When I saw Hiashi stepping out from Hamura's chamber, I felt something within him had changed—profoundly. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. I also sensed, in both him and Hanabi, a new spiritual connection to the Tenseigan—something they hadn't possessed before. When he reached me, Hiashi looked into my eyes for a long moment, then sat to meditate in silence. He began to concentrate his energies, stabilizing a foundation for something greater—using the doorway that his ancestor had opened. I knew he would wield that gift with wisdom. Just as I knew my sister, meditating quietly beside me with equal purpose, would do the same.
After him came Toneri. Nearly three hours passed before he emerged from the chamber. The link he had with the Tenseigan no longer felt forced. The chorus of angry, vengeful spirits that had once haunted him was now silent. In their place, I sensed harmony—a new stability in his soul. And more than that, I could see that he had regained his eyes.
Haru followed. He remained inside longer than all the others combined. When he finally exited, there was quiet pride on his face, and a sense of spiritual peace surrounded him. He said nothing, simply seated himself on a nearby platform and gazed thoughtfully at the floating stones in the distance.
Last came Tsuki. He entered like a man awaiting his sentence, and only an hour later, he reappeared. There was no drama in his face, no surprise. But as he looked toward Haru, his expression held quiet resignation. I could see it clearly within his soul—his punishment did not involve death, but rather, a duty: to serve Haru and make amends for his past.
When it was my turn to enter Hamura's chamber, he was seated in a lotus position atop the stone altar. The vastness of the great hall seemed to shrink under the weight of his calm presence.
For a moment, we simply observed one another in silence. He radiated peace. True peace. I could sense the deep trust and satisfaction he felt about the decisions he had made in these final hours.
"What do you think of my decisions, young one? I know you see far more than most," Hamura asked, his voice calm.
"That your choices changed the fate of five souls today… and I believe those changes will bring about a better future," I replied.
He nodded slowly. "I know you have no need for power in what you intend to do. That's why I felt it was right to leave it in worthy hands. Hiashi and Hanabi seemed more than suited for it. And helping Toneri free himself from his family's errors… was a necessary second step."
I stepped closer and extended my hand to him. "Would you like to come and wait in Yumegakure no Kai? There's someone there who would be honored to speak with you."
Hamura smiled and reached for my hand. To his surprise, he could feel the texture, the warmth—it was like touching something real. "You never cease to surprise me, young one. It would be my honor to follow your guidance to this place you speak of."
<<<< o >>>>
Hinata and Hiashi stepped through the lunar portal, the same one they had used to arrive—yet Hiashi's face did not show joy. Within his soul, Hinata could sense pride, sorrow, and worry for Hanabi.
She could feel his thoughts drifting back to the moment Hanabi had made her choice to stay behind. And she too could not help but recall it vividly.
< o >
Hiashi, Hinata, and Hanabi stood in the outer hall of the moon palace, where the gateway to the world below awaited activation. Silence hung between them until Hanabi, her voice calm but resolute, spoke first.
"Father. Sister. I've made a decision. I'm staying here, on the moon."
Hiashi raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. Hinata looked at her younger sister with a blend of concern and surprise.
"Are you certain, Hanabi?" Hinata asked gently.
"I am." Hanabi took a breath. "There's real work to be done here. The divisions between Toneri's followers and the rest of the lunar clan haven't healed. If I stay, I can help mend that divide, bring harmony. Hamura's legacy shouldn't be used as a weapon or a leash—it should serve everyone."
Hiashi's brows furrowed, but he didn't speak.
"Hamura entrusted me with part of his power. And here, close to the Tenseigan, I can learn how to cultivate it as he asked me to. This is where I can make a difference. I know both of you must return—there are responsibilities waiting for you. But this… this is my purpose."
Hiashi lowered his gaze before returning it to his daughter. The pride in his eyes mingled with sorrow. "I never thought I'd hear those words from you… but you're right. And if this is your choice, I will respect it."
Hinata stepped forward and embraced her tightly. "You're going to do something incredible. I believe in you."
Hanabi nodded, her expression clear and composed. "This isn't farewell. It's just a new beginning."
Both father and daughter understood they could not hold her back. And for the first time, the moon didn't feel so distant.
< o >
As they walked away from the portal chamber, Hinata turned to her father. "The portal remains functional. You'll be able to return and see her. And we can speak from Yumegakure as well. Everything will be fine."
Hiashi paused, and Hinata felt his spirit quiet, as if something inside him had settled. In that moment, she sensed his link to the Tenseigan deepen.
"Hinata," he said softly, "I know I have little right to say this—but I still see you as my daughter. I don't deserve the bridge you've allowed us to rebuild… but I want to offer you something. Something that may help you in what lies ahead. And I offer it willingly."
She felt it before she saw it—a pure, sincere energy, flowing through him like a conduit. The power surged toward her, wrapping her in light. It soothed her wounds, strengthened her spirit, silenced her fears. It restored what had been broken—stronger than it had ever been.
They stood there in silence, close but not speaking. A quiet miracle unfolding.
When the light faded, she felt whole. Truly whole.
She looked at Hiashi. His pride was clear. There was real joy in his soul, a satisfaction that his gift had worked. But she also saw something else—a weariness deeper than anything physical. He remained upright, unwilling to show weakness before the daughter he now fully accepted.
Hinata moved to him and wrapped her arms around him.
"Thank you… father." The word felt foreign on her lips, but right. Absolutely right.
She felt his body shake as he allowed himself a brief moment of tears, then collapsed unconscious from the exertion.
He awoke a full day later. No words were needed.
Hinata summoned Kuro to her side—Mitsue was receiving personal medical instruction from Tsunade—and with her companion's help, they began the journey back to Konohagakure.