chapter 5

The Sage of the Six Paths regarded Kaguya with a deep sense of understanding, his eyes reflecting the weight of his ageless wisdom. "Kaguya," he began, his voice carrying the resonance of ancient knowledge, "you possess the power to shape the destiny of this world. But with great power comes great responsibility."

Kaguya's demeanor remained guarded, her millennia of isolation leaving her cynical and wary. "And why should I help you?" she challenged, her voice tinged with skepticism.

The Sage's expression softened, a gentle smile touching his lips. "Because I believe in your capacity for compassion and redemption," he replied, his tone warm and reassuring. "You are not bound by the mistakes of your past, Kaguya. You have the power to change."

Naruto stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he met Kaguya's eyes. "We've seen the changes within you," he said, his voice filled with earnest sincerity. "And we believe that you can use your power for good."

Sasuke nodded in agreement, his demeanor respectful yet determined. "We understand that you have your own goals and desires," he acknowledged, his tone steady. "But we also know that together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone."

The current kage added their voices to the conversation, their expressions a mix of gratitude and determination. "We stand united in our goal to protect this world," Tsunade affirmed, her voice resolute. "And we are willing to work together with you to achieve it."

Minato, Tobirama, and Hashirama exchanged glances, a sense of awe evident in their expressions. "To think that we would stand alongside the mother of chakra," Minato mused, his tone filled with reverence.

But amidst the camaraderie and understanding, a sense of longing lingered. Sasuke's heart ached with the absence of his beloved brother, Itachi, his thoughts consumed by memories of their shared past.

"Sasuke," Kaguya's voice cut through the silence, her tone gentle yet resolute. "I can bring him back."

Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief, his heart pounding with anticipation. "You can?" he whispered, hardly daring to believe it.

Kaguya nodded solemnly. "But know this," she continued, her gaze unwavering. "I will only do so if I do not stand to lose anything in return. My tailed beasts, my life... These are things I cannot afford to sacrifice."

Sasuke's resolve hardened, his determination burning brighter than ever before. "I understand," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "We will find a way to achieve our goals without risking your life or your creations."

With a solemn nod, Kaguya closed her eyes, channeling her vast power. And in a shimmer of ethereal light, Itachi Uchiha materialized before them, his presence a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

The assembled shinobi breathed a collective sigh of relief, their spirits lifted by the return of their fallen comrade. And as they prepared to face the trials that lay ahead, they knew that with Kaguya's help, they stood a chance against even the greatest of adversaries.