Authors Note: Thank you all for the reviews, some of them confused me but that is life. I had to cut this short as I didn't want to write another 12K chapter. Tell me what you think, long or shorter chapters?

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A Meeting of Times

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Ino found herself outside the medical ward once again her heart pounded in her chest as she stood outside, anxiously awaiting news of Naruto's condition. Her mind was filled with worry and a desperate desire to see him safe and well. The medic in charge had chased her out once already for asking too many questions, but she couldn't let that stop her from finding out the truth.

Suddenly, her ears caught a snippet of conversation from inside the medical ward. Sakura's voice resonated with authority, guiding the medical team with precision and efficiency. Ino strained to listen, hoping to glean any information about Naruto's condition.

She heard Sakura's strong commands and sensed the gravity of the situation. It was clear that Naruto's life hung in the balance, and Sakura was leading the charge to save him. Ino's admiration for Sakura grew as she realized something wasn't right, Sakura the one she knew from her time was a doctor trained by the greatest of all time but this Sakura was still a Genin, how was this possible? If she didn't hear it herself she would not believe that a full team of med-nin was allowing a Genin to order them about like first-year students.

Ino was still spinning from the memoirs she had shared with Hinata. The monster that had destroyed her life, her world was the same that burned down Ino's own village but for one small difference Hinata was sure to the core of her being that it was something called the black fox to blame. How and even what that was she still was unsure, only the name Menma stood out among the chaos of Hinata's thoughts.

Menma that looked like a twin of the Naruto she loved. How was this possible? Was there a future so different or was this all part of a trap set by Orochimaru to somehow remove Naruto from stopping his plans?

Inside the bustling medical ward, Sakura commanded authority, directing the efforts of the medical team with a confident demeanor. Her voice resonated with clarity and purpose, guiding the team through the intricate process of saving Naruto's life. They were initially skeptical of taking orders from a young Genin, but Sakura quickly silenced their doubts with her unparalleled medical knowledge and expertise.

With Naruto lying motionless on the medical table, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone in the room. The fate of the village rested on their shoulders, and failure was not an option. Sakura's instructions were concise and precise, leaving no room for ambiguity as she guided each member of the medical team in their assigned tasks.

The atmosphere in the ward buzzed with focused determination. Every member of the team worked diligently, drawing upon their years of training and experience. Sakura's unwavering confidence and calm demeanor set the tone, fostering an environment of unwavering commitment to saving Naruto's life. They all knew that with the Jinchūriki of the nine-tail on the medical table if they failed it was the end of the village once the fox was free.

Inside the bustling medical ward, Sakura took command, her voice cutting through the air with authority. "Move quickly! We don't have time to waste," she barked, her eyes focused on the critical tasks at hand.

The medical team followed Sakura's instructions with swift precision. Needles glinted as they administered vital fluids, hands moved deftly to stabilize Naruto's condition, and monitors beeped in a symphony of urgency. As one med-nin used all their chakra and fell to the side to rest another jumped to replace them.

In all this controlled chaos of the medical ward, the team worked with a sense of urgency. The air hummed with tension as life-saving procedures were executed with practiced expertise. Beads of sweat dotted the brows of the medical staff as they raced against time to stabilize Naruto's condition.

Sakura ran one more scan over Naruto, her first scan has shown her that his heart was shredded by Hinata's blow, his ribs broken and his lungs punched if she hadn't poured all of her chakra into his system bought them the time they needed he would be dead and the fox would be raging across the village.

Now the process of rebuilding had started and to her great surprise, the fox's chakra was helping. She did not know why and didn't question it as she had no way to communicate with the fox without Naruto's help. With a sudden jolt one of the monitors beeped and then again until with a celebratory cry from the whole team, it continued to beep strongly. His heart was repaired, rebuilt and everyone there knew it was only possible under the guidance of a small pink-haired Genin they had never met.

"Can I get an IV of Collagen running and do we have any hydroxyapatite crystals, or calcium and phosphate solution? We need to repair the ribs before he suffocates.", said Sakura as medics ran to do as she asked she fell back onto a bench, her chakra drained to the point she was blacking out. Only her willpower was keeping her eyes open at this point.

"Here, sit, broken bones we know how to handle. You need to rest.", said a tall blonde medic holding Sakura by the shoulders until they found a chair for her to sit in. Sakura followed the medic's instructions and settled into the chair, feeling a mix of exhaustion and worry weighing heavily on her. The blonde medic, recognizing Sakura's determination to help, gently held her shoulders to ensure she stayed seated. As her gaze swept across the room, Sakura's eyes landed on a set of drawers, and a flicker of recognition sparked within her.

Once the blonde medic went back to work on Naruto, Sakura pulled open the drawers, searching for a specific pill bottle to aid her wearied body and replenish her chakra reserves. Her fingers rummaged through the contents until she finally found what she sought: soldier pills and endurance pills. These items were known to provide temporary boosts, granting enhanced physical abilities and increased chakra but with a heavy cost, one she was willing to bare.

Without hesitation, Sakura swallowed the pills, feeling their effects slowly coursing through her veins. She could feel her fatigue receding and her energy levels rising. It was a temporary solution, one she would pay for later but she needed all the strength she could muster now to support Naruto during this critical time.

Once she felt the surge of renewed vigor, Sakura made her way back to Naruto's side, her footsteps more assured. The tension in the room remained palpable, but Sakura's resolve burned brighter than ever. With a sense of purpose, she focused her attention on Naruto, determined to stay by his side and provide whatever support he needed.

