Chapter 62: Toneri Ōtsutsuki


Far from the prying eyes of Earth's mightiest warriors, Toneri Otsutsuki stood on the barren, cold surface of the Moon, his eyes ablaze with power and purpose. The Tenseigan, his newly acquired dojutsu, gleamed ominously, a vivid green that seemed to pulse with the very lifeblood of the universe.

The Moon, long a silent observer of the Earth below, was now his weapon—his tool to cleanse the world of the corruption that had festered for far too long damnit.

"Hanabi Hyuga," he whispered to himself, the name of his latest victim slipping from his lips like a prayer. Her eyes had been the final key, the missing piece that had allowed him to ascend to this god-like power. The Hyuga's Byakugan had always been prized, but only he, as a descendant of Hamura, understood its true potential.

The Tenseigan was the pinnacle of that potential, and with it, he would reshape the world in his image. He looked up, his gaze piercing the void of space, focusing on the blue and green sphere that hung like a jewel in the darkness.

"You will all pay for your sins," he murmured. "Humanity has strayed too far, lost in its greed and war. I will do what must be done, just as Hamura intended."

Toneri raised his hands, and the Tenseigan flared to life. He felt the power coursing through him, felt the very fabric of the Moon itself bending to his will. Slowly, deliberately, he began to push, directing the Moon's course toward the Earth.

It wasn't just the destruction he sought, but purification. The collision would be a cataclysm, but the new world born from the ashes would be pure, a reflection of the perfect world Hamura had envisioned. There would be no more greed, no more war, no more tainted bloodlines to corrupt the purity of existence. Only those worthy would survive, and they would rebuild under his guidance.

Toneri's expression was one of serene determination, but beneath it was a seething anger that had brewed for centuries. The world had forgotten the Otsutsuki legacy, forgotten the divine right he held over them.

But soon, they would remember. Soon, they would all bow before him—or perish in the attempt.

The Tenseigan's power was absolute. He would not be denied.

He will bring about the Dawn of the New World.


As Vegeta's space-pod fled the Earth's atmosphere, the group of defenders watched in silence, each lost in their thoughts, when suddenly, Shikamaru's voice crackled through the comm-link in the helmets of the armor wielding couple, snapping them back to reality.

"Tenten, Neji, do you copy? We have a serious situation," the Nara's tone was urgent, a stark contrast to his usual lazy drawl.

Tenten exchanged a quick glance with Neji, both of them locking in. "What is it, Shikamaru?" she asked, her voice sharp.

"The Moon's trajectory has changed. It's moving toward Earth," he reported, his mind already racing with calculations and possible scenarios. "We're looking at a full-scale impact if we don't do something fast."

"What?!" Tenten and Neji's voices overlapped in shock. The latter's Byakugan flared to life as he scanned the sky, swiftly confirming Shikamaru's words.

"This has got to be Vegeta," she said aloud, her mind immediately jumping to the Saiyan who had just fled. "That bastard's up to something again."

Goku, who had been silent, shook his head. "No, it's not Vegeta," he said calmly, his eyes narrowing as he tried to sense the energy behind the moon's sudden shift. "His ki's too weak right now. It's like he's in a state of sedation, as if he's unconscious. Whatever this is, it isn't him."

Kakashi's brow furrowed beneath his mask, his Sharingan spinning as he inquired. "Then who?"

Goku's gaze turned toward the sky, his senses extending. "I don't know… but it's powerful. Whoever it is, they've got a lot of energy. It feels… ancient. Kinda similar to Hinata's... in a weird way."

Naruto, who had been cracking his knuckles impatiently, finally spoke up. "Enough talk. It's our turn to handle things," he declared, stepping forward with a grin. "Those Saiyans were all hype, no substance. The rest of us want a challenge too."

Sasuke's eyes glinted as he nodded in agreement. "We trained all year for this. I'm not going to waste that on simply taking down a washed-up Saiyan. This… whatever it is, might actually be worth our time."

Hinata, her own Tenseigan shimmering into form, looked up at Goku. "Naruto's right. You've done everything. Let us take this one."

Goku smiled, that carefree expression of his returning. "Alright, but be careful. Whatever's up there, it's not messing around."

Naruto gave a thumbs up, his confidence unshaken. "We got this."

Without another word, Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata took off, their forms blurring as they sped toward the Moon.

As they closed the distance, the Moon loomed larger, the feeling of anticipation growing with each passing second. But they were undeterred. This was their time, their chance to prove that their training had not been in vain.

As they neared the lunar surface, they felt the oppressive weight of a powerful chakra, almost unlike anything they had encountered before. The names of the ones who compared to it were short: Obito when he became the Ten Tails Jinchūriki and Kaguya herself.

And funnily enough, Hinata too.

Using chakra control to regulate breathable air around their bodies as they exited the atmosphere, they eventually landed on the Moon, their feet touching down on the dusty surface. The silence was deafening, the vast emptiness of the lunar landscape stretching out before them.

Wow, what a sight to behold! Except, none of them took the time to fully take in the scenery.

"Where is he?" Naruto muttered via a chakra technique that enabled the others to hear him, his eyes scanning the horizon.

Truth be told, real world physics never applied to anime in ways that they ought to, such as hearable sound not traveling in space at a frequency in which humans can logically hear. That being said, this is SGTSSJ, so the freedom to incorporate common sense is there.

"Stay sharp," Sasuke warned, his Sharingan activated, taking in every detail. "He's here. I can feel it."

Hinata's Tenseigan flared as she focused her vision. "Over there," she said, pointing toward a distant outcropping of rock. The figure of a man, cloaked in white robes, stood motionless, watching them approach.

Toneri Otsutsuki turned slowly to face the newcomers, his expression unreadable. The Tenseigan in his own eyes gleamed with an eerie light as he regarded them with both curiosity and disdain.

