Hinata of the White Lotus
Inciting Incident
Hinata paused to catch her breath, resting her hands on her knees as her chest heaved from the climb. She turned to look down at the Hidden Leaf Village, spread out like a vibrant tapestry beneath her. The sight from this high up was breathtaking, a patchwork of rooftops, winding streets, and lush greenery that extended far beyond the village borders. From here, even the sprawling Hyūga compound seemed small, its imposing walls reduced to little more than specks on the horizon.
The late morning sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything, but its heat was merciless. Beads of sweat trickled down her temple and into her eyes, forcing her to swipe at her face with the back of her hand. Still, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe as she stood there, perched on the narrow ledge-like pathway carved into the side of the Hokage Monument. For a fleeting moment, she thought she understood what Naruto saw in his dream of becoming Hokage. To stand above it all, to see every inch of the village you loved and protected—it was a feeling like no other.
She straightened her posture and turned her gaze back to the steep path ahead. She was almost to her destination now. The narrow trail wound up the side of the mountain, the stone beneath her feet uneven and cracked in places from years of wear. The climb was challenging even for a kunoichi like herself, her legs burning with every step she took. Above her, the sky stretched endlessly, a brilliant blue expanse unmarred by clouds, and the occasional cry of a hawk echoed faintly in the distance.
Finally, she reached the fork in the trail that Kali had described to her. One path led further up the mountain toward the overlook—a popular spot for villagers seeking a quiet place to think or simply enjoy the view. The other path, however, was marked by a weathered warning sign nailed to a wooden post, its paint faded and barely legible. This path veered sharply to the right and toward the faces of the Hokage etched into the mountain's surface.
Hinata hesitated for a moment, glancing at the sign. Beyond it, the trail was overgrown with wild grass and tangled vines, as though nature itself sought to keep people away. Swallowing her nerves, she carefully stepped over the sign and onto the forbidden path. The air felt cooler here, shaded as it was by the towering cliff face of the monument. The trail narrowed further, and she had to tread carefully to avoid losing her footing on the loose gravel.
As she neared the massive stone visage of the First Hokage, Hinata activated her Nichiren Byakugan. Her vision shifted, becoming sharper and more attuned to the natural flow of the world around her. The intricate lattice of tenketsu woven through the mountain's structure became visible, glowing softly like a network of veins beneath the earth. Amid the ebb and flow of the natural energy, she spotted what she had been searching for: a faintly glowing seal etched into the rock near the Shodai Hokage's chin. To an untrained eye, it would have been invisible, blending seamlessly into the gray stone, but to her enhanced vision, it stood out like a beacon.
Hinata approached the seal with cautious reverence, reaching out to peel it away. As her fingers made contact, the wall shimmered, and the illusion of solid stone dissipated to reveal a narrow tunnel leading into the mountain itself. She hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside.
The air within the tunnel was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and stone. The walls were rough-hewn, marked by ancient chisels and tools that had shaped this hidden path long ago. As she pressed further into the cavern, her hand lightly skimmed the wall for balance. The faint sound of dripping water echoed around her, a rhythmic drip-drip that broke the oppressive silence.
The tunnel widened into a small chamber lit by faint green bioluminescence emanating from patches of moss clinging to the walls. In the center of the chamber stood the object of her search: a stone statue of Ame no Hitotsu no Kami, the three-faced god of imbalance and impurity. The statue was carved crudely, its features misshapen and asymmetrical, yet there was an unmistakable aura of divinity about it. Its central eye seemed to glimmer faintly, as though watching her approach.
Hinata stepped closer, her heart pounding. Unlike the shrine she had encountered on Toyama Island, this one appeared untouched by corruption. The air around it was calm, devoid of the malignant energy that had clung to the previous shrine like a suffocating miasma. Still, she couldn't suppress a shiver of trepidation as she reached out to place her hand on the statue's rough surface.
Closing her eyes, Hinata began to channel her chakra into the statue, weaving it seamlessly with the natural energy around her. The goal was simple: to purify the shrine and restore the balance of energy within it. She braced herself for resistance, for the statue to fight back as the last one had, but… nothing happened. The energy she directed into the statue was simply absorbed without any reaction.
Frowning, Hinata opened her eyes and stared at the statue. The silence in the chamber was deafening, broken only by the faint drip of water from the ceiling. Was she doing something wrong? Her fingers tightened against the stone, her mind racing. The last time, the statue had reacted violently to her attempt at purification. She had expected at least some kind of response, even if it wasn't hostile.
But now, the stillness unsettled her even more than the chaos had.
Hinata furrowed her brow and focused, pushing her chakra outward once more in search of something—anything—that might reveal the shrine's condition. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, the stillness around her remained unbroken. After a few more moments of futile effort, she sighed and stepped back, settling into a meditative stance on the ground. Closing her eyes, she felt the familiar shift as the interdimensional plane enveloped her, the black void of the Eight-Trigrams realm welcoming her once again.
