Hinata of the White Lotus

by froznx

On the verge of death in her fight against Neji, Hinata awakens an advanced version of the Byakugan. Now with the power of an ancient ally on her side, she begins to unravel the truth of their world and her place in it. As her powers and confidence continue to grow while facing off against increasingly dangerous foes, she becomes known as The White Lotus. This is her legend.

28. No More Miracles

Hinata of the White Lotus

No More Miracles

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Naruto grunted as he pushed against the massive gate. It was heavier than it looked, the creaking hinges echoing through the cavern beyond like a groaning beast. He managed to crack it open just enough to squeeze through, slipping into the chamber on the other side.

The air hit him immediately—a choking, musty thickness that clung to his lungs like a damp rag. The cavern was massive, its ceiling lost in the gloom above, where jagged stalactites loomed like fangs. The walls were slick with water, and the ground beneath him was uneven, covered in patches of moss and small puddles. Dim light filtered in from somewhere, casting faint, flickering reflections off the damp stone. This place felt ancient, forgotten, like a tomb buried deep underground.

Naruto's eyes quickly landed on the far end of the chamber, where an orange torii gate stood tall, its paint faded and chipped. Beneath the gate, an ornate barrel rested upright, strange markings carved into its surface. A sickly, blackish-purple vapor seeped from its cracks, writhing like a living thing. It carried an acrid smell that burned Naruto's nose and throat.

"That reeks," Naruto muttered, waving a hand in front of his face. "What the hell is that stuff?"

"It's impure natural energy," Kurama's deep voice rumbled in his mind, the sudden intrusion making Naruto jump.

"Oi, don't sneak up on me like that, Kurama, you stupid fox!" Naruto shouted aloud, his voice echoing off the cavern walls. His irritation flared—he hadn't expected the giant furball to chime in so casually. "You've been quiet all this time, and now you're just gonna start talking?"

"Stop whining and listen," Kurama growled, his tone sharp. "That barrel—it's overflowing with corruption. It's the same kind of energy that Orochimaru used for those cursed seals."

Naruto's stomach churned at the mention of Orochimaru. "You mean… Sasuke's curse mark?" His blue eyes snapped back to the barrel, and his heart began to pound. "You're saying Sasuke's—" He didn't let himself finish the thought, his feet already moving toward the barrel in a full sprint.

His sandals splashed through the damp ground as he closed the distance. He didn't stop to think, didn't hesitate. Naruto slammed his shoulder into the barrel, knocking it onto its side with a loud crash. The lid flew off, and Sasuke's limp body spilled out onto the ground.

"Sasuke!" Naruto dropped to his knees beside him, his hands grabbing Sasuke's shoulders and shaking him.

Sasuke's face was pale, twisted in a grimace of pain. His body was covered in dark, jagged marks, the curse seal's influence spreading across his skin like black flames. The sight of him like this was worse than any nightmare. Sasuke looked fragile, like a shadow of the proud, arrogant rival Naruto had known since childhood.

Naruto's memories flooded him—the two of them sparring as kids, shouting at each other during missions, and pushing each other to their limits in training. Sasuke had always been the one Naruto chased, the one who made him stronger. They had fought as friends, as enemies, as brothers. And now, seeing him like this, so broken and vulnerable, filled Naruto with a mix of anger and desperation.

"Purify it, Naruto!" Kurama's voice cut through his thoughts. "Put your right hand on the mark and channel Asura's chakra!"

Naruto hesitated, glancing down at his right arm. It wasn't truly his anymore, not since that mission when he'd lost it. The arm was made from a wood clone, infused with Asura's chakra to keep it functioning. He hadn't fully understood what it meant before, but now, he had no choice but to trust it.

"Alright, you better not screw me over, Kurama," Naruto muttered. He rolled Sasuke onto his side, exposing the black mark that spread like a poisonous bloom from his left shoulder. Taking a deep breath, Naruto pressed his palm firmly against it.

A golden glow erupted from his hand, spreading across Sasuke's skin. The black marks began to recede, burning away like ash caught in the wind. Naruto gritted his teeth, focusing harder as he poured more chakra into the seal. The air around him grew heavier, the impure energy in the room resisting his efforts, swirling like a storm.

The golden light brightened, and for a moment, Naruto could feel it—the connection. The warmth of Asura's chakra coursing through him, colliding with the cold, sharp presence of Indra's essence lingering in Sasuke. The two forces were opposites, yet intertwined. Brothers. Just like him and Sasuke.

"You idiot," Naruto whispered, his voice tight with emotion. "You're my friend… my brother. And I'm not gonna let you fall into the darkness. Not now. Not ever."

The black stain on Sasuke's arm began to shrink, the golden light chasing it away inch by inch. But it wasn't enough. The corruption was deeply rooted, clinging stubbornly to his body like a parasite feeding on his very essence. Naruto's arm trembled as he pushed harder, his own chakra flaring wildly in an effort to purify the curse mark completely.

"Damn it, Sasuke!" Naruto grit his teeth, sweat dripping down his face. "You better wake up and fight this thing! Don't make me do this on my own!"

But Sasuke remained still, his face locked in a grimace of pain. His breathing was shallow, his body twitching involuntarily as though caught in some kind of terrible nightmare. The curse mark fought back viciously, resisting every ounce of Naruto's golden chakra with a malice that felt almost alive.

"Kurama!" Naruto shouted in his mind. "What else can I do? This isn't working fast enough!"

"You're doing all you can," Kurama growled, his voice laced with frustration. "The curse mark is Orochimaru's foul play—it's bound to fight tooth and nail. But you've got something Orochimaru doesn't, so use it. Stop fighting like a brute and focus your will on him!"

"What the hell does that even mean?!" Naruto snapped, his voice rising with frustration. His arm burned, the golden light flickering as his chakra strained under the effort. The air in the cave felt heavy and oppressive, the dense smoke-like energy radiating from the barrel now swirling around Sasuke like a vengeful spirit.

"Stop overthinking and focus on him!" Kurama barked. "Do you even remember why you're here?"

The question hit Naruto like a slap. His thoughts scattered, replaced by memories. The Land of Waves flashed before his mind—Sasuke standing in front of Haku's needles, shielding him without hesitation. Sasuke risking his life for their mission, for his comrades, for Naruto. They hadn't been close at first. Sasuke was the cool, talented prodigy, while Naruto was the loudmouthed underdog. But something had changed during those missions. Despite the bickering, despite their differences, they had started to understand each other.

Naruto's grip on Sasuke's shoulder tightened as the memories washed over him. He wasn't here because of some prophecy or reincarnation—he was here because Sasuke was his teammate, his rival, and maybe even his friend. That bond meant everything.

"Alright, you bastard," Naruto muttered, his voice soft but determined. "You saved my ass back then. Now it's my turn."

He closed his eyes and focused his chakra, letting it flow deliberately and steadily. The golden light around his hand grew stronger, pulsing rhythmically like a heartbeat. The dark energy recoiled slightly, as though responding to the strength of his will.

The cave trembled, the torii gate rattling faintly in the distance. Naruto pressed his palm more firmly against the curse mark, pouring every ounce of his determination into his chakra. He didn't just want to push the darkness away—he wanted to reach Sasuke, to remind him he wasn't alone.

"Sasuke…" Naruto said, his voice filled with raw emotion. "We've been through too much for you to give up now. You're not doing this by yourself. I've got you."

Sasuke didn't stir, his body still limp, his face pale. But Naruto could feel the energy shifting, the golden light growing stronger as it surrounded them both. The darkness faltered, retreating ever so slightly. It wasn't over, not yet, but for the first time, Naruto felt a glimmer of hope.

He gritted his teeth and pushed harder, refusing to let Sasuke slip away. The battle to purify the curse mark raged on, each second feeling like an eternity. But Naruto wouldn't stop. He couldn't stop. Because this wasn't just a mission—this was Sasuke.

The golden glow of Asura's chakra carried not only Naruto's will but the weight of their bond, pressing into Sasuke's consciousness like a beacon cutting through the fog. It wasn't just chakra—it was an unspoken plea, a desperate call to his teammate, his brother.

"Come back."

Sasuke's eyes snapped open—not in the real world, but in a surreal, oppressive landscape. His breath hitched as he took in his surroundings, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing. The air was heavy and smelled of ash, making it feel like every breath scraped his throat.

The forest stretched endlessly around him, but it wasn't alive. What must have once been towering trees, vibrant and lush, were now skeletal remains. Their trunks were charred and splintered, brittle enough to crumble with the faintest touch. The ground beneath his feet was a sea of ash, each step sending up tiny clouds of soot that clung to his legs and settled back in an almost oppressive silence. The sky above was obscured by a thick veil of black smoke, blotting out any natural light. Only one source of illumination remained: the ominous red aurora that hung in the sky like a scar carved into the heavens.

The light wasn't comforting. It pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat, casting a sickly crimson glow over the desolate landscape. Sasuke could feel its presence pressing against his senses, invasive and malevolent. It wasn't just light—it was a force, and as he stared into it, he swore he could hear whispers. They were faint, fragmented, and yet unmistakably sinister, like the dying echoes of a long-forgotten curse.

