The moon cast an eerie glow over the deserted village, casting long shadows across the empty streets. A woman with short, dark blue hair and piercing purple-white Byakugan eyes led the way, her lavender coat fluttering behind her. She wore a light purple top underneath, complemented by black pants that allowed for swift movement.
Beside her, a young girl with short, dark blue hair and bright blue eyes, adorned with whisker-like markings on her cheeks, struggled to keep pace. Her light yellow jacket seemed to glow in the dim light, contrasting with her black leggings.
Their breaths came in ragged gasps, visible in the chilly night air. Fear and adrenaline fueled their flight.
"We need to find a hiding spot, now!" the woman urged, her voice barely above a whisper.
The girl nodded, her eyes scanning their surroundings. They had been running for what felt like hours, pursued by the relentless Rinnegan Man.
A faint rustling echoed through the abandoned alleyways, sending shivers down their spines. The woman's Byakugan eyes scanned their surroundings, searching for any sign of danger.
Suddenly, a crumbling warehouse loomed before them. The woman grasped the girl's hand, pulling her toward the entrance.
"In here," she whispered, pushing open the creaky door.
As they slipped inside, the darkness enveloped them, providing temporary solace from their pursuer.
The woman with Byakugan eyes, her short dark blue hair disheveled from their frantic escape, scanned the dimly lit warehouse. Crates and dusty boxes, adorned with cobwebs, stacked haphazardly, providing potential hiding spots. Flickering shadows danced across the walls as the moon cast an eerie glow through grimy windows.
The young girl, still clutching the turtle in her jacket pocket, leaned against a crate, panting. Her bright blue eyes, fringed with whisker-like markings, sparkled with fear. Her light yellow jacket seemed to glow in the faint light.
"Mama, will we be safe here?" she asked, her voice trembling.
The woman's expression softened, her Byakugan eyes filled with determination. "For now, yes. But we can't stay long."
Outside, the Rinnegan Man stood atop a ruined building, surveying the landscape. His lean, athletic build and striking features seemed chiseled in the moonlight. His piercing purple Rinnegan eyes scanned the village, seeking the turtle.
With a swift gesture, he leapt off the building, his movements fluid and deadly. He landed silently, his eyes fixed on the warehouse.
Meanwhile, Katsuyu, the summoned slug, protected the hospital, her massive, slimy body forming a protective barrier. Her glowing, ethereal eyes watched over the frightened villagers.
At the Hokage office, the barrier held strong, safeguarding the villagers huddled on the top floor. The shelter between the Third and Fourth Hokage's rocks remained secure, its barrier intact.
The Shinobi who aided Hinata lay wounded, struggling to evade the Rinnegan Man's notice.
The Rinnegan Man's gaze swept across the warehouse, his presence seeming to draw the shadows closer.
The Rinnegan Man approached the warehouse, his piercing purple eyes scanning for signs of the turtle and the two females. With a swift kick, he burst through the entrance, sending splintered wood flying. Himawari, hidden behind a stack of crates, held her breath, her bright blue eyes fixed on the intruder.
The Rinnegan Man's gaze swept the dimly lit space, locking onto the woman with Byakugan eyes. Her short, dark blue hair was disheveled, and her lavender coat torn, but her eyes flashed with determination. He didn't know her name, only that she was the Hokage's wife, and she stood between him and his prize.
Without hesitation, Hinata grasped a nearby pipe, torn loose from the ceiling, and swung it with all her might. The pipe cracked against the Rinnegan Man's shoulder, sending him stumbling. His eyes narrowed, but he didn't falter. "You're no match for me," he sneered, his voice dripping with confidence.
Hinata stood firm, her Byakugan eyes tracking the Rinnegan Man's movements. She dodged his initial jab and countered with a swift kick, but he blocked it effortlessly. The battle raged on, their movements fluid and deadly. Crates shattered beneath their feet as they clashed, their fighting spilling outside into the moonlit streets.
