The sun was warm as Hinata walked through the streets of Konoha, but inside, she felt a chill. Ever since the day of Pain's assault, everything had changed. People greeted her in the streets with smiles and respectful bows, and stores offered her items for free. She had craved this kind of recognition her whole life, had longed for it. Yet now, with every thank-you and admiring glance, she felt… hollow.

Hinata and Sakura exited a store, their hands full of shopping bags.

Sakura grinned. "You know, I could get used to this." She nudged Hinata with her elbow. "Not spending a single Ryo? The owner practically begged us to take everything for free."

Hinata tried to smile, but it felt weak. "Yeah… I guess."

"You're like a celebrity now." Sakura laughed. "I should drag you along whenever I need new shoes."

Hinata's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "S-Sakura, please…"

"I'm serious!" Sakura chuckled, her tone light. "At this rate, you'll never spend any of the money everyone's been giving you. Hokage-sama's gift alone…"

Hinata managed a half-hearted laugh, but inside she felt a tug of discomfort. She didn't want any of this. Not like this.

Later that afternoon, they sat at a cafe with Ino, enjoying a late lunch. As expected, the moment the owner saw Hinata, they were offered a 90% discount on everything.

Ino leaned back, stirring her drink. "This is crazy… Even I didn't expect this much special treatment."

Sakura shrugged. "Well, she did defeat a demi-god and restore the entire village. Can't blame them."

Hinata sat quietly, stirring her own drink, her gaze distant.

Ino noticed her silence. "Hey, Hinata," she said gently, "what's on your mind?"

Hinata blinked, caught off guard. "Oh… it's nothing, Ino. I just…"

Sakura frowned. "You've been like this all day. Come on, what's wrong?"

Hinata sighed. "I think… I think I need to go home and rest."

Ino offered, "We could walk you there if you'd like."

Hinata shook her head. "No, it's okay. I just need some time alone."

Sakura watched her, worried. "Alright, but… don't hesitate to call us if you need anything, okay?"

Hinata smiled faintly. "Thank you, Sakura. Ino." She waved goodbye and started walking.

As she walked, her thoughts weighed heavily on her. All her life, she had wanted to be seen, to be acknowledged. Now she had it, but it felt… wrong. Shallow. These people suddenly liked her because of a single act, because she was possessed by a goddess. Not because of who she truly was.

She sighed, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration. "It's so… hollow," she whispered to herself.

Trying to calm herself, Hinata decided to head to Kurenai's. Even though she had a new house courtesy of Lady Tsunade, Kurenai's place still felt like home. Her teacher had been one of the few people who believed in her when no one else did.

When she arrived, Kurenai was just stepping out. She smiled warmly at Hinata. "Hinata, dear. You're just in time. I was about to go see a friend."

Hinata hesitated. "I was thinking... maybe I could make dinner for us? I haven't cooked in a while."

Kurenai chuckled softly. "That's sweet, but I've already eaten. Maybe another time?"

Hinata nodded. "Of course. I hope you have a good time."

Kurenai leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh, by the way, your boyfriend was looking for you earlier."

Hinata's cheeks colored a bit, but she nodded. "I invited him over for dinner, actually."

Kurenai laughed, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Ah, that's right. Sorry, I forgot. My memory's not what it used to be." She turned, but then paused, looking back at Hinata with a warm smile. "Take care, alright?"

Hinata nodded, waving her off. "I will. Have fun."

Hinata watched her go, feeling a little lighter. Just then, she heard a knock at the door. She peeked out of the kitchen to see Kurenai stopping short as she opened the door to reveal Naruto.

"Ah, Kurenai-sensei!" Naruto greeted awkwardly, raising a hand in greeting.

Kurenai gave him a critical look, making Naruto sweat nervously. She glanced back at Hinata, who was peeking out from the kitchen.

"Don't try anything funny while I'm gone," Kurenai said firmly, pointing a finger at Naruto.

Naruto raised his hands in mock surrender. "I promise! I'm a good kid!"

Kurenai narrowed her eyes at him one last time before stepping aside, allowing Hinata to come forward. Hinata approached, her face brightening. "Naruto!"

Naruto grinned. "Hinata! Sorry if I'm late."

Kurenai rolled her eyes and muttered as she left, "I'll be back soon… very soon."

Hinata laughed softly as Naruto stood there, still looking a bit nervous. "Don't worry, Naruto. Kurenai-sensei is just… protective."

Naruto sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. I'll be on my best behavior."

Hinata giggled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing. "I'm glad you're here."

Naruto beamed. "So, what's for dinner?"

Hinata's smile grew a little wider. "How about we decide together?"

