Here is chapter 29, the Penultimate Chapter... man, it's slowly setting in how we're this close to the end.
It's why I hope you will like this chapter. Read on, and tell me afterward if you liked it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor Boruto. I don't own the character Hinata either, and I can't even own Himawari since she doesn't show up here.
Consciousness came slowly for Hinata. Be it either because she felt sore everywhere or just so tired from Chakra drain or from physical drain, she didn't know. But one of those was the reason why she didn't want to get up.
But it's the fact she feels pain that makes her open her eyes, albeit reluctantly.
Immediately, she recognizes the room. Her bedroom.
''Ugh...'' she grunted as she leaned herself up from her comfortable bed. Did her wounds really not heal? At all?
Well, she shouldn't be surprised. She had no idea how much time had passed, but she still felt some of the pain. In fact, she was pretty sure her nose was still broken.
And her medical Ninjutsu couldn't help much when she was out of Chakra. Adding in she was unconscious, and it did nothing.
Still, who had brought her here? Toneri or Isshiki?
Well, upon further thought, she knew it had to be Isshiki. Toneri had been knocked out alongside her.
''So, I'm... Back home...''
The Hideout felt like home by now. Even though sometimes, it didn't either.
(Thankfully, she'd brought the Children elsewhere. Well supplied and kept. They were safe)
She forced herself to at least try and stand up. With moderate success.
She nearly tripped the second she was back on her two legs, but outside of that, all was well.
''Alright... all's well.'' she moved and went to the Bathroom.
Her face was... pretty bruised still. All of the hits there Toneri gave her and it still hadn't fully healed.
''Shows a lot about how serious he was... how long was I out of it?''
(She noted she was missing a tooth as well. Yikes, that was going to be hard to replace)
And where was Toneri?
Actually, why was she even brought here at all when Isshiki should have killed her by now?
Both she and Toneri were defenseless, and yet... they were still alive. Had he just let an opportunity slip by like that?
''Ugh...'' she grunted again from the pain.
Well, as alive as they could be when still injured. She imagines that was his safety net, not actually giving them proper medical care.
A bastard, as per usual.
Yet, it wasn't a problem. Her Chakra was back to an acceptable level. Which meant only a day or two had passed by. Still, it was the perfect chance for her to at least begin recovering.
So, she let her Medical Ninjutsu go to work while she profited to change. Her attire was a mess from the damage taken.
Once she was in fresher clothe (and grabbed ahold of one more thing in her chamber), she stepped out.
Empty hallway, as expected. And since she needed to find Toneri... or Isshiki if she was desperate enough, she activated her Byakugan.
It's only now she truly notices the sheer difference in Chakra cost both Dojutsu's have. Her Byakugan was always something she was more adept at, so now, she realized how... constricting she'd felt during the fight, however many days ago it was.
She was more used to the Byakugan than the Tenseigan. And the latter was stronger, no doubt there, but it felt better for her to use the Byakugan.
It's why she relatively quickly notices where Toneri actually is... in the most random location in the base. There was absolutely no reason to leave him in that empty space, but Jigen did.
Sometimes, she wonders if Isshiki does some things for shit and giggles. Because it felt like it.
She headed towards Toneri's location and de-activated her Byakugan along the way. Something she would regret doing moments later when she fell on Jigen.
''Ah, I see you're awake.'' he begins.
Hinata tenses up slightly, but with a good amount of time in his presence, she hid it well.
''I am. You seem fine as well,'' she remarks and at that, Jigen snorted.
''Well I wasn't the one who fought in another battle right after the last one. Truly now, you two didn't fully think this through.''
Fair... they did run out of Chakra faster than either of them had expected. Even though they should have expected that.
''Where's Toneri?'' she asked, acting like she didn't know where he was.
''He's here, still recovering. I don't think he's even conscious,'' he informs her.
''I see... and where exactly?'' she repeats.
''You have a Byakugan, do you not? Use its range then.'' he tauntingly said.
Hinata just gave him a blanker look than usual and moved on.
She already knew where Toneri was, so it didn't take long before she entered his room. Much to her surprise, he was already conscious.
''Ah, so you've arrived.''