"Kali," she began, her voice steady despite her frustration, "did you feel anything at all?"
From her usual position floating above the glowing green trigrams, Kali's pale eyes narrowed. Her gaze was sharp, thoughtful, and filled with unease. "No," she responded darkly, her tone clipped. "There should have been something… even a faint trace. But there was nothing." Her voice carried a weight that only deepened Hinata's concerns.
Hinata's shoulders slumped slightly in relief—at least this meant she wasn't doing anything wrong. Yet the emptiness she'd found still nagged at her. "Isn't that a good thing?" she asked hesitantly. "If there's no impurity, doesn't that mean the shrine is… healthy? Maybe it's just been maintained well because it's here in Konoha?"
"If only it were that simple," Kali muttered, her voice low and distracted. She folded her arms, her gaze distant, as if scanning something far beyond their realm. "Like it or not, imbalance is an intrinsic part of this world. The shrines act as lightning rods for those impurities—drawing them in, containing them. But if there's nothing here…" Her eyes snapped to Hinata, narrowing with sharp intensity. "Then something else must be drawing them."
Hinata stiffened at Kali's words, her fingers gripping the hem of her jacket. "You think it's been… moved? Or something worse?"
"Could be either," Kali admitted, though her tone offered no reassurance. "But a shrine without impurity isn't normal. If it's not gathering the imbalance, then something else is taking its place—and we need to find out what." She leaned forward slightly, her expression growing darker. "Have you noticed anything strange around the village lately? Anything at all?"
"I—I don't think so," Hinata stammered, though her uncertainty gnawed at her. "At least, nothing like what happened on Toyama. That imbalance was so strong I could feel it long before we reached the shrine. There's been nothing like that here."
Kali made a low, thoughtful hum, one hand lifting to her chin as her gaze turned inward. "Then either it's hiding… or it's already begun to manifest elsewhere." Her fingers tapped against her cheek, an unusual show of tension. "Damn it. All we can do now is wait and watch. But this stillness…" Her voice trailed off, her Byakugan eyes flashing faintly in the green glow. "It's the calm before the storm, I know it."
Hinata swallowed, her unease deepening at Kali's admission. Kali, usually so composed and self-assured, seemed rattled—and that alone sent a chill down Hinata's spine. "So… what should I be doing now?" she asked, needing something to ground herself. Her resolve to fulfill her role was unwavering, but the uncertainty of it all left her adrift.
"For now," Kali said, snapping out of her reverie, "find Asura's reincarnation. Keep him informed. Make sure he understands everything that's going on, even if he doesn't seem to take it seriously." Kali's voice was steady, but her floating form seemed restless, as if her thoughts were elsewhere—tracking an invisible enemy neither of them could see.
Hinata nodded, but the weight in her chest didn't lift. "Okay," she said quietly. She wouldn't admit it aloud, but the thought of spending time with Naruto brought her a small measure of comfort. Even so, she hated that their moments together had become so mission-driven, burdened by the heaviness of their shared roles. Still, she was grateful—grateful to not be alone in this storm they were heading into.
Kali's eyes lingered on her, a rare softness in their white-lotus glow. "Stay vigilant, Hinata," she said after a moment, her tone quieter but no less serious. "I have a feeling… whatever is happening, it's closer than we realize."
Hinata nodded again, a chill creeping down her spine. The shrine had been silent. Too silent. And though the village seemed calm, it was the kind of calm that hid something darker beneath.
As she returned to the physical world and opened her eyes, she couldn't shake the growing sense that they were running out of time.
The world itself seemed to contort in on itself.
One moment, Sasuke stood in the cold, clinical halls of the Root headquarters; the next, he was somewhere entirely different. The shift was instantaneous but deeply unsettling, leaving his head spinning and his stomach churning. He steadied himself, planting his feet on the ground and clenching his jaw to suppress the urge to retch.
"What the hell was that?" Sasuke snapped, glaring at the man in the orange mask who stood a few paces ahead, his posture casual as if nothing had happened. Tobi, as he called himself, giggled softly, the sound grating against Sasuke's frayed nerves.
"Oh, just a little trick of mine," Tobi said lightly, his tone almost mocking. "Don't tell me the great Uchiha Sasuke is feeling queasy?"
Sasuke ignored him, forcing himself to focus. His crimson Sharingan swirled as he scanned his surroundings. The air was heavy with moisture, the faint scent of moss and earth hanging thick. The ground beneath him was soft, damp with moss that clung to his sandals. Jagged roots jutted out from the cavern walls, twisting and coiling like the tendrils of some ancient, unseen beast. High above, the ceiling was shrouded in darkness, with only faint cracks of light filtering through from an unknown source.
