Chapter 28: The Truth Behind the Beasts

As the group continued to watch the Nine-Tails cubs and wolf pups, enjoying their playful antics, a figure stepped out from the shadows. Black Zetsu emerged, his form as ominous as ever, his expression unreadable as he approached Team 7 and the others.

"Seems like you've taken quite a liking to the cubs and pups," Black Zetsu said, his voice low and steady. "But you should know that their role here isn't as simple as you may think."

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura turned their attention to Black Zetsu. Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? They're just playing and training. They're not Kaguya's tools, right?"

Black Zetsu's dark eyes flickered with a hint of something almost like amusement, but it was hard to tell. "Not exactly," he replied cryptically. "The beasts you see here, including the Nine-Tails cubs and these wolf pups, are not bound by the same rules as the creatures of your world. They're here to grow, to gain power, and to assist Kaguya when she calls upon them."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "So they're just tools for Kaguya?"

Black Zetsu let out a soft chuckle. "No, not exactly. They're free to live how they wish, much like the Tailed Beasts of your world. But their purpose is clear—grow stronger. Kaguya has created them, but they aren't bound to her in the same way the Tailed Beasts are bound to humans. They can live and roam as they please, but when Kaguya requires them, they will answer her call. That's the nature of their existence."

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "So, they're not like us? They don't have to listen to Kaguya?"

"No," Black Zetsu replied. "They are free, just as the Tailed Beasts were free in your world. But their loyalty, their bond to Kaguya, is unlike anything you've seen with your Tailed Beasts. They carry her chakra, but they are not slaves to her. They can choose their path, just like the Tailed Beasts could choose theirs. But ultimately, they are meant to help her cause when she requires it."

Sakura frowned, stepping forward. "So, they're like the Tailed Beasts in the sense that they have their own will, but Kaguya's power still influences them. They're not completely independent?"

Black Zetsu tilted his head slightly. "Exactly. Their strength is a gift from Kaguya, but they are not confined. Just like the Tailed Beasts, they can roam free, live their lives however they wish. But when Kaguya calls, they will answer. It is in their nature."

Naruto felt a pit form in his stomach as he thought about Kurama and the other Tailed Beasts. He had known the weight of having such immense power—yet also the struggle to break free from the expectations placed upon them. Would the Nine-Tails cubs eventually feel the same way?

"So they're like... allies to Kaguya?" Sasuke asked, his voice even. "Not just her tools, but... her companions?"

Black Zetsu nodded slowly. "That is one way to look at it. But they are more than just her allies. They are connected to her essence. When they grow stronger, their power will help her—whether she asks for it directly or not. They are part of her, and their strength will become part of her own. In time, they will help her reshape this world, as she once did long ago."

Sakura looked over at the Nine-Tails cubs, who were now sleeping peacefully beside the wolf pups. "So... they're not as free as they seem. Even if they aren't bound by Kaguya's will entirely, they will still play a role in her plans?"

"Yes," Black Zetsu responded, his voice growing more serious. "Their purpose is to grow strong. To help Kaguya when she needs them. They are part of the plan, whether they realize it or not."

Naruto's heart sank a little. He looked at the cubs, wondering what their future held. Would they be free to live their own lives, or would they be swept up in Kaguya's ambitions? He wanted to believe that they had the power to choose for themselves, but the reality was far more complicated.

Kurama's voice resonated in Naruto's mind, softer than usual. "They may have Kaguya's chakra, but that doesn't mean they'll be her puppets. Don't lose hope, Naruto."

Naruto clenched his fists, nodding silently in response. "I don't plan to. But we still need to figure out how to protect them... and everyone else from Kaguya."

Sasuke spoke up, his expression unreadable. "We'll have to be careful. Kaguya's plans might involve them, but we won't let her control everything."

Black Zetsu watched the group closely. "You may think you can protect them, but ultimately, it will be up to the beasts themselves. Kaguya doesn't control them fully—not yet. But they are linked to her, and their power will be tested."

With that, Black Zetsu turned, his dark form blending into the shadows of the island. "I have other matters to attend to. You should enjoy your time here, but remember, this world is not as free as you think."

The group watched as Black Zetsu disappeared, leaving them in silence. The playful sounds of the cubs and pups were still in the air, but a heavy sense of uncertainty lingered over them all.

Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that their journey—both in this world and in their battle against Kaguya—was far from over. The Nine-Tails cubs, the wolf pups, and the rest of Kaguya's creations were far more complicated than they appeared. And Kaguya, as always, had her plans in motion.

But for now, the group decided to let the cubs and pups play. They didn't have all the answers yet, but one thing was certain—they would fight to ensure that these creatures, and everyone else, had the freedom to choose their path.