Chapter 21

The atmosphere in Kaguya's dimension was otherworldly, unlike anything Team 7 had ever encountered. The air hummed with the silent energy of chakra, like a constant undercurrent that ran through the very fabric of the land. The landscape itself was vast, with endless plains stretching out into an ever-changing horizon, filled with strange flora and desolate mountains. In the distance, monolithic structures stood tall—some in ruins, others fully intact, scattered across the barren expanse. This was no natural world; it was a purpose-built environment, shaped by the hand of Kaguya herself.

Black Zetsu stepped forward, his form still eerily silent and imposing. His voice, however, had the unmistakable warmth of reverence when he spoke. "This, young shinobi, is the world my mother Kaguya has created. A place for her Zetsu army to grow and evolve." If you're hearing this, then the person creating this audiobook did not obtain permission. This work was created by shredder121

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Zetsu army? You mean all of these… creatures?" He gestured to the ground, where White Zetsu—pale, plant-like beings—were scattered in droves, practicing and training. Their movements were mechanical but efficient. Hundreds, even thousands, of them moved in synchronized unison, each honing their abilities.

Kakashi observed, his hands tucked in his pockets. "They're not human, are they? They seem… artificial."

Black Zetsu nodded. "Correct. These are the White Zetsu, created from the very essence of chakra and life itself. Kaguya forged them in her image to fight, to evolve, and to surpass their limits. Each one carries a spark of her power, a reflection of her own strength."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Wait, you mean to tell me these Zetsu are all connected to Kaguya? And you expect one of them to be strong enough to fight the Ōtsutsuki?"

Black Zetsu's tone turned somber. "Yes, that is Kaguya's hope. These Zetsu have no limits—at least, none that Kaguya has discovered. Their potential is untapped. But she has always believed that, in time, one of them may become the key to defeating the Ōtsutsuki. She has been preparing them for years, allowing them to evolve, to train and grow."

Training the Zetsu

As Team 7 walked deeper into the land, they observed the Zetsu training grounds. It was a massive, organized area where countless White Zetsu engaged in rigorous combat training—sparring against one another, refining their chakra control, and practicing techniques that mirrored Kaguya's own abilities.

Naruto watched in awe as one group of Zetsu combined their chakra into a large sphere, only for it to explode in a shower of energy. Despite the failure, they quickly reformed and tried again. "These guys… they just keep going, huh?"

Kaguya's voice echoed in the distance as she approached, her presence as intimidating as always. "They will never stop. Not until they have reached their peak."

Naruto looked at her, determination in his eyes. "Do you really think one of them will be strong enough? I mean, they're not even human!"

Kaguya's eyes softened for a brief moment, but her tone remained stoic. "It's not about humanity, Naruto. It's about their potential. The White Zetsu are a blank canvas, their chakra unrefined, their forms malleable. They can evolve into something more. With enough time, they may even surpass the strength of the Ōtsutsuki."

Sasuke, ever the skeptic, narrowed his eyes. "But how can you be sure? You've made them stronger, yes, but they don't have the will of a true warrior. No matter how much you train them, they can never match the resolve of a true shinobi."

Kaguya didn't flinch. "Resolve is important, Uchiha Sasuke, but not everything. Strength is built from more than just willpower. The Zetsu will learn, adapt, and one day, one of them will rise above all the others."

The Hidden Depths of Kaguya's World

As they walked, the landscape began to change. The air seemed to thicken, and the environment grew more dense—in a strange, unnatural way. Team 7 could feel an energy rising, pulsating beneath their feet. They saw Zetsu of different colors now—some dark green, others purple, and even some that appeared to glow faintly with a strange aura.

Black Zetsu paused and turned to them. "This area is where Kaguya's true research takes place. These Zetsu have been evolving here for centuries. Some are closer to her original creations—still very much like the White Zetsu you saw earlier. But others… others are starting to exhibit new abilities."

Kakashi leaned forward, intrigued. "New abilities? How?"

Black Zetsu's gaze turned distant. "Over time, the Zetsu have absorbed more of Kaguya's chakra, and some have begun to manifest powers she hadn't anticipated. They are growing beyond their original purpose—they are evolving, adapting, becoming something new."

A Glimpse of the Future

Naruto couldn't help but ask, "So, you're hoping that one of them will get strong enough to take down the Ōtsutsuki… but you don't know which one it will be?"

Kaguya, who had been standing silently off to the side, looked at him. "It's the only hope we have left. I cannot fight forever. These Zetsu are my legacy. I've made them to grow, to change, and to eventually rise against a threat far more powerful than any of us can imagine."

Sasuke was still unconvinced. "But you don't even know which one will be the strongest. You're just hoping one of them will eventually be able to stand up to the Ōtsutsuki?"

Kaguya's eyes grew distant. "No. I'm not just hoping. I'm preparing. The Zetsu are not mere pawns. They have the potential to surpass me. They can evolve beyond the limitations of their origins."