Chapter 11: How to eat your cake and have it.

Hinata sat alone in her room. Her mind was restless, filled with unanswered questions that gnawed at her insides. Two days had passed since the mission, and the events that had transpired still made little sense to her. Her higher-ups and comrades remained puzzled about how Kakashi had been restored so suddenly, so completely.

Kakashi himself had no memory beyond the moment he had been injured by Kakuzu, and Naruto… Naruto had been grateful to her for helping, but he hadn't truly understood what she had done. Not really.

Hinata closed her eyes, drawing in a slow, deep breath. "Who is she?" she thought to herself. The strange woman who had appeared to her in that otherworldly place… who had granted her the power to heal Kakashi-sensei when all hope seemed lost. She felt a strange pull in her chest, a compulsion to reach out to the woman once more.

Taking another steadying breath, Hinata assumed a meditative pose. She placed her hands on her knees, palms upward, and began to focus. Her breath slowed, her heartbeat steadying, her mind becoming a still pond. She reached inward, deeper and deeper, willing herself back to that strange, empty plane. The world around her faded, and then—

Her eyes opened.

She was there again, in the vast, boundless space that seemed to stretch into eternity. She stood on what felt like solid ground, but there was no texture, no color—only endless grey in every direction. And there, standing before her, was the woman. The same woman who had appeared two days ago.

Her long, flowing white hair fell like a waterfall down her back, her eyes—those piercing, bright blue eyes—studied Hinata with an unreadable expression. Her robes seemed to shimmer, as if woven from moonlight itself.

The woman smiled gently. "Hinata… you have returned," she said, her voice a soft whisper that seemed to echo in the emptiness. "Are you well, child?"

Hinata hesitated, feeling a slight tremor of fear. She gathered her courage, bowing deeply in respect. "Thank you… for healing Kakashi-sensei," she murmured. "I… I'm grateful to you for saving his life."

The woman's smile softened, and she raised a hand, a gesture that seemed to reach out and brush against Hinata's cheek, though they were still several paces apart. "Rise, Hinata," she said gently. "You need not bow to me."

Hinata slowly straightened, though the feeling of fear lingered in her chest. "But… why did you help him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The woman's expression grew thoughtful, almost tender. "Because, child," she began, her voice soft and soothing, "helping you is my responsibility. You are important to me. Very important."

Hinata blinked, surprised by the words. "Important? To… to you?"

The woman nodded, her eyes never leaving Hinata's. "Yes. You are more precious to me than you can possibly know," she continued, her tone filled with something almost maternal. "Whenever you are in need, you may reach out to me. I will heed your call, Hinata… as long as your heart is set upon it, I will always answer."

Hinata's heart pounded in her chest. She felt both comforted and unsettled by the woman's words. Her most precious? Her brow furrowed slightly, a mixture of confusion and curiosity overtaking her fear. "W-why?" she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "Why am I so important to you?"

The woman's eyes seemed to shimmer, a strange intensity flickering in their depths. She smiled again, but this time there was something almost secretive in the curve of her lips. "You are connected to me, Hinata," she replied. "In ways you cannot yet understand. You are my most precious… my chosen one."

Hinata swallowed, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. She hesitated for a moment, then spoke, her voice barely more than a whisper. "What… what is your name?"

The woman fell silent, her expression inscrutable. For a moment, it seemed as though she would not answer. The air grew still, the emptiness around them seemed to press in closer, the shadows deepening.

Finally, the woman spoke, her voice as soft as a breeze, yet carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the very fabric of the space around them.

"My name… is Ōtsutsuki Kaguya."

Hinata's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in shock. She swore she had heard that name before, but she couldn't quite remember when. It was a name whispered in legends, spoken with both awe and fear.

Kaguya smiled again, her eyes shimmering with a strange, unfathomable light. "Do not be afraid, Hinata," she murmured. "I am here for you… always."

Hinata's lips parted, but no words came out. She stood frozen, trying to process what she had just heard, her mind swirling with questions and doubts. But before she could find her voice, the world around her began to blur, the shadows growing darker and darker until they swallowed her whole.

And then, with a gasp, Hinata opened her eyes.

She was back in her room, her heart pounding in her chest, the candle flickering wildly as if caught in a sudden gust of wind. Her mind raced, filled with questions and a creeping sense of dread.