Their movements were a blur as they exchanged blows. Hinata landed a solid kick, but the Rinnegan Man countered with a crushing blow, sending her stumbling. She rolled, avoiding his follow-up strike, and sprang back into the fray. The Rinnegan Man unleashed a flurry of strikes, but Hinata's Byakugan eyes tracked each move, allowing her to counter with precision.
As they fought, their surroundings became a whirlwind of destruction. Broken crates and shattered glass littered the streets. The Rinnegan Man's eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, his movements unstoppable. Yet Hinata refused to yield, driven by her determination to protect her daughter and the village.
The Rinnegan Man's flurry of punches rained down on Hinata, but she dodged and weaved, her Byakugan eyes tracking each blow. She countered with a swift kick, aiming for his chest, but he blocked it with an open palm.
Undeterred, Hinata unleashed a series of rapid-fire jabs, each one aimed at the Rinnegan Man's face. He stumbled back, his eyes widening momentarily, but quickly regained his footing.
With a swift motion, the Rinnegan Man summoned his Susanoo, its fiery red aura erupting around him. Hinata leapt back, avoiding the initial burst of energy.
As the Susanoo intensified, Hinata charged forward, her lavender coat fluttering behind her. She delivered a powerful kick, shattering the Susanoo's outer layer.
The Rinnegan Man's eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying. He launched himself at Hinata, their bodies clashing in mid-air.
Their movements became a blur as they exchanged blows, their battle raging across the streets. Crates shattered, windows burst, and debris scattered everywhere.
Hinata landed a solid punch, but the Rinnegan Man countered with a crushing elbow drop. She rolled, avoiding his follow-up strike.
The Rinnegan Man unleashed a devastating combination, forcing Hinata to retreat. Her Byakugan eyes scanned the surroundings, seeking an opening.
Suddenly, she spotted a nearby water tower. With a swift motion, she leapt toward it, using the momentum to fuel her next attack.
Hinata kicked the water tower, sending it crashing down onto the Rinnegan Man. The force of the impact sent him stumbling.
Seizing the opportunity, Hinata charged forward, her fists flying.
Hinata's fists rained down on the Rinnegan Man, each blow fueled by her determination to protect her daughter and the village. The Rinnegan Man stumbled, his Susanoo faltering.
But he refused to yield. With a sudden burst of strength, he grasped Hinata's wrists, holding her in place.
"You're strong," he acknowledged, "but not strong enough."
Hinata's Byakugan eyes flashed as she activated her Gentle Fist style. Her fingers pressed into the Rinnegan Man's skin, disrupting his chakra flow.
The Rinnegan Man's grip faltered, and Hinata broke free. She landed a swift kick, sending him crashing into a nearby building.
As the dust settled, Hinata stood tall, her chest heaving. The Rinnegan Man emerged, his eyes blazing with intensity.
Their battle had reached a critical point. The outcome hung in the balance.
Suddenly, the Rinnegan Man's gaze shifted, focusing on something behind Hinata.
Himawari.
His eyes locked onto the young girl, still hiding behind the crates.
"No," Hinata whispered, her heart sinking.
The Rinnegan Man's smile grew, his eyes gleaming with malevolence.
"It's over," he said, his voice dripping with triumph.
Hinata dodged the Rinnegan Man's swift kick, her Byakugan eyes tracking his movements. She countered with a swift punch, but he blocked it effortlessly.
The Rinnegan Man retaliated with a flurry of strikes, each one aimed at Hinata's vital points. She defended herself, but his sheer power began to overwhelm her.
In a moment of desperation, Hinata attempted a risky maneuver. She leapt forward, unleashing a powerful kick.
However, the Rinnegan Man anticipated her move. With a swift motion, he drew a kunai and prepared to deliver the final blow.
Hinata realized her mistake too late. The Rinnegan Man's kunai hovered above her chest, poised to strike.
"Himawari..." Hinata whispered, fear creeping into her voice.
The young girl's scream echoed through the distance. "Mama!"
