Hinata: Byakurenden
The Land of Iron
A tear in space-time ripped open, swirling with an ominous spiral pattern. From the vortex, Hinata and Tayuya were unceremoniously deposited onto the cobblestone street of an unfamiliar town. The surroundings were quiet, bathed in the muted glow of evening light. Stone and wooden buildings lined the street, their exteriors adorned with lanterns casting a warm, flickering radiance. The faint hum of activity carried through the crisp air, though the streets were sparsely populated, with only a few civilians moving about, bundled in cloaks to guard against the cold. None of them seemed to notice the two figures who had materialized out of thin air.
"Where the hell is this?" Tayuya muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the area for some kind of landmark or sign. Her tone carried more irritation than actual curiosity, exhaustion pressing heavily on her after the events of the past twenty-four hours. Hinata mirrored her unease, glancing around with furrowed brows. The architecture was foreign to her, and though she had traveled extensively in the past two years, she didn't recognize this place.
"I don't know," Hinata admitted, her voice quiet but steady. "But it's not anywhere in the Land of Fire." Her Nichiren Byakugan activated for a brief moment, scanning the nearby area, but there was no indication of ninja activity. That, at least, was reassuring.
"It's the Land of Iron," came Obito's smooth voice as he stepped out from the portal behind them, startling both women. Tayuya instinctively took a step back, her muscles taut with instinctive defense, while Hinata turned to face him, her expression unreadable.
"The Land of Iron?" Hinata echoed, her gaze sweeping the cobblestone streets and the quaint, orderly buildings. "It doesn't look like what I've heard. Isn't the Land of Iron supposed to be buried under snow and ice, with freezing temperatures year-round?"
"It was," Obito replied, his tone unbothered as he strolled past them, his posture as casual as if he were leading a tour group. "But this is what it is now."
Hinata's stomach churned at the implication. The climate here had undeniably changed, but the reason why was the real question. Was this shift an unintended consequence of Amaterasu's presence and influence, or was it something she had deliberately willed? The latter possibility carried far more terrifying implications—not just a sign of her ability to reshape the world itself, bending nature to her will, but also a reflection of the growing devotion of the people here. Had they, too, joined Amaterasu's religion, casting aside their old ways to kneel under her sunlit rule? If so, her reach extended far beyond what Hinata had imagined, a chilling reminder of the power and persuasion Amaterasu wielded over all who basked in her light.
Tayuya crossed her arms, glaring at Obito. "So why the hell did you bring us here? You already had your big happy cult gathering. What do you want now?"
Obito ignored her sharp tone, his mismatched Sharingan settling on Hinata with disarming calm. "I wanted to show you something. A place that isn't under your immediate scrutiny, so you can think more clearly about what we're offering. And maybe"—he stepped closer, extending his hand toward Hinata—"give you a chance to reconsider your stance."
Hinata stiffened, her mind flashing back to the events of the day. Despite herself, she met his gaze. His Sharingan glimmered with a peculiar sincerity, though his right eye—imbued with a power that didn't entirely belong to him—seemed to add a haunting quality to his plea.
"How about it, White Lotus?" Obito asked, his voice carrying a tone of genuine appeal. "Do we really have to be enemies? Amaterasu-sama isn't the unspeakable evil you've been led to believe. She's a being of unparalleled power, yes, but she's still like us in many ways. She wants to bring order to a fractured world. Isn't that worth supporting?"
Hinata's chest tightened as she considered his words. She wished she could find truth in them—wished for even a sliver of hope that a peaceful resolution could be achieved. Yet, she knew better. Her expression softened, though she didn't take his hand.
"I won't do anything to endanger your children," she said, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. "But I can't stand by and allow Amaterasu to extend her rule unchecked. You've made it clear her ambitions stretch beyond the Dawn Village. If that's the case, there's no path where we can work together."
Obito's face remained impassive, but there was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. He lowered his hand, his posture relaxing. "I see," he said quietly. "That's too bad."
He lingered for a moment longer, as if hoping she might change her mind, but when no further words came, he straightened. "The next time we meet, it will be as enemies," he said, his tone soft but resolute. "You should prepare yourself. That meeting might come sooner than you expect."
With that, the spiral of his Kamui began to twist and ripple, pulling his form into the void. The streets fell silent once more as the portal closed, leaving Hinata and Tayuya standing alone beneath the cooling evening sky.
"What do you think he meant by that?" Tayuya muttered, breaking the silence as she turned a wary eye to their surroundings. Her voice carried a hint of frustration, but also unease. She was still processing Obito's cryptic parting words, but more than that, she was on edge, unsure of where they even were.
"I don't know," Hinata admitted, her voice quiet and weary. Her body felt heavy, her limbs sluggish after the grueling events of the past two days. "But right now, all I want is a place to rest." Her gaze swept over the street, taking in the faint glow from the windows of what appeared to be an inn a few steps away. "We should also work on figuring out why he brought us here at all," her tone steady despite the churn of questions in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that Obito's choice of this exact location wasn't random.
