Hinata: Byakurenden
Declaration of War
"Hinata, over here!" Naruto's voice echoed across the desolate battlefield as he waved from atop a towering tree he had created. The tree was a single massive stalk, its height dwarfing everything else in the shattered landscape. At its apex, a lonely flower bloomed, its crimson petals the same vibrant red as his mother's hair, a stark reminder of life amidst the devastation.
From his vantage point, Naruto could see the aftermath of the battles that had reshaped the land. The once-majestic wolf-head-shaped mountains, which had stood sentinel over the valley, were no more. Each mountain had been reduced to rubble, their destruction etched into the fabric of the terrain like the scars of a world torn apart by gods.
To the north, the remnants of Kijin's clash with Hinata lay in ruin. What had once been a formidable peak was now a jagged crater, its walls seared by the raw power of their battle. The air still shimmered faintly with residual energy, and the scent of scorched earth lingered.
To the southeast, Gaara was making his way back from the flattened remains of another mountain. The clash of four Biju had left nothing but a barren expanse of churned sand and shattered rock, as if the earth itself had surrendered to their power. He had just reverted from Shukaku's form, his silhouette barely visible amidst the dust still swirling around him.
To the southwest, the mountain that had housed Itachi and Sasuke's battle lay obliterated. A series of massive explosions had left behind a jagged wasteland of scorched stone and blackened earth. No trace of Sasuke was visible, though Itachi was emerging from the destruction, his movements steady but hesitant as he made his way toward Naruto's tree—a beacon in the chaos.
The tree itself stood atop the ruins of the Samurai's castle fortress, once a proud structure at the valley's heart. Now, it was little more than a broken foundation, its walls and towers reduced to rubble by the titanic forces that had clashed there. What had once been a valley defined by the towering mountains now sprawled open, its horizon flattened and scarred. Without the mountains, the sense of enclosure had vanished, leaving a vast and haunting emptiness.
From beneath the rubble of the fortress, movement stirred. A bunker, barely intact, had survived the devastation. A jagged hole in its side marked where Kijin's attack had ejected Hinata during the battle. Emerging now were Tayuya, the Raikage, and his two guards, their faces grim but resolute as they surveyed the apocalyptic scene.
Hinata was the first to approach, descending gracefully from the north where she had fought. Her shrine maiden outfit was singed and dusty, but her violet chakra still flickered faintly around her like a protective aura. She was nearly at the base of the tree when Naruto jumped down to meet her, landing in a crouch just as she arrived.
"Naruto-kun, you're okay!" Hinata's voice carried a mix of relief and worry as she jogged up to him. Without hesitation, she reached out and took his left hand—the one still human—in both of hers. Her grip was firm yet gentle, her pale eyes searching his face. "I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner like we planned. Things… got a little out of control on my end."
Naruto blinked at her, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture. "Ah, yeah. No worries, Hinata. We had it covered, y'know," he said, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. His grin was wide and reassuring, but his gaze drifted to the side, scanning the sky as if searching for something else to focus on. A faint blush crept across his cheeks, betraying his usual confidence.
For all his boldness in battle and his role as the heart of their team, moments like this still made Naruto feel like the awkward boy he used to be. The truth was, despite everything they'd been through—fighting monsters, reshaping landscapes with their power—they still hadn't figured out what they were to each other. Their first and only date had been interrupted, leaving them in a state of suspended uncertainty.
Hinata's hands, warm and steady, brought an unfamiliar vulnerability to the surface. It wasn't that he didn't want this connection—it was that he didn't know how to handle it. And so, his eyes flicked away, his fingers twitching in hers, though he didn't pull away.
Hinata noticed his discomfort immediately, her own composure faltering. "Ah—sorry!" She released his hand in a rush, retreating a step. Her gaze dropped to the ground as if inspecting the dirt for something fascinating, though the blush spreading across her cheeks—brilliant red and creeping to the tips of her ears—suggested otherwise.
It was almost absurd. They had faced down opponents wielding god-like power, survived battles that shattered mountains, and yet a simple moment of contact between them unraveled their composure. Twice now they had kissed, but both times had been in the heat of the moment, too fleeting for either of them to fully process. In those instances, her instinct had carried them forward. Here, in the quiet aftermath of battle, there was no such excuse.
Naruto coughed lightly, shoving his hands into his pockets and rocking back on his heels. "You, uh… You did good out there, Hinata. Looked like you handled things pretty well."