"Where… am I?" Sasuke muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He raised his left hand to shield his face from the ash that occasionally blew in with faint gusts of wind. But the motion sent a sharp jolt of pain up his arm, and he froze, his breath catching.

His left arm wasn't his own anymore.

From the shoulder down, starting at the curse mark, his flesh had transformed into something grotesque. Pale, scaly patches covered his arm, their snake-like texture glinting faintly in the red glow. The scales shimmered as if alive, shifting and rippling unnaturally with each movement. Between the scales, the skin was cracked and discolored, oozing a viscous black fluid that dripped onto the ground with a sickening plop. His fingers had elongated, the nails jagged and sharp, resembling claws more than human nails. Just looking at it filled him with revulsion. The arm didn't just look wrong—it felt wrong, like it didn't belong to him.

""Disgusting, isn't it?" came a voice, calm yet laced with disdain.

Sasuke snapped his head up, his Sharingan activating instinctively as his eyes searched for the speaker. He found him standing a short distance away, leaning casually against a charred tree that somehow hadn't collapsed.

The man's appearance was both regal and foreboding. His long brown hair was neatly combed, with two locks tied with bandages framing his face. His high-collared kimono was pristine, a pale gray that stood out starkly against the ash-covered backdrop. The dark sash around his waist was tied perfectly, and the collar of his kimono was adorned with magatama beads that glinted ominously in the red light. His features were sharp, almost unnaturally so, with high cheekbones and an aristocratic air that seemed to command attention. But it was his eyes that drew Sasuke's focus—the same Sharingan as his own, spinning lazily in their sockets, cold and calculating.

"You should be ashamed," The man continued, his voice cold. "To let yourself fall so far. That arm is a testament to your weakness, your willingness to be manipulated by others."

Sasuke glared at him, his right hand gripping his cursed arm tighter as though he could will the corruption away. "And who the hell are you to judge me?" he shot back, his voice hoarse but defiant.

The man pushed off the tree, taking a few slow steps toward Sasuke, his movements graceful and deliberate. "I am Ōtsutsuki Indra," he said, his tone calm but heavy with authority. "The progenitor of your bloodline. Without me, there would be no Uchiha. And yet, here you are, a disgrace to everything I created."

Sasuke's Sharingan spun faster, his glare sharpening. "I don't need a history lesson from a ghost. If you're here to lecture me, you're wasting your time."

Indra smirked faintly, though there was no humor in it. "A ghost?" he repeated, his voice laced with disdain. "I am more than a ghost. I am the source of your power, the wellspring from which your clan's strength flows. And yet, you've sullied that strength, allowed yourself to be branded by that snake and manipulated by fools."

Sasuke's glare didn't waver. "I didn't ask for your power."

"No," Indra said, his tone dripping with mockery. "You begged for it. You accepted the curse mark, allowed yourself to be branded like cattle, and for what? To kill your brother? To prove something to the world?" He gestured dismissively at Sasuke's corrupted arm. "Look at what it's cost you."

The pain in Sasuke's arm flared again, and he dropped to his knees with a grunt, his nails digging into the scaly flesh. The texture squirmed beneath his touch, as if alive. "This… this is nothing," he said through clenched teeth. "If it gives me the power to kill Itachi, I'll bear it."

Indra's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of disdain. "Pathetic," he spat, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Your obsession blinds you. You cling to your hatred like a drowning man clings to a stone. And now, you're drowning in the curse mark's filth, letting Orochimaru and that decrepit fool Danzo pull your strings."

Sasuke's breath hitched at the mention of Danzo. He glanced up at the red aurora, its oppressive glow intensifying as if to mock him. "That light…" he muttered, his Sharingan spinning as he studied it. "It's a genjutsu, isn't it?"

Indra nodded, his expression grim. "Kotoamatsukami. The eye of manipulation. Danzo's hand is all over this place. That light isn't just a reflection of his influence—it's his attempt to control you. To make you his pawn."

Sasuke's jaw clenched, his mind racing. The red light explained the strange heaviness, the invasive whispers, and the way his thoughts felt muddled. It was more than a genjutsu—it was an assault on his very will. He winced as another wave of pain shot through his arm. He clenched his jaw, gripping the corrupted limb tightly with his right hand. "I accepted the curse mark for power. That's all that matters."

"Is it?" Indra countered, his voice rising slightly. "Look around you, Sasuke. This is your soul, your inner world, and this is what your thirst for power has wrought. A wasteland of ash and ruin, with you shackled to a parasite's leash. Does that look like strength to you?"

Sasuke's glare faltered for a moment as he glanced around the scorched forest. The oppressive red light overhead pulsed again, and for a moment, he felt a pang of doubt. His gaze dropped back to his arm, the grotesque scales writhing as if alive.

"I don't need anyone's approval," Sasuke muttered, though his voice lacked conviction. "I'll kill Itachi. That's all that matters."

Indra shook his head, his expression hardening. " You truly are pathetic," he spat. Sasuke opened his mouth to retort, but Indra cut him off. "And worst of all," he continued, his tone dripping with disdain, "you're letting my little brother save you."

Indra stepped closer, his gaze boring into Sasuke. "You have a choice," he said, his voice quieter now but no less commanding. "You can let yourself be consumed by that arm, by the curse mark, by Danzo's manipulations. Or…"

"Or what?" Sasuke snapped, his frustration boiling over. "What the hell are you offering me?"

Indra's eyes softened, just for a moment, as if remembering something distant and painful. "Or you can accept Asura's help."

The name struck a chord in Sasuke's mind, an echo of something ancient and unresolved. He didn't understand it fully, but he knew instinctively what Indra meant. "Naruto," Sasuke muttered, his voice barely audible.

Indra's smirk returned, though it was tinged with bitterness. "Asura's chakra courses through you even now, working to undo the damage you've wrought upon yourself. Without it, you'd already be lost. Tell me, Sasuke, does that look like strength to you?"

The image of Naruto flashed in Sasuke's mind—his idiot grin, his unrelenting determination, and the way he always threw himself into danger for others. Memories of their battles and training sessions surfaced, unbidden. Tree climbing. The bridge. The Forest of Death. In each of those moments, Naruto had been there, pushing him, challenging him, saving him.

"Yes," Indra said with a faint smirk, as if he knew exactly what he was thinking. "That fool who refuses to leave you alone. The one who mirrors my brother's determination and foolishness in equal measure." He paused, his gaze flickering to the cursed arm. "If you accept Asura's chakra, you'll have the strength to break free of this corruption. But…"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "But what?"

Indra's smirk faded, his expression turning solemn. "The curse mark has already rooted itself deeply within you. It's not just a mark anymore—it's consumed your arm. If you choose Asura's path, you'll gain the strength of my father… but you'll have to make a sacrifice."

Sasuke's gaze narrowed. "What kind of sacrifice?"

Indra's expression was solemn now. "That arm is no longer yours. If you choose to free yourself, you'll have to give it up."

Sasuke's eyes snapped from his arm and then back to Indra. "What's the alternative?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Indra gestured to the writhing corruption on Sasuke's arm. "If you continue down this path, you'll gain power, but it will be a power stolen from you, manipulated by others."

Sasuke's heart pounded as he looked down at the grotesque limb. The thought of losing it filled him with dread, but the thought of remaining a pawn to Orochimaru and Danzo was worse. His mind flashed again to Naruto, to that grin, to his unrelenting spirit.

He looked up at Indra, his Sharingan gleaming with resolve. "Fine," he said, his voice steady. "If it means breaking free of this, I'll do it. I don't need this arm to kill Itachi. I just need my will."

Indra's smirk returned, tinged with approval. "Good," he said. "Then stand, Uchiha Sasuke. Prove that you're more than a pawn. Prove that you're worthy of your name."

Sasuke pushed himself to his feet, the oppressive red light above him dimming as he readied himself for what came next. The forest around him seemed to hold its breath, the ashen trees swaying slightly as if in anticipation.

Naruto's palm continued to press firmly against the curse mark, the dark flesh beneath it beginging to bubble unnaturally, almost as if alive. The sensation was revolting—a writhing, pulsating mass that seemed to recoil from Asura's golden chakra. Then, with a violent jolt, the curse mark convulsed, knocking Naruto's hand away and sending him stumbling backward. He hit the damp cave floor hard, skidding through the moss and grime as he tried to regain his footing.

The black flesh on Sasuke's left shoulder erupted, expanding grotesquely as if inflating with breath. The curse mark pulsed and stretched, the skin around it cracking open and spilling dark, tar-like blood that hissed as it hit the ground. The bubbling mass grew rapidly, climbing up Sasuke's neck and down his arm, consuming everything it touched. The flesh twisted and warped, taking on an almost reptilian texture as pale white scales emerged between the seeping black patches. The arm itself began to elongate unnaturally, the claws at the fingertips sharpening into deadly talons. The grotesque transformation did not stop there—bones cracked audibly as the arm began to bloat, inflating like a hideous cocoon.

