Chapter 7: Seeking the Truth

The tension in the air remained thick as the discussion continued. The Five Kage and their predecessors stood together, weighing their next move carefully.

Mei was the first to voice what many were thinking. "Maybe we should try to talk to Kaguya."

Ay scoffed. "Talk to her? After everything she did?"

"We don't know what she'll do next," Mei countered. "And the only ones who do know are standing right here." She gestured toward Naruto and Sasuke. "If she really sees the Ōtsutsuki as a threat, maybe we can use that."

Ōnoki stroked his beard. "Gathering intelligence should always be our first step. If there's even a chance we can learn more about our enemy, we should take it."

Tsunade nodded. "Agreed. But before that, I want to hear more about the power you two received."

All eyes turned to Naruto and Sasuke.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, right. Well… I guess you could say we got power from the Sage of Six Paths himself."

Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "Be specific."

Sasuke crossed his arms. "Hagoromo granted us chakra infused with his own. I awakened the Rinnegan in my left eye and gained the ability to shift between dimensions and perceive things beyond normal sight."

"I got a huge boost in chakra," Naruto added. "And I can use Six Paths Sage Mode. I also have a connection to all the Tailed Beasts now."

Minato smiled softly. "So you've inherited his will, then."

Naruto grinned. "Guess so."

Hiruzen let out a small hum. "If you truly carry the Sage's power, then it will be crucial in what's to come. But I fear it may not be enough alone."

The conversation quieted as the Edo Tensei Kage shared a look. Hashirama sighed. "It seems our time here is coming to an end."

Naruto's smile faltered. "You guys are leaving?"

"We were never meant to stay," Minato said gently. "Our duty here is done."

Gaara turned to his father, Rasa. "Father…"

Rasa gave him a small nod. "You've done well, Gaara. The village is in good hands."

Tobirama crossed his arms. "You all have a lot to prepare for. Don't waste this opportunity."

Hashirama chuckled. "Looks like I won't get to fight anymore. A shame, really."

Ōnoki smirked. "You never change."

The Edo Tensei Kage turned to their successors one by one, giving final nods of approval. But before they departed, the current Kage had one last thing to discuss.