As she stood by him, Sakura's gaze lingered on Naruto's unconscious form, her heart filled with a mixture of worry and unwavering purpose. She would do whatever it took to ensure his recovery and protect him from any further harm. The soldier pills and endurance pills had given her a temporary boost, but her true strength came from her unwavering loyalty and love for Naruto.

The medics true to their word quickly healed the ribs back in place but it was clear Naruto was still having a hard time breathing. Sakura ran her hands over his chest feeling the wounds deep inside his lungs, with her eyes closed she gently pushed her chakra into his chest, and with practice ease, she pulled the wounds closed.

Opening her eyes she looked at the medics that had watched her work, admiration and respect were clearly shown in their eyes. "He is still having trouble breathing, I think one of the lungs is collapsed.", said a medic hovering to the side.

"Dam it Naruto, enough already.", said Sakura moving up and brushing his blonde hair away from his eyes before bending over and placing her lips on his. With a gentle flow of chakra, she blew into his mouth filling his lungs with her breath. He would live even if she had to breathe for him.

"I didn't know you could do that.", said a medic off to the side.

"You can't, well unless you have perfect chakra control I guess.", said another as Sakura found herself staring into the bright blue eyes of Naruto as he woke up with her lips locked to his.

"You're awake," Sakura said, her voice filled with relief and genuine happiness. She straightened up, standing tall over him, her smile widening. It was a sight Naruto was grateful to see, even if his voice emerged hoarse and groggy.

"Yeah... What happened?" he murmured, his voice reflecting the strain of his recent ordeal.

Sakura's smile remained, but a hint of playfulness crept into her tone. "Well, let's just say you've had quite the adventure. But don't worry Naruto, you're safe now. We're here for you, and we won't let anything happen to you."

Naruto's grin faltered slightly as the memory of Hinata's attack resurfaced in his mind. Confusion mixed with the lingering pain from the encounter, and he turned to Sakura, seeking answers. "Wait, why did Hinata hit me?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine bewilderment. The image of the black-haired girl, her unblinking expression as she struck him, remained vivid in his memory.

Sakura's brow furrowed, her gaze softening as she contemplated the question. "I have no idea, Naruto. I was focused on keeping you alive," she replied, her tone laced with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The situation puzzled her as well, but her primary concern was Naruto's well-being.

As Naruto attempted to sit up, Sakura gently pushed him back down onto the bed, her touch firm but gentle, it didn't take that much force as he was so weak at this point. "You need to rest here for the night," she insisted, her eyes conveying a sense of authority. "I'll make sure they bring you some ramen if you behave."

With careful guidance, Sakura wheeled Naruto out of the bustling emergency room and into a private room within the small hospital. The space provided a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos, allowing Naruto to recover in a more peaceful environment.

Sakura settled him into the comfortable bed, adjusting the pillows to ensure his comfort. "Try to get some rest, Naruto. I'll be checking on you regularly," she reassured him, her concern evident in her voice and the gentle touch of her hand on his arm.

Naruto nodded, his exhaustion starting to catch up with him. The events of the day had taken a toll on his body and spirit, and he allowed his body to pull him down into sleep. He trusted Sakura's judgment and knew she would keep him safe.

As the room grew quiet and Naruto's eyelids grew heavy, Sakura lingered for a moment, observing his peaceful expression. Emotions stirred within her, a mixture of relief, affection, and a deep sense of connection. She silently vowed to protect him, to be there for him, and to face whatever challenges lay ahead, they would be together.

With a final gentle smile, Sakura quietly left the room, leaving Naruto to the solace of sleep as the medical team continued their vigilant watch over him.

Now with that done, she marched out of the hospital with fire in her eyes, there was a little Hyuga princess that need her neck snapped.

Exiting the dimly lit medical ward, Sakura's gaze fell upon Ino, who stood against the shadowy hallway wall, her eyes glinting with a cold purpose as she filed her nails to sharp little points. Sakura noticed Ino's clothes still bore the remnants of battle, tattered and blood-stained, reflecting the reality of the fights she went through in the Forest of Death before joining team seven. Looking down at herself Sakura could see she wasn't in much better shape as she too hadn't had a chance for a shower and a change of clothes. The blood from that sound shinobi still covered her dress in black splotches that had dried into ugly stains.

Approaching Ino, Sakura could sense the intensity radiating from her, an unyielding anger seemed to be burning in her eyes. Without exchanging a word, Sakura understood that something had happened after she went with Naruto.

Storming up to Ino, Sakura was stopped by Ino's open palm held up to her face, "Before you say anything is he alive.", said Ino, "Those medical nerds wouldn't tell me a thing."

"Yes he is alive, I expect a full recovery by morning.", said Sakura as Ino let out a shy of relief, she knew he would live but there was a small part of her that still doubted and she was glad to put that doubt to rest.

Sakura's eyes bore into Ino's, her voice filled with intensity. "I need to ask you something, Ino. How do you know about the Nine-Tails? It's a highly classified village secret."

Ino held Sakura's gaze, her expression unyielding. "I know the same way you know all those advanced medical techniques, Sakura. And the same reason Hinata tried to kill Naruto. Care to guess what that is?"

"What are you talking about Ino, just answer my question.", said Sakura deflecting Ino's question.

Ino's eyes sparkled with mischief, her tone laced with defiance. "Oh, come on, Sakura. Did you really think I wouldn't notice? We've been through so much together, and yet you've been hiding something from me since graduation. It's time we face reality."

"I have no idea what you're talking about.", said Sakura hoping Ino would drop it, she didn't want to break the timeline any more than she had to, and telling someone, even her best friend seemed so wrong.

Ino's gaze hardened, determination evident in her voice. "Don't play dumb, Sakura. I've seen the signs, the subtle differences in your knowledge and skills. You're not just an ordinary shinobi There's something more going on."