Sasuke screamed, the sound raw and guttural, tearing through the air of the cave. Blood poured freely from his shoulder as the cursed arm detached completely, ripping away in a violent burst of dark fluid. It fell to the ground with a sickening splat, wriggling like a severed snake before dissolving into a pool of thick, tar-like muck. Sasuke convulsed as the remains of his left arm ignited in black flames that coalesced into a towering form.

The darkness around them surged toward the expanding mass, sucked into it like smoke being pulled into a vortex. The cave, already dim and oppressive, grew darker still as every wisp of impure energy was consumed by the grotesque creation. The air turned rancid, heavy with the stench of decay and sulfur. The dampness on the cave walls began to drip faster, almost as if the cavern itself was sweating in fear of what was taking shape.

The cocoon exploded.

Naruto shielded his eyes as shards of dark flesh rained down, splattering against the walls and floor. A monstrous figure emerged from the rupture—a grotesque, bat-like creature that towered over them at a height of nearly fifteen meters. Its body was humanoid in shape, but horribly distorted. Its torso was broad and hunched, covered in thick, oily black scales. Two massive wings jutted from its back, their edges frayed and jagged, resembling torn flesh more than appendages meant for flight. Each wing ended in clawed, hand-like extremities that flexed and twitched unnervingly.

Its head was grotesquely elongated, almost bird-like, with no mouth or nose. Instead, a single enormous Sharingan occupied the center of its face, spinning lazily in its socket. The eye was grotesque and bloodshot, veins radiating outward from its crimson iris, giving the appearance of a cracked porcelain mask. Its legs were long and spindly, ending in talons that scraped against the stone floor, their sound echoing ominously in the cavern.

Naruto's heart raced as he stumbled to his feet, his instincts screaming at him to move, but his body felt frozen. The creature's massive foot-like talons reared back, poised to crush him with an unstoppable force. Dust and shards of stone filled the air as the ground trembled under the monster's weight.

He turned back to Sasuke, sprawled against the moss-covered floor, his left shoulder a jagged, bleeding mess. Blood poured freely from the wound, pooling beneath him in thick, glistening puddles. His pale skin was slick with sweat, his chest heaving with every ragged breath.

"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, sprinting toward his teammate. He dropped to his knees beside him, his hands already moving to try and lift him up. "Come on, we have to move! Get up!"

Sasuke's remaining arm feebly pushed at Naruto. "Leave me," he growled through clenched teeth, his voice hoarse and pained. "You can't… carry me… in time."

"Shut up!" Naruto barked, looping one arm under Sasuke's good shoulder and attempting to haul him upright. "I'm not leaving you! We're getting out of this together, believe it!" But as Naruto tried to pull him to his feet, Sasuke's weight bore down like lead. His body was limp, too weak to support itself, and Naruto's efforts only caused him to stumble.

The ground quaked again as the monster's clawed foot came down, its grotesque Sharingan eye locked on them. The massive talons descended with terrifying speed, the air whistling sharply as they closed the distance.

"Dammit!" Naruto shouted, his hands shaking as he tried to lift Sasuke again. "Come on, Sasuke! Move!"

Sasuke's right eye snapped open, the Sharingan swirling within it, sharp and calculating despite his agony. "Let me go…" he said, his voice soft but resolute. "You idiot… just go…"

Naruto refused, planting himself more firmly. "No way! I don't care what you say! I'm not letting you die!" His voice cracked as he braced himself, determined to shield Sasuke even if it meant taking the hit himself.

The monstrous talon was nearly upon them when Sasuke gritted his teeth, his left eye finally opening. It glowed with an unfamiliar purple hue, intricate circles radiating outward with six tomoe nestled in the innermost two rings.

"Move…" Sasuke growled, his voice stronger now. His Rinnegan activated, locking onto the barrel across the cave. In a split second, their positions swapped.

Naruto barely registered the sensation as the air shifted around him, the torii gate suddenly looming behind them. The monster's talon crashed down onto the barrel instead, reducing it to splinters with a deafening crack that echoed through the cavern. Dust and debris flew outward, stinging Naruto's eyes as he whipped his head around, trying to process what had just happened.

"We're alive…?" he muttered, his voice trembling. His gaze fell on Sasuke, still slumped against the torii gate, his face pale and drenched in sweat. Then his eyes caught the glow of Sasuke's left eye, and his stomach lurched.

"Sasuke… your eye!" he shouted, pointing in shock.

Sasuke's chest heaved as he turned his head toward Naruto, the faintest smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth despite the pain. Then his head fell back against the gate, his body trembling but unbroken. His left eye glowed with an ethereal purple hue, its design intricate and mesmerizing. Rings of concentrated circles radiated outward from his pupil, with six tomoe adorning the innermost two rings.

Kurama's voice rumbled low and reverent in Naruto's mind. "The Rinnegan. The same eyes as the Old Man of Six Paths…"

The words, laden with awe, barely registered with Naruto, but their weight pressed against his thoughts. He blinked, the name sticking to his tongue. "Rinnegan?" he muttered aloud, his voice uncertain and shaky.

Sasuke's head snapped toward him at the word, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What did you just say?" he demanded, his breathing labored as he leaned heavily against the cavern wall.

Naruto pointed toward Sasuke's left eye, the swirling purple rings glowing faintly in the dim light of the cave. "Your eye, Sasuke… it's the Rinnegan, I think." Even as he spoke, he could feel the lingering awe from Kurama's tone affecting him. He wasn't entirely sure what the Rinnegan meant, but if Kurama was impressed, it had to be something monumental.

Sasuke shifted, his remaining hand lifting shakily to his face. He pressed his fingers against his cheekbone, feeling the telltale warmth of chakra pulsing through the strange new eye. His thoughts flickered back to Indra's cryptic words about unlocking a greater power. His gaze caught the faint glint in Naruto's blue eyes, a flicker of his own reflection staring back at him. The sight stopped him cold. His left eye wasn't the same as before. It gleamed with concentric circles, radiating a strange, otherworldly energy that seemed to pulse in sync with his heartbeat. The Rinnegan.

A surge of power coursed through Sasuke, so overwhelming it was almost intoxicating. This was it—the strength he had sought for so long. The strength to surpass Itachi, to obliterate his brother's shadow that had loomed over him since childhood.

But it hadn't come from following the path Itachi had paved for him. Sasuke hadn't gained this power by giving in to hatred, by cutting down bonds, or by sacrificing those close to him. No, this strength had come from something far more surprising: rejecting the darkness that Itachi's actions had tried to drive him toward.

By relying on the connection he shared with Naruto—by accepting help instead of shutting it out—Sasuke had achieved something greater than anything Itachi could have imagined. This was his power. His decision. And with it, he would carve his own path forward, one that wouldn't be dictated by his brother or anyone else.

But there was no time to revel in newfound power. The monstrous impurity—the grotesque form birthed from his curse seal—turned its lidless eye toward them, its bat-like wings spreading wide as it screeched, the sound reverberating painfully in their ears. The cave shook with the force of the creature's rage, dust and debris raining from above.

Naruto looked to Sasuke, his face a mix of urgency and desperation. "Sasuke! Can you fight?"

Sasuke's teeth clenched, his body trembling from blood loss and exhaustion. The stump of his left arm throbbed with a dull, ghostly pain. "Fight?" he spat bitterly, his voice edged with frustration. "I just lost my damn arm!"

Naruto didn't back down. "Didn't stop me!" He flexed his right arm, the wooden prosthetic glinting faintly in the dim light. His voice carried both determination and exasperation. "We don't have time for this, bastard. I can't do this alone! Once you're done whining, get up and help me!"

Without waiting for Sasuke's reply, Naruto turned and charged straight at the creature, his voice rising in a battle cry. "Let's go, you ugly piece of crap!"

"Idiot…" Sasuke muttered, dragging himself upright despite the pain. Some strange purple chakra that lingered in his wound seemed to suppress the worst of the agony, but his body still felt foreign and unbalanced. His eyes locked onto Naruto's charging form, jealousy flaring briefly in his chest. Naruto had grown so much, surpassing every expectation. And now, here Sasuke was, clutching a new power he could barely wield, while Naruto charged ahead without hesitation.

The impurity turned toward Naruto, its wing-like arms flexing with a grotesque, sinewy grace. One massive claw slashed downward, aiming to crush the blond shinobi beneath its sheer weight.

"Mokuton: Transformation Jutsu!" Naruto shouted, thrusting his right arm forward. His wooden prosthetic expanded and morphed, swelling to an enormous size until it matched the creature's wing in scale. The two collided with a thunderous crack that echoed throughout the cave, sending shockwaves through the air. The force was so great that Sasuke stumbled, catching himself on the torii gate behind him.

Sasuke's gaze remained fixed on Naruto, watching as his friend fought against the monster with everything he had. That familiar pang of jealousy resurfaced, mixing with a grudging admiration. Naruto's growth was undeniable, his strength unmatched by anyone Sasuke had known. And now, Sasuke felt the weight of his inadequacy more keenly than ever.

His eyes flicked back to the grotesque creature, then to his own missing arm. He wouldn't let Naruto outpace him. He wouldn't stand by and let someone else carry the burden. Gritting his teeth, he focused on the swirling power of the Rinnegan, willing it to grant him something—anything—that could help.

