Chapter 29: The Beast’s Purpose

After spending some time watching the playful antics of the Nine-Tails cubs and wolf pups, Team 7, along with Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy, made their way back toward Kaguya's domain. The cubs—both Nine-Tails and wolf pups—trotted along happily, their tiny paws making soft sounds against the ground. They were still too young to fully understand their place in the world, but the adults understood that something much greater was at play.

They finally arrived in the central area of Kaguya's realm, where Kaguya herself waited, standing in her usual calm and commanding demeanor. Her long, silver hair flowed gently in the wind, and her eyes narrowed with curiosity as the group approached. The cubs pranced ahead, their eyes bright with excitement, and the wolves followed behind, now less rambunctious but still filled with youthful energy.

Naruto stepped forward first, smiling brightly as he spoke to Kaguya, "We brought the little guys to meet you." This work was created by shredder121

Kaguya's expression softened for a moment as she looked down at the cubs and pups, though her eyes betrayed no real warmth—just an understanding of the potential they held. "I see. You've brought them here to learn."

Sasuke folded his arms, keeping his usual stoic expression. "So, what is the purpose of these creatures? You've created them, but there must be more to it than that."

Kaguya stepped forward, her voice carrying a quiet weight. "The beasts you see on the Summoning Island are not mere creatures. They are part of a much larger plan—a plan that revolves around growth, strength, and purpose." Her eyes glanced over at the cubs, their tiny tails swishing behind them, before continuing. "This island is a place for them to become stronger—it's a breeding ground where they mate, grow, and become the strongest versions of themselves. Every time they mate and produce offspring, the air here becomes richer with chakra. This excess energy flows into the island and strengthens the White Zetsu, who absorb this chakra to increase their power."

Naruto blinked. "So the island is... creating chakra to fuel everything here?"

Kaguya nodded. "Yes. The more powerful the beasts become, the stronger the world's chakra grows. The White Zetsu, in turn, absorb that chakra, which helps them evolve and become more effective in their tasks. These creatures, including the Nine-Tails cubs and the wolf pups, are not just tools—they serve a function. But they are not bound to me entirely."

Sakura looked at Kaguya in confusion. "But, they do have free will, right? You're not controlling them, like the Tailed Beasts were once controlled by humans?"

Kaguya's gaze grew more thoughtful. "Yes, they do have free will. They are not slaves, nor are they shackled by any bonds of control. However, the connection between us is much like that of a ninja village and its ninjas. The village calls upon its ninjas when needed, and in turn, the ninjas serve the village. It's the same for me and these creatures. Even if they choose to leave, should I call, they will come. I do not control them, but they are tied to me by the same sense of duty. They are my creations, just as the Tailed Beasts were created for the shinobi world."

Naruto's brow furrowed, trying to wrap his mind around what Kaguya was saying. "So... they have a purpose, but they can choose whether or not to follow you, right?"

Kaguya nodded once more. "Exactly. They can live as they wish, wander freely. But when I call upon them, they will return. They are not mindless slaves, but they do have a connection to me. It's not about control, but about loyalty, purpose, and understanding."

Sasuke's voice was cold and cutting, like always. "So they're like... students to a master? You're teaching them, and they return to serve you when needed?"

"That is one way to look at it," Kaguya replied. "I am their creator, and they are connected to me as a master is to their students. But it is not a relationship of domination—it is one of mutual understanding. They grow stronger, and in return, they help me when I require it. We share a bond, much like any powerful being would share with its allies or creations."

Naruto glanced down at the cubs again. Despite the implications of Kaguya's words, he couldn't shake the sense that they were more than just tools, even if they were bound by some unseen force. He could see how they played, how they were learning and growing. Perhaps there was more to them than just being summoned beasts.

Sakura, too, seemed to be mulling over Kaguya's explanation. "So, you're not forcing them to serve you... but they are tied to you, like a pact or agreement?"

"Precisely," Kaguya confirmed. "I did not create them to be slaves, nor did I create them simply to serve me. I created them as beings capable of their own lives. But as with all things, when one is part of something greater, there is an inevitable pull toward that greater thing. They will live as they wish, but should the need arise, they will answer my call. Their loyalty, although not forced, is naturally aligned with my own will."

Kaguya's gaze shifted slightly, focusing on the Nine-Tails cubs, who were now sleeping in a small pile together, oblivious to the heavy conversation unfolding around them. "They are still young, still learning. But when they mature, they will grow to understand their place in this world. And when the time comes, they will play their part in strengthening this dimension and aiding in my vision."

Naruto glanced at Sasuke and Sakura, the weight of Kaguya's words settling in. It was clear that these creatures weren't simple pets or toys for her amusement—they were integral to her plans, and they were growing with that purpose in mind. But there was something unsettling about the thought of their potential being controlled, even if they were free to live their lives.

Kaguya spoke again, her voice soft, almost melancholic. "This world is not just for me. It's for them, too. The creatures, the White Zetsu, the Nine-Tails cubs, the wolf pups—they are all part of a greater design. One day, they will help shape this world. Just as you, Team 7, have your purpose, they too have theirs. And in the end, everything will fall into place."

Naruto clenched his fists. There was something about Kaguya's calm words that didn't sit right with him. The cubs and pups weren't just innocent creatures—they were tied to Kaguya's plans, and even if they had free will, they were still part of her scheme.

The group stood in silence for a long while, each member of Team 7 processing Kaguya's explanation in their own way. There was still so much about her and her world that they didn't understand, and the path ahead was far from clear.

But one thing was certain—the bond between Kaguya and her creations, including the Nine-Tails cubs, was stronger than they had imagined. The fate of these creatures, and the world itself, seemed inextricably tied to Kaguya's will.