Emperor of Mankind (Naruto X Marvel )

Chapter 32: Chapter 32



Hinata's heart swelled with determination as the first successful strike against the artificial sun gave her hope. Fueled by her newfound resolve, she began uprooting more trees and carving them into spears, her hands moving swiftly with purpose. Each spear was etched with explosive seals crafted from her blood—her ingenuity compensating for the lack of chakra.

However, her persistent attacks did not go unnoticed. The defense system of the artificial sun activated, and the peaceful silence of the strange world shattered as giant winged creatures emerged from the skies. These monstrous birds, grotesque amalgamations of organic and mechanical design, were Otsutsuki puppets—guardians programmed to eliminate intruders. Their powerful wings stirred violent gusts as they descended upon Hinata, their screeches echoing across the sea.

Far above, Toneri Otsutsuki observed the unfolding events through the surveillance systems of his domain. At first, he had been alerted by the system of an intruder, and he prepared himself for the worst. However, his concern turned to intrigue when he realized the intruder's powers were sealed. Through the advanced technology at his disposal, he could hear her voice and even the thoughts lingering in her mind.

Her voice was soft yet strong, carrying an unyielding resolve that struck a chord within him. Her thoughts, filled with hope and determination, captivated him.

"Beautiful… gentle, like an angel," Toneri thought to himself. "Who is this woman? Is she from the accursed world below, or some other hidden part of this vast universe?" Though he could not see her, he felt an inexplicable pull toward her essence. He had never encountered someone like her before.

Meanwhile, the monstrous birds closed in on Hinata, their talons gleaming with deadly precision. Without chakra to defend herself, the situation seemed dire. Each of these creatures was strong enough to challenge a Jounin-level shinobi, and Hinata, despite her physical prowess, was at a severe disadvantage.

Anticipating the worst, Toneri decided to intervene. He commanded the birds to retreat and sent a puppet of himself to capture her instead. The puppet, a lifelike representation of Toneri, was powered by advanced Otsutsuki technology rather than chakra, allowing him to observe and interact with Hinata without expending his own energy.

But Hinata was not one to surrender easily. As the birds turned to retreat, she hurled her spears toward them with precision. The explosive seals she had drawn activated upon impact, engulfing the sky in fiery blasts that disintegrated the monstrous puppets. Shrapnel rained down as Hinata leaped into action, taking advantage of the chaos.

The seal on her power had forced Hinata to draw explosive fuinjutsu seals on to the spear with her blood and with a single line, they activated when she threw them.

Hinata had soaked the spear in her blood which contained the chakra she had made, and with her new enormous and powerful reserves the effect was clear.

Spotting one of the surviving birds in the distance, she sprang into the air and landed on its back with practiced agility. She gripped tightly to the creature's feathers as it struggled to regain control. Using its movements to her advantage, she hurled another spear at the false sun, the force of the explosion shaking the skies.

One by one, Hinata destroyed the birds, her actions a blend of grace and raw power. She moved like a force of nature, leaping from one creature to another as the horizon lit up with fiery detonations. In total, six massive explosions reverberated across the strange world, each one powerful enough to level a city. Yet, despite her efforts, the barrier surrounding the artificial sun remained intact.

Exhausted and drenched in sweat, Hinata realized she was reaching her limit. Blood loss from crafting the seals, combined with the relentless exertion, left her body weak. As one of the birds dove toward her, she braced for the worst, expecting her end to come at any moment.

Instead, she felt a sudden shift in the air as she was gently plucked from the battlefield. Toneri's puppet descended, cradling her with care. The voice that reached her ears was calm and reassuring.

"Don't struggle. I won't harm you," the puppet said. Though its appearance was lifelike, Hinata could not discern that it was a mere puppet.

Her instincts screamed at her to remain cautious, but her body betrayed her. She was too weak to fight back. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

"I am Toneri Otsutsuki, the owner of this land. And you?" Toneri's voice was smooth, filled with a quiet curiosity. He couldn't see her directly but sensed her presence through the puppet's sensors. His tone was gentle, trying to put her at ease.

"… Hinata," she responded, her voice soft yet guarded.

