Hinata: Byakurenden

The Raikage

Itachi and Hinata stepped into the restaurant, the heavy wooden door creaking slightly before shutting behind them with a faint click. The atmosphere inside was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the chill of the Land of Iron's evening air. The rich aroma of grilled meat permeated the space, mingling with the subtle smokiness that clung to the ceiling. The interior was crafted from dark, polished wood, with glowing lanterns casting a soft amber light that illuminated each table.

The tables themselves were each equipped with small built-in grills, their surfaces glistening from prior use. Smoke drifted lazily upwards, drawn into carefully concealed vents overhead. The hum of low conversation and the occasional sizzle of meat added to the ambient soundscape. Diners leaned over their tables, chopsticks in hand, laughing and sharing plates of perfectly marbled cuts of beef, chicken, and pork.

Hinata's eyes flicked from table to table as she followed Itachi. Her heart pounded in her chest, a steady drumbeat that she couldn't seem to calm. The moment the waitress behind the welcome counter saw them, her eyes widened slightly, though she quickly composed herself. Without a word, she stepped out from behind the counter and gestured for them to follow.

The Hokage's ceremonial red and white robes were introduction enough. As they trailed the waitress down the central aisle of the restaurant, Hinata could feel eyes on them. The low conversations ceased as heads turned. Patrons craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the man with the Sharingan and the shrine maiden clad in white and violet. Some whispered to one another in hushed tones, their words just out of reach, though Hinata could imagine what they might be saying: the White Lotus, the Hokage.

Itachi walked with a calm, deliberate grace, his expression unreadable. His movements were measured, each step calculated, as if the weight of the attention didn't exist. He appeared unbothered, perhaps even accustomed to such scrutiny. Hinata envied his composure. Her own breathing was shallow and uneven, her shoulders stiff beneath the finely embroidered fabric of her robe.

Her thoughts kept circling back to the events of her childhood. The attempted abduction. Her uncle's sacrifice. The heavy price paid for her safety. The Yondaime Raikage wasn't just another Kage; he was a man with whom she had a complicated and painful history. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails pressing into her palms, a small attempt to anchor herself in the present.

As if sensing her turmoil, Itachi turned his head slightly, his voice low and calm. "Hinata, you'll be fine," he murmured, barely above a whisper. His words carried a strange warmth, though his tone was characteristically even. "You're the White Lotus, who defeated the two most infamous traitors to their villages of all time, Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi."

Hinata blinked at him, caught off guard by the unexpected joke. It was absurd, really. She hadn't defeated Kisame, and she certainly hadn't bested Itachi. The stories were embellished beyond recognition, tales spun by a populace desperate for heroes. But as ridiculous as his words were, they worked. She felt a small laugh bubble up, unbidden, easing some of the tightness in her chest.

Itachi didn't look back, but the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He knew exactly what he was doing.

By the time the waitress came to a stop, Hinata felt her nerves settle ever so slightly. She drew in a deep breath as the woman knocked politely on the wooden sliding door, then slid it open with practiced grace. The warm glow of light spilled into the hallway, illuminating the two of them as they removed their sandals and stepped onto the raised platform.

As they entered the private booth, the weight of the moment returned, but this time, Hinata felt just a little more prepared. Whatever happened next, she would face it head-on.

The smell of sizzling meat was even stronger now, wafting from the grill set in the center of the low wooden table. Plates of raw beef, pork, and chicken surrounded the grill, along with bowls of rice and small dishes of condiments. The lantern light cast warm, golden hues across the tatami floor, creating a cozy yet tense atmosphere.

At the head of the table sat the Yondaime Raikage, his massive frame dominating the space. His dark skin gleamed in the light, and his pale blonde hair, combed neatly back, accentuated his strong jawline and the sharp lines of his face. He wore ceremonial robes of white and yellow, a stark contrast to the white and red robes of Itachi. His presence was magnetic, exuding raw power with every motion.

As they entered, he was mid-bite, picking up a massive piece of grilled meat with his chopsticks and devouring it in one go before following it with a large scoop of rice. His glass of beer, nearly as big as his hand, stood half-full, condensation dripping down its side. He ate with the single-minded focus of someone entirely unconcerned with the formality of the meeting.

