Chapter 17:
The moon hung heavy in the night sky, a cold orb casting an eerie glow over the wreckage of the Hidden Leaf Village. Shadows stretched long across the ruins, where whispers of the past drifted like ghosts. The ground was scorched, charred by the crimson flames of Naruto's rampage. Even the once-proud Hokage Monument bore deep gouges, the faces of the great leaders scarred beyond recognition.
Hinata stood atop a crumbling rooftop, her white eyes scanning the village. She clutched the hem of her cloak tightly, knuckles whitening. The weight of grief clung to her shoulders like a shroud. Her beloved village was unrecognizable—ravaged and lifeless.
Kakashi, Shikamaru, and Gaara stood nearby, each reflecting on the devastation. Tsunade, battered and bruised, leaned heavily on a wooden staff. Her gaze was cold, the fire of determination burning beneath the surface.
"We can't delay any longer," she declared, her voice resolute. "Naruto has become a nightmare—an unrelenting storm. The longer we wait, the more lives are lost."
Kakashi's gaze was somber. "We've already lost so much. If we face him head-on, we'll be wiped out."
Shikamaru's eyes narrowed in thought. "We need a plan—something to counter his raw power. Direct confrontation is suicide."
Gaara's sand rustled around his feet. "He seeks destruction and bloodshed. Luring him into a trap won't be easy."
Hinata stepped forward. "We don't need to lure him. I'll go to him."
Everyone turned, eyes wide with surprise.
Shikamaru frowned. "Hinata, you can't be serious."
"I am," she replied firmly. "Naruto isn't just a mindless monster. He's still in there—buried beneath the rage. I know it."
Tsunade's expression softened, but her resolve was unyielding. "You believe you can reach him?"
Hinata nodded, determination burning in her eyes. "If I can speak to him—remind him of who he was—I might reach the real Naruto."
Gaara's voice was cold. "And if you fail?"
Hinata hesitated, then met his gaze. "Then I'll stop him, no matter what."
Kakashi sighed. "It's risky, but it's a better chance than throwing ourselves at him."
Shikamaru crossed his arms. "Alright. But we'll stay close. If things go south, we intervene."
Hinata nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
Tsunade clenched her fists. "It's settled. We strike tonight."
The forest outside the ruined village was a twisted reflection of its former beauty. Branches were scorched, leaves blackened and brittle. The ground was scorched, littered with ash and remnants of fallen shinobi.
Naruto stood at the heart of the destruction, eyes gleaming with malevolent delight. Blood-red chakra flickered around him, tendrils lashing out hungrily. The transformation had warped his appearance—claws and fangs sharper, eyes blazing with crimson hate.
Whispers echoed in his mind, sinister voices urging him on. They spoke of power, vengeance, and destruction. The soul that had once been Naruto Uzumaki was gone—replaced by a being of unrelenting malice.
A soft rustle broke the silence. Naruto's head snapped up, lips curling into a sneer. "Come out," he growled.
Hinata emerged from the shadows, her eyes focused and determined.
"Naruto…" she called out, voice steady despite her pounding heart.
He stared at her, amusement flickering across his face. "Hinata Hyuga. Here to die?"
She shook her head. "I came to talk."
Naruto's grin widened, revealing sharp teeth. "And what could you possibly say that I'd want to hear?"
Hinata met his gaze unflinchingly. "I know you're still in there. You're Naruto Uzumaki—the knuckleheaded ninja who never gave up. The one who swore to protect the village."
Naruto's smile vanished, replaced by a scowl. "Naruto Uzumaki is dead. I am what remains."
Hinata took a step closer. "No. You're still here. You fought against loneliness, hatred, and pain. You changed lives. You changed mine."
He scoffed. "Changed lives? Look around you. I destroyed them. Crushed them beneath my power!"
Hinata's voice wavered but remained strong. "Because you're hurt. Angry. But the real Naruto never let hatred win. He wouldn't abandon his friends."
A flicker of hesitation crossed Naruto's face, but it vanished in an instant. "You're delusional," he snapped.
Hinata stepped closer. "I believe in you. You're stronger than this!"
Naruto's claws twitched. "Stronger? I am the strongest! I don't need your pity!"
She raised her chin defiantly. "Then prove it. Show me the Naruto who never gave up. Show me the hero of Konoha!"
Naruto's chakra flared dangerously, eyes narrowing. "Hero? That boy is gone. The monster remains."
Hinata clenched her fists. "Then I'll bring him back!"
A sudden surge of chakra erupted from Naruto, and he lunged forward, claws slashing. Hinata leaped back, activating her Byakugan as she dodged. Naruto was fast—far faster than she remembered—but she was ready.
She parried his attacks, striking with precision. Naruto's attacks were wild, unrefined but devastating. Each clash sent shockwaves through the forest.
Hinata weaved around his blows, striking vital points. "I won't give up on you!"
Naruto's laughter was harsh. "Then you'll die a fool!"
He lashed out, red chakra coiling like a serpent. Hinata barely dodged, but pain lanced through her side as she was grazed.
"Naruto, please!" she cried.
He growled. "Weak!"
Desperation surged within her. "If you're truly a monster, then why are you holding back?"
Naruto's eyes flashed. He lunged with killing intent, but hesitated—a flicker of recognition. Hinata seized the moment, thrusting a palm forward.
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"
Her strikes pummeled Naruto's chakra points, disrupting his flow. He staggered back, crimson chakra flickering erratically.
Hinata's eyes filled with tears. "Naruto, please... come back."
Naruto's vision blurred, images of the past flashing—friends, promises, bonds. Pain throbbed in his chest.
"No!" he roared, chakra exploding outward.
Hinata was blasted back, crashing hard into a tree. Blood trickled from her mouth, but she stood, trembling.
Naruto's eyes were wild. "I am... power. I am... destruction!"
But the doubt lingered.
Hinata steadied herself. "You are Naruto Uzumaki. And I believe in you."
Naruto's hands clenched, conflicting emotions warring within. The sinister whispers grew louder, urging him to kill.
Hinata's voice pierced the chaos. "I love you, Naruto!"
The crimson chakra flared violently, then began to recede. Naruto's eyes flickered between crimson and blue—rage and desperation.
He staggered back, clutching his head.
Hinata reached out, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Come back to us..."
Naruto screamed—a sound of agony and defiance. The forest shook, and the demonic aura flared before flickering uncertainly.
But the darkness tightened its grip. Naruto's eyes glowed red. "No... I am... THE DEMON!"
With a final surge of malevolent power, the Crimson Demon roared—an unholy proclamation of power.
Hinata's resolve hardened. "Then I'll fight until I save you... or die trying."
The battle was far from over.
I really want your support please give some power stones ❤️