Hinata lifted her gaze, her lips curving into a soft smile despite her lingering embarrassment. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. You did too." Her voice was steady again, her warmth and sincerity shining through. And just like that, the tension eased—if only a little.
They both knew this wasn't the time to dwell on what they couldn't yet say or do. There was still so much to figure out, so many battles left to fight. For now, they would keep moving forward, side by side, their unspoken feelings adding another layer to the bond they shared.
"Well done, Naruto. You as well, White Lotus." Gaara's voice was steady despite the faint strain, his figure emerging from the haze of dust and debris. His steps were deliberate, one hand pressed lightly against his ribs.
With the Nichiren Byakugan active, Hinata's gaze softened as she assessed him. The cracks in his ribs weren't life-threatening, but they spoke to the brutal nature of the battle he had endured. Whether he fought as himself or as Shukaku, the damage carried over—a testament to the unyielding force he had faced. His iron armor had mitigated the worst of it, but even so, he bore the weight of the clash visibly.
"Yeah, you did pretty great yourself, Gaara!" Naruto's voice broke through the tension, carrying an infectious energy. With a wide grin, he forced the earlier awkwardness with Hinata to the back of his mind, though a hint of overcompensation lingered in his tone. He stepped forward, raising his fist toward Gaara.
Gaara regarded the gesture for a moment before his lips curved into a faint smile. Carefully, he bumped Naruto's fist with his own. The action was subtle, yet it carried the weight of their evolving bond. They had faced death side by side, stood as shields for one another against insurmountable odds. Once estranged by their painful pasts, they now shared a growing camaraderie born from shared struggles and a mutual understanding only fellow Jinchuriki could know.
Naruto's grin widened as if to say, I've got your back, and I know you've got mine.
Turning toward Hinata, Gaara's expression softened further. "Kazekage-sama, congratulations on your victory." She began to bow, her movements precise and respectful, but Gaara immediately raised a hand to stop her.
"Please, there's no need for formality." His tone was gentle yet firm. "We've fought together now, as allies. Titles mean little in moments like these."
Hinata straightened, a faint smile of her own emerging. She could feel the quiet shift in Gaara's demeanor, the barriers of his once-isolated heart continuing to crumble.
Gaara's gaze drifted to the horizon, his features thoughtful, almost wistful. "Although," he added, his voice taking on a dry, almost self-deprecating edge, "it's been a trying first week as Kazekage." He exhaled slowly, shifting his stance to ease the pressure on his ribs. "Three Bijū at once wasn't exactly in the job description."
Naruto let out a bark of laughter, his shoulders shaking. "You mean you didn't expect running a village to be like this?"
Hinata's smile widened as she joined in. "It does seem you've been thrown straight into the fire, Kazekage-sama." Her tone was warm, almost teasing, though she couldn't resist the habit of formal address.
Gaara shook his head, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips. "Perhaps. But bonds forged in fire are the strongest." His voice was quiet but steady, each word carrying the weight of conviction. He turned his golden gaze toward Naruto and Hinata, the rare light in his eyes softening the tension that lingered in the air. "And I couldn't ask for better allies to stand with me in that fire."
A brief silence fell over them—not awkward, but grounding. For a moment, it was enough just to breathe.
The moment shattered as Tayuya's voice cut through the haze. "Hinata!" Her sharp tone pulled their attention immediately. She was jogging toward them, her stride quick and purposeful, but there was no panic—only urgency.
Behind her, the Kumonin followed—Ei and his guards moving slower, the weight of exhaustion hanging off their shoulders like armor that refused to be shed. Even so, their presence carried a quiet strength, a reminder of the battle they had faced together.
"You get that Kijin bastard, or whatever the hell he was, then?" Tayuya asked, her words sharp as ever, but there was an edge of relief underneath the bravado. Her remark earned curious glances from Naruto and Gaara, but she waved them off. This wasn't the time to unpack the chaos they'd barely survived—or the guilt she carried for how close things had come to disaster.
"It's been taken care of," Hinata said simply, her voice steady but carrying the weight of what she had endured. She didn't elaborate; there would be time later to explain everything. Instead, she turned her attention to the Kumonin, her concern evident. "Are you all feeling okay?"
When she had been blasted out of the bunker, it had been collapsing, and the others had been practically immobilized. She'd feared the worst, imagining them buried alive beneath the rubble. Seeing them now, bruised but alive, was a relief.