"Ōtsutsuki Kaguya…" she repeated the name silently, feeling the weight of it settle heavily in her chest. What did it mean? Why her?

She felt a shiver run down her spine, the room suddenly feeling colder than it had moments before. And in the back of her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life had just become infinitely more complicated.

The air was thick with incense, a heady mixture of herbs and oils that clung to the walls of the temple. Flickering candles cast long shadows on the ancient stone, and the quiet murmur of prayers reverberated softly off the high ceiling. At the corner of the room stood a mural of a goddess, her expression hidden beneath a veil, her gaze fixed on the worshippers gathered at her feet.

Pain stood before the altar, his expression as cold and resolute as ever. The remaining members of the Akatsuki formed a semicircle around him, their faces obscured by ornately designed hats, their eyes fixed on their leader with unwavering attention. They were a grim assembly, but there was a spark of expectation in their stances, a sense of purpose that crackled like lightning in the air.

Pain raised his hands, and silence fell over the room. His voice, deep and authoritative, filled the temple like a drumbeat. "My comrades," he began, his tone calm yet carrying the weight of command. "You have done well."

A slight murmur of acknowledgment rippled through the gathered cultists. Pain's Rinnegan eyes glinted in the dim light. "We have successfully captured the Eight-Tails," he continued. "It is only a matter of time before we set forth to achieve our goal."

A moment of satisfaction passed through the group, but Pain's expression remained unchanged. His voice took on a more somber tone. "But today, we must also mourn," he intoned, "the loss of three of our brethren—Kakuzu, Deidara, and Hidan—who gave their lives in service of the divine matron."

The room fell silent again, this time with a sense of shared grief. Pain's gaze swept over the remaining members. "Konan, Kisame, Tobi, Sasori," he addressed each by name, his voice low but firm. "It is time we acquire the final piece of the puzzle—the Nine-Tails."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "I will personally oversee the capture of the Nine-Tails," he declared, his eyes narrowing. "We have received intelligence that its Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Naruto, was among those who killed our brethren. He is formidable… but he will not escape us."

Kisame grinned, his shark-like teeth glinting in the dim light. "So, the Leaf brat thinks he's a match for us, eh? I've been itching for a real fight."

Sasori's expression remained stoic, but there was a flicker of interest in his eyes. "Capturing him from the heart of Konoha… it won't be easy," he commented, his voice low and calm. "But it will be… interesting."

Tobi, who stood a bit apart from the rest, chuckled softly. "Oh, I'm sure it will be fun," he said, his voice playful but tinged with malice. "Naruto-kun always knows how to make things… lively."

Pain nodded, acknowledging each of their reactions. "This mission will require precision," he continued. "Naruto is not just any shinobi. He is protected by some of the strongest in Konoha. We must ensure everything goes according to plan."

He turned slightly, gesturing to the mural behind him—a depiction of their goddess, her eyes blazing with divine power. "By the grace of our goddess," he declared, his voice rising, "we will succeed."

The Akatsuki members bowed their heads in silent agreement. Pain raised his arms higher, preparing to lead them in prayer. "Let us seek her blessing," he intoned, "and the strength to fulfill her divine will."

For several long moments, the temple was filled with nothing but the quiet murmur of prayer, a low chant that echoed off the stone walls. Pain's voice rose and fell like a solemn hymn, his hands still raised toward the mural. The others joined in, their voices blending together in a discordant, haunting harmony.

Moments later, as the prayer concluded, Pain turned to Konan, motioning for her to follow him. The two moved away from the group, their steps light and purposeful as they retreated to a more secluded corner of the temple.

Pain's expression was unreadable as he leaned in slightly closer to her. "Konan," he began, his tone more measured, "I sense you have news."

Konan nodded, her face calm but her eyes serious. "Yes," she replied quietly. "Some of our scouts have reported seeing a suspicious individual near the outskirts of Amegakure. They believe he is a foreigner… possibly a spy."

Pain's eyes narrowed, his frown deepening. "I felt a strange presence as I entered the village," he murmured, almost to himself. "It seems our sanctuary is being watched."

Konan hesitated for a moment before speaking. "What would you have me do?" she asked, her voice steady.

