Hinata of the White Lotus

Creeping Shadow

Tobi sat perched atop the head of the Fourth Hokage's monument, the pale light of the waning moon casting long, eerie shadows over the Village Hidden in the Leaves. The wind was gentle but cold, carrying with it the faint sounds of a village at rest—an unusual quiet for such a bustling place. Tobi couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. There was something poetic about standing atop the visage of Minato Namikaze, the man who had once nearly thwarted his plans, now nothing more than a stone symbol of an era long past.

The rustling of robes and the rhythmic tap of a cane broke the silence behind him. Tobi didn't bother to turn around. He knew exactly who was approaching.

"You've picked a curious place to agree to meet," came the gravelly voice of Shimura Danzo, who emerged from the shadows with all the self-importance of a man who considered himself the true ruler of the village. He walked with measured steps, his cane striking the stone with a deliberate cadence. Reaching Tobi's side, Danzo stopped, his single visible eye scanning the village below with a look that could almost be described as fond—if one didn't know the man better.

Tobi's masked head tilted ever so slightly, as if he found Danzo's remark amusing. "Curious? Perhaps. But nostalgic. I find it useful to remind myself of what once was… and what could have been." His voice carried its usual playful lilt, but there was a trace of something deeper beneath it—something darker.

Danzo's grip on his cane tightened as he turned his attention to Tobi. "Nostalgia is a luxury we cannot afford, especially now. I assume you didn't ask me here to wax poetic about the past."

Tobi chuckled, the sound light and almost mocking. "No, no, of course not. I asked you here because I believe we both find ourselves in… delicate positions. Positions that could benefit from an exchange of information."

Danzo's eye narrowed. "Go on."

"Our mutual acquaintance, Uchiha Itachi, has started to make his move," Tobi said, his tone growing more serious. He finally turned his head slightly, enough for the moonlight to glint off the single Sharingan visible through his mask. "And I believe that move affects us both."

Danzo didn't react visibly, but Tobi could sense the tension in the older man's stance. "Indeed," Danzo said after a pause. "I have reason to believe he has taken Shisui's other eye and is using it to manipulate Sarutobi."

Tobi's head tilted further, intrigued. "Hoh? Shisui's other eye, you say? And manipulating Sarutobi… how intriguing."

Danzo's voice sharpened. "Do not underestimate the severity of the situation. With Sarutobi under his control, Itachi has effectively become the Shadow Hokage, pulling the strings of this village from behind the scenes."

The phrase "Shadow Hokage" drew a snort of amusement from Tobi. "How ironic," he said, his voice dripping with mirth. "The man who murdered his own clan is now sitting in the shadows of power. It's almost poetic."

Danzo's cane struck the stone beneath them with a sharp crack. "This is no laughing matter!" he snapped. "The integrity of the village is at stake. If it becomes known that a traitor is controlling the Hokage, Konoha will be torn apart at the seams."

Tobi waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, Danzo. Whether Konoha stands or falls is of little concern to me." His voice took on a cold edge, the playfulness fading. "However, it is inconvenient if Itachi has the power of an entire village behind him. That is something I cannot allow."

Danzo's expression darkened. "Then you'll support my efforts to neutralize him?"

Tobi's chuckle returned, lighter this time, almost patronizing. "Support? Oh no, Danzo. Akatsuki is far too occupied with our own objectives to involve ourselves in your… brewing civil war." He paused, his eye glinting mischievously. "However, I am working on a little side experiment that may shift the balance in your favor."

Danzo's eye narrowed. "And I'm supposed to take you at your word? If you betray me—"

"Calm yourself," Tobi interrupted, his tone almost bored. "Eliminating Itachi serves both our interests, does it not? As long as that remains true, you can rest assured of my cooperation."

Danzo studied him for a long moment, his grip tightening on his cane. "And this… experiment of yours? What exactly is it, and how does it benefit me?"

Tobi tapped a gloved finger against his mask, as if considering how much to reveal. "Ah, right. I was actually hoping you might help me with a bit of information. Consider it a small favor for the sake of our alliance."

Danzo scoffed. "You, asking for information? What could I possibly know that you don't already?"

Tobi's gaze shifted upward to the waning moon, the light reflecting off his mask in an almost spectral glow. "I saw something intriguing during the last full moon. A spectacle, really. And it's been… gnawing at my curiosity ever since."

He turned his head slightly, fixing Danzo with his single, piercing eye. "Tell me, Danzo… what do you know about Hyūga Hinata?"

Danzo stiffened imperceptibly, but Tobi noticed. His grin widened behind his mask. "Ah, so you do know something."

Danzo's voice was carefully measured. "She is the denounced heiress of the Hyūga clan. A timid child, hardly noteworthy among her peers. Why would you concern yourself with her?"

Tobi's chuckle returned, soft but unsettling. "Timid? Hardly. Let's just say I saw something… extraordinary during that battle with a Kaguya clan survivor. Something that should not have been possible for a child of her age—or her lineage."

Danzo's grip on his cane tightened further. "Whatever you think you saw, I suggest you tread carefully. The Hyūga clan is not to be trifled with lightly."

Tobi tilted his head, his voice turning almost playful again. "Oh, but Danzo, you and I both know that power, wherever it resides, is rarely left alone for long." He stood abruptly, the motion unnervingly smooth. "I think I'll do some digging of my own. Thank you for the insight, as always."