Ei's booming voice cut through the quiet. "As expected of the White Lotus." His towering frame cast a long shadow over her, his presence as commanding as ever. Despite their newfound alliance, Hinata couldn't help but feel a flicker of intimidation as his piercing eyes locked onto hers. His words weren't meant as a threat, but there was a weight in his tone that made her wonder if he found her dismissal of Kijin—an opponent who had overwhelmed even him—insulting.
"Raikage-sama," Hinata began, her voice tinged with formality as she moved to bow in respect. But before she could, Ei did something unthinkable.
The Raikage—Yondaime Ei, a man known for his unshakable pride and towering strength—dropped to one knee before her. His powerful frame seemed smaller somehow, bent in a gesture of humility so unexpected it left everyone frozen.
"I owe you the lives of myself and my men," Ei said, his voice solemn and firm, yet tinged with a vulnerability Hinata had never associated with him. "A Shinobi should never bow so easily, least of all one of the Gokage. But understand that by doing this, I am offering the highest gratitude I can give." Even kneeling, his broad shoulders made him nearly her height, yet in this moment, he seemed deeply human.
Hinata's eyes widened, and her hands instinctively moved to his shoulder. "P-Please, Raikage-sama, you don't need to do that!" she stammered, her voice thick with alarm and embarrassment. "Thanks to you and your men, we destroyed the swords and defeated the Samurai. I couldn't have done it without you. We're allies now, and of course I would fight for you as you did for us."
But Ei didn't rise immediately. His head bowed, the gesture lingered for just a moment longer as if to convey something deeper than gratitude. For him, this wasn't merely an acknowledgment of Hinata's strength—it was an unspoken apology. Kumo's shadowy past with the Hyūga clan loomed heavy in the air, a history steeped in mistrust, pain, and blood.
"We are allies now," he repeated softly, his voice low enough that only Hinata could hear. "And that… is long overdue."
Hinata felt the words strike a chord deep within her. The weight of centuries of enmity between Kumo and the Hyūga seemed to lift slightly in that moment, leaving something fragile yet hopeful in its place. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice carrying both her gratitude and the quiet acceptance of his unspoken message.
Finally, Ei rose to his full height, the moment of vulnerability passing as his usual commanding presence returned. "Hmph," he said, brushing off the dirt on his knee as though to mask the discomfort of the gesture. "The enemy is serious; I'll give them that much." He stroked his goatee, his sharp gaze scanning the battlefield. "If this Amaterasu can amass people of this caliber, then even I must admit she is no foe to underestimate."
Hinata couldn't help but glance at Ei again, her thoughts lingering on what had just transpired. For the leader of Kumogakure—a man who embodied pride, strength, and the weight of his village's history—to kneel before her, a Hyūga, was something she would never have imagined. It wasn't just gratitude; it was a bridge being built where there had once been only a chasm.
Nearby, Shee glanced around, his expression a mix of awe and exhaustion as he took in the devastation. "This… this is something I never thought I'd see," he murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Even in a battle involving the Gokage…"
Darui, leaning heavily against Shee for support, gave a weak chuckle. "If my whole body didn't feel so dull, I'd be a lot more shocked right now." He grimaced as he shifted his weight. The fact that he was alive after being nearly bisected and struck by lightning was a testament to Shee's remarkable skill as a medic.
As they all stood amidst the rubble of a battlefield where gods had clashed, Hinata felt a quiet resolve bloom within her. They were forging something new here—alliances, friendships, and perhaps even forgiveness. If they could stand together against Amaterasu, then maybe, just maybe, there was hope for the future after all.
"It will make proceeding much easier if you understand the power of the enemy now." Itachi's calm voice carried over the group as he finally joined them, his steps deliberate despite his exhaustion. The others had formed a loose circle beneath Naruto's towering tree stalk, the flower above casting a faint red glow over the shattered battlefield.
He glanced at Ei, his Sharingan eyes narrowing slightly. "Can I trust that you're still in favor of the alliance, Raikage-dono?" His tone was measured, but there was a clear edge to his words. Before the battle, Ei had proclaimed his willingness to unite, but Itachi knew as well as anyone that wartime alliances could be fragile. A pledge made in the heat of combat could easily be revoked in its aftermath.
Ei smirked, baring his sharp teeth in a way that was both confident and faintly menacing. "Of course! Hokage, you should feel honored. I'll allow you and all your men to serve under me in the purpose of disposing of that false goddess!" He threw back his head with a booming laugh, the sound echoing across the ruined valley.
