The moment stretched, long and brittle, as Hinata stood rooted in her own mindscape, staring down the impossible figure before her. No, this can't be real, she thought, hoping that Kaguya's image would simply dissolve into the empty recesses of her mind. But the figure stood, unmistakably there, her blue, ancient eyes meeting Hinata's in a way that felt far too familiar, far too close.
Kaguya's lips parted into a serene, chilling smile. "Ah, Hinata," she said, her voice rich, sweet, and disarmingly soft. "It's been too long, hasn't it? Far too long since our last… exchange."
Hinata's heart pounded, her skin prickling with a sudden surge of anger that washed over her initial shock. She raised an arm instinctively, and without thinking, her chakra flared. Chains erupted from her hand, wrapping themselves around Kaguya's slender limbs and neck in one swift, crackling movement, forcing her down onto her knees.
Kaguya offered no resistance, only gazing up at Hinata with mild amusement. She let out a soft, almost affectionate laugh, even as the chains dug into her skin. "Look at you. You've grown," she observed sweetly. "My, how different you look from the trembling child I last laid eyes on."
The sneer that stretched across Hinata's face was one she hadn't worn before. "What… are you doing here?" Her voice cracked with barely contained fury. "I got rid of you—I destroyed you! You shouldn't be here!" Her tone rose, each word laced with bitterness, her breaths rapid as her mind raced to understand.
Kaguya's gaze sharpened with interest. A delicate brow arched. "Got rid of me?" Her tone held a gentle mockery, as if indulging a child's foolish notion. "Hinata, do you truly think you could simply discard me?" She tilted her head with a calculating smile. "We are one and the same. A power like mine doesn't vanish. It resides within you… forever."
Hinata stiffened at the words, feeling a chill run down her spine. She clenched her fists, the chains tightening around Kaguya. "You… don't belong here," she spat, her voice low, her tone layered with defiance.
"And yet," Kaguya responded with a soft, triumphant lilt, "here I am."
Hinata swallowed, but her defiance held. "I don't want you here," she declared, her voice shaking only slightly. "You have no hold over me. Not anymore. And the Tenseigan doesn't belong to you anymore, either."
Kaguya let out a slow, deliberate sigh, nodding almost sympathetically. "I know, dear," she said, her tone nearly maternal. "You took ownership of the Tenseigan. But even so, my soul… my essence… will forever bind me to it. To you."
Hinata's stomach clenched, her discomfort flaring. She felt herself tremble, her stance rigid. "What are you saying?"
The Otsutsuki's face softened in something almost resembling pity, though her voice retained its cold assurance. "It means, Hinata, that you can never detach yourself from me," she murmured, her words like a caress. "I am a constant part of you—woven into the very fabric of your being."
"That's a lie!" Hinata's voice broke, laced with desperation. "You can't control me. I am nothing like you." Her words were edged with a fierce determination, her body taut with defiance.
Kaguya's eyes held a soft gleam of amusement. "Aren't you?" she questioned softly. "The same tainted blood courses through your veins, whether you choose to accept it or not."
Hinata shook her head, taking a shaky breath. "I don't want anything to do with you."
"But you do," Kaguya responded, her tone patient and knowing. "You wield the Tenseigan. You carry a power that was once mine, one I used to shape and command the world." Her gaze lingered on Hinata, her smile widening. "Each time you tap into that power, each time you call upon it, you're relying on the gift I granted you."
A hint of indignation flickered in Hinata's expression as she stood taller, her stance defiant. "No," she snapped. "You're wrong. I don't need anything from you. I have no intention of using your power to fulfill some dream you once had." She met Kaguya's gaze with a cold fire, daring her to challenge it.
Kaguya's expression softened, her head tilting with a sad, almost wistful smile. "Ah, my dear, if only you understood." Her tone was layered with a quiet sorrow that only made Hinata's skin crawl. "You think yourself free of my influence. But tell me… do you even know what my dreams were?" Her eyes bore into Hinata's, penetrating her resolve. "You will come to understand them, Hinata, in time. And when that time comes, you will return to me—crawling back when you find yourself entangled in the same barriers, the same constraints that bound me."
Hinata's lips twisted into a sneer, a spark of defiance glinting in her eyes. "Is that so?" she replied, her voice filled with scorn. "Then I guess you'll be waiting a long time. Because until that day—if it ever comes—you stay out of my business. Stay out of my life." Her tone was sharp, final, but her heart raced, thudding against her ribs as if testing the firmness of her conviction.
Kaguya's expression held a serene acceptance, her smile unfaltering. "Patience, Hinata," she murmured, almost warmly. "It is one of my greatest virtues." Her voice trailed off, but her smile remained, gentle and knowing, a smile that hinted at a waiting presence that would linger no matter how much Hinata tried to escape it.
Hinata's breath caught as she took one last, hard look at the goddess kneeling before her. And with that, she severed the connection, retreating from the mindscape, her mind reeling from the encounter, yet steeled with a renewed, silent fury.
Hinata's eyes flew open, her body jerking forward as her consciousness snapped back to reality. She found herself gasping, a cold sweat coating her skin, her hands gripping the edges of her chair like they were the only things anchoring her to the moment. Everything else—the fire, the sound, the presence of others—all faded away as her mind echoed with Kaguya's words. She was back. She was inside her.