Next to him sat a striking woman, her long, straight blonde hair tied back with taut bandages. She moved efficiently, tending the grill, turning meat with precision, and adding new cuts as needed. Her sharp, dark eyes gleamed in the light, her red lipstick contrasting vividly against her pale skin. Her attire—a short-sleeved black and purple blouse paired with black pants, both with a cloud-like design—was functional yet elegant. She wore her Kumogakure Hitai-ate tied securely on her forehead, completing the image of a capable and confident kunoichi.

The Raikage looked up as Itachi stepped forward, bowing slightly in greeting. Without preamble, the Raikage boomed, "You're finally here, Hokage!" His voice was as loud and commanding as the rest of him, filling the room with ease. Without pausing, he reached for his beer and took a long drink, draining the glass in a single go before slamming it down on the table. The resounding clack of glass against wood made Hinata flinch slightly.

The blonde woman beside him calmly picked up a large bottle and began to refill his glass without missing a beat. Only when it was full did the Raikage turn his attention back to his guests.

"You picked a place with good meat and beer, I'll give you that." He gestured briefly to himself. "My name is Ei, the Yondaime Raikage of Kumogakure," his deep voice resonated through the room like a drumbeat. He then leaned back slightly, gesturing casually toward the woman beside him. "And this is Nii Yugito, Jinchūriki of the Two-Tailed Cat. Any funny business, and her Bijū will sense it."

Hinata could feel the weight of his words pressing down on the room, though the Raikage himself hadn't even glanced at her yet. His focus was squarely on Itachi, and his sharp, assessing gaze lingered on the Sharingan in Itachi's eyes. Ei's demeanor was more than just wary—it was calculated, the look of a man who recognized the threat of those crimson eyes and wasn't about to let his guard down.

Itachi, for his part, appeared unbothered by the scrutiny. His expression remained calm and composed, though Hinata knew him well enough to sense the subtle tension in his shoulders. She also understood the stakes. While Itachi could no longer use Kotoamatsukami, the gods having withdrawn their favor, his Sharingan remained a potent weapon. Even without its ultimate genjutsu, it could cast illusions subtle enough to shift the course of negotiations. Ei was right to be cautious.

Hinata's attention was momentarily interrupted when Yugito silently placed a bowl of steaming rice and a plate of perfectly grilled meat in front of her. The aroma was rich and inviting, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere in the room. Hinata looked up, meeting Yugito's steady gaze. For a moment, there was an unspoken exchange between them—a quiet acknowledgment of strength and understanding.

Yugito's expression was calm but serious, a reflection of the poise she carried as both a Jinchūriki and the Raikage's chosen guard. Hinata gave a small, respectful nod, which Yugito returned before resuming her task of tending the grill for her leader. Grateful for the gesture, Hinata picked up her chopsticks and sampled the meat. The flavor was rich and smoky, the seasoning subtle but perfectly balanced.

This was the third Jinchuriki Hinata had met, and while Yugito was outwardly different from Naruto and Gaara, there were echoes of their shared experiences. Both Naruto and Gaara had struggled to balance their identities with the immense power sealed within them, and Hinata wondered if Yugito's calm exterior masked similar scars. Yet here she was, sitting beside the Raikage in a meeting as crucial as this, her presence a testament to her strength and value. If her past mirrored that of the other Jinchūriki, she had risen above it with grace.

"Pleasure to officially make your acquaintance," Itachi said, his voice smooth and measured as he inclined his head slightly. He reached up to remove his hat, the gesture deliberate. For a brief moment, the motion tipped the fabric forward, concealing his Sharingan before he set the hat beside him on the table. The glow of his crimson eyes was faint but unmistakable, a subtle display of power that reaffirmed his position.

"I am Uchiha Itachi, the Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure," he continued, his tone polite but unwavering. After a beat, he gestured toward Hinata. "And joining me today is Hyūga Hinata, our village's very own White Lotus."

At the mention of her name, Ei's golden eyes snapped to her, locking onto her face with an intensity that made Hinata's chest tighten. His gaze lingered on her Byakugan, moving briefly to her unmarked forehead before returning to her eyes. His expression hardened, his lips pressing into a thin line as a faint growl rumbled in his throat. It was clear he recognized her—recognized the history she represented.

Hinata sat straighter, meeting his gaze with quiet determination. She couldn't read exactly what Ei was feeling—whether it was guilt, resentment, or something else entirely—but the tension in the air was unmistakable. Even without words, the weight of the past hung between them, thick and suffocating. And yet, she refused to look away. This meeting wasn't about the past—it was about the future.