Naruto and Hinata snuggled together on Kurenai's sofa, their legs tangled under a blanket as they watched TV while sharing a tray of sweets. On the screen, yet another segment praised Hinata's heroics — the miraculous resurrection of the village, the restoration of lives, the salvation of Konoha. Hinata rolled her eyes, her annoyance palpable.

Naruto chuckled. "Why do you look so mad, Hinata?" he teased, squeezing her shoulder.

Hinata took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Ever since that day… it's been overwhelming. Everyone is suddenly treating me like some kind of goddess. I don't know… it just feels so hollow."

Naruto's smile faded, his eyes softening with understanding. "What do you mean?"

Hinata bit her lip, her gaze drifting to the screen again. "People used to ignore me, or worse, pity me. Now they're practically throwing themselves at my feet. I never wanted that… It's like they're afraid of me."

He listened carefully as she vented, his eyes never leaving her face. "And to make things worse," she continued, her voice filled with irritation, "I got a formal invitation from the Hyuuga clan. As a distinguished guest, no less. Can you believe it? The same family that disowned me is now eager to kiss my ass because I killed some guy and fixed their broken homes."

Naruto nodded, understanding her frustration. "Yeah, it's pretty messed up," he admitted. "But it's to be expected, you know? People can be shallow. They're afraid of what they don't understand… or what they can't control." He paused, then smiled softly. "Just keep being yourself. That's the Hinata I know and love."

Hinata's tense shoulders relaxed a little at his words. She reached for the tray of sweets on the table, popping another one into Naruto's mouth. They both laughed, and for a moment, the heaviness lifted.

As their laughter died down, Naruto's gaze lingered on her, his eyes drawn to the bright blue hue of her irises — a stark contrast to the dark ebony he'd known all his life. His mind drifted back to that day, when the Nine-Tails had screamed in his mind to run away from her. He had never heard it sound so scared before.

Hinata blushed under his gaze, feeling his eyes pierce into her soul. "What is it, Naruto? Is something wrong?"

He shook himself out of his daze, smiling sheepishly. "I was just thinking… about that day… when you stepped in between me and Pain. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for what you did."

Hinata reached up, gently placing her fingers over his lips to silence him. "You don't need to repay me, Naruto. I did it of my own free will," she whispered. "I meant every word I said that day."

Naruto smirked, playfully raising an eyebrow. "Oh, you mean the part where you called me a lazy brat?"

Hinata giggled, her cheeks flushing. "No, I mean what I said afterward." Her eyes softened, and she gazed at him intently. "I love you, Naruto...and I always will. I have no regrets about protecting you, even if it meant risking my life."

Naruto's heart swelled at her words, and he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I love you more, Hinata. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Hinata rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please. You'd probably replace me with ramen in a heartbeat."

Naruto laughed, playing along. "Well, it was when you restored Ichiraku Ramen that I realized I truly loved you."

They both laughed again, and Naruto pulled her closer, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. He could feel her warmth against him, her heartbeat in sync with his own. The moment felt perfect… until he checked the time and sighed.

"Kurenai's going to be back any minute," he lamented, although Hinata seemed unconvinced.

"I think she was exaggerating," she replied, a hint of teasing in her voice.

"Nah, I think she just hates me," Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "I doubt she was exaggerating. She won't even let me put a teleportation seal on the house."

Hinata admitted, "It's true she doesn't feel comfortable with you around… says you're a bit of a miscreant."

Naruto grinned mischievously. "To be fair, she's not wrong..." His hand, emboldened, slipped underneath Hinata's shirt, making her gasp in surprise.

Her eyes widened, and her breath hitched, but she only managed to tease him with a whisper, "Naruto… you're such a pervert."

He hesitated, ready to pull back, but to his surprise, she didn't resist. She leaned into his touch, encouraging him. Realizing she was leading him on, his hand grew more confident. She kissed his neck, her lips soft and warm against his skin. He guided her lips back to his, deepening the kiss, his hand still exploring under her shirt.

But suddenly, everything changed.

Naruto blinked, and he was no longer in Kurenai's living room. Instead, he found himself in an infinite expanse of empty land. Confusion flooded his mind as he looked around, sensing a presence nearby. He turned, searching for the source of the feeling, but there was nothing… no one.

Then, a voice echoed through the void — the same voice Hinata had spoken with when she was resurrected during Pain's assault.

A chill ran down his spine as the voice, mildly amazed, uttered a single word: "Impossible."

The voice continued, now more curious, "How… how are you here?"

Naruto gasped, his breath seizing as he snapped back to reality, pulling away from Hinata as if burned. His chest rose and fell heavily, his eyes wide with fear.

Hinata, shocked, reached out to him. "Naruto, what happened? Did I… did I do something wrong?"

He forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Nah, I just… don't want to give Kurenai any more reasons to think I'm a miscreant," he mumbled, but his voice lacked its usual cheer.

Hinata's concern deepened, sensing something wasn't right. "Are you sure?" she asked, her hand lingering near his.

He nodded, though his heart raced in his chest. "Yeah… I just… I think I should head home," he said, standing up abruptly. "Thanks for dinner and everything."

Hinata watched him, confused and worried. "Naruto… are you okay?"

He forced another smile, but his eyes were distant. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just… I'll see you later, okay?" He turned and left, feeling her startled gaze on his back.

As he walked through the streets of Konoha, his mind spun with questions. What had just happened? Who was that voice? And why did Kurama warn him to run from Hinata that day?

His footsteps quickened, his mind racing. He needed answers… and he needed them soon.

The Hokage's office was eerily quiet as Kakashi made his way through the village streets, his thoughts swirling with the possibilities of what this latest meeting might entail. Tsunade had summoned him abruptly, and though Kakashi had grown accustomed to her sudden calls over the years, there was an intensity in her tone that had put him on edge. The aftermath of Pain's assault still lingered over the village like a thick fog, and Kakashi knew the consequences were far from resolved.

Arriving at the office, Kakashi pushed open the door and immediately noticed two familiar figures. Might Guy, with his bright green jumpsuit and ever-energetic stance, gave him a serious nod. Beside him, Kurenai stood quietly, her arms folded and her expression unusually tense. Kakashi raised a brow at the unusual gathering.

"Good, you're here," Tsunade said, motioning for Kakashi to take a seat. "We're waiting for one more guest."

Kakashi settled down, his mind racing. Who could they possibly be waiting for? As if in answer, the air in the room shifted, and a shimmering portal formed in the center of the office. Kakashi's eyes widened in alarm as a man stepped through, his face obscured by a white mask adorned with black concentric circles, his body cloaked in the unmistakable black robe of the Akatsuki.

Kakashi shot up from his seat, kunai in hand. "Tsunade-sama, what is the meaning of this?"

Tsunade lifted a hand to calm him. "Relax, Kakashi. This man is our informant. He's the one who warned us about Pain's assault."

Kakashi kept his eyes locked on the masked figure, every nerve in his body tense. The masked man studied him for a moment, then spoke, his voice deep and resonant. "It's been a long time, Kakashi."

Kakashi's heart skipped a beat. There was something familiar in that voice. "How do you know me?" he demanded.

Tsunade's expression was grim. "Because, Kakashi… this man goes by the name Tobi now, but we know him as the late Uchiha Obito."

For a moment, the world seemed to tilt on its axis. "Obito?" Kakashi's voice barely rose above a whisper. "That's impossible. Obito died… he died with Rin…"

Might Guy leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "Obito died years ago, during the Third Shinobi War. We saw it ourselves."

Tsunade exhaled heavily. "His death was fabricated. He was sent on a secret mission by Konoha to infiltrate the Akatsuki. Now, he's returned to share critical information."

Kakashi's head spun. Obito alive? How could that be? He stared at the masked man, searching for any hint of the boy he once knew.

Obito, or Tobi as he was now called, leaned against the Hokage's desk, his posture relaxed but his gaze piercing. "I know it's hard to believe, but I am indeed Obito Uchiha. And I've returned because there's something you all need to know."

Tsunade's fingers tapped impatiently on the desk. "Get to the point."

Obito paused, then spoke slowly. "She has returned."

Kurenai's brow furrowed. "Who are you talking about?"

Obito's gaze seemed to darken even further, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Otsutsuki Kaguya."

A collective gasp filled the room. Kakashi felt a cold chill run down his spine. "Kaguya? The Sacred Goddess? That's just a myth."

Obito shook his head. "I thought so too, once. But I've seen the signs, heard the whispers. Kaguya Otsutsuki is no mere legend. She is very real… and she walks among us as we speak."

Tsunade's face was a mask of skepticism. "Kaguya was supposedly sealed away by her sons over seven hundred years ago. How could she be here now?"

Obito's eyes fixed on Tsunade's. "Before her defeat, Kaguya made a pact with a shinigami. She bound her soul to her dojutsu, the Tenseigan, ensuring that her spirit would never leave this world as long as the Tenseigan continued to exist within her bloodline."

Kakashi's mind reeled. "The Tenseigan? I thought it was just a legend. An eye even stronger than the Byakugan…"

Obito nodded. "The Tenseigan is not a myth. It's an immortal eye, an eye that was said to contain unimaginable power. To obtain it, Kaguya made a sacrifice… what she gave up, I do not know, but her power remains bound to it."

