone was light, but it was clear he sensed that Nine Tails, or Kurama, was troubled.

Kurama, as if trying to hide his emotions, spoke calmly, "At this final moment, let's talk about the past, just you and me." 

The fox's voice was softer than usual.

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