Chapter 42: The Guardians and Their New Bonds

The air was thick with anticipation as the Kage stood in front of the group, processing the unexpected revelation about the summoning beasts. Guy, Obito, and Kakashi had stepped forward with their own small companions, each holding a young, energetic creature that was now part of their lives. But the surprises didn't end there.

Sasuke and Sakura, who had been quietly watching the interaction, stepped forward, each with their own companion. Sasuke's companion was a small dragon—its scales a mix of emerald green and deep purple, with tiny wings that fluttered excitedly as he looked around. Sakura's companion, a small lion cub, was a striking shade of pink, with fluffy fur and large, innocent eyes that sparkled with curiosity.

Naruto blinked in surprise, his excitement evident. "Sasuke! Sakura! You guys got your own summoning beasts too?!" If you're hearing this, then the person creating this audiobook did not obtain permission. This work was created by shredder121

Sasuke barely reacted, but there was a faint smile on his lips as he glanced at his dragon, which was perched on his shoulder. "I didn't expect to find one, but it was a strange connection when I found it. It feels like it was meant to be."

Sakura beamed, her pink lion cub playfully pawing at her leg. "This little one is adorable, isn't it? I found him near the forest clearing. He's so gentle, but I can already tell he has a lot of potential!"

Tsunade observed them carefully. "So, all of you went to the island, found your creatures, and didn't bother to tell anyone?"

Obito, holding his own creature, a small silver-and-white wolf pup, scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "We were a bit preoccupied. But we didn't think it would be a big deal. These creatures, as strange as they are, are more important than we realized."

Kakashi, his own wolf-like creature nestled at his feet, looked at Tsunade with a calm expression. "We didn't mean to keep it from you, Tsunade. But we needed to understand the creatures we had found first. It was a personal journey. We didn't realize how connected they were to the balance of this new world."

Guy, ever the optimist, nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! These creatures aren't just pets. They're going to be our companions in a much bigger picture. The island and its creatures have a role to play in keeping everything in balance."

Sasuke, his expression serious, added, "The dragons, the lions, the wolves—they aren't just animals. They're tied to the island's power. Just like the Nine-Tails cub, they're part of something much bigger."

Sakura gently scratched the chin of her pink lion, which purred contentedly. "We're not just looking for power. We're looking for balance. These creatures have their own strengths, and we're going to train them."

Tsunade looked at the group, her expression softening but still stern. "I understand. But you all need to realize that these creatures are tied to something far more dangerous than just a mere companion. They're part of Kaguya's creation. And that means we need to be careful."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "We're not stupid, Tsunade. We understand the risks."

Naruto grinned, his usual carefree energy returning. "Yeah! These little guys are going to be awesome! I've already started thinking about how I'll train mine!"

Black Zetsu, who had been silently observing the conversation, stepped forward. "These creatures are not just part of the landscape—they are protectors of the balance. You can't just take them for granted. Their purpose is far more significant than you realize."

Kakashi turned his attention to Black Zetsu. "You've been with Kaguya for all this time. You know more about these creatures than we do. What do we need to understand about them?"

Black Zetsu's eyes gleamed as he spoke. "The creatures are divided into different classes. There are the Zillas, which are created to help regulate the flow of chakra and maintain the balance of the island. Then, there are the Kongs, who serve a similar purpose but are designed to protect the lifeforms here. There are also dragons, which shape the landscape and help maintain the environment. Each one has its role, and Kaguya created them with specific tasks in mind."

Tsunade folded her arms. "So, these creatures aren't just here to fight? They have jobs?"

Black Zetsu nodded. "Yes. They are guardians, protectors, and keepers of the natural order. That's why Kaguya chose to create them. But they are not entirely obedient. They will follow those they choose as their companions, but they won't hesitate to disobey if they feel something is wrong."

Kakashi, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward. "So, what you're saying is that we have to earn their trust, right?"

Black Zetsu's eyes glinted with something unreadable. "Exactly. These creatures are powerful, and they will only give their loyalty to those they deem worthy."

Obito placed a hand on his new wolf's head, which gave a soft whine in response. "I guess that means we'll have to work hard to understand them and form a bond."

Sasuke's dragon fluttered its wings, making a small chirping noise. He gazed at it, his expression softening ever so slightly. "We'll figure it out. But we'll need to be careful. These creatures are part of something bigger. And if we want to use them, we need to respect the balance they maintain."

Sakura nodded, her pink lion playfully pawing at her feet. "We can't treat them like ordinary pets. They have their own role to play, just like us."

Naruto, with his usual boundless enthusiasm, smiled. "Don't worry, guys! I'll train my Nine-Tails cub to be the best! We'll make sure it grows strong, just like Kurama."

Black Zetsu gave a small, silent nod, his expression unreadable. "Remember, the island and the creatures are part of Kaguya's will. They have a purpose, and you must respect it."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "And what happens if we don't respect that purpose?"

Black Zetsu's eyes flashed with a dangerous gleam. "Let's just say, you wouldn't want to face the consequences."

The group grew silent for a moment, the weight of Black Zetsu's words settling on them. They understood now that their connection with these creatures wasn't just a simple partnership. It was a bond that would test their strength, resolve, and respect for the balance that Kaguya had created.

Tsunade, still processing everything, sighed deeply. "We'll have to be extra careful. These creatures are too powerful to be underestimated."

Guy grinned widely. "No worries, Tsunade! We'll make sure we do everything the right way!"

The group shared a determined look, each of them silently agreeing on their next course of action. They would train, respect the creatures, and make sure they understood their roles in the larger scheme of things.

But one thing was for sure—they were no longer just fighting for themselves. They were fighting for the balance of the entire island and the future of their world.

The journey ahead would be long, and the stakes were higher than ever before.

And together, with their new companions by their side, they were ready to face whatever came next.