Black Zetsu couldn't help but speak up.
Under Aomi's narrative, Black Zetsu realized that Aomi's manipulative nature seemed merely a trivial flaw.
He truly harbors the intention of guardianship!
A strategic mind, laying out long-term plans for Kaguya from a larger perspective...
The ruthless plundering of power stems from a deep-seated anxiety within, worrying that the incoming Otsutsuki might be too powerful to handle...
Black Zetsu wanted to say something.
For instance, why not escape to the Otherworld, or hide...
But their strength differs so vastly; the things they can perceive are not on the same level.
The quick-witted Black Zetsu understood a principle.
What he could think of, Aomi must have already considered—and since Aomi hasn't taken those actions, it means at his level, escaping and hiding are not simple matters.
Just like how ordinary ninjas can't handle Kamui's Alternate Space and Voidification.
As long as the Otsutsuki adapt to this use of space, they can find ways to deal with it.
After all, every Otsutsuki has command over space akin to Kamui, even Kaguya, whose combat ability is her weak point, once used Yomotsu Hirasaka to move the All-Killing Ash Bone.
"Gaia Consciousness, God of Otsutsuki, what are they..."
Black Zetsu furrowed his brows and asked softly, "Is this... is this the key to countering future calamities?"
The term Gaia Consciousness was unfamiliar to Black Zetsu.
But the God of Otsutsuki, though unheard of, the straightforward name was proof enough of its significance...
A deity among the Otsutsuki! Then, what kind of existence would that be?
"The so-called Gaia Consciousness refers to this planet's core power... Natural Energy, you could barely consider it an emanation of this power..."
"You might see it as Natural Energy being like the heat exhaled by this planet, and upon acquiring Gaia Consciousness, I essentially become the planet itself!"
Black Zetsu was momentarily stunned.
Becoming the planet itself sounds impressive, but is it genuinely useful?
After all, the Divine Tree of the Otsutsuki Clan has absorbed most of the Ninja World's Natural Energy... and the Divine Tree is merely a common tool among the Otsutsuki.
But combining this with Aomi's words.
Black Zetsu was suddenly startled!
The Divine Tree is said to have a special attack on the Ninja World, but in truth, it merely captures Natural Energy, not directly targeting the planet's core...
To put it bluntly, the Divine Tree is just a parasite on the planet's surface; although it seems to absorb the surface essence, it hasn't truly penetrated deeply.
"It seems you understand... the thought of a Divine Tree being able to destroy a planet is as laughable as humans fearing a bloodsucking fly..."
Aomi said softly, "Most planets don't possess consciousness, so they don't expel such flies like living beings would. But what if they awakened?"
Aomi gazed directly at Black Zetsu, awaiting his response.
Black Zetsu shuddered.
A fallen giant's corpse can't manage the bites of flies...
But if the giant revived, it would need just one or two swipes or a bath to clear itself of parasites...
Is Aomi intending to become that giant?
"Gaia Consciousness is one of my options... Truthfully, I have my apprehensions about this power... According to my intelligence, one who gains this power becomes the planet's designated Guardian."
Aomi chuckled lightly, "This reminds me of Otsutsuki Hagoromo's two sons... reincarnating endlessly using Chakra to influence the host's thoughts..."
"Would such great power and consciousness embodying an individual wash away my identity, transforming me into a stranger? From that point, I might lose my individuality and become a puppet maintaining this planet."
Aomi glanced at Black Zetsu, "In that case, Kaguya, as the first invader, might end up being an enemy to that version of me; I'm concerned I might accidentally kill her..."
Black Zetsu nodded gravely in agreement.
Even without Aomi being overwhelmed by the planet's consciousness, with his current power, harboring intent to kill Kaguya could already be an extremely dangerous matter...
Black Zetsu pondered for a long time and sighed helplessly.
At this level, it's not a domain he can venture into... ordinary strategies and tactics aren't sufficient for the problems Aomi now faces.
"Then... what should we do?"
Black Zetsu asked worriedly, "Even you, regarding the planet's consciousness, can't resist the flood of such a power, can you?"
"You're right, Black Zetsu, this power level far exceeds mine..." Aomi nodded frankly, and said slowly:
"But it's unavoidable; with the Otsutsuki reinforcements potentially warping out of space at any moment, as the only one on this planet capable of resistance, I cannot abandon such a precious power..."
"Do you understand, Black Zetsu..."
Black Zetsu nodded silently.
Of course, he understood; it's like a gambler driven to desperation, regardless of the terrifying price the wealth in front of him might bring, would still reach out heedlessly...
But Aomi is not a gambler blinded by harsh circumstances.
He's a Guardian forced to fight against formidable foes...
"So, I must use every available resource at my disposal to find a way to obtain the power of Gaia Consciousness..." Aomi looked at Kaguya, unwittingly revealing a hint of helplessness and fatigue in his eyes.