"So, you're the ones who have come to stop me," he said, his voice echoing in the stillness of the lunar landscape. "I'm disappointed. I at least expected the strongest, the Saiyan of Legend... "

Naruto stepped forward, his fists clenched. "Okay, that does it. You better be ready to back that up bub, because I'm about to shove my foot up your ass."

Toneri's lips curled into a slight smile. "I'm more than ready."

The Otsutsuki stood tall as he faced Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata. His expression was calm, almost serene, as if the unfolding were part of some divine plan only he could comprehend. "The Earth has fallen into decay," he began. "Humanity has lost its way, blinded by greed and conflict. I will restore balance, cleanse the world, and bring about a new era of peace."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "And wiping out the entire planet is your idea of balance?" His voice was cold, cutting through Toneri's grandiose proclamations like a blade. "You sound like every other megalomaniac we've ever faced."

Toneri's gaze shifted to Sasuke, a flicker of something—pity?—crossing his features. "You misunderstand. This is not about destruction for its own sake. This is a necessary purification. From the ashes of the old world, a new one will rise, pure and untainted."

Naruto scoffed, folding his arms over his chest. "Yeah, yeah, we've heard that before. You're not the first guy who thinks blowing stuff up is gonna fix things. Spoiler alert: it never works."

Toneri's attention turned to Naruto, and his serene expression faltered slightly, a hint of frustration creeping in. "You speak as though you understand, but you are blinded by your own ignorance. The Earth's fate is sealed unless—"

"Unless what?" the blonde cut him off, his tone dripping with disdain. "Unless we let you play god? Not happening. You might have some fancy eyes and a big rock to throw, but that doesn't mean shit to us."

"Why now?" Hinata, who had been quietly observing, finally asked, her voice firm. "Why wait until now to do this? What changed?"

Toneri regarded her with a strange intensity, as if seeing her for the first time. "You," he said simply. "You, Hinata Hyuga, are the key. Your bloodline, your eyes—they are the final piece of the puzzle. With you by my side, we could rule this new world together, bring about true peace."

Hinata blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in tone. She tugged lightly on the pearl necklace around her neck, the one Goku had given her nearly three years ago. It was a simple thing, a small pendant that held more meaning than she could ever explain.

"I'm already betrothed to someone," she said, her voice resolute.

Toneri's eyes narrowed slightly. "Betrothed? To whom?"

Hinata met his gaze, unflinching. "Son Goku."

Toneri's expression shifted to one of curiosity, then confusion. "Goku…? This name means nothing to me."

Naruto couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "Of course, it doesn't. You've been living under a rock, literally. Goku's the guy who's gonna kick your ass if you try anything."

Toneri's eyes flicked between the three of them, settling on Hinata. "You would choose a mere mortal over the chance to become a goddess? To reshape the world into something beautiful and pure?"

Hinata's lips quirked into a small smile, and she shook her head. "Goku isn't just a mere mortal. He's someone who believes in giving people a chance, even when they don't deserve it. He's strong, not just in power, but in heart. That's something you just can't replicate, even with all the power in the world."

Sasuke couldn't resist a smirk. "Looks like you're out of luck. She's taken. Now, what's your next move, genius?"

Toneri's calm demeanor cracked slightly, his frustration evident. "You all fail to see the greater picture. This isn't just about power or love. It's about destiny."

Naruto stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Destiny, huh? I don't buy it. We make our own destiny. And if you think you're gonna mess with our planet, you're dead wrong."

The tension in the air thickened as the words exchanged became more pointed, more direct. Toneri, for all his talk of destiny and purification, was slowly realizing that these shinobi weren't just going to roll over and let him have his way.

And the mention of Goku—whoever he was—seemed to have struck a nerve that Toneri couldn't quite understand.

Hinata tugged on her necklace again, a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes. "You say you want to bring peace," she said quietly. "But peace isn't something you can force on people. It's something you have to earn, something you have to build together."

Toneri's frustration finally broke through his calm facade, and his Tenseigan flared with power. "You're all fools!" he spat, his voice rising with anger. "You cling to your petty lives, your meaningless relationships, and you refuse to see the truth! I will remake this world, and nothing will stand in my way!"

Naruto's grin widened, his blue eyes flashing with determination. "Good luck with that. You're gonna need it."

As the words hung in the air, the tension between them became almost unbearable. Toneri's plan was clear, his intentions laid bare, but he hadn't counted on the sheer stubbornness and resolve of those who stood before him. And now, with Hinata's rejection of his offer and the name "Goku" hanging over the conversation like a shadow, Toneri's carefully crafted plans were beginning to unravel.

He was well aware that Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata easily outclassed him in terms of raw strength, but his conviction burned brighter than his fear. This was his destiny, his birthright, and he would see it through no matter the cost.

As he began to hover above the crater-ridden surface, Toneri stretched out his arms, summoning a massive chakra construct, a towering figure of light and energy that crackled with untamed power. The construct, shaped like a colossal warrior wielding a staff, loomed over the trio. With a wave of his hand, it swung its weapon down, aiming to crush them all in one devastating blow.

Naruto didn't flinch, his Truth-Seeking Orbs whirling around him in a protective orbit. "That all you got? Weak!" he taunted, sending one of the orbs streaking forward.

The moment the orb made contact, the chakra construct disintegrated, its energy unraveling into nothingness. Toneri's expression twisted in frustration. He clenched his fists, forcing the Tenseigan's power to its limit. The very fabric of space around them began to warp as gravity itself bent to his will.

Massive boulders were ripped from the Moon's surface, floating into the air, and then plummeting down with incredible force. Toneri then opened several dimensional rifts, each one a swirling vortex that threatened to swallow the trio whole.