The chakra flared to life, coursing through Sasuke's body with a searing intensity that nearly brought him to his knees. One of the six tomoe in his Rinnegan glowed brightly, spinning with rapid precision as energy pooled at the raw, jagged stump of his left arm. With a harsh, metallic whir, the chakra began to solidify into something tangible.

Piece by piece, the arm began to construct itself. Segments of gleaming, dark metal formed in mid-air before latching onto his shoulder, each part connecting with a series of intricate, twisting bolts. The whirring sound grew louder as screws spiraled into place, locking each segment together. The machinery moved with a level of sophistication that Sasuke couldn't comprehend, its design far beyond anything he had ever seen in this world.

The fingers assembled last, slender but reinforced, their joints flexing with precise mechanical efficiency as if testing themselves. The arm radiated a faint blue light from the seams, the chakra within it coursing visibly through narrow, vein-like conduits. It was a fusion of technology and chakra, a construct that felt alien and otherworldly. Sasuke flexed the new hand experimentally, the strength in it undeniable but unfamiliar.

It wasn't just an arm; it was a weapon. The smooth metal gleamed in the dim light of the cave, the entire limb reinforced with ridges and plates that seemed engineered for both precision and destruction. Bolts dotted the structure at key points, holding it together like the joints of a machine. Sasuke could feel the raw power humming within it, but it wasn't like anything he had experienced before. It was not human, not natural—it felt detached, as though it belonged to something far beyond him.

He pushed himself upright, the weight of the arm forcing him to steady himself against the wall. Every movement felt strange, like his body wasn't sure how to respond to the alien limb attached to it. The pain in his shoulder was gone, replaced with an unsettling coldness that seeped into his nerves.

"What… is this?" Sasuke muttered under his breath, staring at the arm. The technology—it was unlike anything he had ever seen, almost futuristic in design, with lines of chakra-infused energy glowing faintly beneath the metal surface. He had no idea where this power came from or how it had formed, but he could feel its strength resonating with the chakra of his Rinnegan.

Taking a deep breath, he forced his focus back to the immediate threat. The monstrous impurity towered before them, its clawed wings casting ominous shadows across the cave walls. There wasn't time to dwell on the arm or its origins now. Whatever it was, it was his now, and it was enough.

Sasuke clenched his new fist, the sound of the mechanical joints tightening filling the air. He turned to Naruto, his voice low but resolute. "Alright, loser. Let's finish this."

Naruto lunged back forward, shouting, "Moku Bunshin no Jutsu!" as half a dozen wood clones sprouted from his body, peeling off in perfect formation. Their movements were synchronized, darting across the uneven cavern floor as they closed in on the towering impurity. Each clone leapt over jagged rocks and roots, their wooden arms flexing in preparation for the assault.

Sasuke flexed his new mechanical left arm. He could feel the immense, alien power thrumming through the limb, but controlling it was another matter. Every finger flex triggered something different—panels sliding open, gears clicking into place, and mechanisms activating with unnerving precision. The arm was far beyond anything he had ever seen, and its complexity left him feeling like he was grasping at straws to figure it out.

Naruto's clones reached the impurity, darting in from multiple angles. Two rushed head-on while the others flanked, aiming to overwhelm the creature with their numbers. The impurity responded with a deafening roar that echoed through the cavern. Its massive hand-shaped wings lashed out, one slamming into the ground to create a shockwave that scattered debris, while the other swept across, obliterating two clones instantly. The wooden remains splintered into the air before crumbling into dust.

Sasuke clenched his fist again, frustrated by his inability to act. The forearm of his mechanical arm popped open, its panels sliding apart with a sharp metallic hiss. Inside, a row of compact, missile-like projectiles sat nestled and waiting. Before Sasuke even registered what was happening, the missiles launched with a shrill whistle, streaking through the air in erratic arcs.

"Oi! What the hell, Sasuke!?" Naruto shouted, his real body skidding to a halt as the missiles raced toward the impurity—and directly through the paths of his clones.

The projectiles struck the impurity dead-on, erupting into a series of deafening explosions that sent shockwaves through the cavern. The force was immense, shattering nearby stalagmites and shaking the ground beneath them. Naruto cursed under his breath as two more clones were caught in the blast, disintegrating in flashes of wood and smoke.

Loose rocks tumbled from the cavern ceiling, adding to the chaos as the battlefield was enveloped in a thick cloud of dust and debris. Naruto staggered backward, coughing and waving his hand in front of his face to clear the air. His remaining clones regrouped beside him, each one scowling as though sharing his exasperation.

"Bombs? Really?" Naruto jogged back toward Sasuke, his blue eyes blazing with incredulity as the smoke began to clear. "You trying to blow me up along with that thing!?"

Sasuke didn't answer immediately, his Rinnegan glinting faintly in the dim light. His expression was locked in frustration as he stared down at his arm. "I didn't do it on purpose," he said flatly, flexing his fingers again. Another sharp metallic whirring followed, a compartment near his elbow opening to reveal a sleek energy cannon.

Naruto gestured wildly, his clones bristling with irritation behind him. "Well, figure it out fast! I've only got so many clones, you know!"

Sasuke didn't respond, his focus now entirely on his arm. The frustration simmering within him deepened, but he refused to let it show. He had the power to fight—he just needed to learn how to use it before it was too late.

The impurity emerged, unfazed by the explosions, its massive hand-shaped wings batting away the haze. Its single, glowing Sharingan eye locked onto Sasuke, as though recognizing the threat posed by his arm.

Naruto groaned, summoning more clones with a quick "Moku Bunshin no Jutsu!" The fresh clones sprang into action, zigzagging as they charged to avoid the impurity's massive, sweeping attacks. "Alright, genius," Naruto muttered, glaring at Sasuke. "Just don't hit me this time!"

Sasuke didn't bother answering, his Rinnegan glowing faintly as he tracked the chaotic battlefield. He flexed his fingers, willing his new arm to function as intended. The mechanical limb whirred faintly, its intricate mechanisms responding sluggishly to his commands. Frustration burned beneath the surface, but Sasuke forced himself to focus.

Then, suddenly, he was gone.

Naruto blinked, his gaze snapping to the empty spot where Sasuke had stood. "Where—"

The answer came with a sharp crack as Sasuke reappeared behind the impurity.

Amenotejikara.

It was like that word had been whispered into his very soul, and he understood this was the ability's name. The technique had activated instinctively, swapping his position with a jagged stalagmite near the monster's flank. Sasuke moved with precision, flexing his ring finger to activate the cannon concealed within his mechanical arm.

The energy cannon hummed, blue light pulsed from within the arm, growing brighter with every second. Sasuke took aim at the creature's back and fired, unleashing a brilliant beam of pure energy. The blast tore through the cavern, lighting it up like a lightning strike, the resulting explosion disintegrating nearby stalagmites and scattering debris in every direction.

But as the smoke cleared, the impurity stood unharmed. Its grotesque wings, massive and hand-shaped, had folded in front of its body, shielding it from the attack. The creature turned slowly, its single glowing Sharingan-like eye locking onto Sasuke with unnerving precision.

Naruto and his remaining clones sprung back into action. One clone stretched its Mokuton-formed arms, wrapping tightly around the impurity's spindly legs. But the creature roared, yanking one leg free with unnatural strength and slamming it down on the clone, crushing it into splinters.

Two more clones leapt into the air, their fists swelling as they charged mid-flight. "Uzumaki Naruto Rendan!" they shouted in unison, swinging their enormous fists down toward the impurity's shoulders. The creature raised its wings in defense, deflecting one strike but taking the other head-on. The impact staggered it slightly, but it retaliated immediately, one wing sweeping upward and obliterating the second clone in a violent burst of chakra. Naruto cursed under his breath as he darted forward, weaving between the debris.

Sasuke clenched his jaw, flexing his fingers again. The metallic arm shifted in response, revealing a set of small, whirring panels near the forearm. With a subtle gesture, a volley of smaller missiles launched, streaking toward the impurity. This time, the creature twisted mid-motion, flapping its massive wings to create a gust that sent the missiles spiraling off course. They detonated against the cavern walls, blasting chunks of rock loose and shaking the ground beneath them.

The impurity roared again, lunging toward Sasuke with surprising speed. Its taloned feet slammed down, forcing Sasuke to activate Amenotejikara once more, swapping his position with another stalagmite. He reappeared several meters away, panting heavily from the strain of using the technique so quickly in succession.

Naruto saw the opening and capitalized. "Mokuton: Root Bind!" he shouted, his wooden right arm slamming into the ground. Roots erupted beneath the impurity, winding around its legs and torso in a twisting mass. The creature shrieked, thrashing violently as the roots constricted it.

Several clones launched themselves at the impurity's head, their fists swollen with chakra. This time, the combined force of their blows managed to snap the creature's head back, but it retaliated immediately, swinging one wing upward to scatter the clones like twigs. Only one remained, its wooden arms stretching further to tighten the Mokuton bindings.