"I mean, it's probably because the Gokage Summit is being held here." Tayuya crossed her arms, scowling slightly. "He clearly knows about it, so this is the only logical place he'd drop us if he wanted to send some kind of message. Not that it helps us figure out why this street specifically."
Hinata nodded slowly, her eyes scanning the street for any signs of familiarity. The Land of Iron wasn't a place she'd ever been, but the temperate climate and tranquil atmosphere of this area felt almost out of place compared to the snowy, harsh terrain she'd read about.
"Maybe there are other Konoha ninja already here?" Hinata suggested, her voice tinged with cautious hope.
As if on cue, a familiar figure emerged from the inn, stepping into the lantern-lit street. "Yugao-san!" Hinata called, her voice lifting slightly as she raised an arm to catch the figure's attention.
The woman turned, her violet eyes widening in surprise. "Hinata? And… Uzumaki Tayuya?" Yugao's face was uncovered, her ANBU mask absent, and the slight curve of her lips betrayed her shock at seeing them. "What are you two doing here?" she asked, walking toward them quickly, her eyes darting between the two as if trying to assess their condition.
Hinata hesitated, glancing at Tayuya before responding. "It's… a long story. One that I'll explain as soon as I figure out how. How about you?" Despite the turmoil she felt, seeing Yugao brought a small wave of relief. The two had been nearly inseparable for two years, and the familiarity of Yugao's presence felt grounding in the unfamiliar town.
The subtle crease in Yugao's brow showed her concern, but she didn't press for answers. Instead, she gestured toward the inn. "We're here in advance of Hokage-sama's arrival, securing the area for the Gokage Summit. Come on. Let's get inside. You can explain as much or as little as you want once you've had a chance to sit down and rest."
The inn loomed before them, an elegant structure that seemed to combine the grace of traditional Land of Iron style architecture with the grandeur of a place designed to host dignitaries. The dark wooden beams, polished to a gleaming finish, contrasted beautifully with the white plaster walls. Ornate paper lanterns hung from the eaves, casting a warm, inviting glow on the cobblestone path leading to the entrance. Above the heavy wooden double doors, the inn's name was painted in flowing calligraphy on a lacquered signboard.
The lobby was no less impressive. A tatami mat floor stretched across the space, the delicate scent of freshly woven straw mixing with faint incense. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, their natural grains accentuated by the soft golden light of hanging lanterns. A large alcove near the reception desk displayed a beautiful ikebana arrangement, a tall vase filled with seasonal flowers that seemed to sing of serenity. Staff in immaculate uniforms moved with quiet efficiency, bowing politely as the trio entered.
Hinata's shoulders relaxed slightly, the atmosphere offering a sense of comfort she hadn't realized she needed. She couldn't ignore the unsettling precision with which Obito had chosen this exact spot, but the exhaustion from the day pushed her to focus on the present.
"Hokage-sama will be staying at this inn during the Gokage Summit.," Yugao explained, her tone professional but tempered with familiarity. " We arrived early to secure the area." She gestured toward the stairs. "Come, let's talk inside."
Hinata and Tayuya followed her up the polished wooden staircase, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet runner. Hinata glanced at Yugao, her heart heavy with gratitude. Their two years of travel together had forged a bond that was nothing short of intimate. Yugao had been more than a mentor and partner—she'd been a constant source of support, a confidante, and at times, the older sister Hinata had never had. Hinata had relied on Yugao's unshakable resolve countless times, and now, just seeing her here felt like a tether to reality in a world that seemed increasingly surreal.
The room Yugao led them to was modest in size but rich in detail. Shoji screens separated the sleeping quarters from a small sitting area, where a low table was set with a tea service and a tray of half-eaten dango skewers. The futons, neatly folded in the corner, were covered with luxurious silk bedding. A wide window framed a stunning view of the town square, where lanterns flickered in the evening light.
"Welcome back!" A familiar, boisterous voice greeted them as the door slid open. Mitarashi Anko sat cross-legged on a cushion, a dango skewer in her hand and a smirk on her face. "Oh, Tayuya! And if it isn't the White Lotus!" She leaned back lazily in a chair, her feet propped up on a low table in front of her. "What brings you two out here?" she asked through a mouthful of mochi, gesturing for them to come in.
Hinata blinked, momentarily thrown by Anko's casual tone, but Tayuya responded with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. "Nice to see you too, Anko. Still haven't figured out how to eat and talk like a normal human, huh?"
"Why bother?" Anko shot back, grinning. "You're just jealous you can't multitask like me."
Hinata managed a small smile despite her exhaustion. It was easy to see the camaraderie between Anko and Tayuya, the way they ribbed each other with a familiarity born of shared history. Both had once been loyal to Orochimaru, bound by his charisma and manipulations, but had since turned their backs on him. Now, they were united by a different bond—one forged in their shared determination to bring him to justice.
Anko waved them over to a set of cushions arranged around the table. "Come on, sit. You both look like you've been through hell."
