Authors Note: I love the over-the-top Hyperbole when it comes to Kakashi, do you agree or not?
...
The Minds that Cloud
...
As they left the tower in the Forest of Death during the Chunin Exams, Lord Orochimaru led the way with a confident stride, his presence commanding and intimidating. Kabuto, ever loyal to his master, bowed low and addressed him respectfully.
"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto began, "Will young Sasuke be joining us?"
Orochimaru glanced back at Kabuto, his eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Ah, Sasuke," he replied, a sly smile creeping across his lips. "He possesses great potential. The curse seal has taken hold, and he grows stronger by the day."
Tayuya, positioned at the end of the row, interjected with a brash remark. "Yeah, but is the fucker dead or not?"
Orochimaru's smile widened, revealing his predatory nature. He turned to face Tayuya, his gaze piercing through her defiant demeanor. "Sasuke is far from dead, my dear Tayuya," he said with a hint of amusement. "He's merely undergoing a transformation. His journey has only just begun."
Without wasting another moment, Orochimaru resumed his brisk pace, his followers quickly rising to their feet and trailing behind him. The Sound Four, dedicated to serving their master, matched his steps with unwavering loyalty. Each member of the group exuded an aura of power and menace, their skills honed through years of training under Orochimaru's tutelage.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew heavy with a sense of anticipation. The ominous atmosphere seemed to fuel Orochimaru's insatiable thirst for knowledge and power. He reveled in the chaos that surrounded him, finding solace in the darkness that others feared.
While the Sound Four followed their leader unquestioningly, each harbored their own ambitions and desires. Kabuto, ever the enigmatic strategist, observed Orochimaru closely, plotting his own path to ascension. Tayuya, a brash and audacious woman, longed for recognition and craved the opportunity to unleash her musical prowess on the world. The other members of the Sound Four, Sakon, Ukon, and Kidomaru, had their own unique dreams and motivations, eager to prove themselves in Orochimaru's twisted world.
As they moved through the forest, the echoes of their footsteps mingled with the distant sounds of nature. The rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the occasional howl of a distant beast all became a part of the symphony that accompanied their journey. But beyond the natural sounds, an undercurrent of darkness pulsed through the forest, resonating with Orochimaru's malevolent presence.
With each step, the world seemed to transform around them. Shadows danced among the trees, whispering secrets and promising power. Ancient seals adorned the trunks, hinting at the forgotten wisdom of the past. Orochimaru reveled in this hidden realm, relishing the opportunity to explore its depths and uncover its secrets.
The group eventually arrived at a secluded camp in a clearing bathed in dappled moonlight. Orochimaru turned to face his followers, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "We are on the cusp of greatness," he declared, his voice laced with both excitement and danger. "Prepare yourselves, my loyal servants. The future belongs to those who seize it."
As Orochimaru spoke, his voice carried a sense of urgency and determination. His piercing gaze scanned the faces of his loyal followers, emphasizing the importance of his words.
"There is a great unknown force surrounding the tower," Orochimaru declared, his voice laced with a mixture of intrigue and concern. "I have yet to uncover its source, but rest assured, it holds immense power. Our plan to destroy the Leaf Village cannot be deterred. Pull our people out we must finish our task at the sand village."
Kabuto, always attentive, stepped forward, his eyes filled with unwavering loyalty. "Understood, Lord Orochimaru," he replied, his voice calm and composed. "I will immediately send word to our operatives. They will be recalled to the sound Village without delay."
Tayuya, never one to back down from a challenge, interjected with a touch of impatience. "So, what's the plan, Lord Orochimaru?" she asked, her tone laced with anticipation. "Are we going to investigate this force or just leave it behind?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a sly smile, hiding behind his smile was a sense of worry, whatever it was had prevented him from taking Sasuke and it will need to be destroyed. Looking to Tayuya, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint. "Oh, we shall investigate, my dear Tayuya," he replied, his voice carrying an air of excitement. "But not now. Our primary objective remains the destruction of the Leaf Village, and we shall not be swayed."
With a subtle nod of his head, Orochimaru signaled his followers to gather their belongings and prepare for the journey. The sound shinobi swiftly moved into action, their movements synchronized and efficient. They knew the importance of timing and the need to strike when the opportunity presented itself.
As the group made their way toward the Sand Village, Orochimaru's mind buzzed with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. The unknown force surrounding the tower piqued his insatiable thirst for knowledge, it gave him a feeling he hadn't felt in a very long time, was it fear, was it worry, he wasn't sure it has been so long but he understood that it must wait. The destruction of the Leaf Village had been his long-standing goal, and he would not allow anything to divert his attention.
….