His eyes bore into the ceiling. Never moving away from it as he spoke to her.
''I have. And you're conscious too. Ready to move out?''
She couldn't blame him for wanting to get out. It had taken a while for her to consider this place safe after all.
''Can you even stand?''
''What nonsense are you talking about? Of course I can stand.'' to show his point, he stood up on his two feet... and his legs promptly shook.
''You'll need to give it some time first, I think.'' she helpfully added.
Toneri didn't answer. Instead, he accustomed himself again before straightening himself.
''You saw nothing.'' and he walked out.
Hinata followed behind, ''You're not going to find the way out if you headfirst.''
She could have just... told him she'd willingly form a Portal for him to get out, but she decided to see if he even would find the way out of this maze.
He did. Eventually.
She followed him and even waited to see if he'd ask her for the way. He didn't.
So it left her with her own thoughts. She knew what she had to do. But... looking back at Toneri...
For a moment, she entertained the idea. She and Toneri dealing with Isshiki now.
She shook her head with a small motion.
''No. I can't do that. I... I need him alive for what'll happen next.''
He stepped on the seal, and it went to work. Forming a Portal that Toneri stepped through. Hinata, followed behind.
After all, they still needed to speak.
The portal led them back to Earth.
A Lush Green forest. Windy, but very much pleasant.
And now that she's just... there, Hinata realized something.
Although she still had one thing to do, something she had to succeed... she didn't feel as stressed. It didn't feel like she was walking on something akin to eggshells while wondering if she'd succeed or not.
Kaguya was well and truly defeated, and now, the worry... was gone. Partially so, true, but still gone.
The looming threats were dealt with, was the reason. No more Zetsu's or anything related to Kaguya.
It... actually felt nice., knowing that a part of their success was this. Knowing she might never have to worry about this...
Again, if she succeeded in what she did next.
But first things first, Toneri. It was time to say farewell.
Toneri, who'd remained silent up until now, finally spoke.
''I have come to a decision.''
''Oh?'' she perks up.
Toneri's back was turned to face her, but then he turned back to look at her in the eyes.
''I still do not think I was wrong, but... I also realize that destroying the planet or not doesn't change a thing, in the grand scheme of things.''
That was already something, for him to admit that.
''It's why... I'm planning on exiling myself on the Moon,'' he says, and she looks at him in surprise.
''Why?''
''Because I need time to think about... this. All of this. Is what I had in mind truly a good thing? Is what you had in mind actually the right choice? All those types of questions.''
He would... he was willing to isolate himself just for that?
''I will leave. And until I have my answer, I will never do anything against this new humanity you have planned. I won't even step foot on Earth ever again, as penance. Until I have my answer.''
''But that would mean you would be in solitude again.'' Hinata reminds him, and he knows it all too well.
''Yes. But that's truly what I deserve, after what I've tried to do.''
Hinata remains silent for a moment before she went on to grab something in her pocket.
''Something the matter?'' he asked.
''No. But...'' she held out what was in her sleeve pocket. A scarf, ''You did ask me for that scarf. And I did have spare time.''
Toneri couldn't help but look at it. It was colored Cyan, just like the one she'd been knitting back when she was on the moon, which also matched the color his Chakra has.
''Is it the same one you were knitting back on the moon?'' he asked.
She nodded, ''Yes. When I saw I still had this... I decided to properly finish it. Take it.''
And yet, he didn't take it.
''I don't believe I deserve this, after what I've tried doing.''
All that did was for Hinata to extend her arm further so that the scarf was closer to him.
''It's not a matter of deserve or not. It's a gift from me, to you. Take it as a thank you for your help. We wouldn't be here now without each other, now would we?''
It touched him, that Hinata actually gifted him this. Even if it was a scarf and a small thing. He went on to grab it. Looking at it over with a moment of hesitation.
''Don't be shy. Wear it.''
But upon her words, he did as told. Wrapping the scarf around his neck.
It felt warm. And pretty comfortable, as well.
''Well?'' Hinata asked.
''I like it.'' he smiled at her. And she, smiled back.
''I'm glad to hear that.''
She seemed to compose herself, in a way, before she spoke her next words.