The centerpiece of the cavern was a massive, worn-down torii gate, its once-bright red paint faded to a dull rust. The gate stood slightly askew, leaning as though it might collapse at any moment. Behind it, a deep pit of shadows seemed to stretch endlessly into the earth.
But what drew Sasuke's attention the most were the three figures standing near the gate. One of them, a stocky man with a broad frame and bulging muscles, cracked his knuckles as he stepped forward. His scowl was etched deep into his face.
"So this is the brat we've been waiting for," Jirobo grunted, his deep voice echoing in the cavern. "Doesn't look like much. You sure he's worth it?"
"Shut up, Jirobo," said another, this one lanky with six arms and a smirk that didn't reach his eyes. Kidomaru leaned casually against the wall, idly spinning a thread of golden silk between his fingers. "The brat's got potential—or so we're told. Not that I trust much coming out of this guy's mouth." He jerked his chin toward Tobi.
"Doesn't matter if he's got potential or not," Sakon interjected, his voice smooth but edged with bitterness. The malformed growth on his back shifted slightly as he spoke, the faint outline of another face visible. "The sooner we do this, the sooner we're back in Orochimaru's good graces. That is, if the snake bastard even remembers us."
Tobi laughed, the sound grating and hollow. "Oh, I wouldn't count on that. Orochimaru's forgotten you three already. But I haven't. Consider this your chance to prove you're not entirely useless."
The bitterness on their faces was palpable, but Tobi's words also lit a spark of determination in them.
"Fine," Jirobo's growl echoed through the clearing, low and guttural, as he stepped aside to reveal the object behind him. "There it is."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as his gaze fell upon the tall, cylindrical barrel resting ominously at the base of the torii gate. Its surface was carved with intricate seals and pulsating markings, faintly glowing as if alive. The air around it felt thick—unnatural. Wrong.
"The key to your power." Jirobo's voice dripped with challenge. "If you've got the guts to use it."
Sasuke didn't move. He didn't step forward. His dark eyes flicked between Jirobo, the barrel, and the surrounding cavern. The oppressive quiet only deepened his unease.
Power. That was the promise, wasn't it? The one thing he'd spent every waking moment chasing—the strength to finally kill Itachi. And yet, as he stood in front of the barrel, something gnawed at the back of his mind.
This was Orochimaru's offer. Orochimaru, who collected people like tools, who manipulated and discarded pawns without a second thought. The same man who had sought his brother's eyes and failed. What kind of power could he offer that Itachi wouldn't just destroy with a flick of his wrist?
Sasuke's fists clenched at his sides. He didn't want to need them—these monstrous, deranged servants of Orochimaru. He hated that he was even here, standing in their presence, considering their offer. Was he already sinking to their level?
He glared at the barrel. Was this it? Was this the line he'd have to cross?
A sudden, sickening sound pulled him from his thoughts. Flesh rippling. Bones grinding. It was like hearing something break apart and force itself back together.
Sasuke's Sharingan flared instinctively as Jirobo began to transform.
Veins bulged grotesquely across the man's thick arms, snaking beneath his skin like worms fighting to break free. His muscles swelled, tearing and reshaping themselves until they looked like jagged boulders bound beneath flesh. His skin darkened to a mottled ochre hue, and the grotesque cracking of his bones echoed in the stillness as jagged, stone-like protrusions burst forth from his back and shoulders.
When Jirobo's face finally twisted into its new form, the ridged brow and glowing, hollow eyes gave him the appearance of something not quite human anymore.
"To use it," Jirobo hissed, his voice guttural and distorted, vibrating with unnatural power, "you need to embrace it."
On the other side, Kidomaru's transformation began with a chittering laugh that quickly turned into a strained grunt. His body seemed to stretch and elongate, his arms thinning unnaturally as extra limbs burst grotesquely from his sides. Each new arm cracked and oozed as it emerged, coated in viscous fluid that clung to his darkening skin like tar. His face twisted into something inhuman, his mouth widening unnaturally to reveal sharp, insectoid mandibles. Chitinous plating began to crawl across his chest and limbs, turning him into a horrific amalgamation of man and spider.
"Strength isn't the only gift the curse mark brings," Kidomaru rasped, his new mandibles clicking with each word. "You'll see soon enough."
Sasuke didn't flinch, but his stomach twisted. This wasn't power—it was corruption.
Was this what he wanted? To end up like them—monsters dressed in human skin?
His gaze flicked toward the barrel again. The seals pulsed faintly, as if it were alive, waiting—hungry.
And yet…
He thought of Itachi. The sneer. The disdain in his eyes. The way his voice cut deeper than any blade.