Tsunade leaned forward, her voice sharp. "So where is this Tenseigan now?"

Obito hesitated, his gaze sweeping across the room. "According to the information I've gathered, I believe someone in Konoha has already awakened it."

Kakashi felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. "Who?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

Obito's masked face turned toward him. "Hinata Hyuuga."

Silence fell over the room like a thick blanket. Kakashi's mind flashed back to the young kunoichi, the gentle, soft-spoken girl he had known. Could it be true? Could she be the vessel of Kaguya's reincarnation?

Kurenai's eyes widened, and her voice trembled slightly. "Hinata? Are you sure?"

Obito nodded solemnly. "I've seen the signs. Her eyes… they are no longer the same eyes we know. The Tenseigan has awoken within her."

Tsunade's hands clenched tightly on the desk. "If what you say is true, then we have a bigger problem than a reprisal attack from the Akatsuki. Kaguya's return could mean the end of everything."

Kakashi stared at Obito, his heart pounding in his chest. "What do we do now?"

Obito's gaze was steady. "We act...fast."

Kurenai stood in Tsunade's office, her mind racing with the new information. She tried to steady her breathing, but the room felt smaller, the walls closing in as Obito's words echoed in her mind. 'Hinata? The key to connecting with an ancient entity? How could this be?'The very thought seemed absurd, terrifying even, but she couldn't dismiss the fear tightening in her chest.

Guy broke the tense silence, his voice firm yet filled with uncertainty. "What does this mean for us, Obito… if Hinata really does possess the Tenseigan?"

Obito's masked face turned to Guy, his voice grave. "If Hinata is indeed the first in Kaguya's lineage to obtain the Tenseigan since Kaguya herself, then her dojutsu has been slowly reforming or connecting with Kaguya's soul. I don't know exactly how it works, but… that's what I believe."

Kurenai's heart skipped a beat, and a chill ran down her spine as a wave of realization hit her. Her thoughts drifted back to Hinata's youth, the way she would occasionally mention hearing voices, distant whispers that no one else could hear. But what turned Kurenai's skin pale was a memory—that night,the night Hinata turned thirteen.

She remembered it vividly—Hinata had run into her room, her face pale and eyes wide with fear. She had said a strange woman was with her.

Kurenai raised a trembling hand, her breath uneven. "Obito… is it possible the Tenseigan serves as a link between our physical world and the spiritual one?"

Obito considered her words, then slowly nodded. "It's likely. If the Tenseigan binds Kaguya's soul to this world, it might allow her to interact with her descendant… the one who bears the Tenseigan."

Kurenai swallowed hard, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Hinata… she used to complain about hearing voices. At first, I thought it was just her imagination, something a sensitive child might experience… But there was this one incident…"

The room turned its attention to Kurenai as she continued, her words slow and careful. "On Hinata's thirteenth birthday, she came to me terrified, claiming that a strange woman was in her room. I thought it was a bad dream or… or something else. But now I wonder… could it have been Kaguya? Was she seeing Kaguya?"

Obito's eyes widened with realization. "How long," he asked urgently, "has she been hearing these… spirits?"

Kakashi, still gripping his kunai, interjected. "Since as long as I've known her. She's always been bullied for her… oddness, her strangeness. Some of the children in the academy would tease her for hearing things that weren't there."

Obito's hands tightened on the edge of the table, his posture suddenly wavering as if struck by an unseen force. He leaned heavily on the table for support, his masked face turning slightly downward. "The answer… It was under our noses all this time, and we never knew."

Tsunade stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong, Obito?"

Obito let out a heavy breath, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and urgency. "We need to apprehend Hinata immediately. If Kaguya is capable of possessing her—even temporarily—then every second counts. We cannot afford to hesitate."

Guy's face was filled with a rare grimness as he spoke. "And if we capture her… what then? What are we supposed to do with her?"

Obito's voice was low and firm, almost a growl. "We must destroy the Tenseigan by any means necessary. It's the only way to sever Kaguya's link to this world. If we don't… our entire world could be at stake."

The words hung in the air, heavy and final, like the tolling of a distant bell. No one spoke. No one dared. The gravity of the situation settled in, and the room was filled with a thick, suffocating silence, an unspoken understanding that they were now on the brink of a new, unimaginable danger.

The next day

The Hyuuga compound was eerily quiet that night, save for the clinking of chopsticks and the soft rustle of garments as Hinata sat across from Hiashi, her father. The low, flickering light of lanterns cast long shadows along the walls, and every movement felt magnified in the stillness. On her right, Hanabi sat, her expression bright and inquisitive, and to her left, Neji sat rigid, his gaze downcast.