Itachi didn't miss a beat, bowing his head slightly. "I am humbled by your generosity," he replied, his voice neutral but carrying the faintest trace of irony. Whether the Raikage was being facetious or entirely serious didn't matter. Itachi knew they would need to navigate this alliance carefully if they hoped to maintain it long enough to confront Amaterasu. The details of an equal partnership could wait until after the larger threat had been dealt with.
Hinata observed the exchange silently, her Nichiren Byakugan catching the faint tension in Itachi's stance. His polite smile didn't quite reach his eyes, and for the first time, she noticed the subtle weight of something else hanging over him. It wasn't just the exhaustion of battle—there was something deeper gnawing at him.
Her gaze darted to the others, and a realization struck her. Someone was still missing.
"Wait, where's Sasuke?" Naruto voiced her concern before she could, his brow furrowing in confusion. As a fellow transmigrant, he should have been able to sense Sasuke's presence through their connection to Indra. Yet there was nothing—no trace of his chakra, no flicker of his presence.
Itachi's jaw tightened, and his lips parted as if to answer, but no words came. His hand twitched briefly at his side before he stilled it. The sight of Itachi, normally so composed, visibly hesitating, sent a ripple of unease through the group.
"He's…" Itachi began, his voice low and unsteady. He bit his lower lip, his gaze dropping to the ground. For the first time, his carefully maintained mask cracked, revealing the raw concern beneath. It was rare to see Itachi so openly vulnerable, but if there was anything that could draw out such emotion, it was his younger brother. Whatever had happened to Sasuke, it was clear Itachi was struggling to put it into words.
Before he could continue, an unfamiliar voice cut through the tension, light and mocking. "…Just fine!"
Everyone froze, the voice floating down from above them in a sing-song tone. It was infuriatingly casual, like someone commenting on the weather.
In an instant, a vortex of twisting space formed above Naruto's tree stalk, and two figures fell unceremoniously to the ground. Sasuke and Senju Tobirama, mid-charge of their respective jutsu, skidded to a halt on the scorched earth. Their sudden appearance left them disoriented, their eyes wide with shock as they took in the change of scenery.
"What is this!?" Ei roared, his voice a mixture of fury and confusion. His sharp gaze darted between the two new arrivals and the vortex still swirling above them. This was his first time witnessing Uchiha Obito's space-time ninjutsu firsthand, and its unnatural fluidity clearly unnerved him. But his anger was equally directed at the apparent reanimation of a dead man—the legendary Nidaime Hokage—standing before him.
Hinata blinked in surprise as her gaze shifted between Tobirama and Sasuke. The Nidaime Hokage, with glowing Rinnegan embedded in his skull, was not what she had expected to see today. But before she could question it, her instincts flared, and her eyes shot upward.
Perched atop a thin branch sprouting from Naruto's tree stalk, as though he were casually surveying a garden, was Uchiha Obito. His visible Sharingan gleamed with faint amusement, and he rested his chin on his fist, looking down at them like a bored king addressing his subjects.
"What's the matter?" Obito drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "You look surprised. Did you think I'd miss out on the grand gathering of your new 'alliance'? How rude of you not to invite me."
The air grew heavy as every eye turned toward him. Whatever relief they had felt at Sasuke's return was quickly replaced by a renewed tension. Obito's presence, as always, carried the promise of chaos.
Hinata's fists clenched at her sides as she instinctively shifted closer to Naruto and Gaara, her Nichiren Byakugan sharpening its focus. Beside her, Itachi's Sharingan flared back to life, his calm exterior returning as he stepped forward to face Obito directly.
"What do you want, Obito?" Itachi's voice was cold, his earlier vulnerability replaced by a steely determination.
Obito tilted his head, his lips curling into a smirk. "What I've always wanted. For you to see reason. But since that's clearly not happening, I thought I'd give you one last chance to reconsider before things… escalate."
His tone was light, but the threat beneath it was unmistakable.
"What makes you think anything about our answer would change now?" Gaara's voice was calm but firm, cutting through the tense silence like the edge of a blade. He folded his arms, his posture straight despite the pain in his ribs. Even as he winced faintly, his gaze remained unwavering, the golden light of his eyes burning with quiet defiance. "We've defeated your strongest pieces, and we're all still standing. This is your complete loss."
His words hung heavy in the air, reinforced by the raw truth of the battlefield around them. Sasori, Kabuto, Kakuzu, Deidara, and even Kijin—all powerful warriors—had been defeated, their plans unraveled. Yet, as Gaara's eyes locked onto Obito's impassive face, Hinata felt a chill creep into her chest. Obito's stance, his casual posture perched on the branch above them, didn't speak of defeat.