The tension in the room thickened as Ei turned his sharp gaze back to Itachi, the edge in his voice unmistakable. "What kind of game are you playing here, Hokage?" he asked, the disdain in his tone barely concealed. His eyes flicked toward Hinata for the briefest moment, his expression hardening further. "Bringing her of all people."

"I am not here to play games, Raikage-dono," Itachi replied smoothly, his voice calm and measured, but there was an underlying sharpness. His crimson Sharingan eyes remained steady, unblinking as they locked onto Ei's. "I'm here to have a serious discussion about the future of our world. Unless," he added, leaning forward slightly, "you'd prefer to take a trip down memory lane first?"

Hinata tensed. Itachi's words were calculated, a direct challenge to Ei's authority. It was bold—a risky move to assert control of the conversation before it spiraled out of their hands. She noticed the flicker of irritation in Ei's golden eyes, but it was gone almost as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a smirk that was both predatory and amused.

"Heh. How about you?" Ei countered, his voice lowering to a growl as he leaned forward, resting a massive hand on the table. "You sure you're comfortable talking about the past, Hokage? Or maybe I should call you Uchiha Itachi, the clan butcher. Tell me, how does a man like you—someone who was once the most wanted traitor in the Land of Fire—become the Godaime? Hm?"

Itachi remained unfazed, meeting Ei's words with the same even tone, as though discussing the weather. "I'm not surprised you aren't aware of all the details, Raikage-dono," he said. "The former administration took great care to keep certain truths hidden. My actions were necessary to prevent a coup d'état that would have torn my village apart. Afterwards, I took the role of a traitor to infiltrate a dangerous criminal organization and assess their threat to Konoha. Once my mission was complete, the Sandaime recognized my abilities and appointed me Hokage. How about you? What's your explanation for the Hyūga incident?"

Hinata's chopsticks froze mid-air as the conversation shifted toward her family's past. The Raikage's golden eyes darkened, his jaw tightening, but there was no immediate outburst. It was a deft maneuver on Itachi's part—pushing Ei into the defensive without outright accusing him. The Raikage responded with a low, gravelly chuckle.

"Don't make me out to be the morally bankrupt one here, Hokage," Ei shot back, the words accompanied by a sharp thud as he slapped the table twice with his palm. His immense strength made the dishes rattle, but he ignored it. "You say your actions were for the good of your village, and that goes doubly for everything I've done. You think that your hands are any less stained than mine? Yet you compare the slaughter of an entire clan to the death of a single man."

Hinata watched as Itachi wiped his hands with a moistened hot towel, his expression calm but resolute. "That single dead man had a name," he said simply, his tone unyielding.

There was a flicker of something in Ei's expression—anger, perhaps, or regret—but it passed quickly as he reached for his beer, taking a long swig before slamming the empty glass down. "Yugito, get the Hokage a drink," he barked, waving his hand dismissively.

"Already done, Raikage-sama," Yugito replied smoothly, sliding a fresh glass across the table. Itachi nodded his thanks and took a measured sip, maintaining his composure as Ei let out a loud sigh.

Itachi set his beer down with practiced ease, the motion as deliberate as his every word. Reaching for his chopsticks, he glanced over just as Hinata quietly slid a portion of the meat Yugito had served her onto his plate. His Sharingan flickered with faint amusement as he looked up at her, offering a small, genuine smile of gratitude. Hinata returned the gesture with a subtle nod, her Byakugan softening for just a moment in the shared understanding between them.

"The death of one man is a tragedy," Ei muttered, almost to himself, "but the deaths of ten thousand? That's a statistic." He picked up his chopsticks again, scooping a mouthful of rice. "Don't get philosophical with me. That quote was born the day my father died."

The words landed heavily in the room, the Raikage's tone uncharacteristically somber. Hinata had heard the tale before—the legendary Third Raikage, who had fought for three days and nights against ten thousand enemies to ensure his comrades' escape. It was a story that inspired awe and respect, even from those outside Kumogakure. The weight of that legacy hung over Ei like a shadow.

"I know all about Hyūga Hizashi," Ei continued, his voice sharpening again. "The twin brother of the man we actually requested. Your village deceived us, and let's not forget—you were the ones who drew first blood."