Hiashi cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Hinata… thank you for honoring our invitation to dinner," he said, his voice formal, measured.

Hinata nodded slightly, her expression neutral. "Of course, Father," she replied flatly, her voice devoid of warmth.

She glanced around the room, her eyes taking in her family. Hanabi had grown so much since she last saw her, taller and more composed, her once-round face now bearing the features of a confident young woman. But what caught Hinata's attention more was the unusually high number of guards positioned around the compound tonight. Their eyes flicked to her every so often, assessing. 'Was all this security because of me?' she wondered.

As Hiashi continued speaking about the affairs of the clan, Hinata's gaze drifted to Neji. He looked uncomfortable, his posture too stiff even for a formal dinner. He seemed to be avoiding her eyes, staring intently at his plate. Just as she was about to ask if he was alright, Hiashi's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Hinata," he said, his tone slightly sharper, "how has your… training been?"

Hinata turned back to Hiashi, her face carefully composed. "It has been productive," she replied, her eyes flicking back to Neji, noticing the way Hiashi's gaze kept drifting toward him, his expression darkening with each glance.

Neji abruptly stood, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," he announced, his voice tight. As he moved past Hinata, he lightly patted her shoulder, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

Hinata frowned, puzzled by Neji's behavior, but she nodded, watching him leave. Hanabi's voice broke through her thoughts, asking questions about her travels and training. Hinata answered, her mind still partially on Neji's strange demeanor.

A few moments later, she set her chopsticks down. "Excuse me," she said, pushing back her chair. "I need to clean myself up."

Hiashi nodded, waving a hand for one of the servants. "Accompany her," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

Hinata felt a prickle of unease but kept her expression calm. She stood and moved toward the hallway, the servant trailing behind her. She walked slowly, carefully, her senses on high alert. As she approached the corridor leading to the restroom, the servant suddenly collapsed to the floor with a dull thud.

Hinata spun around to see Neji standing there, his hand still extended from the strike he'd used to incapacitate the man.

"Neji?" Hinata asked, her brow furrowing. "What's going on? Why did you alert me at the dinner?"

Neji grabbed her arm, his voice urgent. "No time to explain," he said, already pulling her toward the back of the compound. "We need to get you out of here. Now."

Hinata's confusion deepened, but she followed his lead. "Why? What's happening?"

"They're planning to capture you," Neji replied, his tone tight with urgency. "The dinner was a ruse. An ambush has been set up. You need to get out before they take you."

Hinata's eyes widened, her heart racing. "Capture me? Why would they—?"

Neji shook his head, guiding her toward a side exit. "I don't know all the details, but we can't stay here to find out. Just trust me, Hinata."

They reached a narrow corner of the compound, and Neji gestured to the high fence. "Go. Find somewhere safe. The village is intent on capturing you."

Hinata hesitated, looking back at him. "Neji… come with me."

He shook his head, his expression determined. "I can't. I need to maintain the illusion that I'm still with them… at least for now. Now, go!"

Before Hinata could argue further, shadows shifted around them, and a group of masked ANBU agents emerged from the darkness, their eyes sharp and their movements swift.

"Damn it," Neji muttered, his stance shifting into a defensive posture. "We've been caught."

Hinata felt her pulse quicken, and without a word, she and Neji moved in unison, engaging the ANBU operatives. The sound of clashing steel filled the air as Neji struck out with his Gentle Fist, and Hinata weaved through the attacks, her breath quickening as she tried to keep up with the overwhelming numbers.

The commotion drew the attention of the Hyuuga clansmen, and more of them poured out from the surrounding buildings, surrounding Neji and Hinata.

Hinata felt herself being restrained, hands gripping her arms tightly. She struggled, reaching out to Kaguya, trying to find a way out.'If only I could—'

Before she could finish the thought, she felt a sharp pain at the back of her head, and her vision blurred. A sense of panic surged within her. She could feel Kaguya's presence stirring in the depths of her mind, and she began to reach out, calling for help.

But then, a hand touched her forehead, and a surge of chakra flowed through her, blurring her vision further. An ANBU operative leaned close, whispering the words of a genjutsu.

The world around her began to spin, the sounds fading into a dull roar. The last thing she saw before darkness took her was Neji on the ground, his body impaled by several swords. Blood pooled beneath him, his eyes wide, filled with pain and resignation.

Hiashi stood nearby, watching the scene with a stern expression, his face unreadable as Hinata's consciousness slipped away.

And then, there was nothing but darkness.

Hinata blinked her eyes open, her vision blurry, and her surroundings surreal. She found herself in a hazy landscape—a vast, endless plane bathed in muted, dreamlike colors. Her heart pounded as she looked around, searching frantically. "Neji?" she called out, her voice trembling. "Neji, where are you?"