Sasuke's Rinnegan flared as he assessed the situation, the six tomoe within his eye spinning with precision. He smirked, unimpressed by Toneri's attempts. "You're out of your depth," he muttered, warping out of the way of a rift and reappearing beside Toneri with his own brand of space-time ninjutsu.

"Amaterasu!" With a flick of his wrist, Sasuke sent a barrage of the infamous black flames toward the Otsutsuki, forcing him to create a shield of chakra just in time.

As the flames licked at the edges of the shield, Hinata moved with swift, fluid grace. Her Tenseigan eyes glowed in a radiant blue as she countered the gravitational distortions Toneri threw at her, her every step as light as a feather. She shot forward with blinding speed, delivering a powerful punch that shattered the shield Toneri had created.

"You're making this harder on yourself," she said, her voice carrying both strength and pity. "There's no need for this."

Toneri, breathing heavily, staggered back, glaring at Hinata. "You don't understand!" he shouted, desperation seeping into his voice. "This world—these people—they're beyond saving! Only by resetting everything can we hope to achieve true peace!"

Naruto shot him a look of disgust. "You keep talking about peace, but all you're doing is throwing a tantrum 'cause things didn't go your way. That's not peace, that's just selfishness." He leaped into the air, a potent Rasengan spinning in his hand. "Lemme show you what real power looks like!"

Toneri desperately opened another dimensional rift in an attempt to evade the attack, but Sasuke was already there, closing it before it could fully manifest. And then... WHOOOOSH!

"Rasengan!"

With no escape, Toneri could only brace himself as Naruto's Rasengan connected with his chest, sending him crashing into the Moon's surface with a force that creviced the ground beneath him vigorously.

The Moon quaked under the impact, fissures spreading like spider webs across the barren landscape. But even as Toneri lay there, beaten and bloodied, he refused to yield. With a final surge of will, he channeled the last of his chakra into one desperate attack, a massive wave of pure chakra aimed at the trio. The blast hurtled towards them, distorting the very space around it with its sheer intensity.

Hinata stepped forward, her Tenseigan pulsing with power. She extended both hands, and with a graceful yet forceful motion, she intercepted the energy wave, her own chakra forming a protective barrier that absorbed the attack. The energy dissipated harmlessly, leaving only a stunned silence in its wake.

Toneri's eyes burned with a feverish intensity as he clutched the full power of the Tenseigan. His breath was ragged, his heart racing as he realized his defeat was inevitable unless he acted now. He was severely outclassed by Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata, but there was one final move left—one that would ensure his twisted vision came to fruition.

He would not simply lose; he would take everything with him.

"I see now… " Toneri murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with a dangerous edge. He floated into the air, his chakra flaring wildly as he reached toward the sky. The Moon above them trembled, the very ground beneath their feet quaking as if the heavens themselves were rebelling against what was about to come.

"What's he doing?" Naruto shouted, his usual cockiness gone, replaced with genuine concern. "This guy's lost it!"

Sasuke's Rinnegan zeroed in on Toneri, and his gaze hardened. "He's channeling the rest of his Tenseigan chakra into the Moon," Sasuke said, his voice grim. "He's going to crash it into Earth faster… He'd rather destroy everything than accept defeat."

Hinata's eyes widened in horror. "We have to stop him!" she urged, her voice tinged with urgency. "If the Moon crashes into Earth… there'll be nothing left!"

Toneri's voice rose above the chaos, resonating with a dark will. "If this world cannot be purified," he declared, "then I will see it end. Hamura's will demands it!"

Naruto clenched his fists, fury boiling in his veins. "You're seriously messed up, y'know that? We're not letting you pull this crap!" He glanced at his comrades. "Sasuke, Hinata—let's show him what real power looks like!"

Sasuke gave a curt nod, his Rinnegan glowing fiercely. "We can't let him succeed. I'll stabilize the Moon's position; you two finish this."

Hinata, her Tenseigan already activated, focused her energy, feeling the surge of power flowing through her. "Right."

The Uchiha moved first, raising his hand towards the sky. His Rinnegan pulsed with power, and a massive, ethereal barrier sprang into existence, wrapping around the Moon like a protective cocoon. The descent of the lunar body slowed, then halted, its super titanic force stymied by Sasuke's indomitable will.

Toneri's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible! You can't stop it… not with just the power of one Rinnegan!"

Sasuke's gaze was icy, unyielding. "I'm not stopping anything," he said calmly. "Just buying time."

Naruto stepped forward, drawing on the great extent of his Sage of Six Paths power. His chakra flared, golden and radiant, as he formed a Rasengan unlike any other—a massive orb that crackled with raw, untamed energy.

"This one's for all the people you thought you could just wipe out," he growled, pouring his essence into the technique.

Hinata moved beside Naruto, her Tenseigan resonating with his chakra. Her hands hovered over the Rasengan, and she channeled her energy into it, transforming the orb into something far greater—an amalgamation of their powers, a blinding sphere of pure energy that radiated with the combined might of their spirits. The sheer intensity of the orb lit up the entire Moon, casting long shadows over Toneri's face as he watched, paralyzed by the realization of his impending defeat.

Naruto and Hinata charged forward together, their combined strength pushing them forward like a comet streaking across the sky. They both hurtled toward Toneri with unstoppable force, cutting through the air with a roar that shook the Moon's very foundations.

Toneri tried to raise his defenses, but it was too late. The attack slammed into him, the force of it shattering all of his chakra constructs, ripping apart the rifts he had opened, and overwhelming his own Tenseigan's power. The impact sent a shockwave rippling across the Moon, and he was thrown back, his body battered and broken as the last vestiges of his strength were torn away.

BLAMMMMMM! WHOOOOOOOOSHHHH!

He crashed to the ground, his Tenseigan fading, his vision darkening. His breath came in ragged gasps as he looked up, his once grand ambitions reduced to dust. He knew he was beaten.