He stepped forward, his body beginning to fade into a swirling void of black and crimson. Before he disappeared entirely, he glanced back at Danzo. "Be careful, old man. You're playing a dangerous game. But then again, so am I."

And with that, he was gone, leaving Danzo alone atop the Hokage monument. The moonlight seemed colder now, and the village below stretched out in ominous silence.

Hinata and her team stood at attention in front of the Third Hokage, the air in the chamber heavy with anticipation. The soft rustle of his robes as he adjusted his seat behind the desk was the only sound, save for the distant chirping of birds outside the window. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting long, striped shadows across the room, creating an atmosphere that felt both serene and charged.

It had been over two weeks since they first set out on their mission, and those weeks had been nothing short of extraordinary. As Hinata recounted the events in precise, measured tones, she found herself amazed at how much had transpired in such a short time. She stood straight, her hands clasped neatly in front of her, the weight of leadership pressing heavily on her slender shoulders.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, leaned back slightly, the light catching the faint lines of his face. His expression was inscrutable, though Hinata sensed he was weighing every word.

"We returned to Konoha this morning," Hinata concluded. "Upon arrival, Tayuya-san voluntarily surrendered herself to the proctors of the Chūin Exams, Morino Ibiki and Mitarashi Anko. She claims to have defected from Orochimaru's service and seeks to provide information in exchange for asylum."

Hiruzen's sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "And what of her claims? Do you find them credible?"

Hinata hesitated. "She has been cooperative so far, and her actions during the mission suggest sincerity. However, her allegiance remains uncertain. Her connection to Naruto—" she glanced briefly at her teammate, who stiffened slightly under the Hokage's gaze, "—and their shared family name, Uzumaki, raises further questions. She has provided no clear answers regarding this connection."

The Hokage steepled his fingers, leaning forward slightly. "And your assessment of her as a leader, Hyūga Hinata?"

Hinata straightened. "Tayuya-san fought alongside us when it mattered most. Her actions directly contributed to the success of our mission and the survival of my team."

Hiruzen nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on the team. "You and your team have done well under extremely challenging circumstances. You have my gratitude—and my respect."

The air in the Hokage's office was heavy with both solemnity and disbelief. Hinata and her team stood frozen in place, absorbing the words that had just been spoken. The Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, a small but knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips as he observed their reactions.

"It sounds like quite the adventure you all had," Sarutobi continued, his voice calm and tinged with dry humor. The subtle amusement in his tone did little to mask the gravity of the mission they had just recounted. His eyes, sharp and perceptive even at his age, shifted to Naruto. "Before we continue, Uzumaki Naruto, you should report to the hospital. Have your arm thoroughly examined. Even if it doesn't hurt now, there is always a risk of infection."

Hinata let out a quiet breath of relief. She had been urging Naruto to visit a medic-nin the entire way back to Konoha, but he had stubbornly refused, muttering something vague about hating hospitals. The Hokage's authority, however, carried far more weight.

Naruto, however, crossed his arms defiantly, his blue eyes narrowing. "I'll go… but only after you let Tayuya go free!" he declared, his tone bold and slightly accusatory. His words lacked the reverence typically shown to the Hokage, but it was clear he was speaking from his heart.

Hiruzen's gaze hardened slightly but then softened. He sighed, a mixture of exasperation and understanding. "I'll see what can be done to expedite her situation. These matters take time, Naruto, but I will ensure fairness in her treatment."

Naruto grunted, clearly unsatisfied, but he nodded begrudgingly. Hinata could tell the boy's frustration was less about Tayuya and more about the larger implications of the Uzumaki name—something that had weighed heavily on him since the mission's conclusion.

Before the mood could sour further, Hinata stepped forward. Her voice was hesitant but steady, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Hokage-sama, I have a request. Tayuya-san came to us because of what she saw me do to Orochimaru's barrier. I believe she trusts me… which is why I'd like to request permission to look after her."

The room fell silent. Naruto blinked, visibly surprised by Hinata's boldness, while Kiba and Shino exchanged wary glances. Even Hiruzen seemed taken aback for a moment before his expression relaxed into one of thoughtful consideration.

"Interesting…" he mused, stroking his beard as his gaze swept over Hinata. "Surrounded by the Hyūga, she would indeed find it difficult to cause trouble. Very well, I'll grant your request, Hinata. You'll be responsible for her during this period."

Hinata bowed deeply, her relief evident. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

Naruto's wide grin returned, and Kiba let out a small huff of disbelief. Shino adjusted his glasses, his expression neutral but his posture speaking of quiet approval.

Hiruzen wasn't finished. "Before we address these new assignments, there's still the matter of your mission's compensation," he said, leaning forward.

"Compensation?" Hinata repeated, blinking in confusion. Missions were typically ranked by difficulty, with pay reflecting the associated risks. This mission, based on its parameters, would have been classified as a C-rank. But given the danger they had faced, it seemed the Hokage had a different perspective.

"There is no monetary reward from a client, as this mission was issued internally," the Hokage explained. "However, the bingo book tells a different story." He pulled out a worn, leather-bound book from his desk, flipping to a specific page.

"Uchiha Itachi of Konoha and Hoshigaki Kisame of the Bloody Mist," he said, his voice grave. "Both were classified as S-rank bounties. Their deaths warrant significant rewards. Though the exact circumstances of their deaths remain ambiguous, your actions directly contributed to the outcome. As such, the reward will be divided equally among the four of you."