The Third Hokage, his aging form supported by a wooden railing, stood at the edge of the Chunin Exam Tower, looking out over the empty battle arena. His tired eyes scanned the quiet space, devoid of the usual energy and intensity that filled it during the Chunin Exams. The weight of his years as the village leader had taken its toll, and a weariness settled upon his shoulders.
As he raised his pipe to his lips, the Hokage sensed Iruka's presence before he even spoke. The concerned shinobi, held back by the Hokage's guards, called out, seeking an audience with the venerable leader.
"Hokage! I need to talk to you!" Iruka's voice carried a mixture of urgency and respect, the worry etched into his features.
Sighing heavily, the Third Hokage motioned for Iruka's release, allowing him to approach. Leaning on the railing with his full weight, he regarded Iruka with tired eyes, speaking in a voice that held both exhaustion and wisdom.
"What is it, Iruka?" the Hokage asked wearily, his gaze drifting back towards the empty battle arena. "You should know that I have witnessed too many lives lost within these very walls. The thought of sending young shinobi to face death... it weighs heavily on me."
Iruka bowed respectfully, his voice carrying a mix of empathy and urgency. "Hokage," he began, his tone laced with concern, "I have received information that Orochimaru has targeted Team 7 in the forest."
The Third Hokage, his aged form still leaning heavily on the railing, glanced out over the empty battle arenas within the Chunin Exam Tower. A sense of melancholy draped over him, deepening the lines etched upon his weathered face. Unbeknownst to both him and Iruka, a subtle genutsu had been placed upon the tower, suffusing the air with a mysterious spell of apathy. The genutsu had finally reached the top of the tower and affected the Hokage without him noticing.
Iruka, determined to share his concerns with the Hokage, approached cautiously. The weight of his worries pressed upon him, amplified by the unnatural stillness within the tower. The shinobi guards accompanying Iruka seemed affected by the genutsu, their movements sluggish and their expressions devoid of emotion. Why Iruka was not affected as much as the others were still something he tried not to think about as he approached the Hokage.
"Hokage," Iruka began, his voice tinged with urgency, "I have received information regarding Orochimaru, he attacked Team 7, they are in danger."
The Third Hokage, his usual sharpness dulled by the genutsu's effects, turned his gaze toward Iruka with a detached curiosity. The gravity of the situation seemed to elude him, overshadowed by a pervasive sense of indifference brought on by the enchantment.
"Team 7..." the Hokage murmured, his voice lacking the usual concern it would hold. "Yes, the forest can be treacherous, but the Chunin Exams have always carried risks." Taking a long pull on his pipe he blew smoke out over the arena.
Iruka's heart sank as he realized that the Hokage's response lacked the urgency he had hoped for. It was clear that something was amiss, that something had taken hold of the Third Hokage's spirit as well.
Summoning all his willpower, Iruka decided to probe further, gently urging the Hokage to see beyond the veil of apathy. "Hokage, I understand the dangers inherent in the exams, but Orochimaru's involvement poses an even greater threat. We must take action to protect our village and our shinobi."
The Third Hokage's weary eyes shifted a flicker of recognition briefly breaking through the genutsu's hold. A momentary spark of concern sparked within him as if his true self fought against the genutsu's influence. However, it quickly faded, leaving behind a resigned acceptance.
"Thank you, Iruka," the Hokage responded, his voice carrying a sense of detachment. "Your concern for the village is admirable, but perhaps it is best to trust in the system we have in place. The Chunin Exams have endured for generations, and young shinobi must face the challenges presented to them."
Iruka's resolve strengthened, realizing that he needed to find a way to break the enchantment and restore the Hokage's clarity of mind. The fate of the village and the lives of those involved in the exams hung in the balance, and he couldn't allow the spell's influence to prevail.
Silently vowing to uncover the source of the genutsu and free his leader from its grasp, Iruka stepped back, his mind already racing with plans and strategies. The Chunin Exam Tower, usually a symbol of hope and potential, now became a battleground not just for the participants but also for the restoration of the Hokage's true self.
….
Kakashi walked up the long stairs to the ground floor with a befuddled Sasuke in his wake. The events of the night were still spinning in his head, was that really Orochimaru he confronted, or was that some strange hallucination brought on by chakra Exhaustion and moldy air? The lack of oxygen in the sub-basement was a known issue but he never heard of it causing that level of delusion.
Walking out onto the main floor the first thing he noticed was all the Genin wandering around as if in a dream. He knew it was early morning but as a group, they should be wide awake worried about living to the end of the day.
Sasuke still disoriented from the encounter in the sub-basement, stumbled slightly as he followed Kakashi. His usually sharp eyes held a glimmer of confusion and uncertainty. Kakashi knew that the young Uchiha had been affected by the strange atmosphere as well, but the extent of its influence on him remained unclear.