Sakura's heart raced, her mind racing to find a plausible explanation. She couldn't reveal the truth so easily, not without jeopardizing everything she had fought for. "Ino, you're overthinking things. We're just talented shinobi who have been through tough training. There's nothing more to it."

Ino's eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and suspicion crossing her face. "You can't fool me, Sakura. I know there's something you're not telling me. We're in this together, and if we're going to face whatever is going on, we need to trust each other completely. Now spill it!"

Sakura hesitated, realizing that Ino was right. They had shared secrets, fought side by side, and now it was time to reveal the truth. "Not here, not now.", said Sakura as she looked around frantically

"Fine then, come with me,", said Ino as she grabbed Sakura's arm and almost dragged her into a storage room a few feet away.

"OK, now talk!", said Ino not letting Sakura's arm go until she had answers.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura looked into Ino's eyes and confessed, "Okay, Ino. You're right. I'm not from this time. I traveled from the future to change the course of history. Please we must be careful, our every action can have severe consequences."

Releasing Sakura, Ino backed away until her back hit the shelves, and as the bottles and boxes rattled over her head she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"So did I.", she said in a soft voice, Sakura had her suspicions but now it was out in the open she didn't know how to react.

"Dear god,", said Sakura letting herself fall back against the door for support. "How far in the future?"

"About 17 years I guess.", said Ino doing the math in her head. "And you?"

Sakura paused to think, she hadn't really thought about it in years mostly in events. "I would say 20, the war was a blur."

"Why did you come back, what happened?", said Ino hoping to put the pieces together.

"A creature attached the village and ..", said Sakura

"And killed everyone you loved.", said Ino finishing her sentence

"It was as large as the Hokage mountain, all black with claws and a dozen eyes, full of hate and evil that burned any mind that touched it. It killed everyone I loved.", said Ino opening up for the first time to anyone about what happened as tears ran down her cheeks unchecked.

"Yes, it had the strength of a tailed beast, no more I think.", said Sakura numbly recalling facts without letting the emotions of the moment overcome her.

"I was married to the Hokage, I had a beautiful daughter that just started the academy.", said Ino now freely crying as she remembered her baby.

"I had two boys in the academy when the mountain fell, they were like little clones of the Hokage.", whispered Sakura as all her walls broke and her tears joined Ino's dripping on the floor.

"I fought it Ino, I fought it with all my strength and he still died in my arms.", said Sakura dropping to the floor with a great sob as the pain of that day overcame her. She had pushed it back, so far back it was like it wasn't real but now in this small, dark room in the heart of the Forest of Death, the weight of that day crashed down upon Sakura, overwhelming her...

"Ino knelt down next to Sakura and hugged her close as they both cried over what they had lost. There were no words that could be said to ease the pain. Only time could close the wound but nothing would ever heal them completely. The wounds inflicted by that monstrous creature would forever mark their souls, a reminder of the pain they had endured.

What felt like days but was in reality only an hour they broke apart to wipe away tears and look at each other. With a grim smile, Ino said, "You look like hell.", "You don't look any better.", responded Sakura.

"Naruto was the Hokage, wasn't he.", said Ino getting a nod from Sakura.

"We married two years after the war.", said Sakura a small smile graced her face on the memory.

"Naruto proposed on the day he was sent away to Turtle Island, we got married that day by Tsunade with Jiraiya as the best man.", said Ino in a wishful voice as if remembering a dream.

"This is a mess, what are we going to do?", said Sakura always the more logical one.

"You can have Sasuke, you seemed Ok with him last time", said Ino grinning at the idea

"I don't think so, that traitor almost lost us the war.", said Sakura

"I don't get it, we are from different timelines, how did we both end up here.", added Sakura wanting to change the subject.

"It's not just us, I kind of forced myself into Hinata's mind to see why she attached Naruto, she came back also but in her memories, Naruto wasn't Hokage, he was a monster taken over by what she called the Black Nine-Tails. It's why she is here, she thinks Naruto is that monster that attacked the village.", said Ino.

Sakura's eyes widened in shock as Ino dropped the bombshell. Hinata, just like them, had also traveled back in time.

"But her memories painted a different picture of Naruto. According to her, Naruto wasn't the respected Hokage but a puppet controlled by a malevolent force she referred to as the Black Nine-Tails. Hinata genuinely believed that Naruto was the very monster that had devastated their village". Continued Ino, it was still more than she could believe even having seen it in Hinata's memories.

Sakura felt a mixture of confusion and worry wash over her. It was clear that each of them had valid perspectives based on their unique experiences from different timelines. The truth had become a tangled mess, with no easy answers.

"So, Hinata thinks Naruto is the one responsible for everything," Sakura muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. "We can't just ignore her perception. We need to find a way to bring all of this together and uncover the whole truth if there is one."

"Can we go see Naruto before we go storming off looking for where they put Hinata.", asked Ino as they both got off the floor and fixed their clothes as best they could. Ino found some towels on the shelves they used to clean their faces so they looked less like zombies and more like freaked-out Genin at their first Chunin Exams.

Leaving the storage room they checked the hall to see if anyone noticed them. The long hallway was empty but for the flickering lights in the ceiling and the entrance to the medical ward near the end. Walking over they went to the ER where they found two of the nurses that had worked on Naruto some hours ago drinking tea. Checking the clock Sakura was shocked to see it was so late, it would be morning in a few more hours and another day before the Primary rounds would take place.

"Hi Haruka is it alright if we go visit Naruto?", asked Sakura as Ino hovered behind her.

"Ya sure, whatever.", said Haruka stirring her tea with a chopstick.