Hinata lay on the ground, the Rinnegan Man's kunai hovering above her chest. His hand trembled with anticipation, ready to deliver the final blow.
Hinata lay on the ground, the Rinnegan Man's kunai hovering above her chest. His hand trembled with anticipation, ready to deliver the final blow.
Her vision began to blur, but her mind remained sharp.
Thoughts of Boruto and Himawari flooded her mind. "Who will protect them now?" she wondered. "Will Naruto-kun be able to care for them alone?"
She pictured Boruto's mischievous grin and Himawari's bright smile. "How will they grow up without a mother?" Tears streamed down her face.
Hinata's thoughts shifted to Naruto. "He'll be devastated," she thought. "He'll blame himself for not saving me." She envisioned Naruto's anguished face, his eyes filled with regret.
"I couldn't protect them," Hinata whispered, her voice barely audible. The Rinnegan Man's kunai began its descent, casting a menacing shadow on Hinata's face.
Himawari's distant scream pierced the air. "Mama!" Time seemed to slow. Hinata closed her eyes, bracing for the inevitable.
But just as the kunai was about to strike...
A brilliant yellow chakra erupted, surrounding Hinata. Naruto, in his Kurama Chakra Mode, materialized above Hinata, his eyes blazing with fury. The Rinnegan Man's kunai halted mere inches from Hinata's chest.
Naruto's gaze locked onto the Rinnegan Man, burning with determination. "You'll never harm my family again," Naruto declared.
Hinata's eyelids trembled open, confusion clouding her gaze. Expecting darkness and pain, she found Naruto's relieved face instead. His eyes brimmed with unshed tears.
"Naruto-kun?" Hinata whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Thank God, Hinata," Naruto replied, his deep voice trembling with relief.
As awareness dawned, Hinata realized she was alive. The Rinnegan Man's kunai had halted mere inches from her chest.
Naruto's rugged features softened, relief washing over him. His calloused hands cradled Hinata's head with tender care. Gratitude and love radiated from his eyes.
Hinata's heart swelled with emotion. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a testament to her joy and relief. She felt safe, protected by the person she trusted most.
The devastated landscape surrounded them – rubble-strewn streets, smoke billowing into the sky, and the eerie silence of a ravaged village.
Himawari's panicked voice pierced the air, "Mama!"
Hinata's gaze locked onto Naruto's, her eyes speaking volumes. Naruto's grip on her tightened, his face set in determination.
The Rinnegan Man's face contorted in rage, his eyes blazing with hatred. "You... Hokage," he growled.
Naruto's gaze never wavered, his jaw clenched in resolve.
Hinata's gaze locked onto Naruto's, her eyes speaking volumes. Naruto's grip on her tightened, his face set in determination. "Get Himawari and get out of here, Hinata," Naruto said, his voice firm. Hinata nodded, understanding.
Naruto helped Hinata to her feet, his eyes never leaving the Rinnegan Man. Himawari rushed to Hinata's side, clinging to her mother. As they turned to leave, the Rinnegan Man's face twisted in rage.
"You think you can escape?" he snarled. The Rinnegan Man lunged forward, his chakra surging. Naruto stepped forward, shielding Hinata and Himawari. "Protecting my family is my duty," Naruto declared.
With a fierce cry, Naruto summoned a powerful chakra barrier, safeguarding Hinata and Himawari. The Rinnegan Man's attack crashed against Naruto's barrier. "You'll never harm them," Naruto vowed.
The Rinnegan Man's eyes blazed with fury. Hinata and Himawari fled, Naruto's protection their only solace. As they vanished into the distance, Naruto's resolve hardened.
"I'll end this," Naruto whispered. The Rinnegan Man's malevolent laughter echoed through the ravaged landscape. Naruto's eyes narrowed.
"This ends now."
KONOHA BORDER: THE INN
The inn, perched just a stone's throw from Konohagakure's heavily guarded border, exuded a weary stillness under the cloak of night. A lone lantern swung gently above the entrance, casting flickering shadows that danced across the rough-hewn wooden walls.