She took a few hurried steps, her eyes scanning the emptiness. "Neji!" she called again, desperation seeping into her tone. But no response came. The realization slowly crept in, chilling her to the core: she was in her own mind.

Her search halted, and her heart sank. "No…" she whispered, her voice breaking. Tears welled up in her eyes as memories flooded back—the sight of Neji, bloodied, falling to the ground, pierced while trying to save her. "No!" she sobbed, her voice shattering into a cry of anguish. "Neji…"

"Why are you crying, child?" a soft voice echoed around her, resonating from everywhere and nowhere.

Hinata gasped, looking up, recognizing the voice instantly. "Kaguya…" she whispered, her breath catching in her throat.

"How are you feeling, dear?" Kaguya asked, her tone deceptively gentle.

Hinata bolted upright, anger surging through her. "Save Neji!" she demanded, her voice raw. "You can do it—bring him back! Please!"

"Calm yourself," Kaguya replied, her voice calm, almost soothing. "You've been in captivity overnight, in a holding cell. There is much to discuss."

Hinata's breath hitched. "Captivity?" she echoed, disbelief in her voice. She stared ahead, trying to process the news. "No… no, no, no…" she whispered, shaking her head. "Neji… he's…?"

She sank back to her knees, her grief overwhelming. The reality hit her like a blow to the chest. If she'd been in a holding cell, then… Neji was likely… gone.

Tears streamed down her face as she began to sob again, her shoulders trembling. "Why?" she murmured between sobs. "Why does it always have to be this way?"

Kaguya's voice interjected softly, "Konoha has always been blind to the gifts in their midst, ignorant of the true value you hold."

Hinata's tears slowed, her sorrow beginning to twist into anger. Her voice grew louder, more frantic. "I saved them… I fought for them… And still, they repay me with this? Imprisonment? They killed Neji for trying to help me! For existing!"

Kaguya's tone became more understanding, almost empathetic. "They fear what they do not understand, Hinata. They are ignorant, too small-minded to see the key to greatness before them. I understand your pain… I, too, have felt the sting of rejection by those I sought to save."

Hinata's breath came in shallow, angry bursts. "You… understand?"

"Of course, child," Kaguya answered softly. "I know what it is like to wield power, to hold the key to changing the world, yet be surrounded by those too blind to see."

Hinata's gaze lifted, her tears still streaming, but her curiosity piqued. "Can… can you help me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Kaguya paused for a moment. "I can do so much more than that," she replied enigmatically.

Hinata's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Kaguya's voice took on a hint of admiration. "You have awakened a sacred Dojutsu… the Tenseigan."

"Tenseigan?" Hinata whispered to herself, the unfamiliar word rolling awkwardly off her tongue. "What… what is that?"

"It is why you can see me," Kaguya explained. "It's the source of incredible power, a key to bettering the lives of everyone in your world. I wish to help you, Hinata, but I need the Tenseigan's power… your power."

Hinata stared ahead, her mind racing. "You… want to help me?"

"Yes," Kaguya continued smoothly. "To free you from your pain and suffering. With your Tenseigan, we can bring prosperity to your world."

Hinata blinked, uncertain. "Why… why can't I do it myself?"

Kaguya's voice softened, almost tender. "Your soul, dear child… it is too weak to harness the Tenseigan's power fully. I, on the other hand, can wield it… but I do not possess the Tenseigan. That is why I reach out to you."

Hinata's eyes widened. "You… want us to work together?"

Kaguya's voice grew warmer, more persuasive. "Yes, we are destined to be a team that brings much-needed change. With your sacred eye, my dreams for this world can become a reality."

Hinata processed Kaguya's words carefully, the weight of them sinking in. She remembered how Kaguya's influence had helped them defeat Pain, saving countless lives. She felt a strange, almost hopeful sensation. "If I let you… if I give you control… could you bring back Neji?"

Kaguya's voice was slow, deliberate. "If you will me to do what I have in mind, I can bring prosperity to this world… and grant you your heart's desire."

Hinata's heart raced at the prospect, the thought of bringing Neji back overpowering her caution. "What do you need from me?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Kaguya's response came smoothly. "I need full authority over you, within a time limit you impose. Look."

Hinata's eyes followed Kaguya's gesture, and the strange scroll from before appeared, unrolling slowly. "What is this?" she asked, puzzled.

"The contract," Kaguya explained. "You didn't finish it last time. I didn't want to waste it on merely rebuilding Konoha. We can achieve so much more together."

Hinata stared at the scroll, her heart pounding. "And what do I do?"

"Place your hand on the scroll," Kaguya instructed, her voice sweet. "Give me the authority to act until I have freed this world of suffering."