Gradually, the haze around her lifted, and she became aware of two figures hovering over her, faces tense with worry. Naruto was kneeling beside her, his hand gently resting on her shoulder, while Kiba stood close, his gaze shifting from her to Naruto with a mix of confusion and concern.
"Hinata?" Naruto's voice broke through, soft yet tinged with worry. "What happened?" He leaned closer, his brows knit together as he searched her face. "You just… zoned out. Are you okay?"
Hinata blinked, her mind reeling. She couldn't respond; the words wouldn't form. Her hands trembled as she held her head, replaying the chilling encounter in her mind. She could still feel Kaguya's gaze, her voice echoing in her thoughts. She had spoken to Kaguya. Kaguya was back. Somehow… somehow, she's back.
Her chest tightened as the realization sank in. "A part of me," Kaguya had said. The thought made her stomach turn. She wanted to scream, to shake herself free of whatever lingering presence Kaguya had left behind. But there was no escape, not from something inside her.
Hinata leaned forward, burying her face in her hands, her shoulders trembling as she shook her head in disbelief. Kiba's voice broke the silence, his tone tentative, almost hesitant. "Hey, Hinata… Are you sure you're okay? You… you don't look good. Maybe you should rest if it's something serious."
His concern was genuine, but Hinata couldn't bring herself to look at him. She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of what she had to say pressing against her chest. She took a shuddering breath, lifting her head as her gaze swept over both of them. Her voice was barely a whisper, but her words hit the air with the weight of lead. "I… just spoke with Otsutsuki Kaguya."
A silence fell over the room, thick and suffocating. Naruto's eyes widened, his expression frozen in shock, while Kiba's jaw went slack. They stared at her, the weight of her statement pressing down on them as they processed what she'd just said.
Kiba was the first to speak, though his voice was barely audible. "Kaguya? The Kaguya?" He looked to Naruto for confirmation, then back at Hinata, as if needing someone to tell him this was some kind of mistake.
Naruto's voice came out in a shaky breath. "Hinata… are you… are you sure?" His hands were on her shoulders now, his voice laced with both fear and urgency. "I mean… Kaguya? How… how could she…"
Hinata managed a small nod, her gaze distant as she stared through them. "I don't know how," she murmured, her voice hollow. "But she was there. In my mind plane. And she… she claimed she's a part of me. Like she's bound to me somehow." She glanced away, her vision blurring as the full horror of the encounter replayed in her mind. "I can't… I can't escape her."
Kiba slumped back into his chair, his hands on his head as he muttered under his breath, clearly trying to process what this meant. "This… this is insane. How could she even…" He trailed off, looking to Naruto with wide eyes, but Naruto's gaze was locked on Hinata.
"Hinata…" Naruto's voice was soft, filled with worry as he took her hands in his. "Are you… are you okay?" he asked, though his voice trembled, betraying his own fear. "Did she try to hurt you?"
Hinata shook her head, but the movement was faint. "No," she whispered, almost to herself. "She didn't try to hurt me. But she… she said things." Her words were barely more than a murmur, and her eyes shimmered as a single tear traced down her cheek. "She said… I'd never be free of her. That I can't escape."
The pain in her voice struck Naruto like a blow. He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her as she pressed her face into his shoulder, her tears soaking into his shirt. Her body shook as the weight of Kaguya's words settled, the fear and frustration she'd been holding back breaking free. Naruto's hand stroked her hair gently, his voice low and soothing as he whispered words of comfort, though his own heart was pounding.
"It's okay, Hinata," he murmured, his voice soft and unwavering as he held her close. "Whatever this is, we'll figure it out. You don't have to face her alone. I'm here… and I'm not going anywhere."
She clung to him, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt tightly, as though he was her lifeline, grounding her against the storm raging within. Her sobs quieted, and she took a shaky breath, her body still trembling but steadier. The presence of his arms around her, his steady heartbeat under her ear, reminded her that she wasn't alone, that whatever Kaguya's intentions were, she wasn't facing them by herself.
Three days had passed since Hinata's encounter with Kaguya, and the tense memories lingered in her mind like a shadow she couldn't quite shake off. Yet here, wrapped up on Kurenai's couch, tucked close to Naruto as his warmth pressed into her, it felt like that shadow had receded just for a little while. Her back rested against the couch's armrest, her head tipped back as Naruto kissed her slowly, their breaths mingling in the quiet room. The TV flickered with dim light, the background sound filling the spaces between their murmured exchanges.
Hinata sighed into his mouth, her fingers curling in the fabric of his shirt as she pulled back slightly. "Naruto," she whispered, catching her breath. "Kurenai-sensei will be back any minute." She glanced at the clock on the wall, the hands inching toward 10 PM. Kurenai was never late.
Naruto let out an exaggerated groan, his arm tightening around her as he pulled her closer. "Do you think the Hokage told me to keep an eye on you just for me to leave when I'm finally doing my job? I'm protecting the Tenseigan wielder, aren't I?" He whispered against her cheek, his tone half-joking but his grip on her serious. "Besides, we've still got time, don't we?"
