Chapter 26: The Nine-Tails Cubs and Their Future

The clearing on Summoning Island was filled with the soft sounds of nature, the warm sunlight casting its glow over the area. Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke stood in awe, watching as the three Nine-Tails cubs played together. Their fur—yellow like Naruto's hair, pink like Sakura's, and black like Sasuke's—was striking, and they moved with a playful energy that reminded Naruto of Kurama when he was a kid.

Kurama's voice echoed in Naruto's mind, excitement bubbling in his tone. "They're like me, Naruto. I can feel it. The same chakra, the same connection to Kaguya... but younger. They have great potential."

Naruto smiled, watching the cubs tumble and play, his heart softening at the sight. "Yeah, they remind me of you, Kurama. They're so lively."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, observing the cubs with a sense of curiosity. "They seem harmless for now, but there's more to them than just playing around. They're connected to Kaguya, so we can't overlook them."

Sakura, kneeling near one of the cubs, gently petted its fur. "They're so cute. But something feels off about this place... and them."

Before anyone could respond, a figure appeared from the shadows. It was Black Zetsu, his ominous presence felt before he even spoke.

"These cubs have great potential," Black Zetsu said, his tone flat but carrying an unsettling weight. "Not because of some innate talent, but because they're part of Kaguya's creations. Their chakra is tied to her, just like everything else in this world."

Naruto glanced up at Black Zetsu, his face a mix of confusion and curiosity. "What do you mean? Are you saying they can leave?"

Black Zetsu nodded, his voice colder now. "Yes. These cubs may have Kaguya's chakra, but they're not bound to her the same way most of the beings here are. They have the ability to leave if they choose to. But they won't."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "They won't? Why?"

"They are loyal to her, as all creatures in this world are," Black Zetsu explained. "Kaguya doesn't stop them from leaving because she knows they will never betray her. But she allows them to go... as long as they return."

The group fell silent, processing Black Zetsu's words. The idea that Kaguya would let them leave this world was surprising, especially since she had shown nothing but control over everything else.

Kurama's voice was full of realization. "So, they can leave whenever they want, but only because Kaguya knows they will come back. She's already got them wrapped around her finger, even if they're not physically here with her."

Naruto frowned, looking down at the cubs again. "So, they're free to leave, but they'll come back anyway? Kaguya doesn't mind?"

Black Zetsu stepped forward, his eyes flicking to the cubs. "Exactly. She has no reason to stop them from leaving because she knows they're already hers. She doesn't fear them betraying her, so she lets them roam, provided they return to her when she calls."

Suddenly, the father of the cubs appeared from the trees, a massive figure with red fur and nine long, powerful tails swishing behind him. His large eyes narrowed as he observed the group. His presence was commanding, as if he were the protector of the entire island.

"You should be careful with them," the Nine-Tails father spoke, his deep voice low and serious. "They are my cubs, but they carry Kaguya's chakra. They may look like innocent creatures now, but their bond to her is not something you can easily break. Even if they leave this world, Kaguya's influence on them will never fade."

Naruto looked up at the massive Nine-Tails, his expression filled with understanding. "We don't want to hurt them. But you're saying that they'll always be tied to her?"

The Nine-Tails father hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes. But you misunderstand me. I'm not stopping you from taking them. Kaguya has already given her blessing. If you take them, you may train them, and they'll grow stronger. But they will return to her in the end, and you will be part of her forces—whether you like it or not."

Sasuke's expression remained stoic, but he understood the implications. "So, you're allowing them to leave because Kaguya knows they'll be useful. They'll train and come back stronger to serve her, just like everything else in this world."

The Nine-Tails father looked down at his cubs, his expression unreadable. "Yes, and that is why I will not stop you. You may train them, but understand that the bond to Kaguya cannot be broken."

Sakura stood up, her concern evident in her eyes. "That sounds like a dangerous game. We can train them, but are we really helping them, or just strengthening Kaguya's grip on this world?"

Kurama spoke in Naruto's mind again, his voice filled with an odd mix of pride and caution. "The cubs have potential. They'll become strong, and they can escape Kaguya's hold if they choose to. But they need to understand that they are free to make that choice... or Kaguya's hold on them will never be fully broken."

Naruto turned to the father Nine-Tails, his tone firm. "We'll train them. But they'll have the choice to leave if they want. They won't be Kaguya's tools forever."

The Nine-Tails father glanced at the group, a hint of what might have been approval in his gaze. "Then train them well. But remember, they will always carry Kaguya's power inside them. They cannot be fully free from her unless she lets them be."

With that, the father Nine-Tails turned, his large form moving gracefully through the trees, leaving the group to contemplate his words. Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke exchanged looks, a mix of determination and concern in their expressions.

Kurama's voice in Naruto's mind was calm yet resolute. "They can leave, but they have to choose to. Until then, we'll train them. For their sake, and for the sake of this world."