"You guys did a great job tonight, thank you for saving Naruto.", said Ino watching the two nurses with sharp eyes, Ino felt something off about them and waited to see if she was right.

"Whatever, it's a job.", said the other nurse who Sakura remembers being the one that worked the hardest at keeping Naruto's blood pressure stable. She was a key member of the team and now she was acting like it was nothing.

Ino's playful voice danced through the air as she leaned in closer to Haruka, her eyes fixated on an imaginary pair of earrings. "Wow, what exquisite earrings you're wearing," she exclaimed, her hand delicately gliding through the strands of Haruka's hair, lingering for an extra beat.

As they stepped into the narrow hallway leading to the patient rooms, Ino pulled back and turned her attention to Sakura. "So, where's Naruto?" she inquired, her gaze darting around, searching for any sign of their missing husband.

Sakura, perplexed by Ino's sudden fascination with earrings that didn't exist, halted in her tracks and confronted her friend. "What's going on? Haruka wasn't wearing any earrings," she questioned, her tone laced with curiosity.

Ino, crossing her arms beneath her ample bosom, nodded knowingly. "I know. She should have realized that too. But despite that, she still said nothing," she explained, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Intrigued by Ino's cryptic behavior, Sakura probed further. "So, what did you do, Ino? You don't just touch people for no reason," she prodded, aware of Ino's usual straightforwardness.

Ino's expression shifted, a mix of concern and seriousness washing over her features. "You remember the genjutsu Sasuke mentioned, right? The one designed to keep everyone calm? Well, it's gone beyond that. Haruka and the others... they've become completely apathetic. They wouldn't even bat an eye if a wounded shinobi were right in front of them, they would just let them bleed out," she revealed, her voice tinged with worry.

Sakura's eyes widened, realization dawning upon her. She glanced down at her own hands, contemplating the reason behind their immunity. "But why aren't we affected?" she pondered aloud, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

Ino shrugged, her gaze briefly averting Sakura's in an unspoken moment of understanding. "I don't have all the answers, Sakura. But you have to admit, we're different. There's something about us... something that sets us apart," she murmured, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

Seeing Ino wasn't going to say time travel out in the open, Sakura turned back down the hall and walked into Naruto's room as quietly as she could, she didn't have to worry as Naruto was snoring away in the bed half covered in the sheets as if he had been fighting in his dreams.

Ino ran over and ran her hand down his cheek then turned to pull the sheets back in place. The look on her face was of pure love, Sakura felt a pang of guilt that quickly turned to jealousy as she joined Ino from the other side of the bed.

"You sure he is going to be alright?", asked Ino hovering over Naruto not knowing what to do with her hands as she played with the edge of the bed sheets.

In the quiet hospital room, with Naruto peacefully asleep, Sakura leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "We managed to piece him back together, and his brain was without blood flow for a minute or two. He should wake up and be his old self," she murmured, her hand glowing softly as she gently placed it on Naruto's chest. Her gaze then shifted to Ino, seeking reassurance.

Ino, standing beside Sakura, furrowed her brow, her confusion evident. "The fox is working harder than usual," Sakura commented, placing both hands on Naruto and studying his slumbering face intently.

Sakura's eyes flickered with concern. "Did we miss something?" she wondered aloud, her voice tinged with worry. Closing her eyes briefly, she then withdrew her hands, taking a step back. Sakura scanned the room, a sense of unease washing over her. "Genjutsu... the fox is battling against the genjutsu. I couldn't communicate with him directly, but I could sense his determination. He's focused on keeping any foreign chakra away from Naruto's system," she explained, her voice filled with a mix of awe and realization.

Ino's gaze sharpened, her finger pointing at Naruto's chest inquisitively. "Then how were you able to... you know, do that?" she asked, her tone betraying a hint of confusion.

A warm smile graced Sakura's lips as she turned to face Ino. "Because the fox doesn't see me as foreign chakra," she replied, her words carrying a sense of fondness and understanding.

Ino, initially taken aback by Sakura's response, couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Don't be a bitch Sakura," she retorted, shaking her head. Placing her hand on Naruto's head and closing her eyes, her laughter echoing through the room. "Ramen... he's dreaming of ramen," she managed to say between giggles, her expression brightening with amusement as she backed up and found a chair.

Amidst the laughter, Ino composed herself and looked at Sakura with a sense of camaraderie. "What are we going to do, Sakura? The fox seems to like me too," she mused, still chuckling at the image of Naruto swimming in a giant bowl of ramen.

Sakura's eyes sparkled with determination as she found her own seat across the room. "I don't know, Ino, but one way or another, I refuse to let the future go up in flames," she declared, her voice filled with unwavering resolve.

As the rhythmic sound of Naruto's breathing filled the room, a comforting lullaby of sorts, both Sakura and Ino felt their eyelids grow heavy. Fatigue weighed upon them, reminding Sakura of the soldier pills she had relied on to keep going, and Ino of her prolonged sleep deprivation spanning over two days.

Their bodies ached, their minds yearned for rest, and at that moment, they realized the importance of replenishing their own strength. Sakura's head gently lowered, her delicate frame sinking into the chair, while Ino, overcome by weariness, found herself leaning against the wall for support.

The room enveloped them in a serene ambiance, their exhaustion slowly surrendering to the peace that permeated the air. The lines of worry etched upon their faces began to soften, and the weight of their responsibilities momentarily lifted.

In the midst of this tranquil scene, their breathing synchronized with Naruto's, creating a gentle harmony that echoed through the room. It was a moment of respite, a brief interlude in the midst of chaos.

As sleep claimed them, their bodies and minds seeking solace, they found solace in knowing that, even for just a while, they could find refuge within the confines of this hospital room. In their dreams, they would gather strength and fortitude, ready to face the challenges that awaited them when they awoke.