The room erupted with Kiba's shout of disbelief. "Are you serious!?" His face lit up with excitement, his body practically vibrating with energy. "That's insane! We're rich!"

Shino, ever the calm presence, cleared his throat. "Hokage-sama, are you certain? We played a minimal role in their deaths…"

Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Surviving an encounter with two S-rank shinobi is no small feat, Aburame Shino. Your decisions in that moment—choosing to support Itachi against Kisame and the living weapon Samehada—may very well have ensured their mutual defeat. Consider this both a reward for your actions and acknowledgment of the trials you endured."

He closed the book with a soft thud and leaned back, his tone softening. "Furthermore, rumors have already begun to spread."

"Rumors?" Hinata echoed, her heart sinking.

The Hokage's smile returned, faint but knowing. "Word of your battles has traveled far, Hinata. Merchants from the port city of Kōtō brought tales of a young kunoichi clad in an aura of white who defeated a monstrous, dinosaur-like beast. Within the village, whispers suggest you were instrumental in the deaths of both Itachi and Kisame."

Hinata's face burned crimson, her hands trembling at her sides. She wanted to protest, to deny the outlandish claims, but her voice failed her.

"And so," Hiruzen continued, his gaze locking onto hers, "the people of Konoha and beyond have begun calling you… The White Lotus."

The air in the room grew thick as the weight of the title settled over Hinata. Her knees wobbled, and she nearly stumbled, the magnitude of the epithet crushing her. This wasn't what she wanted. She didn't deserve this.

"Whoa, Hinata!" Kiba's shout broke the tension. He slapped her on the back, grinning ear to ear. "You've got an epitaph now! That's amazing!"

Naruto laughed, his usual enthusiasm undiminished. "Yeah, Hinata! You're like Kakashi-sensei now! The White Lotus—it's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

Shino merely nodded, though there was a faint glimmer of pride behind his sunglasses.

Hinata, however, could only manage a faint, "T-thank you…" as the world seemed to spin around her. This was far more than she had ever asked for. The Third Hokage's next words barely registered in her ears.

"Be sure to stop by accounting on your way out," he said. "Your shares of the bounties will be waiting. That concludes our business for now."

The four of them bowed to the Hokage, and Hinata's movement was a fraction slower, her mind preoccupied with relief and exhaustion. The mission was officially over, but it didn't feel like the conclusion she had expected. Her thoughts turned immediately to Kurenai. She wanted nothing more than to see her sensei, to confirm with her own eyes that she was safe and recovering.

"Ah, Hinata," the Third Hokage called, just as they turned to leave. "Could you stay behind for a moment? There is something more we need to discuss."

Hinata stiffened slightly but nodded. "Of course, Hokage-sama."

She turned to her teammates, gesturing for them to go ahead. "I'll meet you at the hospital," she reassured them. Kiba hesitated, throwing a curious glance at the Hokage, while Naruto frowned, clearly unhappy about leaving her alone. Still, they filed out one by one, the door closing with a soft thud that left Hinata standing alone before the Hokage's desk.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled warmly, yet something about his expression seemed off. It wasn't the usual grandfatherly calm she had come to associate with him, but a thinly veiled tension that made her stomach tighten.

Before she could speak, the Hokage's gaze shifted, not to her but to the shadows behind his desk. "I believe it's safe now," he said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of hidden meaning.

Hinata blinked in confusion, her Nichiren Byakugan flickering instinctively to life. That was when she saw it—no, when she felt it. There was another presence in the room, one deliberately cloaked, hidden from her senses. Even with the heightened clarity of her enhanced vision, her gaze seemed to slide away from it, her mind subtly nudged to dismiss what she saw.

Her breath hitched. This manipulation of perception—this was no ordinary shinobi technique. It was a genjutsu, one crafted with precision and power far beyond her own abilities. A genjutsu so seamless it could only belong to one person.

The shadows shifted, and Uchiha Itachi stepped forward, his silhouette emerging into the light.

Hinata's breath caught as the infamous Sharingan gleamed faintly in the dim office. He reached up, pulling down his mask with deliberate slowness to reveal sharp features, pale and calm, yet radiating an unshakable intensity. Even without his Mangekyo activated, his presence was suffocating. It was as though the room itself bent to accommodate him.

Hinata's gaze snapped to the floor immediately. The memory of his Tsukuyomi was still fresh in her mind, its oppressive, mind-breaking torment etched into her nerves. She wouldn't make the mistake of meeting his eyes again.

"Seems you've become stronger since last we met," Itachi said casually. He pulled a chair away from the wall, its legs scraping loudly against the hardwood floor in a sound that set Hinata's teeth on edge. He sat, folding his hands in his lap as if this were a mundane conversation.

"What are you doing here?" Hinata asked, her voice quieter than she intended. She hadn't expected to see him again so soon—and certainly not here, in the Hokage's office of all places.

"I was forced to change my plans after our last encounter. And after meeting the one you call Kali."

Hinata's shoulders tensed. He had spoken the name so casually, yet the weight behind it was undeniable. Kali's existence was supposed to be a closely guarded secret, even from the Hokage. Yet Itachi knew, and now, he was freely discussing her.

"I… I'm sorry," she stammered reflexively, though she didn't know what she was apologizing for. Was it because she had failed to keep Kali hidden? Or was it simply because she was terrified of him?

"It doesn't matter now," Itachi said, his tone as unyielding as his gaze. He studied her for a moment longer before continuing. "It is… strange, though. I never thought I'd find myself offering over my bounty. Killing me has earned you quite the reputation, Miss White Lotus."