Hinata stepped forward, her expression softened with empathy. She knelt beside Toneri, her eyes gentle yet firm. "It didn't have to end this way," she said quietly. "You thought you were fulfilling the one named Hamura's will, but you might've misunderstood his intentions. Your actions, while driven by a desire to protect, were wrong."

Toneri, now completely drained, collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. His vision blurred, the once-glowing Tenseigan now dim and lifeless. "How... how can this be...?" he muttered weakly, his voice barely a whisper.

Naruto approached, looking down at Toneri with frustration. "You lost because you were fighting for the wrong reasons," he said, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "You can't force people to be 'pure' or 'peaceful' just because you think it's right. That's not how it works, how it ever works."

Sasuke chimed in from his position, working to return the moon to its proper geographic placement. "You're just another fool trying to play god. It never ends well."

Hinata's gaze softened even more. "You wanted to create a better world, but you were blinded by your own pain. It doesn't have to be this way." She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's not too late to find a different path."

Toneri looked up at her, confusion and regret clouding his eyes. "Hinata... I..." He then closed his eyes once more, his expression one of resignation. "I was blind," he admitted, his voice a hushed whisper. "Blind to the true will of Hamura… to what this power truly means."

Hinata, her Tenseigan still active, had a gaze full of compassion. "You wanted to do what you thought was right," she said, her tone firm yet kind. "But the way you went about it… it wasn't the best way to do it. True power isn't about destruction; it's about protection, about preserving what is precious."

Toneri closed his eyes, a single tear slipping down his pale cheek. "I nearly caused so much harm… and all in the name of a misguided belief. I… I cannot undo my actions, but perhaps… I can atone."

With a trembling hand, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small, glowing orb. It was Hanabi's Byakugan, encased in a delicate sphere of chakra. With careful hands, he extended it to Hinata, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.

"Take it," he said softly. "Let me undo at least this part of my wrongs."

As the glow from Hanabi's Byakugan pulsed gently in Hinata's hands, a surge of emotions washed over her—the realization that her own sister was victimized by this man, relief that her sister could be saved, and a deep, simmering anger bordering on hatred at the lengths Toneri had gone to for his twisted ideals. The weight of everything that had happened settled heavily on her chest, but she pushed it aside, focusing on what needed to be done first and foremost.

Hinata immediately turned her gaze from Toneri to the vast, barren landscape of the moon. "Naruto, Sasuke," she said, her voice somehow holding steady despite the turmoil within her, "I need to find Hanabi and restore her eyes. I can't wait any longer."

Naruto nodded, understanding the urgency in her tone. "We'll handle things here, Hinata. Go to her."

Sasuke gave a slight nod as well, his Rinnegan swirling as he continued to stabilize the moon's position. "Do what you need to do."

Without another word, Hinata turned and dashed across the moon's desolate surface, her heart pounding with a combination of fear and determination. The cold, lunar winds that she generated with her own force whipped at her hair and clothes as she sprinted through the ruins of Toneri's domain, her mind racing. She had to get to Hanabi as quickly as possible. The thought of her sister lying somewhere, blind and helpless...

If for any reason she was too late, Toneri was a deadman. Even Goku wouldn't be able to save him from her wrath.

Finally, she reached the chamber where Hanabi was being held. The sight before her made her heart clench—Hanabi was lying unconscious on a stone platform, her eyelids closed over empty sockets behind white bandages. The sight of her sister, once so full of life and energy, now so vulnerable, nearly broke Hinata's composure. She had seen many horrors in her 17 years of life, but almost none of them cut as deep as seeing her own sister in this state.

"Hanabi…" Hinata whispered, her voice trembling as she approached the platform. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, but she forced herself to stay strong. This was no time for tears. Her sister needed her.

With a deep breath, she knelt beside Hanabi, gently placing the glowing orb over her sister's eyes. She closed her own eyes, focusing her chakra, guiding the energy of the Byakugan back into its rightful place. The warmth of Hanabi's chakra mingled with her own, a familiar and comforting sensation that steadied her shaking hands.

Slowly, the light from the orb began to dim as the Byakugan settled back into Hanabi's body. Hinata could feel the connection, the life returning to her sister as the power of the Tenseigan worked to heal the damage that had been done.

As the final traces of the orb's light faded, the younger sibling's eyelids fluttered, and she let out a soft gasp. "Hinata…?" her voice was weak, but the relief in it was unmistakable. She blinked slowly, her vision returning, her eyes filled with both confusion and a deep, abiding trust in her sister.

"I'm here, Hanabi," the older sister whispered, her voice breaking as she wrapped her arms around her sister, pulling her close. "It's over. You're safe now." The words came out in a rush, sounds of relief and guilt that she hadn't been able to save Hanabi sooner.

Guilt at her own ignorance to the situation. Guilt toward her father and her clan for their incompetence in stopping him. And it wasn't even fair to blame them; her entire clan sans herself and Neji stood zero chance against Toneri even if they were put together.

Hanabi clung to Hinata, her body trembling as she buried her face in her sister's shoulder. "I was so scared," she admitted, her voice muffled by Hinata's embrace. "I didn't know what was happening… I couldn't see…"

"I know," Hinata murmured, stroking Hanabi's hair gently, her own tears finally slipping free. "I'm so sorry, Hanabi. I'm so sorry…"

As the two sisters held each other, the cold of the moon's surface seemed to fade away, replaced by the warmth of their reunion. The world around them, the battles fought and the blood spilled, all seemed totally irrelevant in that moment.

All that mattered was that they were together, safe.

Back outside, Sasuke stood silently, his Rinnegan still activated as his expression was unreadable, his eyes flickering between the surrounding depths of space and Toneri, who was struggling to sit up, his body battered from the one-sided bout.

There was a hardness in Sasuke's gaze, a deep scrutiny that hinted at the darker thoughts running through his mind.