Sakon, standing slightly back, let out a low chuckle before stepping forward. "You're hesitating, Sasuke? Maybe you need a better demonstration." As he spoke, his body began to ripple and distort. His pale skin turned an unnatural shade of crimson, and his muscles warped grotesquely, taking on a sinewy, almost liquid quality before solidifying again. Black patterns spread across his body, twisting and coiling like vines. His face elongated slightly, his features sharpening into something predatory and demonic. The most disturbing change, however, came as another head began to emerge from his shoulder, pushing through his skin with a sickening squelch.
The second face grinned wickedly, mirroring Sakon's own expression. "The curse mark doesn't just give you power," Ukon sneered, his voice a higher, mocking echo of his brother's. "It changes what you are."
Sasuke's Sharingan flickered, taking in every detail of their grotesque forms. His eyes narrowed as he felt the cursed mark on his own neck flare to life, the burning pain a cruel reminder of what Orochimaru's power promised.
"This is the same power you use," Sasuke said, his voice low, steady despite the rising tension. "The same power that makes you into… that." His Sharingan tracked the grotesque changes in their bodies, every detail a reminder of what he might become.
The air around them thickened with the oppressive energy of their transformations, and Sasuke could feel his mark pulsing in response, daring him to take the same plunge.
Kidomaru chuckled darkly. "It's not for the faint of heart, kid. But if you want to kill your brother, you'll need this power. It's the only way."
The mention of Itachi sent a surge of anger through Sasuke. His fists clenched, and for a moment longer, he hesitated. The mark burned hotter, almost as if urging him forward.
"Fine," Sasuke said at last, his voice steely. He stepped past the three Sound shinobi, approaching the barrel. Each step felt heavier than the last, as though the air itself grew denser with the energy radiating from the object.
Tobi almost couldn't help but feel a pang of something—was it pity?—as he watched Sasuke walk further into the labyrinth of schemes that surrounded him. Danzo, Orochimaru, Itachi, and even himself—each had their hooks in the boy, each with their own desires for his potential. Sasuke was nothing more than a pawn in their games, his fierce resolve and unchecked hatred nothing but tools to be manipulated. In the end, only one of them would win, but Tobi was confident it would be him. After all, the masked man held all the cards.
"You're wasting time." Black Zetsu emerged from the shadows, his dark, oily form twisting unnaturally as he materialized at Tobi's side. His golden, pupil-less eyes narrowed, brimming with irritation. "We should be pursuing the Biju, not meddling in the petty power struggles of Konoha's relics. This is beneath us."
Tobi glanced at him, his body relaxed, his tone light, but his posture emanating control. "Oh, but I am pursuing the Biju," he said with a faint chuckle. Gone was the playful veneer he often adopted. What remained was a shadowy figure, one whose words were as calculating as the schemes buried within them. "Politics, Zetsu, politics. If Danzo becomes Hokage, it will be because of me. And when he's sitting in the big chair, he'll owe me everything. The Jinchuriki? He'll hand him over willingly. All without a single messy clash with Konoha's forces. Efficient, don't you think?"
Black Zetsu's lips twisted in a sneer, his form shifting as though agitated. "Danzo is a snake, as conniving as any of your kind. And Sasuke?" He tilted his head toward the departing figure. "He's unpredictable, a loose thread in your carefully woven plans. You're gambling, Tobi."
"I'm a gambler by necessity." Tobi's response was immediate, smooth. "And I only wager when the odds are stacked in my favor. Danzo is ambitious but cautious. He knows his limits, and he knows what happens to those who cross me. As for Sasuke…" He let out a faint sigh, almost wistful. "That boy is a weapon forged by hatred. All I need to do is aim him."
Black Zetsu didn't respond immediately. His golden eyes glimmered, their depths unreadable. For centuries, he had guided, nudged, and manipulated those around him. Tobi had been no different—until now. Something had shifted in their dynamic, something Black Zetsu couldn't quite pin down. Ever since Kisame had fallen, and more disturbingly, since that Hyūga girl had emerged victorious against Orochimaru's prized pawn, Tobi had been…different.
"You've changed," Black Zetsu finally said, his voice a low hiss. "You hesitate. You calculate where before you acted with clarity and resolve. That Hyūga—she's gotten to you, hasn't she?"
Tobi didn't immediately respond, his single eye hidden behind his mask. After a beat, he turned slightly toward Zetsu, his tone darkening. "Hyūga Hinata is an anomaly," he admitted, his voice edged with something Black Zetsu couldn't place. Was it respect? Caution? "She killed Samehada—a feat I would have deemed impossible. And now she wields a power not of this world."
"You're afraid," Black Zetsu accused, stepping closer. His shadowy form loomed taller now, his tone gaining an edge of triumph. "You've seen something that even you cannot predict, haven't you? The way she fought, the energy she commanded—it's thrown your entire plan into question."