Naruto landed beside Sasuke, panting hard as he glanced at the struggling creature. "You're welcome," he said, raising his wooden right arm for a high five.

Sasuke gave him a flat, unimpressed look. "We haven't won yet," he said coldly, his Rinnegan gleaming as he analyzed the battlefield. "And your clones didn't even last long enough to do anything meaningful."

Naruto scowled, his hand dropping back to his side and rolling his eyes. "Fine, fine. What's your brilliant plan, then?"

Sasuke didn't respond immediately. His Rinnegan gleamed, the six tomoe spinning faintly as he tracked the impurity's movements. The creature thrashed violently against the Mokuton roots, its enormous hand-like wings tearing chunks of stone from the cavern walls as it struggled to free itself.

"If you can hold it long enough," Sasuke muttered, more to himself than to Naruto. His gaze sharpened, his mind calculating distances and angles. "We'll time this perfectly…" He trailed off, glancing at Naruto.

Naruto smirked, his blue eyes sparking with determination. "Alright, let's do this."

The tension between them shifted, their rivalry taking a back seat to the unspoken understanding that had always existed beneath it. Despite their differences, they were a team, and together they could accomplish what neither could alone.

Naruto took off first, forming another set of wood clones as he ran. The clones fanned out, their movements chaotic and unpredictable as they closed in on the impurity. The creature roared, its massive eye tracking the incoming threats. One of its wings lashed out, obliterating two clones in a single swipe, but the others adapted quickly, dodging and weaving around its attacks.

Sasuke activated Amenotejikara, swapping places with a broken stalactite above the impurity. The sudden shift brought him directly above the creature's massive head, giving him a perfect vantage point. He flexed his ring finger, the panels in his mechanical arm shifting once more to reveal the energy cannon embedded within.

"Keep it distracted!" Sasuke barked, his voice echoing across the cavern.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm on it!" Naruto shouted back. He sent his clones in a coordinated assault, each one transforming mid-charge into twisting wooden roots. The roots wrapped around the impurity's limbs, pulling taut as they anchored themselves to the ground. The creature roared, thrashing wildly in an attempt to break free, but Naruto's clones held firm.

"Now!" Naruto yelled, his voice carrying over the chaos.

Sasuke didn't hesitate. The energy cannon in his arm began to hum, the charge building rapidly. A bright blue glow illuminated the dark cavern as the cannon reached its peak. Sasuke aimed directly at the creature's back once again, where its grotesque wings connected to its torso.

The blast fired with a deafening crack, the beam of concentrated energy striking the impurity dead-on. The force of the attack sent shockwaves rippling through the cavern, dislodging chunks of rock from the ceiling. The creature screamed, its single eye flaring with furious light as the energy seared through its unnatural form.

Naruto wasn't finished yet. As Sasuke's blast struck, the last of his clones transformed, their roots surging upward to ensnare the impurity's wings. The combined weight and force of the bindings dragged the creature down, slamming it into the cavern floor. The impact shook the ground, the sound of cracking stone echoing like thunder.

"Don't let up!" Sasuke called, his voice strained but determined. He flexed his fingers, activating another mechanism in his arm. A set of metal spikes shot out from the forearm, embedding themselves into the impurity's back and anchoring it in place. The creature's thrashing grew weaker, its movements sluggish as the combined assault began to overwhelm it.

Sasuke jumped down to land beside Naruto, sweat dripping from his brow as he surveyed the battlefield. The impurity lay pinned beneath a mass of wooden roots and spikes from Sasuke's mechanical arm, its once-mighty struggles reduced to faint tremors.

"You think that'll hold it?" Naruto asked, glancing warily at the creature.

Sasuke flexed his arm again, the mechanical joints emitting a faint whir as the spikes drove deeper. His Rinnegan continued to glow, its power stabilizing the chaotic energy of his new limb. "If it's not, we'll finish it. Together."

Naruto gave him a sideways glance, his grin widening. "Finish it, huh? I like the sound of that, but you and I can't beat that thing alone." He jabbed his thumb toward the thrashing impurity. "All we really need to do is hold it down until Hinata gets here, and then she'll take care of the rest."

"Hinata?" Sasuke's brow furrowed in confusion. He didn't understand why Naruto was bringing her up now. In the first place, could she even be trusted? Rumors about her had been flying through Konoha ever since the Chūnin Exams. Some even claimed she'd killed Itachi, though now he knew his brother was alive. That made her suspicious.

"Yeah," Naruto said, his tone as casual as if they were discussing lunch. "She came to help me save you. And we've dealt with something like this before. That thing's basically just a big lump of impure natural energy, and her jutsu's the only thing that can purify it. So, it's best to let her handle it."

Sasuke's jaw tightened. Naruto spoke as if this was the only logical course of action, but it grated against everything Sasuke believed. Leaving this to someone else? Trusting another person to clean up his mess? It was unthinkable. This power was born from him, wasn't it? Then it should be his responsibility to destroy it. He didn't need Hinata or anyone else to handle it for him.

"I'll finish it now while you hold it down," Sasuke snapped, raising his mechanical left arm. He was certain there had to be a weapon within the limb powerful enough to obliterate the impurity in a single shot. All he needed was a clear line of fire.

Naruto grabbed Sasuke's wrist before he could act, his good-natured expression giving way to a stern glare. "Just wait, would ya?" he said, his voice sharp. "She's already here, you know."

The argument ended before it could escalate. From the direction of the massive gate, Hinata entered at a light jog, flanked by Anko and a third person Sasuke didn't recognize. The sight of her pale lavender eyes locked onto him was enough to make Sasuke bristle.

"Naruto-kun! Sasuke-kun!" Hinata called out, her tone equal parts relief and surprise. She'd been sure the impure energy had already consumed him, yet here he stood—injured but very much alive.

"You had us worried, you damn brat," Anko chimed in, her attempt at a grin more strained than usual. She didn't realize it yet, but standing so close to the impurity was sapping her strength. Even the unconscious Sakon, still coiled within the giant snake trailing behind her, twitched uneasily.

Tayuya remained silent a moment longer, her sharp eyes studying Sasuke with open scrutiny. She crossed her arms and leaned slightly to the side, a smirk curling her lips. "So, this is the great Uchiha Sasuke," she drawled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I thought you'd be taller."

"That's enough," Anko interjected, her voice cutting off whatever retort Sasuke was about to make. "We don't have time for this." Her gaze was firm as it flicked between the two of them.

Naruto, oblivious to the tension in the air, stepped forward and greeted Hinata with a wide grin. "Good timing! Sasuke and I just pinned down another one of those impurity things for you." He gestured over his shoulder at the thrashing creature, its grotesque, bat-like form struggling violently against the Mokuton bindings. The cavern echoed with its furious roars and the creaking of the roots trying to hold it in place. "It came out of his curse mark… and, uh, his arm."

"What!?" Hinata's exclamation overlapped with Anko's, their voices sharp with alarm. Both women's eyes snapped to Sasuke's mechanical left arm. Tayuya, standing slightly apart, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her own thoughts concealed behind a scornful smirk.

Now that Hinata was out of the Kamui dimension and could sense natural energy again, her Nichiren Byakugan immediately identified the arm for what it truly was. It wasn't just advanced technology—it was fused with an unfamiliar yet potent sage chakra. Each motion of the arm radiated strange, almost otherworldly power, its metallic surface gleaming faintly in the dim light of the cavern.

For a brief moment, Hinata's gaze lingered on Sasuke's arm, the realization sinking in. How had he managed to create something so intricate and powerful in such a short time? It was eerily similar to Naruto's wood prosthetic, yet entirely different in its energy. But her attention was quickly pulled back to the impurity. Born from the curse mark and Indra's corrupted chakra, this creature was a disaster waiting to happen. A chill ran down her spine. This was one of the worst outcomes imaginable.

The impurity thrashed violently, its grotesque limbs jerking as it emitted guttural, otherworldly sounds. If someone used a Mangekyō Sharingan ability on it now, it could become a gateway for an outsider—a foothold for something far worse.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun. Sasuke-kun," Hinata said, nodding to both of them. Her voice was calm but carried a firmness that cut through the tension. She stepped forward, determination etched across her features. With practiced precision, she pressed her thumb to her temple and activated the second gate.

"Second Gate: Gate of Healing—Open!" she announced, her voice echoing in the cavern like a command.

A shockwave of chakra exploded from her, radiating outward with such force that the others stumbled slightly. The radiant energy didn't stop there—it swept across the entire chasm, illuminating the rocky walls and casting the impurity's grotesque silhouette into stark relief. The oppressive energy of the creature seemed to recoil, its thrashing momentarily faltering in the face of Hinata's sheer presence.

Her Byakugan pulsed with a faint lavender glow, the intricate lotus pattern within her eyes bright and sharp. The flowing chakra coiled around her like an aura, crackling with raw, unyielding power. It was a stark contrast to the impure energy that tainted the air, her presence like a beacon of order within the chaos.

Sasuke stood in tense silence, his pride and suspicion clashing as he observed her. His Rinnegan flickered, the six tomoe glinting faintly as he analyzed the situation. He couldn't ignore the scale of her power, nor the precision with which she wielded it. It was both impressive and unsettling.