Itachi inclined his head slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment rather than concession. "Yes, my village acted to protect the Byakugan," he admitted. "But let's not pretend Kumogakure was innocent. You tried to kidnap the young woman sitting next to me. Shall we keep trading blame, or should we move forward?"

Hinata observed the interplay with a mix of awe and unease. The two leaders were dancing a delicate waltz of politics, neither willing to cede ground, yet careful not to escalate into outright hostility. Itachi's words were measured, drawing attention to the Raikage's own actions without openly condemning him. Ei's retorts, though sharp, avoided direct denial, as if acknowledging the truth while refusing to apologize for it.

For a brief moment, Hinata felt a pang of understanding for the Raikage. His actions, reprehensible as they were, had been born from the same drive that fueled Itachi—the need to protect his village at any cost. It didn't excuse what had happened, but it gave her a sense of clarity. This wasn't about forgiveness or retribution. It was about ensuring the survival of their world.

Ei leaned back slightly, his gaze flicking between Itachi and Hinata. The tension lingered, but the Raikage's expression softened marginally, his booming voice dropping to a rumble. "I'll admit… you've got guts, Hokage. You and your White Lotus here. But don't expect me to roll over so easily. Trust isn't something you just ask for—it's something you earn."

The Raikage then folded his muscular arms across his chest, his expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "So now I ask you this question: How do you propose our two villages come to an alliance when we can't trust one another?" He pointed an accusatory finger at Itachi, his tone sharp. At first, Hinata thought he was dismissing the idea outright. But as she studied his expression more carefully, she realized something: Ei wasn't shutting the door entirely. He was testing them, pushing to see how they'd respond.

"Because our current way of life depends on it," Itachi replied smoothly, his tone unshaken. He set down his chopsticks, leaning forward slightly. "I know you're not ignorant to the major shifts in the world. So tell me—how much do you know about the religion that has risen in Amegakure, or as they now call it, Akatsukigakure?"

Ei's sharp gaze narrowed, but he didn't take the bait immediately. Instead, he huffed a breath through his nose, crossing his arms tighter. "Don't expect me to just share all my village's intel so easily," he muttered. "I know that the members of that criminal organization you spied on claim to have summoned a so-called sun goddess, Amaterasu. And I know the religion she founded has gained traction, spreading across the smaller nations and even into the major ones. That's all I'll say."

Hinata noted the dismissive edge in his voice. Ei didn't seem to believe in Amaterasu's godhood—or her power. To him, it sounded like he viewed her as nothing more than the figurehead of an overzealous cult gaining too much influence. She couldn't blame him entirely. If she hadn't experienced her terrifying might firsthand, her existence might seem as implausible as the fairy tales spun around campfires.

"What if I told you her power was the real deal?" Itachi's voice cut through the room, low and serious. He leaned forward, meeting the Raikage's intense gaze head-on. "The Akatsuki summoned Amaterasu inside Konohagakure two years ago. She made a mess of things then, and my sources tell me she's only grown stronger since. Her influence and power now threaten the balance of the entire world."

Ei froze mid-motion, chopsticks hovering over the steaming grill in front of him. Then, suddenly, he threw back his head and laughed—a deep, booming sound that echoed through the small room. "Are you serious?" he asked, shaking his head. "You can't mean to tell me you believe in things like old gods and nonsense like that!?" His laughter turned to a sharp edge, his expression darkening. "You think I'm stupid enough to fall for that?"

Itachi didn't flinch. "I'm not asking you to believe in her divinity," he said coolly, taking a measured sip from his glass. "Call her a goddess, an alien, a fraud—whatever you like. The label doesn't matter. What does matter is her power. Ignore her, and she'll wipe us out one by one. We cannot stand against her while divided."

The Raikage's brow furrowed, his expression shifting into something contemplative. For a moment, the only sounds were the sizzle of meat on the grill and the soft clinking of utensils as Yugito flipped pieces of beef with practiced ease. Hinata held her breath, watching as Ei's thoughts churned behind his sharp gaze.

Finally, Ei exhaled, rubbing his chin. "You say you've got intel?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity, even as he tried to keep his skepticism intact. "It must be pretty convincing if it's got you this worked up. Let's hear it." He leaned back again, gesturing lazily. Despite his earlier refusal to share information about his own village, he was now demanding theirs without a shred of hesitation.

