The Hokage Monument loomed over the desolate landscape like a silent witness to the apocalypse. In the distance, the massive form of the Divine Tree dominated the skyline, its roots entangling the earth like chains holding the world in captivity. Countless souls were trapped within its gnarled roots, their lifeless forms dangling like withered leaves. The sky was a muted grey, the sun hidden behind layers of clouds, as if even nature mourned the devastation that had befallen the world.

Sakura stood atop the monument, her breathing heavy, her body battered and bruised from the previous battles. Her gaze was locked onto Hinata, who stood a few feet away, her back to her, the wind tugging at her long, dark hair. Hinata's Tenseigan, a ghostly blue, flickered with an eerie light, casting an otherworldly glow across her expression.

Sakura's voice was a broken whisper, carrying the weight of disbelief and desperation. "Hinata... What did you mean when you said you were going to do something selfish?"

Hinata didn't respond immediately. Her eyes were fixed on the Divine Tree, her expression one of quiet devastation. The silence stretched between them, taut and heavy, until Sakura couldn't bear it any longer.

"Hinata, please!" she pleaded, her voice breaking with emotion. "Tell me you don't mean what I think you do!"

Hinata's shoulders tensed, and she finally turned to face Sakura. Her gaze was calm, but her eyes were brimming with unshed tears, the pain of a thousand heartbreaks etched into her features. She took a deep breath, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Sakura... what comes after we end the Infinite Tsukuyomi?"

Sakura felt as though the ground had been pulled out from under her. Her heart pounded in her chest, a painful, erratic rhythm. "What do you mean? Everyone will be free, Hinata! The people trapped in that nightmare... they won't have to be sacrificed anymore!"

Hinata didn't respond right away. Her eyes remained on the tree, on the countless souls entrapped in its roots. She swallowed hard, her throat tight, and then spoke again, her voice a hollow echo. "And after that, Sakura? What then?"

Sakura blinked, taken aback. "What are you talking about? We... we'll go back to the way things were. We'll try to live normally—"

"No!" Hinata cut her off, her voice suddenly sharp, desperate. She turned fully to face Sakura, tears streaming down her face now. "We've lost everything, Sakura! Everyone we cared about is dead! Naruto, Neji, Kurenai-sensei... even Sasuke! They're all gone, and it's my fault! It's all my fault!"

Sakura shook her head vehemently, taking a step forward. "It wasn't your fault, Hinata! Kaguya possessed you—"

"But I still killed them!" Hinata cried, her voice breaking. "Their blood is on my hands! Even if I wasn't in control, it doesn't change the fact that they're dead because of me!"

Sakura felt tears welling in her eyes, but she fought them back. "Hinata... I know it hurts, but you can't blame yourself for what happened. We can't bring them back, but we can still save the world. We can still—"

"Save the world?" Hinata's laughter was bitter, harsh, and it cut through Sakura like a knife. "Save it for what? For who? There's nothing left for me, Sakura. No one is waiting for me to free them. I have nothing left."

Sakura was speechless. She could feel Hinata's pain, her grief, and it mirrored her own, but this was different. This was something deeper, something darker. "Hinata, I... I understand how you feel. I've lost so much too, but—"

Hinata's eyes flashed, her voice filled with a raw, desperate fury. "Sakura, you've lost everything too! Sasuke is dead, Kakashi is dead... everyone you loved, I killed them with my own two hands! You don't even know if your own parents are alive. What are you in such a hurry to return to?"

Sakura flinched as though struck, the truth in Hinata's words cutting through her defenses. Her tears spilled over, but she nodded, her voice trembling. "You're right, Hinata. I feel empty too, but—"

"But what?" Hinata interrupted, her voice cracking. "What do you want to point out to me, Sakura? Do you want to tell me that you can just forgive me and move on? Do you think I can just forget what I did? How can I live knowing that every day I wake up, I'm the one who took everything from you, from everyone?"

Sakura's heart ached, her emotions in turmoil. She wanted to scream, to cry, to hold Hinata and tell her that it was going to be okay, even though she knew it wasn't. "Hinata, I don't hold you to anything. I've forgiven you—"

Hinata's breath hitched as she gazed at Sakura. Her eyes, the deep blue of the Tenseigan, shimmered in the moonlight with unshed tears. It was a hauntingly beautiful sight, like two oceans holding back a storm. She took a step forward, trembling, her voice barely above a whisper.

"How, Sakura? How can you forgive me so easily?" Her voice cracked, each word a broken sob. "How can you just forget all I've done?"

Sakura swallowed hard, fighting to keep her own tears at bay. Her heart ached with every sob that left Hinata's lips. She wanted to reach out, to hold her, to take away the pain that radiated from her friend like a tidal wave. But she didn't move. Instead, she met Hinata's gaze, her own eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

Sakura's frustration bubbled over, and she shouted back, her voice thick with tears. "Because I love you, damn it! You're my friend! I haven't lost everything, I still have you, and I'm going to hold onto that bond, no matter what!"

Hinata's tears fell freely now, her heart breaking at Sakura's words. She looked away, hiding her face, her voice a broken whisper. "You're the only one who could forgive me. The others… they'd never…" Her voice broke again, and she looked away, hiding her face from Sakura. "The moment I free them, they'll kill me. And they'd have every right to."

Sakura's eyes softened, and she took a tentative step forward. "No one's going to hurt you, Hinata. I'll make sure of it. I promise."

Hinata let out a bitter laugh, her expression one of disbelief. "You're being naïve, Sakura." She glanced back at her friend, a sadness deeper than the ocean in her gaze. "If they don't kill me, I probably will. I almost did it once, you know."

Sakura's breath caught in her throat. "Hinata…"

"When I was younger," Hinata continued, her voice distant as if she were speaking of someone else. "I almost ended it all. I felt so worthless, so unwanted. It was the bond I formed with you, with Naruto, with everyone that kept me going. The love I felt from you all…" She swallowed hard, her tears falling faster. "But now… now they're gone, and I have nothing left to live for."

Sakura's heart broke for her friend, her eyes filling with tears. "You still have me," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You still have me, Hinata."

Hinata turned away, unable to look at her. "I don't know how to feel about maintaining a bond with you… when it's built on the sacrifice of so many others. How can I deserve your love when I've caused so much pain?"

Sakura stepped closer, her voice soft, filled with a desperate kind of hope. "Hinata, the dream world you want in the Infinite Tsukuyomi... it isn't the answer."

Hinata's voice was barely a whisper, as if she were speaking more to herself than to Sakura. "In the Infinite Tsukuyomi, I could live in a world where all my loved ones didn't have to die... where I'm not hated by society for not meeting their arbitrary standards... I could be happy."

"And what about me?" Sakura's voice was barely controlled, on the verge of breaking. "Hinata, what about me?"

"I want the same for you," Hinata's voice cracked with emotion. "I can't live with myself knowing that so many people you love died because of me."

