Ch. 41He Loved Kaguya More Than Black Zetsu
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Shirozumi persuades Kazahana Koyuki to return to the Land of Snow by giving her a broader vision for her country’s future. He suggests developing a film industry and using her father’s geothermal device to create seasonal climates despite the nation’s harsh environment.
- He offers her access to the Inter-mutual Alliance, an international development organization backed by agreements with the Land of Earth and the Land of Water. This would provide the Land of Snow with resources and economic support.
- Shirozumi assures Koyuki that her uncle Dotō is far weaker than he believes himself to be, particularly because his reliance on chakra armor cannot overcome the strength of the major shinobi villages.
- Convinced, Koyuki agrees to return home and begins preparing to confront Dotō.
- During the voyage, Shirozumi reveals the script for the new film, Lotus Lantern. Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke all sign confidentiality agreements so they can read it.
- The film is a heavily revised version of the traditional story. It depicts Princess Kaguya as a protective mother who seeks power to defend humanity and her children, only to be sealed away by her elder son. Her younger son, Chenxiang, vows to rescue her regardless of how long it takes.
- Koyuki records the film’s songs while the others read the script. The emotional music deepens the impact of the story.
- Black Zetsu secretly reads the script from the woods and concludes that Shirozumi appears to desire Kaguya’s revival even more passionately than he does.
Character Developments
- Kazahana Koyuki: Regains confidence and finds a practical reason to return to the Land of Snow. She begins to see herself as someone capable of rebuilding her country rather than merely an actress fleeing from danger.
- Shirozumi: Demonstrates not only immense strength and intelligence but also political and economic foresight. His script reveals a sympathetic interpretation of Kaguya and a strong interest in the conflict between power, love, and family.
- Kakashi: Is surprised by Shirozumi’s ability to influence Koyuki through strategy and diplomacy. He also shows strong curiosity about the film script.
- Naruto: Connects emotionally with Chenxiang’s determination to save his mother, despite lacking memories of his own parents.
- Sasuke: Is moved by the story and songs, which remind him of his parents and cause him to soften emotionally.
- Black Zetsu: Becomes suspicious of Shirozumi’s motives, recognizing that the film’s portrayal of Kaguya may reflect genuine admiration or obsession.
Significant Themes
- Rebuilding through creativity and cooperation: Shirozumi presents cinema and international alliances as tools for transforming the Land of Snow.
- Power versus love: The story argues that power can be sought not for domination, but to protect others.
- Misunderstood parental sacrifice: Kaguya’s actions are reframed as those of a mother trying to protect her family, while her son misinterprets her choices.
- Persistence and devotion: Chenxiang’s willingness to wait centuries and endure endless suffering emphasizes unwavering love and determination.
- Memory, family, and emotional healing: The story causes Naruto and Sasuke to confront their feelings about their parents.
- Propaganda or hidden intent: Shirozumi’s sympathetic portrayal of Kaguya may be more than artistic interpretation, raising questions about his true goals.
Character Interactions
- Shirozumi speaks with Koyuki more openly and effectively than Kakashi does, using knowledge of her necklace and future opportunities to earn her trust.
- Kakashi initially observes Shirozumi’s persuasion with disbelief but later joins Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke in reading the script.
- Naruto and Kakashi compete playfully to obtain the script, while Sakura and Sasuke join them out of curiosity.
- Koyuki’s singing creates a shared emotional atmosphere among the group, especially affecting Sasuke and Naruto.
- Black Zetsu observes the group from hiding and privately compares Shirozumi’s apparent devotion to Kaguya with his own.