Hinata's face burned, her blush rising so quickly it was almost dizzying. "D-don't call me that!" she blurted out, her head snapping up in reflexive protest. It was a mistake.

Their eyes met, and the moment froze. His Sharingan swirled, its crimson light drawing her in. Yet this time, there was no genjutsu, no crushing illusion to strip her mind bare. He simply studied her, his expression unreadable.

"Curious," he murmured. "You're a hard one to pin down. Are you strong or weak? Brave or cowardly? Sometimes, it seems like both at once."

The words struck her like a blow, cutting deeper than she expected. She clenched her fists at her sides. "I'm just… trying to change," she whispered. "That's all."

"I see," Itachi said simply, his voice betraying neither approval nor disdain. He leaned back in his chair, seemingly content to let the silence stretch.

Hinata stole a glance at the Hokage, who sat unmoving at his desk, his eyes fixed blankly on a scroll. It was then she realized what had happened.

"Hokage-sama?" she ventured, but there was no response.

"He's under my genjutsu," Itachi said matter-of-factly. "He won't disturb us while we talk."

Hinata's heart sank. The Third Hokage, the village's leader, was completely at Itachi's mercy. When Hinata looked back at Itachi, her breath caught. His Sharingan had transformed into the intricate pattern of a Mangekyo—yet this one was different from the three-pronged shuriken she had seen before. This pattern was seven-pronged, radiating a dark elegance that was both mesmerizing and foreboding. "You… broke the Caged Bird Seal?"

If that was true, it meant there was a way to bypass it. For all her fear of Itachi, the possibility of freeing the branch family's suffering took precedence over everything else in her mind.

"No," Itachi said, his voice as steady as ever. He reached up and pulled off his headband, fully exposing the mark on his forehead. "I replaced my left eye with one belonging to Uchiha Shisui. In doing so, I awakened an Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. It seems this new eye is strong enough to mitigate the effects of the altered seal. However, my right eye…" He hesitated briefly, "…is still incapable of using Amaterasu."

"I see…" Hinata said, though disappointment settled heavily in her chest. For a moment, she had thought the answer to her clan's suffering might already be within reach.

But then she realized something else. If the Eternal Mangekyo could bypass the effects of the seal, wasn't that still a possible lead? Her mind raced, trying to piece together how such a powerful eye could counteract something so deeply ingrained.

"Actually," Itachi interrupted her thoughts, his tone shifting ever so slightly, "I wanted to ask you to remove it entirely."

Hinata blinked, her focus snapping back to him. "Remove it?"

"Yes," Itachi said. His voice carried its usual calm, but there was something deeper—a tension coiled beneath the surface, like a string stretched too tightly. "The left eye I now use once belonged to Shisui. His right eye is in the hands of Shimura Danzo. If Danzo has realized my presence, then conflict with him is inevitable. Danzo is not someone I can defeat without Amaterasu or the full power of my Mangekyo Sharingan."

Hinata's mind reeled, struggling to keep up. Shimura Danzo. The name was not unknown to her. How could it be, when whispers of his operations in Root circulated among those in the know? The clandestine faction of ANBU under his control was infamous, shrouded in shadow and spoken of with quiet trepidation. Root, a hidden army within the Hidden Leaf, was rumored to train operatives with ruthless efficiency, stripping them of all emotion and individuality to create perfect weapons for the village.

Danzo was said to have his hands in everything: espionage, assassination, manipulation. He was a relic of the old ways, unyielding and brutal in his methods. And if half the rumors were true, he was not above sacrificing his own people to achieve his goals.

"Shimura Danzo," Hinata murmured, her voice hesitant. "The leader of Root… but what do you mean by Shisui's eye?"

Itachi's gaze sharpened, his expression remaining calm but tinged with something unreadable. "Uchiha Shisui was one of the most gifted shinobi of our clan. His prowess with the Sharingan was second to none, even among the Uchiha. But what set him apart was his Mangekyo Sharingan."

Hinata blinked, curiosity piqued. She was already familiar with Itachi's Mangekyo—having experienced it personally-—but based on the way he was talking, Shisui's was a cut above even that. "What made his Mangekyo so special?"

Itachi leaned back slightly, his tone growing somber. "Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan possessed a technique known as Kotoamatsukami—a genjutsu so powerful that it allowed him to manipulate someone's thoughts without their knowledge. It wasn't coercion or suggestion; it rewrote their will entirely, making them believe the manipulated thoughts were their own. The technique was nearly impossible to detect and even harder to counter."

Hinata's eyes widened. The implications of such a power were staggering. "And… Danzo has this eye?"

Itachi nodded gravely. "Before Shisui's death, Danzo coveted his abilities. Shisui's right eye was stolen by Danzo during an encounter, a betrayal that led to Shisui's decision to entrust his remaining eye to me. With that eye, Danzo gained access to Kotoamatsukami, though its use is limited due to the technique's immense chakra cost. Even so, in the hands of a man like Danzo, that power is dangerous beyond measure."

Hinata felt a chill run down her spine. The thought of such a technique being used by someone with Danzo's rumored ruthlessness was deeply unsettling. "Why would Danzo need such a power?"

"To shape the village to his will," Itachi replied, his voice calm but edged with disdain. "Danzo believes in achieving peace through absolute control. Root operates in the shadows, with its agents stripped of individuality and loyalty to anything but him. He sees himself as the true protector of Konoha, even if it means sacrificing the village's ideals to maintain his vision of order."