And so, within the embrace of sleep, Sakura and Ino drifted away, their shared journey intertwined, finding solace in the simple act of letting go.

"I don't understand, why did you do it?" Kiba's voice echoed with confusion as he and Shino sat just outside the iron bars of the prison cell. The Chunin guards had unceremoniously dropped a bound Hinata onto the cold, unforgiving stone floor. Their sensei had instructed them to never leave her side while she went to report the incident to the Jonin commander.

The whole situation felt surreal. Hinata, with her deep love for Naruto, had suddenly turned against him without any warning. It was unfathomable for Kiba to grasp. How could she strike him down so swiftly and then surrender without putting up a fight? It clashed with every fiber of her being, defying the very essence of who she was. Kiba, accompanied by his loyal dog companion, and Shino, with his Kikaichu swarm, had done their utmost to confirm that it was indeed Hinata and not some nefarious imposter or clone.

The silence in the room seemed to amplify the weight of their perplexity. Kiba's eyes were locked on Hinata, trying to find any trace of the girl he knew so well within her restrained form. Shino, ever the stoic presence, observed with his keen insect-like gaze, searching for answers within the enigmatic depths of the situation.

"Hinata," Kiba finally spoke, his voice laced with a mix of concern and frustration. "Why did you betray Naruto? Why did you turn against him, against all of us?"

The room's oppressive silence weighed heavily upon Kiba and Shino, mirroring the unspoken dread that coursed through their veins. Their eyes met, and in that shared glance, they saw the reflection of their growing concern etched upon each other's faces. This was not the Hinata they had known all these years, the gentle and compassionate girl who had fought at their side. She had revealed a different side of herself in the Forest of Death, a side that showcased her formidable prowess as a shinobi. Her skill had never been in question, only her willingness to unleash it. But now, that hesitation seemed to have transformed into an unwavering resolve, forged from steel and powered by pain. They had witnessed her silently dispatching enemy shinobi with a chilling efficiency that sent shivers down their spines.

Kiba's mind raced as he replayed those unsettling moments in the Forest of Death. The way Hinata's once soft and serene gaze had hardened, her movements calculated and precise. It was as if a dormant power had awoken within her, manifesting itself in every strike and evasive maneuver. The transformation was both awe-inspiring and unnerving.

Shino, too, found himself lost in contemplation, recalling the events that had unfolded. The Hinata they knew had always possessed immense potential, but she had held herself back, allowing doubt and self-consciousness to overshadow her true capabilities. However, what they had witnessed in that grim forest was a revelation—an emergence of untapped strength and a steely determination that surpassed their expectations.

Yet, despite the admiration they felt for her newfound prowess, a gnawing worry tugged at their hearts. Hinata's current state, veiled in darkness and uncertainty, was a far cry from the girl they had grown to care for. He longed for a logical reason for her actions to understand what lay behind her sudden shift, to peel back the layers of confusion and apprehension that enshrouded her.

Their duty as her comrades compelled them to stand by her side, to unravel the mysteries that bound her and strive to bring back the Hinata they knew. Kiba's voice broke the silence once again, laden with a mixture of concern and worry.

"Hinata, we know you're in there," Kiba spoke softly but resolutely, his words infused with a flicker of hope. He used the voice he used to coach a terrified puppy out from under the bed "We won't give up on you. We've seen the strength within you, the power that lies dormant. We believe in you." The whining of Akamaru at his side spoke to him to be gentle and slow.

Hinata's voice trembled as she responded, her mind consumed by the weight of her actions. "Kiba, Kiba-kun, I understand that it's hard to comprehend. But please try to understand, I did what I had to do."

The air grew heavy with silence as Kiba and Shino exchanged concerned glances. They had known Hinata as a gentle and compassionate soul, someone who valued her friends above all and would go to great lengths to protect them. But her recent actions had left them baffled and worried.

"Why, Hinata?" Kiba's voice held a mix of confusion and desperation. "Why would you attack Naruto without any warning? It goes against everything we know about you."

Hinata's eyes were hard and focused as she struggled to find the right words. "Kiba-kun, I can't explain it fully, but I came back from a different time. In that future, Menma... he had become something dark, he burned down the whole village. I couldn't let that future become a reality."

Her voice was hard with an edge they had never felt but in her mind haunted by the memories of the timeline she had lived. The image of Menma consumed by darkness was etched deeply in her consciousness, fueling her resolve even as doubt gnawed at her heart. She knew she had done the right thing.

"But Hinata," Shino interjected, his voice measured and calm. "Are you absolutely certain of the truthfulness of that time? Could there be more to this than meets the eye? Naruto is not Menma here, he is a kind soul that cares for his friends."

Hinata's brow furrowed as she grappled with the conflicting thoughts within her. "I don't know, Shino. When Ino entered my mind, she made me show her the life I lived but at the same time, she showed me a different world where Naruto was a symbol of hope. It is confusing and I am wondering if I made a mistake but no I couldn't have I saw with my own eyes what he did, he burned my sister before my eyes all the while laughing at her pain."

She lowered herself to the cold, hard floor, resting her head back on the stone, her emotions in turmoil. The weight of her choices bore down upon her, all this questioning was overwhelm her spirit.

Kiba and Shino exchanged concerned glances once again, their unwavering support shining through. They understood that Hinata was in torment, torn between her belief in what she believed to be true and the uncertainty that now clouded her mind.

"We won't abandon you, Hinata," Kiba's voice held steadfast even as he felt she had lost her mind somewhere in the forest. "We'll stand by your side, help you find the truth, and find a way to set things right."

