Hinata of the White Lotus
From the Ashes
"This way! Come on!" Naruto called as he skipped ahead, his excitement palpable. He kept turning back to urge the two girls to keep up, his energy practically bouncing off the lantern-lit streets.
"Is this place really all that good?" Tayuya asked, dragging her feet forward with a groan. Every step felt like an act of willpower; her body ached from hours of interrogation and mind-dives, and her stomach had been growling loud enough to echo in the streets. She hadn't eaten anything all day, and the gnawing hunger was making her head pound. At this point, she'd eat a pile of rocks if someone salted it.
"It's quite delicious," Hinata assured her softly. She glanced at Tayuya, her tone as measured as ever, though there was a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. Hinata recalled how the last time she had visited this particular ramen stand, she had eaten enough bowls to impress even Naruto. That was saying something.
Naruto, hearing their exchange, turned back with a big grin. "Delicious? Pfft, that's underselling it. This is the best ramen in all of Konoha! Believe it!" He tapped his stomach dramatically. "Ichiraku Ramen is practically a gift from the gods. You'll see. Just wait!"
"Yeah, we'll see," Tayuya muttered skeptically, though her lips twitched as if suppressing a smile. She shoved her hands into her pockets, glancing around the bustling streets of Konoha. The village was so… bright. Lanterns and shop signs glowed warm and inviting in the evening air, a stark contrast to the grim, utilitarian sprawl of Orochimaru's Sound hideouts. Even the air here seemed lighter somehow. Fresh. Alive.
Her eyes flickered toward Naruto. He was practically bouncing on his toes as he walked ahead, his joy infectiously radiant. Tayuya hated to admit it, but it was kind of… nice. She stole a glance at Hinata walking beside her, calm and composed, yet there was an unmistakable warmth to her presence. For the first time in a long while, Tayuya didn't feel completely out of place. Not entirely, at least.
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata started hesitantly, her voice just loud enough to be heard over the clamor of the street. "He was always alone. Yet despite that… he's always been so bright. Almost the complete opposite of me. I've always admired his ability to endure, even when he had nothing. But recently… I realized he was only acting that way to hide his pain and loneliness."
Tayuya raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at Hinata. There was something raw in her tone, an honesty that caught her off guard.
Hinata continued, her cheeks tinged pink. "I… I don't know why I'm telling you this. Maybe I just hope you'll be kind to him. He deserves that."
Tayuya's brow furrowed as she considered Hinata's words. After a pause, she spoke, her tone quieter than usual. "After my mom died, I gave up on ever having anything close to a family again." She hesitated, kicking a stray rock in her path. "And, yeah, I'm a bitch. Soft edges were never my thing. But… I'll try. For him." She looked away, her voice softening even further. "He fought for me, even when I couldn't fight for myself. That was before he even knew my last name. He's earned that much."
Hinata smiled warmly, her heart swelling at Tayuya's admission. "Thank you," she said softly. She meant it, and judging by the faintest hint of red on Tayuya's cheeks, it seemed her words were appreciated.
Naruto's enthusiastic voice cut through the moment. "Here we are!" He stood in front of a small ramen stand, waving his arms as if presenting a masterpiece. "The most delicious ramen in all of Konoha!"
The three of them stepped inside, greeted enthusiastically by Teuchi and Ayame. After placing their orders, Naruto immediately launched into a tirade of recommendations, leaning into Tayuya's space with the excitement of a kid showing off his favorite toy.
"Miso ramen's the best—no, wait! Maybe the pork! Nah, you gotta try the extra egg… Oh, and the spicy one's good too! Or—"
"Do you ever shut up?" Tayuya asked, though her smirk betrayed that she wasn't really annoyed. "You're worse than a starving dog. Just let me figure it out for myself, loudmouth."
Hinata chuckled quietly, seated on Tayuya's other side. She listened as Naruto rambled on, her small smile growing as he described the village's hidden gems with boundless enthusiasm. The more he talked, the more she admired the way he spoke of Konoha. Despite all the hardships he had endured, he spoke of the village with nothing but love and hope. It was… inspiring.