"You've realized your mistakes," he started, his voice low and measured, cutting through the silence. His tone carried a weight of expectation, as if demanding that Toneri prove he truly understood the gravitas of his actions. "But realization alone isn't enough. What do you plan to do now, Toneri?"

Toneri, still weak, pushed himself up with a grimace. "I will stay here," he decided, his voice growing stronger as he spoke, the resolve in his decision evident. "I will remain on the Moon, as a guardian. I will dedicate my life to ensuring that the Moon remains in balance with Earth… that it never again becomes a threat to the world below."

Sasuke studied him for a moment longer before giving a slight nod, as if accepting Toneri's decision. "See that you do," he said, his voice holding a quiet warning. "You've caused enough harm. Make sure you don't cause any more."

Naruto, who had been uncharacteristically silent during the exchange, finally spoke up, his voice low and dangerous. "That's a good start," he said, his tone tempered with understanding. "But remember this—if you ever try something like this again, we won't just stop you. We'll end you."

Toneri nodded, accepting Naruto's words with a grim expression. "I understand."

The atmosphere was still tense, but it was nothing compared to the icy storm that had settled in Hinata's heart.

Emerging from the dark labyrinth with Hanabi cradled in her arms, Hinata's aura was different—colder, more intense. The moment her eyes met Toneri's, a chilling wave of energy filled the air, making even Naruto and Sasuke stiffen with unease.

Hinata's expression was unreadable, her Tenseigan still glowing faintly, casting a harsh light over her usually gentle features. Her gaze bore into Toneri, no longer filled with compassion, but with a cold, brutal ferocity that made the very air around her feel heavy. She gently set Hanabi down, ensuring her sister was steady on her feet before straightening up and facing Toneri head-on.

"You took my sister's eyes," she said, her voice like ice—sharp, cutting, and devoid of any warmth. The words were simple, but the cold fury behind them was palpable, causing even Toneri to flinch. "You violated her, used her as a pawn in your twisted game."

Toneri, still reeling from his defeat, couldn't muster a response. The weight of her words, the raw, protective rage in her tone, crushed any attempt he might have made to justify his actions.

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a quick glance, both recognizing the severity in her tone. They had seen Hinata's strength before, but this was different—this was a side of her they rarely glimpsed, a side born from the deepest need to protect those she loved.

Hinata took a step forward, and the ground beneath her seemed to tremble with the intensity of her chakra. "If you ever think... of hurting my sister—or anyone I care about—again, I will not hesitate to destroy you." Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper, her eyes narrowing. "No second chances. No redemption. I will kill you."

Naruto, usually quick to offer reassurance or comfort, could only watch in silence, the cold fury emanating from Hinata unlike anything he had ever seen from her before. Even Sasuke, who had witnessed numerous battles and faced numerous adversaries, some of them by her side to boot, felt a chill run down his spine at the sight of Hinata's fierce, unyielding protectiveness.

Toneri swallowed hard, the realization of what he had done—of who he had wronged—finally crashing down on him. He bowed his head, not in submission, but in acknowledgment of the undeniable truth: he had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed.

Hinata's gaze didn't soften as she turned away from him, her arm wrapping protectively around Hanabi. "I hope you find peace here, Toneri," she said, her voice one of finality that left no room for argument. "But know this—you've lost the right to ask for forgiveness."

She didn't add anything else, and instead she finally turned away, pulling Hanabi closer as she walked back toward Naruto and Sasuke. The intensity in the air seemed to ease slightly as she rejoined them, though the cold edge of her demeanor remained.

As the four of them began to move away, leaving Toneri behind in the ruins of his own making, the oppression in the air dissipated.

But the memory of Hinata's words, her cold, fierce warning, lingered.

Naruto, sensing the shift, tried to lighten the mood, though his own respect for Hinata's fierceness was clear. "You did good back there, Hinata," he said, his usual brashness softened by genuine admiration. "Toneri won't be making any more moves after that."

She gave a small nod, though her expression remained serious. "Thank you, Naruto-kun," she replied quietly, her voice still carrying a weight that reflected the gravity of what had just transpired. "I just needed him to understand… that there are lines you do not cross."

Sasuke remained silent, his thoughts unreadable as they made their way. He had seen many things in his time—redemption, vengeance, forgiveness. But Hinata's cold fury was something that even he couldn't ignore. It was a reminder that even the gentlest of hearts could become the fiercest of protectors when pushed too far. It was a trait he could respect as he too shared it, he was a father and a lover.

If Toneri did to Sarada what he did to Hanabi, his head would've already been mounted as a flag on the Moon with a clear message:

Do not fuck with the Uchiha.

And then he probably would have ended up destroying the Moon just to ensure Toneri never came back somehow. And then he would've hunted down the rest of the Otsutsuki and killed them all as well.

Hinata was a far better person than he was.

And as the moon's pale light bathed the barren landscape, his dark cloak billowed slightly in the cold lunar wind. Hanabi, still weak from the ordeal she had endured, clung to Hinata's side, her eyes flickering with exhaustion.

"I'll take Hanabi back to Konoha," Sasuke said, his voice calm and resolute. "I can use Amenotejikara to bring her there instantly. It's the fastest way to get her the care she needs."

Naruto, standing a few paces away, shook his head, his expression filled with a rare seriousness. "No, teme," he replied, stepping forward. "I should be the one to take her back. If I'm gonna be the next Hokage, I have to start taking responsibility for everyone in the village, even if it's just one person. How can I protect the whole village if I can't even do that?"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no malice in his gaze—only the understanding that came from years of brotherhood and rivalry. "Dobe, I get it," he started, his tone firm but not unkind. "But I can do this much easier and much faster than you. My space-time ninjutsu will have her back in Konoha in an instant, and she'll be safe. Every fire needs a shadow, Naruto. In the same vein as the role Itachi played for Konoha, I want to be that shadow for you."