"That's fine with me," Itachi replied smoothly, not betraying any irritation at the hypocrisy. "We have nothing to hide, and if it will convince you to help, we'll share what we know." He turned his gaze to Hinata, nodding slightly. "The White Lotus has just returned from the stronghold of the enemy. She'll share everything with you now, starting from the mission she was hired for."

Hinata felt the room's attention shift to her like the weight of the sun itself. Her pulse quickened, and she inhaled deeply, steadying herself. This was the moment where her voice could shape their future. She couldn't afford hesitation—not now.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," she said, her voice calm despite the tightness in her chest. She straightened her back, meeting Ei's piercing gaze as she prepared to recount everything she had seen—and endured—in the stronghold of Akatsukigakure.

Hinata had observed many negotiations during her time working alongside allies and adversaries alike, but Itachi's approach to handling the Raikage was nothing short of masterful. She realized that Itachi didn't see the Raikage's bombastic personality as an obstacle but as an opportunity—a dynamic to be managed rather than resisted. The way he had started the conversation was calculated, a series of subtle moves designed to test the Raikage's temperament while setting the stage for the real discussion.

Rather than tread cautiously, he'd purposefully antagonized Ei by bringing Hinata along—a decision laden with historical baggage. Yet instead of erupting in anger or storming out, the Raikage had risen to the bait, turning his focus onto Itachi's own controversial past. It was a classic political duel: the exchange of personal barbs thinly veiled as debate, testing one another's patience and composure.

Hinata marveled at how easily Itachi had let the Raikage's accusations roll off him, responding only with a sip of beer and calm words that redirected the conversation toward the Raikage's own questionable decisions. It wasn't about matching insults but about staying composed and keeping the upper hand. Itachi had even used Ei's aggression against him, allowing the Raikage to feel as though he was winning the exchange while subtly regaining control of the narrative.

The effect was undeniable. By the time their verbal sparring had finished, Ei had completely dropped his earlier irritation about being kept waiting. Instead, he was engaged, leaning into the discussion and appearing almost eager to flex his rhetorical muscles further.

Hinata realized that Itachi's genius lay in his ability to read the room—and, more importantly, the man across from him. He'd understood that Ei valued strength above all else, but not just physical strength. The Raikage respected the strength of conviction, the courage to stand firm even under scrutiny. Itachi's measured approach had showcased both, subtly asserting his authority without directly challenging Ei's pride.

Watching it all unfold, Hinata couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and intimidation. If she hadn't been paying close attention, she might have missed the intricate dance of power playing out between them. It was like watching a master shinobi weaving genjutsu—not with chakra, but with words.

Now it was her turn.

Hinata took a steadying breath, doing her best to emulate the calm, composed demeanor Itachi had displayed throughout the meeting. She could feel Ei's eyes boring into her as she began recounting her experiences. The Raikage was a man who respected strength, and Hinata knew this was her chance to prove herself—not through brute force, but through her resolve.

She started with the events in Sunagakure, outlining the fall of the village and their battle against Sasori. She chose her words carefully, omitting the more fantastical elements like Gaara's nature as a transmigrant or the intricate details of her own Byakugan's evolution. Instead, she framed Gaara as a formidable ally and leader who had risen to become Kazekage in the aftermath of the devastation. Her focus was on the tangible, on facts that would resonate with Ei rather than provoke skepticism.

When she shifted to their abduction by Obito and the long day they spent in Akatsukigakure, she carefully sidestepped certain truths. Amaterasu's plan to use her unborn children as vessels for her brothers was reframed as the development of an ultimate weapon—vague enough to sound plausible, but grave enough to underscore the danger they faced. Hinata didn't flinch when she recounted the ceremony at dusk, her voice steady even as shame flickered within her. She described the immolation of the so-called heretics and the crowd's frenzied celebration, though she left her own inaction unspoken.

Throughout her account, Hinata kept her tone even, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Ei. She wasn't sure if he was impressed or merely entertained, but she could feel the weight of his scrutiny with every word.

When she finished, Yugito quietly slid a glass of water toward her. Hinata accepted it with a small nod of thanks, drinking deeply to soothe her parched throat. She placed the empty glass down and waited, the silence heavy in the room.

Ei finally broke it. "So it's true, then?" he rumbled. "Sunagakure has fallen."

Hinata nodded. "The Sage of the Desert, Gaara-san, has taken on the role of Kazekage. He will corroborate everything I've said when he attends the Summit." She spoke with as much conviction as she could muster, hoping that the mention of another Kage's testimony would lend credibility to her words.