Pain's gaze fixed on her, intense and unwavering. "Investigate," he commanded. "Find out who they are and what they want. We cannot afford any distractions."

Konan bowed her head slightly. "I will," she said simply.

Pain's expression softened, but only just. "Be careful, Konan," he added, his voice quieter, almost gentle. "If this is another plot by Konoha or any of our enemies, we cannot allow them to interfere with our plans."

Konan met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "I understand," she replied.

As she turned to leave, Pain watched her for a moment, his face a mask of calm determination. But beneath that calm, there was something else—a flicker of concern, a shadow of doubt.

He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, and then turned back to face the altar. He whispered a final, silent prayer to the goddess, asking for guidance, for strength, for clarity.

"Soon," he thought, his resolve hardening like steel. "Soon, we will have the Nine-Tails. And the world will be free from pain."

Hinata sat outside on the wooden porch of Kurenai's home, the cool breeze gently tousling her hair. Around her, the small group chatted warmly, their voices blending with the rustling leaves and distant laughter of village children. Kurenai was seated beside her, her eyes tired but kind. Across from them, Naruto and Neji shared the bench, their postures relaxed, but their expressions holding a seriousness that matched the weight of recent events.

Naruto leaned back, hands behind his head. "I still can't believe it… the Akatsuki are getting bolder every day," he said, breaking the silence. "We have to be ready for whatever they throw at us next."

Neji nodded solemnly. "They won't stop until they achieve their goal. And with their recent movements… it feels like they're getting closer."

Kurenai sighed deeply, her eyes clouded with sorrow. "Yes, the Akatsuki are a threat… but for now, we must also prepare ourselves for the loss of those we hold dear," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Asuma… he meant the world to me."

The group fell silent, feeling the weight of her words. Kurenai's eyes glistened as she continued, her voice breaking slightly. "He was my friend, my companion… my lover," she whispered. "And now he's gone. But I will never forget him. I'll hold onto every moment we shared… every smile, every argument, every lesson he taught me. I'll carry him with me, always."

Hinata reached out, placing a comforting hand on Kurenai's arm. "We're all going to miss him, Kurenai-sensei," she said softly. "He… he was a great man."

Neji nodded in agreement, his expression warm. "Yes, we all will," he added. "Asuma-sensei was… one of a kind."

Kurenai wiped a tear from her cheek, forcing a small smile. "Thank you… both of you," she murmured, taking a deep breath. "But enough of this. We should lighten the mood a little, right?" Her smile widened slightly, though her eyes were still a bit misty. "Naruto, tell us—how's it been since you got back?"

Naruto grinned, his eyes brightening. "Oh, it's been great!" he exclaimed, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "It's really good to see everyone again, you know? Catching up with old friends… and spending time with them."

Neji leaned in, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Spending time with them… or spending time with one in particular, hmm?" he quipped, nudging Naruto playfully.

Naruto's grin widened, but his cheeks reddened a bit. "W-what do you mean, Neji?" he laughed, scratching the back of his head.

Neji smirked, tilting his head toward Hinata. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean," he replied. "You've been spending a lot of time with Hinata these days."

Hinata's cheeks turned crimson at her cousin's words. "N-Neji!" she stammered, trying to chastise him without meeting his eyes. "That's… th-that's not…!"

Kurenai chuckled, her smile turning genuine. "I have to admit, I never expected you two to become a couple," she said, her tone light. "But I'm happy for you both."

Hinata felt her face flush even deeper. "Um, I-I'm going to… g-get a glass of water," she mumbled, rising quickly from her seat.

Naruto chuckled as she walked away, giving Neji a playful shove. "Nice one, Neji," he muttered under his breath.

Hinata slipped into the kitchen, feeling the coolness of the tiles beneath her feet. Her heart was racing, her cheeks still warm. She filled a glass with water and drank deeply, trying to calm herself. As she set the glass down, her eyes fell on a tray of cinnamon rolls that Kurenai had left out.

Her favorite.

She hovered near the tray, her hand twitching slightly as she debated taking one. "They're for later… but maybe just one wouldn't hurt…" she thought, her fingers inching closer.

But she hesitated, pulling her hand back. "No, I should wait."

Turning away, Hinata began to head back to the porch, but as she moved, her elbow clipped a vase perched precariously on the counter's edge. She gasped as it toppled to the floor, shattering into pieces.