Sakura was silent for a long moment, the weight of Hinata's words settling over her like a suffocating shroud. But then she shook her head, her resolve firm. "I don't want it, Hinata. I don't want to live in a world where millions have to die just so we can be happy. I know you don't want that either. That's something Kaguya would do, and you're not like her."

Hinata flinched at the mention of Kaguya, her eyes squeezing shut as though the name itself was a physical blow. She was silent for a long moment, her shoulders trembling. "I can't end the Infinite Tsukuyomi, Sakura. Because... I want to be a part of it."

Sakura's heart sank at her words. "Hinata, if you don't end it, everyone trapped in the divine tree will eventually die..."

Hinata's silence stretched on, her heart aching with a longing she could no longer deny. "To me... it's a fair trade."

Sakura felt as if the ground had been ripped out from under her. "What are you saying?"

"I don't hold any attachment to the people trapped in the Divine Tree," Hinata confessed, her voice devoid of emotion. "Freeing them is the right thing to do, the moral decision. But it's not a necessity. Not if it means I could be happy."

Sakura's disbelief was palpable, her voice trembling with suppressed rage and heartbreak. "All of us, so many people... they sacrificed everything to stop Kaguya, to save you! And now you're willing to throw all that away?"

Hinata looked away, her expression distant, as if she were speaking from a place so deep inside herself that she was barely aware of Sakura's presence. "In the dream world, you wouldn't have to live with that bit of resentment you have towards me. That pang of hate you suppress every time you see me, knowing I'm the one who took away everyone you lost."

Sakura's fists clenched at her sides, her voice rising as she tried to hold back her tears. "Don't say that, Hinata! The love I have for you is stronger than any hate I could ever feel!"

Hinata's heart twisted at Sakura's words, the pain in her chest almost unbearable. But she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I'm so sorry."

Sakura's mind flashed to the faces of her fallen friends, to the promise she made to Sasuke before he died, to finish what they started, to end this nightmare.

To end the infinite Tsukuyomi by any means necessary.

As long the Tenseigan is active, the infinite Tsukuyomi will continue...

She glanced at Hinata, who stood there, broken, defeated, and knew what she had to do.

Sakura gritted her teeth, fighting back the tears that blurred her vision. "Hinata... please don't make me do this."

Hinata's gaze softened, and for a moment, she looked like the girl Sakura had known, the girl who had been so kind, so gentle, so full of love. "I'm already dead inside, Sakura. It doesn't matter what happens to me now."

Sakura felt like she was going to break apart. Her heart, her soul, everything inside her was screaming in pain. "It matters to me," she said, her voice trembling. "It will always matter to me."

Hinata's lips trembled, and she looked away, unable to meet Sakura's gaze. "The Tenseigan..." she whispered. "Is a part of me, woven into my being. It's not merely an eye..."

Sakura felt the world tilt, like everything was crashing down around her. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but she knew one thing for certain: she couldn't let Hinata go through with this. She couldn't let her throw everything away, even if it meant… even if it meant breaking her own heart.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura wiped away her tears, steeling herself for what she had to do. "Hinata…" Her voice was quiet, but there was a strength in it, a resolve that surprised even her. "If you're going to go through with this… then you'll have to get through me first."

Hinata's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, her smile weak and filled with pain. "I'm sorry, Sakura. But I won't let you take away my only chance at happiness."

Sakura choked on a sob, her hands trembling as she raised them, her voice breaking. "I don't want to do this, Hinata. I don't want to hurt you."

"I understand," Hinata whispered, tears streaming down her face. "But you don't have a choice."

They stood there, the silence between them filled with a thousand unsaid words, their hearts heavy with the weight of everything they'd lost. They were friends, comrades, and now, unwilling enemies.

The air was thick with tension as Hinata and Sakura stood atop the Hokage Monument, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. The stone faces of past leaders loomed over the destroyed village, silent witnesses to the fierce conflict about to unfold.

Hinata Hyuuga stood in the ruins of what was once a thriving village, her sweater long discarded, leaving only the thin mesh of her inner shirt and sweatpants to shield her from the cold reality of her own actions. Her once gentle eyes, now hard and filled with sorrow, locked onto the person standing before her—her friend, her comrade, her sister in arms. Sakura Haruno, her battle attire torn and singed, her pink hair disheveled, stood tall, despite the weariness that dragged at her very soul.

For a moment, neither of them moved, each gauging the other, waiting for the inevitable clash. The world around them seemed to hold its breath, as if nature itself anticipated the storm of violence that was about to break.

Sakura's heart ached, but she steeled herself, shifting her weight into a defensive stance. She had to stop Hinata, no matter what. She owed it to the world, to their friends, to the memory of everyone who had fought and died to bring peace back to their world. But more than that, she owed it to Hinata, to save her from this self-destructive path. No matter how much pain they both carried, reality was where they had to live and face their grief.

Hinata, for her part, stood resolute. Her desire to see everyone she had lost was rivaled only by her wish to atone for the sins she had committed, even if they weren't entirely her own. She had to do this, no matter the cost. Her gaze never wavered from Sakura, even as memories of their time together, their shared laughter, and battles fought side by side flashed in her mind. But those memories, as precious as they were, had to be sacrificed for the greater good—at least, that's what she told herself.

The tension snapped like a bowstring. Hinata moved first.

She struck once, twice, three times. Her strikes were sharp, precise, each aimed at critical points in Sakura's defenses.

But Sakura was no slouch herself. She danced around the blows, her movements fluid and controlled, her mind a steel trap focused on the battle.

With a sharp pivot, Sakura grabbed Hinata's arm, using her momentum to hurl her past. Hinata staggered but quickly regained her balance, turning to face Sakura once more.

Yet, Sakura hesitated, her heart wavering. She knew she couldn't afford to lose, but could she really go all out against Hinata?

Hinata straightened, her eyes narrowing as she turned back to face Sakura. She moved in cautiously, her steps measured, her gaze focused. Sakura could see the resolve in her stance, the way her muscles tensed in anticipation. Hinata was determined, driven by the fierce desire to reclaim the life she had lost, even if it was just in a dream.

"I can't afford to lose to you, Sakura," Hinata said softly, her voice carrying on the wind between them.

Sakura's heart clenched at the words. She swallowed, pushing her feelings down, focusing instead on the task at hand. "I know," she replied, her voice equally quiet. "But I can't let you win either."

Hinata circled her carefully, her eyes never leaving her friend's. "I'm going to be a part of the Infinite Tsukuyomi."

Sakura clenched her fists, feeling the weight of those words. "And what about the people who'll be trapped in that illusion? You're only running away from the pain. Naruto wouldn't want this!"

Hinata's expression hardened. "Naruto's gone! He's gone because of me!" The pain in her voice was raw, a deep wound that refused to heal. "I took away the light in my life, and I can't live with that. But I can at least allow everyone else—allow you—to live a better life."