Shino nodded in agreement even as he sent his kikaichū out to find the truth.

…..

Kurenai's rage surged within her, fueling her every step as she pounded against the unyielding door that separated her from the Jonin commander. The frustration boiled within her, intensified by the absurdity of the situation. Here she was, desperately seeking aid for her imprisoned team member, while the commander's aide deemed it appropriate to discuss meal choices for the waiting Jonin.

Each kick reverberated through the corridor, but the door stood firm, designed to withstand even the mightiest blows from shinobi like Mighty Guy. The injustice of it all was maddening. How had the once-respected tower become a den of complacency? Orochimaru's presence whispered through the hallways, yet it was met with apathy and indifference. Iruka, the well-meaning academy teacher, struggled to secure a meeting with the Hokage, seemingly drowned out by trivial matters.

And where was Kakashi? Kurenai's frustration deepened when she discovered him leading one of his Genin to a lower level for some enigmatic seal work involving curse seals and something about it being like Anko's. That brought to light the absence of Anko, the appointed proctor for this stage of the exam, which should have raised alarms, but when Kurenai inquired about it, her concern was brushed off as inconsequential.

The only silver lining was that they had not sent Hinata back to the village to endure the grueling interrogations of the T&A department. Kurenai was informed that it was too late in the day and too much effort to handle her in the darkness. The irony of Jonin fearing the dark was not lost on her, but she pushed aside the sarcastic remark. It bought her some time to unravel the tangled web surrounding Hinata's predicament.

Determined to protect her team member at all costs, Kurenai let out a frustrated scream, releasing some of the tension building within her. She knew she had to gather her thoughts and sort out the pieces of the puzzle before any further harm befell Hinata.

She would not allow her team to be left to the whims of indifference and bureaucracy. She would fight for justice and the safety of her precious Hinata. She knew it would be hard, but with her unwavering focus, Kurenai would navigate the shadows and pierce through this veil of indifference, she would reveal the truth and secure the freedom for her team.

"Jonin Kurenai, the commander will see you now.", said the disembodied head of the aid as she cracked open the door and jumped back inside as soon as Kurenai moved from her seat.

Pushing the door open the rest of the way Kurenai marched with all her rage bottled up to stand before the commander's desk waiting for him to look up from his paperwork. Even upside down she could read the sheets covered in a list of food items.

"How can I help you Jonin", asked the commander without looking up.

Kurenai looked at the nameplate on the desk, "Jonin Commander of Konohagakure, Shikaku Nara" was boldly written across it as she picked it up and held it in her hand before slamming it against the edge of the desk breaking it in two.

"Look at me!", she scream fearing the worst, as Shikaku looked up his eyes half closed and his face drooping as if he was aging before her eyes.

Everything she had suspected was true, he was under some form of Genutsu, everyone she had talked it but Iruka had been under some mild genutsu that took her some time to spot but this, this should be clear to any first-year Genin. Now it was clear why it was so hard to come face to face with the commander.

Kurenai's eyes narrowed with determination as she realized her initial attempt to dispel the genjutsu had been unsuccessful. She refused to back down or allow herself to be dismissed any longer. With a quick succession of hand signs, she channeled her chakra, focusing it to disrupt the flow of chakra in Shikaku's body. It was a specific technique she had mastered, one that had proven effective in breaking various illusions before.

As her chakra surged, she expected to see Shikaku snap out of the genjutsu, his eyes clearing and his mind returning to its rightful state. However, to her surprise, her chakra seemed to be swallowed by a powerful force, like a pebble lost in the vastness of a raging stormy sea. The genjutsu's hold on Shikaku remained steadfast.

Frustration burned within Kurenai, but she refused to be deterred. She knew that a more direct and forceful approach was needed to shatter this genjutsu. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she focused her chakra once again, this time infusing within it an intense Will of Fire.

With a resounding thud, Shikaku crashed to the floor, his body momentarily stunned by the force of Kurenai's palm strike. The room fell into a tense silence as Kurenai awaited Shikaku's response, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and fear for what she had done. She was prepared to do whatever it took to release him from the clutches of the unknown genjutsu, but had she gone too far?

Regaining her composure, Kurenai approached Shikaku's fallen form, her expression a mix of concern and hope. She knelt beside him, her hand trembling as she gently shook his shoulder. "Shikaku, are you alright? Please, wake up," she pleaded, her voice laced with genuine worry.

Slowly, Shikaku stirred, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal his hazy gaze. Confusion etched his features as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. Gradually, recognition flickered in his eyes, and he focused his gaze on Kurenai. "Kurenai... What happened?" he mumbled, his voice groggy.

Relief washed over Kurenai as she realized her actions had succeeded in breaking the genjutsu's hold on Shikaku. She offered him a reassuring smile, her voice filled with a mix of apology and anger at what was happening. "Shikaku, you were trapped in a powerful genjutsu. I had to use a more forceful approach to snap you out of it. I'm sorry if I went too far, but I couldn't stand by while you were lost in that illusion."

Shikaku's gaze sharpened as he sat up, rubbing his temples to clear the lingering haze. He looked at Kurenai with a newfound sense of clarity and respect. "No, Kurenai, you did what needed to be done. I trust your judgment," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "We need to uncover the source of this genjutsu and put a stop to it. We won't let our people fall into its grip."

Kurenai's eyes sparkled as she nodded in agreement. They had to bring an end to the mysterious genjutsu that threatened their people and the stability of the village.

"We must move fast," she asserted, urgency lacing her voice. "Most of the tower is already under the genjutsu. I've only encountered a few individuals who are still themselves. It seems to be contained within the tower for now, as the last few teams that arrived appear unaffected. But we can't afford to wait."