She rolled her eyes, laughing softly as she pushed him back a bit. "Exactly ten minutes before she gets home," she replied, her tone just as light.
Naruto grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling as he moved his hands slowly up her sides. "Ten minutes, huh? That's plenty of time." He dipped his head down, his mouth close to her neck as he murmured, "For example, that's ten whole minutes with these," his hands gently cupped her breasts, his touch sending a shiver through her.
"Stop that!" Hinata lightly scolded, batting his hands away. "Don't give Kurenai-sensei more reasons to distrust you," she chided, though there was more amusement than scolding in her voice.
He laughed, leaning back just enough to look at her, his grin playful. "Hey, it's not my fault you're so—" he paused, his gaze roaming over her, his expression shifting from teasing to something softer. "Well, you're just hard to resist, you know?"
Hinata averted her gaze, pretending to look bored as she playfully teased, "After skimming through Make-Out Tactics, I think I can predict every one of your lines." Her smile widened as she saw his eyes narrow in playful suspicion. "Not a single original thought in your head."
"Oh, really?" Naruto shot back, frowning slightly as he pretended to look wounded. "The only way you'd know all my lines is if you diligently read the whole book."
Hinata blushed, shaking her head. "N-No! I didn't read all of it, I just… looked through it. Briefly."
Naruto's grin widened as he leaned closer, his tone teasing. "That means Kiba was right—you're a little perverted too. Just better at hiding it."
Hinata's face turned crimson, and she nudged him in the shoulder. "I'm not…!"
"Sure, sure," Naruto laughed, pulling her close again. "I guess that's why you love me, huh? We're just made for each other." His words, though lighthearted, carried a certain warmth that softened the laughter between them.
She felt herself relax, her fingers tracing the collar of his shirt as she allowed herself a soft smile. "Maybe you're right," she murmured before he leaned in, capturing her lips in another kiss that lingered, filled with the unspoken promises that came so naturally to them.
After a moment, she pulled back, her fingers brushing his cheek. "When will you be back from this mission?" Her tone had shifted, a hint of worry slipping in as her gaze searched his face.
Naruto sighed, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered. "It'll just be a few days. Granny Tsunade just wants me and a squad to patrol the border with Wind Country—some bandits have been causing trouble there." He gave her a reassuring smile. "So it's just three days, and in the meantime, you'll have Sasuke and Sakura keeping an eye out."
Hinata nodded, but Naruto noticed the way her gaze drifted, her lips pressed into a small, thoughtful frown. He leaned in, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Hey, don't worry. I'll be back before you know it."
He grinned then, his expression turning mischievous. "And the second I'm back, I'll be right here." His hand drifted to the seal he'd placed on her, his thumb tracing it lightly. "This is your own private 'Naruto summoning seal,' remember?"
Hinata's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but laugh as she looked down at his hand, then back up at him. "No class, no cunning... one of these days, I'll start siding with Kurenai-sensei about you being here."
Naruto frowned, leaning in to kiss her again. "I'm going to be gone for a whole three days, you know. I just want to spend as much time with you as I can before I leave."
Hinata smiled at his antics, reaching up to pull him into another kiss. As their lips met again, Naruto's hands traveled higher, resting just below the swell of her chest. His heart raced as his hands wandered tentatively, giving her an appreciative squeeze. Even now, after being together for a while, moments like these still felt new, exciting, and a little nerve-wracking.
He pulled away from the kiss before glancing up at her with a shy but hopeful expression. "Hinata…" he hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'm honestly just trying to get in your pants here..."
Hinata rolled her eyes, but there was no mistaking the playful glint in them. "Pervert..."
"And you love it," he shot back with a grin.
Hinata's gaze shifted to the side as a shy smile spread across her lips, but when her eyes returned to his, there was no mistaking the invitation in her gaze.
Naruto's grin widened as he fumbled with the buttons on her shirt, his fingers clumsy but determined. When her shirt finally slipped open to reveal her to him, his breath caught. "Wow," he murmured, awe and affection shining in his eyes.
"Don't just stare," Hinata teased, a shy laugh escaping her lips. "And please don't say 'wow'' again."
"Well what else should I say?" He asked playfully. "What to help me decide on a new catchphrase? How about..." He leaned in to kiss the swell of her chest, causing her to giggle and squirm. "I see..."
"Naruto!" Hinata's face was red with embarrassment, though she tried to stifle a laugh.
"Hey, it's making you laugh for better or worse! That's all that matters."
Hinata smiled at his antics, reaching up to pull him into another kiss. They melted into each other, and as they kissed, his lips trailed down to her collarbone, then down to her breasts. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin, each touch gentle but insistent.
"You're in a hurry," Hinata teased with a soft laugh as Naruto's mouth eagerly found her nipple, his tongue flicking against her skin.
"Don't make fun of me," he mumbled against her, the vibration of his voice drawing another giggle from her.
Hinata blushed shyly. "So… you want to... do this...as part of your mission to protect me?"
"That's the plan," he replied, his grin widening. "I can't really bodyguard all day, so we're gonna have to multitask... if you're cool with it."