"He doesn't care," Itachi interjected, his tone sharp and cold. His Sharingan flared faintly as he took another single step forward, his usual composed demeanor cracking under the weight of his disdain. "Obito, you manipulated Deidara. You tricked him into losing control, into becoming… that thing." His voice trembled just slightly, an undercurrent of anger breaking through his usual stoicism. "All so you could further your agenda."
Obito tilted his head, his single Sharingan gleaming with faint amusement. "On the contrary," he replied smoothly, his tone feigning innocence, "it was you who made Deidara so furious that he forgot himself. He let his hatred for you override everything else, and that's what caused Amaterasu-sama's power to go out of control. All I did was step back and let nature take its course."
The casual dismissal in his tone made Itachi's jaw clench, his knuckles tightening at his sides. Obito's words were thinly veiled mockery—not for them, but for the one who watched them from afar. He was playing a careful game, his every word chosen for Amaterasu's ears.
Sasuke, now standing beside Itachi, broke his silence. "What is your plan here?" His voice was low and biting, his gaze sharp as it bored into Obito. "You've sacrificed your so-called allies, weakened your forces, and now you're just letting me go. Why? What do you gain from this?"
Obito chuckled softly, the sound carrying an eerie calm. "What I gain," he said, spreading his hands in a mock display of transparency, "is the opportunity to show Amaterasu-sama just how far you're willing to go to defy her love." His gaze swept over them, lingering on Hinata for just a moment longer than the others. "And you've done exactly as I told her you would. You've rejected her kindness, killed her most loyal followers, and spat on her generosity."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting into something almost conspiratorial. "Tell me, what do you think she'll do now that you've made it so abundantly clear you won't love her—no matter what?"
Hinata's breath caught in her throat. The way he spoke, the certainty in his voice, made her heart race with unease. She had seen Amaterasu's narcissism firsthand, felt the suffocating weight of her desire to be loved. Obito wasn't just manipulating them—he was manipulating her.
"So what?" Naruto growled, stepping forward, his fists clenched. His voice was rough with anger, but beneath it was a flicker of something more vulnerable. "You're just using her to do your dirty work? Sacrificing your friends to make your girlfriend mad enough to wipe us out? That's your big plan?"
Obito chuckled again, this time with genuine amusement. "Oh, Naruto. Always so eager to simplify things. But yes, if you must reduce it to such childish terms, I suppose you're not entirely wrong."
He stood, brushing imaginary dust from his cloak, his voice growing colder. "You think I care about the lives of pawns? About sacrifices? This isn't about pride or loyalty. This is about achieving a world free from the madness you cling to. Amaterasu-sama is the key to that world, and I'll use whatever means necessary to guide her to it. Even if it means letting you think you've 'won' today."
"And you believe she'll still trust you after this?" Itachi demanded, his voice hard. "That she won't see through your manipulations?"
Obito's smirk widened, his gaze unshakable. "She doesn't have to trust me. She only needs to hate you. And you've given her every reason to."
The weight of his words settled over the group like a storm cloud, the implications sinking in. Hinata's fists clenched at her sides, the realization dawning in her mind. Obito had spent years bending Amaterasu's insecurities and desires to his will. They had played into his hands, giving him exactly what he needed to make her see them as enemies, as obstacles to her love. And now, with her power about to reach its peak, the consequences would be devastating.
"Shall I tally the score for you?" Obito continued almost disinterestedly. "The Akatsuki now commands most of the minor nations, the Samurai of the Land of Iron, and the full might of Iwa and Kiri. And you? You've lost Suna, leaving you with only Kumo and Konoha. This isn't a war—it's a massacre waiting to happen."
His gaze swept over them one final time, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "You will die for nothing but your pride."
Itachi's Sharingan glowed with defiance. "You already know our answer, Obito. Stop wasting our time."
The two Uchiha locked eyes, the tension between them electric. Hinata remained silent, her own resolve hardening. They had said all there was to say. Obito wasn't here to negotiate—he was here to manipulate, to sow doubt and fear. And yet, none of them wavered.
Obito straightened, brushing his hands together as though dusting off a finished task. "Very well," he said simply. "Then you leave me no choice." His gaze swept over them one last time, his voice steady and cold.
"I hereby declare war on you all. The Fourth Great Ninja War. When we meet again, it will be on the battlefield."
