27

Hagoromo and Hamura exchange a knowing look, both understanding the weight of their words. Hagoromo speaks softly, his tone filled with reflection, "Kaguya's bond to her children has always been one of the few things that set her apart from the other Ōtsutsuki. Despite the choices she made, her love for her sons was undeniable. She defied her own people for them, and she may see you both in a similar light now."

Hamura adds with a gentle smile, "It's strange, but Kaguya, in her own way, has always cared for her family. Her connection to her creations, to those she sees as her descendants, has deepened. She saw me and Hagoromo as her closest family, and perhaps now, she sees you both as her new legacy—like grandsons."

Naruto and Sasuke exchange glances, both feeling a mixture of surprise and emotion. Naruto's face softens, and he chuckles lightly, trying to hide the emotion welling up inside. "Grandkids, huh?" he says, his voice thick with thought. "I never had a grandma... or even a grandpa. My parents were gone before I could even remember them." He pauses, glancing at Sasuke, who shares his sense of loss. "But... I guess if she sees us like that, it makes me feel kind of... special. I think I'd like the idea."

Sasuke's usual stoic expression falters slightly, his eyes reflecting the weight of the loss he's endured. "I never had that connection either," he admits quietly, almost to himself. "The family I had... they're gone. And I never had the chance to know what it was like to have someone like that. But hearing this... maybe it's something I can understand. It's hard to say, but I can see where Kaguya might be coming from."

Hamura observes them, noticing the subtle change in their expressions. "The bond of family is powerful, even for someone like Kaguya. She may have once been a cold figure, but her love for her children transcended everything. Perhaps now, seeing you two, she feels that same attachment—one that she would never have expected to feel again after everything that happened."

Hagoromo nods, his gaze thoughtful. "In a way, this might help us understand Kaguya's actions better. Maybe, just maybe, this new sense of family with you two could be the key to gaining her trust—and her help."

Tsunade looks at the two of them, seeing the change in their demeanor. "You two, as her grandsons… I can see that making a difference. It's strange to think about, but if it gets us the help we need to defeat Isshiki, then maybe it's worth it."

Naruto, his usual enthusiasm returning, grins. "You know, I never thought I'd end up being someone's 'grandkid,' but if it means Kaguya will help us, I'm all in! I'll take whatever family I can get." He looks over at Sasuke, his face softening. "And if that means we get a shot at something resembling family... then maybe it's a good thing after all."

Sasuke, though still quiet, nods slightly. "I never had the chance to feel what it's like to have a family, but if Kaguya sees us that way, maybe it's a second chance—at least in some way."

The group falls silent for a moment as everyone processes this new development. Hashirama chuckles and pats Naruto on the back. "Well, if it helps us defeat Isshiki, then we'll take it, won't we? Who knows, maybe Kaguya has more to offer than we think."

Minato, ever the strategist, adds, "We can't forget that Kaguya's ultimate goal is still unknown. But if her relationship with you two can sway her decisions, then we'll use that to our advantage."

Shikamaru sighs, rubbing his temples. "This whole thing is getting more complicated by the minute, but if it helps, it helps."

Gaara speaks up with his usual calmness. "Family bonds are complicated, but powerful. If this is the key to getting Kaguya on our side, we'll use it."

As Naruto and Sasuke reflect on the idea of Kaguya seeing them as grandsons, they both feel a sense of belonging that had been absent in their lives. Kaguya, a figure of such great power and history, could now be the key to a strange kind of connection they had long been missing.