Naruto crossed his arms, a grin spreading across his face. "See? Told ya she'd handle it," he said with a mix of pride and relief. His trust in Hinata's abilities was unwavering, and it showed in his relaxed posture.

Sasuke didn't respond, but his clenched jaw betrayed his unease. Whether he trusted Hinata or not, one thing was clear—this fight was no longer his. The battle to purify the impurity belonged to her now, and all he could do was watch as she took command of the situation with a strength that rivaled even his own newfound power.

The impurity writhed violently, its grotesque form convulsing as its bonds creaked under the strain. The Mokuton roots holding it in place began to crack, and a low, guttural sound filled the cavern, vibrating through the air. It wasn't just rage—it was hunger.

Behind Hinata, a sudden thud broke her focus. She turned to see Anko collapse to the ground, clutching the back of her neck. Her face twisted in pain, her breath coming in shallow gasps. The cursed mark etched on her skin was glowing, dark tendrils of chakra seeping out and flowing toward the impurity like black smoke. At the same time, Sakon's unconscious form convulsed within the snake's coil, his own mark burning with the same eerie glow.

Both cursed seals were being consumed, their corrupted energy siphoned directly into the impurity. It pulsed, its grotesque form expanding slightly as the energy fueled its transformation. Its thrashing grew more powerful, and the Mokuton bindings began to snap one by one.

"Shit," Anko hissed, pushing herself onto her elbows, her body trembling. "I should've had it removed… I should've—" Her voice cracked, guilt etched into every word. "If this thing escapes, it's my fault…"

The impurity let out a guttural screech, a sound so piercing that it sent vibrations through the cavern walls, dislodging loose stones and dust from the ceiling. Each movement sent tremors through the ground, forcing the group to steady themselves as they braced against the raw, malevolent energy radiating from the creature.

Naruto didn't wait for another root to snap. "No time for regrets!" he yelled, determination etched across his face. He charged forward, his wooden arm elongating and twisting like a living thing. The arm coiled around the impurity's massive torso like a serpent, tightening with incredible force. The impurity screeched again, flailing to break free, but Naruto held firm, his feet digging into the damp stone floor to brace himself. "We're not letting this thing get loose! Little help, people?"

Tayuya groaned, clutching her stomach as if preparing for a blow. "Every damn time…" she muttered, before gritting her teeth and leaping into action. Her adamantine chains burst forth with a metallic clink, gleaming in the dim cavern light as they snaked through the air. The chains latched onto the impurity's wings, their sharp edges digging into the creature's flesh. Tayuya dug her heels into the ground, pulling hard as the impurity thrashed against her hold. "This thing owes me a new set of ribs after we kill it!" she shouted, her face twisted with effort.

Anko, still trembling from the aftereffects of her cursed mark being drained, forced herself to her feet. Her legs wobbled, but her eyes burned with resolve. "I'm not letting this be my fault," she growled. Summoning every ounce of strength she had left, she thrust her arm forward, and from her sleeve burst a writhing mass of snakes. The serpents slithered and twisted through the air, wrapping tightly around the impurity's legs. They hissed and coiled, their constriction halting the impurity's attempts to stand. "You're not getting out of this!" Anko spat, her voice hoarse but defiant.

Despite the combined efforts, the impurity let out another bone-chilling screech. It flung its body wildly, one of its winged arms breaking free of Tayuya's chains. The motion sent a shockwave through the cavern, forcing everyone to duck as jagged debris flew in every direction. One of Naruto's wood clones disintegrated under the force, and the original dug his heels deeper, gritting his teeth against the strain.

"Sasuke, stop playing with your new toy and help!" Naruto shouted over the chaos, his voice cracking with urgency as his wooden arm strained to maintain its hold.

Sasuke's glare shot toward Naruto, his pride stung. "Give me a damn second," he snapped. His mechanical arm whirred and clicked as he flexed his fingers, searching for the right mechanism. Finally, with a deliberate motion, his hand detached from the wrist, the thin wire connecting it crackling with energy. With precision, the hand shot forward and latched onto the impurity's wing, sparks dancing along its grotesque surface.

Sasuke focused his Rinnegan, sending a powerful jolt of paralyzing electricity through the wire. The creature convulsed, its massive form jerking violently as the current surged through its body. The wires in Sasuke's arm hissed and strained under the force, but the shock slowed the impurity's movements, allowing the others to tighten their holds.

"Not bad!" Naruto called out, his wooden arm coiling tighter around the impurity's midsection. He glanced back at Tayuya, who yanked on her chains with a ferocious snarl, forcing the creature's wings back against its body. "Tayuya, keep those wings locked down!"

"Don't tell me how to do my job!" she barked, her chains pulling taut, the metal groaning under the strain.

Even with the combined strength of Mokuton, adamantine chains, electricity, and snakes, the impurity continued to fight. Its grotesque body bulged and twisted, its single, glowing eye burning with fury. The bonds strained audibly, cracks forming along Naruto's wooden constructs and Tayuya's chains trembling under the tension.

"It's… not… enough!" Anko growled, sweat dripping from her forehead as she pushed herself further. Another wave of snakes erupted from her arm, doubling the pressure on the impurity's legs.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, his hand still latched to the wing. He flexed his remaining fingers, activating an additional burst of electricity. "This thing is stronger than we thought," he muttered, his voice tight with exertion.

The impurity's movements began to slow, its thrashing reduced to weaker, sluggish jerks. Even so, its malevolent energy continued to pulse, and its screeches filled the cavern with an almost deafening echo.

Naruto, breathing heavily, glanced at Hinata. "We've got it pinned, Hinata! Whatever you're gonna do, do it now!" he shouted, his voice ringing with urgency.

Hinata exhaled deeply, steadying herself as the chaos around her faded into the background. The impurity thrashed and screeched, but her focus remained unshaken. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she centered herself, channeling her chakra with precision. When her eyes reopened, her Nichiren Byakugan glowed with fierce clarity, the white lotus blooming faintly within her pupils. The path to victory unfolded before her, each step a deliberate, fluid movement in her mind's eye.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft but resolute. Her teammates had bought her this moment, and she would not waste it.

Hinata stepped forward, her presence commanding. Chakra swirled around her, luminous and radiant as she began her technique. "Byakuren: Some no Mai!" Her voice rang through the cavern, steady and determined, cutting through the oppressive atmosphere like a blade.

Her movements were a dance, each step graceful yet powerful. She glided across the cavern floor as if weightless, her movements precise and deliberate. Her chakra surged, radiating out in waves that made the air shimmer. The first blow was moments from landing, the purifying energy poised to pierce the impurity's core.

But then, a swirling black vortex tore through the space in front of her.

A sing-song voice cut through the tension, mocking and cruel. "No miracles this time."

Tobi stepped from the void, his orange mask stark against the darkness. His Mangekyō Sharingan spun wildly, its power distorting the air around him. Hinata's eyes widened in shock. She planted her feet, channeling chakra to resist, but the portal's power was overwhelming. Before she could counter, the swirling void consumed her, pulling her into the blackness.

The impurity shrieked as the vortex expanded, its grotesque body the next to be consumed. The Mokuton bindings, adamantine chains, electrified wire, and writhing snakes clinging to its form followed, dragged into the swirling blackness like threads unraveling from a single point.

Naruto's wooden arm, still having been wrapped tightly around the impurity, pulled taut as the force of the portal yanked him forward. His feet scraped against the ground, desperate for purchase, but it was too late. "Hinata!" he shouted, his voice cracking as the pull grew stronger. His body jerked violently as the wood binding him to the impurity snapped forward, dragging him into the void.

Tayuya's adamantine chains glowed fiercely, the metal groaning as the vortex sucked them in. She dug her heels into the cavern floor, but the chains only tightened, pulling her with them. Her hands clawed at the ground, her face contorted in rage and desperation, but the overwhelming force wrenched her forward. She vanished into the darkness, her chains rattling against the stone as she followed them.

Anko collapsed to one knee, her snakes flailing wildly as they struggled to maintain their grip on the impurity. Her chakra reserves were nearly depleted, and the added strain of the vortex tore through her remaining strength. The snakes were pulled in as she was dragged across the ground, her hands scrabbling uselessly for an anchor. The limp form of Sakon, still bound in the remnants of her technique, was sucked in alongside her.

Sasuke's mechanical arm sparked and whined as the wire attached to the impurity tightened, pulling him forward with an unrelenting force. The screws and bolts holding the arm together groaned under the strain, but the pull was too powerful. His feet slid across the ground, the last fragments of resistance vanishing as the vortex claimed him. The wire stretched taut for a moment, then snapped into the darkness, taking Sasuke with it.

The cavern trembled violently as the swirling void consumed everything tethered to the impurity. Stalactites crashed to the ground, sending shards of stone scattering, but the portal continued its relentless pull. Dust and debris swirled in its wake, the air heavy with the echoes of the battle.

And then, silence.

The vortex collapsed into nothingness, leaving behind an empty, desolate cavern. The remnants of the battle were scattered across the ground—shattered stalagmites, faint scorch marks, and the lingering aura of chakra where Hinata had stood moments before. The oppressive quiet settled over the space, broken only by the faint, fading echoes of Tobi's laughter.

