Chapter 20: The Sky Islands – Secrets of Kaguya’s World

The floating islands of Kaguya's world were unlike anything they had ever seen before. The sky shimmered with colors that seemed to change with every passing moment, and the ground beneath their feet was made of a strange material that felt almost like it was alive. Every step they took seemed to echo with the weight of history, as if the world around them held secrets that even time had forgotten.

Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy followed Black Zetsu through this alien landscape, each of them feeling both awe and apprehension in equal measure. The air here felt heavier than usual, as if the very atmosphere was suffused with the power of Kaguya's creation.

"This place is... unreal," Sakura murmured, her eyes wide as she looked up at the floating islands that hovered impossibly high in the sky.

"Yeah, I feel like we're in a completely different world," Naruto agreed, his usual enthusiasm tempered by the unease that lingered in the air. "But what's the point of bringing us here, Zetsu? What are we supposed to learn?"

Black Zetsu didn't answer immediately, instead continuing to lead them through the winding paths of the floating islands. They passed by strange formations of rock, twisted trees with glowing branches, and eerie crystal structures that hummed with energy. The deeper they went, the more unsettling the place seemed.

Finally, Black Zetsu stopped in front of a large open space, where they could see tens of thousands of White Zetsu training. The figures moved with purpose, sparring and absorbing chakra from the environment. It was a sight unlike anything they had witnessed before. The White Zetsu, who had once been mindless puppets of Kaguya's will, were now organized, focused, and growing stronger by the day.

"This is what Kaguya's been doing," Black Zetsu said flatly. "Training her army. These White Zetsu... they are evolving." This work was created by shredder121

Naruto's eyes widened. "How many of them are there?"

"There are ten million," Black Zetsu replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "And they are growing stronger with each passing day."

Sasuke studied the training ground carefully. "So, these things are getting smarter. Stronger. That's not good."

"Indeed," Kakashi added. "We've seen their power before. If they're this much of a threat now, we can only imagine what they'll be like in the future."

Sakura clenched her fists. "How are we supposed to stop all of this?"

Obito remained silent, his gaze fixed on the White Zetsu army. His thoughts were heavy with the implications of what they were witnessing. They had only scratched the surface of Kaguya's plans, and he knew better than anyone that this was just the beginning.

Meanwhile, in the Shadows of Kaguya's World...

As Team 7 and their companions explored the islands, Kaguya stood alone in a secluded chamber, her expression cold and calculating. Black Zetsu appeared beside her, his form dark and ever-present.

"Did they see what they needed to see?" Kaguya asked, her voice quiet but filled with a dangerous edge.

"They saw the White Zetsu army, and they know the strength of your creations," Black Zetsu replied, his tone as emotionless as ever. "But they don't understand the full extent of what you're building. They're still blind to the true power you're unleashing."

Kaguya's lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. "Good. Let them think they're in control. Let them believe they can stop me if they try hard enough. It will make the moment when I strike even sweeter."

Black Zetsu tilted his head slightly, his voice lowering as he asked, "And the Ninja? The Uzumaki and the Uchiha?"

Kaguya's gaze darkened, her thoughts turning inward. "Naruto and Sasuke… they think they're fighting for the world. They don't realize they're merely pawns in a game I've already set in motion. They'll do what they always do—rush in, make a stand, and fight until they're exhausted. But they'll never see the truth of what's coming."

A faint chuckle escaped Kaguya's lips. "I'll use them. They're powerful tools. They'll help me secure my world. The Ōtsutsuki won't stand a chance when they arrive."

Black Zetsu's voice was almost approving. "You've played this game well, Kaguya. They trust you now. They believe you care about their world, but you've already made your intentions clear to me. Their fate will be sealed when you're ready to strike."

Kaguya's eyes glinted with a dangerous light as she gazed out across her world. "I'll have no mercy for them. I'll have no mercy for anyone who stands in my way. The Ōtsutsuki will come, and they'll see what I've built. But first... I'll let Naruto and Sasuke think they have a chance. It will be more satisfying that way."

Black Zetsu gave a slight nod, his form flickering as he spoke again. "They won't see it coming."

Kaguya turned her attention back to the vast world she had created, her mind already calculating her next move. "No. They won't."

Back with Team 7...

The group was still processing the magnitude of what they had seen. The White Zetsu army was growing, evolving, and becoming a real threat. But none of them could shake the feeling that there was more going on than what they had been told. The air felt heavy with unspoken secrets, and they couldn't help but wonder: Was Black Zetsu showing them everything? Or was there something far worse waiting just beyond their reach?

"Let's just be careful," Sasuke muttered, his eyes narrowing as he looked toward the horizon. "We can't trust her, not fully. And we can't underestimate what she's capable of."

Naruto nodded in agreement, though his mind still buzzed with the strange feeling that something wasn't right. "I don't trust her either. But right now, I don't think we have much choice. We need to figure out what's really going on here."

Sakura clenched her fists, her worry growing. "I don't like being this in the dark."

Obito placed a hand on her shoulder. "We all feel the same way, Sakura. But we'll figure it out. Together."

Might Guy, ever the optimist, gave a bright grin. "That's right! As long as we stick together, we can overcome anything!"

But even his usual confidence didn't seem to settle the growing tension. They were in the heart of Kaguya's world, surrounded by forces they barely understood. And yet, none of them knew the most important truth—that Kaguya was playing them, and they were already part of her plan.