Shikaku's expression hardened, his mind already racing with potential strategies. "We need to gather a team of individuals who have shown resistance to the genjutsu or have unique skills to counter it. Time is of the essence," he stated firmly, his voice carrying the weight of the Jonin Commander.

Kurenai nodded, her gaze focused and determined. "I'll rally our strongest and most resilient shinobi and break them free as I did you. I will find those who have the mental fortitude to face this powerful illusion. We can't allow this genjutsu to claim any more victims."

As they exchanged a knowing look, Kurenai and Shikaku set their plan into motion. They would not rest until the source of the genjutsu was unveiled and the tower was freed from its insidious grasp. Failure at this point would put the whole in danger.

…..

Deep under the tower, in a forgotten chamber hidden from prying eyes, the air hung heavy with an oppressive silence. The walls seemed to sweat as if perspiring in fear of the sinister events unfolding within their confines. Feeble beams of light struggled to penetrate the pervasive darkness, casting eerie shadows that danced and writhed against the damp stone surfaces.

Kakashi, his face obscured by his mask, knelt on the cold floor, his chakra-infused fingertips gliding across the surface with meticulous precision. The seal he was etching seemed to pulsate with otherworldly energy, its intricate patterns intertwining like a malevolent tapestry. Its purpose remained shrouded in secrecy, known only to those well-versed in the dark arts. The complexity of the seal surpassed ordinary comprehension, its design a testament to Kakashi's advanced mastery of forbidden techniques.

At the heart of the sinister sigil, a raised dais held Sasuke captive. Bound and shirtless, his pale skin glistened with a sickly sheen in the dim light. The three ominous tomoe marks adorning his neck seemed to come alive, flickering with a black flame that defied the laws of nature. Each flicker mirrored the fierce struggle within Sasuke's tormented soul as if the dark flames yearned to break free from their entrapment. His face contorted in anguish, a twisted mask of pain that hinted at the depths of suffering he endured.

The room seemed to hold its breath as if anticipating the culmination of a malevolent ritual. The very air crackled with an electric tension, pregnant with unknown horrors. Kakashi's movements were methodical yet tinged with a sense of urgency. Every stroke of the seal felt like a pact with the sinister forces that lay dormant in the shadows, their whispered promises of power and forbidden knowledge tempting yet foreboding.

As Kakashi continued his arcane work, the room echoed with haunting whispers that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. The ethereal voices seemed to taunt and cajole, their words a twisted symphony of madness. They spoke of dark secrets, ancient sins, and the insatiable hunger of forbidden desires. Each whisper wormed its way into Kakashi's mind, eroding his resolve and chipping away at the very essence of his being. Yet, he pressed on, his determination unyielding despite the encroaching horror.

Time seemed to blur within the chamber's suffocating darkness, the boundaries between reality and nightmare growing increasingly nebulous. Shadows danced and twisted, their sinister forms mocking the feeble flicker of light. The room became a theater of terror, where fear and despair held sway over reason and hope.

Deep under the tower, amidst the clammy embrace of the forgotten chamber, Kakashi's ritual of darkness unfolded.

The torchlight struggled to push back the encroaching darkness, casting eerie shadows that danced and twisted with wicked delight.

Kakashi meticulously worked on the intricate seal he was inscribed on the floor, his trembling hands tracing the twisted patterns that seemed to writhe beneath his touch. The room echoed with a haunting silence, broken only by the faint sound of his breath and the scratching of his kunai against the stone.

As he focused on his task, a chilling voice slithered from the shadows, dripping with malice. "Are you so foolish to think you can undo my masterpiece, little Kakashi?" Orochimaru's words seemed to seep into the very air, his presence lurking unseen.

Kakashi's heart pounded within his chest, a symphony of fear he had never felt before. His voice quivered, yet held a fragile resolve. "I will not let you take my student!" His words echoed with defiance, challenging the dark forces that threatened to consume them.

Mocking laughter reverberated through the chamber, echoing from every corner as if the very walls were taunting him. "Your student? What can a man with so much lost teach? He is mine now. Let him join me, and I will show him the true meaning of power," Orochimaru's voice hissed, a venomous serpent coiling around Kakashi's mind.

Gritting his teeth, Kakashi's voice trembled with a mix of desperation and deadly resolve. "I will protect him, no matter the cost." His words hung heavy in the air, laced with a haunting echo that defied the encroaching darkness.

As Kakashi completed the final stroke of the seal, a surge of ominous energy filled the room, the air growing thick with a sinister presence. The seal glowed with an eerie black light, casting distorted shadows upon the twisted features of Sasuke, who lay upon a raised dais. The cursed marks on his neck flickered with an unholy flame as if the very essence of darkness fought to break free. His body racked with pain, he held still waiting for this to be over. His path was his own, he would not let others decide for him.

Orochimaru's voice hissed with wicked delight, "You think this feeble seal can stop me? I will claim what is rightfully mine!" The room trembled, the darkness closing in, suffocating Kakashi's flickering hope.

In a last act of defiance, Kakashi's voice wavered but held an otherworldly determination. "I will not let you win. I will protect him from your twisted clutches!" His words echoed with a chilling resolve, defying the horrors that loomed before him.

As the final line of the seal was etched onto the floor, a surge of malevolence coursed through the chamber, the darkness recoiling in anticipation. Kakashi's voice, now tinged with an ethereal quality, pierced through the suffocating atmosphere. "I will kill you if you dare touch my student!" His words carried a bone-chilling certainty as if the very essence of death itself had materialized at his side.

Silence descended upon the chamber, broken only by the faint whisper of sinister laughter that faded into the abyss.