The air was cool and carried the scent of pine from the surrounding forests. Extending from the main structure of the inn were a series of verandas, each offering a view.
On one of these elevated platforms stood a figure, their silhouette stark against the inky sky. His brown hair was tousled by a gentle breeze, and strands of vibrant green hair were woven through it, catching the faint moonlight. Distinct red markings traced intricate patterns across his face, giving him a somewhat fierce appearance.
He stood with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed in the direction of Konoha, a silent intensity radiating from him. Suddenly, a voice, soft yet carrying concern, broke the stillness. "Hey...I think something really is the matter." The speaker emerged from the shadows of the veranda.
It was a girl with striking blonde hair, one side of her face partially obscured by a sweep of her bangs, adding to her enigmatic air. Her voice held a note of unease.
Another voice, deeper and more grounded, joined them. "You guys feel that? Look, even the table's shaking." A second figure's voice stepped forward. He gestured towards a small, round wooden table situated inside the room leading to the veranda.
Indeed, the glass of water placed upon it was visibly trembling, the surface rippling with unseen vibrations.
The blonde girl's eyes widened, a flicker of alarm in them. "Shinki... I think we should go back to the village. All these abnormal sounds... they're coming from over there." She gestured in the direction of Konoha, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shinki finally shifted his gaze from the distant village, his red-marked face turning towards his companions. He reached for a sturdy-looking bag that rested at one of the side tables in the room.
It was clearly packed with ninja tools, the distinct shapes of kunai and shuriken subtly outlined against the canvas. With deliberate movements, he slung the bag over his shoulder, the weight settling comfortably against his back.
His voice, usually calm and measured, now held a note of urgency. "Araya... Yodo... let's go. We are leaving for Konoha." His decision was firm, his gaze fixed on the path that led towards the source of the unsettling disturbances.
"Taking a Thunder Train would be the quickest way right now," Araya suggested, his voice matter-of-fact, already calculating the fastest route back to village.
Suddenly, a sharp, agitated voice shouting from below shattered the tense quiet. Yodo, her sensory perception always keen, hurried to the edge of the veranda and peered down towards the ground floor of the inn. Shinki followed with swift, silent movements, his red-marked gaze narrowing as he listened intently.
They heard a young, defiant voice, tinged with anger. "Let go! We're telling you, we need to speak with our Raikage-sama! What business do you Konoha ninja have, huh?"
Then, another, slightly calmer voice emerged from the fray. "Yurui, at least listen to what he has to say..." The speaker sounded younger, and a tremor of fear could be detected in his tone.
Immediately after, a gruffer voice cut in, laced with impatience. "Oi, you coward, Toroi! What are you saying? Yurui, listen to him. If it's sensible, fine. If not, we'll just force our way through."
A figure in Konoha shinobi attire, who seemed to be guarding the inn's entrance, spoke with a firm but weary tone. "Listen, you guys, I understand your urgency. But Raikage-sama is a little preoccupied at the moment. You won't be able to meet with him right now."
Just then, a deafening BOOM reverberated through the air. A sudden, intense red light flashed across the night sky, momentarily illuminating the stunned faces on the veranda.
Shinki's eyes widened, a flicker of alarm crossing his usually stoic features. "Let's go," he stated decisively, his voice low and urgent. "While that Konoha shinobi is distracted by those Kumogakure genin, we'll catch a Thunder Train."
Araya and Yodo exchanged swift glances, their expressions mirroring Shinki's urgency. They both nodded in agreement, their earlier unease now replaced by a clear sense of immediate action.
The abnormal sounds and the sudden, violent flash in the sky confirmed their instincts – something serious was unfolding, and they needed to return to Konohagakure without delay as to know what was really going on?
---
Quiz Question:
What emotional struggle does Hinata face in this chapter, aside from her physical battle against the Rinnegan Man?
A) Guilt over not being able to protect the village
B) Fear of losing her family
C) Doubt in Naruto's ability to save her
D) Regret over past decisions
Share your answer in the comments below!