The sincerity in Hinata's voice tore at Sakura's resolve, but she knew she couldn't falter. "You're wrong, Hinata! You're not fixing anything; you're just hiding! I won't let you do this. I can't."

"Then do something about it!" Hinata's frustration boiled over, and she attacked again, this time mixing her Gentle Fist with the other techniques she had learnt.

Her strikes came faster, more ferocious, each one aimed to break through Sakura's defenses.

Sakura was forced on the defensive, blocking and parrying, trying to conserve her chakra as best she could. She noticed Hinata wasn't using any ninjutsu, relying solely on taijutsu. They were both low on chakra, she realized. This fight would come down to skill, stamina, and will.

Sakura saw an opening and took it. She ducked low, sweeping her leg under Hinata and sending her crashing to the ground.

Hinata rolled back to her feet with catlike agility, her cyan eyes locked onto Sakura with an intensity that sent a chill down Sakura's spine.

"Why are you holding back, Sakura!" Hinata shouted, her voice laced with anger and desperation. "If you're going to stop me then act like it!"

Sakura's expression tightened. "I could say the same, Hinata. You're conserving your chakra, aren't you? Saving it for when you'll need to use your dojutsu. You're not fighting at your best."

Hinata cursed under her breath, knowing Sakura was right. She needed to save her chakra, but at this rate, she wouldn't be able to overpower Sakura without going all out. She had no choice.

With a deep breath, Hinata activated her Tenseigan. The blue-green hue of her eyes intensified, her vision sharpening to a level far beyond the Byakugan's. She could see every twitch of Sakura's muscles, every shift in her stance. But more than that, she could see the pain and uncertainty that Sakura tried to hide.

Sakura tensed, recognizing the change in Hinata's demeanor. This was no longer just a fight between friends—this was a battle that could determine the fate of the world. She steeled herself, knowing that from this point on, there would be no holding back.

Hinata moved with blinding speed, closing the distance between them in an instant.

Sakura barely had time to react as Hinata unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, each one faster and more powerful than the last.

Sakura blocked what she could, but Hinata's dojutsu rendered her own counterattacks nearly useless, owing to the fact that Hinata could literally read her mind.

A solid punch connected with Sakura's jaw, snapping her head to the side. She staggered, but quickly countered with a punch of her own, only for Hinata to effortlessly block it and drive her fist into Sakura's ribs.

Pain exploded through Sakura's chest as she was forced back, gasping for air. Hinata didn't let up, her fists a relentless storm that battered her from every angle.

A punch landed squarely on Sakura's nose, sending her stumbling backward as blood began to trickle down her face. Gritting her teeth, Sakura activated the Strength of a Hundred Seal, drawing on the stored chakra to heal her wounds.

"I'm fighting for you too, Hinata," Sakura said, her voice firm. "I'm fighting for all of us. I can't let you do this."

Hinata let out a wordless cry, tears streaming down her cheeks as she charged at Sakura with renewed vigor. Her movements were fast, almost blindingly so, as she attacked with everything she had.

Sakura barely had time to react, raising her arms to block a punch aimed at her head. The force of the blow sent her skidding back, her feet digging into the ground as she struggled to maintain her balance.

Hinata was relentless, her strikes coming in quick succession. A punch to the gut, a kick to the side, a backhanded strike that sent Sakura's head snapping to the side.

Sakura could feel the bruises forming, the pain radiating through her body, but she pushed it down, focusing on the fight.

She lashed out with a punch of her own, but Hinata saw it coming, twisting to the side and landing a hard kick to Sakura's side. The medic gasped, the pain nearly doubling her over, but she forced herself to stay standing. She couldn't fall. Not now.

Hinata moved in close, her eyes blazing with determination. She slammed her knee into Sakura, knocking the wind out of her, then followed up with an uppercut that sent her stumbling back. Before Sakura could recover, Hinata leaped into the air, twisting her body and delivering a devastating kick to Sakura's head.

Sakura crashed to the ground, gasping for air as stars danced in her vision. Her head throbbed, her body ached, but she pushed herself up, refusing to stay down. She looked up at Hinata, her heart breaking at the sight of her friend's tear-streaked face.

"I've taken so much from you," Hinata said, her voice raw with emotion, "I've taken so much from everyone. So many have died today Sakura, what's one more death?"

Sakura clenched her teeth, the words cutting deep. She staggered to her feet, her legs shaking but her resolve firm.

No... she can't be serious, there's something else...

"As I said before, I'm fighting for more than just myself, Hinata," Sakura said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm fighting for you, for Naruto, for everyone. I don't want to kill you, so please... don't push me."

Hinata's eyes softened for a moment, but then her resolve hardened once more. She couldn't let herself be swayed. She had to see this through, for everyone, for the world she wanted Sakura to live in. For herself.

She took a deep breath, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "I'm sorry, Sakura," she whispered, her voice breaking. "But I won't let you stop me."

Sakura felt a tear slip down her cheek, but she wiped it away, steeling herself. She tapped into her seal, feeling the chakra surge through her body, renewing her strength. "I'm sorry too," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

The pair stared each other down, their bodies battered, but their spirits unbroken. Neither would back down, not now, not when everything they cared about was on the line.

Hinata kept her gaze trained on Sakura, the night wind tousling her dark hair as they faced each other atop the Hokage Monument. She could feel the tension in the air, the weight of what was at stake pressing down on her shoulders. Sakura's eyes were fierce, but Hinata could see the pain and conflict hidden beneath her determined exterior. She knew how much Sakura hated this fight—how much she was hurting from the thought of having to end the life of someone she considered a close friend.

Hinata watched as her friend entered a familiar stance, slightly hunched over as her fists raised to her shoulder level.

Sakura was finally taking this seriously.

If only you knew it would come to this, Hinata thought, her heart heavy. You would've never made the mistake you did back then…

Sakura charged forward, her fists surging with chakra.

Hinata watched her approach, analyzing every movement, every shift in Sakura's stance with her Tenseigan. The world around her slowed as she read her opponent like an open book, each thought and intention clear as day in her mind.

She let Sakura's jab connect, the force of it sending a shockwave of pain through her body. But she rode the punch, using it as a distraction.

You would've never gotten close to me, the class weirdo...you would've never stood by my side.

Sakura's following right cross came as she predicted, and Hinata ducked low, feeling the wind from Sakura's punch ruffle her hair as it sailed harmlessly past her.

Maybe if we stayed apart, this would've been easier for you—put down the blue-eyed devil and save the world... maybe your life would still be perfect, and I'd be dead and forgotten like I was always supposed to be...

Hinata sprang up, twisting her body as she drove her fist into Sakura's gut with all the strength she could muster.

Sakura's eyes widened in shock, blood spurting from her mouth as she doubled over.

Hinata felt a pang of guilt at the sight of her friend in pain, but she squashed it down, her resolve hardening. This was necessary. Sakura needed to see the truth, she needed justice.

Sakura staggered back, clutching her stomach. But Hinata didn't let up. She darted forward, her movements swift and precise.