"Oh no!" she whispered, her eyes wide with panic. She immediately recognized it—Kurenai's favorite vase. "Why did they leave it in such a dangerous spot?"

She knelt, her mind racing as she debated what to do. But then, an idea—a wild, improbable idea—flashed through her mind.

"Maybe… maybe I could…"

Hinata took a deep breath and closed her eyes, reaching into herself, searching for that faint connection. She felt a flicker, a whisper at the edge of her consciousness.

"Hinata…" a soft voice called.

Hinata opened her eyes, feeling a strange calm wash over her. "Kaguya?" she murmured, unsure of what to say.

"What do you desire, child?" Kaguya's voice resonated in her mind, patient but expectant.

Hinata hesitated, feeling embarrassed by the trivial nature of her request. "I… I broke something…"

Kaguya studied her through their shared mindscape, her glowing blue eyes piercing yet kind. "You wish to fix your teacher's vase, correct?"

Hinata blinked, surprised. "H-how did you know?"

Kaguya's voice was almost amused. "I have told you before, child. We are connected… in ways beyond your understanding."

Hinata swallowed hard, her nervousness bubbling up again. "W-would you… help me fix it?"

Kaguya's tone softened. *I will help you* she assured. "Let me in…"

Hinata nodded, surrendering herself to Kaguya's control, feeling a wave of energy flow through her body.

In the front yard, Kurenai got up, reacting to the sound of breaking glass. "Hinata?" she called, heading toward the kitchen.

She entered to find Hinata standing in front of the counter, her hand outstretched toward the vase… which was no longer on the floor but intact on the counter.

"Hinata?" Kurenai asked, her tone curious. "What… happened?"

Hinata, her eyes still half-closed, turned slowly to face Kurenai, her hand extended towards the counter. She watched Kurenai's expression shift from worry to confusion as she took in the sight of the vase, now perfectly intact on the counter.

"I heard a noise, is everything okay?" Kurenai asked, her voice cautious.

Hinata blinked, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her as Kaguya's presence faded. She staggered slightly, reaching for the counter for support. "Oh, I'm fine, Kurenai-sensei," she assured quickly, forcing a smile. "The vase just… tipped over a little, but it's okay now."

Kurenai raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious, but eventually nodded. "Alright," she said slowly. "Just… be more careful, okay? And get some rest if you're feeling tired."

"Of course," Hinata replied, relief washing over her as Kurenai left the kitchen.

As the door closed, Hinata felt a rush of excitement. She still couldn't quite believe what she'd just done. She had manipulated time itself… reversed it, even. Her heart pounded with the realization, thinking of all the possibilities, all the ways she could use this newfound ability.

Her eyes drifted back to the tray of cinnamon rolls, still sitting temptingly on the counter. A mischievous smile tugged at her lips.

"Just one more favor…" she thought, reaching into herself again. "Kaguya…?"

"What is it now, child?" Kaguya's voice replied, amused.

Hinata glanced at the cinnamon rolls, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Could you… do that thing again?" she asked, feeling a bit foolish but unable to resist.

She could almost feel Kaguya's smile. "As you wish…"

Hinata grinned, already reaching for a cinnamon roll. As she took a bite, the flavor exploded in her mouth, and she giggled softly to herself.

"This… could be fun."

Ever since that fateful day with Kurenai's vase, Hinata had found herself relying on Kaguya for the most mundane things. A little misstep on the training grounds? Kaguya would help heal her scrapes. Ran out of Kurenai's favorite lipstick while experimenting with colors? Kaguya would rewind the tube to its perfect, untarnished state.

Rewinding time to eat the last dango on a plate twice, cleaning up after an accidental spill, fixing her hair when she wasn't satisfied with it the first time; there was nothing a simple request couldn't fix for Hinata.

And Kaguya never seemed to mind. Every time Hinata hesitated, Kaguya's voice would fill her mind, soft yet commanding. "Do not hesitate, Hinata. Reach out to me, and I will always assist you."

But Hinata noticed that every time Kaguya possessed her, she felt a wave of exhaustion afterward, like she'd been running for miles. She even had a couple of nosebleeds which were embarrassing, but still, that hadn't stopped her from using Kaguya's power for the most trivial of things.