When their bowls arrived, Ayame placed one in front of Hinata with a teasing smile. "One bowl of miso for The White Lotus."
Hinata flushed instantly, ducking her head. "P-Please don't call me that," she stammered, mortified. The nickname had spread faster than she anticipated, and she still wasn't used to the attention it brought.
"Why not? I think it's cute," Ayame said earnestly, her smile genuine. "You were incredible in that fight. Everyone's talking about it."
Before Hinata could protest, Teuchi chimed in with a hearty laugh. "I knew you were someone to watch since the first time you came here!"
Unable to argue, Hinata quietly dug into her ramen, the taste melting her embarrassment as she lost herself in the food. Eight bowls later, the three of them emerged from the stand, bellies full and spirits high.
"Holy shit, you can eat," Tayuya said, glancing at Hinata as if seeing her in a new light. "You're like a bottomless pit."
Naruto groaned, holding his stomach. "I'll beat you next time, Hinata! Just you wait!"
Tayuya rolled her eyes but smirked. "Don't take it too hard, champ. At least the food wasn't garbage, unlike that crap we had in the Sound. Think half of it was just sawdust."
Hinata smiled faintly, though the thought of Orochimaru's experiments and conditions left a bitter taste.
Naruto perked up again. "So, what now?"
Hinata hesitated, her smile faltering slightly. "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. I need to return home and report to my family. And… Tayuya-san needs to come with me. That was part of the agreement for letting her out of the interrogation unit."
Naruto's face fell, but he quickly forced a grin. "That's okay. Tomorrow, then?"
"Fine," Tayuya said, shrugging. "I gotta head back to the interrogation squad in the morning, but if you can drag me outta there around noon, we can hang out after."
Naruto's grin returned in full force. "Awesome! See ya then!"
As they parted ways, Hinata glanced at Tayuya, who was trying—and failing—to hide her own small smile. For the first time, Hinata felt that maybe, just maybe, this new bond they were forming would turn out to be something truly special.
The evening streets of Konoha were alive with the hum of life, lanterns casting a warm glow over cobblestone paths. The aroma of grilled skewers from food stalls mingled with the faint floral scent of blooming wisteria vines hanging from shopfronts. Children laughed as they darted past, while shinobi and villagers alike strolled through the market district, exchanging greetings. For most, it was an ordinary evening in the Hidden Leaf Village, but for the two girls walking side by side, the quiet between them held a weight of its own.
Tayuya, her hands shoved into her jacket pockets, glanced sideways at Hinata. Her sharp eyes caught the faint flush that lingered on the other girl's cheeks, likely still from the farewell with Naruto. After a moment of contemplation, Tayuya broke the silence.
"So… how long have you had a crush on him?" she asked casually, her tone as nonchalant as if she were commenting on the weather. Yet her words landed with the subtlety of a kunai in the ribs.
Hinata froze mid-step, her face turning crimson. "I-It's not really a crush!" she stammered, her voice raising an octave. She tried to compose herself but failed miserably, clutching her hands tightly in front of her. "It's just that I really respect him, and… and he inspires me to be more confident."
The words sounded truthful enough, but the way Hinata's voice wavered betrayed her entirely. Tayuya raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the weak denial.
"Yeah, okay," Tayuya drawled, rolling her eyes. "Whatever you say, Princess." Her smirk tugged at one corner of her mouth. "Look, girl-talk about love and feelings and all that mushy shit isn't exactly my thing, so I'll make this short. You need to make a move while you can. There's no telling what'll happen in this screwed-up world."
Hinata blinked, taken aback not only by Tayuya's bluntness but by the undercurrent of sincerity in her tone. It was clear Tayuya was speaking from experience, though who or what that experience involved remained a mystery. Still, the words struck a chord.