Hinata hit the cobblestone street with a hard thud, the impact knocking the wind from her lungs. The sharp pain in her side told her she had likely bruised a rib, but she forced herself to roll over, gasping for air. Around her, a series of heavy thuds reverberated through the street as her comrades landed just as ungracefully. A final, thunderous crash followed as the impurity emerged from the portal, its massive form struggling to fit through the swirling void. When it finally did, the resulting shockwave sent dust and debris flying in every direction.

The screams came next.

Hinata blinked rapidly as she took in the chaos. They weren't in some desolate wasteland or a secure prison—Tobi had deposited them directly in the heart of Konohagakure no Sato. The familiar sight of the village's bustling shopping arcade, once filled with laughter and chatter, was now a scene of devastation. The twilight sky bathed the area in a faint orange glow, contrasting sharply with the thick clouds of dust rising from the destruction.

"Why…?" Hinata's voice was barely above a whisper as she pushed herself up on trembling arms. Her head throbbed, her thoughts sluggish from the jarring landing. Even if she could think clearly, she couldn't fathom the purpose behind Tobi's actions. Why here? Why now?

The impurity's massive bulk had landed squarely on top of several buildings, flattening them completely. The shattered remains of wooden beams and crumbled stone were strewn across the cobblestone streets, and beneath the rubble, Hinata could see the outlines of bodies. Some were lifeless, crushed instantly under the creature's weight, their final moments spent in confusion and terror. Others moved weakly, trapped beneath the wreckage, their chakra signatures flickering like dying flames.

A sharp screech tore through the air as the impurity rose to its full height. Its grotesque wings, shaped like clawed hands, stretched wide, casting an ominous shadow over the arcade. The single, massive Sharingan eye dominating its head rotated slowly, scanning the area like a predator searching for its next victim.

Hinata staggered to her feet, the screams of the villagers piercing through the haze in her mind. Civilians fled in every direction, some tripping over scattered debris, others desperately pulling at loved ones trapped beneath the rubble. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke from fires ignited by the impact. A street vendor's overturned food cart burned brightly, its flames licking at the remnants of the building it once stood in front of.

The sheer size of the impurity caused more damage with every movement. Its clawed feet crushed streetlights and stalls alike as it advanced, the ground shaking with each step. A toppled awning, once brightly colored and cheerful, now draped lifelessly over a pile of rubble. Shattered glass from shop windows glittered like sharp, deadly stars in the fading light.

"Hinata!" Naruto's voice snapped her out of her daze. He was already on his feet, his wooden arm stretched toward a chunk of rubble, lifting it off a trapped villager. His expression was grim, but his eyes burned with determination. "We've gotta stop that thing before it kills anyone else!"

Hinata nodded weakly, her eyes drawn to the towering monster. It unfurled its massive, grotesque wings, black and leathery with sharp, bony edges that gleamed faintly in the dim twilight. The air itself seemed to ripple as the creature ascended, The powerful gusts from its ascent toppled more stalls and scattered debris, sending terrified villagers tumbling. Freed from the confined cavern, the monster now reveled in its newfound freedom, stretching and twisting its hulking form with unnatural fluidity.

"This is my fault." Anko spat, her voice shaking as she pressed her fingers against the back of her neck where the curse mark had once been. The skin there was smooth now, devoid of the jagged seal that had haunted her for years. Her eyes widened as the realization hit her, her hand trembling slightly. "It's… gone." Her voice wavered, caught somewhere between disbelief and dread.

She turned sharply to glance at Sakon's unconscious form, still tightly bound by the massive snake that had coiled around him. She bent down to scan him and saw it—the same absence. His curse mark had disappeared too, its remnants entirely consumed by the impurity. The creature had devoured their marks, growing stronger from the corrupted energy they carried.

"If I'd just gotten rid of that damn mark earlier—if I hadn't let it linger…" Anko trailed off, her snakes lashing out from her sleeve in frustration.

"Now's not the time for that!" Tayuya snapped, her voice cutting through Anko's spiral of regret. She crouched down near the rubble, summoning her adamantine chains. The shimmering links shot forward, wrapping around a massive chunk of stone. With a sharp pull, she dislodged it, revealing a young boy huddled beneath. His wide, tear-streaked eyes locked onto hers, his body trembling in fear.

"Come on, kid," Tayuya muttered, her voice gruff but not unkind. She reached down and carefully pulled him free, ignoring the strain in her arms and the sting of dirt and debris cutting into her palms. The boy clung to her, his small hands clutching her sleeve as if she were the only safe thing in this sea of chaos.

Naruto, standing nearby, paused in his frantic work clearing rubble to take in the sight. "Tayuya…" he started, his tone full of genuine admiration. "That was—"

"Shut it, whiskers," Tayuya snapped, her face turning a deep shade of red as she shoved the boy toward Anko. "He's not safe here, so get him the hell out of the way before that thing notices him."

Anko, still shaken but momentarily distracted by Tayuya's actions, offered a faint smile. "You've got a heart under all that attitude, huh?" she said, her tone carrying a rare note of warmth.

Tayuya bristled, turning away sharply as she adjusted the chains in her hands. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it. We've got bigger problems to deal with." Despite her sharp words, there was no mistaking the faint flicker of pride in her expression as she turned back to face the towering creature. Her chains glinted in the fading light, ready to bind the impurity again if it so much as twitched in their direction.

The red eye focused, locking onto a group of Shinobi on the rooftops below. With a guttural screech that sent chills down the spines of those nearby, it dove sharply, its wings cutting through the air like razors. The sheer weight of the creature caused the ground to quake as it slammed into the rooftop, shattering tiles and collapsing the structure beneath it. Dust and debris exploded outward, a deadly cloud that swallowed everything in its path.

Kunai and shuriken flew from the Shinobi, clattering uselessly against the impurity's hardened flesh. The attacks didn't even leave a scratch. The monster didn't flinch or hesitate; its only response was to lash out, swinging one of its massive, wing-like appendages. The sharp edges of its wings cut through the air with a whistle, slicing through nearby buildings as if they were made of paper.

The group of Shinobi, caught in the devastation, were moments from being crushed when a green blur shot through the chaos. Might Gai appeared in the nick of time, his immense speed and strength enabling him to grab the two nearest Shinobi and leap away just as the impurity's wing came crashing down. The ground split apart where they had been standing, the creature's weight causing an entire section of the street to cave in.

"Get to safety!" Gai shouted, his voice commanding but filled with urgency. He landed several rooftops away, setting the Shinobi down before turning back to face the monster. His brows furrowed as he assessed the situation.

The impurity's single red eye swiveled, locking onto Gai. It let out a gurgling roar, a sound that was equal parts rage and hunger, before charging after him. Its massive claws tore through the crumbled remains of the street, sending rubble flying as it moved with surprising speed for its size.

Meanwhile, on a veranda overlooking the chaos, a figure sat comfortably, seemingly unaffected by the destruction unfolding below. Tobi lounged on the edge, one leg dangling lazily while the other rested on his knee. His orange mask caught the faint light, the swirling pattern around the eyehole giving him an almost whimsical appearance despite the carnage.

"Marvelous, isn't it?" Tobi's voice was calm, almost amused. He tilted his head, as if admiring a fine piece of art. "And to think, you wanted to purify it."

Below, Hinata struggled to stay on feet, her body trembling from the earlier impact. Dust clung to her skin, her hair disheveled and her head throbbing. Despite her disorientation, her Nichiren Byakugan granted her a clear view of the battlefield. She glanced toward the impurity, which had now cornered Gai and several other Shinobi, its massive frame towering over them like a nightmare made flesh. Her chest tightened as she watched the destruction unfold, her mind racing for a solution. "Why are you doing this?!" she demanded, her voice filled with frustration.

Tobi chuckled softly, his head tilting further. "You ask why, but do you really want to know? Or are you hoping I'll say something that makes this all easier for you to bear? That's the problem with you Hyūga—you're always looking for clarity, but sometimes, the truth isn't clear at all." He rose to his feet in one fluid motion, his cloak billowing lightly in the wind. "The impurity is simply a tool, just like you and your precious friends. Tools that serve a greater purpose."

Before Hinata could respond, the impurity let out another deafening roar, slamming its wings down with enough force to create a shockwave that rippled through the street. Tiles, stones, and debris flew outward, knocking Shinobi off their feet and sending civilians into further panic. The creature turned its massive red eye toward Tobi for a moment, as if seeking his approval, before resuming its rampage.

Hinata's fists trembled as she watched the scene unfold. Her people were struggling, the civilians suffering, and she felt the weight of Tobi's words pressing down on her. Whatever his purpose, it was clear that stopping the impurity was the first step to unraveling his plan. She straightened, her resolve hardening as she prepared to act.

Tobi, watching her from his perch, tilted his head in mock curiosity. "Oh? Are you planning to stop it? Do you really think you can?"

Hinata didn't respond. She didn't need to. Her glowing eyes were answer enough, burning with resolve despite the chaos around her.