Naruto paused, the weight of Sasuke's words sinking in. The reminder of Itachi's sacrifices, of the role that Sasuke had come to accept, made him realize that this was more than just a simple task. It was about trust, about the bond they shared as brothers in all but blood.

His position softened, and a small, understanding smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You're right, Sasuke," he conceded, extending his fist toward his friend. "Every fire needs a shadow. Thanks, brother."

Sasuke's lips twitched into a faint smile, and he bumped his fist against Naruto's. "Always."

Hinata, though reluctant to let Hanabi go, could see the logic in Sasuke's words. She knew how much faster and safer it would be for Hanabi if Sasuke took her back. But the thought of being separated from her sister, even for a moment longer, was hard to bear.

Before she could voice her concerns, Hanabi, innately sensing her sister's hesitation, gently tugged on Hinata's sleeve. "Nee-chan… let him take me back. You need rest… and I'll be safe with Sasuke."

Hinata's heart ached, but she nodded, pressing a tender kiss to Hanabi's forehead. "Alright," she whispered, her voice filled with both love and concern. She then turned to Sasuke, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Arigato, Sasuke. I… I appreciate this more than I can say."

Sasuke nodded, his expression softening as he met her gaze. "It's the least I can do," he replied quietly.

There was a deep affection in his tone, one that only came from years of shared battles, hardships, and mutual respect. They had fought alongside and against each other for nearly half their lives, and the bond they shared was as strong as any familial tie.

They were brother and sister in all the ways that mattered.

With one last glance at Naruto and Hinata, Sasuke utilized his Rinnegan, the purple ripple of his eye glowing as a rift opened in the space before him. He gently lifted Hanabi into his arms, careful to support her still-weak form, and stepped into the void.

The scene shifted seamlessly as Sasuke emerged on the other side of the rift, now standing in the center of the Hyuga compound in Konoha. The familiar surroundings were a stark contrast to the desolation of the moon. Hanabi, recognizing the place she called home, let out a small sigh of relief.

"Sasuke…" she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and awe at the sudden change in scenery.

Before Sasuke could respond, the doors of the main building burst open, and Hiashi Hyuga, along with several other clan members, rushed out to greet them. The man's stern features softened the moment he saw his youngest daughter in Sasuke's arms, and without hesitation, he took her into his own embrace.

"Hanabi… thank the heavens," he murmured, his voice uncharacteristically tender as he held his daughter close. The other clan members gathered around, their relief evident as they welcomed her back.

"Sasuke," Hiashi said, turning his attention to the Uchiha, "you've done a great service to our clan. We owe you a debt of gratitude."

Sasuke simply nodded, his expression unreadable as he watched the reunion unfold. "I'm just glad she's safe," he replied, his tone as reserved as ever. There was no need for flowery words—what mattered was that Hanabi was home, and the mission was accomplished.

After a few more words exchanged between them, he felt the pull of his next duty. With a quick glance at Hanabi, who was now surrounded by her family, he opened another rift, the swirling vortex of space-time forming before him.

He stepped through, the world around him blurring for a moment before he reappeared next to Naruto and Hinata, who were mid-flight on their way back to Earth. The two barely had time to register his sudden arrival before he fell into formation beside them, his expression calm and composed.

"All done?" Naruto asked, a grin spreading across his face.

Sasuke nodded. "Hanabi's safe back in Konoha. Your turn now, Hokage," he added, a teasing edge to his otherwise serious tone.

Naruto chuckled, the weight of responsibility easier on his shoulders now that he could verify that he had Sasuke to share the load. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get home."

Hinata, her heart finally at ease knowing her sister was safe, reached out and squeezed Sasuke's hand briefly. "Thank you, Sasuke," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Sasuke met her gaze and gave a small nod, his own way of acknowledging the depth of their bond.

They were family—through battles, hardships, and shared history—and nothing would ever change that.


The air was still as Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata touched down on Earth, their battle-weary forms silhouetted against the evening sky. The tension of their return quickly melted as they were greeted by Goku, Kakashi, Neji, Tenten, Ino, Tien, and Piccolo. m

Naruto, never one to shy away from an audience, launched into an animated retelling of the past two hours. His hands flailed as he described the showdown on the Moon, his voice rising and falling with the dramatic peaks of the story. "And then this guy, Toneri, right? He actually thought he could get Hinata to marry him! Pfft, as if she'd ever say yes to some guy like him!"

Laughter rippled through the group, the tension from the battle starting to dissolve—save for Piccolo, who rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.

Hinata, however, wasn't laughing either. Her expression was distant... the weight of everything that had happened—the fear, the anger, the overwhelming need to protect—still lingered heavily in her heart. Despite this, she was going to chime in to set the record straight.

"I… I told him I was already betrothed," she interjected softly, her voice carrying a cold edge that surprised even her. There was a firmness in her tone, a declaration of her allegiance and the unbreakable bond she had formed with Goku.

Neji, who stood nearby, caught the undertone in her words and couldn't resist teasing her, hoping to lift her spirits. "Oh? To who?" he asked with a knowing smile, though the answer was already clear.

Hinata's eyes met Goku's, and the two exchanged a knowing look. "To Son Goku," she said, her voice gaining strength. The words hung in the air, a proclamation that left the group momentarily speechless.

Tien raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "And when exactly did this happen?"

Goku grinned, scratching the back of his head in his typical carefree manner. "Well, it's kinda unofficial. Kami and Mr. Popo sorta married us on The Lookout, but we never really made it legal or anything. You know how it is, right?"

Ino, who had been listening intently, finally found her voice. "Wait, wait, wait! You two got married, and you didn't even tell us? What about a wedding? And the party? I mean, come on, Hinata, you're my biggest competition, and you didn't even give me a chance to steal him back!" She winked at Hinata, but there was an undercurrent of genuine surprise and something more beneath her playful tone.