She could see the surprise in Sakura's eyes as she narrowly dodged her strikes, responding with her own barrage of punches. Hinata anticipated each attack, moving with a grace and agility that made it seem like she was dancing around Sakura's punches.

The pair rapidly exchanged strikes in a dance of skill and prowess, their years of experience showing with each evaded kick and blocked punch.

Sakura's fists flew towards her friend's body, her hands a blur as she pressed forward. But no matter how hard or how fast she struck, Hinata seemed to be one step ahead of her, blocking and deflecting all her attacks.

She struck once, twice, both blows failing to get past Hinata's excellent guard. Sakura relented, but Hinata read her like a book, dancing around her attacks, deflecting them with her own arms. Sakura's eyes suddenly glanced at her friend's feet, searching for a weak point...

As expected, Hinata's stance was firm and wide—not easy to disrupt.

I'll overwhelm her, Sakura decided. So far, she had relied on her punches, they were her best assets after all. Maybe if she mixed things up, Hinata might be caught off-guard.

With her Tenseigan, Hinata watched Sakura's foot leave the ground, already expecting her kick. She raised a forearm to block it, and immediately ducked into a wide sweep with her leg before Sakura could regain her footing. Her leg caught Sakura's foot planted on the ground, sending her tumbling down.

Shit! Sakura cursed, watching Hinata's leg swing downward, aiming to get her while she still laid on her back. Thinking fast, she quickly rolled to the side, getting to her feet just in time to block a high knee from Hinata. Sakura performed a back handspring, aiming to put some distance between herself and Hinata.

It was now Hinata's turn to go on the offensive. She was adept at both the Hyuuga's Gentle fist, and Sakura's own aggressive style. Hinata had worked well to incorporate both techniques into her own unique blend, and Sakura was learning first hand just how difficult it was to defend against.

Hinata's jabs didn't need to get past Sakura's guard to do damage, all the Hyuuga needed to do was touch her. Hinata struck her friends arms in a flurry of strikes, rendering them numb.

Got you... She thought with satisfaction, watching Sakura's guard crumble away in the wake of her assault. Clenching her hands into fists, Hinata pressed forward to reap the spoils of her work.

Sakura's head snapped to the side as the first blow landed, the ground beneath her staining with her blood. The next blows landed in a matter of seconds, each one sending her staggering backwards. Hinata struck relentlessly, punishing every flaw she could find in Sakura's fractured stance.

Hinata struck her twice more in the jaw, already prepared to duck under Sakura's impending counter attack. Predictably, Sakura's swing was weak—her tenketsu were still stinging from the damage they had sustained. Hinata struck fast, both fists crashing into Sakura's gut, knocking the air out of her.

Still gasping for air, Sakura noticed Hinata's leg begin to raise for a kick. A good strike to her head in this state could knock her out, she reasoned.

My arms are still hurting, I should try something else...

Just as the seal on her forehead glowed, healing her damaged tenketsu, Sakura spun into a roundhouse kick, blocking Hinata's own attack before it could properly gain momentum.

The suddenness of the move caught Hinata off-guard—she was now in a vulnerable position, unable to do anything to salvage the situation.

And thus while the Hyuuga struggled to regain her balance, Sakura still held her momentum.

A burst of pain exploded in Hinata's skull as Sakura's follow up kick landed, snapping her head to the side. But it didn't stop there, Sakura's kicks kept on landing, each one sending Hinata staggering backwards.

Just as she focused her Tenseigan ahead of her, Hinata watched helplessly as Sakura's now rejuvenated fist came sailing towards her jaw.

She felt something inside her break as her head snapped to the side, a clattering noise sounding off the ground and through the night air. She didn't even need to check to know—she had lost a tooth.

Hinata felt her frustration mount. How could she defeat someone who could regenerate so quickly? She was almost low on chakra, and she knew she couldn't keep this up for much longer.

"It's enough, Hinata." Sakura said in between breaths, still on alert. She had finally landed a solid punch on Hinata, but she knew she didn't put everything into it: her exhaustion and her sheer reluctance to hurt her friend both playing a part in this.

Hinata straightened up, spitting red liquid to the ground. "It's not over till I say it is," she responded, fixing Sakura with a glare. "I'm the one with the power to end the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and I've already told you I don't want to do that. I don't want to stay in this world."

She entered her fighting stance, her gaze never leaving Sakura's. "If you want to save all those people in the tree, you already know what you must do. Otherwise, stay out of my way."

Sakura's fists clenched in frustration. I have to end this now , she thought, steeling herself. I have to find a way to reach her.

Sakura's voice cut through the night air, ragged but steady. "Are you enjoying this, Hinata?" she asked, her tone laced with bitterness. "Fighting me, someone you called your friend just minutes ago?"

Hinata's heart clenched. "I hate it," she spat back, her voice breaking. "I hate every second of this. But you… you left me no choice, Sakura. You know what I want. I need to be with him, with everyone...and you're trying to take that away from me."

Sakura shook her head, her eyes filled with sadness. "Hinata, this… this isn't what he would've wanted. This isn't what Naruto would've wanted for you."

"Don't talk about him!" Hinata snapped, her voice rising. "You don't know what he wants. You don't even know what I want!"

Sakura took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "I know enough to know that he wouldn't want you throwing your life away for a dream. He wouldn't want you to kill yourself for something that isn't real."

Hinata's hands shook, her vision blurring with tears she refused to shed. You still can't see it...

"I'd rather die in a dream with him, with everyone, than live in a world without them, Sakura. You don't understand. You can't understand how I feel."

"Oh, I understand just fine Hinata." Sakura's heart sank, hearing the conviction in Hinata's voice. "But believe it or not," Sakura replied, her voice laced with sorrow, "I'd rather do this … settle our differences like this, than live in a dream world. Friendship isn't about avoiding pain, Hinata. It's about facing it together."

Hinata's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly steeled herself. "I know that, Sakura. But I can't build those memories on the lives of everyone I've taken from you."

Sakura exhaled, accepting that words wouldn't reach her anymore. Hinata was too far gone, too consumed by her love and despair to see reason. She knew what she had to do, even if the thought made her sick.

Her breath quickened as she summoned her strength. But she had to do this. She had to honor the sacrifices of everyone who had died, had to end the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Even if it meant killing Hinata.

Hinata's Tenseigan scanned Sakura's every movement, capturing the slight tremor in her friend's hands, the quickened breath that revealed her inner turmoil. Her heart ached with the knowledge that she could see all of Sakura's suffering but couldn't ease it.

"Sakura," Hinata's voice trembled, almost breaking. "Come on, fight me. Give it your all. Or do you not have what it takes to finish your mission?"

Sakura's eyes were locked on her, resolute and hard. But there was a flicker of something—something that told Hinata her friend was listening to her heart, even if she didn't want to.

She knew Sakura wanted to stop, but she couldn't bring herself to give in. The weight of the world rested on her shoulders.