Yet, as she walked alongside Sakura under the moonlit sky that night, she couldn't help but feel unsure. Kaguya's time manipulation certainly couldn't help with this dilemma.

"...So, Naruto invited me to his apartment tonight," Hinata said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sakura turned, her green eyes wide. "Oh, really? That sounds… nice."

Hinata nodded, wringing her hands together nervously. "Yes, he asked if I could come over and watch some movies with him. Since Kurenai-sensei is on a mission overnight… I agreed. But I don't really know what to do." Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink. "What if I mess something up?"

Sakura chuckled, trying to hide her amusement. "Hinata, it's just movies. It's not like he asked you to marry him."

"I know!" Hinata's eyes darted to the ground. "But... you know, it's our first time alone together... in his apartment. What if I say something silly?"

Sakura leaned in closer, lowering her voice mischievously. "You're nervous because it's moving so fast, huh?"

Hinata blinked in surprise. "F-Fast?"

"Yeah!" Sakura grinned. "I mean, wow, Naruto didn't waste any time, huh? I dated Sasuke for two months before he even thought of inviting me over. And even then, all we did was read scrolls and discuss training. I swear, Naruto must have been reading too many of Jiraiya's novels...his self-control is non-existent."

Hinata blinked, looking perplexed. "Jiraiya's novels? What do they have to do with... movies?"

Sakura's grin grew wider. "Oh, Hinata... you're so sweet and innocent." She patted her friend's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, just focus on having a good time. Naruto's harmless… I think."

Hinata nodded, trying to let the comfort of her friend's words ease her nerves. "Okay, I'll try to relax and enjoy it."

But inwardly, Sakura thought, "Naruto, you better not try anything stupid, or I swear, I'll beat you to a pulp." She imagined herself storming into Naruto's apartment, fists clenched and ready to deliver a good punch if he ever dared to hurt her friend.

"So, what are you planning to wear?" Sakura asked suddenly, snapping Hinata out of her thoughts.

"Wear?" Hinata blinked, genuinely puzzled. "Just… my usual clothes, I guess?"

Sakura sighed dramatically. "Hinata, you're going to Naruto's apartment, alone, at night. You should wear something... more comfortable. But also something that looks nice."

Hinata's eyes widened in panic. "Oh no… I don't have anything special to wear!"

Sakura chuckled again. "Relax, it's not like he's expecting a fashion show. But, you know, maybe a cute sweater or something?"

Hinata seemed to consider this for a moment, then nodded. "A sweater… Okay, I think I have a nice one."

Sakura laughed, noticing how Hinata's face had brightened at the prospect of wearing a simple sweater. "See, you'll be fine. Just go there, enjoy the movie, and don't overthink it."

"Right… Don't overthink it." Hinata took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

Sakura smiled. "And if Naruto does anything stupid, just let me know. I'll handle him."

Hinata giggled. "I don't think that'll be necessary, Sakura. Naruto's… very kind. He wouldn't do anything to make me uncomfortable."

Sakura shrugged. "I guess. Just… be careful, okay?"

"Okay, I will." Hinata nodded. As they walked further down the path, she felt her heart beating faster, but not with fear or anxiety—more with a sense of excitement and anticipation. She trusted Naruto. She trusted him more than anyone.

And, who knew? Maybe tonight would be more fun than she ever imagined. As long as Naruto didn't do anything... too unexpected.

At least, she could always count on Kaguya's help if things really got out of hand. For now, though, she would follow Sakura's advice and try to enjoy the evening, one moment at a time.

Naruto hurried around his apartment, watching his clones clean every inch of the place. His hands were a little shaky as he adjusted a few picture frames on the wall, trying to make sure everything looked… perfect.

"This is ridiculous," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. "Why am I so nervous?"

His mind flashed back to his earlier conversation with Sasuke.

"Just relax, Naruto," Sasuke had said, leaning against a tree with that calm, almost bored expression. "It's not a mission. There's no pressure, no checkboxes to tick off. Just enjoy the time with her."

