Daniel soared high above the Land of Fire, letting the wind rush past him as he flew. It had been too long since he had taken a moment to simply enjoy the beauty of the world. The clouds rolled below him like an endless sea, the sun painting the horizon in hues of gold and pink. As he glided through the skies, performing loops and spirals, a smile tugged at his lips.
"I never noticed this before, but flying... it's fun," Daniel murmured to himself, laughing softly as he pushed higher, breaking through the planet's atmosphere. Floating amidst the brilliance of the stars, the glowing sun casting its light across his figure, he felt at peace. For a brief moment, there was no battle to fight, no mission to undertake—just serenity.
But his moment of solitude was interrupted when he sensed a presence. Turning, Daniel spotted a pale figure approaching, their movements deliberate and measured. Intrigue sparked in his eyes as he stopped mid-air, waiting for the figure to draw closer.
As the figure stopped a few meters away, the man introduced himself. "I am Toneri Otsutsuki," the pale man said, his voice calm but carrying a certain weight. "And I have come to ask for your assistance."
Daniel's eyes narrowed, his demeanor shifting to cautious curiosity. "Well, this is something I didn't expect," he muttered under his breath.
Far on the surface of the moon, Toneri sat within the ancient halls of the Otsutsuki clan's crumbling sanctuary. His thoughts were clouded, his gaze fixed on the broken fragments of a celestial artifact lying before him. Not long ago, two Otsutsuki envoys had visited him—towering figures cloaked in pride and menace.
"Our purpose here is clear," one of them had declared, their voice echoing through the chamber. "We are here to investigate this world, but what we've found is disgraceful. Kaguya not only betrayed the clan, but she mingled with these insignificant beings... and fell to them. When the clan returns, there will be no room for error. Align with us, or be erased when we reclaim this world."
The memory of their words lingered as Toneri clenched his fists. Their arrogance repulsed him, yet their power reminded him of his own inadequacies. His gaze drifted to the Earth, visible through a break in the ceiling. Despite everything, he still felt his ancestors' love for that world—a love he couldn't shake.
"I have to act... before it's too late," Toneri whispered to himself. The decision was clear: he would find someone strong enough to help him stop what was coming.
Back in the present, Daniel landed in Konoha's bustling streets. His presence immediately drew whispers and curious gazes, but he paid no mind. He headed straight to the Hokage's office, carrying the weight of his findings and the bodies of the fallen Shinobi he had been sent to rescue.
As he reported to Lady Tsunade, her sharp gaze studied every detail he provided. When the debriefing concluded, Daniel excused himself, returning home to rest. Little did he know, his next summons would lead to a meeting that would change the trajectory of his life.
The following morning, Daniel stood once again in the Hokage's office. Seated before him was an elderly man, his head bowed slightly, his pale skin almost blending with the fabric of his robes. Bandages covered his eyes, leaving an air of mystery.
"It seems you've become rather famous lately," Tsunade remarked, leaning back in her chair. "This man specifically requested for you to escort him to a remote village near the Land of Iron. The mission is a generous one, but I can't shake the feeling that something's off."
Her gaze shifted to the old man. "You said you needed Daniel's assistance. Tell me why," she demanded.
The old man raised his head slightly. "I have heard stories of his strength and abilities. My journey is a perilous one, and I believe only someone of his caliber can ensure my safe passage."
Daniel's eyes narrowed. He could feel the faint traces of a familiar energy radiating from the man. "Tsunade," he interrupted, his tone calm but firm, "I'll take the mission."
Tsunade's brow furrowed as she glanced between the two, sensing something unspoken. Her instinct told her not to trust this man, but her faith in Daniel's abilities outweighed her doubts. "Fine," she relented. "But be careful. I don't trust him."
As they left the village, Daniel walked alongside the disguised Toneri. It wasn't long before their conversation began.
"You really okay like that?" Daniel asked, gesturing towards the bandages.
"I've told you several times already, I am used to it," Toneri replied curtly.
"I'm just saying... not having your eyes might affect you in combat. Come on, let me help ya," Daniel teased, nudging him playfully.
Toneri sighed, a tinge of regret flashing across his face. "You're persistent. I wonder if I made the right choice with you."
As they ascended higher, their feet leaving the ground and their journey taking to the skies, Toneri spoke again. "Are you sure you made all your farewells? This might take longer than you expect."
"It's fine," Daniel replied with a sly grin. "I made a long and passionate goodbye last night."
Toneri flinched at the comment, muttering, "How vulgar."
Moments later, they reached the moon. Toneri stopped, pointing at a desolate plateau. "This is the place," he said, his voice low.
Daniel's eyes wandered, scanning the area. "Oh yeah, I can work with this," he said, crouching down to pick up a broken horn—a remnant of a fierce battle Toneri had fought earlier. As his fingers closed around it, his Rinnegan activated instinctively, and a faint pulse of chakra coursed through him.
Daniel froze, his gaze sharpening. "I can sense it... a faint connection leading to another dimension," he murmured.
Without hesitation, he stretched out his hand, concentrating his chakra. Slowly, a swirling portal began to form, its edges crackling with energy. He glanced at Toneri. "This should lead us to them. But seriously, are you sure you don't need...?"
"I am perfectly fine without my eyes," Toneri interrupted, stepping through the portal without hesitation.
Daniel chuckled, following close behind. "Let's see how you fair without the Tenseigan," he said, disappearing into the swirling vortex.
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