"I'm trying, but..." Sakura said softly, her voice cracking with the strain of holding back tears. "I don't want to do it. I don't want to kill you…"

The words hung heavy between them. For a moment, there was a fragile, desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, they could stop this madness. But Sakura's gaze hardened again, and she shook her head slowly.

"Why aren't you leaving me any choice?" she asked, her voice firmer now. "Why aren't you giving me any other option, Hinata?"

Sakura's words broke her. With a heavy heart, Hinata turned to face the Divine Tree, unable to look her friend in the eye as she spoke. "If you don't want to do it, then I'll carry on with my own mission."

But then she heard a telltale metallic scrape off the ground. Hinata looked back over her shoulder, her eyes widening as she saw Sakura holding Sasuke's sword—the Sword of Nunoboko, the blade of legend.

Sakura grunted, steadying her grip on the sword's hilt. It felt foreign in her hand, but its weight gave her a sense of purpose. The determination in her eyes burned through the exhaustion on her face.

Responding to her friend's action, Hinata opened her palms, forming her own weapon—A Kusarigama, made of chakra.

Without further hesitation, she swung the sickle in a wide arc, Sakura managing to deflect it with her blade. Hinata was relentless, forcing Sakura in the defensive with the wide slashes of the kusarigama.

Sakura quickly ducked under the sickle as it travelled in a wide arc, the wind from the attack whooshing over her head. Without missing a beat, she quickly rolled to the side to avoid the weight at the chain's end as it crashed down on her position.

Hinata swung at Sakura with the chain, aiming to keep her at bay as the medic continued to find an opening to close the distance.

Sakura darted to the side as Hinata's sickle narrowly avoided her. She watched carefully as Hinata began to swing the weighted chain at her, and then the medic saw her chance.

[Wood Style: Wood Locking Wall]

Sakura placed a hand on the ground to create a single tendril of wood that shot upwards in the chain's path, causing it to wrap around it.

"Yes!" She cheered, raising her sword and bringing it down on the chain with all her might. The chakra chain snapped in two, and Sakura wasted no time, sprinting towards Hinata.

Hinata watched in frustration as her weapon's chain shattered under Sakura's blow, but she had no time to mourn. She raised her sickle in time to block a slash from Sakura, meeting her glare with hers as the pair struggled against each other almost face to face.

"Sasuke once wielded that sword, with one mission," Hinata whispered, her voice carrying over the silence of the night. "To kill me. Now, it's all up to you, Sakura. Sasuke failed his task—I killed him instead. I took him from you... aren't you going to avenge him? Won't you honour his sacrifice?"

"Stop saying these things!" Sakura's breath came in ragged gasps. She kicked her friend back, quickly raising her sword to deflect the sickle Hinata threw at her to the side.

" Kaguya killed Sasuke, not you," Sakura whispered, more to herself than to Hinata. " Hinata Hyuuga would never kill Sasuke, that's not who she is. Please, stop doing this..."

Hinata's heart clenched. She knew that Sakura's words were true. But no matter how much control she had over herself when it happened, their blood was on her hands.

Naruto. Sasuke. Kurenai-sensei. Itachi-san...

She could still see their final moments, forever etched in her mind. It was something she would never forget, a burden Hinata knew she couldn't endure forever.

"Finish your mission," she said to Sakura, her gaze steady despite her own pounding heart.

With a fierce cry, Sakura lunged forward, the Sword of Nunoboko slicing through the air. Hinata barely had time to react, swinging a newly formed in a fluid motion.

The chakra chain wrapped around the blade, halting its deadly arc just inches from her face.

With a cry, Sakura pulled back, tearing the blade free. She swung again, each slash coming with desperate, raw power.

Hinata moved with her, dodging and parrying with her kusarigama. Sparks flew as the weapons clashed, steel against chakra. Each strike of the sword was heavy, each one fueled by Sakura's will to save everyone trapped in the roots of the Divine Tree.

Sakura evaded the slash of Hinata's sickle, the wind whistling past her ears.

I need to get close to her, she thought.

Channeling whatever Kenjutsu training she underwent with Uchiha Sasuke, she pushed herself. Harder than she had ever pushed herself before.

Lunging into combat again, Haruno Sakura attacked with the fury of a person fighting to save whatever they had left.

I have to stop you.

Steel clashed against solid chakra, the sounds reverberating throughout the eerily silent village. Sakura could see that her friend was more skilled in this type of combat, but she didn't have a choice. She had to win.

Hinata swung her weapon in a wide arc, the sickle aiming for her friend's midsection as she left herself open. The medic barely evaded, narrowly leaping back in time.

Sakura darted forward, retaliating in a blur of slashes. Sparks briefly illuminated the dim night, the testament to the fierce clash of wills.

But no matter how hard Sakura swung, how deep she tried to cut, the kusarigama held fast. Hinata could see it—the hesitation in Sakura's heart, the part of her that was still holding back.

"You know you have to do it, Sakura!" Hinata shouted in frustration, evading another slash and countering with a spinning kick that connected with Sakura's midsection. "You can't bring yourself to do what you must, and that's why you will fail!"

Sakura staggered, barely keeping her balance. "Shut up!" she screamed, slashing wildly with the sword. "Just shut up!"

Hinata sidestepped, watching the blade miss her by a hair. "You're still too weak! Unworthy to honour their sacrifices!"

With a fluid motion, Hinata swung her kusarigama, the chain wrapping around the sword. With a powerful yank, she wrenched the sword from Sakura's grasp, sending it clattering across the rocky ground.

"Even after everything..." Hinata muttered, tears streaming down her cheeks. She deconstructed her chakra weapon, instead molding lightning chakra to her hands. Before Sakura could react, Hinata closed the distance, driving her electric-covered fist into Sakura's ribs with a sickening sound.

"You're too sentimental," She growled as she pressed on, battering her friend from every angle, each hit sending electricity coursing through Sakura's body.

Hinata watched Sakura struggle to retain her footing, her hand wearily clutching her side.

A part of her told her that the medic was still not fighting as hard as she herself believed she could. Unacceptable.

With a frown, Hinata formed a dagger out of purple chakra in her hand. "Maybe this will take care of your reluctance," she muttered to herself, steeling herself for what she had to do next.

Sakura looked up weakly as Hinata lunged forward, tackling her to the ground. Her eyes widened as she saw the blade in her friend's raised hands, and she reached out to grab it before she could bring it down.

"Hinata, stop…" Sakura growled through clenched teeth, struggling for dominance with the girl above her. Hinata pressed on, her sorrowful eyes betraying her resolve as the blade inched closer and closer to Sakura's chest.

Hinata fought to aim the dagger in a place she felt Sakura could more easily heal from, eventually settling for just underneath her collarbone. With a determined grunt, she dealt a punch to Sakura's jaw beneath her, using the brief moment her grip weakened to plunge the dagger into the medic.