Naruto scoffed at the memory. "Easy for him to say… He's not the one who accidentally invited Hinata over and has no idea what he's doing…"

He took a deep breath, looking around his now spotless apartment. "Okay, okay, it's all good. Everything's ready. I just… need to relax. Like Sasuke said… relax…"

By the time Hinata arrived, Naruto was still repeating the word "relax" in his head like a mantra. They settled in, a blanket shared between them as they watched the movie credits roll on the TV screen. Hinata was snuggled up against him, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, and Naruto could feel his heart hammering in his chest.

"That's it?" Hinata asked, her expression incredulous. "That's the ending? She just kills her entire family?"

"I guess so," Naruto replied, looking equally perplexed. "It's a sequel after all, so maybe that's why it seems so confusing."

"It still feels so...sudden to me," Hinata continued, reaching for pop corn from the bowl. "And who was that guy she kept seeing in her dreams?"

"Her late ex-boyfriend," Naruto continued, scratching his cheek. "He...blew up, I think...I don't know, I didn't see the first one," he admitted.

"So, what's next?" Hinata asked softly, a smile on her lips.

Naruto fumbled through his stack of movies, his fingers trembling slightly as he went through each case. "Uhh… let me see… we… oh, uh…"

He let out a nervous chuckle. "We… we went through all of them…"

Hinata blinked in surprise, then giggled. "Oh…"

Naruto's face turned red. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't think we'd get through them so fast. I should've gotten more movies…"

Hinata shook her head, her smile soft. "It's okay, Naruto. I had fun."

Naruto glanced at the clock and his eyes widened. "Wait… it's already 2 am?"

He winced, scratching the back of his head. "Wow… time really flies, huh? I… I guess maybe you should start heading back…"

Hinata's face fell slightly, but she quickly covered it with a polite smile. "Yes… I suppose I should…"

Naruto stood up, flustered. "I'll… I'll walk you to the door."

They reached the door together, the atmosphere suddenly feeling heavier, more charged than before. Hinata turned to face him, her cheeks slightly pink. "Thank you for tonight, Naruto. I really enjoyed it."

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, his voice awkward. "No problem, Hinata… I'm… I'm glad you came."

Hinata hesitated for a moment, then took a small step closer to him. "Goodnight, Naruto."

"Goodnight, Hinata…" Naruto replied, his voice coming out shakier than he intended.

As he stood there, looking at her, he felt a warmth in his chest — a warmth that had been there for some time but felt more intense now. He'd always found her attractive, always liked her presence, but now there was something deeper, something… more.

He remembered Sakura's words from earlier.

"Don't do anything stupid, Naruto! Hinata is a sweet girl. Don't hurt her."

He didn't need Sakura's warnings — he'd never do anything to hurt Hinata. But as he gazed into her lavender eyes, he felt a pull, a want that he wasn't sure how to handle.

And then, unexpectedly, Hinata leaned in, her eyes fluttering shut as she rose on her toes to kiss him gently. Her lips were soft, warm, and as they lingered, Naruto's heart pounded so loudly he was sure she could hear it.

When she pulled back, Hinata's face was bright red, and her eyes held a mix of nervousness and something else — something that mirrored the very thing he felt in his own chest.

For a moment, they just stood there, frozen in that moment. Naruto's hand unconsciously rose to touch the place where her lips had just been.

"Umm… I… I should go," Hinata finally said, her voice a bit breathless.

Naruto swallowed hard, nodding, though his heart screamed at him to ask her to stay. "Y-Yeah… okay…"

Hinata smiled at him, but there was a hint of hesitation, something unfinished in her gaze as she turned and walked out onto the balcony. Naruto closed the door behind her, his mind spinning.

Hinata stood outside for a moment, her heart racing. The kiss had been… a bit longer than she'd planned. Did she come on too strong? Had she ruined the night?

An idea crossed her mind, and she instinctively reached for the connection with Kaguya.

"Something troubling you, little one?" Kaguya's voice was serene, almost amused.

Hinata fidgeted, glancing back at the door. "I… I think I made a mistake. Could you… could you reverse time for me? Just a little?"

There was a pause, and then Kaguya laughed softly, a gentle sound that still held an otherworldly quality. "Oh, sweet child… I cannot undo what is done between hearts. This is something you must face on your own. Besides… perhaps there was no mistake at all."

Hinata felt her cheeks heat up. "B-But… what if… I did something wrong?"

