Chapter 34: The Communication Necklace

As the Konoha 11 continued to interact with their new companions, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and curiosity. Some of the cubs were starting to warm up to their trainers, though others were still a bit distant. Naruto, who was energetically chatting with his yellow Nine-Tails cub, suddenly stopped when a familiar figure appeared in the middle of the training ground.

Black Zetsu materialized out of thin air, his form emerging from the shadows as if he had been watching the entire time. Everyone froze for a moment, unsure of what he was about to do. With his usual composed expression, Black Zetsu spoke.

"I've brought something that might help with your training," he said, his voice low but purposeful. "Each of you and your beasts will receive a special necklace. It will allow communication between you and your companions."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "A necklace?" This work was created by shredder121

"Yes," Black Zetsu continued, producing six small, intricate necklaces from the folds of his cloak. They shimmered with a faint glow, each one infused with chakra that hummed softly in the air. "These necklaces are made with the chakra of the Nine-Tails and wolves, allowing only you—their trainers—to communicate with them. The connection will be established through their chakra, not yours. Without the necklace, communication will be impossible."

He handed one necklace to each trainer, including Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy. Each trainer examined their gift, unsure of how exactly it would work. But before they could ask any questions, the cubs and pups were handed their corresponding necklaces too, which fit snugly around their tiny necks.

"These necklaces will help bridge the gap for now," Black Zetsu explained. "The older beasts, like the Nine-Tails, can speak freely with humans, but these ones are still too young. They'll grow into their abilities, but for now, you'll need these."

Might Guy, ever enthusiastic, immediately put his necklace on his wolf pup, excited to try it out. "Youth! I can't wait to hear your voice! Let's see how strong we can make you!"

The pups and cubs seemed indifferent, still adjusting to their new lives. That is, until Naruto's yellow Nine-Tails cub blinked, tilted its head slightly, and then spoke in a small, annoyed voice.

"Naruto... too loud," the cub mumbled, its tail flicking agitatedly.

Naruto froze, his eyes wide. "Did... did that cub just talk?"

The others turned to look at him, some puzzled, others intrigued. Naruto crouched down next to the yellow Nine-Tails cub, his face brightening with hope.

"What... did you say?" he asked eagerly.

"Too loud," the cub repeated, its little ears twitching. "You're too loud."

Naruto's face fell, his shoulders slumping. "What? I'm too loud? I was just trying to be friendly!" He pouted, feeling a bit embarrassed. The cub yawned in response, clearly unimpressed with Naruto's attempt at conversation.

"Hey, don't be like that!" Naruto said, trying to laugh it off. "I'm not that loud, right, guys?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, glancing at the yellow cub, then back at Naruto. "You're definitely loud. But that's nothing new."

Sakura chuckled. "Maybe you should try lowering your voice, Naruto. It's not like the cubs are used to hearing it."

Might Guy, ever the optimist, tried to make the situation better. "Youth, Naruto! You just have to keep trying! These pups need some time to adjust to your... youthful energy!" He grinned at his own words, his fist pumping the air.

But Naruto, now a little deflated, sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Guess I need to work on that... sorry, little buddy."

The cub rolled its eyes and laid down, clearly not too bothered, while the other pups remained quiet, adjusting to their surroundings.

Kakashi, seeing Naruto's deflated mood, smiled slightly from behind his mask. "I think it's great you can communicate now. It's a start, right?"

Obito nodded in agreement. "Yeah, don't let one little comment get to you. You've got the cub's attention, even if it's just to tell you to be quieter."

Sasuke, with his usual calm demeanor, added, "Don't worry, Naruto. You're not that loud... well, maybe just a little."

The group chuckled, and Naruto gave a small pout before looking down at his cub again.

As Black Zetsu silently observed from the background, he added one final note.

"The necklaces are permanent for now. Even if the cubs grow older, only their trainers will be able to communicate with them. So, if they ever need your help, it will be through you alone. You'll form a stronger bond as time goes on."

"Got it!" Naruto said, trying to regain his cheerfulness. He patted his cub's head. "Don't worry, I'll tone it down for you. Just don't go too quiet on me, okay?"

The cub blinked, seemingly satisfied with this response, and curled up next to him.

The group spent the rest of the day training with their new companions, the air filled with laughter and the occasional frustrated sigh from Naruto as the cubs slowly got used to their new environment and their trainers' personalities. The Konoha 11 watched with a mixture of awe and amusement as the cubs began to adjust, knowing that this was just the beginning of a new chapter.