Chapter 32: The Little Fox and a Bargain with Black Zetsu

Naruto watched the little cub run circles around him, its tiny paws barely making a sound on the soft ground beneath them. He couldn't help but smile, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. The cub was so eager to stay by his side, its big eyes filled with trust, and it had quickly become a symbol of the innocence and joy that Naruto had always longed for in his own life.

But, as much as he'd grown fond of the little fox, Naruto had one question on his mind. His gaze shifted to Black Zetsu, who stood nearby, silently observing the situation.

"Hey, Black Zetsu," Naruto began, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Is it okay if I keep this little guy?" He motioned toward the tiny Nine-Tails cub, who was now happily rolling around at Naruto's feet.

Black Zetsu's dark, almost unreadable eyes flickered toward the cub for a moment before returning to Naruto's. His expression remained as cold as always, but there was a hint of firmness in his voice when he responded.

"No," Black Zetsu said simply, his voice unwavering. "The cub is important. It plays a vital role in the chakra cycle of this world. Its presence contributes to the balance in the air, helping the White Zetsu grow stronger and the summoning beasts to thrive. It cannot leave this place."

Naruto's heart sank, his initial excitement quickly deflating. "Wait, so... I can't take it with me?"

Kurama's voice resonated softly in Naruto's mind. I don't like it either. It's a reminder of everything I lost... But you can't just take it. It's part of this place. If you leave, the cub might not survive.

Naruto looked down at the little cub, feeling disappointed. The bond he'd felt with it was real, but if Black Zetsu was right, then there was no way he could take it back with him. The little fox was connected to this world, and the ecosystem here was far too delicate.

However, as the disappointment lingered, Black Zetsu's tone softened just a little, as if he were offering a compromise. "But... if you release enough chakra, enough energy from two Nine-Tails combined, you might be able to take it for a short time. That amount of chakra might stabilize the air and allow the cub to leave the island temporarily."

Naruto's eyes widened, his disappointment turning to excitement almost immediately. "Wait... Are you serious?! Two Nine-Tails' worth of chakra? That's a lot, but..." He turned to Kurama inside his mind, his voice filled with hope. "Kurama, do you think we could do it?"

Kurama's voice was quiet but thoughtful. We could do it, Naruto. It might be a challenge, but we've already given so much chakra before. If it means you can keep the little one for a while... it's worth a shot.

Naruto's excitement surged. "So it's possible?!"

Black Zetsu, never one for emotions, simply nodded once. "Yes. But the energy released must be precise. It must be done in a way that does not disturb the balance here. Do not overdo it."

Naruto grinned, his usual confidence returning. "Alright, then! I'll make it happen! This little fox is coming with me!"

Just as Naruto was about to turn back to the cub, eager to test the idea out, he remembered something else. He looked over at Sasuke and Sakura, who had been watching the exchange from a distance, both of them deep in thought. Sasuke had his arms crossed, while Sakura looked a bit more focused on the beasts nearby.

"Hey, guys," Naruto called out, his voice filled with excitement. "What about you two? You thinking of getting a summoning beast of your own?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, glancing at Sakura. "What do you mean?" he asked, his usual stoic expression still in place.

"Well," Naruto said, gesturing to the majestic beasts surrounding them, "I mean, there are so many cool creatures here. You could both totally get one for yourselves. Imagine the power! And think about all the cool battles you could have with them!"

Sakura's eyes sparkled a little as she looked around. "Hmm, I've always wanted to try summoning something powerful. But do you think I could handle something this big?"

Sasuke, still the more reserved one, seemed a little hesitant. "Summoning beasts… They are powerful, but they're not pets. You'd need to make sure you can control them."

Naruto waved it off, his usual carefree smile spreading across his face. "Come on, Sakura! You've got the strength! And Sasuke, you're practically a pro with power like that. There's no way you wouldn't be able to handle it!"

Sasuke sighed, though there was a small glint of amusement in his eyes. "Fine, we'll see. But let's not get carried away."

Sakura's smile grew, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, I'm in. Let's find the perfect beast!"

Naruto turned back to Black Zetsu, a wide grin on his face. "So, what do you think? Can we do this?"

Black Zetsu gave a slow, deliberate nod, as though weighing his next words carefully. "You may choose your summoning beasts… but only if you prove your worth. The creatures here do not serve just anyone."

Naruto pumped his fist in the air. "We've got this! Right, Sasuke? Sakura?"

Sasuke and Sakura both exchanged a look before nodding in agreement, though Sasuke's expression was still unreadable. Sakura's face lit up, eager for the challenge.

"Well, then," Naruto said, "Let's get to it!"

But before they could move forward, Naruto turned back to the little Nine-Tails cub one last time. "Hang on tight, buddy. We'll figure this out. You're coming with me, one way or another."

Kurama's voice rumbled quietly in Naruto's mind. Let's just make sure we do this carefully, Naruto. I don't want to cause trouble with Kaguya.

Naruto nodded. "I know, Kurama. But I'll make sure we get it right."

And with that, they set off to find the perfect beast for Sasuke and Sakura. But Naruto couldn't help but glance back at the little cub, already imagining the future adventures they'd have together. It wasn't just about the power they were gaining here—it was about the bonds they were forming with the creatures of this world.

There was still so much to discover, and Naruto was eager to dive right in.