Chapter 268: Rinnesharingan: Star Devourer

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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Without giving Ishiki a chance to speak another word, Colt decisively swung his right hand, unleashing a deadly strike.

Poof!

Ishiki's head burst open, his body collapsing to the ground like a felled tree.

For a moment, all seemed quiet. But soon, a blue glow emerged from the corpse, a stream of chakra snaking through the air, heading straight for Colt.

"Ignorant brat! Become the vessel for my resurrection!" A voice filled with hatred and desperation echoed in Colt's mind.

As an Otsutsuki, the ancient being's life force was anything but ordinary.

Even with his head obliterated, Ishiki's consciousness clung to his chakra, his spirit determined to live on.

His plan was to exploit Colt's brief moment of relief and possess his body, using it as a vessel for his revival.

In truth, Ishiki's strategy wasn't entirely out of pride—it was desperation.

He had never imagined he'd be brought to such ruin by this kid before him, and now, this was his final gambit.

But Colt didn't flinch.

He remained still, eyes cold and focused.

It was clear that he had seen through this ploy all along.

"I've been waiting for this," Colt whispered under his breath.

As the malicious chakra hovered inches from Colt's forehead, he calmly activated his technique.

"Star Devourer!"

The tomoe in Colt's Rinnesharingan spun rapidly, and his pupils deepened into a black void, pulling at the energy before him.

The distance between Colt and Ishiki's essence, though minuscule, suddenly felt insurmountable, as if a vast chasm had opened between them.

"No...!" Ishiki's voice quivered in disbelief as his chakra was halted in its tracks.

He had underestimated Colt yet again.

A violent vortex of energy formed around Colt's eye, pulling at everything—Ishiki's chakra, his soul, his consciousness—all were being consumed.

"Wait, Colt! I can give you power! Knowledge! Everything! I can give you everything" Ishiki's voice, now laced with desperation, pleaded for mercy.

But Colt's gaze remained indifferent, unwavering.

"I have no need for your gifts."

In mere moments, every trace of Ishiki was devoured, leaving nothing behind but a faint echo of the being's existence.

His death was final, and the last remnant of the once-mighty Ishiki was reduced to a desperate curse spat in Colt's direction.

"Damn you, brat! And damn Kaguya! I hope you rot in hell!"

A rush of energy coursed through Colt's right eye; it was filled with newfound strength.

He grinned slightly, satisfied with the results.

The technique— Star Devourer —was a masterpiece.

It allowed him to consume and assimilate enemy chakra, amplifying his pupil power in the process.

It bore a chilling resemblance to the power of Momoshiki, Reign of the High Emperor.

"If I had this power in another world, li would have reached a high level quite early and easier, haha" Colt mused briefly.

But such thoughts were fleeting; the present demanded his focus.

This was the first time Colt had used Star Devourer in actual combat, and it had proven overwhelmingly effective.

A secret weapon, perfectly honed for dealing with threats like the otsutsuki.

Now that the battle was over, Colt pondered his next move.

"Perhaps I can use this chakra to enhance Hinata's abilities," he thought aloud.

He wasn't interested in absorbing all of Ishiki's power for himself; while significant, it wasn't enough to shift his own capabilities.

But for someone like Hinata, it could potentially awaken her dormant lineage, allowing her to grow stronger.

After sealing Ishiki's headless body into a scroll, Colt disappeared from the desolate battlefield.

Back at the Land of Demons, Koyuki and Shion had already returned to their mansion.

They greeted Colt's arrival with casual indifference, as though it was nothing unexpected. In their eyes, Colt was invincible, and no enemy—no matter how formidable—could ever pose a real threat to him.

Colt shared brief details about his latest victory.

"The enemy was another alien. Nothing worth worrying about," he mentioned nonchalantly.

The two exchanged brief glances, their eyes widening with curiosity.

"Otsutsuki? From the same clan as Kaguya?" Koyuki asked, her curiosity piqued.

Colt nodded.

"Yes, though he was inhabiting the body of a monk from a thousand years ago. His true form is much more grotesque," Colt said, stroking his chin in thought.

Shion, on the other hand, seemed more focused on her pet companion, Ichibi, who was rubbing against her leg affectionately.

She chuckled softly, scratching its chin.

Colt smiled as he observed the now rather plump Ichibi.

"Looks like we'll need to cut back on your meals when we return," he teased.

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After resolving their affairs in the Land of Ghosts, they set off for Konoha.

Neither girl had ever been to the Hidden Leaf Village, and both were brimming with excitement.

Upon their arrival, they stood in awe of the sprawling village before them.

"This place is incredible!" Shion exclaimed as she gazed up at the Hokage Rock, where the faces of Kakashi and Colt were still being carved.

Despite Colt having held the title of Hokage for only ten days, the village insisted on carving his face alongside the other Hokages.

"As expected, there are so many people here," Koyuki remarked, amazed by the bustling streets.

Konoha's population was clearly larger than that of her homeland.

"Most of these people are tourists or merchants," Colt explained.

"Konoha has become a major trade hub since the last war. With the village alliances, it's busier than ever."

He smiled and tugged the two women by the arm.

"Come on, I'll treat you both to the best barbecue Konoha has to offer. Trust me, it's leagues better than anything you'll find elsewhere."

With that, they made their way to the village's most famous barbecue restaurant, eager to enjoy a well-earned feast after all they had been through.