Hinata absorbed this information, her mind racing. If what Itachi said was true, then Danzo's influence extended far beyond what she had imagined. And with Shisui's eye in his possession, he had a weapon capable of bending even the strongest minds to his will.

"And you think he'll use Shisui's eye to gain power in the village?" Hinata asked cautiously.

"I don't think," Itachi corrected, his tone as cold and precise as a blade. "I know. Danzo's ambitions have never been a secret to those paying attention. And now, with the chaos left in the wake of Orochimaru's failed invasion, he has the leverage he's been waiting for to undermine Sarutobi's authority."

Hinata's stomach tightened at his words. She remembered something Asuma had mentioned before her mission—the murmurs of dissent in the village, whispers of someone challenging the Sandaime's leadership. She hadn't pressed him for details at the time, but now it all made sense. It had been Danzo all along.

The realization was like a weight settling in her chest. Danzo wasn't just a shadow in Konoha; he was a storm waiting to break. And if what Itachi said was true, that storm was already gathering strength.

"Danzo consolidated power by convincing me to kill my clan, claiming it would protect the stability of the village," Itachi continued, his voice low. "By accepting his terms, by turning my blade on my own family… I gave him the space to grow. Now, he wields Shisui's eye as a weapon, twisting the ideals we fought to preserve. This is my burden to bear, and I will see it through."

The weight of his words settled over the room like a thick fog. Hinata could feel the raw edges of his resolve, the isolation he had resigned himself to. She had been terrified of Itachi since their first encounter, but now she saw something else—an almost unbearable loneliness.

"But to face him," Itachi added, his voice steady once more, "I need my full strength. That is why I ask for your help, Hinata. To remove the seal, so I can stand against him with the power required."

Hinata swallowed hard. Itachi's motivations were clear—protect the village from Danzo. But could she trust him with that power, knowing the risks that came with it? Amaterasu wasn't just a technique; it was a connection to something far greater, something Kali had warned her about.

"You've placed Hokage-sama under a genjutsu," she said, her voice steady but sharp. "And now you're asking me to help you get your power back? To take back Shisui's other eye, as if you're any different from Danzo?"

Itachi's gaze hardened for a moment, the faintest crack in his calm demeanor. "Is that what you think? That I seek power for myself, the same way Danzo does?"

"You're asking me to remove a seal that's there to keep your power in check," Hinata replied, her fists tightening at her sides. "How is that any different? You both seem willing to use whatever means necessary to achieve your goals. How can I trust you with something so dangerous?"

For a moment, silence filled the room, heavy and oppressive. Then, Itachi exhaled softly, his expression softening just enough to convey sincerity. "Danzo's ambition is driven by fear—fear of losing control, fear of being powerless. Everything he does is to consolidate that control, no matter the cost. I do not seek power for myself, Hinata. My goal is to prevent another tragedy like the Uchiha massacre, another cycle of hatred that tears this village apart."

Hinata hesitated, her resolve wavering as his words struck a chord. "And yet you still placed Hokage-sama under a genjutsu. How can you expect me to believe you're different?"

"I did so to protect your secret," Itachi countered firmly, his gaze unwavering. "I've done exhaustive research since meeting you two weeks ago and have found nothing on Kali or your Nichiren Byakugan. Great lengths have clearly been taken to protect those secrets. I assumed you wouldn't want them to come out, even to Sarutobi, and so I took this step for your sake."

Hinata's breath caught, and the anger bubbling inside her began to fade, replaced by guilt and unease. She hadn't considered that angle, that the Genjutsu was simply to provide them privacy. The realization stung, and a faint blush crept up her neck as she looked away.

Itachi's voice softened, his tone almost compassionate. "I don't expect you to trust me completely, Hinata. But know this—I've already made my sacrifices. I've given up everything so that others wouldn't have to. I don't ask for this power lightly. I ask for it because it's the only way I can protect the village from threats like Danzo."

Hinata closed her eyes, trying to steady her thoughts. She didn't know if she could trust him entirely, but she couldn't deny the truth in his words. If Danzo truly was as dangerous as Itachi claimed, then ignoring the problem wasn't an option. And deep down, a small part of her couldn't help but believe in his quiet, relentless determination to protect the village—no matter the cost.

"I understand," she said at last, her voice quiet. "But even if I wanted to remove the Caged Bird Seal, I don't know how. I've decided to look into it—for my clan, for Neji-nii-san—but I don't have a solution yet."

Itachi studied her for a moment, his gaze steady. "I believe you," he said, his voice calm and sincere. "But are you certain that Kali doesn't know of a way?"

Hinata's hands tightened at her sides, her fingers trembling slightly. "She told me she doesn't," she replied firmly. "If there's anything she hasn't shared, it's because she believes I'm not ready to know. And I trust her judgment."

Itachi's lips pressed into a thin line, and he nodded once. "Then let me speak with her again."

Hinata's heart skipped a beat, a flash of alarm coursing through her. "What? No—it's not that simple! I can only speak to Kali through meditation. She's not someone I can just summon on command."

"Leave that part to me," Itachi interrupted, his voice gaining a weight of authority that made Hinata pause. Before she could protest further, the world around her began to dissolve. The Hokage's office melted away into an infinite blank expanse of white.