''I hope you'll actually come back to visit if nothing else.'' and that, made Toneri look at her, ''Honestly, I didn't mind those times back on the moon, and I wouldn't mind them now.''
She would lie if she said the opposite, and lying... wasn't something she wanted to do. Not now.
''If, the day your decision has been made.. and it aligns with mine... well, maybe I'll give you a chance.''
Toneri feels joy at her words. She was willing to give him a chance?
''I... thank you.''
Silence begins to fill in the air around them before Toneri speaks up again.
''It's about time I leave. But... are you sure you'll be alright alone with him?''
Honestly? No. Not at all. Especially not after what she learned from Kaguya and Black Zetsu's own mouths. But at the same time...
''Oh, I'll be fine. Trust me there, I have a plan.''
She really did have a plan in mind. Now here was hoping it would work.
Understandably so, Toneri was skeptical.
''Are you sure?''
''Yes. If all goes right... well, I hope Isshiki won't be much of a problem.''
Toneri was still hesitant, but he nodded.
''Very well. I hope all goes well for you.''
''Likewise Toneri. See you.''
Toneri walked away. She watched him leave until he was out of sight, then... she closed her eyes and breathed.
''Alright, Hinata. This... is the day.''
Hinata opened her eyes and stared at the air. There was only one more thing she needed to do before she reached the final obstacle. Only one more thing to do.
''Remember what you learned... keep the plan in mind. Don't forget, and you win.''
She repeated the words out loud, before performing her Space-time Ninjutsu as her portal opened. Then, she stepped through.
First is retrieval. Then...
It would be time.
The Place that had been her home for 3 years. And yet, it's only now that it truly felt like it was Isshiki's, instead of hers.
The Lion's Den.
She can already imagine Isshiki would find some sort of insult if she compared him to a Lion. He well and truly saw so much beneath him.
Not that it mattered to her, Isshiki was in the perfect position for her to take on. He was weakened. Jigen's body just wasn't recovering fast enough and Chakra-wise, he suffered the problem of everyone who had a too large reserve.
The Time to regain that amount.
Hinata had recovered faster, so... now was the best chance as any!
Assuming Plan A failed.
But Plan A... was also one she still had doubts. Because if it worked... well, she won. But she was heading into unknown territory in the literal and metaphorical sense...
Well, no more use thinking about this. It's do or die, in the most likely case.
It didn't take long to find Isshiki. Either the man would be in his own personal quarters, or the dining hall.
It was the latter.
Jigen was sitting on his chair with a glass of wine. Not so far away, was the Chakra Fruit from the God Tree. And he hadn't eaten it.
''The Otsutsuki Clan have one rule. Never eat your spoils before having returned home. Or else, you will be a traitor...''
So she hadn't been lied to. Or at the very least, there was some truth to it. Isshiki hadn't eaten that fruit, even though he should have.
''Ah, you've returned,'' Jigen says. She could hear the surprise there.
She sat on the chair opposite to him.
''I'm here to talk.''
That got her a curious look.
''Talk? Come now Hinata, you cannot be this foolish now. After all you've done, and you want to talk?''
''Oh no, trust me. You're going to be interested in hearing this. Might even help you.''
He didn't say another word. And Hinata decided now was the best time.
''Killing you would be useless, and even if I did that, others would come. It's clear Kaguya's fear was founded on something, and I'll have to deal with this constantly.''
''The Otsutsuki Clan have thousands of clansmen. But their society revolves around something completely different than yours. They don't care about Blood. All they care is the Fruit.''
''So instead... I'll go to them.''
And that, caused Jigen to laugh. Loud and humored. For how could he not when he heard something felt like utter nonsense?
''Truly now, I am amused. But do you really think that will work?''
''Oh, I know if I just walked in there, I wouldn't succeed.'' she admitted, ''But what if I gave a deal?''
Isshiki's eyes narrowed before amusement crossed his face again.
''Now, why should I? There isn't a single thing you could propose to me-''
''Not you.''
Isshiki pauses. Then, narrows his eyes again.
''What do you mean, by that?''
''You have a clan elder, no? I want to make a deal, to them.''