"…You're right, of course," Hinata murmured, her gaze dropping to the road ahead. Her voice softened, almost as if she were speaking more to herself than to Tayuya. "I've liked him for a long time, but it was only recently that he even realized I exist. To be honest… I've just been happy with the progress we've made. To wish for anything more than this…" She trailed off, the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her shoulders. "It feels selfish. There's so much expected of me now."
Tayuya frowned, her eyes studying Hinata carefully. The Hyūga girl's posture was rigid, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Hinata was carrying more than just feelings for Naruto. Whatever burden she was shouldering, it was heavy—and, Tayuya suspected, lonely.
"Well, I'll help where I can," Tayuya said suddenly, her tone firm but not unkind. "I don't know how much use I'll actually be, but if it means taking even a little of that weight off your shoulders, then you better let me. Use that time to focus on yourself. Hell, maybe even work up the guts to tell that idiot how you feel."
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise. She turned to Tayuya, her lips parting as if to respond, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she simply smiled—a genuine, heartfelt expression that spoke louder than any words could. "Thank you," she said softly.
The two girls walked on in silence after that, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. The Hyūga compound wasn't far now, its towering walls visible in the distance. Around them, the streets of Konoha began to settle into a calm rhythm. Vendors packed up their stalls, mothers called for their children to come home, and the warm orange of the lanterns deepened into the soft purples and blues of dusk.
For Tayuya, the quiet was a welcome reprieve. She wasn't someone who needed constant chatter, and Hinata didn't seem the type to force it either. They were different in so many ways, but in that moment, they shared an unspoken understanding. Not everyone could be like Naruto, after all. Sometimes, the quiet was enough.
The Hyūga compound sprawled across the district like a testament to tradition and legacy. High stone walls surrounded the area, their edges lined with ancient wisteria vines that swayed gently in the evening breeze. The compound's gate was crafted from polished wood reinforced with iron, bearing the Hyūga crest prominently at its center. As Hinata pushed the gate open, the faint sound of a bamboo water feature echoed through the air, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Inside, the compound unfolded like a meticulously arranged garden. Neatly trimmed bonsai trees stood alongside clusters of white camellias, their delicate petals glowing in the fading sunlight. Stone pathways wove through the grounds, leading to smaller houses scattered throughout. These belonged to branch family members, each home uniform in structure but exuding an understated elegance that spoke of Hyūga pride. In the very center stood the main house, a grand structure built in the traditional style of the pre-village era. Its sloping tiled roof and ornate wooden beams gave it an imposing yet graceful presence.
Tayuya trudged beside Hinata, her gaze flickering over the surroundings. Though she tried to mask her awe, her gawking betrayed her. Her crimson eyes lingered on the koi pond near the main pathway, where orange and white fish glided beneath the surface of clear water, undisturbed by the world around them. Everything here screamed wealth and history—something she wasn't accustomed to.
"This is… something else," Tayuya muttered, almost to herself. She glanced at Hinata, her tone casual but her eyes betraying a mix of curiosity and discomfort. "People really live like this, huh?"
Hinata offered a small smile, sensing Tayuya's unease. "The Hyūga clan is one of the oldest families in Konoha. My ancestors built this compound long before the village was founded. I suppose I've always taken it for granted."
They reached the main house, a towering structure of dark wood and pale shoji screens. The veranda wrapped around the building, its polished planks creaking softly under their steps. Hinata slid the front door open, revealing a spacious entryway lit by paper lanterns. The faint scent of sandalwood incense hung in the air, calming and familiar.
Standing just inside the door was Hanabi, her petite frame poised with practiced grace. Her brown hair was neatly pulled back, and her pale lavender eyes—so like Hinata's—brightened the moment they landed on her older sister.
"Onee-sama," Hanabi greeted with a deep bow, her tone formal. She straightened, glancing briefly at Tayuya. There was no animosity in her gaze, only quiet curiosity.
