The days that followed my father Takama's appointment as the new Daimyō of the Land of Iron were busy... and for me, exhausting. Yet, I enjoyed every moment of them.
While Asuma and Kurenai seemed blissfully lost in one another, I treasured my time with my friends. We explored the capital, a city that now felt different beneath my steps. I could sense how its inhabitants looked at me in a new way: their eyes warmly embracing my new status as the Princess of Iron. That acceptance was comforting in ways I found difficult to put into words.
I enjoyed showing the capital to my friends and mentors from Konoha: the samurai practices, the temples, the markets... Places I had grown to love myself. The local culinary specialties were especially appreciated by Chōji, whose enthusiastic praise brought smiles to everyone. Shikamaru was genuinely impressed by the small sky sanctuary, a place dedicated to cloud-watching. I watched him spend long moments there, gaze lost to the heavens.
Ino was delighted when one of our guards during those outings turned out to be Emi, a young and talented wandering samurai. Judging by the reactions of other women with him, he seemed quite attractive as well. He had arrived in the capital as an escort for Kurenai's group, and the subtle mutual attraction between him and Ino did not escape my notice.
Kiba, for his part, enjoyed the meals, though I sensed a certain nervousness in him, as if he were holding back a flood of questions. Shino, ever silent, observed everything intently; I could see in his soul how rapidly his mind was working.
I knew both of them harbored questions about Yumegakure—questions they chose not to ask, in order to protect the secret we now shared. That respect for my trust comforted me deeply.
<<<< o >>>>
Days earlier, in Hinata's first introduction to Team 8 about the world that would soon be known as Yumegakure no Kai
Kurenai, Shino, Kiba, and Akamaru passed through the red gate in a forest clearing. Before their eyes unfolded a lush forest, teeming with life. Unknown insects and plants danced in the air and among the trees. Overhead, a full moon hung in the sky—colossal, vibrant—its light filling the air with a profound calm. They could all feel it: their chakra flowed more smoothly within them, the air was purer, more vibrant.
In the distance, visible even from there, a crystal tower rose, challenging the sky. At its summit, a tree with silver leaves gleamed like a crown of flowers atop an ethereal maiden.
A soft silver light heralded my arrival beside them. "I'm so glad you accepted my invitation," I greeted them with a sincere smile. "You can't imagine how grateful I am to have you here. Let me introduce someone very special to you. The tower you see there," I gestured toward the crystalline structure, "is his creation, and his gift to me. What do you say we head there?"
The group began walking along a strange silver path, where each step seemed to stretch, as if time itself subtly shifted around them. Every step closer to the mysterious crystal tower.
Kurenai and Kiba observed their surroundings with silent curiosity. Shino seemed entranced, fascinated by the variety of unknown insects around him. Akamaru, more restless, ran about exploring the forest's new scents, accompanied by Kuro, who trotted elegantly beside him. Mitsue, meanwhile, had once again wrapped herself around my waist.
Despite my apparent exhaustion, the energy I felt seeing them here gave me the strength to continue.
"It seems this snake is very attached to you," Kurenai remarked, watching Mitsue curled around my waist.
"She doesn't like to be far from me... I told you, my father arranged a deal with Orochimaru to find a cure for my condition. The solution was a chakra transfer from Mitsue to me, to break the blocks the Hyūga seal had imposed on my chakra channels," I explained.
"Why a snake?" Kiba asked, a hint of distaste in his voice.
"I believe it was necessary due to the unique chakra properties of a snake. I also suspect Orochimaru modified Mitsue in some way for the procedure. She can't speak, as her father supposedly can," I replied.
"Her father? Who is he?" asked Shino.
"Orochimaru's primary summon, Manda of the Ryūchi Cave," I answered calmly.
Kurenai straightened slightly, surprised. "Did you make a contract with Ryūchi Cave?"
"No. But after regaining my chakra, I made individual contracts with Mitsue and Kuro. Actually, now that I think about it, Kiba... I could share that knowledge with you. That way you could summon Akamaru from anywhere."
Kiba's eyes lit up. "That's possible? That would be amazing!" he exclaimed enthusiastically.
We continued our walk as I explained this world that now surrounded them: how it was born when Michel an ancient spirit bonded with me against my will and his, how he preserved her soul and, in doing so, strengthened it, causing a dissonance that affected my chakra.
I told them about the rejection I faced from my clan, the creation of this realm in shared dreams with my grandfather Michel—dreams I could only remember while asleep. How, little by little, I began to learn within those dreams and then in waking life I began to learn things as inspired by dreams. Until the conflict with Neji, when everything awakened in me... and the Hyūga seal reactivated.
Michel sacrificed much to restore me and healed Takama's condition in exchange for his protection over me. I had to learn to use my spirit, to move within my own body again. In the Land of Iron, I met Maeko, discovered what it meant to have a caring paternal figure, and began training with a sword—a Sakabatō, a personal symbol of my choice.
