Chapter 38 The Calm Before the Storm

The Calm Before the Storm

The days following the departure of the summoning beasts' families were filled with quiet moments of reflection and preparation. The vastness of Kaguya's world had allowed Team 7 to grow in ways they hadn't expected, but now they were back in Konoha, preparing for whatever the Ōtsutsuki would throw at them next.

Naruto's Training with the Baby Nine-Tails

Naruto spent hours each day training with the little Nine-Tails, who seemed to have grown fond of him. It wasn't just about chakra anymore. The bond between them had deepened, and the little fox had begun learning not just from Naruto but from Kurama too. It was a unique relationship—Kurama, who had been with Naruto for so long, watched the young fox with a mixture of amusement and affection.

"I never thought I'd see the day where I'd be mentoring another Nine-Tails," Kurama mused one afternoon, as the small fox playfully jumped around Naruto. If you're hearing this, then the person creating this audiobook did not obtain permission. This work was created by shredder121

Naruto chuckled, watching the tiny fox leap from one rock to another with remarkable agility. "I guess it's pretty funny. But hey, you've been through a lot, Kurama. I want to make sure this little one doesn't go through the same."

The baby Nine-Tails gave a soft growl, as if agreeing, and then bounded over to Naruto, nuzzling his leg before curling up at his feet. Kurama's gaze softened, and he glanced at Naruto with a quiet nod.

"You're doing good, kid."

Naruto smiled and patted Kurama's head. "Thanks."

Sasuke and the Cheetah

Meanwhile, Sasuke had found a more solitary spot in the training grounds to practice with the cheetah. The speed and precision the cheetah exhibited had made Sasuke realize just how much he had to learn. He'd always been one for technique and strategy, but the cheetah had its own way of seeing things—an intuitive, almost predatory focus that Sasuke found intriguing.

The cheetah bounded alongside Sasuke, weaving in and out of his path, its paws moving like streaks of lightning. They were in perfect sync now, much like Sasuke and his own Sharingan. The bond between them had solidified, and Sasuke had come to respect the cheetah for more than just its speed—it had a sharp mind, and together they would become an unstoppable duo.

The cheetah paused as Sasuke turned to face it. "We're ready," Sasuke said, his voice steady and calm. "When the time comes, we'll face whatever challenge is thrown our way."

The cheetah's eyes gleamed with understanding before it lowered its head, acknowledging Sasuke's words. The two of them were ready, and they both knew it.

Sakura and the Lion

Sakura had been working with the lion pride on her strength and strategy, and she had come to learn that the lions weren't just about power. They were about teamwork and leadership. The pride had a unique hierarchy, and Sakura had spent a lot of time observing how the lions worked together to bring down prey. She'd learned that sometimes strength alone wasn't enough—it took unity and trust.

The lioness that had bonded with her was especially clever, often leading the training sessions with precision. Sakura had adopted some of their strategies into her own combat style. The lioness would circle her, offering gentle guidance with its movements, and Sakura had started to incorporate more agile, graceful maneuvers into her techniques.

One evening, after a particularly intense training session, Sakura sat down next to the lioness, her hand resting on its golden mane. "I've learned so much from you," Sakura said softly. "It's not just about power. It's about knowing when to strike, and when to wait."

The lioness laid down beside her, resting its head on Sakura's lap, offering a quiet, contented purr. Sakura smiled and stroked its fur, knowing that they'd both grown stronger in their time together.

Kakashi and the Gray Wolf

Kakashi, who had always been one to keep a cool and calm exterior, found himself growing attached to the gray wolf. The wolf had become an extension of his own mind, much like his Sharingan was. Kakashi was beginning to see the importance of connection—not just with his comrades, but with his summon as well.

The wolf's intelligence had become a great asset. It would often help Kakashi during training, its sharp instincts guiding him when he faltered. But what was most striking was how the wolf had developed its own unique combat style. It was fast, precise, and its presence was like a shadow—always watching, always moving.

One evening, Kakashi stood atop a cliff, overlooking the village. The gray wolf stood beside him, its eyes scanning the horizon. Kakashi wasn't just thinking of his next fight; he was thinking of what lay ahead.

"We'll be ready," Kakashi said, his voice almost a whisper to the wind. "Whatever comes, we won't back down."

The wolf turned its head to meet his gaze, a subtle nod of understanding in its eyes. Kakashi's hand rested on the wolf's head, and for a moment, everything felt like it was falling into place.

The Quiet Before the Storm

Konoha was bustling with activity as the villagers prepared for the upcoming challenges. The Kage had returned to their respective villages, but the air was thick with tension. Everyone knew that the Ōtsutsuki were coming, and when they did, there would be no turning back.

Team 7 continued their training, each member growing stronger alongside their summons. They had forged bonds that could not be broken—bonds of trust, strength, and loyalty. But even with their new companions by their side, there was a lingering sense of unease. The Ōtsutsuki were not to be underestimated.

One day, after another long training session, Naruto gathered Team 7 together at the base of the Hokage monument.

"It's time," Naruto said, looking out over the village. "We're ready, but we need to be smart. The Ōtsutsuki will come, and when they do, we'll be ready to protect everyone."

Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi stood by his side, each of them resolute in their own way.

"Let's make sure we don't fail this time," Sasuke said, his voice filled with determination.

Sakura nodded, her expression hardening with focus. "We've got this. Together."

Kakashi gave a quiet smile behind his mask. "No one can defeat us if we stand together."

And as the sun set over the horizon, the team felt a renewed sense of purpose. They had faced countless battles, but the one ahead would be unlike any other. The Ōtsutsuki were coming, and it was time to prepare for the fight of their lives.