Goku blinked, genuinely confused. "Steal me back?"

Hinata, far from offended, chuckled softly despite a steely edge to her demeanor. "Ino, you had your chance a long time ago."

Ino sighed, her competitive spirit giving way to a resigned smile. "Yeah, yeah, I guess I did. But I'm still coming to the wedding, and I expect it to be big."

Neji, standing beside Tenten, placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well, speaking of weddings," he began, his voice calm yet filled with emotion. "Tenten and I have decided to get engaged as well. We've been through so much together… it just feels right."

Tenten blushed, nudging Neji's arm. "You make it sound so serious, Neji-kun. But yes, we're planning on it too."

Sasuke, who had been mostly silent, glanced at the group before speaking. "Haku and I… we're planning to get married as soon as possible. No point in waiting."

Naruto, surprised, gave Sasuke a knowing look. "Well, look at you, teme. Never thought you'd be the one to settle down so fast."

Sasuke merely shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Some things are worth holding onto."

Tien, who had been leaning against a boulder, arms crossed, looked at the others with a raised brow. "Marriage? Not in the cards for me, not anytime soon. Kurotsuchi's a badass, sure, but I'm not cut out for that kind of commitment."

Kakashi, listening quietly, chuckled under his breath. "Marriage ties you down. I'm more of a wanderer. I prefer things the way they are—no obligations, no strings attached."

Naruto and Ino exchanged a glance, both blushing slightly at the sudden shift in conversation. The former scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh… I was planning on marrying Sakura, but…"

"But?" Ino pressed, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of something else.

"But things are complicated," Naruto admitted, his voice trailing off. He wasn't sure how to articulate the tangled feelings he had, especially with Ino standing right there.

Ino sighed, leaning back against the nearest wall. "Yeah, complicated is a good word for it. I'm not even sure who I want to be with, or if I even want to get married. But Naruto… well, you're definitely on my short list."

Naruto blinked, caught off guard by her honesty. "Ino, I—"

Before he could finish, Piccolo, who had been listening with growing irritation, finally snapped. "This is ridiculous!" he barked, causing everyone to turn and look at him. "You're all sitting here talking about weddings and marriage while the universe is full of threats far beyond anything you've ever faced! This isn't the time for… for this!" He gestured broadly, clearly exasperated.

Without another word, he shot into the air, leaving the group behind. They watched him go, the momentary levity of their conversation now tinged with the stark reminder of the dangers that still lurked beyond their world.

Goku, unfazed, simply watched Piccolo fly off. "He's got a point, but… I guess everyone needs something to fight for, right?"

Hinata nodded, her hand finding Goku's. "Yes, but for now… maybe we can take a moment to just be thankful. We've all been through so much, and we're still here. Together."

Ino, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, pointed a finger at Goku and Hinata. "So, when's the wedding? We've gotta have something to celebrate."

Goku and Hinata exchanged another look. "Soon," the Saiyan said with a smile. "We'll make sure everyone's there."

WHOOOOOSH!

Suddenly, an ethereal figure descended from the sky, the majestic wings of Itachi's Perfect Susano'o casting a dark, imposing shadow over the group. As the massive form of the Susano'o touched down, it dissipated, revealing Itachi, Gai, and Lee, alive and well.

The Dragon Balls had once again proven their worth, bringing the trio back from the dead.

Neji's reaction was immediate; he broke from the group and crossed the distance between himself and Lee in a heartbeat. His usually stoic demeanor crumbled as he pulled Lee into a fierce hug, his arms shaking with emotion. Lee, always the more expressive one, returned the hug with equal fervor, tears glistening in his eyes as he clung to his brother in all but blood.

"I… I thought I lost you, Lee," the Hyuga whispered, his voice cracking.

Lee smiled, his own tears streaming down his face. "A youthful spirit never dies, Neji! It just… takes time to get back up every so often."

Tenten joined them, wrapping her arms around both of her teammates. "Don't you ever do that again, Lee. We need you here, okay?"

Ino wasn't far behind, though her approach was slower, more measured. She placed a hand on Lee's shoulder, her fingers trembling slightly. "You idiot… You better stick around this time," she said, her voice wavering between relief and reprimand.

Lee grinned at her, wiping the tears from his face. "I promise, Ino-chan."

Meanwhile, Itachi was greeted by Naruto and Sasuke, the two shinobi offering their mentor and older brother deep bows of respect before pulling him into brief, but heartfelt embraces. Goku and Hinata joined them, with the former, in his typical straightforward manner extending a hand to Itachi, his eyes bright with admiration.

"It's great to have you back, Itachi!" Goku said, his voice sincere.

Itachi shook Goku's hand, his grip firm. "I'm glad to be back, but I see you all handled the situation well in our absence."

Gai, ever the exuberant one, was greeted by Kakashi first, the two exchanging a knowing look before Gai pulled him into a bone-crushing hug.

"Kakashi, my eternal rival! Did you miss me?" he asked, his voice brimming with unrestrained joy.

Kakashi, though struggling to breathe, managed a chuckle. "Only as much as I miss a root canal, Gai."

The rest of Gai's former students quickly surrounded him, their emotions rooted in joy relief.

As the greetings began to settle, Lee, his eyes still wet with tears, asked the question that had been burning in his mind since his return. "Where are the Saiyans? I want to test my strength against them!"

Tien, who had been standing off to the side, arms crossed, spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of finality. "The Saiyans are already dealt with, Lee. You're too late."

His shoulders slumped, the disappointment evident on his face. "I was eager to test my newfound strength…"

Goku, sensing Lee's frustration, stepped forward. "Don't worry, Lee. If what Vegeta said is true, you'll have plenty more chances to test your strength soon. Something big is coming."

