Chapter 37 Growing Together

Growing Together

The morning sun rose higher in the sky, casting long shadows over the village. The Kage had already left, their business with the ninja world pressing, leaving Team 7 alone with their summoning beasts. Today was different, though. The beasts' families, who had gathered around and supported them, were preparing to leave.

Sasuke and the Cheetah's Family

Sasuke stood, watching as the cheetah's pride began to gather. The sleek, agile creatures moved silently through the grass, their eyes flicking towards him as they prepared to leave. The cheetah, which had grown more attached to him each day, paced in front of Sasuke with an almost reluctant expression.

The rest of the pride circled around, seemingly giving their approval for the cheetah to stay. The cheetah paused, looking at Sasuke with a flicker of hesitation in its eyes, but then it turned and nuzzled him gently, as though confirming their bond.

"You're ready to grow, just like me," Sasuke said softly, his voice betraying a rare hint of warmth. "Stay strong. Don't forget what we've learned together."

The cheetah gave a low growl, as if acknowledging the words, before it turned and followed the pride. Sasuke watched them disappear into the distance, the wind carrying the sound of their departure.

He stood silently for a moment, then shook his head slightly, a small, bittersweet smile crossing his face.

Naruto, Kurama, and the Baby Nine-Tails

Meanwhile, Naruto was kneeling next to the little Nine-Tails, who had been playing in the grass. It was hard to believe how much this tiny creature had grown in such a short amount of time. Its bond with Naruto had deepened, and it had become more than just a summon—it was a companion, one he deeply cared for.

Kurama, lounging nearby, watched the exchange with a hint of amusement in his eyes. This work was created by shredder121

"Looks like the little fox is getting too attached to you," Kurama remarked, though there was no malice in his voice, just a sense of understanding. "But it's time for it to leave with its family. It needs to learn how to survive on its own, just like you did."

Naruto gave the tiny Nine-Tails one last scratch behind the ears, a bittersweet smile on his face. "I know, but I'll always be here for you."

The little Nine-Tails gave a playful growl and nuzzled him one last time before turning to join the others. The massive Nine-Tails that formed the family stood proudly, the younger fox following their lead. They moved into the distance, their tails flicking in unison.

"It'll be okay, kid," Kurama said, his tone much softer than usual. "It's part of growing up."

Naruto watched them go, feeling a pang in his chest. The fox had been Kaguya's summon, but it had become something more—a symbol of the connection between Naruto and the power he wielded. As they disappeared into the distance, Naruto took a deep breath and stood up.

"Yeah. It'll be okay."

Kakashi and the Gray Wolf Pack

Kakashi stood in front of the gray wolf pack, his hand resting gently on the head of his wolf. The pack was preparing to leave, and the wolf—who had become as much of a companion as a tool—looked at Kakashi with its intelligent eyes. The entire pack seemed to be waiting for something, but Kakashi knew it was time for them to go.

"You've trained hard, and I've learned from you too," Kakashi said, speaking softly. "But it's time to move on. You have to keep growing, just like I do."

The gray wolf gave a soft whine before stepping away from Kakashi's side, walking to join the rest of the pack. Kakashi followed them with his eyes, his usual stoic expression showing a hint of melancholy.

As the pack disappeared into the distance, the gray wolf paused for a moment, looking back at Kakashi. Their eyes met, and there was a moment of understanding before it turned and followed the pack into the woods.

Kakashi stood for a while, watching them go. Then he turned, offering a final nod to the path they had taken. "Stay strong."

Sakura and the Lion Pride

Sakura had been sitting next to the lioness, her fingers gently threading through the thick mane. The lion pride was gathering to leave, and though Sakura had grown close to them, she knew this was for the best. The lions were mighty creatures, and they needed to return to their territory to hunt and live.

The lioness turned its golden eyes toward Sakura, its regal head lowering for a final nuzzle. Sakura gently stroked its mane one last time.

"Go back to your pride," Sakura whispered. "You're ready. I've learned a lot from you."

The lioness gave a low purr, then turned and joined the rest of the pride. The other lions, in their majestic glory, moved gracefully through the grass and disappeared into the forest, their golden forms vanishing like shadows at dusk.

Sakura stood up, wiping away a lone tear that had formed at the corner of her eye. She had always admired the strength and pride of the lions, but it was time for them to go.

"They'll be okay," Sakura muttered to herself, and with that, she walked back to Team 7.

A New Beginning

As the families of the summoning beasts disappeared into the distance, Team 7 stood together, each of them feeling a mixture of emotions—pride, loss, and hope.

"Time for them to grow," Naruto said quietly, his hand on the back of the baby Nine-Tails. "Just like us."

Sasuke glanced at him, then at the others. "We'll train. We'll get stronger."

Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "They'll always be there when you need them."

Sakura nodded, a small but sincere smile on her face. "We're ready for whatever comes next."

They turned and walked back towards the village, their summoned beasts now alone, but not forgotten. The bond between them and their summons had been formed, and it would remain strong, no matter how far they went.

Together, they would face the coming challenges, stronger and more united than ever.