Hinata of the White Lotus
Family Ties
The city was alive with celebration.
Bonfires flickered in the night, illuminating the streets as the citizens of Kōtō City threw a massive party to honor their saviors. To them, the monstrous entity that had appeared just beyond their walls was nothing short of an apocalyptic threat. And now, thanks to the ninja who had come to their aid, the danger was gone.
Children ran through the streets with wooden swords, imitating the "heroic warriors" who had bested the beast, while vendors lined the roads, shouting out their goods to revelers who were more than eager to spend their earnings on food, drink, and trinkets commemorating the occasion. Laughter, music, and the rhythmic pounding of drums filled the air. It seemed as though the entire city had turned out to celebrate their victory.
Yet within the walls of the Hinoshita clan's private dwelling, Hinata could only sit quietly, listening to the muffled sounds of celebration from outside.
She sat on a cushion in a spacious tatami room, the faint scent of incense wafting through the air. The walls were adorned with scrolls of calligraphy and family crests, and the sliding windows were cracked just enough to let the faintest glow of firelight from the bonfires seep through. Despite the serene setting, Hinata's cheeks burned with embarrassment as the jubilant voice of a young girl, Mio, echoed through the house.
From her spot on the tatami mat in the adjacent room, Hinata pressed her fingers together nervously, wishing Mio's audience wouldn't hang on her every exaggerated word. She didn't feel like the hero Mio was describing—not when she knew how much help she had needed to win that fight.
Even now, the red-haired girl sitting before her reminded her of the cost of that victory. Tayuya knelt on the tatami, bowing low with her forehead pressed to the mat in front of her.
"Can you please sit up, Tayuya-san?" Hinata asked gently, attempting to keep her voice even.
Tayuya obeyed, rising into an upright sitting position. Her hands rested on her knees, and though her eyes were downcast, her posture was rigid. She had said little since the fight, and the silence between them was almost stifling. Hinata took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts before speaking again.
"You ran away from Orochimaru," Hinata began, her voice steady but carrying a note of skepticism. "Because of what you heard from your mother… about the previous wielder of the Nichiren Byakugan."
"That's right," Tayuya replied, her voice firm despite her downcast gaze. "That snake bastard killed my mother, and I've been waiting for my chance to get him ever since. But I also made a promise to my mother to find you."
Hinata nodded slowly, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. It wasn't impossible for someone to pass down knowledge of the Nichiren Byakugan to their children, but the story still felt strange.
"If you promised to find me," Hinata asked, tilting her head, "then why didn't you come to Konoha sooner?"
Tayuya bit her lip, her expression faltering for the first time. "I… wasn't sure you were real," she admitted, her voice softer now. "If someone with a Dōjutsu as strong as yours was out there, I figured you'd already be famous."
That made sense, Hinata supposed. Her powers had only recently awakened, so it wasn't unreasonable for Tayuya to have doubted her existence.
"That's what I'd like to say," Tayuya continued, her tone darkening, "but the truth is… my need for revenge was stronger than my desire to find you. At least, until you appeared in front of me."
Hinata's breath hitched. That would have been during the invasion of Konoha. If Tayuya had seen her then, it explained why she had sought her out so quickly afterward.
But one thing didn't add up.
"Why bring Kimimaro-san?" Hinata asked, her voice firmer now. "If you wanted to find me, why involve him? His presence… it casts doubt on everything you're saying."
Tayuya flinched, her hands tightening into fists on her knees. "I know it looks bad," she admitted. "But I couldn't leave Orochimaru's hideout on my own. He already suspected me. If I left alone, the others would've hunted me down and killed me. Bringing Kimimaro gave my mission legitimacy."
Hinata's frown deepened. "That trick cost Naruto-kun his arm," she said quietly, but there was no mistaking the edge of anger in her tone.
Tayuya lifted her head for the first time, her eyes locking with Hinata's. "I'm prepared to give my own arm in compensation," she said without hesitation.
The room fell silent. Outside, Mio's animated retelling of the battle continued unabated, but within the tatami room, the weight of Tayuya's words hung heavy in the air.
Hinata's eyes softened, but she shook her head. "That's not necessary," she said, her voice quieter now. "Naruto-kun wouldn't accept that, and neither can I. But there's something else I need to know… Why didn't Kimimaro aim to kill Naruto-kun?"
Tayuya hesitated. Her gaze flickered downward again before she answered. "We ran into some Akatsuki members on the way here," she said. "One of them led us to your location. The deal was simple—spare Naruto in exchange for their help."
"Akatsuki?" Hinata gasped, her posture straightening in alarm. Her voice was low, but the name carried a heavy weight in the air. "Where are they now?" Her fingers clenched in her lap, her mind racing. If Akatsuki was still active, this battle might have only been the beginning.