Before Tobi could say more, a sharp, commanding voice cut through the air. Danzo limped into view, his aura of authority unwavering despite the stump where his arm had once been. Supported by the pale, silent Sai, Danzo's single visible Sharingan glared up at Tobi with unmasked fury. "Tobi," he growled, his voice sharp and cutting, "what is the meaning of this? You dare unleash that monstrosity here in Konoha?"

Tobi, perched on the veranda like a child swinging their legs, tilted his head in mock surprise. "Oh, Danzo, you wound me." His voice carried a mock sweetness. "You act as though we weren't partners in this little endeavor. Don't tell me you've suddenly developed a moral compass?"

Danzo's brow furrowed, his tone turning icy. "Partners? Don't insult me. I used you as a tool to achieve my goals, nothing more."

Tobi chuckled, swinging his dangling foot back and forth like a child. "Is that what you told yourself? How funny. You used me, sure—but did you really think I wouldn't use you in return?" He gestured grandly at the destruction below. "Look around, Danzo. Isn't it beautiful? All the chaos you've helped create?"

Danzo's grip on his cane tightened as he leaned heavily on Sai for support. "You think this destruction is a victory for you? You've exposed yourself, Tobi. You're nothing more than a coward hiding behind a mask."

"Coward?" Tobi's tone dropped, his cheerful façade slipping for a moment. "Oh, I've done far worse than that, Danzo. This…" He gestured to the rampaging impurity in the sky, its massive wings spreading terror. "…is only the beginning."

Danzo sneered, his frustration bubbling over. "You think that creature will serve your purpose? It's nothing more than a weapon gone rogue. You've lost control of it."

"Lost control?" Tobi's mask tilted down, his Sharingan visible and glowing ominously. "No, no, no, Danzo. That's where you're wrong. This isn't about control. This is about sending a message."

"A message!?" Danzo spat, fury coloring his words. "To whom? The village? The world? What message do you think this destruction conveys?"

Tobi leaned forward, his tone low and dangerous now, dripping with mockery. "No matter how much you plan, no matter how many pawns you sacrifice, Danzo… there's always a bigger game being played. And you? You're just another piece on my board."

"You both manipulated me," Sasuke growled, staggering to his feet. His rage burned brighter than his lingering pain, his new mechanical arm sparking faintly as he stumbled toward Danzo and Tobi. "You promised me my brother, and instead, you stuffed me into a damn barrel to turn me into that thing!" His accusatory finger shot toward the rampaging impurity, which roared as it tore through another building.

Sasuke didn't get far before Kakashi appeared beside him in a blur, gripping his shoulder firmly to steady him. "Sasuke," Kakashi said, his voice a rare mix of exasperation and concern. "What are you two doing here? And what is that?" His visible eye darted to the towering impurity rampaging through the village, then to Tobi perched above them, and back to Sasuke and Naruto. "How did this even happen?"

Sasuke pulled away, though his steps were still unsteady. "We were set up," he growled, his Rinnegan flickering with residual energy. "That thing came from my curse mark. Danzo's just been using me this whole time." His tone was sharp, but his exhaustion was evident, his hand unconsciously brushing against his new mechanical arm.

Naruto hurried over, his wooden arm still twitching from its earlier use. "It's a long story, Kakashi-sensei, but we don't have time for all the details. The dude in the orange mask dumped us here with that thing, and now it's tearing through the village! We have to stop it!" His frantic energy was palpable, but there was an edge of guilt in his voice as his eyes flicked to the destruction around them.

"Hinata-sama!" Neji's urgent voice broke through the chaos as he appeared from the direction of the rubble, his Byakugan activated. His sharp gaze locked onto a familiar figure standing unsteadily amid the wreckage. "Hinata-sama!" he called again, his voice carrying both worry and determination.

Hinata blinked, momentarily disoriented as she turned toward him. "Neji-nii-san…" she murmured, her voice distant. It was only when she saw her cousin's worried expression that she fully registered his presence. Tenten appeared beside him, her face a mix of concern and determination.

"Are you alright?" Tenten asked, her gaze falling on the bleeding wound on Hinata's temple. "That looks bad—" She paused, already reaching for the small first-aid pouch strapped to her waist.

Hinata raised a hand to her temple, surprised to find warm, sticky blood there. She hadn't even realized she was injured. "I'm fine," she said, her tone firm despite the shock. The natural energy flowing through her body was already working to close the wound. She straightened herself with Neji's help, her eyes darting back toward the impurity. "That monster needs to be stopped before it's too late."

"Allow me to help," Itachi said, his voice soft but resolute. Hinata spun on her heel, her glowing eyes narrowing in alarm. Despite her enhanced senses, he had somehow bypassed her perception entirely, a feat that sent a shiver of unease down her spine. It shouldn't have been possible for anyone to approach unnoticed, not with her Nichiren Byakugan active. Yet there he stood—Uchiha Itachi, his form almost ghostlike in its quiet grace. The air around him carried an unsettling calm, as if even the chaos of the battlefield hesitated to touch him.

Tenten, still standing nearby, glanced at Hinata as if to explain. "Kakashi-sensei says he's an ally," she said quickly, her tone uncertain. The words hung in the air, doing little to dispel the tension.

Hinata's fear of Itachi surged, unbidden and primal. Memories of his Tsukuyomi still haunted her—the suffocating darkness, the endless torment. Her gaze flicked to his Mangekyō Sharingan, the very sight of it enough to send her pulse racing. Yet, despite that fear, she couldn't deny the faint flicker of relief she felt seeing him alive. The Moonfire Elixir hadn't killed him, as she had feared it might.

But why was he here now? Had his battle with Danzo exposed him to the world? And what about Sasuke? Hinata's eyes darted toward the younger Uchiha. He hadn't noticed his brother yet, still distracted by all the carnage. But it was only a matter of time before he saw him, and when that happened, the situation would spiral out of control.

"Thank you for saving my brother," Itachi said suddenly, his Sharingan eyes locking onto hers. His gratitude was genuine, a quiet weight carried in his tone. "I knew that if it was you, it would be alright. You've done what I could not."

Hinata was caught off guard, her heart skipping at his words. For all her fear of him, Itachi's acknowledgment was a strange and disarming thing. But before she could respond, he continued, his voice calm but resolute. "As gratitude, you can leave Tobi's monster to me. I'll end this."

Hinata's heart sank. In an instant, she saw it all—the trap Tobi had laid, the perfect manipulation that had led them to this moment. Orochimaru, Danzo, Itachi, herself—all of them had been pawns in his game. Everything had been orchestrated for this exact scenario.

She glanced at Tobi, who remained perched high above, his single visible eye gleaming with triumph. Though his face was obscured, she could practically feel the smirk behind the mask. His Sharingan spun faintly, casting its subtle genjutsu over Itachi like an invisible net.

Itachi didn't notice it—why would he? The genjutsu was perfectly tailored, not to control him overtly, but to nudge his thoughts in a specific direction. It made him believe that confronting the impurity was his choice, his responsibility. He had no idea what the creature truly was, nor the consequences of his actions.

Hinata stepped forward, panic rising in her chest. "Itachi-san, please wait!" she called, reaching for him as chakra surged to her fingertips. If she could just disrupt the genjutsu, stop him before he acted—

But Itachi was faster. His right eye shifted, the tomoe merging into the pinwheel pattern of his Mangekyō Sharingan. The air around him grew heavy, charged with a dreadful, oppressive energy.

"Amaterasu," Itachi intoned, his voice as calm as ever.

"Amaterasu," Tobi echoed softly, his voice dripping with satisfaction, perfectly in sync with Itachi's.

Hinata froze as black flames erupted from Itachi's gaze, the heat and malice of the eternal fire tearing through the air toward the impurity. Her outstretched hand faltered, the words she wanted to scream caught in her throat. She knew, in that moment, that Tobi's plan had succeeded.

The flames reached the impurity, engulfing its grotesque form in an instant. The creature screamed, its single eye flaring with unnatural light as the fire consumed it. But something was wrong. The impurity didn't die. Instead, it pulsed—an ominous, sickly glow emanating from within as its body writhed and twisted.

And then, the impossible began to happen. The sky itself seemed to shatter as the flames of Amaterasu mingled with the impurity's cursed energy. A rift opened in the air, a blinding light spilling out, as if tearing a hole between worlds. The oppressive energy that followed was suffocating, primal, divine.

Hinata's heart pounded in her chest as realization struck her like a hammer. They weren't just witnessing the destruction of the impurity—they were watching the birth of something far worse.

A god was coming. And her name—her name was Amaterasu.

---

Chapter End

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AN: Now just like Canon, Sasuke has lost his left arm to match Naruto losing his right.

Unlike Canon though, I decided to have Sasuke use his newly awakened Rinnegan to give himself a mechanical arm using the Asura Path. Now there's a couple reasons for this. One is symbolic. Naruto using a wooden arm, Sasuke using one of metal. A kind of nature vs technology motif. The other reason is more of a homage to an older manga by Kishimoto-sensei called Karakuri, which has a character with a metal arm that looks kind of like Sasuke.