Once they were settled, with Yugao joining them and quietly pouring tea, Hinata and Tayuya began recounting everything that had happened over the past several days. From the harrowing fight in Sunagakure to their surreal time in the Akatsukigakure, no detail was spared.
By the time they finished, Anko had gone through an entire plate of dango skewers, though her eyes remained sharp, absorbing every word. "Damn," she whistled, leaning back and stretching. "That's quite the story. You've had one hell of a day."
"And it's not over yet," Tayuya muttered, running a hand through her red hair. "I don't know what that masked creep was thinking, dropping us off here."
"Whatever it is, it's most disturbing for us," Yugao said, her voice tight as she shook her head, long violet hair swaying with the motion. Her sharp features were unusually troubled, a rare break in her usual stoicism. "Should we change to a different inn, or would it be better to call off the Gokage Summit altogether?" The fear for their Hokage's safety was clear in her tone. If Amaterasu and her vassals knew their location and plans, the situation had become infinitely more dangerous.
"There's no point in changing locations," Hinata said, her voice steady despite the weight of her exhaustion. She met Yugao's gaze, the white lotus in her eyes shimmering brightly. "Amaterasu's Gurengan can see everything under the sun. If we move during the day, she'll know immediately. It won't make a difference." Hinata folded her hands in her lap, looking down as if drawing strength from her thoughts. "And we can't afford to delay the Gokage Summit. If we wait too long, she'll give birth… and her brothers will be brought into this world. We need to act now, while there's still time."
Yugao's jaw tightened as she processed this, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I see," she finally said, though her voice betrayed her displeasure. "Then we'll have to move forward despite the risks. It's imperative that we work quickly and efficiently."
"Which means you two need to rest," Anko chimed in, lazily spinning an empty dango skewer between her fingers. "Even ninjas need sleep, y'know."
Hinata and Tayuya exchanged glances. The idea of rest was tempting—more tempting than they wanted to admit. But there was still work to be done. "What about you guys?" Tayuya asked, leaning forward. "If there's work to do, we can help."
Yugao offered a rare, small smile, the kind only Hinata had seen during their travels together. "Relax," she said, her tone softening as she placed a reassuring hand on Hinata's shoulder. "We're not actually here. These are just Shadow Clones. Our real bodies are still with Hokage-sama. We came ahead to secure the area." She hesitated, her smile fading slightly. "Though, it seems that plan has hit a few… complications."
Anko grinned, her usual mischievous spark returning. "Keeps life interesting, doesn't it?" she teased before glancing between Hinata and Tayuya. "Besides, you've got enough on your plates without worrying about us. Rest up. You'll need your strength if you're gonna clean up this mess."
Tayuya snorted. "Speaking of messes, you and Yugao teaming up is a weird one. What's up with that?"
Anko barked a laugh. "What, jealous? Don't worry, I'm not replacing you as my roommate anytime soon, Tayuya." She winked, leaning back on her hands. "Hokage-sama thought our backgrounds might come in handy. Yugao knows the Land of Fire like the back of her hand—thanks to her time traveling with the White Lotus here." She gestured to Hinata with a knowing smile. "And me? Well, being an ex-student of Orochimaru gives me a unique perspective."
"It's strange," Yugao added, her voice thoughtful. "We were chosen because of what we know, but now that you're here…" Her violet eyes softened as they met Hinata's. "I suspect you and Tayuya will play a much bigger role in the Summit than we will."
Hinata felt a wave of anxiety but quickly swallowed it down. The stakes had never been higher. The Gokage Summit wasn't just a gathering of leaders—it was their one chance to unite the Five Great Nations against Amaterasu and Akatsukigakure. If they succeeded, they could form a force unlike anything the world had ever seen. If they failed… the consequences were unthinkable.
"We'll take the information you've given us back to Hokage-sama," Yugao said, her tone turning businesslike again. "Rest well. You've earned it. We'll see you in a few days."
For a moment, neither Hinata nor Tayuya spoke, both women shifting as if unsure how to respond. It wasn't just the exhaustion weighing them down—it was the unspoken understanding that they might not have many moments like this again, where camaraderie and purpose intersected so clearly.
"Be careful," Hinata said softly, her violet eyes meeting Yugao's. "The Land of Iron may be neutral, but that doesn't mean it's safe."
Yugao's features softened at the concern, a flicker of warmth crossing her usually composed expression. "You take care too, Hinata. And get some proper rest. I know you won't let yourself relax, but you'll need your strength for what's to come."
Anko chimed in, twirling an empty dango skewer between her fingers. "Yeah, don't go pulling any heroic stunts without us. If anyone's gonna take down that snake bastard Orochimaru, it's gonna be me—and maybe Tayuya, if she can keep up."
"Please," Tayuya scoffed, folding her arms but unable to suppress a smirk. "I'll be carrying your sorry ass."
Anko laughed, the sound surprisingly light given the heaviness of the conversation they'd just had. "We'll see about that, brat."