Tayuya frowned in thought, her hands resting tensely on her knees. "We only really traveled with one of them," she admitted. "He was… weird. His body was black and white, split straight down the middle, like two different people glued together. He said his name was Zetsu."
A name Hinata had never heard before. Itachi and Kisame had been legendary missing Ninja, their bounties worth a small fortune each in the bingo book. This "Zetsu" didn't sound like anyone she had ever heard about though.
"He helped us," Tayuya continued, "but only to a point. He led us to your location, but he made it clear he didn't care about our revenge or Orochimaru. He just wanted us to find you and, for some reason, not kill the blond idiot."
Hinata's lips tightened at the mention of Naruto, her heart twisting slightly.
"And after that?" she asked.
Tayuya shook her head. "He vanished. I didn't see him again until the fight with Kiba and Shino. He just… appeared out of the ground to help me. Said he was making sure I didn't 'mess it up.' Then, as soon as they were down, he disappeared back into the earth. That's the last I saw of him."
The room grew silent once more, the weight of Tayuya's words hanging heavily in the air. Hinata stared at the tatami mat, her mind turning over this new information. No matter how hard she thought, there was no answer. All she could do was report what she knew back to her superiors.
Hinata took a slow breath, steadying herself. "Thank you for telling me," she said softly, looking back up at Tayuya. Her tone was gentle, but her resolve was firm. "
"…So what now?" Tayuya asked, her voice low and steady. It was a fair question, and one that hung heavily in the air between them. Despite the weight of the situation, Tayuya's posture remained relaxed, her composure unshaken. It was as though she had already come to terms with whatever decision Hinata would make, no matter how grim.
"For now, you'll come back to Konoha with us," Hinata replied softly, her gaze steady. She wished she could offer more reassurance, but the reality was that Tayuya's fate would be decided by those far above her rank. All Hinata could do was escort her back and present the facts. "You'll need to answer for what you know about Orochimaru, but… you've earned a chance to tell your side of the story."
Tayuya's lips twitched, but it wasn't quite a smile. "So, you're handing me over to the wolves. Got it."
"It's not like that," Hinata said, her voice firm. She hesitated, glancing at Tayuya as if measuring her words. "You've shown you're willing to fight against Orochimaru. You helped save my team. And… I trust Naruto-kun's judgment. He believes in you."
Tayuya blinked at the mention of Naruto, her crimson hair falling over one eye as she tilted her head. "He's… stupidly loyal, isn't he? I don't get how a guy like that makes it as a ninja. But…" She let out a small sigh, her voice softening. "I guess I don't mind being around someone like him. It's annoying, but he's… different."
Hinata smiled faintly. She didn't entirely disagree with Tayuya's assessment, but Naruto's unyielding faith in people had been the glue that held them together through this ordeal. "He sees the good in people," she said simply. "And he inspires the same in others."
Tayuya snorted, crossing her arms. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it. I'm not exactly Miss Congeniality."
Hinata's smile grew, a touch of warmth in her usually reserved demeanor. "You don't have to be," she said, her tone gentle. "Just… be honest. That's all I ask."
Tayuya's composure faltered for a split second. It was such a simple request, yet it carried an odd weight. "Fine," she muttered, her voice quieter. "But you didn't answer the real question. Am I going back as a prisoner or…?"
"You'll come back as an ally," Hinata answered without hesitation, her tone firm. She met Tayuya's gaze, her pale eyes unwavering. "If you're willing to work with us, then we'll treat you as one of us."
Tayuya's brown eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing Hinata for any hint of insincerity. Finding none, she exhaled a long breath, her shoulders easing just a fraction. "…I see," she murmured. Though her tone was nonchalant, there was a faint hint of relief in her posture, as if the weight of uncertainty had finally lessened, if only slightly.
Their conversation naturally fell into silence. Hinata glanced at the door, sensing that their time alone was coming to an end. The kikaichu on her shoulder began to buzz faintly, signaling Shino's readiness.
"Let's go outside for a minute," Hinata said, standing gracefully and gesturing toward the door. Tayuya followed silently, her expression unreadable but her steps steady.
As they exited the tatami room, Hinata led the way through the quiet corridors of the Hinoshita clan house. The wooden floors creaked softly beneath their feet, the scent of polished wood and faint incense lingering in the air. The sounds of celebration from the town drifted faintly through the walls, a backdrop to the muffled voices within the house.
As they turned a corner, the hallway opened into a larger common room, lit warmly by hanging paper lanterns. The source of the voices became apparent: Mio sat at the center of a small group of children, animatedly recounting the events of the battle. Her arms flailed wildly as she mimicked what she clearly thought were Hinata's movements, her voice rising and falling with exaggerated drama.