Trying to shake off his own disorientation, Kakashi decided to investigate further. He approached one of the Genin, gently touching their shoulder to capture their attention. The Genin turned towards him, their gaze empty and unfocused.
"Yo," Kakashi called out, his voice filled with concern. "Are you alright? "
The Genin merely blinked, their response delayed and lacking in conviction. They seemed detached as if trapped in a dream world where the urgency of survival held no meaning. Kakashi's worry deepened as he realized that something had affected the participants of the Chunin Exams as well as the sensei's he could spot here and there almost bumping into one another.
Sasuke, now fully aware of the strange atmosphere, clenched his fists in frustration. "What's going on, sensei? This isn't right. How am I to prove myself if this is what I have to fight."
Kakashi nodded a glint in his visible eye. " There's something more at play here, and we need to find out what it is."
Kakashi turned his attention to the tower's surroundings, searching for any signs or clues that could lead them to the source of the strange behavior. He knew that time was of the essence and that everyone was in danger and the future of the Chunin Exams hung in the balance.
"We'll get to the bottom of this," Kakashi assured Sasuke, his voice carrying a steely resolve as he started marching across the open space heading for the Jonin lounge with Sasuke following behind with thoughts of how could he become a chunin with these losers as opponents.
"Kakashi, wait up.", yelled out Kurenai as she walked over with two other Jonin who had an eager look on their faces once they spotted him.
As she stood and seemed to brace herself Kakashi turned to face her wondering why she needed to talk to him so badly, "Hi Kurenai, what's up?", said Kakashi his mind on other important things.
Without a word or any outward sign, she was planning something Kurenai slammed an open palm full of chakra into Kakashi's face hitting him square in the noise. When his head snapped back and a spray of blood exiting his nose he felt a small cloud of doubt lift off him.
The other two Jonin had jumped forward to grab Kakashi in case he tried to retaliate but soon released him when he just held his nose and looked at Kurenai.
"Do we know who is causing the genutsu.", said Kakashi in a cold calculating voice with all of his years of training in two shinobi world wars he knew in an instant what had happened to him and the others.
Kurenai, her eyes narrowed and filled with some hope, held Kakashi's gaze without flinching. Her action had been sudden and unexpected, but she knew that drastic measures were needed to break free from the genjutsu's grasp.
"The genjutsu," Kurenai replied, her voice firm and resolute. "I believe it's not a single person but something more intricate. There's a force at work here, manipulating our perceptions and plunging us into this state of apathy."
Kakashi, his senses sharpened by the impact of Kurenai's strike, focused his attention on her words. The cloud of doubt that had hung over him lifted, allowing him to think with clarity once more.
"You're right," Kakashi acknowledged, wiping away the blood from his nose with the back of his hand. "This is not an ordinary genjutsu. Its scale and effectiveness suggest a mastermind behind it, someone with immense power and knowledge."
The two Jonin accompanying Kurenai exchanged glances, their expressions grave yet filled with determination. They understood the severity of the situation and the need for swift action. They were both masters of the art of genutsu and had yet to find the source.
"We need to gather more information," Kakashi continued, his voice steady. "Find out who or what is behind this. Our priority is to break free from its influence and restore everyone's awareness.", Kakashi had quickly taking command of this little team.
Kurenai nodded in agreement, as Kakashi with his Sharingan eye spun into focus. "I'll use my Sharingan to delve into the genjutsu's illusions and try to uncover any clues. We must act swiftly before more lives are endangered."
"The Jonin Commander is headed to the Hokage. I think we should start there," Kurenai declared firmly, her voice cutting through the air with a sense of urgency.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Hokage's office. The events unfolding demanded immediate action, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time. But his attention was momentarily drawn to Sasuke, standing in a daze nearby. A surge of impatience washed over him.
Without hesitation, Kakashi delivered a sharp strike to Sasuke's forehead, jolting him out of his stupor. The Uchiha staggered back, shaken out of his complacency, his eyes wide with sudden awareness. There was no room for weakness or hesitation in this situation.
"Find your team," Kakashi commanded with a tone of authority, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Break them free from the genjutsu and regroup with them. We can't afford to waste a single second. Move!"
Sasuke's initial defiance crumbled under the weight of Kakashi's command. He understood the gravity of the situation and the urgency of his new mission. Nodding sharply, he swiftly turned and sprinted off, his steps fueled by a newfound determination to break his team free from the illusion's grip.
Kakashi and Kurenai exchanged a brief but resolute glance. They knew that time was running out, and hesitation was a luxury they couldn't afford.