Hinata's breath quickened as she took in her surroundings. It wasn't like Kali's meditative realm, nor was it anything like Tsukuyomi's oppressive nightmare. This place felt… neutral. A void, tranquil yet unsettling in its stark emptiness.

"This is Kotoamatsukami," Itachi explained, his voice cutting through the silence. "It's not as precise as Tsukuyomi for creating worlds, but it will suffice for reaching her."

The air rippled faintly, and then, as if summoned by his words, Kali materialized. Her violet-and-white shrine maiden robes billowed as though caught in an invisible breeze, her eyes glowing faintly with the power of the Nichiren Byakugan.

"You really don't learn, do you?" Kali said sharply, her voice sharp as a blade as she stepped forward, her stance radiating controlled fury. "You want me to knock some sense into you again?"

Itachi remained composed, his expression calm as he lifted both hands in a placating gesture. "I'm here to negotiate," he said smoothly, his tone measured and deliberate, as though addressing a particularly volatile opponent.

Kali snorted, the sound sharp and dismissive. Her narrowed eyes glinted with barely concealed disdain as she crossed her arms. "Tch. Negotiate? Fine. Let's hear it then. What desperate excuse are you using this time to justify meddling with forces you don't understand?"

Itachi met her gaze steadily, unflinching despite the weight of her presence. His voice remained calm, though his words carried a subtle intensity. "The seal is impeding me," he said evenly. "I need it removed if I'm to fulfill my duties here."

"And you want me to risk removing it," Kali retorted, her voice flat but brimming with incredulity. She took another step forward, her energy crackling faintly in the air around her. "Knowing full well what kind of power you could unleash if I do?"

"I will only use Amaterasu when absolutely necessary," Itachi replied, his tone carefully controlled. But there was an edge to his voice now, a hint of steel beneath the calm veneer.

Kali's eyes flashed dangerously, and her posture shifted, exuding an almost oppressive authority. Her hands tightened into fists at her sides, though she kept them restrained. "You don't get it, do you?" she snapped, her voice rising slightly, her frustration evident in every syllable. "Amaterasu isn't just a technique. It's a gateway. When you borrow power from the gods, you don't just take—you give them a foothold, an invitation to cross into our world. Do you even comprehend the scale of danger you're playing with?"

Itachi tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed her words. Despite the sharpness of her tone, he remained unshaken. "You speak as if you've met Amaterasu," he said, his voice quieter now, almost probing.

Kali's jaw tightened, and her eyes flicked away for the briefest moment, as if remembering something distant and unpleasant. The tension in her stance grew, the very air around her seeming to still as if holding its breath. The silence that followed was thick, charged with unspoken memories and warnings, and for the first time, even Itachi seemed to hesitate.

"My grandmother and Amaterasu were childhood friends, apparently," Kali responded, her tone begrudging but firm. "And trust me, if my grandmother had anything to say about her, it wasn't good. That woman—if you can even call her that—was a force to be reckoned with." For the first time, Kali spoke about her grandmother with more than just reverence; there was a note of unease that even Hinata picked up on. It was the first she'd ever really heard Kali talk about her lineage in this way, connecting her to figures who were more legend than reality.

Itachi tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful but otherwise unreadable. "I think I finally understand what it is you are," he murmured, his words more for himself than anyone else. His gaze lingered on Kali, examining her intently. "But I have one question. Why is it that I've never heard of your Nichiren Byakugan before now? Surely, someone as powerful as you appearing in every generation wouldn't go unnoticed."

"Not necessarily," Kali replied with a shrug, her casual dismissal almost mocking. "You're young, so maybe it's hard for you to see the bigger picture. The concept of ninja villages is relatively recent in the grand scheme of things. Before their establishment, clans only cared about one thing: war. My power isn't meant for war. It's meant to deal with something much older and much more dangerous. That's why it rarely made waves."

"I see," Itachi said after a moment, his eyes lingering on Kali's shrine maiden robes, the violet-and-white fabric catching an unseen light. His mind seemed to be piecing together the puzzle, but whatever conclusions he was drawing, he kept to himself. After a pause, he returned to the matter at hand. "We've strayed from the point. Let me ask again—are you sure there's no way to resolve this?"

Kali sighed deeply, crossing her arms and giving him an annoyed look. "You really don't give up, do you?" Her tone was sharp but tinged with reluctant admiration. She stood silent for a moment, as though weighing something, then finally spoke. "Fine. There might be something, but it's a long shot. Don't get your hopes up."

"You have something in mind?" Hinata's voice rose, a mixture of surprise and hope. The last time they'd spoken about the Caged Bird Seal, Kali hadn't offered anything concrete. Could she really have come up with something so quickly?

"It's purely a coincidence," Kali said, raising a hand to temper their expectations. "The timing just lines up. You went on a mission to retrieve the Moonfire Blossom, and now you're looking for a way to remove the Caged Bird Seal. There's a slim chance the two might be connected."

Hinata's breath caught. "You mean… the Moonfire Elixir?" Her mind raced as she tried to piece together what Kali was suggesting. "You think it could…?"

"It's possible," Kali admitted, though her tone was far from optimistic. "The Moonfire Elixir works by superheating your chakra system. It burns out foreign influences entirely. That's why it could neutralize the Kusanagi's poison—it purges it right out of your chakra network. If it can do that, it might also be able to disrupt a man-made seal. But…"

"But?" Hinata pressed, her voice trembling slightly.