Kaguya's voice was warm. "If it were a mistake, there is still time to make things right. But if it was something true… then there is only one path forward."

Hinata bit her lip, thinking. Her nerves still fluttered in her stomach, but she slowly nodded. "You're right… Thank you, Kaguya."

The connection faded, and Hinata stood there, alone with her thoughts. She rubbed her arms nervously, feeling the cool night air. She thought about Naruto's face, the way he'd looked at her — confused, but not upset. Indecisive, just like her.

She took a deep breath, her heart calming a little.

"No… I can't leave it like this…"

Hinata turned on her heel, determination setting in. She walked back towards Naruto's door, each step steady, her heart beating in a different rhythm now — one of courage and hope.

As she reached the door, she paused, took a deep breath, and raised her hand to knock.

Naruto leaned back against the door for a moment, feeling the cool wood against his skin as he tried to gather his thoughts. The apartment felt strangely quiet now, the air thick with a stillness he hadn't noticed until Hinata had left. He let out a long breath, rubbing his hands together nervously, trying to shake off the feeling that settled in his chest — a mix of excitement and longing.

He looked around the room, his eyes catching sight of the blanket they had shared on the couch just moments ago. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. The night had been more perfect than he could have hoped for. They'd laughed, talked, and watched movies until they ran out. He had felt so comfortable, so at ease, with her beside him. He wished it could have lasted longer.

Sasuke's words rang in his ears: "Just relax, enjoy it. There's no pressure." But as much as he tried to take his friend's advice, there was an undeniable pressure within him, a tension he couldn't shake off. He had feelings for Hinata — deep ones — and being around her made him both incredibly happy and a little afraid.

He started cleaning up, picking up the empty bowls and cups from the table. But his mind wasn't on the task; it kept drifting back to Hinata's shy smile, the way her cheeks had turned pink when she kissed him goodnight. It had been a soft, lingering kiss, and he had felt something more in that moment — something that had made his heart race. But he pushed the thought away, convincing himself he was just imagining things.

He sighed, turning back toward the kitchen, when a knock on the door made him freeze. His heart started pounding again. He stood still for a moment, his mind racing with a mix of hope and disbelief. "Could it be...?"

He opened the door slowly, and his breath caught in his throat. Hinata stood there, her face partially hidden by her hair, but he could see the blush spreading across her cheeks. Her eyes were wide, her hands fidgeting nervously in front of her.

Naruto swallowed, trying to find his voice. "D-Did you forget something, Hinata?"

She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but no words came out. She just shook her head slowly, her gaze never leaving his.

Naruto's heart hammered in his chest as he realized why she was standing there, looking at him with those beautiful, uncertain eyes.

It was too obvious why she came back.

He felt a rush of warmth spread through him, and he made up his mind. Without hesitating, he reached for her, pulling her gently into his arms.

His lips found hers in a soft, tentative kiss, testing the waters. Hinata gasped softly, her arms wrapping around his neck almost instinctively, pulling him closer. He felt her warmth against him, her fingers threading into his hair, and he deepened the kiss, pouring every ounce of his feelings into it.

He guided her inside, shutting the door behind them. Their lips never parted as they moved, Hinata's back pressing gently against the wall. Naruto's hands found their way to the small of her back, holding her close, feeling the way her body fit against his. Her lips were soft, moving with his in perfect sync, and he felt her sigh against his mouth, her breath warm against his skin.

He let his hands roam cautiously, resting on her hips, feeling the gentle curve of her waist. Hinata leaned into his touch, encouraging him with a soft moan that sent a shiver down his spine. He let one hand slide under her sweater, his fingertips brushing against her skin. She trembled slightly at his touch, but her grip on him tightened, pulling him closer.

Naruto's heart raced, his hands becoming more confident. He traced the lines of her body, learning the soft curves, the places that made her breath hitch and her fingers tighten in his hair. He found the zipper of her sweater, his fingers trembling with anticipation as he carefully pulled it down. His breath hitched when Hinata shrugged it off herself, letting the fabric fall to the floor without hesitation.

He broke the kiss, looking into her dark eyes, searching for an answer, a sign of what she wanted. Her eyes were warm, filled with a mix of desire and affection. She nodded slightly, her cheeks flushed, and he felt his heart swell with love for her.