Lee looked at Goku, his eyes narrowing in determination. "I'll be ready, Goku. Whatever comes, I'll be ready."

But as Goku spoke those words, an ominous feeling gnawed at the edges of his consciousness. He couldn't pinpoint it, but there was something dark on the horizon—a terror greater than hell. He clenched his fists tightly, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. He was the strongest, and it was his duty to protect everyone. He wouldn't fail them.

As the group continued to talk, the conversation turned to lighter topics. Sasuke mentioned Yugao and their infant son who were waiting for him at home. The mention of his unseen family brought a rare, soft smile to Itachi's face, one that spoke of a deep love and commitment to those he held dear.

Nearby, Lee found himself alone with Ino. She looked at him, her expression softening as she wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

"I'm glad you're back, Lee," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lee held her tightly, his heart swelling. "Ino-chan… I love you," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity as he tried to kiss her, to show her just how much she meant to him.

But Ino did not reciprocate.

She pulled back slightly, her eyes filled with sadness. "Lee… I don't know how to say this, but… I think I have feelings for someone else."

Lee's heart shattered at her words, but he managed to keep his voice steady as he asked, "Is it still Son Goku?"

Ino shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "Nope! Goku's going to marry Hinata soon. It's… it's someone else."

Before Lee could press for an answer, Naruto's voice cut through the air. "Hey, Ino! You still wanna train with me tomorrow?"

Ino turned, her face lighting up as she saw Naruto approaching. "Yes, I do!"

But Lee's heart sank even further. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Ino had replaced him… with Naruto. He wasn't even her best-friend anymore. Despite the lack of valid reasoning, he felt utterly betrayed.

"Ino… I see," Lee said quietly, his voice strained.

Ino turned back to him, her smile fading as she saw the pain in his eyes. "Lee, it doesn't mean anything—"

But Lee shook his head, too deep in his emotions to hear her out. "I'm done. Naruto, I'm going to challenge you to a duel after everything is settled."

Naruto, who had been watching the exchange with confusion, blinked in surprise. "Wait, what? Lee, are you—"

But Lee had already turned his back, walking over to join Neji, Tenten, and Gai. His heart was heavy with unspoken words, his mind racing with thoughts of what could have been.

Naruto, now standing next to Ino, looked at her with concern. "Ino, what the hell just happened?"

Ino clenched her fists, her frustration boiling over. "You idiot! Learn to shut up sometimes! I didn't want to break Lee's heart like that!"

Naruto, never one to back down from a challenge, puffed out his chest. "Well, maybe I did you a favor! Now I'm gonna kick Lee's ass and prove to you why I'm better for you than him!"

The words of the blonde echoed in Lee's mind, but he hardly heard them. His heart was heavy, filled with a pain that had been simmering since that fateful day. The day he had realized that blind optimism and zealous energy weren't enough—that raw determination, while powerful, could only take him so far. The man who once proudly bore the title of the Green Beast of Konoha had been forced to confront the harsh reality of his limitations.

And it had broken him.

In the aftermath of that realization, in the shadow of failure and loss, Lee had made a choice. He discarded the label that had once defined him—the Green Beast, with its youthful exuberance and unyielding optimism—because it had not been enough. He had seen comrades fall, had knelt by Gai-sensei's lifeless body, and watched as Tenten's spirit left this world. The pain of those moments had shattered something deep within him, something he knew could never be put back together in the same way.

Lee had become the Black Fist of Konoha, a warrior reborn from the ashes of his old self. Gone was the bright green spandex that once symbolized his boundless energy and hopeful spirit. Now, he wore black, a stark reminder of the shadows that lingered in his heart, the weight of responsibility that he now bore. His hair, once a bowl cut that matched Gai-sensei's, was now longer, spikier, a visual marker of the man he had become—hardened, focused, and all too aware of the brutal reality of the world they lived in.

Being dead and training alongside Gai and Itachi in the afterlife had allowed him to momentarily revert to his old ways, to embrace the comfort of his youthful ideals. But even in death, reality had a way of finding him. It was Ino's rejection that brought it all crashing back—the reminder that he was no longer the boy he once was, but a man shaped by loss, by the failure to protect those he loved.

The heartbreak didn't just hurt—it served as a stark reminder of the cold, unforgiving world they lived in.

A world where good intentions were meaningless without the strength to back them up.

His thoughts continually drifted back to that pivotal moment, three years ago, when Gai-sensei, his mentor, his hero, lay lifeless at his feet, and Tenten, his cherished friend and teammate, was dead. The image of her lifeless form, the regret of not being strong enough to save her, haunted him still. He had knelt there, his tears falling freely, the weight of his failure crushing him.

It was then, in the midst of that despair, that he realized something had to change. Optimism and zeal had their place, but they were not enough to win wars, to save lives. He had been too eager, too blind to his own limitations, and it had cost him dearly. The image of Goku, even in his moments of despair, standing tall as their last hope, had only driven the point home further.

Goku had always been there to save them, time and time again, because he had the strength to back up his resolve.

His new path wasn't about being a heroic underdog of sorts—it was about getting the damn job done, with no regard for the details.

He had reverted to his old ways in death, allowed himself to bask in the comfort of the "power of youth." But Ino's rejection had been the final nail in the coffin of his old self, reminding him of who he was now, who he needed to be.

"I am no longer the Green Beast. I will be the Black Fist of Konoha, a memento to Tenten and Gai-sensei. I need to be something new."

The Black Fist wasn't just a title—it was a promise to those he had lost, a vow to never again let his optimism blind him to reality.

The Black Fist of Konoha would always be Rock Lee, but he was no longer the boy who charged into battle with nothing but hope and a smile. He was a warrior forged in the fires of failure and loss along with success and victory, and the reality of that had taken root deep within his soul.

There was no going back now—only forward, into whatever darkness lay ahead.

The man he was now couldn't afford to look back.