With that, he vanished into a spiraling vortex, leaving nothing but silence in his wake. The words hung in the air like the tolling of a funeral bell, each syllable reverberating with finality. They had been prepared for this moment, but hearing the declaration spoken aloud made it feel chillingly real.
"It seems the world hasn't changed," Tobirama murmured, his deep voice carrying a blend of reflection and resignation. Yet, as his sharp eyes swept over the gathered shinobi—an Uchiha, a Hyūga, and even a Jinchuriki standing together as allies—there was a flicker of something else: curiosity.
The fact that he was standing here at all, speaking as though alive, raised its own questions. Hinata's gaze lingered on him, her Byakugan noting the subtle chakra flow surrounding the Rinnegan in his skull. Slowly, pieces of the puzzle began falling into place.
Naruto, less inclined to ponder details, pointed at Tobirama with a frown. "Didn't we already deal with the Edo Tensei? What's this old guy even doing here?" His tone was incredulous, his expression filled with the sort of blunt confusion only Naruto could manage.
"I sealed his soul with my Rinnegan," Sasuke interjected smoothly, arms folded. His tone was neutral, disinterested, as if Tobirama's presence wasn't worth further elaboration. "He's an ally now, so don't worry about it."
The terse explanation only raised more questions, but Sasuke clearly wasn't interested in providing them. Tobirama, for his part, regarded Sasuke with a calculating expression, noting the power and composure the younger Uchiha carried.
"Nidaime Hokage, Senju Tobirama." Itachi's voice cut through the tension, calm and steady. He stepped forward, his gaze meeting Tobirama's without hesitation. "It seems you kept my brother safe inside Kamui. For that, you have my thanks."
Tobirama inclined his head slightly. It was a small, measured gesture, but coming from a man like him, it carried a surprising weight. "He is the one who summoned me. Protecting him was a matter of course."
Itachi's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something in his Sharingan eyes—relief, perhaps, or gratitude. Tobirama noted it and felt a pang of regret he hadn't anticipated.
Turning fully to face Itachi, Tobirama folded his hands behind his back, his tone thoughtful. "Godaime Hokage, Uchiha Itachi," he began, emphasizing the title with deliberate care. "It seems you are to lead the village in a time of war, much as I once did. If you should need advice, seek me. I will offer my counsel freely."
Itachi inclined his head, his composure unshaken. "I would be honored," he replied, his voice as steady as Tobirama's. "To be honest, I'm still new to the position. I could use all the help I can get."
Tobirama blinked, momentarily surprised by the sincerity of the response. He had expected pride or cold indifference—traits he had often associated with the Uchiha. Instead, he found humility, a willingness to accept guidance.
And in that moment, Tobirama saw something unexpected in Itachi: the potential for what the Uchiha clan could have been, had things been different.
For decades, Tobirama's decisions had been guided by his mistrust of the Uchiha. He had denied Madara the position of Hokage, chosen Sarutobi Hiruzen over Uchiha Kagami, and implemented policies that, in hindsight, had fanned the flames of resentment within the clan. Now, standing before an Uchiha Hokage who carried himself with wisdom and grace, he felt the weight of those choices.
"It seems," Tobirama said, his voice quieter now, "that the village has grown beyond the shadows of the past. Perhaps there is still hope for it to thrive."
Itachi met his gaze, and for a moment, there was an unspoken understanding between them. One carried the burdens of a fractured history; the other bore the weight of building their future.
The two men nodded to one another, an unspoken agreement passing between them. Successor and predecessor. Senju and Uchiha. One dead, one alive.
Nearby, Naruto blinked, glancing between the two. "Okay, is it just me, or is this… kind of weird?" he muttered under his breath. Hinata touched his arm gently, a small smile on her lips, but refrained from commenting.
Even Sasuke, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange, tilted his head slightly, regarding Tobirama with a mixture of wariness and something that might have been respect.
But for Tobirama, there was a sense of quiet satisfaction. For the first time in decades, he allowed himself a small smile. Perhaps the future he had envisioned for the village wasn't as far out of reach as he had once thought.
"Konoha shinobi are insane," Shee muttered, earning a silent nod of agreement from Darui.
"Never mind that," Ei commanded, his booming voice cutting through the lingering tension. He turned to Itachi, his towering frame casting a shadow over the Hokage. "Godaime Hokage, war has been declared. We must begin to mobilize our forces immediately. You claim the White Lotus has been inside the enemy's stronghold. I ask that you share everything you know. We need to start planning our assault without delay."