The Raikage leaned back, crossing his massive arms. "I understand," he said after a long pause. Then, he picked up his beer and drank deeply, the glugs of his massive gulps echoing in the quiet room. When the glass was empty, he slammed it onto the table with a resounding thud. "But tell me this, White Lotus: if Amaterasu is as powerful and terrifying as you say, why didn't you kill her when you had the chance? A pregnant woman shouldn't be a difficult mark, especially for someone of your supposed calibre."

The sarcastic bite in his tone stung, and Hinata felt her pulse quicken. She hadn't asked Itachi or anyone else what they thought she should have done, afraid that their answers might align too closely with Kali's. But here, faced with Ei's direct challenge, she realized that backing down wasn't an option. She had to play to what she believed he valued most: strength.

"I know this may be difficult for someone who once ordered the kidnapping of a three-year-old girl to understand," Hinata said evenly, holding his gaze. Her voice didn't waver, even though her heart raced. "But I won't kill a pregnant woman, no matter how evil she may be. Those children have committed no crimes, and their innocence is not negated by their parentage. My resolve to stop Amaterasu remains unshaken, but I will not compromise my principles to do it."

The room fell into a charged silence. Ei stared at her, his expression unreadable. Hinata fought the urge to look away, knowing that any sign of weakness could undermine everything she'd just said. The seconds stretched on, each one heavier than the last.

Then, Ei threw his head back and let out a booming laugh that shook the walls. It was louder and longer than any of his previous outbursts, and Hinata could hear muffled murmurs from the diners in the main room. When he finally stopped, he leaned forward, his grin feral and sharp.

"It seems the rumors about you were true, White Lotus," he said, his eyes gleaming. "You know, it really is a shame that our kidnapping attempt failed. You would've fit in well in Kumo."

Hinata forced a neutral smile, ignoring the knot of tension in her chest. She couldn't tell if he was joking or serious, but it didn't matter. What did matter was that she had succeeded in holding her ground, at least for now. Ei had bought into the image of her as the White Lotus, the unyielding warrior, and she wasn't about to correct him.

"Hinata is where she belongs," Itachi countered smoothly, not letting Ei's earlier remark slide. His tone was firm but even, measured as always. "There really would have been war if your kidnapping attempt had succeeded." Without missing a beat, Itachi raised his half-full glass of beer, holding it out toward the Raikage in a silent challenge.

Ei's lips curved into a sharp grin. He reached for his refilled glass and clinked it against Itachi's with surprising force, sending a small spray of foam onto the table. "Heh. Maybe you're right, Hokage," he said, his tone gruff but lacking its earlier edge. He downed his drink in one powerful swig before rising to his feet in a way that seemed to shake the entire room.

"You've given me a lot to think about today," Ei said, turning toward the sliding wood and paper door. His voice carried a tone of finality, signaling the abrupt end of the meeting. "And you as well, White Lotus." His eyes flicked to Hinata briefly, his expression unreadable. "I will hear what the Kazekage and the others have to say at the Summit. After that, you'll get your answer. Until then."

With that, Ei slid the door open and stepped off the wooden platform, his large hands deftly securing his sandals as though even this simple act were a display of power.

"It was an honor to meet you both," Yugito said, standing to follow him. Her tone was far gentler than her leader's, though it carried its own weight of sincerity. Before leaving, she turned to Hinata, her dark eyes locking with the pale glow of Hinata's Byakugan. "I apologize for Raikage-sama's humor. But you've managed to earn his respect—and mine. I look forward to seeing you again."

Hinata offered a polite bow, unsure how to respond to such a straightforward compliment. Before she could think of something to say, Yugito was gone, the door sliding shut behind her. The room fell into silence.

For several moments, neither Hinata nor Itachi spoke. The absence of the Raikage's overwhelming presence was almost palpable, as though the air itself had shifted. Without him, the private room seemed larger and quieter than before, the faint crackle of the grill and the lingering aroma of charred meat the only reminders of the intense meeting that had just taken place.

"Somehow, we made it through that," Itachi said at last, exhaling deeply as he picked up his glass and finished the remaining beer. It was an uncharacteristically relaxed gesture for him, and it drew a surprised giggle from Hinata. Seeing the typically composed Hokage in such a mundane moment of relief was oddly comforting.