"And then! With the monster roaring like 'RAAAAH!' Hinata-sama flew through the air—no, danced through it—like a goddess! She didn't even blink, you guys! It was like, bam, bam, bam!" Mio punctuated each word with sharp gestures, earning gasps and cheers from her captive audience.
Several children giggled and clapped, clearly enthralled by Mio's performance. One of the younger ones, no more than five, jumped up and mimicked what he thought was Hinata's graceful stance, toppling over in his excitement. The others laughed, the mood light and carefree.
Hinata slowed her pace as they walked past the gathering, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. She wasn't sure whether to feel flattered or embarrassed, but the warmth in her chest was undeniable.
"That's when she did the thing with her eyes!" Mio continued, cupping her hands over her own eyes to mimic the Byakugan. "And then—oh! She's right there!"
Mio froze mid-gesture, eyes wide as she spotted Hinata in the hallway. The children followed her gaze, their laughter and chatter halting as they all turned to stare. For a moment, the room was filled with nothing but silence and the faint crackle of a nearby brazier.
One brave child, the youngest of the group, tugged on Mio's sleeve and whispered loudly, "Is she really a goddess?"
Hinata waved her hands in front of her, her blush deepening. "Ah, no, no! I'm just… a ninja. Really."
Mio, however, puffed out her chest and turned to the children with a grin. "See? I told you she's humble too!" she declared, eliciting a new wave of giggles and cheers.
Hinata offered a small, polite bow before hurrying past the room, Tayuya following close behind with an amused smirk on her face. "You've got quite the fan club," Tayuya muttered under her breath as they walked. Hinata didn't respond, her blush creeping all the way to her ears.
As they slid the door open to step outside, the crisp nighttime air greeted them. The faint chill made Hinata shiver slightly, but she didn't mind. The full moon still hung high in the sky, its light casting a soft silver glow over the compound. Somewhere in the distance, the laughter and chatter of the townspeople echoed faintly—a celebration of their survival and the defeat of the monstrous threat.
The kikaichu that had guided them outside flew to rejoin the colony nestled within Shino's chakra network. Hinata and Tayuya followed after it and joined Shino, who stood a few yards away from the house. He was watching Kiba crouched down beside Akamaru, the small Ninken sitting dutifully as Kiba adjusted a harness around his frame.
"I think that does it!" Kiba declared, patting Akamaru's side with a satisfied grin. "You're looking good, buddy. Best courier in the village, right?" Akamaru barked in agreement, wagging his tail with newfound vigor.
Hinata approached cautiously, still holding the carefully prepared vial of Moonfire Elixir. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice soft but uncertain. Her gaze lingered on Akamaru. Despite the energy he seemed to radiate, she couldn't shake the memory of the injuries he'd sustained in their battle earlier. "He was hurt pretty badly before. Is he really up for this?"
"It's fine, it's fine! Right, Akamaru?" Kiba waved her concerns away with the breezy confidence that often characterized him. Akamaru responded with a small but enthusiastic bark, his tail wagging harder. "Whatever chakra that red cloak of Naruto's gave us, it didn't just heal him—it supercharged him! I think he's in better shape now than before we even left the village."
Hinata hesitated, clutching the vial a little tighter. While it was true that Naruto's Kyūbi chakra had restored them in the moment, she couldn't help but worry about its long-term effects. The same energy that had powered their desperate struggle against Kimimaro now felt like an unpredictable force lingering in the back of her mind. She wasn't sure how much she trusted it.
Shino, standing nearby with his hands tucked into his pockets, broke the silence. "This is the best course of action," he said calmly, his voice carrying its usual measured weight. "There is no guarantee we won't face another attack on the road. Twice we've been ambushed. A third time is not unlikely." He adjusted his broken glasses, his gaze briefly flicking to Tayuya before returning to Hinata. "Sending Akamaru ahead alone ensures the medicine reaches Kurenai-sensei quickly and safely."
Hinata frowned, torn between her instincts and the logic of Shino's words. He was right; Akamaru's speed and endurance made him the perfect choice. Yet she couldn't shake the nervous twist in her stomach. "Okay," she said softly, finally relenting. She stepped forward and gently placed the vial into Kiba's waiting hand, along with a small scroll containing instructions and vital information about the elixir's preparation.
"You've got this, Akamaru," she said quietly, meeting the Ninken's bright eyes. He barked once more in acknowledgment, standing a little straighter as Kiba secured the vial and scroll into his harness. The sight made her heart ache with both pride and apprehension.
"That's my boy," Kiba said, rubbing Akamaru's head affectionately. "You're the best partner I could ask for. I'll see you back home in a week, okay?" Akamaru licked Kiba's face, then turned and bounded off, disappearing into the shadows of the city.