The gravity of his words seemed to settle over the group like a leaden weight. Even those still nursing their injuries straightened at the Raikage's declaration. The reality of their situation was beginning to sink in.
"I also have critical information to share from within the enemy base," Tayuya cut in sharply, her voice blunt and unyielding. She didn't seem to care that she was interrupting a conversation between two Kage. "I overheard their plan. The enemy is using the total solar eclipse at the end of next month to complete their ultimate weapon." She paused, her expression tightening as if reluctant to elaborate. "We have until then to strike—otherwise, it'll be too late."
Though Tayuya referred to it as a "weapon," Hinata knew she truly meant the birth of Amaterasu's twins—a moment that would unleash powers far beyond their ability to counter.
"A solar eclipse…" Gaara murmured, his voice calm but edged with thoughtfulness. His gaze turned skyward, the yellow glow in his eyes dimming. "The perfect alignment of the sun and moon. The strongest natural symbol of balance… and imbalance."
Itachi nodded, his expression grim. "A symbolic event for a being like Amaterasu," he said. "She sees herself as the embodiment of divine light. She'll use the eclipse to tip the scales of power irreversibly in her favor."
The group fell silent for a moment, the enormity of the situation settling heavily over them.
"That means we have just under two months," Shee finally said, his tone growing increasingly grim as he spoke. "No… more like a month and a half." He glanced at Ei, already calculating the immense logistical nightmare before them. "We'll have to inform our Daimyo to secure approval for the alliance. Then comes sharing intelligence between nations, organizing joint training drills to synchronize our forces, and equipping the armies for battle."
Darui groaned, leaning heavily against Shee. "That's before we even talk about marching on the enemy stronghold. And if this turns into a siege…" He trailed off, shaking his head. The implication was clear—a prolonged siege could drag on for weeks, months, or even years, depending on the enemy's defenses.
"A month and a half…" Gaara repeated under his breath, the words almost bitter as they left his mouth. "That's not enough time. They've been building their forces for years."
Darui crossed his arms, his scowl deepening. "Sorry to say, but the Akatsuki have already amassed an army," he said, his voice low and grim. "The Samurai, Iwa, Kiri… they're already marching under her banner. Meanwhile, our forces are fractured. Suna is in ruins. Kumo and Konoha alone won't be enough to tip the scales."
Tayuya's next words sent a fresh wave of tension through the group. "You don't get it. The eclipse isn't just the deadline. It's the catalyst. Whatever Amaterasu's planning, she's aligning her forces and her power with that moment. If we aren't ready, we'll be wiped out before we even get a chance to fight."
Hinata's chest tightened as she glanced at the group. Their injuries were still fresh, their morale shaken. Yet now they had to prepare for a war the likes of which the world had never seen. A war against a goddess determined to bend the heavens to her will.
"It's almost impossible," Shee admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "The enemy has every advantage—resources, numbers, time. We're already too late."
Ei's sharp growl cut through the mounting despair. "We're not too late," he snapped. "We're just outmatched. That doesn't mean we give up." His gaze moved to Itachi, fire burning in his eyes. "We don't have time to second-guess or hesitate. We move forward with everything we have, and we do it now."
Itachi nodded, his expression unreadable but his resolve clear. "We'll need to act quickly and decisively," he said. "Every delay costs lives. Every mistake strengthens their position. If we're going to stop Amaterasu, we'll need more than brute force—we'll need precision… and I've been developing a strategy for how we can invade the enemy's stronghold in one decisive strike," his words drew immediate attention, not least from Sasuke, who raised an eyebrow in quiet surprise. This was the first anyone had heard of such a plan.
"In order for it to work, we all need to be united in one location," Itachi continued, his gaze sweeping across the gathered leaders. "I would suggest bringing your armies to Konoha, but…" He trailed off deliberately, the unspoken reasons clear to everyone.
"Not a chance!" Ei barked, his voice firm but not dismissive. It was an expected response, and Itachi nodded as if he had already accounted for it.
"There's a fortress in the mountains of the Land of Lightning," Ei continued, his expression sharpening with purpose. "It's a stronghold near Kumogakure, secure and defensible. It will serve as the perfect staging ground for our alliance to plan and prepare."
"That location will suffice," Itachi agreed readily, his composure unshaken. "Then, Raikage-dono, may I request that my team accompany you there? I have other allies waiting nearby, and I will have them send word to Konoha to begin mobilizing. The sooner we move, the sooner we can organize."