"I see you are on edge," Toneri noted with a slight smile. "I understand. But worry not—you'll find that I'm a good host."

Hinata remained silent, her mind racing as the puppet carried her higher into the sky. She watched in awe as they approached the false sun, passing through its barrier effortlessly. Beyond the shimmering field of light lay mysteries she couldn't yet fathom, but one thing was certain—her journey was far from over.

 

As Hinata entered the false sun's interior, she marveled at the surreal landscape. The glowing interior illuminated three small islands suspended in the air, each uniquely distinct.

The central island was dominated by an enormous, ornately designed palace that shimmered with an ethereal glow. To its right lay a small mountain range with three massive statues carved into the peaks, their forms exuding a sense of reverence and mystery. The third island was the largest, housing a small town with faint signs of structure but no visible signs of life. The lack of movement made it feel eerily abandoned, and the silence was unsettling.

The puppet carrying Hinata descended onto the central island, landing gracefully near the palace's entrance. Its towering gates were adorned with intricate patterns and symbols that radiated a faint, pulsing energy. As they walked toward the palace, Toneri's voice came through the puppet.

"What do you think of this place? Is it to your liking?"

Hinata took in the splendor of her surroundings, her sharp eyes noting the immaculate detail of the architecture and the stillness that seemed unnatural.

"It looks beautiful," she said after a pause, her voice calm but with an undertone of unease. "But hollow."

Toneri, speaking through his puppet, sighed faintly, as if acknowledging her sentiment. "Unfortunately, that is something I can't deny. But I hope to remedy the issue soon..." His voice trailed off before shifting back to a cordial tone. "However, let me show you around, and we can have dinner together."

"Thank you for the offer," Hinata replied politely, masking her suspicion, "but could I freshen up before we take the tour?"

Toneri hesitated momentarily, as if realizing his oversight. "Oh, apologies for my ignorance. I will have my servants guide you to your room, and you can join me once you're ready."

He had not noticed Hinata's state—her tattered clothes, the dirt and blood caked on her skin, or the exhaustion etched into her expression. As someone isolated for so long, speaking to another living person seemed to be an experience he was slowly adjusting to.

Hinata followed the servants, their movements unnervingly precise and synchronized. They led her through vast hallways adorned with intricate tapestries, glowing crystals, and otherworldly designs. Her assigned room was the most lavish she had ever seen, rivaling even the grandeur of the Daimyo's palace back in the Land of Fire. Yet, its opulence held no sway over her, as her upbringing in a simple yet disciplined Hyuga household had instilled in her a sense of humility.

The washroom was equally extravagant, with a massive tub carved from white stone, filled with steaming, fragrant water. Hinata allowed herself to relax, letting the heat soothe her aching body and wash away the grime of battle. Despite her momentary reprieve, her mind remained focused on the situation at hand.

Servants entered silently, helping her cleanse and heal the wounds on her body. Their touch was precise and clinical, but their presence felt wrong—too emotionless, too mechanical. Once she was cleaned and healed, they dressed her in an elegant white and black gown tailored perfectly to her size. The dress, while extravagant, did not align with Hinata's simple tastes, but she accepted it without complaint.

The entire process took nearly an hour, during which Hinata's mind churned with questions. She reflected on everything she had seen and heard so far, piecing together the puzzle.

'How do I get back? How can I undo the seal? Is this man truly an Otsutsuki from the moon, the threat we were warned about? Or is he from another dimension entirely?'

The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she knew that rushing to conclusions would do her no good. Without enough information, all she could do was remain vigilant and gather more clues.

Her thoughts drifted briefly to her family and Naruto. 'Is he searching for me? Will I ever see him again?' The weight of the unknown pressed against her chest, but she steeled herself. One step at a time. I'll find my way back.

Dressed and composed, Hinata took a deep breath before stepping out of the room, her resolve firm. The answers she sought were somewhere within this strange place, and she would uncover them—no matter what it took.

 

As Hinata stepped out of the room, she was greeted by Toneri, who seemed eager to meet her. His pale, serene features softened into a smile.

"You look charming, my lady," he said, his voice warm but with a hint of reverence.