The group stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the mission settling heavily on their shoulders. Somewhere in the distance, faint cheers from the townspeople celebrating their survival broke the stillness.
"We can only hope he'll get there in time," Hinata said, her voice laced with quiet worry. She clutched her hands tightly in front of her, exhaling a slow, steady breath to calm herself.
Kiba stretched and threw his arms behind his head, his usual bravado slipping back into place. "Akamaru will make it. I trust him more than anyone."
Shino nodded in agreement, though his attention lingered on Tayuya, who stood slightly apart from the rest of them. Her posture was rigid, her face unreadable as the group's attention inevitably shifted to her.
"So what now?" Shino asked, his tone even but his question clearly aimed at Hinata.
"For now, let's rest for the night," Hinata replied, glancing between her teammates. Her voice held a note of quiet pleading. "We've all been through so much already. Fighting, traveling… I think we all deserve a little peace, at least for tonight."
Kiba made a small noise of discontent but ultimately shrugged. "If you say so," he said, his tone begrudging but resigned. He stepped back, clearly unwilling to argue against Hinata's decision.
Shino offered a curt nod. "Understood." But his posture remained wary, his body language a subtle signal that he would be watching Tayuya closely. Hinata didn't have to look to know that his kikaichu had already marked the red-haired girl, ready to act at a moment's notice.
Tayuya, for her part, crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one side. "You're all acting like I'm gonna pull something," she said flatly, her voice tinged with bitterness. "If I wanted to stab you in the back, I wouldn't have stuck around after the fight."
Kiba's sharp glare met hers instantly, but Hinata stepped between them, raising her hands. "That's enough," she said gently but firmly. "We're all on the same side now."
The tension hung unspoken in the air, but Hinata hoped it would ease with time. They needed to work together if they were going to get back to Konoha in one piece.
Nothing more to say, the group made their way back inside, quietly navigating the corridors of the Hinoshita clan house. Hinata led the way, careful to avoid drawing attention to herself as they passed the common room where Mio continued to recount her tales to an enraptured audience.
Hinata's blush deepened, but she ignored the exaggerated story, focusing instead on leading her team to the sleeping quarters that had been prepared for them. When they finally slid the door shut behind them, she let out a small sigh of relief.
The room was another modest tatami space, smaller than the common room but large enough to accommodate them all. The futons had already been laid out, though it would be a bit cramped with everyone sharing the same space. They didn't have the luxury of complaining; they were all too exhausted to care.
Naruto was already fast asleep, sprawled across his futon in a tangle of limbs that seemed to defy logic. His loud, disruptive snores filled the room, the sound oddly comforting in its familiarity. Despite everything they'd been through, he slept with the peace of someone who hadn't a care in the world.
Hinata couldn't help but smile softly at the sight. It was almost comical how relaxed he looked, considering he'd lost an arm in their battle. His pajamas covered the point where his real flesh ended and the wooden arm began, and even the exposed portion of his wooden hand looked remarkably natural. To anyone who didn't know better, he might have appeared completely unscathed.
Sitting beside him was the real Hinata, her posture straight and composed as she rested one hand gently on Naruto's forehead. Her eyes were closed in deep meditation, her breathing steady and calm. She hadn't so much as flinched when the rest of the group entered the room.
The one that had been accompanying them until now was the clone, the same one that retrieved the flower. "What is it you're doing in that meditation?" Kiba asked the clone, breaking the silence. He and Shino had seen Hinata meditate like this before, but they still didn't fully understand what it entailed.
"It's a way for me to nurture the power of the Nichiren Byakugan," the clone answered. Her voice was calm, though there was a hint of hesitation. She wasn't sure how much to share, knowing it was ultimately up to the original to decide how much her team should know.
"How much longer will you meditate for?" Tayuya asked, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. She didn't sound particularly invested in the answer, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. Unlike the others, she had at least some knowledge of the Nichiren Byakugan's origins, though how much remained unclear.
"I'm going to dispel myself now," the clone said, glancing down at her hands as her chakra reserves neared their limit. "Once I do, all the memories I've gathered will transfer to the original. That should wake her up. She'll join you within the minute."
She gave the group one last smile, nodding to each of them in turn. Then, in a puff of smoke, the clone vanished, her chakra dissipating into the air.
When Hinata opened her eyes within her meditation, she immediately knew something was different.
The familiar black expanse, dotted with glowing lines of energy, was gone. In its place was a lush, verdant forest, brimming with life. A soft breeze rustled the leaves, and sunlight filtered down through the thick canopy above, casting golden streaks across the ground. Yet, this was no ordinary forest. The very air hummed with power, and the light didn't fall evenly; it was refracted, as though passing through unseen prisms, casting faint echoes of blue and red alongside the gold.