"Thank you… both of you," Hinata said, her voice quieter but filled with sincerity. She glanced between Yugao and Anko, feeling a pang of gratitude for their presence, however fleeting. "For everything."
Yugao gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod, the kind she often used when words weren't enough. "We'll see you soon."
With a nod from both women, they dispelled in bursts of smoke, their forms dissipating into the air and leaving the room eerily quiet. The absence of their presence made the space feel heavier, the reality of the situation settling back onto Hinata and Tayuya like a weight.
"Finally," Tayuya muttered, breaking the silence with a tired sigh. "Let's get some sleep before something else goes wrong. Pretty sure we've used up whatever luck we had left."
Hinata didn't respond, but the way her shoulders sagged in agreement said enough. The exhaustion in her bones was too heavy to fight, weighing her down with every step. She could barely summon the energy to pull the futons from the corner of the room, and together they unrolled them with clumsy, uncoordinated movements. Normally, Hinata would have taken care to arrange the bedding neatly, ensuring the blankets were perfectly smooth and the pillows aligned just right. But tonight, none of that mattered.
The blankets were thrown haphazardly across the futons, corners bunched and uneven. The pillows were tossed down without a second thought. It was messy and imperfect, but it was enough. Tayuya grumbled something under her breath about needing a proper bed, but even she didn't bother to fix the arrangement, simply collapsing onto her futon and burying her face in the pillow.
Hinata sat on the edge of hers for a moment, staring at the disheveled bedding in front of her. Her hands trembled as she adjusted the blanket, smoothing it out in one spot only for another corner to crumple beneath her fingers. She gave up after a few seconds, her body too drained to care. The events of the past few days pressed down on her like an iron weight, making her head swim and her chest ache.
She finally lay down, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Her breath came in deep, uneven waves as her mind tried to keep up with the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her. Amaterasu. Obito. The Gokage Summit. Everything felt impossibly big, too much for her to carry.
Hinata barely noticed the moment her eyes fluttered shut, sleep dragging her into its embrace like the tide pulling her out to sea. The last thing she heard was the soft sound of Tayuya's even breathing beside her, a quiet reminder that she wasn't entirely alone in this chaos.
Over the next several days, Hinata and Tayuya worked tirelessly to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. They patrolled the area for threats, memorized every corner and potential ambush point along the route to the summit, and spoke with locals to gauge the political climate. Their task wasn't just reconnaissance—it was a distraction, a way to avoid lingering too long in their thoughts about what they had witnessed in Akatsukigakure.
The Land of Iron was unlike the Five Great Nations in every conceivable way. It had no Daimyo to oversee its affairs, no hidden village to train soldiers in the art of ninja warfare. Instead, it was a land ruled by the Shogun, a singular leader who commanded both the state and its military. Its warriors were the masterless samurai, their code of honor and discipline starkly contrasting the flexible cunning of shinobi.
Historically, the Land of Iron had been a land of snow and steel. Harsh winters defined its identity, shaping its people into resilient survivors. Its iron reserves, mined from deep within the mountains, were the backbone of its economy, traded to other nations in exchange for essentials like grain and fruit that the cold climate could not provide. This system worked because the Land of Iron had remained neutral in the world's conflicts, trusted by all sides to deal fairly and without bias.
But that was before.
Now, the snow was gone, replaced by temperate winds and gentle warmth. Fields of grain stretched out where once there had only been icy plains. Orchards heavy with fruit dotted the countryside, and dairy farms flourished with lush pastures to graze their animals. The locals spoke in hushed, grateful tones about the miraculous transformation, attributing it to the light of Amaterasu. Many were convinced that her arrival had saved their land from the cold clutches of perpetual winter.
For the people of the Land of Iron, Amaterasu wasn't a threat—she was a savior.
Hinata's heart sank as she listened to their stories. What she had feared was now evident. Amaterasu's influence wasn't confined to the old Rain; it had seeped across borders, turning more than just the climate. It had reshaped minds. These people's faith wasn't merely reverence—it was devotion, a willingness to embrace the goddess and the change she brought.
But Hinata couldn't shake the chilling possibility that this change extended beyond the people. What if the Shogun himself, the pillar of neutrality, had also succumbed to Amaterasu's light? What if he now viewed her as a master worthy of his allegiance? Would he even allow the Gokage Summit to proceed, knowing it was convened to discuss a war against her?
The uncertainty gnawed at Hinata, compounding the turmoil that already roiled within her. Every time her mind drifted, it circled back to those twenty souls in the square. Her vision of the black flames rising to the sky, the crowd cheering, the guttural screams of the condemned—it all replayed in vivid clarity.
Kali's words echoed in her mind like a mantra: You'll have to live with the blood on your hands.
Hinata had made her choice. She had stayed her hand, refusing to strike down Amaterasu when she had the chance. That decision wasn't made out of fear but out of principle—a line she could not cross. Yet now, she felt the crushing weight of that choice. By doing nothing, she had let twenty people die. She had stood silently at Amaterasu's side, her arm looped through the goddess's, as if she condoned the atrocity.