"Hanabi. I'm home," Hinata replied warmly. Ignoring the formalities, she stepped forward and pulled her sister into a tight hug. Hanabi stiffened for a moment before relaxing, burying her face against Hinata's chest. Though she maintained a composed expression, the way she clung to her sister spoke volumes.
"Welcome home," Hanabi murmured, her voice muffled. There was a faint tremor in her tone, and Hinata suspected her sister had been worried. News of her mission had undoubtedly reached the compound, and though Hinata had returned victorious, the dangers she faced had been very real.
"Thank you, Hanabi." Hinata stroked her sister's hair gently, savoring the moment. It wasn't long before the sound of shuffling behind them reminded her of their guest. Reluctantly, she pulled back and turned to Tayuya.
"I'd like to introduce you. This is my little sister, Hanabi," Hinata said, placing a hand on her sister's shoulder. "And this is Uzumaki Tayuya. She'll be staying with us for a while. I've been assigned to watch over her."
Hanabi tilted her head slightly, her expression carefully neutral. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Uzumaki-san," she said, bowing politely despite her youth.
Tayuya shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Yeah, uh, same here," she said, nodding stiffly. "And just Tayuya's fine. No need for all the formal crap."
Hanabi blinked, a hint of surprise flashing in her pale eyes before she straightened. "Tayuya, then," she corrected herself, though her speech remained formal. It was clear the younger Hyuga had been raised with strict etiquette, and it wasn't easy for her to let go of it.
Before the conversation could continue, a familiar voice cut through the air.
"Hinata."
The three of them turned to see Hyūga Hiashi standing at the end of the hallway, his presence as commanding as ever. Dressed in his traditional robes, the Hyūga clan head exuded an air of authority that made even Tayuya stand a little straighter. His pale lavender eyes regarded them with his usual calm intensity.
"Welcome home," he said, inclining his head slightly. "I know it is sudden, but I ask you to accompany me."
"Yes, Father," Hinata replied, bowing deeply. She turned to Tayuya, offering an apologetic smile. "Please have Hanabi show you to my room. There are some scrolls in my cabinet. If you find the documents written by a girl named Yōko, you're welcome to read them. She was my predecessor, and there might be some mention of your mother in there."
Tayuya's eyes widened at the mention of her mother, her tough exterior momentarily cracking. "You're sure?" she asked, her voice quieter than usual.
Hinata nodded. "You have a right to see them." She turned to Hanabi, who looked uncertain. "Please take care of her for me."
Hanabi hesitated but eventually nodded. "Of course, Onee-sama."
With one last glance at Tayuya, Hinata followed her father down the hallway, the soft creak of their footsteps fading into the distance. Tayuya stood silently for a moment before Hanabi gestured politely toward the inner chambers.
"This way, Tayuya," Hanabi said, her tone soft but formal. Tayuya gave a small nod, her expression unreadable as she followed the younger girl deeper into the Hyūga residence.
Hinata followed just a pace behind her father, head bowed out of habit, her footsteps soft against the polished wood of the hallway. The silence between them stretched for several moments, broken only by the faint rustle of his robes as they walked.
Finally, Hiashi spoke, his voice calm but laden with a weight that demanded her attention.
"Word of your accomplishments has reached every corner of the village," he began, his tone measured and deliberate. "They say you faced the man responsible for the fall of the Uchiha clan—a man whose name alone is enough to inspire dread—and you prevailed. They speak of your battle against one of the Mist's Seven Swordsmen, and how you purified a monstrous beast with the power of the White Lotus. It is for this reason they now call you by that very name: Hinata of the White Lotus."
Hinata's cheeks flushed at his words, and she resisted the urge to shrink into herself. Hearing her father list her accomplishments one after another like that made them seem grander than they truly were. "The truth of those events has been exaggerated," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "I could never have done those things alone. I was fortunate to have my team and… circumstances on my side."