Tobi's visible Sharingan glowed ominously, and his voice dropped into a cold, measured cadence. "Fear isn't the word I'd use, Zetsu. Precaution is. This world is shifting, and that girl is a catalyst. But she's not a threat to the Moon Eye's Plan. If anything, she may unwittingly make it easier."
Black Zetsu tilted his head, considering this. "And yet, you've become harder to read. Do you still desire the same outcome as before, Tobi, or have you become…distracted?"
The accusation lingered in the air, and for the first time, there was a tension between the two that neither addressed directly.
"My goals remain unchanged," Tobi said firmly. "The Moon Eye's Plan is all that matters. A world free from war, united under a single dream. Everything I do is for that purpose. Whether it's manipulating Danzo, guiding Sasuke, or dealing with this White Lotus girl, it's all part of the same endgame."
"And what of the sacrifices?" Black Zetsu pressed. "The gambles? You've handed White Zetsu over to Orochimaru like a bargaining chip. You risk the trust of your allies. Even I can't discern all of your moves anymore, Tobi. You're no longer the Madara I once thought you were."
Tobi turned his full attention to Zetsu now, his Sharingan spinning lazily, dangerously. "I was never Madara, Zetsu," he said, his voice a whisper yet carrying the weight of finality. "And you would do well to remember who truly holds the strings in this partnership. We may share a vision, but don't mistake shared goals for shared power."
For a moment, the two stood in silence, the air thick with tension. Then Black Zetsu retreated slightly, his form sinking back into the surrounding shadows. "For your sake, I hope you remember your place in all of this, Tobi," he murmured. "Because if you falter, the real Madara will not forgive you."
Tobi didn't respond immediately, his gaze lingering on the space where Zetsu had vanished. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer, almost to himself.
"I don't intend to falter," he said, the words barely audible. "And I certainly don't intend to fail."
As the silence of the chamber enveloped him once more, Tobi's thoughts turned back to Sasuke, to Danzo, to Hinata. The pieces were all in motion, but the game had grown more complex than he had anticipated. And for the first time in a long while, he felt the faintest flicker of something uncomfortably close to excitement.
Naruto had messed up.
At least, he was pretty sure he had. The problem was, as hard as he looked, he couldn't find Sasuke anywhere. He'd tried everywhere he could think of—Sasuke's house, his favorite brooding spot by the river, even the academy. Hell, he had even asked Sakura, and she didn't know either. That was the real kicker. If Sakura didn't know where Sasuke was, then no one did.
This was bad.
And of course, Kakashi-sensei was conveniently nowhere to be found. Whenever Naruto really needed him, the man pulled a disappearing act worthy of a magician. Typical.
Naruto slumped deeper into the hard wooden chair of the waiting room in the Interrogation Division's compound, his arms crossed over his chest. The room wasn't much to look at. The walls were a sterile gray, lined with the kind of benches that were just uncomfortable enough to remind you that this was not a place you wanted to linger. A small table in the middle held a stack of outdated magazines, their edges dog-eared and frayed. In the corner, a crooked vending machine hummed ominously, as if daring anyone to try their luck with the ancient contraption.
Naruto was supposed to be waiting for Hinata, but his mind kept spiraling back to Sasuke. He shouldn't have pushed Sasuke's buttons the other day. Not when his teammate was already so upset about Itachi. What made it worse was that Naruto already knew Sasuke was Indra's reincarnation. He hadn't needed anyone to spell that out for him. He just knew. Which meant it was his job to keep an eye on him.
Too bad that ship had already sailed.
He was about to sigh again when the door creaked open, and Tayuya entered, escorted by none other than Anko herself. The redhead looked as irritated as ever, her hands shoved deep into the pockets of her worn pants.
"Hey there, Whiskers," Tayuya greeted, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she flopped into the chair next to Naruto. "Thanks for getting me outta there. Those mind trips are getting more irritating by the day."
She didn't even glance at Anko, who had reclaimed her usual spot against the wall and was now chewing on another stick of dango, watching Tayuya like a hawk.
"Hey," Naruto replied, though his usual warmth was notably absent. He tried to muster a smile but failed miserably, his thoughts still stuck on Sasuke.
Tayuya frowned, leaning back in her chair and tilting her head to get a better look at him. "Something up?" she asked, her tone more curious than concerned.
Naruto shook his head, scratching the back of his neck. "Nah, it's nothing. I'm just waiting for Hinata. I need to talk to her about something."
Tayuya narrowed her eyes, studying him for a moment before smirking. "Yeah? Let me guess. You've got a thing for her, don't you?"
Naruto blinked, tilting his head like a confused puppy. "A thing? You mean like a present? Wait, is it almost her birthday?"
The sheer stupidity of his response left Tayuya speechless for a moment. She turned to Anko for backup, and to her surprise, Anko actually looked sympathetic. The older kunoichi shrugged, clearly amused by the situation.