The world would only see her complicity, not her reasoning.
The question haunted her: was Kali right? Should she have sacrificed her morals for the greater good? Should she have killed Amaterasu, ending the lives of her unborn children to save countless others? What would the world have thought of her if she had? What would she have thought of herself?
No answer came. Only the knowledge that the dead could not be brought back and the future was still uncertain.
Unable to resolve the war within herself, Hinata focused on her duties. She and Tayuya combed the summit's pathways again and again, ensuring every blind spot was accounted for. They questioned locals, double-checked routes, and prepared contingencies for any potential attack. Tayuya, though sharp-tongued as always, kept quiet when it mattered, sensing the weight Hinata carried.
Hinata clung to the work like a lifeline. It was the only thing keeping her from collapsing under the crushing doubt that plagued her every thought.
When the Hokage and their entourage finally arrived, as promised, three days later, Hinata felt both relief and dread. Their arrival marked the beginning of something monumental—a chance to unite the world against a goddess whose light threatened to consume them all.
But for Hinata, it also marked the arrival of judgment: a reckoning with herself, with Kali's accusations, and with the impossible choices yet to come.
The atmosphere outside the inn was tense, the chilly evening air doing little to cut through the palpable weight of their duty. Hinata and Tayuya stood at attention, their postures rigid despite their exhaustion. Across from them stood Uchiha Itachi, the Fifth Hokage, his presence commanding even in the quiet. He wore the ceremonial red and white robes of his position, the Hokage hat casting a shadow over his Sharingan eyes. Even without looking directly into them, Hinata could feel the intensity of his gaze, a weight that carried the burden of leadership in such dire times.
"Hinata of the White Lotus. Uzumaki Tayuya," Itachi addressed them formally, his voice calm yet filled with quiet authority. "Well done getting here. I've heard all about your ordeal."
The two kunoichi bowed deeply, their voices sharp and unified. "Sir, thank you!"
Itachi gave a small nod, flanked by Yugao and Anko, who stood in formation like shadows, their eyes scanning for even the faintest threat. Without further delay, Hinata and Tayuya led him inside the inn. The wooden floors creaked softly under their feet as they made their way through the spacious, dimly lit corridors. Paper lanterns cast a warm glow along the walls, and the faint scent of tatami mingled with the earthy aroma of green tea.
They reached the prepared quarters, a traditional tatami room with sliding shoji doors that opened to a view of the serene inner courtyard. The room was minimalist but elegant, a low wooden table placed at its center, flanked by cushions. Steam curled upward from a freshly brewed pot of tea, the delicate fragrance filling the air.
Itachi moved with practiced grace, lowering himself onto one of the cushions. Yugao and Anko positioned themselves near the door, maintaining their watchful stances. Hinata and Tayuya settled across from him, feeling the weight of the Hokage's silent scrutiny as he poured himself a cup of tea.
As he sipped, his Sharingan eyes remained fixed on them, sharp and unyielding despite his otherwise calm demeanor. "Tell me more about what you saw in Akatsukigakure," he began, his voice soft but laced with an urgency that demanded their full attention. "In particular, I'm interested in Nagato. You referred to him as the man with the Rinnegan—what can you tell me about him?"
Hinata and Tayuya exchanged a glance. Hinata took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "I only saw them at a distance, Hokage-sama," she said, her voice measured. "There wasn't one person with the Rinnegan… There were six. I don't know which one was Nagato."
Itachi's hand paused mid-motion, the teacup hovering near his lips as her words sank in. His brow furrowed slightly, the faintest crack in his composed exterior. "Six?" he repeated, his tone betraying a flicker of surprise. "You're certain?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes. They moved as one. It felt… unnatural, as if they were all connected. Their chakra was identical, or at least indistinguishable to me. It wasn't like anything I've encountered before."
Tayuya chimed in, her voice more blunt. "Creepy bastards, that's what they were. Didn't say a word, just stood there like statues. But they had this… presence, y'know? Like they were watching everything without actually looking."
Itachi's gaze darkened, his mind clearly working through this new information. "I hadn't expected that," he admitted, setting his cup down carefully. "Nagato was a single individual when I last had contact with the Akatsuki. This development…" He trailed off, his fingers drumming lightly against the table.
Hinata's heart sank at the look in his eyes. It wasn't fear—it was calculation, a mind racing to reconfigure plans in the face of an unexpected variable.
"I'll need to consult with Jiraiya-sama about this," Itachi finally said, his voice quiet but resolute. "The Rinnegan itself is rare enough, but for there to be six wielders… If anyone might understand this phenomenon, it would be him."
Hinata and Tayuya nodded silently, the weight of the revelation pressing down on them. Itachi's acknowledgment of the need for guidance only underscored the gravity of what they were dealing with. Hinata's thoughts swirled with unease as she recalled the chilling stillness of the six men and the oppressive aura they radiated.