As Kakashi strode purposefully toward the Hokage's office, his mind sharpened with ruthless focus. This was no time for niceties or second-guessing. The situation demanded swift action and a hardened resolve. He had seen the consequences of failure in the wars, the lives lost on the battlefields, and the blood of his people covering the ground.
With every step, the weight of responsibility settled upon his shoulders, driving him forward with unwavering determination. The path ahead was treacherous, fraught with danger and uncertainty. But Kakashi's resolve remained unshaken. He had faced formidable foes before and survived the darkest of battles. And he would not falter now.
Deep within his core, the spirit of a true shinobi burned fiercely. It fueled his unyielding determination to protect the village, to shield his comrades from harm. He would marshal every ounce of his strength, his skills, and his cunning to overcome this invisible enemy and shatter the suffocating grip of the genjutsu.
The fire in Kakashi's eyes blazed with an unspoken promise – to fight, to prevail, and to ensure that the village emerged from this trial unscathed. The winds of uncertainty may howl, but they would not extinguish the flame of his indomitable spirit. He would lead his comrades into battle, cutting through the veil of illusion and reclaiming their freedom.
…
Sakura awoke with a start, her head throbbing from the effects of the piles she had consumed the previous night. It wasn't the first time she found herself sleeping in a hospital chair, but her body protested as she sat up, every bone aching. She surveyed the dimly lit room, as though someone had deliberately turned off the lights, except for a small lamp casting a soft glow from the far corner. Taking in her surroundings, she noticed the familiar sight of the bed, the nightstand, and a half-empty jug of water resting on the side table. Everything seemed to be in its place as she rose from the chair, her movements silent and graceful. Sakura prided herself on her stealth, honed from years of slipping out of her hospital room unnoticed.
Approaching the bed, her gaze settled on the figure lying beneath the covers. Naruto was tucked in snugly, a peaceful smile adorning his sleeping face. That alone struck her as unusual, for Naruto was notorious for his restless nights, tossing and turning. But it was the form entwined with him that caught her off guard.
Pulling back the blanket, Sakura's heart sank as she beheld the sight before her. Ino was wrapped around Naruto's sleeping form, her arms embracing him with a familiarity that implied this was not their first night together.
A mix of emotions flooded Sakura's being—confusion, disbelief, and a wave of searing anger that threatened to consume her. Without thinking, her voice erupted in a tumultuous outburst, "What the hell is going on?"
Her words hung in the air, a reflection of the storm of emotions raging within her. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting a response that would unravel the tangled web of this unexpected situation.
"God!, Sakura, is it morning already?" Ino groaned, pushing herself up with a hand on Naruto's chest. The poor boy seemed bewildered and disoriented as Ino settled beside him. His memory was hazy, the last recollection being Sakura placing him in a hospital bed after some incident involving Hinata—she had tried to kill him he thought but he couldn't be entirely sure, was it really Hinata given the way she was dressed?
"What on earth do you think you're doing?" Sakura demanded, her voice laced with a mix of anger and frustration.
"The chair was killing my back, and there was plenty of space on the bed," Ino replied with a mischievous grin. "You could have joined us if you wanted."
"You shameless hussy! He's only fourteen," Sakura retorted, her tone filled with a mix of disbelief and disapproval.
"Oh, come on, calm down," Ino dismissed Sakura's accusations with a wave of her hand. "I didn't do anything."
As Naruto watched the two girls fight, his head swayed back and forth, caught between their conflicting energies. Their argument grew more heated with each passing moment, they seemed to be fighting over him both figuratively and quite literally. Naruto couldn't help but feel like a helpless spectator, uncertain of how to intervene or what his role in this should be. He only remembered what he had promised Iruka Sensei, that he would leave girls alone until he was older. How old was still a question in his mind but seeing this it seemed like good advice.
"Why did Hinata attack me?" Naruto questioned, his voice filled with genuine confusion. The sudden shift in the conversation brought both Sakura and Ino's quarrel to a halt. Ino slid off the bed, her gaze fixed on Naruto, while Sakura looked at him with a mix of concern and uncertainty about the best way to answer him.
Ino hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She exchanged a brief glance with Sakura, silently seeking guidance. Eventually, Sakura took the lead, realizing the weight of the situation and Naruto's limited understanding.
"She mistook you for someone named Menma, who supposedly harmed her sister," Sakura explained, keeping her explanation as simple as possible. She could sense Naruto's struggle to comprehend the events, and as a time traveler, she understood how confusing this could turn into if she told him more.
Naruto furrowed his brows, trying to process the information. The notion of being mistaken for someone else left him feeling a mix of frustration and empathy for Hinata's mistaken anger. He couldn't fathom why she would attack him, as he had never heard of this Menma before.