"No, not like a present," Tayuya clarified, trying her best not to lose her patience. "I'm asking if you like her. You know, as in, you're into her."
Naruto's brow furrowed as he mulled this over. "Of course I like her," he said finally. "I mean, she's crazy strong, really kind, and she made me that awesome medical cream—"
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Tayuya interrupted, waving a hand. Listening to him gush was making her skin crawl. Why had she even brought this up again? Oh, right. Because she owed both these idiots more than she could ever repay.
Anko, still munching on her dango, decided to jump in. "Kid, you're thinking about this all wrong. Let me put it this way: everybody likes dango, right?" She held up her half-eaten stick for emphasis.
Naruto looked at her blankly. "Uh, sure?"
"But liking dango and liking someone as a person aren't the same thing," Anko explained, her tone teasing but oddly patient.
Naruto blinked again, the wheels in his brain turning ever so slowly. "Huh. They're not?" He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to life's greatest mysteries. "I wonder… What did my dad like about my mom?"
That stopped Tayuya in her tracks. She glanced at Naruto, her usual snarky retort dying on her lips. It hit her, then, just how much Naruto didn't know—how much he'd missed out on. He wasn't stupid; he'd just never had anyone to show him what this stuff was supposed to mean.
Anko, too, softened, though she quickly hid it behind another smirk. "Guess that's something you'll have to figure out, huh?" she said, her voice light but not unkind.
Naruto didn't answer, his gaze still fixed on the ceiling. He wished he could ask his parents. He wished he could know what it was that had drawn them to each other, what love even really meant.
Tayuya shifted in her seat, feeling an unfamiliar twinge of guilt. "Look, don't overthink it, dumbass," she muttered, crossing her arms. "You'll figure it out. And, uh… maybe don't be an idiot when you do, yeah?"
Naruto finally looked at her, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thanks, Tayuya."
"Yeah, whatever," she grumbled, slouching further into her chair. But even she couldn't completely hide the tiny, satisfied smirk that crept onto her face.
The conversation froze as the door creaked open, and the person it had just been about stepped into the room.
Hinata blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting to see him so soon. "Naruto-kun?" she asked, her tone soft but edged with curiosity. She tilted her head slightly, wondering why he was here. Fortunately, it appeared she hadn't overheard the earlier part of their conversation; otherwise, Tayuya suspected Hinata would have been a stammering, blushing mess.
Naruto grinned at her, entirely oblivious to any subtext or tension in the room. "Yeah! Uh, hey! Quick question—have you seen Sasuke anywhere?" His tone was casual, but his restless energy betrayed him. He kept glancing toward the door and then at the group, as if bracing himself for an argument.
"Sasuke-kun?" Hinata's brows knit in concern. "Why? Is something wrong?"
Naruto hesitated, his gaze flickering to Tayuya and Anko as if deciding whether to spill everything. After a beat, he relented. "I'm not sure. I've just got this… feeling. I think something might be wrong, yeah. Can you help me find him?"
Anko, leaning against the wall, straightened immediately. "What do you mean, something's wrong? Do you have any proof?" Her sharp eyes narrowed, and her tone carried a weight of suspicion, particularly when her gaze flickered toward Tayuya.
Tayuya rolled her eyes, immediately sensing the accusation. "Relax, Lady Snake. I didn't do anything. If I was gonna betray you, you'd know by now."
Naruto, sensing things might escalate, stepped between them. "It's nothing like that! I don't know if he's even missing, but I need to make sure. That's all I'm saying."
Hinata closed her eyes, nodding in response to Naruto's urgency. "One moment, I'll check," she said softly, her voice calm but carrying the weight of the situation. When she reopened her eyes, the faint image of a white lotus bloomed within her pupils, subtle yet unmistakable.
Standing perfectly still, Hinata's gaze seemed to focus beyond the room, beyond what anyone else could see. The others waited in silence, tense and unmoving, as her Nichiren Byakugan searched. Seconds dragged into minutes, the anticipation in the room almost palpable. Finally, she spoke.
"He's here in the village," Hinata said, and they all exhaled in relief. But her next words cut through the moment like a blade. "But… I can't pinpoint his exact location. It's strange. The connection is faint, almost as if—" she hesitated, her brow furrowing deeply, "—he's deep underground."
"…Root," Anko muttered under her breath, the name alone carrying a heavy weight. Her expression darkened, and she crossed her arms.
"Root?" Tayuya echoed, her tone sharp with recognition. "You mean that creepy cult Shimura Danzo leads? Figures he'd be mixed up in something shady." Her disdain was obvious, and rightly so; she had worked alongside Root agents during the invasion and knew all too well how their secrecy had contributed to Orochimaru's schemes.
"This could be worse than we thought," Anko said, her jaw tightening. "If Sasuke's really in Root's hands, the Hokage has to know immediately."