Hinata merely laughed, the sound soft and full of affection as he continued his exploration, his hands gently kneading as he focused on her, the rest of the world forgotten.
Hinata sighed, half from pleasure, half from concern. She ran her fingers through his hair, murmuring, "You know, I think I'm making real progress in training to master the dark arts."
He hummed, clearly only half-listening, his mouth too occupied to reply verbally. The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down her spine, but she couldn't help but continue, almost to herself, "The only problem is… I still don't know how I'll manage time manipulation to get my eye back."
Naruto lifted his head, curiosity in his eyes. "Hmm. Didn't Kaguya have some way to do it?" His mouth returned to her skin, kissing gently as he spoke. "Maybe… maybe there's some tool or scroll or something out there she used?"
She considered his words, her fingers resting lightly on his shoulder. "Maybe you're right. It's not like I have many other options."
He paused, his gaze meeting hers as his hands stilled for a moment. "What about… just asking her?" His tone softened. "I mean, if you're okay with it. It might be the easiest way to get the information. And you having your complete dojutsu would benefit Kaguya too."
Hinata's gaze drifted to the ceiling, the memory of Kaguya's cold voice still lingering in her mind. A part of her hated the thought of relying on the very presence she resented so deeply, but Naruto's idea had merit. She just had to stay in control.
"Could you be there with me when I try?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You… Sasuke, Sakura… I'd feel better with you all there, just in case..." Her voice trailed off, but Naruto's hand moved to cradle her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin.
"Hey," he whispered, his tone full of quiet strength. "I'll be there. Nothing's gonna happen to you. And if it ever does, I'll do whatever it takes to protect you. You know that, right?"
She nodded, her eyes stinging with unshed tears as she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Naruto," she murmured, her heart full of gratitude and warmth. She pulled him into a brief kiss, lingering long enough to let him know just how much his promise meant to her.
Naruto glanced at the clock on the wall, his face falling slightly. "9:58 PM...I've got two minutes left," he said with a dramatic sigh, clearly exaggerating his sadness.
Hinata smiled softly, her fingers tracing his jawline as she looked into his eyes. "You said... it's all a matter of perspective, right?" she replied, her voice low and full of affection. "Two minutes is enough time to..."
His face lit up, and with a mischievous grin, He leaned in, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. Then he redirected his attention to her breasts, which he had unsubtly claimed as his favourite part of her body.
"Just two minutes," he murmured against her flesh, tugging and suckling with growing confidence. The soft sounds she made—gasps and quiet sighs—sent waves of warmth coursing through him. When he nibbled gently on a sensitive peak, causing her to arch into him, he felt a spark of pride. He trailed his kisses lower, kissing under her sternum, then the dip of her belly button.
His hands were already tugging on the hem of her pants when the sound of the front door opening shattered the moment. They sprang apart like guilty teenagers caught sneaking out past curfew.
"10 pm," Hinata whispered with a small laugh, hurriedly buttoning her shirt.
"Hinata? Naruto?" Kurenai's voice called out as she entered the room.
Both of them straightened quickly, trying to look as innocent as possible. "Good evening, Kurenai-sensei," Hinata greeted, her tone too flat to be natural.
"Hey, uh, Kurenai-sensei," Naruto added, scratching the back of his neck.
Kurenai's gaze flicked between them, lingering on Naruto for a moment. She narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression unreadable. "...Good evening," she said, her voice laced with suspicion.
Naruto could feel sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. Did she know? Could she tell that just minutes ago he'd been thoroughly enjoying burying his face in her ward's cleavage?
Kurenai's expression didn't waver. "Naruto, have you eaten? I was about to make some dinner."
Naruto shook his head quickly. "Uh, I mean, yeah! I'm full. Really full."
Kurenai's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes gleaming with suspicion. "Yeah, I bet," she murmured, her tone low but deliberate.
Both Naruto and Hinata turned scarlet, their eyes widening in unison.
"I-I'll help with dinner!" Hinata stammered, standing abruptly and making a beeline for the kitchen.
Naruto stayed rooted to the couch, his brain short-circuiting. Kurenai gave him one last knowing glance before disappearing into the kitchen after Hinata.
Naruto exhaled sharply, slumping back against the couch. "She totally knows," he muttered to himself, burying his face in his hands.
1 week later...
Kabuto dipped his brush in ink, his movements quick and precise as he finished the letter. Outside the window, the village lay calm under the morning sun, but there was a certain stillness to it—a kind of waiting. He looked down at the letter one last time before rolling it up, tying it carefully, and securing it to the leg of a messenger hawk perched beside him.
"Go," he murmured to the bird, nudging it out through the window. The hawk stretched its wings and took flight, disappearing into the sky.
Just then, the door creaked open behind him. Kabuto flinched, hand instinctively going to the pocket where he kept a hidden kunai. He turned to find Ino standing in the doorway, raising a hand to show she meant no harm.
"Oh," he breathed out, shoulders relaxing. "Ino Yamanaka. You startled me."
"Sorry about that," Ino replied with a faint smile. "I'm ready for the program whenever you are."
Kabuto nodded, rising from his seat, his expression shifting to one of polite calm. "Of course. Let's get started."