Sakura winced in pain as the blade sank into her flesh, but then her eyes reopened with a fresh surge of anger and realization. The realization that maybe, Hinata Hyuuga might be a lost cause.

With a fierce grunt, she sent Hinata flying back with a kick, having seizer a moment of relaxation from her.

Sakura coughed up blood as she rose to her knees, her body trembling from the pain and exhaustion.

But her eyes still burned with defiance. She looked up at Hinata, her vision blurring with tears of frustration and rage.

Sakura staggered to her feet, tasting the metallic tang of blood on her tongue. Her vision blurred momentarily as she watched Hinata, who was still poised and ready, her face calm despite the battle raging between them.

She clenched her fists. She couldn't stop. She had to end this fight, no matter the cost.

Tapping into her remaining chakra reserves, she activated her Sage Mode. It was incomplete, unstable, but it was all she had left.

The transformation was rough, energy coursing through her, but the acid chakra cloak didn't manifest this time. She knew she couldn't afford it. She'd have to win this with what she had.

With a roar, she charged at Hinata. The ground cracked beneath her feet as she sped forward, her body a blur. Hinata prepared to counter, but suddenly, her vision wavered, and the world tilted. Panic gripped her heart.

No, not now…

Her Tenseigan flickered as her chakra reserves plummeted, and in that brief moment, she failed to see Sakura's incoming fist.

The punch landed with a sickening crunch against her jaw, snapping her head to the side. Pain exploded through her skull as she stumbled back, barely able to register the next few blows.

Sakura's fists rained down like a relentless storm. Each hit landed with brutal precision, forcing the air from Hinata's lungs. The pain was overwhelming. She tried to fight back, but her reactions were sluggish, her vision blurring as she struggled to keep her balance.

A powerful blow to the temple sent her reeling, the world around her spinning. Blood dripped from her mouth as she tried to regain her footing, but Sakura was already upon her, a blur of pink and fury. Hinata's mind screamed at her to move, to fight back, but her body was slow to respond.

Sakura saw the opening and pressed forward, pouring every ounce of strength she had left into her attacks.

"Your dojutsu is gone," she snarled, her fist crashing into Hinata's jaw. "You're done!"

With a practiced move, Sakura blocked a half-hearted jab from Hinata, driving her fist into her stomach in retaliation.

The Hyuuga gasped for air, nearly collapsing from the pain. Even in her current state, Sakura still hit hard. The medic watched her friend stagger backwards, her hand holding her midsection as she tried to catch her breath.

I can finish this, she thought. I have to...

She had to end this. She couldn't fail, not now.

"He loved you, y'know?" Hinata whispered, her body going numb with pain. With great effort, she rose to her feet, her eyes never leaving Sakura's.

"He was so kind, he accepted me into his life, treated me as a equal despite my status... and how did I repay Sasuke's kindness?" Hinata's words came in stressed, ragged breaths, her eyes pooling with tears.

"Hinata, don't..." Sakura pleaded.

"I raised my hand..." Hinata began, her knees buckling under her weight. "And drove a spear into his heart."

"No you didn't..." Sakura growled, her breath shaking with a mix of sadness, and rage. "You didn't kill—"

"Even now I wonder," Hinata interrupted, her voice shaking, "before he died, did Sasuke regret ever knowing me? Did he regret meeting me on that bridge... before I took my own life?"

With a fierce cry, Sakura drove her foot into Hinata's temple, the force of the blow sending Hinata crashing to the ground.

Hinata gasped in pain, her body crumpling to the stone below. She could barely breathe, her vision swimming with darkness.

With trembling arms, she struggled to push herself up, even as her body refused to obey. She raised a hand, weakly attempting a Palm Strike, but Sakura caught her wrist, the look in her eyes almost feral.

Sakura's voice cracked with desperation as she slammed her fist into Hinata's gut, the impact reverberating through her entire body.

Hinata felt something inside her snap, and a pained cry escaped her lips. Her world was spinning, the pain unbearable. Her hand fell limply to her side, tasting iron in her mouth as she coughed weakly.

Sakura loomed over her, panting heavily, her chest rising and falling with ragged breaths. She knew this had to end, but the thought of delivering the final blow twisted her insides with grief.

Her hands trembled as she walked a few metres away and reached down, grabbing the hilt of the Sword of Nunoboko. Her heart pounded in her chest as she turned back to Hinata, her vision blurred with tears.

Hinata struggled to raise her head, watching as Sakura approached. Her entire body screamed in agony, every breath a struggle.

She saw the sword in Sakura's hand, saw the determination etched on her friend's face. And yet, a strange calm washed over her.

The sight invoked an old memory in Hinata—that night at Sakura's party several years ago. She'd had a nightmare, depicting a scene so similiar to the one she was witnessing now. Maybe it was more that just another nightmare, a premonition of sorts.

What does it matter, Hinata thought bitterly.

She knew, deep down, that she had lost—both this battle, and the will to keep on going. There was no denying it.

Sakura's grip tightened on the hilt, her knuckles white as she forced herself to move. Each step felt like an eternity, her heart breaking with every inch that closed the distance between them. She gripped the sword tighter, her vision swimming with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry, Hinata…" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm sorry..."

She took one step forward.

Then another.

And another, each step quicker than the last. Before long, Sakura was running, running to do what needed to be done before her heart faltered.

Hinata closed her eyes, a peaceful smile gracing her bloodied lips. She didn't try to move. Didn't try to evade. She simply waited, the sense of inevitability settling over her like a shroud.

With a cry of anguish, Sakura plunged the sword forward.

1 month prior...

Underneath the shade of a tall oak tree, Sakura and Hinata sat side by side, watching the sparring match in the training field unfold before them. The gentle breeze carried the distant sounds of grunts and thuds as Naruto and Sasuke clashed in another one of their heated duels. The grassy field was a serene contrast to the intensity of their fight, the sunlight dappling through the leaves, casting a warm glow over the scene.

Naruto tumbled to the ground, dust and grass flying up around him as he landed with a heavy thud. He groaned, cursing under his breath as he pushed himself up on his elbows. Across the field, Sasuke stood with a smirk of satisfaction on his face, his Sharingan still spinning lazily.

"Had enough, lil' bro?" Sasuke taunted, folding his arms over his chest. His voice carried an easy mockery, his lips curling into a teasing smile.

Naruto scowled, clambering back to his feet, wincing as he dusted off his pants. "Shut up, and don't 'lil bro' me!" he snapped, shooting Sasuke a dirty look. He could hear the smug amusement in Sasuke's tone, and it only fueled his determination. "Just you wait. Maybe the seventh attempt is my time to win this fight."

Sasuke chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "You really are something, Naruto. Ever heard of the definition of insanity?"

Underneath the tree, Sakura let out a sigh, shaking her head in mild exasperation. "I don't know when he's going to give up on challenging Sasuke. It always ends the same way." She glanced at Hinata beside her, who was watching the sparring match intently, her hands clasped together in her lap.