"We don't have time for that!" Naruto protested, his voice rising. "We need to go get him now! I'm not gonna sit around while he's in trouble!"
"There's no reason we can't do both," Hinata said firmly, cutting through the tension. Her mind raced, balancing her duty to Kali with the immediate danger Sasuke might be in. If they waited too long, the connection might disappear entirely. "Naruto-kun, can you create a Wood Clone? Have it inform Hokage-sama."
"Got it!" Naruto responded instantly, forming the necessary seals. A clone materialized beside him, nodding before bolting out the door.
"Wait a second," Anko interjected, stepping in front of the group. Her tone was sharp, but her expression betrayed her concern. "You kids can't just go barging into Root's territory. Do you have any idea what kind of trap you could be walking into? You'll get yourselves captured—or worse."
"And that's why you're coming with us," Tayuya said, her voice steady but with a cutting edge. "Hinata's the only one who can track Sasuke. If you want to find him, you need her. And if Orochimaru's involved, then you're going to need me too."
"I'm also a former student of Orochimaru," Anko shot back, her hand drifting to the cursed mark on her shoulder. Her narrowed eyes were locked on Tayuya, a silent warning.
"But you don't know his recent plans," Tayuya countered. "I do. And you know as well as I do that Hinata can't go without me. That was the deal."
Anko hesitated, glancing between the three of them. Finally, she let out a frustrated sigh, her expression hardening. "Fine. But if this goes sideways, I'm pulling us out—no arguments. I'm leading this mission, and you follow my orders. Got that?"
"Yes, ma'am!" all three of them chorused, standing at attention. Anko studied them in turn, her doubt clear on her face, but she didn't press further.
She turned to Hinata. "How exactly are you tracking him?"
Hinata hesitated. "I… I'm following the connection between Naruto and Sasuke. It's the only way I can sense him."
Anko frowned. "What connection?"
Hinata opened her mouth but faltered. There was no easy way to explain the reincarnated spirits of ancient brothers, and any attempt would only complicate things further. When no answer came, Anko sighed heavily, waving her hand dismissively. "Forget it. I don't have time for riddles."
As they moved to leave, Anko's gaze lingered on the three of them—especially Naruto and Tayuya. She didn't trust either of them entirely. Naruto, though well-meaning, was reckless. Tayuya, meanwhile, could still be a plant for Orochimaru or Danzo. The cursed mark on her own neck flared faintly, almost as if warning her of the danger ahead.
Still, she couldn't ignore the opportunity to confront Orochimaru if he was involved. And Hinata's reputation preceded her. The young Chūnin had achieved incredible things in a short time, enough to give Anko a sliver of confidence.
"We're going to save Uchiha Sasuke," Anko said firmly, her voice cutting through her doubts. She looked at Hinata, Naruto, and Tayuya. "Just don't make me regret this."
The Hokage's office reflected the many roles and responsibilities of leadership. Scrolls and papers cluttered the expansive desk, some stacked neatly, others threatening to spill onto the floor. The air was heavy with the scent of ink and aged parchment, mingling with the faint trace of tobacco that clung to Sarutobi Hiruzen's robes. Maps, mission rosters, and pinned notices crowded a bulletin board on one wall, overlapping in chaotic layers. The dim light of early evening filtered through the windows, casting long, golden shadows, but it did little to soften the oppressive atmosphere.
Behind the Hokage, hidden in plain sight, stood Uchiha Itachi. The porcelain mask of the Uzumaki artifact concealed his face, rendering his presence imperceptible to anyone but Hiruzen himself. Even his chakra, normally a beacon to the keen-eyed, was cloaked in an unnatural stillness. To most, he was nothing more than a shadow among the room's countless others. Yet behind the mask, his crimson Sharingan swirled subtly, analyzing every detail of the room with quiet precision.
"That's the last of today's petitions," Hiruzen announced, his voice weary as he pushed a heavy stack of papers to the side. His shoulders sagged under the weight of another long day, but his sharp eyes still burned with focus. "At least for now."
Itachi inclined his head slightly, though he said nothing. He'd spent the day silently observing the mundane but vital mechanics of leadership—petty disputes, routine mission assignments, even requests for repairs to crumbling walls. It was a stark contrast to the crises he was used to confronting, but he understood their importance. These small acts of governance kept the village running. Still, his thoughts drifted often to matters of greater urgency: Danzo's creeping influence, Root's movements, and Sasuke's safety.
"What news from the retrieval team?" Itachi asked, his voice soft but carrying an unmistakable edge.
"Kakashi is already en route," Hiruzen replied, folding his hands over his desk. "Might Gai and his team are escorting him from the Hidden Sand. If all has gone according to plan, they should arrive before nightfall."