"Is her sister okay?" Naruto asked, his concern evident in his voice.
Sakura nodded, not wanting to tell him the truth of Hinata's future self, her expression softening as she said. "Yes, she's fine. It was a misunderstanding, Naruto. Hinata just got the wrong idea. We'll figure it out and clear things up."
Ino stepped closer to Naruto, a reassuring smile gracing her features as she rubbed his arm. "Don't worry, Naruto. We'll help you figure this out. Just focus on getting better, we still have a chunin exam to pass."
As Naruto listened to their words, a sense of relief washed over him. He felt grateful for Sakura and Ino's presence, their support grounding him amidst the confusion and chaos. Somehow it just felt right to have them near, even Hinata gave him a warm feeling when they talked about her that wasn't there before.
"I feel fantastic!" Naruto exclaimed, his enthusiasm radiating through his entire being. Before Sakura and Ino could react, he leaped out of the bed, his energy seemingly boundless. He located his sandals by the door and swiftly slipped them on, followed by his beloved orange jacket. The familiar fabric draped over his shoulders, instantly instilling him with a sense of purpose.
"Let's go find Hinata and sort this whole thing out!" Naruto declared with unwavering resolve. He strode towards the door, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. The fact that he had no idea where he was or how to find Hinata didn't faze him in the slightest. Naruto was never one to be stopped by such details. His unwavering spirit propelled him forward, ready to face any challenge head-on.
Sakura and Ino exchanged glances, a mix of admiration and concern etched upon their faces. They knew Naruto's willpower was unparalleled, but they also understood the risks involved in running up to Hinata in her current state of mind. They quickly moved to catch up with him, knowing they had to support their one-time husband in his newest quest to fix this misunderstanding and bring peace between him and Hinata.
As they stepped out into the hallway running past the sleeping nurse, Naruto led the way, his bright orange jacket serving as a beacon. Sakura and Ino followed closely behind, united in their shared mission to restore their timelines.
…..
As Kakashi entered the Hokage's office situated within the towering structure, he was greeted by an intense sight. Shikaku Nara, standing before the Hokage's desk, was engaged in an animated and one-sided conversation, his words laced with urgency and a genuine sense of concern. Checking to see that his small team was detracting the Hokage's guards he moved to stand near Shikaku.
"Hokage, I implore you to listen," Shikaku urged, his voice filled with urgency. "There is a wide-range jutsu enveloping the entire tower, and its effects are growing. We must evacuate immediately."
The Hokage, however, met Shikaku's fervent appeal with an air of detachment, his gaze distant and contemplative. It seemed as though he regarded Shikaku's warning as a mere inconvenience as if the imminent danger was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.
Kakashi quietly observed the exchange, his mind grappling with a mixture of apprehension and perplexity. He had grown to trust Shikaku's keen instincts and strategic insight over their years of collaboration. Witnessing the Hokage's seemingly dismissive response to Shikaku's alarming revelation left Kakashi with a deep sense of unease.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Kakashi decided to take matters into his own hands. Moving around the desk to place a hand on the Hokage's shoulder Kakashi's Sharingan blazed to life, his gaze locked onto the Hokage, imprisoned within the confines of the genjutsu. Time seemed to slow down as he analyzed the intricate chakra patterns woven by the illusion.
Reacting swiftly, Kakashi unleashed a surge of his own chakra, intertwining it with the Hokage's disrupted energy. His manipulation was precise, seeking to disrupt the delicate balance of the genjutsu's hold. With every surge of chakra, the illusion faltered, its grip weakening.
A flicker of defiance sparked in Kakashi's eyes as he redoubled his efforts. He poured his chakra into the Hokage's system with greater intensity, battling against the seductive allure of the illusion. The struggle intensified, crackling with raw energy.
With each surge of chakra, the genjutsu's chains began to fray, their ethereal links weakening under the relentless assault. Kakashi's focus remained unbroken as he pushed his chakra to the limit, refusing to yield to the illusion's influence.
A surge of triumph coursed through Kakashi as he felt the genjutsu shatter like fragile glass. The Hokage's consciousness snapped back into reality, his eyes clearing from the fog of deception. The grip of the illusion had been broken, freeing the Hokage from its insidious grasp.
With the genjutsu dispelled, Kakashi and the Hokage exchanged a nod of understanding. They knew the time for action had come, the Hokage closed his eyes to feel the world around him before snapping back to look at his loyal Jonin Commander, "Get everyone out of the tower, we will regroup at the village arena, Kakashi, can you form a team and search out the source of this Genjutsu."
"Yes my Hokage, I have a team ready to move out now.", said Kakashi
"Then go, and good luck.", said the Hokage as he prepared orders to rush everyone out of the tower.
