Chapter 19: Kaguya’s True Intentions

Kaguya stood before Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, her eyes unwavering as the team stared at her. Despite the strange new environment of her world, a place of floating sky islands and thick, swirling clouds, she exuded an aura of power. The calm, confident expression on her face masked her true thoughts, but her words would reveal much more than her face ever could.

"I told you before that I wanted to protect this world," Kaguya began, her voice smooth, almost soothing. "And that remains true. But there's more at stake than you realize."

Naruto's brow furrowed, trying to understand. "What do you mean? You've been talking about stopping the Ōtsutsuki from destroying everything."

Kaguya's eyes glimmered, as though she were testing their reaction. "The Ōtsutsuki, yes. They are a threat—more so than you could possibly imagine. But they are not the only danger. You've seen their power, but you don't understand the full extent of it. Not yet."

Sasuke took a step forward, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What is it you're really trying to tell us, Kaguya?"

The question hung in the air as Kaguya's gaze seemed to soften, her posture slightly more relaxed. "I'm not here for peace. Not in the way you think. I'm here because I've seen what's coming. I've seen the Ōtsutsuki's endless cycle of destruction, and I won't allow them to have this world."

Naruto's eyes widened. "So, what, you want us to fight them for you?"

Kaguya's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "I never said I wanted you to fight for me. But I need your strength, Naruto Uzumaki. Your chakra is unlike any other. It's more than just the power of the Nine-Tails. You're the key to defeating them."

Sasuke's expression darkened, his Sharingan flashing with suspicion. "Why should we believe you? You've kept us in the dark for so long."

Kaguya tilted her head slightly, her voice carrying a mix of authority and something like... weariness. "I never meant to deceive you. But you couldn't possibly understand what I've endured, what I've seen. The Ōtsutsuki have destroyed everything in their path for thousands of years. I am the last one who stands in their way."

Sakura stood quietly, her hands clenched into fists, eyes full of uncertainty. "And why should we trust you after everything that's happened? After everything you've done?" If you're hearing this, then the person creating this audiobook did not obtain permission. This work was created by shredder121

"I never wanted to hurt you," Kaguya said, her tone suddenly soft, as if she were speaking only to Sakura. "I only wanted to protect my children, my family. But they betrayed me. And now I must protect this world in their place."

Her words carried a weight to them that made Naruto pause. Was there sincerity in her voice? Or was this just another layer of manipulation?

Sasuke wasn't convinced. "And the Ōtsutsuki... Why should we believe you when you say they'll destroy everything? You've been sealed for so long. How can you be so sure?"

Kaguya's eyes hardened. "Because I know them. They will come, just like they have to every other world. And when they arrive, they will consume everything. This world will be nothing but a resource to them. I've seen it happen, over and over again."

Her words were chilling. The truth behind them, however, was not so clear.

Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination. "We won't let that happen. But we can't do it alone. If we're going to stop them, we need to work together."

Kaguya looked at Naruto for a long moment, as if considering him—truly considering him—for the first time. "I don't need you to join me. I need you to protect this world. And to do that, you must help me. Because if you don't, the Ōtsutsuki will come, and they will destroy everything you care about. Even you, Naruto Uzumaki."

The threat in her voice was unmistakable. But something about her words didn't sit right with him. Kaguya, despite what she said, wasn't fully revealing her true intentions. But they had no choice. The Ōtsutsuki were coming, and if she had the power to stop them, they would have to rely on her.

Sasuke crossed his arms, his gaze never leaving Kaguya. "And what about Isshiki? You said he's the greatest threat of all. What can you tell us about him?"

Kaguya's eyes darkened with a glimmer of something cold. "Isshiki Ōtsutsuki is unlike any of the others. His power is beyond comprehension. He can bend space itself, and his will is a force unto itself. You cannot hope to defeat him with your current strength."

Naruto's jaw clenched. He could feel the weight of her words, the seriousness in her tone. But the question remained: Could they trust her? Was this really just about saving the world, or was there something more?

Black Zetsu, who had been silently watching from the shadows, finally spoke up. "Kaguya is right. The Ōtsutsuki will not stop. If you want this world to survive, you must stand with her. Whether you trust her or not doesn't matter. You have no other option."

Naruto turned to Black Zetsu, eyes narrowing. "You always side with her, don't you?"

"I side with whoever ensures that we all survive," Black Zetsu replied coolly. "And right now, that's Kaguya. Don't be foolish, Naruto Uzumaki. The Ōtsutsuki are coming for you. The question is, will you be ready when they do?"

Sakura, her face full of resolve, stepped forward. "We won't let them win. Whatever we have to do, we'll do it. But Kaguya," she said, her voice firm, "don't think for a second that we'll follow you blindly. We're doing this because it's the only way to stop the Ōtsutsuki."

Kaguya nodded, her expression unreadable. "I never asked for blind loyalty. Just your strength, when it matters most."