They left the room, and Kabuto's mind shifted back to the task at hand. Mobilization was accelerating, and every detail mattered now.
That afternoon, Kabuto walked through the corridors of the Hokage Tower with Lady Tsunade, her stride purposeful and her eyes scanning the walls as though weighing every inch of her surroundings.
"Thank you for organizing the blood drive," Tsunade said, her tone both appreciative and weary. "You know it's a crucial part of our mobilization efforts. Blood donations… it's the first thing that runs out in a prolonged conflict."
Kabuto inclined his head respectfully. "It's no trouble. I'll see that our reserves are kept full. Even the most minor preparations are significant when we're staring down the possibility of another war."
Tsunade gave a faint nod, though her lips were pressed tight. "And how's Hinata coming along?"
"She's progressing steadily," Kabuto replied, his tone guarded yet optimistic. "It's remarkable, really. Her power seems to be… finding her, piece by piece."
Tsunade's lips curved downward, her hands clasped behind her back. "I can't shake the feeling that we may not have much more time. With each report, it's becoming harder to deny that we're on the brink. Just this morning—more 'bandits' spotted near the border with the Land of Wind. Turns out they were Sunagakure reconnaissance teams."
Kabuto's brows knitted together, but he kept his voice measured. "If the main effort does come… Konoha will be ready. We have the strength, and with the right measures in place, we'll have the stability. We'll do what's necessary."
Tsunade exhaled a long, heavy sigh. "We have to defend our land… but it's troubling that this situation is rooted in fear. A fear of the unknown—of Hinata and her Tenseigan." She paused, glancing at him. "I'd hoped we'd moved beyond that. Hinata was driven against a wall by our own leadership because of that very same fear."
Kabuto's face remained impassive, though his eyes flickered with understanding. "You're saying… it feels like history repeating itself?"
"More than I'd like to admit," Tsunade replied, her voice quiet. "We treated her like an outcast. We isolated her because we didn't understand her power, and now the other nations are doing the same to us."
Kabuto clasped his hands behind his back, thinking for a moment. "Perhaps fear is inevitable, Lady Tsunade. The unknown will always provoke fear, and power like hers—power that can challenge the foundation of nations… It's a force people naturally feel threatened by."
Tsunade gave him a sharp glance. "But that doesn't make it right, Kabuto."
"No," he conceded, his tone thoughtful. "But it makes it… unavoidable. And if it's unavoidable, then we must be prepared. That's what matters now." He paused, his gaze narrowing as if envisioning the conflict that loomed ahead. "Hinata will need to be ready for what lies ahead. If she can harness Kaguya's power—to bring an end to the fighting on our terms—it may save us from more devastation. It could be the only way to secure peace."
Tsunade's lips pressed together, but she gave a slight nod. "Kaguya's power could stop this war. I don't like it, Kabuto. But if the other nations won't listen to reason—if they won't recognize that we don't intend to wield the Tenseigan against them, then maybe Hinata is our only chance."
Kabuto studied her carefully, noting the fatigue in her eyes, the tension that knotted her shoulders. "It's the burden of leadership, isn't it? To walk that fine line… knowing that our actions today might be judged as mistakes tomorrow. But as long as we're prepared—" He glanced over at her, a faint but resolute smile crossing his face. "As long as we're ready to protect what matters—then we can bear the consequences, whatever they may be."
Tsunade's gaze softened, and she exhaled, some of her resolve seeming to solidify. "Yes. We'll protect our people. We'll protect our home. But… I wish there was another way, Kabuto. I wish Hinata didn't have to shoulder this."
Kabuto nodded, his expression unreadable. "So do I. But she's stronger than she looks. Stronger than she even realizes yet."
They continued down the hall, both lost in thought, their footsteps echoing down the corridors, mingling with the heavy silence. Outside the Hokage Tower, the sun had shifted further west, casting long shadows over the village. There was no turning back now. War, it seemed, was on their doorstep. And with Hinata at the center of it all, Kabuto knew that they would have to be ready for anything.
Hinata walked across the vast, dark emptiness of her mindscape, her steps echoing as though on stone. Her gaze was steady, focused ahead on the faint outline of a figure waiting for her. Kaguya was there, kneeling on the ground, her wrists and ankles bound in thick, glowing chains, yet her expression was oddly serene. When she saw Hinata, her lips curved into a small, almost welcoming smile.
"Back so soon?" Kaguya greeted her with surprising warmth. "What is it you've come to request this time, child? Perhaps… fixing another broken vase?"
Hinata's body stiffened, refusing to let her annoyance show. "You're right. I am here to ask you to help me fix something." Her voice was cold and unwavering. "But this time, it's something that affects us both."
Kaguya tilted her head, studying Hinata's face. "Oh? And what would that be?"
Hinata took a deep breath. "I want you to teach me time manipulation."
For a moment, silence fell between them, then Kaguya let out a peal of laughter that echoed across the space, rich and mocking.
"Time manipulation?" she sneered, her amusement evident. "You—of all people—think you can handle that? You're barely worthy of wielding the fragments of power you already have."
Hinata's jaw clenched, but she kept her tone even. "Didn't you once say your blood flows through me? If that's true, then I'm worthy." She straightened, her voice hardening. "I need time manipulation to repair what I've lost. I've already sacrificed one of my Tenseigan to revive myself."
