30

As Kaguya walks away, leaving everyone in a tense silence, the Kage and key figures start murmuring among themselves. Tsunade is the first to break the silence, her voice filled with concern.

"We can't just let Kaguya roam free, especially now that she has a connection to Naruto and Sasuke," she says, her gaze flickering toward the two of them. "If she's really thinking of them as family, it might be an opportunity to use them to get her cooperation. We need to find a way to leverage that bond." This work was created by shredder121

Raikage frowns, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I agree. She's too powerful to ignore, but we can't let her manipulate us, either. If she's attached to Naruto and Sasuke, then maybe that's our chance to convince her to help. She might be more inclined to do so if they ask."

Mei adds, crossing her arms, "We need to be careful. While this family connection might be useful, it could also be dangerous. If we push too hard, Kaguya might turn against us, especially if she feels like she's being used."

Onoki sighs, looking at Naruto and Sasuke, both standing a bit stiffly. "What matters now is that we're on the verge of a war that could end the entire world as we know it. If there's any chance we can get Kaguya to fight with us—through Naruto and Sasuke—then we should take it. The alternative might be worse."

Naruto, still hearing all their talk, steps forward and shakes his head. "You guys are thinking about this all wrong. Kaguya... she's not just some tool you can use. She's had a life and death fight with Isshiki before. She's a part of this world's history now."

Tsunade watches him carefully, her tone firm but measured. "Naruto, this isn't about just using her. It's about using whatever connection we have with her to our advantage. We can't afford to be naïve about this. If you and Sasuke are her link, then that's a powerful tool we need to recognize."

Naruto clenches his fists. "I understand that, but this is different. I won't just manipulate someone who might think of me like family. I'm not like that."

Sasuke, equally frustrated, steps forward. "Exactly. We've fought our whole lives to gain strength on our own. I'm not going to stand by and let anyone use family as leverage for their own gain."

The tension rises in the room as both Naruto and Sasuke stand their ground. Tobirama, ever the pragmatist, rolls his eyes. "You two are truly idiots," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The world is on the line, and you're worried about whether you're 'manipulating' Kaguya? The only thing that matters is what gets us the help we need to defeat Isshiki. If that means using whatever connection we have to Kaguya, then we do it. End of story."

Sasuke, now visibly irritated, steps toward Tobirama. "I'm not about to just use people for our convenience, especially not when it comes to family. If she's willing to help, fine, but we won't be forced into it."

The room holds its breath as Sasuke and Tobirama lock eyes, their tension palpable. Just as it looks like the situation will escalate, Hashirama steps forward with his usual calm demeanor, placing a hand on Tobirama's shoulder.

"Enough, both of you," he says firmly but with a soft tone. "We don't have the luxury to fight amongst ourselves right now. Yes, Kaguya is complicated, and yes, her bond with Naruto and Sasuke is important. But it doesn't change the fact that we need her help, if she's willing to give it. We can't afford to turn down any advantage in this war."

Naruto and Sasuke, though still uneasy, both nod in reluctant agreement. Tsunade sighs, rubbing her forehead, but ultimately acknowledges the same truth.

Raikage then speaks again, raising an eyebrow. "So you all think we can actually get her to fight with us through Naruto and Sasuke? That's the plan?"

Onoki nods gravely. "It's the best chance we've got. Kaguya may be difficult to control, but if she does see them as family, that's our leverage."

However, Tobirama, ever the skeptic, gives a bitter laugh. "You're all forgetting one important detail—how much do we really trust Kaguya? She's as likely to turn on us as she is to help. Don't get too comfortable with this idea of her playing nice."

Naruto raises his voice in response. "You can't just look at her like she's some kind of weapon we can use. If she wants to help, then she will. But not because we're using her."

Sasuke agrees, his expression hardening. "We won't be used."

In the middle of the tension, Hashirama smiles and gestures at Tobirama, his calming presence still standing strong. "We all know the stakes. Let's not forget why we're here. We've already been through too much to let small things tear us apart. For now, let's focus on defeating Isshiki. We'll worry about Kaguya later."

Tobirama grumbles, but reluctantly steps back. "Fine. But mark my words. Don't let her manipulate you two. And don't think she'll hesitate to do so."

Naruto, now visibly more relaxed but still uneasy, turns to Sasuke. "Let's just do what we have to do. If Kaguya really wants to help, she'll come around. But we'll keep control of things."