Itachi leaned forward slightly, the lines of tension in his face softening for a moment, though his gaze remained as sharp as ever. He shifted the conversation seamlessly, his focus narrowing like a blade. "What about Konan? You mentioned seeing her as well. What did you observe?"
Tayuya took a sip of her own tea, her expression hardening. "Konan… She's something else. She called herself an 'angel' of Amaterasu, and I can't say she's lying. I saw her use her ability. Her chakra's infused with some kind of light-based power—she's faster and stronger than anything I've ever seen. She stopped me cold, even when I was in Sage Mode, and those glowing wings of hers aren't just for show."
Itachi's gaze sharpened as he processed Tayuya's words, the weight of her observations settling heavily in the room. "Konan has always been formidable," he said, almost to himself. "She's a tactician and a warrior. With Amaterasu's blessing, her power must have grown exponentially."
He paused, his fingers brushing lightly against the rim of his teacup as his mind shifted focus, pivoting to a broader concern. Turning his attention to Hinata, his calm yet intense expression conveyed the gravity of his next question. "You're certain that you didn't see any of the others?" he asked, his voice calm but weighted with expectation. "There should have been Deidara of Iwagakure and Kakuzu of Takigakure. With Kisame, Sasori, and both halves of Zetsu already confirmed dead, and Hidan's head captured, those are the only two unaccounted for."
Hinata nodded slowly, her hands folded tightly in her lap. "I didn't see either of them, Hokage-sama," she replied. "Not that I would recognize them on sight, but if they were present, I would have sensed the influence of Amaterasu's chakra. Kabuto claimed all the Akatsuki members she has taken under her wing have received her blessing. It makes them… distinct."
Itachi's dark eyes flickered with thought as he processed her response. His fingers began tapping a steady rhythm against the table, a quiet signal of the gears turning in his mind. Finally, he spoke. "Kakuzu aside, Sasori was sent to Sunagakure—his former home. It's likely that Deidara has been sent to Iwagakure for a similar reason and purpose."
The implication made the air in the room feel heavier. If Deidara was operating in Iwagakure, then it was entirely possible that the Land of Earth was already compromised.
Yugao leaned forward slightly, concern etched into her features. "If that's the case, what does this mean for the Gokage Summit?" Her voice carried a note of urgency, her earlier reservations about proceeding with the summit resurfacing.
Hinata felt the same unease. The idea of a compromised Iwagakure was terrifying, especially when paired with the knowledge that Akatsuki's influence extended far beyond any one nation. She glanced at Tayuya, who looked equally grim.
Itachi's response was firm, his tone leaving no room for debate. "The summit must proceed as planned," he said. "Canceling it or delaying would only give Amaterasu more time to tighten her grip. Iwagakure aside, my concerns also extend to Kirigakure. Kisame may be gone, but it was a village capable of producing an Akatsuki member once before. We cannot ignore the possibility of unrest there. The only village I can be sure doesn't have an agent working from within is Kumogakure."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavier as Itachi leaned back slightly, his tone calm but purposeful. "For that reason, and I know this is sudden," he began, "I have arranged a private meeting with the Raikage. He will be joining me at a restaurant down the street this evening."
The silence that followed was deafening, the weight of his words hanging in the air like a thundercloud.
"Hokage-sama!" Yugao burst out, jumping to her feet in a rare show of emotion. "How many times do we have to go over this? You can't just decide things like this on your own! What would Jiraiya-sama or Tsunade-sama say about such a meeting? You know it makes it harder for us to protect you when you arrange these things without consulting anyone!"
Hinata blinked in surprise at Yugao's reaction. She hadn't expected such an outburst, especially from someone as composed as Yugao. But what surprised her even more was Itachi's unflinching response.
"As the Hokage, I believe I am well within my right to make such decisions," he replied evenly, showing no sign of irritation or offense. His measured tone only seemed to magnify the contrast between them. He picked up his teacup, taking a slow sip before continuing. "The risks are understandable, but unnecessary caution delays progress. Raikage-dono and I have agreed to allow one guard to accompany us during the meeting."
Setting down the cup with deliberate precision, he turned his gaze to Hinata. A faint, knowing smile played on his lips.
"And I have the White Lotus right here. Surely, even you can agree there is no one better equipped to protect me," he said with an air of finality that brooked no argument.
Hinata opened her mouth to protest, unprepared for the sudden nomination, but the words caught in her throat. She glanced toward Yugao, silently hoping she would voice her own objections.
Yugao's expression darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "At least tell us the name of the restaurant," she said through gritted teeth, clearly fighting back further protests. "We need to scout the location before your meeting."
Itachi nodded, providing the name of the restaurant without hesitation. Yugao exchanged a glance with Anko, who had been uncharacteristically quiet but clearly shared her partner's frustration. Without another word, Yugao and Anko exited the room, intent on securing the meeting place. The sound of their retreating footsteps lingered for a moment before fading entirely.
Hinata hesitated, her unease plain as she turned to Itachi. "Are you sure it's really okay for me to attend the meeting?" she asked. It wasn't doubt in her abilities or her strength—it was something far more personal.