Hinata allowed herself to relax, her shoulders sagging slightly. "He's… quite the person," she said quietly, her gaze lingering on the now-empty doorway. "Everything about him feels so… larger than life."

Itachi gave a faint nod, setting his empty glass down with care. "He's someone who doesn't do things halfway," he agreed. "When he's angry, it's like the room is shaking. When he laughs, it feels like it could bring the walls down. But even someone like him…" He trailed off, a flicker of thought passing through his crimson eyes. "Even someone like him is capable of reason, when approached correctly."

Hinata took a deep breath, letting the tension fully drain from her. She couldn't help but agree. Everything about Ei was intense, from his booming voice to the sheer physicality of his presence, but beneath it all, there was a man who understood the stakes of their world. Whether he would stand with them or not remained to be seen, but for now, she felt they had planted the seeds of something important.

"That did actually go well, didn't it?" Hinata asked cautiously, glancing toward Itachi. She wasn't entirely sure what "well" was supposed to look like when it came to meetings between Kage. But the Raikage hadn't stormed out, and she wasn't nursing any new emotional scars from his cutting remarks, so perhaps that was a victory.

Itachi nodded, his expression softening slightly. "In no small part thanks to you," he said, his tone calm but earnest. There was a weight to his words, an acknowledgment of her role that felt genuine. "Obito doesn't realize it yet, but he made a mistake in bringing you here instead of somewhere else."

Something about the statement unsettled Hinata. It wasn't that Itachi was wrong, but the way he framed it—that Obito was the only one making mistakes—didn't sit right with her. The memory of Kali's taunts and the sight of Amaterasu's ritual fires flickered in her mind.

"…You don't think I should have killed Amaterasu while I had the chance?" she asked hesitantly, her voice dropping to a near whisper. She couldn't meet Itachi's gaze, her chopsticks idly poking at a piece of now-cold meat on her plate.

Itachi didn't hesitate. "I would have been more troubled if you had decided to do that on your own," he said, his voice steady and free of judgment. "At one point, I also thought I had to shoulder everything alone. It resulted in me killing my entire clan. You might have achieved your short-term goal, but you would have died in the process. And with you dead, Obito or someone else in that village would have just summoned another god or goddess. Then we'd be back where we started—only this time, you wouldn't be here to help us."

His words struck her like a wave of clarity, washing away some of the self-recrimination she'd been carrying. Of course he was right. Killing Amaterasu wouldn't have solved the larger problem. Her existence wasn't the root cause of their struggles—it was a symptom of a broken system, a world grasping for easy answers and shortcuts. She'd been so focused on her moral dilemma that she hadn't seen the bigger picture.

"That's… I hadn't thought about it that way," Hinata admitted, her voice tinged with embarrassment. She felt ridiculous for having been so consumed by the idea of what she should have done, as if her choices alone could fix or doom the world.

Itachi's gaze softened further. "No one can come up with all the answers by themselves," he said, his tone carrying the weight of experience. "Rely on your allies when you need to. That's not a weakness; it's practicality."

Hinata nodded, letting his words sink in. He was right again—if people leaned on one another instead of chasing solitary solutions or impossible powers, there wouldn't even be a need for someone like Amaterasu to step in. They could face their challenges together, not as isolated figures trying to shoulder the world's burdens alone.

"Thank you, Itachi-san," Hinata said sincerely, the honorific slipping out before she could stop herself. She caught herself a second later, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I mean… Hokage-sama—" she started to stammer out a correction, but Itachi waved it off with a quiet laugh.

"Anytime, Hinata," he replied, his voice warm and genuine. For a moment, the weight of their titles and histories faded, leaving only the shared respect of two comrades who had come a long way together.

When they had first met, they'd been enemies—two people that should have never crossed paths. Their alliance had been forged in necessity, with little trust and even less understanding between them. But now, as they sat in the aftermath of a successful, albeit fraught, meeting with the Raikage, Hinata could feel how much that had changed.

They weren't just allies anymore. They were partners in a shared mission, united by a common goal and an unspoken trust. It was a bond forged through fire, one that would only grow stronger in the trials to come.

Together, they had overcome the first hurdle in their journey toward a united front against Amaterasu and her zealous followers. The road ahead was steep, but this first step gave Hinata a glimmer of hope. The next challenge lay at the true Gokage Summit—and she felt ready to face it, knowing she wasn't alone.