"It's just a theory," Kali said firmly, holding Hinata's gaze. "I'd say the odds are about one in three. It might work, or it might do nothing at all. Worst-case scenario…" She hesitated, her usual confidence faltering for a moment. "Worst-case, it might kill the person who takes it. The Caged Bird Seal is designed to vanish only upon death, after all."

"I'll accept those odds." Itachi's voice cut through the air, calm and resolute. "If the elixir works for me, then Hinata can confirm its use for her clan. Both of us stand to gain."

Hinata turned to him sharply. "You can't make that decision so easily. This isn't just a matter of success or failure. If you take this and it doesn't work…"

"I've already resolved to face the consequences," Itachi interrupted. His gaze softened slightly, though his resolve remained unshaken. "The stakes justify the risk. You brought back extra vials, didn't you?"

Hinata hesitated. "I did. Three. One was used for Kurenai-sensei, which means I have two left. But even if—"

"Not so fast." Kali stepped forward, placing herself between Hinata and Itachi. Her voice was sharp, her eyes blazing with a ferocity that made Hinata pause. "We're not just handing it over without guarantees. You said you wanted to negotiate, right, Fledgling? Then I have terms."

"Name them," Itachi said, his response immediate. His focus never wavered, though there was a flicker of tension in his shoulders.

Kali tilted her head, her lips curling into a smirk. "I know you've managed to collect both the Totsuka Blade and the Yata Mirror. If you want the elixir, then you'll hand over the Yata Mirror to Hinata."

For the first time, Itachi faltered. His expression remained calm, but the slight hesitation in his response revealed his unease. "You want the Yata Mirror," he said slowly, as though testing the weight of her demand.

"Exactly." Kali's voice was firm, her gaze locked on his. "We're taking a monumental risk by giving you a tool that could invite Amaterasu herself into our world. If that happens, we'll need the mirror to stand any chance of countering her. Considering the stakes, I think it's a fair trade."

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind clearly working through the implications. "You believe Amaterasu has a connection to the Yata Mirror?"

"Of course she does," Kali snapped. "The gods don't just lend their power at random. That mirror has been imbued with her essence, whether you realize it or not."

Hinata glanced between them, her chest tightening. She had never seen Kali so openly rattled, so quick to react with what could only be described as fear. "You're that worried about Amaterasu?" she asked softly.

Kali turned to her, her expression softening just slightly. "Yes, Hinata. You don't understand what she's like. My grandmother—who could fight gods herself—spoke of Amaterasu with nothing but dread. That goddess is vain, cruel, and insatiably hungry for love. The mere thought of her crossing into this world should terrify you."

Itachi listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "If she's as dangerous as you claim, why would she lend her power to humans in the first place?"

"Because the gods like to play games," Kali answered sharply. "And sometimes, those games have devastating consequences. You're borrowing a fraction of her power, but every time you do, you leave a door open. One day, she might just decide to walk through it."

Hinata's stomach churned. She hadn't fully grasped the gravity of Kali's warnings before, but hearing them now, framed in this way, made her skin crawl.

Finally, Itachi inclined his head. "I understand. In exchange for the Yata Mirror, I will accept the elixir. If it fails, I trust you will share any further methods you discover for removing the seal."

"Only if you survive," Kali said, her voice still sharp.

"Only if I survive," Itachi agreed.

"Hinata," Kali said, turning to her with a sudden gentleness that seemed at odds with the fiery edge of her previous words. Her lavender eyes softened, and her posture shifted, less confrontational now, more understanding. "This is your call. Are you willing to take this risk?"

Hinata's breath caught in her throat, and she glanced down at her hands, which trembled faintly at her sides. The weight of the moment bore down on her, heavy and unyielding. Her heart raced as she considered the consequences. It wasn't just about Itachi—it was about her clan. She thought of Neji, of his resigned expression whenever the seal came up, and of the countless branch family members who had lived and died shackled by its curse.

If there was even a chance, a sliver of hope, to free them…

"I accept," she said at last, her voice soft but unwavering. She looked up, meeting Kali's gaze with a resolve that surprised even herself. "We'll try."

Itachi inclined his head in acknowledgment, his movements deliberate and almost reverent. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, fleeting but genuine. "You are kind, Hinata," he said, his voice carrying an odd mix of respect and melancholy. "Perhaps too kind for the world we live in. But thank you."

Kali sighed heavily, breaking the gravity of the moment with a wave of her hand. "Yeah, yeah," she muttered, her tone more gruff now, as if to mask any lingering emotion. "Don't thank us yet. This isn't over. Now get out of here before I change my mind."

She turned away, her robes shifting softly as she moved, but not before shooting Itachi a final sharp glance. "And remember what I said about Amaterasu. You bring her down on this world..." The threat faded into the void.

In the blink of an eye, the stark white expanse dissolved, and the familiar walls of the Hokage's office reappeared around Hinata. Her breath hitched as the transition left her disoriented for a moment, but Itachi moved as if nothing had happened. Without hesitation, he reached into his cloak, producing a scroll adorned with intricate seals. He unfurled it on the desk with practiced precision, and with a subtle pulse of his chakra, a small circular mirror materialized before them.

"The Yata Mirror," Itachi said, his voice calm and resolute as he lifted the artifact.

The mirror's appearance was deceptively simple at first glance, its polished bronze backside gleaming faintly under the soft light of the office. Yet, as Hinata's gaze lingered on its surface, she saw subtle ripples shimmering across it, as though it held a pool of liquid light beneath its frame. The edges of the mirror were encased in an intricate design of ancient symbols, carved so finely that they seemed to hum faintly with an unseen energy. The object seemed to radiate an aura of quiet power, restrained yet palpable.