…..
"Naruto, wait up! Where are you going?" Ino shouted, rushing ahead of Sakura and grabbing hold of Naruto's arm to slow him down.
"I have to find Hinata! I don't want her to hate me," Naruto replied, his determination evident as he continued moving forward with Ino in tow.
"But we don't even know where she is," Sakura pointed out matter-of-factly as she caught up to them.
Naruto came to a sudden stop, surveying the empty hallway with a mischievous grin. With a swift hand seal, he unleashed his signature move, shouting as if he wanted the entire tower to hear him, "Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" In an instant, a hundred Naruto clones materialized around him.
"Alright, guys, let's go find Hinata!" Naruto exclaimed, his clones echoing his words as they screamed out "Find Hinata", before dispersing in every direction, eager to complete their mission.
"I almost forgot he could do that," Ino remarked, glancing over at Sakura, whose face displayed a mixture of shock and awe.
"Yeah, me too," Sakura replied a sense of wonder in her voice. They broke into a jog, determined to keep up with Naruto and his army of clones as they embarked on their search for Hinata. It was the calm before the storm, and laughter filled the air as they broke into a run to keep up.
….
Hinata stirred awake, the cold hard stone flood she had been dropped on was a far cry from her soft bed and warm blankets. Rolling her head to the side she could see Kiba sleeping in a ball with Akamaru by his head and Shino sitting in a meditative pose as if seeking enlightenment with a swam of Kikaichu bugs slowly drifting about his head as if on patrol.
It wasn't the gentle snoring of Akamaru or the buzzing of the Kikaichu that awoke her. No, it was the feeling that something was coming for her. Something powerful that she had no protection against.
Despite her hands still bound tightly behind her back with unforgiving ninja wire and her feet weighed down by heavy chains, Hinata mustered the strength to sit up, albeit with great difficulty. Every movement sent sharp pains coursing through her tired body, but she refused to succumb to despair.
With a mix of weariness and determination etched on her face, Hinata rose to her feet with a grace few could match, facing the cold iron bars that confined her. The weight of what she had done bore heavily upon her, yet she remained resolute, her spirit unyielding, it had been the right thing to do.
Aware that there was little she could do to alter the course of events that awaited her, Hinata prepared herself to face the imminent unknown. The knowledge that her mission had been accomplished brought a faint glimmer of solace, providing a semblance of purpose amid the impending darkness.
As the echoes of running footsteps drew closer, Hinata braced herself, steeling her nerves for what lay ahead. The uncertainty of her fate hung heavily in the air, but she clung to her honor and resolved to face her destiny head-on.
Her life had been short and full of hardship, each step marked by trials and tribulations. Yet, in the face of impending doom, Hinata found a flicker of hope, a whispered prayer that the next life, however, it may unfold, would bring her a measure of peace and the promise of a brighter future. Though the world seemed poised to extinguish her light, she embraced the uncertainty, ready to confront whatever lay beyond with grace and dignity.
"Hinata, I found you!" yelled Naruto, his voice echoing through the cell as he stumbled over Kiba, bounced off the floor, and ended up squishing his face against the iron bars. With his vibrant blue eyes sparkling and a wide grin plastered across his face, he looked like a beacon of happiness in the gloomy surroundings.
"I gotta tell the boss!" Naruto declared, taking a step back and swiftly forming a series of hand signs. In a puff of smoke, he was gone leaving little trace of smoke floating to the ceiling.
Hinata blinked, her confusion deepening with each passing moment. Was she trapped in some bizarre dream or trapped in her own mind? She had defeated Menma, and yet here he was, standing before her, behaving oddly and dissipating into smoke.
A mix of disbelief and a hint of amusement danced across Hinata's face as she tried to make sense of what just happened. It was both funny and strange, and a small giggle escaped her lips despite the gravity of their circumstances.
Kiba sprang to his feet, a fighter's instinct kicking in as he assumed a defensive stance. His sharp eyes scanned the dimly lit room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Akamaru, his faithful companion, joined the search, his sensitive nose twitching as he sniffed the air, letting out a series of short, alert barks.
"Naruto? Are you sure about that, Akamaru?" Kiba questioned, directing his gaze toward the small white dog by his side. His instincts told him something was amiss, but he trusted Akamaru's keen senses.
Meanwhile, Hinata, standing near the bars of her cell, listened attentively to the conversation. Confusion marked her delicate features as she processed Kiba's words. "That was Naruto?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Shino, ever the observant one, his composed demeanor contrasting with the tension in the room. "My kikaichu report that, in truth, a Naruto clone was here just a moment ago," he revealed, his tone carrying an air of authority. As he rose from the floor, the swirling cloud of Kikaichu bugs that had been hovering around him dispersed, returning to their hidden abode.