''The Clan Elder is always a person willing to listen to others' pleas, if the Clan wins something in return. Mother tried... but failed. Her deal wasn't enticing enough to the Clan head of that time. Who knows if it's the same or not now. Could be they were already replaced, or maybe not.''
Isshiki freezes up at the mention of the Clan Elder. And he knows that suddenly, Hinata has a much higher chance of succeeding. But the fact she knows... did she figure it out by just guessing there had to be one?
But, Isshiki laughs afterward.
''You truly think I will lead you to the Clan Elder? You must be truly desperate if you think I would allow that. Or that the elder would even want to speak to you.''
Hinata frowns at him. Before a small smile formed on her lips. Because she has to trust the information she has.
''Oh no, I'm sure he'll be willing to listen. I know for a fact that elder of yours is quite willing to lend an ear.''
If Isshiki suspected that she had guessed it, then he doesn't suspect that now. He gives her a look of surprise.
''How do you-''
''Black Zetsu.'' Hinata says sharply, ''I had one last talk with him, after Kaguya fell. Knowing he had lost, and with a bit of convincing from my part, he was quite willing to divulge exactly how the Otsutsuki clan worked, in addition to what I already guessed and learned...''
She'd pinned him down. He was surprisingly weak now.
''So you're still alive.''
''Right back at you.'' he says back.
''I don't think you're in a position to even talk back to me like that, you know?'' to show, she pins him down harder. Surprisingly easy, considering how he seemed to be a liquid instead of anything solid, ''Now, you may be able to get free, but you're not living for much longer.''
Black Zetsu stays silent. And Hinata, speaks up. Though her tone was filled with contempt.
''I still can't believe you're the last one who's still from before the War.''
''What can I say? Mother needed them transformed.'' he sarcastically answers back, before both stop. Black Zetsu realizes his mistake while Hinata takes in the information.
''Needed them transformed?'' she repeats. Wait... he knows a lot. He knew of... the Diamond Mark of Jigens. And he knows of them being needed to be transformed.
''Now, what do you actually know?''
He stays silent.
''What do you have to lose now? You're dying either way, but I can make it much swifter. So, how about you spill what you know of this... Otsutsuki clan?''
Anything Black Zetsu knew, would be of heavy use to her. And honestly, she needed that information to use against Isshiki. Who knew what policies they had that she might be able to use against him?
Assuming he still followed it, but he wasn't a Traitor from the sound of it. And Kaguya was the one who feared other clansmen coming after her, not him. So it was within reason that he still followed whatever rules they had.
Now, here was hoping it would help her.
Black Zetsu grunts, and remains silent. Hinata wonders if she has to be rougher, but there was no need at the end of the day.
''Fine. I've got nothing more to lose, and I can't revive Mother anymore. So... I'll tell you what I know. Listen well, because I'm not repeating things twice.''
''I have to admit, I was left surprised at how you all operated. But I'm all the more confident my plan will work.''
It was quite a sight, to see Isshiki's loss of composure. Gritting his teeth, he came up with an answer.
''And what gives you the idea that I would even lead to the Elder?''
''Well, there is no guarantee... except that you'd live,'' she says and yet again, Isshiki's not sure what she has in mind.
''That I'd... ah, do you truly think you can defeat me? Alone?''
She shook her head, much to his surprise.
''I don't actually need to defeat you, even though I do think I can. Tell me, what happens if I kill you as Jigen?''
''When a person with the Karma Seal dies, Reincarnation starts. The host's body is completely changed to fit the Otsutsuki. Assuming you were compatible from the get-go, you're now back in your own body. But if it isn't and you reincarnate... the person only has a limited amount of time to live.''
Ah, how grateful she was Black Zetsu decided to tell her that. Granted, there was always a risk he was lying, but right now, Hinata could only trust that information.
Jigen meanwhile gritted his teeth in anger. Damn Kaguya.
''I would reincarnate and kill you.''
''Maybe. Or maybe not. That's not what matters and even if you succeeded, you'd have a limited amount of time. And you wouldn't have enough time to find an actual Vessel that can keep that Seal.''