Hinata hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind."Why does it feel… like there's more to it?"

Kaguya's tone grew firmer, but still soothing. "We don't have much time, Hinata. The scroll won't last much longer now that it's opened."

Feeling pressured, Hinata bit her lip, her thoughts swirling. She remembered all the times Kaguya had helped her before. She hadn't been concerned with bringing prosperity or peace… but bringing back Neji… that was what mattered. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and repeated, "I… I grant you authority until… until you rid the world of suffering."

As her words finished, the scroll glowed red, burning up until it vanished into nothingness. Hinata looked up, breathless. "Go ahead," she said softly.

Kaguya smiled at her, a warm, almost motherly smile. "Thank you, Hinata. Thank you for your cooperation."

Suddenly, chains erupted from the ground, shooting up and wrapping around Hinata's legs, binding them in cold, unyielding shackles.

"What—!" Hinata gasped, but more chains shot up, binding her hands, forcing her down to her knees.

"Kaguya!" she cried, panic seizing her. "What's going on?!"

Kaguya's smile grew wider, her voice calm and almost affectionate. "Once again, thank you for your cooperation, Hinata."

Before Hinata's eyes, Kaguya's form shifted, transforming into Hinata herself.

"No… no!" Hinata gasped, struggling against the chains. "What are you doing?"

Kaguya, now in Hinata's body, smiled down at her. "I will honor our contract," she assured, her tone unnervingly serene. Then, she vanished, leaving Hinata alone in the mind plane, bound and helpless.

Hinata stared at the empty space, her breath quick and shallow. "What… what have I done?" she whispered, fear gripping her heart like ice.

Tsunade sat behind her desk, her brow furrowed, papers strewn across the surface like scattered leaves. The room was dim, the only light coming from the lantern beside her. Obito stood in front of her, his expression unreadable beneath his mask, but the tension between them was palpable.

Tsunade broke the silence first. "We've apprehended Hinata Hyuuga," she said, her tone measured, "and her eye… it matches the description of the Tenseigan you gave us."

Obito's shoulders tensed. "What have you done with her?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

"For now, we're holding her in a secure location," Tsunade replied calmly. "Our medics and researchers want to study the Tenseigan, to understand its unique attributes and—"

"Why haven't you killed her?" Obito snapped, his voice suddenly sharp, cutting through Tsunade's words like a blade.

Tsunade's eyes widened, taken aback by the urgency in his tone. "We're trying to learn—"

"You don't understand!" Obito interjected, stepping closer to her desk. "You need to kill her now, before Kaguya gains full control over her body."

Tsunade frowned, her eyes narrowing. "Obito, what are you talking about?"

"The Tenseigan…" Obito's voice was taut, strained with urgency. "It's not just some powerful dojutsu. It's a gateway for Kaguya. The purpose of the Tenseigan is to resurrect her inside the wielder's body."

A chill ran down Tsunade's spine. "Resurrect… Kaguya?" she whispered, the weight of his words settling heavily.

Obito nodded, his voice growing more desperate. "Hinata hasn't shown signs of fully surrendering to Kaguya yet, which means the two need to reach a mutual agreement for the possession to be complete. This is our only chance to stop Kaguya before she returns and kills us all. If you wait, if you hesitate even a moment—"

Tsunade stood abruptly, moving towards the door. "Shizune!" she called, reaching out to signal for her assistant. "We need to—"

But before she could finish, a shinobi burst into the room, his face pale and his breath ragged. "Lady Tsunade!" he gasped, panic clear in his voice.

"What is it?" Tsunade demanded, turning toward him, her heart already pounding.

The shinobi gulped for air, trying to catch his breath. "Hinata… Hinata has escaped."

The room fell silent, the words hanging in the air like a death knell. Obito's heart sank, a wave of dread washing over him.

"What?" Tsunade's voice was a mix of disbelief and fear. "How?"

The shinobi hesitated, still panting. "We… we suffered several casualties… she… she overpowered her guards."

Obito's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his voice a strained whisper. "We're too late…"

Tsunade's expression tightened, realization dawning in her eyes. "Find her!" she commanded sharply, turning back to the shinobi. "Mobilize every available unit, we need to—"

But Obito cut her off, his voice filled with a grim finality. "It won't matter. If she's already escaped such tight security, it could be under Kaguya's influence..."

Tsunade felt a knot of fear twist in her stomach. "We can still stop her," she insisted, her voice fierce, unwilling to accept defeat.

"No," Obito murmured, shaking his head slowly. "Not now. We had one chance… one chance to kill her before it was too late."

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of their predicament settling over them like a shroud. Outside, the wind howled against the windows, as if echoing the dread that now filled the room.

