Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

In the intense battle between Kirito and Isshiki, even though the chakra of the two combatants could not be sensed, the overwhelming oppressive atmosphere lingered, a constant reminder of the power clashing nearby.

The battlefield had turned eerily quiet. If not for the massive craters and ruins scattered across the ground, it would have been hard to believe that such a fierce battle had just occurred. It was as if Kirito and Isshiki had vanished entirely, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.

As Naruto prepared to question Boruto and the others about what had just transpired, he suddenly shouted, "Be careful!"

In an instant, he enveloped Boruto and the others with a protective layer of his tailed beast chakra cloak. At the same time, Sasuke activated his half-bodied Susano'o.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Out of nowhere, countless buildings materialized in midair, crashing down like torrential rain and shattering on the ground like fragile glass. A few of the falling houses even targeted their group, but thanks to the protection of the tailed beast cloak and Susano'o, no one was injured despite being buried under the debris.

"Are these... the buildings that disappeared earlier?" Sarada asked as she stared at the shattered remains of the structures.

"That's right," Sasuke responded, analyzing the situation. "These are the buildings that Isshiki had previously shrunk. But this... it doesn't feel like an attack from him. The randomness of the collapse suggests something is out of control."

Sasuke recalled the precision and menace with which Isshiki and Jigen had previously wielded the shrinking ability. It didn't align with this chaotic display. A bold theory began to form in his mind.

After clearing the debris, the group stood amidst the battlefield, now littered with the wreckage of what had once been a vibrant area. Naruto turned to Sasuke and said, "I have a guess about this."

"So do I," Sasuke replied. Their eyes met, an unspoken understanding passing between them—they had reached the same conclusion.

Sarada surveyed the ruins, her face clouded with sadness. "It's too much..." she murmured, mourning the devastation.

Standing amidst the ruins, Naruto closed his eyes, attempting to sense Kirito and Isshiki's whereabouts. Noticing his intent, Sasuke interjected, "Don't waste your energy. The Otsutsuki can't be tracked through sensory perception."

"I know," Naruto replied with a faint smile. "But it's worth a shot."

Sasuke stepped forward, retrieving a shuriken from his pouch. "Let me handle this."

"Dad, what are you doing?" Sarada asked, puzzled, as Sasuke gently tossed the shuriken into the empty air.

In a flash, Sasuke teleported to the shuriken's position using Amenotejikara, while the shuriken landed on the ground where he had previously stood.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What are you trying to prove, Sasuke?"

"Kirito is no longer in Konoha—or anywhere nearby," Sasuke explained. "During the fight, his ability blocked the use of time-space ninjutsu in the area. I discovered this when I attempted to use 'Amenotejikara' to save you. Now that it's functioning again, it means Kirito is no longer here."

"That's... an incredible ability," Naruto remarked, stroking his chin. "If he can disable time-space techniques, it would leave even Isshiki unable to escape."

Boruto, listening intently, suggested, "Maybe he lifted that restriction? Let's go find him!"

Naruto nodded. "Agreed. Let's move."

As the group prepared to leave, Boruto noticed Mitsuki scanning the surroundings intently. "Mitsuki, what are you looking for?" he asked.

Mitsuki paused, then replied, "Do you remember when all the buildings above us disappeared?"

Boruto nodded. "Yeah, but I thought that was thanks to my dad or Sasuke."

Mitsuki shook his head. "I sensed a powerful energy during that moment. It didn't belong to the Seventh Hokage, Sasuke, Kirito, or Isshiki. It seemed like someone else—something else—destroyed the buildings to save us."

"Another ally? Or a new enemy?" Boruto wondered aloud. "If they helped us, wouldn't they be a friend?"

"Maybe," Mitsuki murmured. "We'll only know once we find Kirito."

Before they could continue speculating, Sarada's voice called from ahead. "Hey! Stop lagging behind! Let's go!"

Boruto grabbed Mitsuki's arm. "Let's talk about this later. Come on!"

The group followed the trail of destruction left by Kirito and Isshiki's clash. They traversed crumbled ruins and splintered trees but found no trace of either combatant.

"They vanished," Boruto muttered. "Where could they have gone?"

Sasuke examined the bloodstains on the ground. "The real question is: who won the fight? Was it Kirito or Isshiki?"

"It has to be Kirito," Boruto insisted. "You saw how he fought!"

"If that's true, then why hasn't he returned? Shouldn't he have brought Isshiki's body back with him?" Sasuke countered.

The question left Boruto speechless. Turning to Naruto, Sasuke asked, "What's our next step? Do we assume the battle is over or wait for more information?"

Naruto deliberated before responding. "I'll consult with Shikamaru. Sasuke, you and Boruto stay here and keep searching for any sign of them. Notify me immediately if anything happens."

"Understood," Sasuke replied.

Three days passed without any news of Kirito or Isshiki. The atmosphere in Konoha grew tense. The village's leaders waited anxiously, knowing that if Isshiki returned instead of Kirito, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Kawaki remained hidden at the former Root base, a precaution against the worst-case scenario.

Finally, Kirito reappeared, making his way directly to the Hokage's office.

In the meeting room, Naruto, Shikamaru, Sasuke, and other senior officials gathered, eager for answers.

"Kirito, what happened? Where did you go?" Naruto asked.

Standing confidently, Kirito replied, "Isshiki is dead. I transported him to a separate dimension, one beyond the reach of this world, and ended him there. There's no chance of him returning."

Relief washed over Naruto. "That's great news... the threat is finally over."

The room relaxed as the weight of uncertainty lifted. But then, Kirito's tone shifted.

"Isshiki may be gone, but there are still two more hidden dangers we need to address."

(End of Chapter)