The area she stood in was a clearing that seemed intentionally formed, its boundaries defined by an intricate eight trigrams diagram that glowed faintly on the forest floor. The diagram's light pulsed gently, the natural azures and golds of the forest blending seamlessly with the otherworldly emerald hues emanating from the markings.
Hinata glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar yet comforting space. Despite never having seen it before, she felt an odd sense of belonging here, as though this place was somehow a part of her.
"It's been a long time since I've been here," Kali's voice cut through the stillness, resonant and layered with emotions Hinata couldn't fully parse. She turned to see the figure of the blue-haired priestess floating above the center of the eight trigrams diagram, as she often did in their shared world. But here, she seemed… different. More tangible, more vibrant, as though the world around her was bringing out a truer version of herself.
The soft daylight illuminated Kali in a way Hinata had never seen before. Her shrine maiden robes—half pure white, half light lavender—looked almost impossibly pristine, the colors vivid and alive. Her Nichiren Byakugan, normally shimmering faintly like distant stars, now glowed more softly, reflecting the greens and blues of the forest as if they were a part of her eyes. Her blue hair, so similar to Hinata's yet distinct in its richness, shimmered in the filtered sunlight.
"You recognize this place?" Hinata asked, though she already suspected the answer.
Kali smiled faintly, basking in the artificial light. "It has been centuries since I stood here," she said, her tone wistful. "This is a place where two currents meet, a fusion of what you call my inner world and the domain of another. It is rare for this world to manifest. The last time was… well, long before your time."
Hinata tilted her head slightly. "A fusion?" she repeated, glancing down at the trigrams beneath her feet, which glowed faintly in sync with the forest around them. She had entered this meditation with one hand resting on Naruto's forehead, feeling the pull of something greater as she did so. Somehow, this place had formed when their energies crossed.
"It's the world of Asura," Kali explained, gesturing to the space around them. "And this meeting is no coincidence. Your connection to him and his reincarnation has allowed this."
Before Hinata could fully process the explanation, the sound of rustling leaves broke through the calm. From the dense foliage surrounding the clearing, a loud crash echoed, followed by an exasperated groan.
"Whoa!" Naruto stumbled into the clearing, tripping over a root and sprawling face-first onto the glowing ground. He groaned again, pushing himself up onto his hands and knees, and shook his head as though trying to shake off his confusion. When his blue eyes locked onto Hinata, his expression brightened in recognition. "Hinata! And—uh… wait, who's that?"
Hinata glanced at Kali, silently asking permission to introduce her. Kali gave a small shrug, her expression unreadable but not disapproving. "This is Kali," Hinata said at last, her voice soft but steady.
"Kali?" Naruto repeated, tilting his head. There was a flicker of recognition in his eyes, though he couldn't quite place it. "Wait a second, wasn't that the name that guy mentioned earlier? The… uh…" He snapped his fingers, struggling to remember. "You know! The guy with the—"
"Asura," came the familiar, steady voice from behind him. Naruto turned sharply, his jaw dropping as Asura stepped into the clearing with the natural ease of someone returning home. The dense underbrush seemed to part for him, the sunlight catching his dignified features. His brown hair, short and unassuming, framed a face that carried the same determination Naruto often displayed, though tempered with years—or lifetimes—of wisdom.
"That's it!" Naruto exclaimed, pointing at him with a grin. "Asura! Man, it's good to see you again! Uh… wait, where are we?"
Asura sighed softly, shaking his head in a way that mirrored Naruto's own mannerisms. "We are in a shared space, born from the intersection of my world and hers." He gestured toward Kali without further elaboration, as though the explanation were self-evident. His right arm, made entirely of golden chakra, shimmered faintly as he moved, the same energy wrapping protectively around his form.
Kali regarded the two of them with an inscrutable gaze. "This convergence is rare," she said, her voice cutting through their exchange. "But it is also fleeting. You have been brought here to learn from one another, to understand the bond that ties your paths together."
Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Uh… okay? But what does that mean? Like, practically?"
Kali looked to Asura, who stepped forward. "It means that while your power is great, it is not yet whole," he explained. "Naruto, you carry my legacy, but you must also understand the burden that comes with it. And Hinata," he added, turning to her, "your role as Kali's successor will demand choices far greater than those you have faced already. This is a step forward, but it is only the beginning."
The words hung heavy in the air, the weight of their meaning sinking into both of them as the vibrant clearing around them pulsed softly with light. Though they didn't fully understand the scope of what lay ahead, the presence of both Asura and Kali filled them with a strange sense of determination.
