Chapter 3: The Legacy of Princess Kaguya
As they stepped into the ruins, an astonishingly beautiful sight unfolded before them. Huge pillars and the floor were carved with patterns resembling the light of the moon, making it feel as though they had entered a mysterious world. In the center of the ruins stood a giant mirror, its surface reflecting the moonlight, rippling like the surface of water.
“This is… the Moon Mirror,” Ryuunosuke muttered in a low voice.
“The Moon Mirror? What’s that?” Momotaro asked.
“The Moon Mirror is one of the legacies brought to this island by Princess Kaguya. It is said that she came from the moon, and her power is deeply tied to this island. It is believed that this mirror holds the power to reveal the island’s secrets,” Ryuunosuke explained.
Suddenly, a burst of light emanated from the mirror, swirling as if the mirror itself had come to life. Momotaro and his companions were drawn toward the light, and before they knew it, a woman stood before them.
The woman resembled Princess Kaguya in beauty, but her expression held a trace of sadness. Her body radiated a moon-like glow, enveloping the space around her in a quiet, ethereal light.
“I am not Princess Kaguya, but I am the guardian of the Island of the Moon,” the woman said in a calm voice. “For many years, I have protected this island. Have you come to test my power?”
Momotaro stepped forward and bowed his head. “I am Momotaro. I came here to seek your help in protecting the Island of the Moon. Please, work with me to safeguard the peace of this island.”
“I see.” The woman responded slowly. “If your desire to protect the island is sincere, I will give you a trial. When you pass it, I will entrust my power to you.”
At that moment, a sound echoed through the ruins, and the surrounding space began to distort.
“What kind of trial is it?” Momotaro asked, hoping for an answer.
“It is a trial to test how much you truly care for the future of the island,” the woman smiled. “First, you must go to the center of the island and retrieve the Moon Fruit. The fruit holds the power of the moon. If you can obtain it, you will be ready to receive my strength.”
“The Moon Fruit?” Momotaro’s eyes widened. “If I get that, will I be able to protect the Island of the Moon?”
“Yes, but the fruit is guarded. If you can claim it, I will entrust you with the future of this island.” The woman finished speaking, and her figure disappeared into the mirror once more.
Chapter 4: The Moon Fruit and the Guardian of the Trial
After the woman vanished, Momotaro, Ryuunosuke, and their companions continued deeper into the ruins. They didn’t know where the Moon Fruit was, but they understood one thing for certain—they had to pass the guardian’s trial to gain the power to protect the island’s future.
“What do you think the Moon Fruit is like?” the dog asked nervously. “It’s mentioned in the legends of the Island of the Moon, but I’ve never seen it.”
“It’s a legendary fruit. It’s said to grow under the moonlight. Only those with the power of the moon can obtain it,” Ryuunosuke said carefully. “But there is a guardian within these ruins. We won’t be able to move forward unless we overcome it.”
Momotaro nodded quietly. “But it might not just be about defeating it. As you said, Ryuunosuke, not everything can be solved with power. We should work together to overcome this trial.”
The companions agreed with Momotaro’s words and steeled themselves. They continued deeper into the ruins. After a while, the space opened up, and they reached a massive moonlit waterfall. The water’s surface glowed, as if the water itself was radiating light.
In the center of the waterfall, a large stone platform floated, and on it sat the Moon Fruit, quietly ripening. The fruit gleamed like a silver gem, and Momotaro was captivated by it.
“This is… the Moon Fruit,” Momotaro murmured.
At that moment, a voice echoed from the waterfall.
“Those who seek the fruit, obtain it only after passing the trial.”
The voice flowed like the water, continuing with the next words.
“What is this trial?” Momotaro called out.
“The trial is to confront your greatest fear within your heart. Those who seek the fruit must face their hidden fears and overcome them.”
Suddenly, the surface of the waterfall rippled, and a vision of terrifying images appeared before them.
Chapter 5: Confronting the Trial of the Heart
Before Momotaro stood the vision of his greatest fear: the suffering of the island’s people, and the overwhelming regret that he wasn’t strong enough to protect them.
“This is…” Momotaro closed his eyes. “I couldn’t protect them… I didn’t have the strength to protect everyone.”
At that moment, the monkey stepped closer to him. “Momotaro, it’s alright. We’re all in this together. There are things that can’t be solved with strength alone. True power comes when we support each other.”
“That’s right,” the dog added. “Don’t be afraid. The strength you need is already in your heart.”
Hearing their words, Momotaro slowly regained his composure. “It’s not just my strength, but the strength we have together that matters.”
At that moment, the surface of the waterfall rippled again, and the vision faded away. The peaceful moonlight once again illuminated the waterfall.
“The trial is over. To those who have passed, the fruit will be granted,” the voice echoed.
Momotaro carefully took the Moon Fruit. The moment he touched it, a powerful light emanated from the fruit, and moonlit energy flowed into his body. He felt warmth and strength coursing through him.
“Now, I have the power to protect the Island of the Moon,” Momotaro said quietly.
Chapter 6: Entrusting the Future of the Island
Having obtained the Moon Fruit, Momotaro and his companions left the ruins. When they returned to the center of the island, the woman appeared before them once more.
“Well done, Momotaro. You have passed the trial and gained the power to protect the island,” the woman smiled. “Use this power to protect the future of the Island of the Moon.”
Momotaro bowed deeply. “Thank you. I will protect the Island of the Moon with my companions.”
Afterward, Momotaro and his friends returned to the Island of the Moon, where they worked together with the island’s people to build a new era. With the power of the moon, Momotaro continued to protect the island with strength and compassion. Ryuunosuke also used his power to improve the island, ensuring its future.
The Island of the Moon regained its peace and prosperity, and Momotaro’s story was passed down through generations of the islanders.
The End.
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