Hiashi's gaze flicked toward her briefly, his expression unreadable. "I assumed as much," he replied, and while his tone might have sounded dismissive to anyone else, Hinata knew him well enough to hear the faint undertone of relief. "Nevertheless, rumors often contain a kernel of truth, and in this case, they are born from your actions. Do not misunderstand me," he added quickly, his voice softening just enough to surprise her. "You have grown remarkably strong in a short amount of time, Hinata. And I am proud of the progress you have made."
Hinata's heart swelled at his words, and she felt a lump form in her throat. It was rare for her father to express pride in her so openly, and even rarer for her to feel like she had truly earned it. Yet, despite the warmth his praise brought her, she also caught the shadow of concern in his voice.
Hiashi continued, his expression becoming more serious. "But we must remain realistic about our limits. It is good that you recognize the role of your allies and circumstances in your successes. That awareness will serve you well. Legends are rarely born of a single person's deeds, though history often remembers them as such. Those who helped you achieve these victories may one day be forgotten by the world, but you must not forget them. It is your duty to carry their names and their efforts with you, to honor the truth behind the legend."
His words settled heavily on her, resonating in a way that felt deeply personal. She thought of Naruto, Kiba, Shino, Akamaru, and even Tayuya—all of them had contributed in ways large and small to the mission's success. And, of course, there was Kali. Hinata couldn't deny that without the power of the Nichiren Byakugan, none of this would have been possible.
"Thank you, Father," Hinata said at last, her voice steady but filled with sincerity. "I will remember. I won't let their efforts be forgotten."
Hiashi nodded, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It was faint and fleeting, but it was there. "I know you will, Hinata. You have always had a kind heart. It is your strength, and it will guide you."
Hinata felt a warmth bloom in her chest, one that chased away the doubts that often lingered in her mind. Her father's approval had always seemed like an unattainable goal, but now it felt within reach. His pride in her wasn't rooted in the exaggerated stories or the newfound title she had been given. It was in her growth, her determination, and her willingness to carry the weight of her responsibilities.
For the first time in a long while, she felt truly at peace in her father's presence.
As she joined her father in the guest room, Hinata felt her chest tighten. The weight of what was about to happen bore down on her. The room, like much of the Hyūga compound, was austere yet elegant, its walls lined with simple wooden panels, the floor covered in clean tatami mats. A low table stood at the center, and at its head sat Hyūga Neji.
Neji was hunched over, his intense gaze fixed on a scroll spread out before him. The candlelight cast shadows on his sharp features, illuminating the calm yet focused demeanor that had always defined him. He hadn't acknowledged their presence yet, though Hinata knew better than to think he wasn't aware of them.
Hiashi stepped forward and, to Hinata's surprise, immediately prostrated himself on the tatami. It was a gesture Hinata had rarely seen, a profound symbol of humility and apology from someone of Hiashi's standing.
"Father," Hinata whispered, her breath catching in her throat.
The movement startled Neji. He looked up sharply from the scroll, his pale Byakugan eyes wide in disbelief. "Hiashi-sama," he stammered, his voice uncharacteristically unsettled. "Please, raise your head."
Hiashi did not move. "What you have read in that scroll is true," he said solemnly, his voice muffled by the floor. "But it is not the entire truth. There are details that have been hidden, and for too long I have allowed that to continue. I have brought Hinata here to share with you the whole story."
Neji's gaze flickered to Hinata, who stood beside her father. For a moment, silence hung between them, laden with unspoken history.
"The whole truth?" Neji asked, his tone both curious and wary. His fingers brushed the edge of the scroll before him. "This scroll… it is my father's final words to me. A testament he left behind, explaining his decision to sacrifice himself in your place."
Hinata nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "What does it say?"
Neji's voice softened as he recounted its contents. "My father wrote that he chose his fate willingly. That the act of giving his life was not a burden, but a liberation. He bore no hatred for you, Hiashi-sama, or for the main family. Instead, he was grateful for the chance to protect the peace and honor of the Hyūga clan. He said that in making that choice, he reclaimed his freedom. He wanted me to understand that, no matter the circumstances of our birth, we always have the power to choose our path."