"Thank you for your praise, and your hospitality," Hinata replied with a polite smile, her tone measured yet friendly.

Toneri seemed genuinely pleased by her response and gestured for her to follow him. "It is my pleasure."

He led her through the palace, its grand halls adorned with murals and carvings that told the story of the Otsutsuki clan. Toneri spoke passionately, his voice tinged with both pride and sorrow as he recounted their history.

"These halls hold the legacy of my people—the great Otsutsuki clan," Toneri began, his tone reverent. "We were once the guardians of balance, beings tasked with protecting this world and beyond. But... time and conflict eroded our strength, and now only I remain to uphold our mission."

Hinata listened intently, her sharp mind piecing together the implications of his words. His stories confirmed her suspicion: Toneri was indeed an Otsutsuki and the threat her world had been warned about. Yet, his demeanor was not what she had expected. He spoke with the enthusiasm of a child sharing tales of their ancestors, his pride evident, but there was no malice in his words.

He appeared to view her as an ally rather than a threat, and his openness worked to her advantage. While he eagerly shared details of his history, Toneri refrained from revealing the full extent of his power—a calculated silence that did not escape Hinata's notice.

After a long walk through the palace, Toneri brought her to a room with a massive glass wall that overlooked the Earth. The planet hung suspended in the void, a glowing orb of blues and greens that seemed almost fragile from this distance.

"From here, you can see Earth," Toneri said, his voice almost wistful. "The planet I am protecting against all kinds of threats. Hinata Hyuga, what do you think?"

The sudden mention of her full name made Hinata stiffen. Her calm expression faltered as realization dawned—he had been reading her mind, at least partially, since their first encounter. Her hand instinctively moved toward the seals she had drawn on her body, ready to activate them if necessary.

"It is a futile struggle," Toneri continued, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Though I am impressed by your courage."

Before she could act, Toneri made a subtle gesture, and the seals on her body faded away as if they had never existed. She felt her backup plan slip from her grasp, and the realization unsettled her.

"What do you intend to do?" Hinata asked, her voice calm but guarded.

"I wish to return this world to a peaceful era," Toneri explained, his tone shifting to one of determination. "An era that fulfills the dreams of the Sage of Six Paths and the Sage of Tenseigan. The world below has sunk into depravity, consumed by endless conflict and corruption. It cannot be allowed to continue. I will take control of this world and restore order. Soon, none shall resist my rule."

As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with a dangerous mix of conviction and zeal. To Toneri, his actions were righteous, a means to an end he believed justified.

Hinata remained composed, carefully choosing her next words. "If that is your aim, then we can work together. There are many comrades below who share the same goal. With your powers, we would gain another strong ally against the Otsutsuki threats."

Toneri's expression darkened. "There is no way I will trust those beings. They have already squandered their chance. It is time they submitted to my will so that things go perfectly. I cannot compromise with the corrupted lower beings who would derail my vision for the future."

"Then, what do you intend to do with me?" she asked, her voice steady but probing.

"Unlike the others, you are not fully corrupted," Toneri replied, his tone softening as he stepped closer. "You are pure, untainted. I want you to stand by my side and help me rebuild this world. Together, we can create a perfect, peaceful era. Will you become my queen?"

Hinata's heart clenched, but she did not hesitate in her response. "Sorry, but I already have someone else."

Toneri's serene expression twisted into one of disdain. "Uzumaki Naruto, is it?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "I won't force you to choose, but soon you will accept my offer."

Before Hinata could react, Toneri raised his hand, and a green orb of light appeared between his fingers. It shot forward, phasing into Hinata's chest before she could dodge. She gasped, clutching her torso as a strange sensation spread through her body.

"What did you do to me?" she demanded, her voice rising for the first time.

"I have placed a control orb within you," Toneri explained with chilling calmness. "It will allow me to command your body whenever I desire. This is not a punishment, Hinata—it is a precaution. You will come to see things my way, and when you do, the orb will serve as a bond between us."

Hinata glared at him, her anger simmering beneath her composed exterior. She had underestimated the extent of Toneri's resolve, and now she was in a more perilous position than ever. But she refused to lose hope. No matter what, she would find a way to escape—and to stop him.


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