The situation grew stranger by the minute. A Naruto clone, that wasn't Menma—Hinata's mind whirled with questions and doubts. What was the truth? She found herself caught between the realms of reality and illusion, unsure of whom to trust.
Kiba's eyes darted between Hinata, Shino, and the empty space where the Naruto clone had been.
"No, stop! Wait here, and let me," they all heard Ino's voice from outside. As their attention turned towards the open doorway, Ino entered with the grace of a dancer, her hands clasped together in front of her, clearly displaying her non-threatening demeanor.
"Hi, guys. I just wanted to say that we only want to talk to Hinata. Is it okay if we come in?" Ino asked with a smile, her gaze focused on Hinata's reaction.
"It's surprising. We assumed Naruto didn't survive Hinata's blow," Shino remarked. "I'm glad to hear he is well."
"Yeah, cool. You can come in, but no funny stuff," Kiba stated, picking up Akamaru and placing him in the hood of his jacket.
Catching a small nod from Hinata, Ino turned her head and called out, "Okay, come in!"
As soon as Naruto with Sakura close behind came into the room everyone felt Hinata tense up and take a step back as Naruto once again ran to the iron bars but this time stopping short before slamming into them.
"Hi, Hinata. You don't look so good. Are you doing okay?" Naruto asked, his bluntness not leaving room for pretense as he boldly stared at her on the other side of the bars.
Hinata stood before him, her appearance slightly disheveled from the intense battles she had endured. Despite the dirt and dried blood clinging to her body, there was an undeniable allure that radiated from her. Her tight mesh crop top hugged her curves, even more so with her hands tied behind her back accentuating her feminine form with a subtle hint of sensuality. The fabric revealed glimpses of smooth, sun-kissed skin, adding to her mystique. Her black shorts, fitting snugly against her hips, drew attention to her slender waist and shapely legs, which seemed to possess an alluring grace even in her current situation. Hinata's presence commanded attention, her untamed beauty contrasting with the restraints that bound her. It was a sight that stirred both admiration and desire in Naruto forcing him to look away after a minute.
"Menma how are you alive.", said Hinata feeling defeated that she had failed once again.
"Menma? Who is Menma, I am Naruto, don't you remember?", said Naruto confused that his classmate for so many years didn't know his name.
"Let me help,", said Ino sharing a look with Sakura at the way Naruto had paused and just stared at Hinata, they both shared the same thought, did they have a third competitor for Naruto's affections?
Ino's arm snaked possessively around Naruto's shoulders, staking her claim on him. Drawing from the insights she had acquired through her telepathic exploration of Hinata's thoughts, she confidently asserted, "This is Naruto, the host of the fearsome 'red' Nine-Tailed Fox, the Kyuubi. There is no trace of anyone named Menma here."
"I will not listen to your lies,", cried out Hinata as she took one more step back pressing her body into the cold unyielding stone.
Confusion flickered in Naruto's eyes as he looked at Ino, completely unaware of the situation. He tilted his head slightly, his voice filled with genuine curiosity, "Huh? Menma? Who's that? And why does Hinata think I'm him?"
Ino exchanged a quick glance with Sakura, silently acknowledging the need to fill Naruto in later if they got a chance. She took a step closer, her voice tinged with urgency, "Naruto, Hinata mistakenly believed you are Menma, a person from her past. We're here to help her see the truth and mend the misunderstanding."
Naruto's brows furrowed, a mixture of concern and determination crossing his features. "If Hinata thinks I'm someone else, then we need to make her understand. I don't want her to be upset or afraid because of me."
"Yeah Hinata, Naruto is annoying and a blow hard but he means well.", said Kiba from the side of the room.
Sakura gave Shino a pointed look that he had no choice but to acknowledge her and forced him to say, "I find Naruto to be an intriguing individual. His determination and unwavering spirit are admirable qualities. While he may exhibit unorthodox methods at times, Naruto has shown remarkable growth and potential as a shinobi in these exams. His ability to overcome challenges and surprise others with his resourcefulness is noteworthy."
Kiba shot a quick glance at his teammate, an amused grin tugging at his lips. Shino's sudden outpouring of words caught him off guard. It was a rare sight to see Shino open up like that. But hey, when you had the pack's bitch breathing down your neck, it was bound to elicit some strong reactions.
With a knowing look, Kiba leaned in closer to Shino, his tone hushed. "Looks like we've got the team seven pack bitch on our tails, huh? Ain't easy dealin' with her shit."