Hinata felt a pang in her chest as she listened. Hizashi's words were heavy with meaning, filled with a clarity that transcended the divisions of the Hyūga clan.
Hiashi finally raised his head, his expression solemn. "Your father's words are a testament to his strength and wisdom. But there is more to the story. Something you should hear before you offer us forgiveness."
Neji turned to her, his piercing gaze asking for explanation. Hinata swallowed hard, her hands tightening on the fabric of her pants. She took a deep breath and began.
"Neji-nii-san," she started softly, "The story you know—that Father killed that man—was a fabrication to protect me. Kumogakure demanded Father's life in exchange for the man's death. And to avoid a war, your father, Hizashi-nii-san, volunteered to die in his place. He believed it was his duty as a member of the branch family. But…" Her voice faltered. "It wasn't to protect his brother, it was for me, his niece."
She slowly lowered herself to her knees before mimicking her father's earlier action of bowing low, her forehead touching the tatami, her voice cracking. "I am so sorry, Neji-nii-san. I only just learned it myself, and I can't bear to let it stay hidden from you any longer."
Silence followed her confession, heavy and suffocating. Finally, Neji let out a weary sigh. "Please, raise your heads," he said, his voice steadier than she expected. Hiashi and Hinata obeyed, sitting upright as Neji met her gaze.
"I understand what you're trying to say, Hinata-sama," he began. His tone lacked the bitterness that had once colored his words when addressing her. "You blame yourself for what happened. But I ask that you don't diminish my father's sacrifice by taking that blame upon yourself. He chose his fate, not out of obligation, but out of his own convictions. Even if he knew the truth, I believe he would have made the same decision. His final act was not one of bondage, but of freedom."
Hinata's breath caught as his words sank in. She had been so consumed by guilt, so desperate to make amends, that she hadn't considered this perspective. "Neji-nii-san…" she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.
Neji's expression softened, a rare sight. "You've changed, Hinata-sama," he said quietly. "You've grown stronger, not just in skill, but in spirit. You're no longer the timid girl I once fought. And while I may not yet fully understand this power you've awakened, I can see it has given you a sense of purpose."
Hiashi nodded, his voice filled with rare warmth. "Neji, your father would be proud of the man you've become. As am I."
Neji's gaze flicked to his uncle, and for a moment, a fragile yet undeniable understanding passed between them.
Hinata glanced at the bag slung over her shoulder, where the remaining vial of the Moonfire Elixir rested. Her fingers twitched with the urge to offer it to Neji, to free him from the cursed mark that bound him to the branch family. But she held back, knowing it wasn't yet time. She needed to be certain it was safe.
Itachi gasped sharply, as if he'd been pulled from the depths of a suffocating dream. His chest heaved, lungs desperate for air, and he shot upright, his body trembling with a mixture of exhaustion and adrenaline. His skin burned as if fire coursed beneath it, yet he was drenched in cold sweat. The sterile scent of antiseptic and the faint hum of chakra monitors brought him back to his surroundings. He blinked against the stark brightness of the room, his vision adjusting slowly.
The Hokage's private operating room was nothing like the warmth of the world above. The chamber was cold and clinical, tucked deep beneath the Hokage Tower. Bright overhead lights illuminated the pristine white walls, the only color coming from the red-and-white insignia of the Hokage on the far wall. Various medical tools and monitors hummed softly, their steady rhythm contrasting with the chaos still ringing in Itachi's mind.
"So, you're alive," came the voice of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. He sat at the edge of the room, his hunched frame outlined by the sterile light. For once, the ever-present tobacco pipe was absent, a sign of how seriously the Hokage regarded the situation. His hands rested on his knees, and his weathered face betrayed equal parts relief and concern.
Itachi turned his head slowly, the strain of even this small movement a reminder of what he'd just endured. "What happened?" he rasped, his voice dry and hoarse. The air around him felt thick, and his muscles ached with the memory of some immense strain.
