Chapter 22

Kaguya gave Team 7 a final, long glance before she turned away. Her voice, soft yet firm, echoed through the air. "I will rest. There is much to think about, and I must conserve my strength for what lies ahead."

Naruto wanted to protest, to ask if there was anything he could do to help, but he held back. Kaguya had been through so much, and while her demeanor was still cold and distant, they could sense the weight of the burden she carried. She disappeared into the distance, leaving the group with Black Zetsu.

Black Zetsu, ever-present and vigilant, stepped forward. "Now, I will continue to show you the rest of Kaguya's creation. Come." His tone was authoritative, but it lacked the usual malice. It was clear that he was loyal to Kaguya in a way few could understand.

The Training Grounds

Team 7 followed Black Zetsu through the desolate landscape. The further they went, the more they noticed the Zetsu army was spread across different areas, each focusing on different aspects of training. Some were engaged in combat drills, while others practiced chakra control. The diversity of their abilities began to impress Team 7.

Sasuke watched a group of Zetsu work together, forming chakra constructs that resembled various techniques he'd seen in the past. The most notable was one who seemed to create a massive chakra sword that flickered with intense power, almost like the Chidori. "So they're learning to control chakra just like ninjas?" he mused.

Black Zetsu nodded. "Yes. While they may not have the same instincts as humans, they are learning. Kaguya has shaped them to develop techniques that will be useful in the coming battles. They may not possess the raw potential of a trained shinobi, but their strength lies in their consistency. They are always evolving, always adapting."

Naruto looked at the Zetsu, his curiosity piqued. "So, they can use chakra like we do? But how do they learn? They don't seem like they're thinking for themselves…"

Black Zetsu's eyes glinted. "The Zetsu are not simply tools; they are like blank slates, open to improvement. While they do not think like humans, they are constantly refining themselves, tapping into the chakra that flows through this world. They are born of chakra, and with it, they learn faster than you can imagine."

The Evolution of the Zetsu

As they walked further into the dimension, the Zetsu began to exhibit more advanced abilities. Some had developed unique powers—like manipulating the very land they stood on or summoning chakra beasts from the ground. The sight was unsettling yet fascinating.

Sakura couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean when you say they're evolving? Are they really becoming something different?"

Black Zetsu glanced over his shoulder, a slight flicker of something akin to pride crossing his expression. "Kaguya's original intention was to create an army that could withstand the test of time, but evolution is something she hadn't fully predicted. Some Zetsu are starting to show individuality—developing their own preferences in battle, even starting to choose techniques that suit them best. It's a natural byproduct of Kaguya's immense chakra, and perhaps, a sign that they may one day surpass her creation."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying one of them could become stronger than Kaguya herself?"

Black Zetsu's face darkened slightly. "Perhaps. But that will take time. Kaguya's chakra is far beyond anything these creatures have yet encountered. It's still too early to say if one of them will rise to meet the challenge of the Ōtsutsuki."

The Core of the Zetsu World

After some time, Black Zetsu led Team 7 into a cavernous area, much deeper within Kaguya's world. The environment shifted once again—this time, the ground was covered in a soft, glowing moss, and the air was thick with chakra. The walls of the cavern seemed to pulse with a faint, greenish light, as if they were alive.

"This is the heart of the Zetsu's training," Black Zetsu explained. "Here, the most advanced Zetsu are cultivated. They undergo a more focused form of training, intended to prepare them for the battles ahead."

Sakura looked around, her curiosity piqued. "What makes them different from the others?"

Black Zetsu walked over to one of the Zetsu, who was practicing chakra control by manipulating the very air around him. "These are the elite—those who show the most promise in combat. They are chosen by Kaguya to receive special training. As you can see, their chakra is refined, and they have learned to control not just their chakra but the environment itself."

Team 7 was astonished. The Zetsu were clearly advancing faster than any of them had imagined. Even Sasuke, usually so composed, couldn't hide his intrigue as one of the Zetsu summoned a chakra sword with ease.

Naruto grinned. "These guys… they're really something. But they've still got a long way to go before they can beat the Ōtsutsuki!"

Black Zetsu's eyes darkened again. "Perhaps. But don't underestimate them. They may be young, but they have the potential to become something much greater."