NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: The Encounter with Kaguya
Years passed and I grew up within the Otsutsuki clan, facing its ruthless cruelty on a daily basis. Despite my young age, I quickly developed formidable power that made me a feared and respected individual among my peers.
As a member of the Otsutsuki nobility, I enjoyed certain privileges. Elite training, access to the clan's secret arts, increasing influence... These were all assets that allowed me to establish my supremacy among my fellow clan members.
So I grew up in an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility, despite coming from a prestigious lineage. My clan kept me at arm's length, fearing my limitless potential. But I couldn't care less. Already proud and ambitious, I relished in my superiority and cultivated my solitude.
The years went by and my power continued to grow. At the age of 5, I already mastered techniques that would have made the most seasoned veterans of the clan envious. My combat genius commanded respect but also fueled jealousy, especially among other children of noble descent.
I reached the age of 10, feared and revered by my peers. But despite my accomplishments, boredom crept in. I longed for a challenge worthy of my talent. That's when I heard about Kaguya, a 7-year-old girl from a lower branch of the clan.
"Hmph, destiny can be so ironic at times. Who would have thought that the goddess Kaguya was actually just an insignificant being. I wonder how she managed to reach such a level of power," I pondered as I strolled nonchalantly towards the lower districts, to meet our dear goddess.
As I searched for her, I found her in a secluded corner, surrounded by a group of little thugs led by Momoshiki. One of the offspring of nobility, just like me. I knew of him by reputation, but he had never interested me as an individual.
"So, the mistake of nature, still unable to defend yourself? You are the disgrace of the Otsutsuki!" Momoshiki sneered as he roughly pulled Kaguya's hair. The girl gritted her teeth to hold back her tears, but the pain and humiliation were evident in her eyes. This sight was truly pathetic.
With a casual gesture, I pushed Momoshiki aside and stood in front of Kaguya.
"I think that's enough for today, Momoshiki," I declared in a cold tone.
"Akira! This is none of your business! This good-for-nothing should learn her place!" he retorted vehemently.
I gave him a frosty look.
"Her place? I would say she's already above trash like you. Now, disappear from my sight."
Consumed by rage, Momoshiki lunged at me, fist raised, ready to strike. But I dodged the attack with disconcerting ease, shifting slightly to the side, letting his fist cut through the air just inches from my face.
With a swift and precise movement, I grabbed Momoshiki's hand, intertwining our fingers. Taking advantage of his shock, I delivered a devastating right hook to his solar plexus. My fist remained embedded in his stomach for a few seconds, cutting off his breath and breaking his ribs.
Slowly withdrawing my hand, I looked at Momoshiki with undisguised contempt as he spat blood, doubled over in excruciating pain. Turning to his stunned lackeys, I coldly ordered:
"Away from my sight. Immediately."
His minions hurried to obey, supporting a staggering and deeply humiliated Momoshiki. I turned my back on them, ready to continue on my way. But before I could take a step, I heard a timid voice.
Kaguya looked up at me with a mixture of fear and gratitude.
"T-thank you for helping me. I know I am weak. Everyone hates and despises me," she stammered.
I sniffed disdainfully.
"Don't be mistaken, I didn't help you out of kindness. I simply can't stand to see worthless scum like Momoshiki strutting around. As for your weakness... you truly are useless as an Otsutsuki," I replied acerbically.
Then, after a brief silence, I added:
"If you don't want to be treated as a good-for-nothing anymore, become strong. And if you feel unable to do it alone, then come find me. What do you say?"
Kaguya, both fascinated and terrified, slowly nodded. She didn't yet grasp the extent of the commitment she was making. But one thing was certain: her life had just irrevocably shifted. Because I never did things by halves. I was going to shape this girl in my image.
Even if it meant annihilating the last remnants of her innocence and compassion. The weak had no place by my side. And I was determined to make Kaguya a survivor in my image, a ruthless and unwavering fighter.