"It's been a long time, cousin," Kali greeted, her voice warm yet laced with the dignified grace she always carried. She leapt down from her usual elevated platform, her white and violet shrine maiden robes fluttering lightly as she landed. Standing before Asura, she bowed deeply, every movement deliberate and elegant. "I am truly happy to see you well. And I offer my deepest gratitude. It is you I must thank for aiding my reincarnation in purifying the impurity, is it not?"
Asura smiled broadly, the weight of her formal tone sliding off him like water. "Pay it no mind, Kali-chan," he said, waving her words away with a grand gesture, his casual demeanor almost comically opposite to hers. "I was just returning the favor. I'm well aware it was you who aligned my tenketsu with Naruto's. You've done more than your fair share."
Kali giggled softly, raising her sleeve to her mouth in a way that somehow added to her serene presence. "I see your reincarnations are as lively as ever," she teased, casting a sidelong glance at Naruto.
Naruto, meanwhile, stood with his mouth slightly ajar, eyes darting between the two. "Okay, hold on. What is even happening right now?" he burst out, throwing his hands in the air. "Is this real? Or am I having the weirdest dream of my life?"
Kali's laughter grew, her usually composed demeanor cracking just slightly. "I'll leave you to handle his questions, Hinata," she said, turning her attention fully to Asura. "My cousin and I have matters to discuss."
"Of course," Hinata agreed, stepping closer to Naruto. As Kali and Asura moved aside, Hinata gently placed a hand on Naruto's arm to calm him. "Let's sit down. I'll explain everything."
They moved to the edge of the clearing, the soft glow of the eight trigrams pattern beneath them giving their surroundings an ethereal quality. Hinata began recounting everything she knew, from her awakening of the Nichiren Byakugan to her connection with Kali and the role of reincarnations like Asura.
Naruto leaned forward, brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to absorb it all. When she finished, he leaned back, scratching the back of his head. "So, let me get this straight," he began, his tone uncertain. "Those two are like… chakra ghosts? And they're haunting us?" He looked at Hinata with wide eyes, his voice lowering to a dramatic whisper. "Hinata, we're haunted."
Hinata giggled, despite herself. "That's… a little oversimplified, Naruto-kun. They're not haunting us. They're here to guide us. They're part of who we are."
"Guiding, haunting—kinda feels the same to me!" Naruto muttered, shivering slightly. Then, as though suddenly realizing something, his eyes widened. "Wait. You've been dealing with this since the Chūnin Exams? The fight with Neji?"
Hinata nodded shyly, her fingers twining together in her lap. "Yes, Naruto-kun. I didn't tell you because… well, I wasn't sure how to explain it."
Naruto stared at her for a moment, then grinned. "You know what? That's fine. I don't think I want to know about being haunted by chakra ghosts. So, uh, thanks for keeping it quiet all this time!" He gave her a thumbs-up, his grin widening.
Hinata blinked, then smiled, relief flooding her. Of all the reactions she'd imagined, this one hadn't even crossed her mind. But of course, Naruto would find a way to turn her secret into something reassuring. "Thank you, Naruto-kun," she said softly, her cheeks coloring.
As their conversation wound down, Hinata glanced toward Kali and Asura. The pair seemed to be wrapping up their own discussion. Kali was nodding slightly, her expression serene, while Asura gestured animatedly, his voice low but excited.
"I think they're finished," Hinata said, rising to her feet. She offered Naruto her hand. "Shall we join them?"
Naruto hesitated, eyeing the two figures warily. "Do we have to?" he asked, his tone half-joking. "I mean, they seem nice and all, but the whole 'ancient reincarnation spirits' thing is kinda creepy."
Hinata smiled, amused by his reluctance. "They're part of us, Naruto-kun. You'll get used to it."
"Yeah, yeah, I guess." Naruto took her hand and stood, still looking a bit unsure. "But, uh, you do most of the talking, okay?"
Hinata laughed softly, a renewed sense of confidence filling her. "Alright, Naruto-kun. Let's go." Together, they approached their predecessors, the future intertwined with the past, ready to uncover more of the mysteries that lay ahead.
"Hey there, finally up to speed, then?" Asura greeted, his tone bright as he noticed Naruto and Hinata approaching. His casual demeanor felt strangely reassuring. However, his smile faltered as Naruto failed to return the greeting, instead shuffling slightly behind Hinata—a reversal of their usual roles.
"He understands the basics… I think," Hinata answered for him, though her tone betrayed her uncertainty. She glanced at Naruto, whose expression clearly screamed he was not up to speed.
"Well, that'll do for now," Kali said with a faint sigh. She, too, looked less than convinced but seemed willing to move on. Her lavender and white robes caught the gentle breeze, the light fabric shimmering faintly under the vibrant sky. "Asura and I had a discussion about the current state of things, and we've decided to work more closely together this time around." She directed a meaningful look at Hinata. "That means you and Naruto will likely be spending more time working together as well."