Her mind drifted back to the dark chapter of her childhood, one that had left scars she rarely spoke of. When she was just three years old, Kumogakure had attempted to abduct her. Their target had been the Byakugan, and while she had been too young to fully understand, she knew the consequences of that night had shaped her life in profound ways. Her father had taken the blame for killing the abductor, even though it was she who had done it in self-defense. To avoid war, her uncle had been sacrificed in his place, his body handed over to Kumo. The Caged Bird Seal on his forehead had protected the Hyūga's secrets, ensuring their true intentions never came to light, but the weight of that event lingered.
Hinata's chest tightened. If the Raikage was still the Yondaime, then he was the one who had ordered her kidnapping. He was indirectly responsible for her uncle's death, and the thought of standing before him now, after everything, filled her with a heavy dread.
"Hinata," Itachi said gently, drawing her back to the present. "You understand the nature of Amaterasu better than anyone else. If you and I together cannot convince him of the importance of this alliance, then who can?"
His reasoning was unassailable, and Hinata knew it. Despite the emotional storm raging inside her, she nodded slowly. "I understand," she said softly, though her voice lacked conviction.
Tayuya, however, was less diplomatic. "Can't you just, like, convince him with those crazy eyes of yours or something?" she asked bluntly.
Itachi's expression darkened for a brief moment, his gaze lowering as if weighing his words carefully. The hesitation was unusual for him, and it immediately put Hinata on edge. "Hokage-sama?" she prompted gently.
After a long pause, Itachi exhaled softly and spoke. "I cannot use Kotoamatsukami," he admitted, his tone steady but solemn. "Not anymore. Ever since Amaterasu entered this world, that power has been inaccessible. Shisui believes it was when Danzo attempted to cast the technique on Amaterasu that things changed. From that moment, the gods who governed the Kotoamatsukami have refused to grant us their aid."
Hinata felt the air leave her lungs. She had known the gods associated with the Mangekyō Sharingan were fickle, but for them to withdraw their favor entirely… That complicated things. "Then… we're truly on our own," she murmured, the realization settling heavily on her shoulders.
Itachi nodded, his gaze meeting hers. "Yes. We will need to rely on our words, our conviction, and your understanding of Amaterasu's influence to convince the Raikage. There are no shortcuts here."
Hinata swallowed hard, her mind racing. If they were to succeed, she would need to confront not only the Raikage but also her own lingering fears and bitterness. She thought of her uncle, of the lives that had been shaped—and ended—by Kumo's ambitions. The weight of it all pressed down on her, but she forced herself to sit straighter. "Very well," she said at last, her voice quiet but firm. "I will do everything I can."
Itachi gave her a small, approving nod, but the gravity of the task ahead was not lost on either of them.
The window slid open with a sharp click, and Yugao landed gracefully inside, her violet hair sweeping over her shoulder as she straightened. Her expression was tense, her voice hurried. "Hokage-sama! The Raikage and his entourage have already arrived. The Kumonin are standing guard outside the restaurant as we speak. I didn't see Raikage-sama himself, but I have no doubt he's already inside."
Itachi clicked his tongue softly, setting down his teacup with measured precision. "Typical," he muttered, his tone low but carrying a sharp edge of annoyance. "I should have known Raikage-dono would try to play these petty games. We don't have time for this."
"Games?" Tayuya asked, clearly out of her depth in the nuances of diplomatic posturing.
"He arrived early on purpose," Hinata explained, suppressing a sigh. "Now he can accuse us of being late, even though he's the one who deviated from the agreed time. It's a tactic to gain leverage before the negotiations even begin."
Tayuya frowned. "That's ridiculous. If he came early, that's on him, not us."
Itachi stood, adjusting his ceremonial robes and placing the Hokage hat back on his head with a calm that belied the weight of the situation. "True. But Raikage-dono doesn't see it that way. This is about control. If we stumble, even for a moment, he'll frame it as a slight and use it to dictate the terms of the discussion. We need to be flawless, or these negotiations will collapse before they even begin."
Hinata felt a headache brewing at the prospect. The Raikage's strategy felt all too familiar, echoing Kumo's history of manipulation and schemes. For all their physical strength, their political machinations were no less formidable.
Without wasting another moment, the group filed out of the inn. Yugao led the way, though their destination wasn't hard to spot. The restaurant stood just down the street, its polished wooden exterior glowing softly under the lanterns that framed its entrance. Four Kumogakure shinobi lounged near the door, their posture casual yet unmistakably vigilant.
The Kumonin uniforms stood out against the setting: sleeveless black shirts with single-strap white flak jackets, elbow-length arm guards, and the distinctive red and white shin-guards of their village.
Anko was already by the entrance, her usual grin in place as she struck up conversation with the guards. The Kumonin, however, seemed unimpressed, their expressions ranging from boredom to mild irritation. Their act of indifference was clearly another layer of the Raikage's strategy, meant to reinforce their false narrative of having waited endlessly.