Hinata's lips curved into a gentle smile. "It's good that he's determined. That's what makes Naruto who he is," she said softly, her voice filled with affection. Her eyes sparkled with quiet admiration as she watched Naruto brush himself off, his jaw set with a determined expression.

Naruto squared his shoulders, glaring at Sasuke. "You're gonna pay for that, bastard!" He brought his hands together in a hand seal, a fierce look of concentration crossing his face. "I'm going to end this with my next jutsu. You better be ready!"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Oh, really? I'm quaking in my boots. Bring it on, dobe."

Sakura rolled her eyes, suppressing a laugh. "Deja vu," she muttered to herself. "This is exactly how it always goes."

Sasuke glanced over at her, still smirking. "Hey, Sakura, remind me, how many letters are in Naruto's name?"

Sakura blinked, then replied automatically, "Six."

Sasuke's smirk widened. "Right. Six letters. I've spelled it out with my victories already. Guess I'll start working on your surname now."

Naruto's eyes widened in indignation. "Why you—! I'm gonna wipe that smug look off your face!"

From beneath the tree, Hinata cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, "You can do it, Naruto!" Her voice was filled with encouragement, her cheeks slightly pink as she cheered for him.

Naruto's expression softened for a moment as he glanced over at her, his determination doubling. He focused back on Sasuke, taking a deep breath. "Here goes nothing!" He made a series of rapid hand signs, his eyes determined.

[Forbidden Jutsu: Thousand Years of Pleasure]

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "What the hell is that supposed to—" He didn't get to finish his sentence. His eyes widened, and his voice trailed off as a faint blush spread across his cheeks. He swayed on his feet, his legs wobbling.

Sakura's jaw dropped in disbelief as Sasuke slowly crumpled to the ground, his eyes fluttering shut. His face was flushed, and a strange, serene smile graced his lips. He lay there, looking completely and utterly content.

Hinata clapped her hands together, beaming. "You did it, Naruto!" she cheered happily.

Sakura turned to Hinata, her shock giving way to confusion. "Wait, why are you so invested in their stupid beef now?"

Hinata blushed, ducking her head slightly. "W-well… Naruto asked me to be his girlfriend." She peeked at Sakura shyly, a small, proud smile forming on her lips.

Sakura gasped, her eyes wide with surprise. "What?! When did this happen?" she asked, barely able to contain her excitement. Her voice was almost a squeal as she leaned closer to Hinata, her hands gripping her friend's shoulders.

Hinata's blush deepened. "It was a few days ago," she murmured, her smile widening despite her embarrassment. "He was very sweet about it."

Meanwhile, on the field, Sasuke was still lying on the ground, his eyes half-lidded as he gazed up at the sky, a dopey smile plastered on his face. Naruto stood over him, grinning victoriously.

"How's that, Sasuke?" Naruto crowed, pumping his fist in the air. "I finally won!"

Sakura tore her gaze away from Hinata, frowning slightly as she looked at Sasuke. He still hadn't moved, and his expression was starting to worry her. She got to her feet and jogged over to him, kneeling by his side.

"Sasuke?" she called his name, shaking his shoulder gently. "Are you okay?"

Sasuke didn't respond immediately. His eyes were glazed, and he seemed to be struggling to focus. "Sakura…" he muttered, his voice thick. "So… good…"

Sakura's eyes widened in horror as she noticed the very visible bulge in his pants. Her cheeks flushed bright red, and she turned to Naruto, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. "Naruto! What did you do to him?!"

Naruto scratched the back of his head, looking puzzled. "Oh, that? That was my new experimental jutsu! I've been working on it for a while with Jiraiya and Kakashi-sensei. It's supposed to—"

"I don't care about you and your perverted teachers!" Sakura interrupted, glaring at him. "What did you do to Sasuke?!"

Naruto shrugged, looking proud of himself. "It's just a genjutsu that makes the target feel the most intense pleasure they've ever experienced. It's completely harmless!" He puffed out his chest, oblivious to Sakura's growing fury. "Kakashi-sensei was a great help. He was actually my inspiration!"

Sakura's jaw dropped in disbelief. She struggled to find the words, her voice coming out in a strangled whisper. "Why… why would you even create something like that?!"

Naruto looked at her as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "To win, of course!"

He smiled at her, patting her on the back reassuringly. "And don't worry, Sasuke won't remember the sensation after it wears off, so you don't have to feel intimidated or anything. He won't be able to compare it to—"

Sakura's face turned crimson, her hand clenching into a fist. She shoved Naruto to the ground, cursing him under her breath. She desperately turned back to Sasuke, who was still smiling stupidly at the sky, his eyes half-closed.

"Hang in there, Sasuke!" she pleaded, her voice shaky as she placed her hands on his chest, her chakra glowing green as she tried to revive him.

Naruto waved at Hinata, a broad grin on his face. "That one was for you, Hinata!"

Hinata's cheeks flushed as she looked away, a smile tugging at her lips. "Naruto… um, thank you?"

Naruto's grin faltered, and he quickly backtracked. "I-I mean the victory! The victory was for you! Not the jutsu!" he stammered, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

Hinata giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. Despite the embarrassing display, her heart felt light. She glanced around at the training field, the laughter of her friends filling the air. They were together, sharing these silly, chaotic moments, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

She looked at Naruto, who was still beaming proudly, and felt her heart swell with affection. They had all come so far, grown so much. This camaraderie, this love—this was everything she had ever hoped for.

As she sat under the tree, watching her friends, the loneliness of her youth seemed like a distant memory. She had found her place, her happiness. And as Naruto's laughter echoed across the training field, she couldn't help but feel that everything was exactly as it should be. And she wanted it to last forever.

Hinata knelt on the cracked earth, her chest rising and falling with the last remnants of energy she could muster. Her eyes were shut tight, her body still, ready to accept the inevitable. She could hear the sound of Sakura's footsteps closing in, the scuff of her sandals against the ground, the weight of her breathing, the barely restrained fury. Hinata knew this was it. She had taken so much from Sakura, hurt her too deeply. And in some way, she felt this was justice.

When she heard the sharp hum of metal slicing through the air, she tensed, waiting for the pain that would bring her release. But the expected blow never came. Instead, there was only the feeling of Sakura's warm breath against her cheek, the weight of an embrace that felt both fragile and fierce. Hinata's eyes shot open.

Her vision, still blurry with tears, took in the sight of the sword, its gleaming edge now lodged harmlessly into the earth next to her. And then, Sakura, who had fallen to her knees, her forehead resting heavily on Hinata's shoulder, her arms clutching her tightly but weakly, as though she could barely keep herself upright.

"Sakura…?" Hinata's voice came out hoarse, barely a whisper, her throat thick with blood and exhaustion. She didn't understand. Mere moments ago, they had been trying to kill each other, their brutal battle leaving them both battered and broken. Sakura had won—she was supposed to kill her. That was the plan. Hinata had wanted her to.