"You've been through quite an ordeal," Hiruzen said, his tone even. "The Moonfire Elixir… it nearly killed you. Your body burned as if consumed by flames, and for a moment, it seemed you'd crossed the threshold of death." His gaze was grave, though his voice softened slightly. "But then, like a phoenix rising, your body returned. The fever subsided, and you took your first breath again."
Itachi's brow furrowed as the memories came rushing back—the bitterness of the elixir on his tongue, the searing pain that had spread through him as if his very blood had been set ablaze. He reached up instinctively to touch his forehead, his fingers brushing against smooth skin. "The seal…" he murmured. "Is it gone?"
Hiruzen gestured toward one of the nurses, who stepped forward with a polished silver mirror. She handed it to Itachi, her face expressionless under the effects of Kotoamatsukami. Itachi held the mirror up, staring intently at his reflection. His pale face was drawn and tired, but his forehead was unmarked.
"It's gone," he whispered, his voice filled with quiet disbelief. The relief was palpable, though fleeting, as his mind immediately turned to the next concern. Lowering the mirror, he activated his Sharingan. His left eye shifted, the tomoe forming into the intricate, seven-pronged shuriken of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. His right eye, his original Mangekyo, returned to its familiar three-pronged shuriken.
The faint flicker of a candle caught his attention. One of the nurses stepped forward, holding it out for him. Itachi's gaze sharpened as he focused on the flame. "Amaterasu," he intoned softly. In an instant, the orange flame erupted into an all-consuming black blaze, swallowing the candle in its heatless fire.
The power was back. The cursed flame of Amaterasu, a tool of divine destruction, had returned to him. Yet Kali's warning rang faintly in his mind. Amaterasu was not just a technique—it was a connection to something far greater and more dangerous. Itachi felt the weight of that knowledge but pushed it aside for now. He needed this power. The risks would have to wait.
"The elixir worked," he confirmed, extinguishing the black flames with a blink. He turned to Hiruzen, his demeanor calm and composed despite his exhaustion. "What is the situation with Danzo?"
The Third Hokage sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of the question. "Danzo has been making his moves. His operatives from Root are infiltrating the influential clans. I believe his intent is to sway the clan heads against me. If he learns of your survival, he will use that knowledge to destroy my credibility."
Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Then for now, we play it safe. We wait and observe. If Danzo uncovers my existence, his next move will be to target Sasuke. We cannot allow that. Where is Hatake Kakashi?"
Hiruzen nodded but hesitated. "I had assigned Kakashi to oversee a joint investigation in Sunagakure after the invasion. He may not return in time if we need him to guard Sasuke."
"Recall him," Itachi said firmly. His gaze hardened, the weight of his decisions etched into his expression. "If anyone can protect Sasuke, it's someone who understands the burden of the Sharingan. We can't take chances."
"I'll send the order immediately," Hiruzen agreed, though his voice was heavy with reluctance. His eyes drifted downward, the guilt of his old friendship with Danzo weighing on him. "I regret that it has come to this. Danzo and I once worked together to protect the village, but now… it seems that darkness has consumed him entirely."
Itachi stood, his legs shaky but steady enough to hold him upright. His determination burned brighter than the pain in his body. "A storm is coming, Hokage-sama," he said quietly, his voice calm but resolute. "Danzo's ambitions will push us to the brink. I will do what I must to stop him. Even if it means revealing myself to the village."
Hiruzen studied the young man before him, his eyes heavy with both admiration and sorrow. "You carry a heavy burden, Itachi. The shadows of the village rest on your shoulders. Be cautious—there is no room for error now."
Itachi inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "I understand. I will not fail." His mind turned briefly to Sasuke, to the brother he had sworn to protect, and the hope that one day they could face the truth together.
As the Hokage dismissed the nurses and the operating room fell into silence, Itachi took a deep breath. The hidden war beneath Konoha was beginning, and he would be its shadow. He only hoped the village would endure the storm.