As Kakashi's palm collided with the central key of the seal, a surge of raw, potent chakra exploded from within him equal to any Kage. It radiated with a brilliance that rivaled the blazing sun, piercing through the suffocating darkness that had enveloped the room. The seal beneath his feet shimmered and pulsated with an otherworldly glow, its intricate symbols etched in a macabre dance of light and shadow.

A bone-chilling scream tore through the chamber, resonating with pure agony. Sasuke's body convulsed violently upon the raised dias, his muscles contorting as unseen forces clashed within him. The cursed marks on his neck flared with an unholy intensity, writhing as if they were living creatures desperate to break free.

The sound of Sasuke's torment was soon joined by another, a haunting echo of pain that reverberated through the room. Orochimaru, sensing the threat to his plans, felt the torment inflicted upon his vessel and became consumed by his own malevolence. His twisted features contorted into a grotesque mask of fury and desperation.

"You dare defy me, Kakashi? You dare try to strip me of what is rightfully mine?" Orochimaru's voice echoed, seeping into the very fabric of the room. His words dripped with venomous hatred, his presence swelling with an unhinged determination.

With a wicked grin, Orochimaru unleashed his wrath upon them all. Shadows slithered and twisted, forming grotesque tendrils that snaked towards Kakashi, seeking to ensnare him in their suffocating embrace. The air turned frigid, carrying an eerie whisper that promised unimaginable horrors.

Kakashi, his heart pounding with terror, fought against the encroaching darkness. His Sharingan blazed with crimson light, a beacon of defiance in the face of abject terror. He called upon every ounce of his strength, his chakra flaring as he fought back against the malevolent forces that threatened to overwhelm them.

Sasuke's screams intensified, and his body was wracked with unimaginable pain as Orochimaru revealed in his suffering. The snake-like villain relished in his sadistic pleasure, taunting them with threats that dripped with a maddening sense of cruelty.

"You cannot escape me, Kakashi. I will claim what is rightfully mine. Your defiance is futile," Orochimaru hissed, his voice layered with a chilling resonance that sent shivers down their spines. His eyes glowed with a perverse delight as if he reveled in the prospect of their imminent demise.

The room itself seemed to pulsate with malevolent energy, the walls closing in as if they were sentient beings eager to witness the destruction of those trapped within. Whispers filled the air, echoing with the tormented cries of countless lost souls, their anguished voices blending into a symphony of despair.

But amidst the chaos and horror, Kakashi refused to yield. His determination burned like a flickering flame in the face of overwhelming darkness. With every ounce of strength he possessed, he fought back against the encroaching shadows, his resolve unwavering.

The battle raged on, a cataclysmic clash between light and darkness, hope and despair. The room became a battlefield of nightmares, where every breath was laced with terror, and every movement carried the weight of their very souls.

As Kakashi's resolute words pierced the air, a surge of newfound strength coursed through his veins. The horrors that lurked within the chamber seemed to recoil, their malevolent presence momentarily subdued by his unwavering resolve. He stood tall, his gaze unwavering as he confronted the abyss that threatened to consume them all.

With each step forward, the room trembled beneath Kakashi's feet. Shadows recoiled, retreating from the intense radiance emanating from his being. His voice echoed with a newfound clarity, shattering the suffocating atmosphere that had engulfed them.

The seal beneath him glowed brighter, pulsating with a protective energy that served as a barrier against Orochimaru's vile intentions. Its intricate symbols shimmered with a renewed power, channeling Kakashi's unwavering will to keep the darkness at bay.

"I have faced my worst nightmares and emerged stronger," Kakashi proclaimed, his voice filled with an unyielding determination. "The pain I carry within myself is far greater than anything you can inflict upon me."

His words echoed through the chamber, resonating with a defiant strength that reverberated off the damp, cold walls. The very fabric of the room seemed to respond, as if the spirits trapped within its confines rallied behind Kakashi's proclamation, lending him their unwavering support.

Orochimaru, caught off guard by Kakashi's sudden resurgence, found himself momentarily silenced. His eyes narrowed, the slits of his serpentine gaze narrowing as a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. The sadistic pleasure that had gleamed in his eyes moments before now wavered, replaced by a glimmer of apprehension.

With a hiss of frustration, Orochimaru retreated deeper into the shadows, his form dissipating into the darkness from whence it came. His malevolent presence lingered, a sinister reminder of the ever-looming threat that awaited them. Doubt, apathy even a touch of indifference that he hadn't felt in a very long time clouded his mind.

"He will come to me Kakashi, mark my words, on his own free will he will come to me.", said the fading voice of Orochimaru as the shadows pulled back the room to become only a room.

Kakashi, his resolve unyielding, turned his attention to Sasuke, who lay on the raised dias, still writhing in pain. He knelt beside his student, his hands glowing with chakra. With each touch, he poured his essence into Sasuke, mending the wounds inflicted by the cursed marks and providing solace amidst the horrors they had endured.

The room, once cloaked in darkness, began to transform. The dripping walls relinquished their haunting moisture, and the torchlight no longer struggled against the encroaching shadows. As Kakashi's chakra enveloped the chamber, a faint glimmer of hope permeated the air, casting aside the suffocating atmosphere of terror.

In this battle of wills, Kakashi had triumphed for now, he possessed an indomitable spirit that refused to succumb to the horrors that sought to consume him, as his sensei had told him those many years ago he was truly the embodiment of the Will of Fire.

….

People always seem to bash Kakashi, I think for someone that has been fighting PTSD for 20 years he needs a little love. I am going to visit my other stories and see if they want any updates, if my muse doesn't respond to them I will see where I can take this story.

I intended to go over to top horror drama with this chapter. Did I hit it or not?