Being a member of the Inuzuka clan, with their strong connection to dogs, Kiba didn't mince words when referring to Sakura's dominant alpha side with her demanding nature. Sakura thought it was best to not comment on Kiba's whisper to Shino. She would deal with him later.
Sakura pushed past the two members of team ten to join Ino and Naruto as they tried to get Hinata to understand the situation. "Exactly, we're here to support Hinata and show her that Naruto is a caring person that we all know. "
forcefully removing Ino's arm from Naruto Sakura get between them and said, "We need to find a way to explain everything to her, I mean everything, don't you think."
Now standing almost nose to nose with Sakura, Ino caught onto the hidden meaning behind her words. She took a step forward and suggested, "I think it's time for us girls to have a little chat, you know, girl to girl. So, guys, give us some privacy and clear out."
Sakura, raising her voice, added, "Come on, you heard her! Everybody OUT!" Her commanding tone made all the guys jump and quickly exit the room.
Noticing Ino's curious gaze, Sakura smirked and remarked, "I've raised two boys, I know exactly how to get them moving."
Hinata, defiant and resolute, replied, "I don't care."
Sakura interjected, "That isn't the point," as she rummaged through her pouch, retrieving a lock-picking kit. Skillfully working on the lock, she had the door swinging open within seconds. With a mischievous grin, she quipped, "What? A girl's gotta have a hobby."
Ino, now standing alongside Hinata, focused on the task at hand. "I know you had a glimpse into my mind. I wasn't being very careful. Do you remember anything?" she inquired, while Sakura turned Hinata around and started undoing the ninja wire bindings. Kneeling down, Sakura began picking the lock on the leg chains.
Hinata, rubbing her wrists to regain feeling in her hands, responded, "I remember the creature burning the village." The bright red rings around her wrists served as a painful reminder of how tightly she had been bound.
Ino pressed further, "Was there anything else?" she asked, eager to see if Hinata may have gained anything more from their mind-linking experience.
Hinata thought for a moment, her brow furrowed. "Menma fighting the monster," she finally said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Sakura, who had been standing up while undoing the chains, dropped them to the floor with a loud clank. She turned towards Hinata, a serious expression on her face. "That was Naruto," she stated firmly.
Hinata's eyes widened, a mix of confusion and disbelief crossing her face. "But... but how?" she stammered, her stutter returning for a moment.
"Enough beating around the bush," Sakura interjected, putting her tools away. "Ino, just tell her."
Ino sighed and composed herself before explaining, "Alright, alright. What Sakura means is that we're all from different futures. I came back to save the man I loved from dying at the hands of that creature, and so did Sakura."
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise. "You married Menma?"
"Naruto," Sakura corrected, her frustration starting to show. "His name is Naruto."
"In our worlds, Naruto grew to become the greatest Hokage of all time," Ino continued, trying to clarify. "He won the last Shinobi World War and brought peace to the great nations."
"No, in my world it was Minato Namikaze who was responsible for stopping the war.", Hinata said, "Menma was missing at that time, it was later we all found out what he was doing and it was too late by then."
"What was he doing?", said Sakura breaking Hinata out of a trance as she remembered what happen.
"I don't know how but he collected all the tailed beasts and combined them somehow to attack the village. He killed everyone and burned down everything. Minato handed me a scroll and told me to run, to go back and stop him right before Menma killed his own father.", said Hinata now with tears freely flowing down her cheeks as she remembered so many deaths.
They gave Hinata a moment to regain her emotional balance, it was so unlike what they had lived thought it was unbelievable.
"I assume you used the scroll.", said Sakura trying to get Hinata to continue her story.
"Yes, I woke up a the start of the second phase of the exams, I only had time to meet my team at the gate before it all started.", said Hinata.
They all turned their attention to the door as someone began banging frantically. Opening the door, they found the rest of Team 7, 8, and 10 standing there, urgency in their eyes.
"This is so troublesome, but they've ordered an immediate evacuation of the tower. We have to go now," Shikamaru informed them, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.
As the door opened, the piercing sound of emergency sirens filled the tower, amplifying the seriousness of the situation.
"We'll talk more later, but for now, no more attempts to kill Naruto," Sakura commanded, holding Hinata back before joining her own team.
"Yes, I understand," Hinata replied, with a swift motion, she broke free from Sakura's grip and sprinted down the hallway with her team, searching for an exit.
"Come on, Ino," Choji called out, stowing away his bag of chips. "We have to go now."
Naruto took the lead, his mind filled with the memories of countless clones that had scoured the tower. "Follow me, I know the quickest way," he assured them, his voice resonating with confidence
….
My muse ran off into the forest and right off the story outline, now I have to figure out a way back or a new path. Reviews feed the muse. Until next time.