I told them how Takama was sent to the Land of Rice, where he secured an agreement with Orochimaru to reverse some of the seal's effects. I began bringing people to this world to help them, offering samurai an accelerated training space. Thus, the Moon Cult was born, along with my spiritual clones, a technique I developed to aid those in need.
I spoke of Kaito's death at the hands of the Jashinists, of my rage, of how the figure of the High Priestess, which initially existed only in this world, manifested in the real one. I told them about my encounter with the Shinigami, and how some souls choose to come here instead of following the natural flow.
I shared details of my treatments with Orochimaru, the punishments I had to impose on Tenshō and certain shinobi from Taki, the exhaustion all of it caused, and how happy I was to be able to share this place with them.
Even so, I did not tell them everything. I withheld mention of Shikashi, of Michel's origins, of the apocalyptic future he came from. Nor did I speak of how that destiny, once seemingly unbreakable, was unraveling with every step we—and those touched by our actions—took forward.
Deep down, I knew I trusted them... and they trusted me. And in this moment, that was all I needed.
<<<< o >>>>
Kurenai felt a storm of emotions swirling within her as they moved deeper into this wondrous realm. Amazement and sorrow, pride and unease, all clashed inside her heart. Here they were, walking through a world born from the young woman beside her—the same girl who had once wept over a lullaby her mother sang when she was but a child.
She silently thanked the heavens that she had been part of Hinata's life, able to guide and support her, even if for a brief time. Now, revelation after revelation was reshaping her understanding of the girl she had known.
When Hinata had openly confessed to them that she was the Silver Lady, Kurenai had been shaken to her core—moved, impressed, and in awe. The Silver Lady's exploits were whispered across the lands: surviving a battle with a Jinchūriki, delivering divine judgment upon the wicked, moving through blades untouched, slaying so-called immortals... Legends that sounded fantastical, yet Kurenai now knew they were all rooted in truth.
As Hinata neared the end of her story, they arrived at the base of a colossal crystal tower. At its foot stood an elderly man—short white hair, a long beard, both as white as freshly fallen snow. Yet it was his piercing blue eyes, sharp and aware, that revealed a vigilant mind.
In the distance, Kurenai glimpsed several training grounds where samurai honed their skills with speed and precision—their techniques clearly distinct from traditional shinobi arts.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all in person after such a long time," the old man greeted them warmly. "I am Michel, the grandfather of young Hinata here."
"So you're the spirit that bonded with her? The cause of most of her problems?" Kiba asked, his tone a bit sharp.
For a brief moment, Michel seemed surprised by Kiba's bluntness, but then replied with calm clarity, "It was not a situation I had control over. Even so, I am grateful for the opportunity to know such a remarkable young woman. Would you not agree?"
Shino, spoke in a more measured tone, "Hinata mentioned this tower was your gift to her... What exactly does it contain?"
"Allow me to show you," Michel replied. With that, he began ascending the tower's elegant stone and crystal steps, roots from the great tree above seeming to weave through the structure itself. The group followed in silence.
Upon entering, Kurenai was struck by the sheer vastness of the place—larger on the inside than it appeared from without. The interior was a grand open space, layered with multiple levels that spiraled upward. Stone, crystal, and living roots intertwined to form walls and walkways. Dozens of glowing books and crystalline constructs radiated an almost tangible vitality.
Michel raised his arms in a welcoming gesture as they took it all in. "This is the Grand Library of Yumegakure no Kai," he announced. "It contains all the knowledge that once existed in Konoha before I helped awaken Hinata's dormant soul—as well as the secrets of the Land of Iron, shared willingly by its people. This is the safest and most secret place in this realm. Only those invited may enter. The three of you are among them."
Kurenai felt her breath catch. "How...?" she whispered.
Michel answered with unwavering clarity. "That's right. Every piece of information, every jutsu—secret or otherwise—Genjutsu, Fūinjutsu, Elemental training, Kenjutsu, Taijutsu... If anyone in Konoha knew it, it is now preserved here. I am not proud of how I acquired it, but I do not regret it either. And now, you have access to it as well—and as much time as you wish to refine your skills and uncover this new knowledge."
The revelation left Kurenai speechless. Beside her, Kiba and Shino looked equally stunned.
Michel continued, his tone a touch lighter, "Perhaps you can convince Hinata not to feel so guilty, and to make full use of this place. It was meant to serve true shinobi."
Turning, Kurenai glanced toward Hinata, finding the young woman's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Smiling softly, Kurenai stepped closer, taking her hand gently. "Very well... we'll have the chance to speak more with you, Michel," she said kindly. "But for now, I'd like for you, Hinata, to show me the rest of this place—if you wouldn't mind?"
Hinata simply nodded, a quiet happiness gleaming in her eyes.