"Why?" Hinata whispered, her voice cracking with confusion and a thousand buried emotions. She didn't even know what she was asking. Why had Sakura spared her? Why wasn't she finishing this?

Sakura's breath was ragged against Hinata's neck. "Because," she managed between gasps, "suicide-by-best-friend... it's a shitty thing to put someone through." Her voice trembled, but there was an undeniable firmness beneath the vulnerability. "It's... terrible. For both of us."

The words hit Hinata like a hammer, and she felt her heart lurch painfully. Sakura had seen right through her. She'd seen the resignation, the quiet acceptance in Hinata's eyes. She'd known that Hinata wasn't just willing to die — she wanted to. She was tired, broken, her spirit fractured from everything that had happened. The shame of it struck her like a physical blow, mingling with a rush of grief and remorse that left her feeling hollow.

"Sakura..." Hinata's voice broke, but no more words would come. She could only taste the bitter iron of blood in her mouth, feel the ache in her chest where sorrow and shame dug deep. She had wanted this. Wanted to make Sakura carry the burden of killing her, to put an end to her suffering and deliver 'justice' to Kaguya's accomplice...without ever thinking of what it would do to her.

Sakura's arms shook as she tightened her embrace, but there was anger in her voice now, sharp and raw. "Why... why would you do that, Hinata? Why would you put me through this? Do you think I haven't already been through enough?" Her voice cracked, her pain barely masked by the fury. "Do you even understand what it feels like? After everything... you wanted me to... to be the one to—" Her words caught in her throat, choking on the overwhelming grief she had tried so hard to suppress.

In her arms, Hinata began to sob, the weight of her decisions heavy on her. "I-I'm...I didn't..."

Sakura didn't hold back. "You just… you don't get to do that, Hinata. You don't get to decide that you're leaving me, not after everything we've been through. Do you have any idea…?" Her voice cracked, and she had to pause, drawing in a shaky breath before continuing. "Do you know what it's like to be the one left behind? To have to… to have to…"

Hinata's chest heaved with silent sobs, her body too weak to do anything but cling to the friend she had nearly forced to carry the unbearable. "I'm sorry," she whispered, the words so small and fragile that they felt like nothing against the weight of her sins. "I'm so sorry, Sakura..." Her voice wavered, trembling as she finally began to break. "I didn't think... I didn't realize..."

"Of course you didn't think," Sakura's voice softened, though there was still an edge to it. "You're so stubborn. You always have been. But this... this was selfish, Hinata. How could you not see that? How could you not see what you were doing to me?" Sakura's breath hitched as she wiped away the tears spilling from her own eyes, but it was no use—they just kept coming. "I'm your friend. And you—" Her voice broke, and she shook her head, trying to hold herself together. "You're all I have left."

Hinata felt the world collapsing around her. Her sobs grew heavier, racking her body with the weight of everything—of her failures, her guilt, her losses. She had lost so much. Everyone she loved was gone, save for Sakura. And she had been ready to let her last connection to this world destroy her, all because she couldn't face the pain of continuing to live with the guilt.

All because she believed it was the path fate had set out for them.

Sakura's hands moved to hold Hinata's face, forcing her to look at her. Her eyes were filled with something beyond anger now—something deeper, something that cut right through Hinata's heart. "Don't you ever... put me through something like that again. Do you hear me?" Her words were more a plea than a command, her voice carrying a tender, almost sisterly warmth. "I swear I'll fight you if you ever try something like that again." A weak laugh slipped out, the sound as hollow as it was sincere, but her tone was far more endearing than it was threatening. "But—" She let out a shaky breath, her tone softening again. "I'm never going to kill you, Hinata."

Hinata blinked, her tear-streaked face filled with disbelief. "Why?" she whispered, her voice so weak she wasn't even sure Sakura would hear it. "Why wouldn't you just... kill me? It's my fate, I was always meant to die wasn't I?" Hinata paused, unsuccessfully trying to wipe a tear away.

"I... I was willing to let half the world die... just so I wouldn't have to feel this guilt anymore. I was so... so selfish, so close-minded." Her voice trembled, heavy with the weight of her sins. "Why would you... spare someone like me? After all I took from you?"

Sakura's expression softened, a weary but understanding smile forming on her bloodied lips. "Because…" She paused, her voice dropping to a tender murmur, "I don't care about destiny, Hinata."

Hinata's breath hitched.

Sakura pulled back slightly to make eye contact with her. "You might be a selfish dumbass sometimes… but you're my friend." She reached up, wiping a stray tear from Hinata's cheek with a gentleness that was almost unbearably kind. "My only friend left. And I'll fight you a hundred times if it means I can stop you from throwing your life away."

Hinata's heart shattered once more, but this time, it wasn't just guilt that flooded her. It was something deeper, something warmer. She pulled Sakura into another tight hug, burying her face into her friend's shoulder as her body shook with uncontrollable sobs. She didn't have the strength to speak anymore, didn't have the energy to explain everything she felt. All she could do was hold Sakura, hold on to the one person she hadn't lost, and cry.

Sakura, too exhausted to move, simply held her tighter. "Fate or not, I don't want you to die, Hinata," Sakura murmured. "I can't lose you too…"

Her own tears fell silently as they knelt together on the ruined ground of the Hokage Monument, the eerie silence of the destroyed village below them broken only by the sound of their quiet weeping.

Hinata's chest heaved as she buried her face into Sakura's shoulder, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll stay."

Sakura froze, her breath hitching. She pulled back slightly, her emerald eyes searching Hinata's pale, tear-streaked face. "What…?"

"I'll stay," Hinata repeated, a weak but resolute smile breaking across her bloodied lips. "For you, Sakura. I want to be here with you, I-I don't want to leave you all alone…"

A soft, disbelieving laugh escaped Sakura's throat, and she cupped Hinata's face with trembling hands. She shook her head gently, a tear slipping down her cheek as she pulled Hinata back into the embrace. "Good. That's good to know," Sakura murmured, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.

Hinata's shoulders shook as more tears spilled, her arms wrapping tighter around Sakura. The pain, the exhaustion, and the fear all dissolved into the warmth of her friend's acceptance.

"You're enough for me, Hinata," Sakura whispered against her ear, her words a tender balm to every scar and wound.

Hinata sobbed softly, her heart swelling with something she hadn't felt in so long—hope. She clung to Sakura like a lifeline as the medic's fingers threaded through her dark hair, their touch gentle and reassuring.

"You're enough," Sakura repeated, her voice steady, as if willing Hinata to believe it, to feel it.

The divine tree loomed in the distance, its roots tangled with the countless souls that had been sacrificed to Kaguya's madness—a symbol of the destruction they had fought so hard to prevent.

But in that moment, the two of them weren't thinking about the war, or the destruction, or the lives they had fought to save. They were simply two broken souls, finding solace in each other's embrace, as the weight of their grief finally became too much to bear.