Chapter 32 Back in Konoha

Back in Konoha

The next few weeks were spent preparing for the worst. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi trained relentlessly, while the Kage observed from afar. But things weren't quiet for long. Kaguya's presence lingered like a shadow over the village, and even with her powerful summons, the world wasn't out of danger yet.

The more the team trained, the more they realized that the Ōtsutsuki threat was growing. But there was something else in the air—a tension. The balance of the world felt like it was about to tip, and Konoha wasn't ready.

One afternoon, as Naruto and his team were practicing their techniques in the training ground, they noticed the sky darken for a moment. The clouds parted, and a strange, familiar figure appeared. It was Black Zetsu, the ever-loyal servant of Kaguya.

"Lady Kaguya has spoken," Black Zetsu announced, his voice cold but respectful. "She believes it's time for you all to begin preparing for the coming storm. The Ōtsutsuki are already on their way."

Naruto stepped forward, his expression serious. "What do you mean by 'on their way'? We're already facing them, aren't we?"

Black Zetsu's eyes narrowed. "You are facing them, yes. But it's not enough. Kaguya knows that the Ōtsutsuki won't stop until they take control of this world—until they achieve their goals. She believes only by preparing properly will you have a chance to survive the inevitable battle."

Sasuke, always the skeptic, crossed his arms. "And what exactly is Kaguya's plan?"

Black Zetsu's expression remained neutral. "She will help when necessary. But her main priority is the survival of her own legacy—her children, her summons, her power. The Ōtsutsuki will not win, not if she has any say in it."

Sakura, ever the optimist, spoke up. "But what about the villages? Can we work together to stop them?"

Black Zetsu gave a small nod. "Kaguya has already begun her preparations. The Zetsu army is growing stronger, and with your bonds with the summons, you will have an edge. But the Ōtsutsuki are a force unlike any other. It will take everything you have to survive."

Naruto's mind was racing. He thought of the Nine-Tails—both his own and the baby Nine-Tails they had trained—and of how much they had grown since their bonding. There was something special about their connection, a strength that could rival even the Ōtsutsuki's power. And now, with the world on the line, he felt a renewed sense of responsibility.

"I won't let them take this world," Naruto said firmly, his voice filled with resolve.

Black Zetsu nodded slowly. "Good. Kaguya expects nothing less from you. But remember, while your summons are strong, the Ōtsutsuki's power is absolute. You will need more than just strength."

The Kage's Decision

The Kage had been following the developments from afar, and after receiving the news from Black Zetsu, they convened in a private meeting with Team 7. The tension in the room was palpable as the Kage processed the information.

Onoki, always the voice of reason, was the first to speak. "So Kaguya is actively involved now? And she's still keeping her true intentions hidden."

Tsunade crossed her arms, looking thoughtfully at Naruto. "But can we trust her? After everything that's happened?"

Naruto didn't hesitate. "I trust her. She's not like the others. And right now, we don't have the luxury of doubting anyone who's willing to help us."

Gaara, the ever-calm Kazekage, spoke next. "I agree. The Ōtsutsuki are too dangerous to face alone. If Kaguya is willing to provide assistance, we need to take it. But we must remain vigilant."

Mei, the Mizukage, nodded. "We will prepare as best we can, then. But we need to start training our forces. The Zetsu army isn't the only thing we'll need to worry about."

Naruto looked at his team and then at the Kage. "We'll continue working with our summons. And we'll do whatever it takes to stop the Ōtsutsuki. But we need everyone's cooperation—no more holding back."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "And what about the villages?"

Naruto smiled. "We'll unite. It's the only way to make it through."

The Kage exchanged looks. They had seen the power of Team 7 firsthand, and now, they had a new ally in Kaguya. But the Ōtsutsuki were coming, and every moment counted.

Final Preparations

As Team 7 continued to train with their summons, the Kage began preparing the villages for what was to come. The Zetsu army was growing, and while some were skeptical of Kaguya's true intentions, there was no denying that their combined strength would be their best chance at survival.

Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi spent hours each day training, honing their skills with their respective beasts. The gray wolf was learning more control over its speed and strength, while the pink lion's agility and power were becoming formidable. Sasuke's cheetah was growing faster and more strategic, and Sakura's bond with the lion pride was strengthening her resolve.

Each day, they grew stronger, knowing that their bond with the summons would be essential in the coming battle.