Ei's sharp expression softened slightly, and he grinned—a fierce, wolfish grin. "Join us! I'll guarantee you a royal escort," he declared, spreading his arms wide. "You've already met some of my men. Among them are two young ones, Omoi and Karui. I'll send them with your messengers to Konoha to show the strength of our alliance."
Itachi inclined his head in approval. "Thank you. It's a wise gesture."
A voice cut in from beside them, quieter but no less resolute. "I need to return to my people," Gaara said, his steady tone betraying the weight of his decision. His gaze turned toward the horizon, his eyes filled with both determination and uncertainty. "I'll do what I can to recruit forces, but… don't expect much." His words were measured, but they carried the deep scars of Sunagakure's suffering. The burden of asking more from his people, who had already endured so much, clearly weighed on him.
"Even if it's just you, it'll make a hell of a difference!" Naruto said enthusiastically, clapping Gaara on the shoulder with a friendly grin. The unexpected gesture startled Gaara for only a moment before he allowed a small, genuine smile to creep across his face.
Naruto's optimism was infectious, and for a fleeting moment, the weight on Gaara's shoulders seemed lighter. They weren't just comrades anymore—they were friends, bound by fire and shared battles.
"I'll assign Squad Eight to escort you home," Itachi offered, his voice tinged with quiet understanding. "You're strong, Gaara, but we can't risk you traveling alone. Your presence is too important to this alliance."
Gaara nodded, accepting the offer with a calm gratitude.
"Then it's decided!" Ei's voice boomed, commanding everyone's attention. "We have our next steps. It may seem like a small beginning, but this alliance will grow. From here, we'll forge the unity we need to stand against Amaterasu and her forces."
The plan began to take shape, each member accepting the role they would play. Itachi, Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata would accompany Ei, Darui, Shee, and Yugito to the Land of Lightning. Gaara would return to the Land of Wind, protected by Neji, Tayuya, Shino, Kiba, and Akamaru, to rally what forces he could. Meanwhile, Yugao, Anko, Omoi, and Karui would travel to Konoha to inform the village of the summit's results and prepare for the joint mobilization.
Hinata glanced around the group, feeling the faintest spark of hope ignite within her chest. This moment, as tenuous and fragile as it was, marked the beginning of something far greater than any of them alone. It was a step toward unity—a chance to fight back against despair.
It wasn't much. But it was a start.
"Hmm… perhaps the world has changed after all," Tobirama murmured, his smirk tempered by an edge of thoughtfulness as his eyes swept over the group. Shinobi from different villages—once bitter rivals, now standing together for a common purpose. It was an image that would have been unthinkable in his own time.
The scene tugged at his memories, the days when warring clans fought for dominance over blood-soaked fields. Back then, the idea of unity had been a distant dream. His elder brother, Hashirama, had dared to envision that dream, binding clans together into villages. But even then, Tobirama had seen the fractures that lingered—factions vying for supremacy, alliances forged in necessity rather than trust.
And yet, here they were. The world had grown smaller, the divisions narrower. Now it wasn't clans or even villages standing apart, but entire nations coalescing into two sides. The light of dawn, heralding a new world order under Amaterasu's rule, and the defiant shadows that refused to yield to her dominion.
A balance of yin and yang. Creation and destruction. Light and shadow. It was a struggle as old as time itself.
"If the enemy believes they will bring the dawn of their new world," Tobirama mused aloud, his gaze lingering on Naruto's unwavering grin and Hinata's quiet resolve. "Then you all are the lingering shadows their light has not yet touched."
The words hung in the air, his voice laced with both solemnity and curiosity. For Tobirama, who had built his legacy on pragmatism and skepticism, this moment was remarkable. Here were people forging bonds in ways he had never truly believed possible. An Uchiha was Hokage. A Hyūga, once nearly enslaved by Kumo, now stood as an equal beside the Raikage.
The world he had known was dying, but in its place, something new was taking shape. Something fragile yet resilient, like a tree taking root in harsh soil.
Tobirama's lips quirked into a faint smile, though his eyes remained sharp, as if seeing not the present but the horizon beyond.
He allowed himself a moment of quiet contemplation. This new generation of shinobi, shaped by loss yet unyielding in their resolve, carried with them the possibility of a future he had only dared to imagine. They weren't just fighting to protect the old ways—they were fighting to define what came next.
As the group began to organize, Tobirama took a step back, content to observe for now. The past had brought him here, but the future belonged to them.