He kissed her again, this time with more passion, more intensity, as if he was trying to pour all his feelings into that one moment. He felt her respond with equal fervor, her lips moving against his, her hands roaming over his shoulders, his chest, pulling him closer.

Naruto lifted her gently, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her to the sofa, never breaking the kiss. He felt her heartbeat against his chest, matching his own, fast and strong. He knew in that moment that he had found something truly special. The love he felt for Hinata was unlike anything he had ever known, and he knew it was a love that would last a lifetime.

He laid her down gently, their bodies tangled together, and as he looked down at her, seeing the love and trust in her eyes, he knew that this was only the beginning of their journey. A journey he was ready to embark on with her, no matter what the future held.

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "Hinata…" he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

She smiled up at him, her eyes soft and full of love. "Naruto… I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, feeling a wave of happiness wash over him. For the first time in a long time, he felt at peace. And he knew, as he held her close, that he was exactly where he was meant to be.

The night was quiet, almost unnaturally so. The thick leaves of the trees around the Hokage's residence rustled softly in the cool breeze, casting long shadows against the walls. Itachi Uchiha stood silently within those shadows, his posture relaxed, his senses alert. His black ANBU mask hung from his belt, and his face remained mostly hidden beneath the high collar of his cloak. His crimson Sharingan eyes were vigilant, scanning the perimeter for any sign of disturbance.

From his vantage point in the trees, he could see Tsunade through the window, her figure bathed in the soft glow of light. She sat in her living room, a half-full glass of wine in her hand, her expression calm and at ease. Itachi knew she cherished these moments, these small pockets of peace amid the constant chaos of her duties. He allowed himself a rare, small smile.

He wondered, just for a moment, what his life would be like if he had pursued the path of Hokage. But he quickly dismissed the thought. It was not a role he desired; there was too much blood on his hands, too much of his past haunting him. His path was different, and he had long accepted that.

Leaning back against the sturdy trunk of the tree, Itachi's mind wandered briefly to thoughts of home. The thought of a warm meal, a good night's rest — these simple comforts held a greater appeal to him than power or titles. He found himself hoping, somewhat selfishly, that Sasuke would not decide to visit him tomorrow and drag him into another impromptu training session. Sasuke had grown into a fine shinobi, his skills and reputation growing more formidable by the day. Itachi felt a swell of pride at the thought, a rare warmth in his chest.

But his brief moment of calm was shattered by the sudden sensation of a foreign chakra presence nearby. His body tensed instantly, all of his senses sharpening. He leapt silently from the branch, landing gracefully on the ground below. His hand was already on his katana, the Sharingan flaring to life, his eyes scanning the shadows.

And then, he saw it — a figure, half-hidden in the darkness, their features obscured. The figure moved closer, just enough for Itachi to make out the outline of their cloak, marked with the unmistakable red clouds of the Akatsuki.

Itachi's expression hardened, and he drew his blade, pointing it toward the intruder. "Identify yourself," he commanded, his voice calm but with a dangerous edge.

The figure paused, then raised a hand in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to fight," they said, their voice calm, but clearly earnest.

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "State your purpose," he demanded. "Why are you here, and what do you want with the Hokage?"

The figure remained silent for a moment, as if weighing their words carefully. Itachi took a step forward, his stance still guarded. "You have ten seconds before I decide you're an enemy," he said coldly.

The Akatsuki member finally spoke. "I need to speak with Tsunade," they said quietly, "It's urgent."

Itachi's grip tightened on his sword, his muscles tensing. "You will not get past me," he replied flatly. "Turn around and leave, or I will kill you where you stand."

The figure seemed unfazed by the threat, simply standing there, observing him with an unnerving calmness. "I don't intend to fight you, Itachi Uchiha," they said evenly. "But I must speak with Tsunade… it is a matter of great importance."

Itachi's Sharingan spun faster, his suspicion growing by the second. "Nothing you could say would warrant breaking into the Hokage's residence," he countered. "You have ten seconds to explain why I shouldn't kill you right now."

The figure remained silent for a long moment. Itachi could feel the tension thickening in the air, the stillness almost suffocating. He could sense their chakra, steady, but not aggressive — not yet.

Finally, the figure spoke again, their tone grave.

"Jiraiya is dead."