Hinata couldn't stop the slight blush that rose to her cheeks, but she nodded. The prospect of being with Naruto more often wasn't exactly a hardship in her eyes.
"Working together for what?" Naruto asked, curiosity temporarily overcoming his lingering unease.
"Kali-chan here is usually in charge of dealing with impurities," Asura began, his casual tone contrasting with the gravity of his words. "But someone—or something—has been harnessing them. That's why we ended up with that mess you fought earlier with the Kaguya guy. These impurities are being exploited and twisted into something worse, and that's a problem. So, you and I, kid, will help suppress them wherever we can. You don't have to purify them like Hinata does, but your role will be just as important."
Naruto scratched his head, still looking lost. "So… I just gotta fight those big nasty things if they show up?"
Asura grinned, clearly relieved Naruto had grasped at least that much. "You got it, kid."
"Basically, that's the gist of it," Kali added, though her tone was more measured. "However, there's another piece to this puzzle." She glanced at Asura, her expression turning serious. "The delay in Asura's reincarnation cycle is… troubling. Normally, a new life is born shortly after the previous passes, yet for Asura, there was an unusually long gap."
"Which leads me to believe," Asura continued, his voice dropping slightly, "that Indra—my brother from way back—had something to do with it. His reincarnations don't play nice. And while I can't prove it yet, I think whatever's going on with the impurities might be connected to him. At the very least, I wouldn't rule it out."
Naruto blinked. "Wait, your brother? You never mentioned you had a brother."
"He's not exactly the family reunion type," Asura replied dryly, crossing his arms. "Indra's reincarnations are… complicated. Let's just say they've caused a lot of problems for mine over the years. And while I'm not saying your life is about to get harder—"
"You're totally saying my life is about to get harder," Naruto interrupted, deadpan.
Asura chuckled. "Fair enough. But listen, we need to verify who Indra's current reincarnation is. Kali and I have our suspicions, but we can't act on guesses. That's where you and Hinata come in. You'll help us watch him, figure out what's going on, and step in if things go south."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "I understand," she said softly. She glanced at Kali, whose serene expression gave her strength. If Kali believed in her ability to do this, then she would trust in it too. "You said you already have an idea of who it might be?"
"We do," Kali answered, her voice calm yet firm. "But assumptions lead to mistakes. We must observe carefully before making any decisions. For now, keep your eyes open. Unusual activity will point the way."
Naruto shifted uncomfortably, clearly not thrilled about being thrust into another potential mess. "So, what happens if we figure out who it is? What if they're, like, totally evil or something?"
"Then we deal with it," Asura said simply, his casual tone belied by the weight of his words. "But remember, kid, things aren't always black and white. Even Indra's reincarnations have their own struggles. This is about understanding before acting."
Hinata nodded solemnly, though her mind whirled with questions. Who could it be? What kind of danger were they truly facing? Yet even with her concerns, she felt a strange sense of resolve. She glanced at Naruto, who was still processing everything. "We'll handle it," she said softly, her voice carrying more certainty than she felt.
"That's the spirit," Asura said, clapping his hands together. "Now, get back out there. The clone just dispelled, right? Your team's waiting."
As if on cue, the memory of Hinata's clone surged into her mind, bringing with it everything that had transpired in the outside world. She inhaled sharply, momentarily overwhelmed, but then let the memory settle. Once it did, one question still remained.
Hinata hesitated briefly before speaking. There was weight to this question—more than she fully understood. "Is it alright for me to trust Tayuya-san?" she asked, her gaze drifting to Kali. If Tayuya's story was true and her mother was an acquaintance of the previous cycle, then Kali would surely know more than she did.
"You still doubt her too?" Naruto interjected, his voice breaking through the moment. His tone wasn't accusatory, but it was clear he didn't share Hinata's lingering reservations. For him, Tayuya had proven herself already, and that was enough.
"We do need to purify the curse mark on her shoulder," Kali finally said, her tone measured and careful. She ignored Naruto's outburst entirely, focusing her attention on Hinata. "Once that is dealt with, she will be free of its influence, and her path will become clearer. However…" Kali tilted her head slightly, her piercing gaze meeting Hinata's. "If you want proof of her honesty, ask her for her family name."
Hinata blinked, surprised by the indirect suggestion. "Her family name?" she repeated, unsure of the significance.
Kali simply nodded, offering no further explanation. Asura, standing nearby, crossed his arms and observed the exchange with a curious look. "It's a test of trust," he said cryptically. "One that reveals more than you might expect."
Naruto scratched his head, clearly uninterested in any subtlety. "Why does her family name matter so much? She's been fighting with us. That's what counts, right?"
