Chapter 114: The Divine Steel Clan

Orochimaru sat on a chair atop the war fortress's rooftop, holding a transparent, square glass panel in his hand. Through it, the vastness of space unfolded before him.

This was the cosmic scene gathered by the "Ten Suns and One Moon," serving as Earth's watchful eyes.

[Full speed eastward. While mapping the interstellar chart, locate the star system of the Ōtsutsuki clan.]

This was their current mission.

Orochimaru activated the “Modified Infinite Tsukuyomi,” linking into the genjutsu network. He commanded all the mobile fortresses on Earth to position themselves as directed. First, he controlled the thrusters in sequence to halt the planet’s rotation, then manipulated directional controls to move Earth through space.

At this moment, humanity dwelled entirely within these mobile fortresses, each protected by chakra shields. The atmospheric changes caused by Earth's movement could not harm them. Moreover, the “Ten Suns and One Moon” continued orbiting the planet, leaving the environment largely unchanged.

Earth began to move.

...

In the depths of space lay a dying, ravaged life-bearing planet. From afar, vast expanses of withered blackened vegetation were visible, signaling its impending demise.

Yet, standing in stark contrast was a single great tree—lush, verdant, and vibrant—an anomaly amid the desolation.

Beneath this mighty tree sat two individuals, their skin pale as daylight and eyes entirely white. They were members of the Ōtsutsuki clan.

“Finally, it’s nearly ripe,” one said with joy flickering across his features. He reached out to caress the tree, excitement evident in his voice. “Once our task here is complete, we will gain much.”

The other Ōtsutsuki replied cautiously, “We must not be careless. Do you remember the spatial fluctuations from a few days ago? It’s possible others have their sights set on us.”

Yet, even he chuckled at his own words. Who would dare to covet the Ōtsutsuki clan?

Even in the outer star systems, it might be another matter, but here—though distant from the core—was a dense network of Ōtsutsuki defenses. Who would risk attacking them?

Especially during this sensitive period, when the divine tree bore fruit—any hostile move would mean death, without exception.

“Besides…” the Ōtsutsuki gazed toward the horizon, squinting as he sensed life energy. “Those few remaining natives on this planet can’t possibly stir up any trouble.”

...

Near the horizon, beneath several enormous, dead, blackened vines, the survivors of this planet gathered.

They were the last bastion of resistance.

Their leader was an aged ape-like being with stark white hair and dark skin. Panting heavily as he sat on the ground, he now stood and said, “Let’s try once more.”

Another ape-like subordinate urged, “Leader, please rest a while longer.”

Employing the “Divine Steel Formation” was immensely draining—both chakra and physical strength.

The old ape shook his head, determination burning in his eyes. “No, the sooner we succeed, the sooner we save the remaining Divine Steel tribe.”

The Sarada planet had been invaded by the Ōtsutsuki clan, who planted the divine tree. Any Divine Steel tribespeople who resisted were mercilessly slaughtered. Only those without combat ability survived. Of the warriors, only about seventy remained.

They were the last hope.

“Begin! The Divine Steel tribe will never perish!” the old ape declared.

The Divine Steel tribe possessed a unique trait: their feet were as dexterous as their hands, allowing them to form seals with both hands and feet.

Seated on the ground, they raised their feet, combining left hand and left foot seals, right hand and right foot seals, forming an exceptionally strange array.

“Bang!”

With the seals activated, each transformed into a golden Vajra rod, shining with a brilliant golden hue.

More than seventy golden Vajra rods appeared.

Among them, the rod formed by the old ape was the largest and most radiant.

“Come, begin!” The commanding voice issued from the thick Vajra rod, which suddenly stretched to great length.

The other rods remained silent for a moment before flying upward, then simultaneously crashing down onto the large rod.

A low hum resonated. The thick Vajra rod trembled.

No loud sound erupted; instead, a high-level sonic vibration—beyond human hearing—was emitted, effectively silent.

That vibration radiated outward from the planet, into space, continuing further.

“Again!” the thick Vajra rod commanded.

The other rods rose once more, striking down in unison. The thick rod continued to vibrate, sending out ultrasonic waves.

The strongest ability of the Divine Steel tribe was transformation; their Vajra rods were said to be the hardest known material in the world.

Yet, even the strongest warrior—the old ape—strained under the combined blows of over seventy rods.

A few days earlier, a stranger riding a giant toad had appeared, instructing them that the “Divine Steel Formation” could emit ultrasonic waves to summon reinforcements—the stronger the wave, the higher the chance of aid arriving.

With nothing left to lose and no reason to doubt the stranger, their hopeless plight shifted toward a final desperate effort.

What kind of ultrasonic wave was strongest?

One generated by the strongest leader alone, bearing the full weight of all others’ Vajra rod strikes—such a wave was most powerful.

Though the thick Vajra rod was weakened to its limit, it roared, “Again! Do you want the Divine Steel tribe to perish?!”

The other rods vibrated in response: “No!”

But even they knew the thick Vajra rod could not endure much longer.

Ignoring this, the rod shouted, “If you don’t want extinction, strike me hard! With all your might!”

The seventy-plus Vajra rods slammed down with full force, each blow causing the thick rod to shudder, its brilliance dimming slightly.

The thick Vajra rod was close to collapsing.

Yet it defied all caution, roaring, “Again!”

After dozens of strikes, the rod’s glow had nearly vanished.

One rod emitted a wave, “Leader, you must rest.”

Each time the blows reached this point, the old ape would pause to recover before continuing.

This time, however, the old ape’s excited voice came from the thick Vajra rod: “Strike faster! Harder! I’ve sensed a response!”

Surprise shone in his tone.

A rod hesitated, “But your body—”

“My body is fine! Strike me!” the thick rod commanded.

“Hum!”

The Vajra rods struck again, and cracks began to appear on the thick rod.

Still, the voice grew more joyful: “Strike harder! I sense lost clan members—they are our reinforcements!”

“Hum!”

“Hum!”

“Hum!”

...

The cracks on the thick Vajra rod multiplied. Another blow might shatter it.

The other rods ceased their assault, sorrowful: “Leader, you must stop! You will die!”

Yet the thick rod’s voice remained robust: “Die? I’m strong! Strike me!”

The rods struck once more. A sharp crack echoed—the thick Vajra rod shattered.

The worst had happened.

Yet, amid the scattered fragments, the old ape’s voice rang excitedly: “I’ve heard a true response! Lost clan members beyond will come to save us!”

The other rods floated silently, unmoved even by this hopeful news.

For they had just shattered their leader with their own hands.

From the fragments, the old ape’s voice continued, but now faint and weak: “Happily I die, for this is my honor—I have saved the Divine Steel tribe! *Cough, cough...*”

In the air, all Vajra rods trembled collectively, acknowledging the old ape’s honor and bidding him farewell in their own way.

The Divine Steel tribe… will not perish!