Itachi nodded, his gaze drifting toward the window. "Good. We'll need him here as soon as possible. Danzo's actions are growing bolder. Sasuke will require protection, and there's no one more capable of that task than Kakashi."
Hiruzen frowned, his expression growing more severe. "I'll ensure Kakashi is briefed immediately upon his return. For now, we tread carefully. Danzo is waiting for a misstep."
Before the Hokage could say more, the door burst open with a loud crash, startling both men. Uzumaki Naruto stormed in, his voice echoing through the office. "Old man, we've got a problem!" he shouted, his tone frantic and unfiltered.
Hiruzen straightened in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Naruto, what's going on?"
"Sasuke is missing!" Naruto blurted, stepping further into the room. "Hinata tracked him to some underground place, and that snake lady—uh, Anko—says it's connected to something called Root!"
The words landed like a thunderclap. Hiruzen froze for a brief moment, his normally composed expression slipping. His sharp intake of breath betrayed the weight of Naruto's announcement.
Itachi, hidden in the shadows, felt a cold realization settle over him. Sasuke had been taken. Whether as bait for him or as part of some larger plan, Danzo had made his move. Itachi cursed himself silently—he had been too slow to act. He had underestimated just how far Danzo would go.
"Hinata tracked him?" Hiruzen asked sharply, his gaze snapping to Naruto. "How did she locate him underground?"
Naruto hesitated, his usual bravado faltering. His lips pressed together as though searching for the right words, but the pause was all Itachi needed. With a subtle application of Kotoamatsukami, he nudged Naruto's mind just enough to ensure an honest answer.
"Hinata's following Asura's connection to Indra," Naruto said, his tone confused even as the words spilled out.
Itachi's eyes narrowed behind his mask. Asura and Indra… two names he didn't recognize. However, this all reeked of Kali. Her involvement was clear now. He should have expected it, but the revelation still left him uneasy. This connection between Naruto and Sasuke ran deeper than he had initially realized.
"Where is Hinata now?" Hiruzen asked, pressing for more information.
"She's already on her way!" Naruto said, his voice rising with excitement. "She, Tayuya, my real self, and Anko are heading to Root's base to bust Sasuke out."
Hiruzen's frown deepened, and Itachi's fists tightened at his sides. It was reckless—predictable, perhaps, but reckless nonetheless. Anko's knowledge of Root's labyrinthine network and Hinata's unique abilities might give them an edge, but Danzo's forces were too numerous, too prepared. They wouldn't stand a chance on their own.
Hiruzen broke the heavy silence. "We need to act," he said, his tone decisive, though there was a faint, almost imperceptible hesitation in his eyes. Reaching for a blank scroll, his hand moved with swift, practiced strokes, as if compelled by a force stronger than his doubts. "Naruto, can you create additional clones?"
"Of course!" Naruto said, grinning despite the tension.
"Good. Take this list and gather these individuals immediately," Hiruzen instructed, rolling up the scroll and handing it to Naruto. His movements were precise, mechanical, his words unusually forceful. "We're going to launch a diversion."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "A diversion? Like a full-on attack?"
Hiruzen's expression hardened, his gaze gaining a steely resolve that seemed out of place. "Yes. We'll strike at Root's operations directly, forcing Root to defend their strongholds. That will give Hinata and her team the opportunity they need to rescue Sasuke."
In the shadows, Itachi remained silent, though his Mangekyō Sharingan glowed faintly beneath the mask. He watched the Hokage intently, the subtle influence of Kotoamatsukami threading through the old man's mind. Hiruzen's actions, so uncharacteristically aggressive, were no longer entirely his own. Itachi had guided his thoughts carefully, weaving just enough compulsion to ensure action would be taken against Danzo. Without it, the Third Hokage's reluctance and deep-seated guilt might have stalled him.
This wasn't just about rescuing Sasuke—it was about destabilizing Root and curbing Danzo's growing influence. Hiruzen might never have made this decision on his own, but under the sway of Kotoamatsukami, his resolve to act was absolute.
"Understood!" Naruto's clone saluted with a wide grin before disappearing out the door, scroll in hand.
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his weathered hands clasped tightly together. His gaze turned to the window, though his expression seemed distant, almost clouded. "It's time to put an end to this," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "Danzo has been allowed to fester in the shadows for far too long."
Behind his mask, Itachi's resolve crystallized. Sasuke's safety remained his priority, but the broader implications could no longer be ignored. Danzo's ambitions had to be stopped—not just for Sasuke, but for the survival of the village itself.
"We'll ensure they succeed," Hiruzen said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of his years, though his words echoed the subtle threads of Itachi's will. His gaze flicked briefly toward the corner of the room, where Itachi stood hidden in the shadows, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
Itachi inclined his head slightly, though the gesture went unseen. As the Hokage turned back to his preparations, the Uchiha vanished into the darkened corners of the room, his mind focused on the mission ahead.