Kaguya's expression faltered, her eyes narrowing as she digested this information. Hinata could see the flicker of displeasure, brief but telling. It was exactly the reaction she had hoped for.
"You sacrificed a Tenseigan…" Kaguya murmured, her voice deceptively soft. Her eyes glinted dangerously as she met Hinata's gaze, her smile vanishing. "You're reckless beyond reason. Do you even understand the kind of power you're wasting? Do you have any idea—"
Hinata cut her off, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, trust me, I do understand. But it does make me wonder… what would happen if I had another accident and lost my last remaining Tenseigan?" She paused, letting the thought hang in the air, watching Kaguya's face carefully. "Would our connection be broken? Would that mean you'd lose any chance of taking over my body?"
A dangerous edge crept into Kaguya's tone. "You wouldn't dare," she hissed, her eyes blazing.
Hinata's lips curved into a slight, teasing smile. "Who knows? If I lost my last Tenseigan, I might finally be free of you. Free of this power you cursed me with." She tilted her head, her tone almost musing. "Maybe then, the other nations wouldn't see me as a threat. Maybe they'd finally leave me alone."
"Enough," Kaguya snapped, her voice sharp as steel. "You've made your point, child. But don't think for a second you're as clever as you believe."
A triumphant glint flashed in Hinata's eyes, her smile fading as she met Kaguya's glare. "Then teach me," she demanded, her voice edged with cold resolve. "Teach me time manipulation… or I'll be rid of you and your curse forever."
Kaguya's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "I already told you. You're not ready for time manipulation." Her tone was flat, unmoved. "You wouldn't survive the strain it would place on your body."
Hinata's patience wore thin. She extended a hand, and with a mere thought, the chains around Kaguya's neck tightened, forcing her head down. Yet even as the bindings pulled tighter, Kaguya's calm, smug expression didn't falter.
"Torture won't work on me, Hinata," Kaguya sneered, even as the chains strained against her. "Especially when I'm telling you the truth."
Hinata hesitated, her frustration flickering into doubt. Was Kaguya really telling the truth? Or was this another one of her mind games? But as the silence dragged on, her anger—her hatred for Kaguya—began to cloud her thoughts again, drowning out her doubts.
After a moment, Kaguya spoke, her tone softening, almost coaxing. "There's another way, you know."
Hinata's gaze sharpened, but she held her silence, waiting.
Kaguya's lips curved into a smile, her voice low and smooth. "Let me take over, just as we did before."
Hinata's eyes widened, her body tensing with instinctual revulsion. Her breathing quickened as memories clawed their way to the surface—of the bloodshed, the cold, unrelenting destruction, the lives Kaguya had mercilessly ended when she'd last controlled her body. She took a shaky step back, shaking her head.
"Absolutely not," she said, her voice hoarse, but firm.
Kaguya's gaze remained calm, her voice dropping into a tone that was both gentle and infuriatingly condescending. "You're the one who holds sole ownership of the Tenseigan now, remember? You could take back control whenever you choose." Her eyes glinted with a dark satisfaction. "But back when you signed that contract with me, we both had ownership over it. That contract allowed me to amplify my influence over you, at a cost to myself."
Hinata's eyes narrowed, her heart pounding. "That contract… it's null now."
Kaguya's smile widened. "Exactly. Since you hold all the power now… you could end this conflict in mere moments. Just let me show you how." Her gaze was steady, her voice soft as silk. "Deep down, you know it's the only way."
Hinata clenched her fists, her breathing quickening as Kaguya's words hit their mark. The truth twisted in her mind, coiling around her thoughts like poison. She hated to admit it, but part of her knew Kaguya was right. She could end it all in an instant. She could finally stop fighting—stop resisting the inevitable.
But was it worth it? The thought lingered, heavy and suffocating.
Hinata glared down at Kaguya, words dying in her throat as Kaguya looked up at her with calm, unyielding eyes, as though she'd already won.
Kaguya broke the silence, her voice soft, her tone smooth as ever. "So? What's it going to be, Hinata?"
The air was thick with tension as Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stood in the open field, surrounding Hinata, who was bound firmly to a tree by Sakura's wood style. Her body was motionless, head slumped forward, her breathing shallow but steady. The three of them maintained their fighting stances, each prepared for the worst, their eyes fixed on her in silent, wary anticipation.
Naruto clenched Mugenkei tighter, the weapon's shape shifted into a heavy, threatening axe. His Sage Mode senses were heightened, allowing him to feel the slightest tremors in the air around them. He shot a glance toward Sasuke, whose dark blade was already drawn, fingers taut with barely restrained anticipation. Beside him, Sakura stood firm, her sage-infused aura radiating outward as she kept her hands ready in a sealing position.
Sasuke's gaze flickered with the faintest hint of unease, and his fingers trembled slightly around the hilt of the Sword of Nunoboko. He felt the pulse of chakra through the weapon, a reminder of the immense responsibility that lay before them.
"This was her plan," Naruto said, voice low but resolute. "Hinata told us to do whatever it takes if she… lost control."
