Black Zetsu's words struck at what mattered most to Kaguya.
Freedom, and the fear of losing it again.
Kaguya's pure Byakugan shifted slightly, her icy gaze sweeping over her sleeve cuff. She seemed to have taken Black Zetsu's words to heart.
She fell silent for a moment, then asked him directly within his consciousness in that cold, detached voice:
"What... should I do?"
Though Kaguya possessed immense power, she had been sealed away for a thousand years. She had little skill in the social maneuvering and alliance-building tricks of these "lesser beings."
She was accustomed to solving problems through sheer power, but with her strength now insufficient, she truly needed "strategy."
Black Zetsu's heart leaped with joy. His mother was willing to listen to his advice! He immediately lowered his voice and spoke quickly:
"Mother, it's simple. You don't need to do much."
A cunning gleam flickered in his tiny, beady eyes. "You only need to stand beside Naruto Uzumaki.
Yes, literally. Walk over to him and stand next to him."
"Why?"
Kaguya did not understand.
"Because positioning is an art in itself!"
Black Zetsu explained.
"By standing beside Naruto Uzumaki, you send Hagoromo and Hamura a clear signal.
At the very least, you and Naruto Uzumaki aren't enemies. You might even be 'allies' or 'on the same side.'
That will severely constrain Hagoromo and Hamura. They'll have to consider the consequences and won't dare act against you lightly.
After all, they would have to face both you and Naruto Uzumaki!"
Black Zetsu paused, then added, "Besides, from what I can see, the conflict between Naruto Uzumaki and Hagoromo has been building for a long time. It didn't happen overnight.
Their ideals clash, they distrust each other, and there may already be deep resentment between them.
Given today's situation, all