"Ah, here they are now!" Anko waved as soon as she spotted them, her exuberance contrasting sharply with the Kumonin's feigned disinterest.
"It's about time!" One of the guards, a lanky man with a sucker in his mouth, drawled lazily. "What if Raikage-sama got too hungry waiting and collapsed? Then we'd have to pull out of the Gokage Summit. And then while you lot are sitting all cozy, forming your alliance, you'd decide to gang up on us—first block our trade routes, then sabotage our infrastructure. And before you know it, you'd all be marching an army into our lands, forcing us to hide underground like mole people, and—"
"Idiot!" The lone woman of the group—a red-haired kunoichi—punched him so hard that the stick of his sucker snapped as his jaw slammed shut audibly. The force of the blow sent him stumbling back, clutching his head in pain. She stood over him, fists clenched, her face flushed with frustration. "Like hell we'd lose! Even if the whole world teamed up against us, we'd still wipe the floor with them! Now shut up before you embarrass the Raikage-sama more than you already have!" She glared down at him, daring him to say another word, the fiery intensity in her eyes silencing any further commentary.
The man muttered something inaudible under his breath and rubbed the back of his head. "Fine, fine… geez, no need to get violent…" he grumbled, his bravado thoroughly deflated.
"Alright, you two, that's enough," the muscular shinobi standing between them grunted, his tone laced with mild irritation as he pushed them apart. "Your comedy act is starting to get dull."
The fourth guard, a more composed man with blond hair, stepped forward and offered a curt bow. "My apologies for their behavior," he said. "I'm Shee. The loudmouth is Omoi, the one who hit him is Karui, and the dull-looking guy here is Darui. We're Raikage-sama's escort for the Gokage Summit."
Itachi inclined his head in acknowledgment. "A pleasure to meet you all. I am Uchiha Itachi, the Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure. I assume Raikage-dono is already inside?"
Darui gave a small shrug, his tone casual. "He sure is. Probably bored dull from all the waiting, too."
Itachi didn't rise to the bait. "I will apologize to him personally for the inconvenience," he said smoothly, stepping forward with the air of calm authority that made him so difficult to rattle. "White Lotus, with me. The rest of you, please do your best to keep our guests entertained."
As Hinata moved to follow, she noticed a distinct shift in the Kumonin's demeanor. Their casual arrogance wavered, replaced by something sharper—discomfort, perhaps even unease. It was subtle, the way their gazes lingered on her for just a second too long, the way their postures straightened, and the easy smirks faded into more controlled expressions. They knew who she was.
Karui's jaw tightened, her fiery energy suddenly muted as her eyes flicked over Hinata, her mouth set in a hard line. She didn't look away, but her glare wasn't one of open hostility—it was more conflicted, as if she couldn't decide whether to challenge Hinata or avoid her entirely.
Omoi, the lanky man still nursing the remains of his sucker, stopped mid-motion as though he'd only just realized who he was facing. His casual air was gone, and his eyes darted nervously to the others for reassurance, though he quickly schooled his features into something resembling nonchalance.
Darui, who had been the picture of calm, shifted slightly, his dark eyes narrowing in thought. His usual relaxed posture became more rigid, as if he were mentally assessing a potential opponent. A flicker of something—guilt? Frustration?—passed over his face, but it was gone as quickly as it had come, replaced with his characteristic stoicism.
Shee, the most openly respectful of the group, looked at her with a more inquisitive expression, his brow furrowing slightly as though he was trying to piece together the meaning of her presence. Of them all, he seemed the least uneasy, though even he couldn't hide the faint crease of concern at the edges of his otherwise polite demeanor.
They knew. Whether it was from briefings or whispered rumors about the Hyūga incident, her presence was a glaring reminder of Kumo's failure that day. Whether they felt guilt for their village's actions or resentment at being confronted with their past, she couldn't say. What she did know was that this meeting had just become far more complicated.
Hinata felt the weight of their eyes on her as she straightened her posture, forcing herself to maintain composure. Her presence wasn't just a tactical advantage for Konoha—it was a deliberate reminder of Kumo's history. She couldn't afford to falter now.
As she stepped into the restaurant behind Itachi, her heart pounded, though her face remained calm. She was about to face the man who had ordered her abduction: the Yondaime Raikage of Kumogakure.
Chapter End
AN: Hinata's past with Kumogakure was always something that I felt got glazed over in Canon, so I wanted to dig into it a little more with this story.
For any of the Kumogakure characters whose names are a single letter, such as "C" in this one, I've chosen to go with a more phonetic spelling for their name, so like this in this chapter, C = Shee. This is just a personal choice, as I don't think it's very practical on the page to have characters whose name is only a single letter.
You may also notice that I've decided to remove Itachi's ability to use Kotoamatsukami. This is actually a decision that got made many chapters ago, but wasn't really relevant until just now. Fact of the matter is, the ability is just way too broken and solved too many issues, which made the story less interesting. Itachi still has EMS with Shisui's eyes and he has some new abilities to replace that one, but we'll get to that in a few chapters or so.