"She knew what was at stake," Sakura murmured, her voice barely audible, but her green eyes were fierce and focused. "Stay sharp. She could try anything."
The quiet seemed to stretch, the world itself holding its breath. Then, Hinata's body suddenly twitched, her head snapping upright. Her eyes flew open—wide, curious, and disturbingly calm.
"Get ready," Sakura whispered.
Hinata took in her surroundings slowly, her gaze drifting over each of them with a strange, almost amused expression. Naruto's heart thumped heavily in his chest. Steeling himself, he took a cautious step forward, his grip on Mugenkei tightening.
"Hinata," he called, voice steady but edged with worry. "Are you okay?"
There was no response. She simply stared, a ghost of a smile playing at her lips.
Sasuke frowned, stepping forward. "Hinata… what did Kaguya say? Did she—did she agree to help you?"
Still, Hinata remained silent, her head tilting ever so slightly, as though pondering their words like a puzzle she wasn't particularly interested in solving. Naruto felt his stomach twist.
He took a breath, his voice softening, trying to reach the part of her he knew. "Hinata," he called out again, more insistently, "if it's really you… what day is my birthday?"
For a moment, she did nothing, and then, she smiled—sweetly, with a hint of mischief that made his blood run cold. Her eyes glinted with something foreign, a depth and coldness that didn't belong there.
Naruto's voice grew harder. "Hinata," he said again, his grip tightening to the point that his knuckles turned white, "answer me. What day?"
Finally, she responded, her voice smooth and rich, dripping with regal authority.
"Uzumaki, you utter fool. Why ask such a stupid question when I can literally read your mind?"
The three of them froze, a collective chill running through them. That voice… it was not Hinata's. Kaguya's words rang out, clear and mocking, as though she found their questions amusingly trivial. Naruto's heart dropped; this wasn't a warning sign. This was confirmation.
"Move!" Sasuke barked, acting immediately.
[Amaterasu]
In an instant, black flames roared toward her, but Kaguya flickered from sight just before they could make contact, reappearing behind them, her gaze sharp and calculating. She hadn't even lifted a finger to evade.
Sakura was ready. She thrust her hands together, channeling her chakra.
[Sage Art: Venom Cutter]
A jet of poisonous acid shot toward Kaguya, hissing and crackling as it carved through the air, nearly grazing her face as she effortlessly side-stepped it. Kaguya vanished again, materializing in the center of their formation before they could react. She raised her arms, palms open in a sign of surrender, as though mocking their efforts.
Naruto acted fast. He teleported directly in front of her, Mugenkei now reshaped into a deadly sword, and drove it forward without hesitation, straight into her heart. The blade sank deep, blood staining the edge as it pierced through her chest. Kaguya's eyes widened, her lips parting in a silent gasp as blood trickled from her mouth.
She dropped to her knees, body folding forward as her head lolled downward, her form beginning to shimmer as it collapsed into a lifeless heap. But Naruto wasn't fooled; he kept his grip tight, ready to strike again at a moment's notice.
"Stay alert," he warned, his voice cold and focused. "She can still revive herself."
Before they could respond, the ground beneath them glowed with an ethereal, otherworldly light. A ring formed around them, pulsating with a faint hum as time itself seemed to stop. Kaguya, completely whole; emerged from behind the tree, eyes blazing with determination.
She raised her hand, voice echoing with power. "Rest."
The single word washed over them like a tidal wave, its command undeniable, absolute. Naruto's vision blurred, his muscles going slack as he fought to resist, but it was useless. His body crumpled, Mugenkei slipping from his hand, hitting the ground with a dull thud. Sasuke's blade fell from his grip, and Sakura's hands dropped, her sealing jutsu fading.
One by one, they collapsed, the world fading to black as Kaguya watched them with a satisfied, victorious smile.
"Learn to start small, Hyuuga Hinata." Kaguya muttered, almost to herself. "Consider awaking your friends your first lesson."
Sasuke's eyes snapped open, his breath shallow as he bolted upright. His Sharingan activated instinctively, and he scanned the surroundings, his pulse still pounding from the tension of the recent fight. The soft rustle of grass and the dim morning light told him they were back in the field—but how? To his sides, he noticed Naruto and Sakura waking, each jerking to their feet with a similar wariness.
In front of them stood Hinata, her hands clasped in front of her, eyes closed, chanting softly under her breath. A faint glow outlined her form, her chakra thrumming in the air around her. When she opened her eyes, Sasuke's gaze narrowed, immediately catching the sight of two fully illuminated Tenseigan staring back at him. His mind raced—Kaguya must have healed the damaged eye.
"What..." Naruto's voice was tense, his face reflecting the same confusion and suspicion Sasuke felt. All of Team 7 stood in rigid silence, wary of making a wrong move.
Hinata's expression softened as she breathed a sigh of relief. "You're awake! I was worried... I didn't think—"
Before she could continue, her eyes widened as she noticed the flicker of fear in their collective gaze—she had read their minds, her face twisting in shock as she absorbed their collective intent.
"Wait—" Hinata started, but she was too late.
Acting on instinct, Naruto's hands flew together, forming the signs for a familiar jutsu.