Kakashi's heart pounded in his chest as he led the group through the darkened corridors of the holding cells. The shrill wail of the alarm reverberated off the walls, mingling with the hurried footsteps of the shinobi following him. The narrow passageways seemed to stretch and twist as they approached, the flickering overhead lights casting shadows that danced with a sinister rhythm. Each step closer filled Kakashi with a dread he couldn't shake.

He glanced back at the team trailing him — Inosuke, Renji, and several other Chunin, all their faces tense, eyes darting about, anticipating an attack. The alarm had been clear: a breakout. Kakashi knew who they had been holding in these cells — who they had believed they could contain.

"Stay sharp," he called over his shoulder, his voice taut. His mind raced with possibilities, all of them grim. 'Please, not her…'

As they rounded the final corner, Kakashi's fears became reality. The sight before them was a scene torn from a nightmare. Blood spattered the walls in a grotesque pattern, pooling on the floor beneath the mangled bodies of Konoha shinobi. The corridor was strewn with limbs and broken weapons, the air thick with the metallic scent of fresh blood. Kakashi felt a cold sweat break across his skin, the chill seeping down to his bones. The marks along the walls bore the unmistakable signs of a massacre.

"Inosuke, check on him," Kakashi commanded, pointing to a lone Chunin pinned to the wall, a spear of pure chakra protruding through his chest. The young shinobi nodded, moving quickly to attend to the man whose ragged breathing was the only sound in the otherwise deathly silence.

The Chunin's eyes, wide and filled with panic, darted to Inosuke as he approached. "R-run," he croaked, blood trickling from his lips. "Flee… now… she… she's here…"

"Stay alert," Kakashi barked, the words edged with urgency. He scanned the corridor, senses honed for any hint of movement.

A scream pierced the air, shrill and filled with terror, coming from a room just ahead. The scream cut off abruptly, plunging the corridor back into an eerie, oppressive silence. The shinobi tensed, their nerves stretched to the breaking point.

"Ready yourselves," Kakashi whispered. He could feel the tension in the air, thick enough to choke on. The footsteps started then — slow, deliberate, growing louder with each step, echoing off the blood-streaked walls.

Renji's breathing quickened beside him, his hands trembling as he tightened his grip on his kunai. "Stay close," Kakashi murmured, not taking his eyes off the end of the corridor.

The footsteps drew nearer, heavy and foreboding. Then, they stopped. Silence fell once more, thick and suffocating.

And then, she appeared.

Hinata stepped around the corner, her form bathed in the dim light. But even from a distance, they knew. Her eyes… those eyes weren't hers. The six-colored orbs of chakra floated behind her in a slow, deliberate circle, pulsating with an unnatural light that made the air around them hum with energy. The voice that came from her lips was cold, detached, an otherworldly resonance that sent a shiver through every shinobi present.

Kakashi's breath caught in his throat. He whispered the name, barely more than a breath. "Kaguya…"

The woman's — no, the goddess's — expression darkened. Her eyes swept over them, filled with a disdain so profound it was almost palpable. Her lips curled into a sneer. "Inferior beings," she began, her voice echoing with a cruel, ancient authority. "You dare to stand in my way? You dare to believe you could restrain me?"

Her words dripped with contempt, her gaze a blade that cut through the air. "You are blind to the truth that lies beyond your feeble comprehension. You refuse to see the larger tapestry, the grand design that is unfolding before you. Your greatest sin today is not your willful ignorance — it is the sheer gall you display, believing you could so much as touch what is divine."

Her eyes narrowed, her stare cold enough to freeze their souls. "The nerve, the audacity of mortals… to imagine yourselves capable of interfering with my will."

Renji's voice broke through the tension, though it wavered with fear. "Get in formation!" he shouted, trying to steady his breath. The team shifted, moving into position, weapons at the ready, but their movements were sluggish, weighed down by dread.

Kaguya's lips curled into a smile that held no warmth, only disdain. "Fools," she murmured. "Foolish insects, grasping at the dust of dreams. You force my hand, you push me to violence with your actions, and now you stand before me, weapons drawn, as if you have a chance…"

She lifted an arm, delicate yet deadly, pointing it toward them. Her eyes glowed brighter, and the air grew heavy with the force of her power. "By threatening me, by daring to even consider a challenge, you have ensured that another will raise your sons and daughters… for you will not leave this place alive."

Inosuke felt the earth shift beneath his feet, and he stumbled, the color draining from his face. "Kakashi-sensei," he whispered, his voice barely audible, "what do we do?"

Kakashi gritted his teeth, his eyes never leaving the goddess. "Survive," he murmured, his voice hard. "Just survive."