Chapter 23

After a long journey across the vast, eerie landscape of Kaguya's world, Black Zetsu finally led Team 7 to a large island that seemed vastly different from the rest. The air was thick with the scent of wildlife, and the ground was marked with strange symbols that glowed faintly underfoot. The island was teeming with life, but not in the way they had expected.

"This," Black Zetsu said, his voice slightly reverberating, "is the Island of Summoning Beasts. It's where the Zetsu learn to summon creatures to aid them in battle. It's not as simple as just calling something from thin air. They are trained to form contracts and draw upon the chakra of the environment to bring these creatures to life."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Summoning creatures? Are they using the chakra of this world to form contracts with these beasts?"

"Yes," Black Zetsu responded, glancing toward the horizon where massive chakra-infused creatures roamed freely. "Some of the Zetsu have the ability to summon beasts of immense power—each one possessing unique abilities. The Zetsu train with these creatures to learn how to control them, not unlike the way summoners form bonds with their beasts in the human world."

Naruto stepped forward, eyes widening. "Are those... actual summoning beasts?"

He pointed to a huge creature, resembling a giant snake, with a shimmering body that almost appeared to be made of chakra. It coiled around the island like a serpent, its eyes glowing a faint shade of blue.

"They are," Black Zetsu confirmed. "But they are not the same as your typical summons. These are born from Kaguya's chakra. They are not bound to anyone, but they recognize those who possess the power to control them. It's a method of training for the Zetsu to learn command and respect over the natural world."

Sakura was amazed, but a slight unease began to settle in her chest. "So the Zetsu here are learning to control not just chakra, but these powerful creatures too?"

Black Zetsu nodded. "Yes. In the coming wars, having such creatures will prove invaluable. But they will need time to learn to bond with them properly."

The Second Island: The Island of Sealing Techniques If you're hearing this, then the person creating this audiobook did not obtain permission. This work was created by shredder121

After leaving the Island of Summoning Beasts, Black Zetsu led the group to another island, its atmosphere entirely different. The island was much quieter, almost tranquil. Instead of wild beasts, the air was filled with a humming energy, almost as if the chakra of the place itself was being carefully controlled.

"This is the Island of Sealing," Black Zetsu announced. "The Zetsu here learn how to create and control seals. Their ability to seal chakra is something Kaguya has ingrained into their very essence. It's not just a technique—it's part of their nature."

Sasuke, who had a deep interest in sealing techniques, glanced around with curiosity. "So the Zetsu here are learning how to seal chakra itself? And they're training to control the power of seals?"

"Yes," Black Zetsu replied, his voice now laced with a hint of pride. "Some of them have even begun to understand the complexity of sealing powerful chakra-based beings—not just limiting them, but creating entire dimensions to store such entities. It's a very delicate art. Some Zetsu are already proficient enough to perform complex seals, though their training is far from complete."

Naruto frowned, his brows furrowing. "So they're learning to trap things in seals? Like how the Nine-Tails was sealed inside me?"

Black Zetsu's voice grew colder. "Yes. And they're learning to create seals more advanced than anything you've encountered. Some even involve dimensions beyond this one."

Sakura, feeling a chill creep down her spine, spoke up. "Do they use these seals to control their summons? Or are they something more dangerous?"

"They are both," Black Zetsu replied, the edge in his voice sharp. "But the seals they create are still in their infancy. Once fully matured, the Zetsu will be able to control powerful summoned creatures, contain dangerous beings, and even trap other Zetsu if necessary. Sealing will become their greatest weapon."

The Third Island: The Island of Creation

Next, Black Zetsu led them to another strange island, and this one felt entirely alien. The ground here was smooth and perfectly flat, stretching out into a distance that seemed to go on forever. At first glance, it seemed barren, but as they ventured further, Team 7 began to see strange buildings and structures in various stages of construction.

"This," Black Zetsu said, his tone almost wistful, "is the Island of Creation. Here, the Zetsu learn to build and create."

"Create?" Naruto asked, eyes scanning the buildings. "But I thought they only trained for battle?"

"They do," Black Zetsu replied. "But Kaguya wanted to ensure that they would be self-sufficient. The Zetsu are not just soldiers—they are creators. This island teaches them to construct everything they need: from simple houses to complex fortresses. They are learning how to shape the world around them, just as Kaguya did when she first arrived in this dimension."

Sasuke's sharp eyes studied the intricate structures. "So the Zetsu here are learning to build things from scratch—like making weapons, fortifications, even tools to aid in battle?"

"Exactly," Black Zetsu confirmed. "They are learning craftsmanship, engineering, and how to survive without relying on others. It's one of the many ways they will be prepared for the challenges ahead. If necessary, they will be able to build entire fortresses to keep their enemies at bay."

A Moment of Reflection

As the day drew to a close, Team 7 found themselves standing in awe of Kaguya's creation. They had seen the Zetsu army's potential and their growing strength firsthand. Each island was a testament to Kaguya's vision, where even beings born from chakra could be trained and shaped into something more.

Black Zetsu spoke once more, his voice firm. "Kaguya created this world and the Zetsu for a reason. They will be the foundation of her power. But it is not yet their time. Time will tell whether they will be strong enough to face the challenges ahead."

Naruto, his fists clenched with resolve, nodded. "We've got a lot of work to do to prepare for the Ōtsutsuki, but we won't let these guys down. Not if we can help it."