This part of the plan was the one Hinata honestly had doubts on. Would that have been enough to discourage Isshiki?
Well, it's working.
''So you've discouraged me from killing you, well done. But do you truly think I will help you?''
Hinata, nods.
''Well, what I'm offering next is something I do think you will want.''
From her pocket in the jacket, she held out a Scroll.
''In here, is Kaguya's Fruit. The one she turned into. I'm willing to trade to you if you lead me towards your Clan Elder.''
She had headed towards Mount-Myoboku after her conversation with Toneri. It had been her best chance to grab it.
''Ah, Hinata-girl! Welcome!'' Fukasaku greeted her when she came knocking on their door.
''Hello there. Can I come in?''
''Of course, of course! Come in! Ma was just done making Lunch as well.''
Oh, damn it... what is up with her luck?
Well... maybe it wouldn't be so bad. This might be her last time here if she took into account the worst-case scenario.
So, she just decided to forget the taste. She'd eaten it plenty of times at this point... on the plus side, she was less likely to fall ill from... well, whatever she ate.
She walked inside and sat in her usual place.
''So, what is the visit for? Actually, are you recovered well enough from the fight?''
She nods, ''Yes, I'm healed well enough... and as nice as it is to talk, I'd also like to get straight to why I'm here.''
''Certainly.'' Shima then walked in with the food. The first time she saw it, she felt reviled by it. But now, she was just indifferent about the Food.
(No, she'll never like it. But... she's not puking it anymore)
''Do you still have the Scroll I handed to you?''
Fukasaku nodded, ''Yes, let me get it for you. But, why do you want it?''
He moved up while asking that question. Meanwhile, Shima set the food on the table.
''I have something in mind. But I need that Fruit to make sure I'm able to make it work.''
''A plan?'' Shima inquired further as she sat down.
''Yes... if I use that Fruit wisely, then it's all I'll need.''
Fukasaku walked back in with the Scroll in hand, ''Then use it wisely.''
She nodded and was ready to stand up and leave. Until Shima spoke up.
''Please, stay and eat before you leave.''
Ah, what luck... what kind of luck she had for that... well, might as well.
And now, she just needed Isshiki's answer.
She knew he was thinking of it, and in the end, Hinata was the victor. For the words that came out of his mouth, confirmed it.
''Very well. I will bring you to our Clan Elder. Beware, however, that this deal of yours may not entice them enough.''
But he can still get the last laugh at her. Should she die by the elder's hands. Those thoughts crossed his mind as Jigen stood up from his chair.
''I will take my chance.''
And she did the same.
Silently, a portal opened next to Jigen. Isshiki didn't step in first. Instead, he let her go first.
She left her Scroll in her pocket, and then stepped through the Portal.
Her fate was decided that day.
And that, is it. We only have one more chapter left, and it's the Epilogue. You'll get answers, don't worry.
Now, back on this chapter. I decided to conclude the entire thing with Hinata and Toneri, on friendly terms because of the sole fact that this story has enough Tragedy as is. Hinata really needed at least some positive, and compared to Kaguya, Hinata didn't outright consider killing as the only solution. That Cyan Scarf she began to knit back on the Moon, at chapter 15? Yeah, it all led to this moment.
Black Zetsu's own conclusion is something I hadn't actually initially planned out fully. I knew he'd show up here, but I wasn't sure how to have him end. Turns out, he'd end up being pretty important even after Kaguya's demise. One of the reason's why Hinata ends up having Plan A at all, considering no one else would have told her. Aka, Isshiki would have kept his mouth shut, and the others just didn't know. Kaguya really only shared with Black Zetsu.
Now, Isshiki himself... he was never planned to die during this, if you were all wondering. Killing him would screw over both sides for far too many reasons. It also means no fight scenes, which saved me from running through a burnout because I really, really didn't know how I'd have made this fight work when both of them are weakened.
Overall, all the Villains still standing met their end in this chapter, in one shape or another. We also say farewell to Fukasaku and Shima... well, maybe not entirely, but this is likely the last time we'll see them vocally interact with Hinata.
Now... well, next chapter, we'll see the aftermath. So, I'll see you all for the Final Chapter.