[Fire Style: Phoenix Flame Jutsu]
Blood trickled from Sasuke's Sharingan as he focused on Hinata.
[Amaterasu]
And beside him, Sakura didn't hesitate, her lips parting as she unleashed her attack.
[Sage Art: Acid Breath]
The three attacks shot forward, converging on Hinata, who barely had a moment to raise her hands in protest before her world went dark...
Moments later, Hinata stood unharmed, in the center of the clearing, murmuring softly as she cast a spell. "Heed me, time, and return…"
The words echoed through the air as Hinata, or rather, Kaguya, harnessed the magic, swiftly restoring the once-dimmed Tenseigan in her left eye. Team 7 stared as the spell completed and Hinata's body collapsed, her eyes closing as she fell forward. Naruto darted forward, catching her just before she hit the ground.
Hinata's eyes fluttered open, and she took a moment to steady herself, swaying slightly. She touched her nose as a trickle of blood appeared. Sakura, guilt lacing her face, stepped forward, her voice soft.
"Hinata, I'm… I'm sorry. We thought you were still… her."
Sasuke nodded, still tense. "We couldn't take any chances. You understand, don't you?"
Hinata looked at them with a gentle, forgiving smile. "I don't blame you. You acted on instinct; I would have done the same."
Naruto rubbed his head, visibly unsettled. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you… that you actually let Kaguya take over. I mean, it's…" He trailed off, searching for words.
Hinata looked down, seeming just as uncomfortable. "It was… the only way. Kaguya mentioned that time manipulation is beyond me at this stage; it's something only she could perform."
Sakura stepped closer, green chakra glowing around her hand as she began healing Hinata's wounds. "At least now, you have control over the Tenseigan, right? So… Kaguya can't just take over whenever she wants?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes. I can regain control whenever I need to. I won't let her do anything… reckless."
Sasuke rubbed his chin, eyeing her carefully. "But Kaguya actually agreed to help heal your eye. Why? What's in it for her?"
Hinata took a deep breath, explaining, "She only agreed because it benefits her too. If I lose both my Tenseigan, our connection will be severed, and her soul will remain in limbo until these eyes reappear in another Hyuuga years, maybe decades, from now."
Naruto sighed in relief, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "So… we won't be dealing with Kaguya popping up anytime soon?"
Sakura nodded, glancing at Hinata. "At least, maybe, if she ever does, it'll be to help, not harm."
Sasuke looked thoughtfully at Hinata. "The good thing is that you can regain control before she does anything… stupid."
Hinata nodded, her lips curving into a faint, grateful smile. "It's… reassuring. At least we have some way to control this situation."
The relief among them was palpable, but the tension lingered. Sakura hesitated before speaking. "So… what are we going to tell Lady Tsunade about this? About Kaguya being… resurrected inside you?"
Sasuke's expression turned serious. "We should inform the higher-ups. If you've got a handle on her, they need to know."
Naruto shook his head firmly, disagreeing. "No. If we tell leadership, they'll push Hinata to use Kaguya's power. They'd expect her to… I don't know, hand herself over if it meant a win in the war." He looked at Hinata, sincerity in his eyes. "And you don't want that, right?"
Hinata's gaze softened, and she nodded. "No, I… I don't. And even if I gave in, there's no guarantee that Kaguya would cooperate. Just because I can access her doesn't mean I control her."
Sasuke frowned. "But you got her to heal your eye… doesn't that give you leverage?"
Hinata's face grew pensive. "Not quite. I convinced her by threatening to use Izanagi and destroy my own Tenseigan, severing our connection permanently. She wasn't willing to risk that." Her voice turned soft. "I didn't want to do it either… but I felt like I had no choice."
Naruto nodded, visibly relieved. "It's better this way. Besides, we shouldn't risk unleashing her power on other villages. It would only prove their worst fears."
Sasuke looked deep in thought, his eyes narrowing. "But if she knows you could do that—use Izanagi—then maybe she'll be more careful about crossing you."
Hinata shook her head firmly. "I… I don't want to use her power." Her voice was quiet but determined. "I think it's… impure." Her gaze drifted to the horizon, her voice filled with the weight of her words. "This responsibility—I didn't ask for it. But I've thought about it, and I can't escape it. It's not something I can run from."
Her words grew softer, almost a whisper. "I spent my life feeling alone, looking out for myself because… I thought no one cared. I never expected to one day be someone people would… even consider starting a war over. But seeing the devastation that comes with using power like this…" She trailed off, pausing to gather herself. "I don't want to be anyone's weapon. And I won't be anyone's ruler either." Her eyes found Naruto's, then Sakura's, then Sasuke's. "I'll do things my own way, even if people hate me for it. After all… I'm used to it."
Sakura reached out, placing a supportive hand on Hinata's shoulder. "We're with you, Hinata. I support whatever you decide to do."
Naruto gave her a determined nod. "Me too. And I know things are… uncertain, but you've got us."
Sasuke nodded in agreement, his gaze steady. "This looming war… it's one more hurdle we'll still have to face."
Hinata looked at each of them, her heart swelling with gratitude. She knew the road ahead was treacherous, but for the first time, she felt a powerful resolve. With her friends beside her, she knew she could face whatever came next.