Hinata hesitated before accepting it, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the cool metal. A faint warmth pulsed through her fingertips, not uncomfortable but noticeable—like the mirror was acknowledging her touch. She swallowed hard. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Itachi regarded her with an unreadable expression, his Sharingan eyes lingering on the mirror before meeting hers. "The mirror's true potential lies in its wielder's ability to bring out its essence," he said. "It once served as a shield against all attacks, physical and spiritual. In the hands of the right person, it may serve that purpose again."

Hinata nodded, her heart heavy as she slipped the mirror carefully into her travel pack. Though she still didn't fully understand its significance, the weight of the gift wasn't lost on her.

From her pack, she retrieved one of the remaining vials of the Moonfire Elixir. The liquid inside glowed faintly, a molten orange hue that seemed to radiate warmth even in the cool air of the office. Holding it carefully, she extended it toward Itachi.

"Thank you," he said, taking the vial with the same care she had shown the mirror. For a moment, his fingers lingered on the glass, his gaze distant. "This elixir represents hope—for you, for your clan, and perhaps even for me. I will ensure that if I survive, its potential is realized."

"And if you don't…" Hinata's voice faltered, the weight of what they had just discussed crashing down on her. "If it doesn't work…"

"Then this is goodbye," Itachi said, finishing her thought with a faint but serene smile. "But do not let that burden you. I have long accepted the risks of my path. You, on the other hand, still have much ahead of you. Focus on your journey, not mine."

The words were meant to reassure her, but they only deepened the lump in her throat. She nodded silently, knowing there was nothing more she could say to dissuade him.

With that, Itachi reached up and adjusted the porcelain mask of the ANBU, slipping it back into place. The moment he did, the transformation was almost tangible. His presence, which had been so sharp and commanding, seemed to melt away, leaving an empty void where he stood. Even as Hinata watched him step back, her mind struggled to hold onto the memory of him. His footsteps were soft, almost inaudible, and by the time he disappeared into the shadows, it felt as though he had never been there at all.

Hinata stood frozen for a moment, staring at the space he had just vacated. Only the faint warmth of the Yata Mirror in her bag reminded her that the encounter had been real. Steeling herself, she took a deep breath and turned to leave the office.

The list of things she had to do was already overwhelming, and at the very top was visiting her teacher in the hospital. As Hinata made her way down the corridors of the Hokage's tower, she paused at the accounting office, her steps hesitant. She couldn't ignore the bounty money—it was part of the mission's reward—but the weight of it in her mind felt heavier than she had imagined.

The bag she was handed was large, its contents jingling softly with a fortune she had never before seen in her life. It represented victory, survival, and success. Yet, as she cradled it against her side, her heart twisted with unease. The memory of Itachi's quiet acknowledgment of his own "death" lingered in her mind. This money, in part, was blood payment for a deception meant to keep him hidden.

Her grip on the bag tightened as she took a steadying breath. This wasn't for her, she reminded herself. It was for her team, for their village. With that thought, she stepped out of the tower and into the golden light of a serene afternoon.

The peace of the day was immediately interrupted by the sound of raised voices.

At first, she froze, her instincts sharpening. Her ears caught the unmistakable timbre of Naruto's voice, heated and loud, clashing against someone else's sharper, icier tone. Another argument, she thought with a mix of fondness and exasperation. It didn't take much to imagine who the other party might be.

Hinata hadn't yet deactivated her Nichiren Byakugan, and with a quick glance, her vision honed in on the scene just outside the tower. Naruto stood rigid, his fists clenched as he squared off with a figure just as tense. His opponent's dark hair caught the sunlight, and his expression was one of cold fury.

Uchiha Sasuke.

Hinata sighed, her steps quickening but cautious. The two of them were always at odds, their rivalry a constant presence during their academy days. But there was something different about this argument. It wasn't the usual immature bickering. The air between them felt charged, like two forces pulling at a fraying rope.

As she drew closer, Hinata's vision caught something else, something that froze her in her tracks.

Behind Naruto, as always, loomed Asura's shade. Its presence was familiar now, a constant and protective energy bound to her friend. But what truly caught her attention was the shadow behind Sasuke.

It was faint at first, like a ripple in her vision, but as she focused, its form became clearer. A figure, tall and regal, with sharp, piercing eyes that mirrored Sasuke's own. Its presence exuded an oppressive aura, a mix of pride and malice that made her breath hitch.

Ōtsutsuki Indra.

The realization struck her like a physical blow. He was the one. The one Asura had warned her about. The other trapped in this endless cycle of reincarnation. The one destined to stand opposite Naruto.

Indra's shade seemed to glance at her through Sasuke's own eyes, as though sensing her observation. A chill ran down her spine, and she clenched the bag of bounty money tighter, the coins inside clinking softly. For a moment, her legs refused to move.

Naruto and Sasuke's argument escalated, their voices rising in intensity. Yet, to Hinata, the words were distant, drowned out by the weight of the revelation.

She had found Indra. And with him, the storm that was sure to come.

Chapter End

AN: Now it's time for Indra to come in as well. Sasuke's introduction was a little late, but as another transmigrant, expect him to also have a big role to play.

Speaking of a role to play, the Yata Mirror also returned this chapter as a physical artifact. That will come into the story more as we go as well.