10

As the tension in the room reaches its peak, the Brown Zetsu takes a step forward again, its voice calm but heavy with revelation. "There is more to understand about the Ōtsutsuki and their methods," it begins, drawing everyone's attention.

"The Ōtsutsuki pair consists of two key roles. One is to be consumed by the God Tree in order to produce the chakra fruit, while the other consumes the fruit, gaining immense power in the process. But there is something more—" The Brown Zetsu pauses, letting the words settle, "The one who is eaten can be resurrected using Karma."

A murmur passes through the room, as everyone begins to understand the implications of this twisted cycle.

"It's because of this that the Ōtsutsuki in question did not move, despite Kaguya's attack on him. He has yet to act because Karma allows him to resurrect himself and bide his time. He's waiting for the right moment to strike, prepared for his return," the Brown Zetsu continues, its voice growing more ominous.

Hagoromo steps forward, his expression grave. "So, the Ōtsutsuki are effectively immortal... but where is Kaguya now? What is she doing?"

The room holds its breath as the Brown Zetsu answers, its tone entirely indifferent. "She's taking a beauty nap."

A wave of shock and frustration sweeps across the room.

"What?" Tsunade hisses under her breath, disbelief clear in her voice. "She's just sleeping?"

Kakashi sighs, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "Typical Kaguya." This work was created by shredder121

Minato's expression darkens, and he looks at Hagoromo, seeking answers. "So we're on our own then?"

The Sage of the Six Paths stares at the ground for a moment, clearly troubled. "It seems that way. Kaguya has her own interests, and unless it directly benefits her, she will not act."

Naruto clenches his fists, his frustration mounting. "She's the only one who has the strength to really stop them, and she's napping?"

Sasuke looks away, his expression calm but troubled. "It's not surprising. Kaguya never cared about our world. She only does what suits her. But if we wait for her, we're dead."

Hashirama sighs heavily, his usual energy gone. "There's nothing we can do. Kaguya doesn't owe us anything, and without her help… we'll need to rely on ourselves."

The air is thick with helplessness. The leaders of the ninja world, the strongest warriors ever to walk the earth, are left with no choice but to prepare without Kaguya's help.

The Reality Sinks In

For a long moment, no one speaks. It's as if the room is frozen in place, the enormity of what was just revealed weighing heavily on everyone's shoulders.

The Brown Zetsu, seemingly satisfied with the chaos it's caused, steps back into the shadows, its role complete for now.

Hashirama is the first to break the silence, his voice heavy with resignation. "We'll fight on our own. The time for waiting is over."

"Yeah," Naruto says, his voice tight but determined. "We'll do it. We don't need her to win. We've got each other."

Sasuke turns to Naruto, his eyes steady. "You're right. We'll fight and we'll protect the world—whether she helps or not."

Tsunade nods slowly, crossing her arms. "We need to start moving. The enemy isn't going to wait for us."

As the room finally begins to move again, the weight of the future presses down on them all. The battle may be coming sooner than expected, and the true cost of victory is still unknown.