"It'll make sense soon enough, Naruto-kun… probably," Hinata said softly, glancing at him with a small smile. His instinctive trust was admirable, even if it sometimes bordered on reckless. She appreciated it, but she needed more.
With that, they bid their farewells to Kali and Asura, the vibrant forest of their shared meditation realm fading into a blur. As the light around her dimmed, Hinata's sense of purpose solidified. She had clarity now—on Tayuya, on herself, and on the path she needed to walk moving forward.
When Hinata opened her eyes, she found herself back in the real world. The flickering candlelight of the Hinoshita compound greeted her, casting shadows along the walls of the small tatami room. Her clone's memories flooded in, creating an odd sense of disorientation. It felt as if she had moved from standing shoulder to shoulder with her teammates to sitting alone before them.
Across from her, Kiba, Shino, and Tayuya stood in a loose semicircle, their gazes fixed on her. Naruto stirred next to her, groaning as he sat up, his hair a disheveled mess. "Weird dream," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. His voice was groggy, and he looked entirely unprepared for the seriousness of the moment.
Hinata blinked a few times to ground herself. Then, remembering Kali's advice, she turned her attention to Tayuya. "I have one last question for you, if that's okay," she said, her voice calm but firm.
Tayuya frowned, clearly caught off guard by the sudden inquiry. Still, she nodded. "Shoot."
Hinata hesitated for only a moment before asking, "I realize this is late, so I apologize, but I never did hear your family name." The words felt heavy as they left her mouth, though she couldn't quite place why.
The effect on Tayuya was immediate. Her eyes widened, her body stiffened, and her entire demeanor shifted. The confidence she typically carried seemed to crumble as though the question had struck a nerve. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, and for a brief moment, she looked like a cornered animal ready to lash out or flee.
Kiba and Shino both noticed the change, their postures tensing as though bracing for an attack. Neither moved, but their eyes remained locked on Tayuya, wary of what she might do.
Naruto, meanwhile, remained oblivious. "What's this about family?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep. As he blinked himself awake, he glanced at Tayuya and offered her a sleepy but genuine smile. It was so unguarded, so utterly Naruto, that it seemed to pierce through the tension in the air.
Tayuya exhaled sharply, her shoulders sagging as though the fight had gone out of her. "Shit," she muttered under her breath. Her gaze softened as she looked at Naruto, and then she turned back to Hinata. "Guess there's no point in hiding it now."
She straightened her posture, though her tone carried a weight of reluctant resignation. "The name's Tayuya," she said, pausing as if steeling herself for what came next. Her eyes flicked to Naruto again before she finished, "Uzumaki Tayuya."
The room fell silent, her words hanging in the air like a thunderclap.
Hinata's breath caught in her throat. Naruto's eyes widened in shock, and for once, even Kiba and Shino seemed too stunned to speak. The revelation brought a clarity to Kali's earlier suggestion—a truth Hinata had been completely unprepared for.
Tayuya shifted uncomfortably under their stares. "Yeah, I know. Big freaking deal, right?" she said, her voice laced with forced nonchalance. "The Uzumaki clan's dead, so it's not like the name means much anymore."
Naruto opened his mouth, but no sound came out. It was rare to see him speechless, but the connection—the familial tie—between him and Tayuya had clearly floored him. Finally, after several seconds, he managed to stammer, "You… You're—?"
"Not your long-lost sister or some crap like that, if that's what you're thinking," Tayuya cut him off, her tone sharp but not unkind. "Far as I know, my branch of the clan's been gone for decades. I just happened to survive." She shrugged as though that explained everything, though her expression betrayed a flicker of vulnerability.
Hinata watched the exchange, her earlier doubts replaced by a strange sense of understanding. Uzumaki Tayuya. Kali's indirect answer suddenly made perfect sense. The truth wasn't just a matter of lineage—it was a key to trusting Tayuya's sincerity. If she had wanted to deceive them, she never would have revealed this.
Naruto finally found his voice, a grin spreading across his face. "Then that makes us family!" he declared, his energy suddenly returning in full force.
Tayuya blinked, taken aback by his reaction. "Huh? Did you not hear me say it doesn't mean much?"
Naruto ignored her protest, stepping forward and slinging an arm around her shoulders with a broad smile. "You're Uzumaki, and I'm Uzumaki. That's enough for me. Welcome to the family, Tayuya!"
Hinata smiled softly, the tension in the room finally dissipating. Whatever the future held, Tayuya's place among them had been solidified—not just as an ally, but as part of Naruto's extended family.
Chapter End
AN: I know it's probably a cliché at this point to make Tayuya an Uzumaki, what with her red hair and all, but she was a character I've always liked and wanted to see more of, so I gave her a reason to have connections to both Hinata and to Naruto. Expect to see a lot more of her from now.