Hinata and Hiashi's arrival in Konoha went largely unnoticed, as she resumed the identity of the mysterious 'Oni'—the masked girl who had joined Sasuke's circle and remained secluded within the Uchiha compound. Secretly, however, she made regular visits to Kurenai and the infant Hiruzen at the Sarutobi residence.
Once Hinata physically arrived in the village, Kurenai arranged a quiet gathering. She invited Kiba, Akamaru, and Shino. Asuma, recently discharged from the hospital, was also present. Naturally, Kuro was there, ever vigilant, and Mitsue lay coiled comfortably on a nearby chair.
That evening, Hinata wore one of the soft kimonos she had left at Kurenai's house. She felt uneasy showing her face while wearing the tight, revealing clothes tied to her 'Oni' identity.
With a radiant smile, Hinata finally held baby Hiruzen in her arms. Having him like this—truly, physically—was something her spiritual clones could never replicate. She felt his warmth, his breath, the small weight resting against her chest... and her heart overflowed.
They were all gathered in a warm room, surrounded by food and drink, happily chatting.
"You have an amazing bond with him," Kurenai murmured gently, handing over a small blanket.
Hinata nodded softly, eyes still on the baby.
"It's like I can understand him... not with words, but with the soul."
"I get that with Akamaru sometimes," Kiba added with a smirk as the large dog sniffed the baby. "Though I have to admit, this little guy smells way better."
Laughter rippled through the room—even Shino smiled faintly from where he stood, arms crossed near an open window.
"It's strange seeing Hinata so relaxed," Shino said in his usual calm tone, though affection underlined every word. "But I'm glad to see her happy."
"Happiness isn't a luxury, Shino. It is a right. And if anyone's earned it, it's her," Asuma chimed in, crossing a leg as he toyed with a cigarette he never lit.
Mitsue let out a soft huff, her slitted eyes curiously examining the child. "I ssstill can't comprehend how humanssss have evolved ssso far when their young take ssso long to grow."
"Were you always this grumpy since birth?" Kiba laughed.
"I wasn't born, I hatched," she replied dryly, though the corner of her mouth curled in something close to amusement.
From his spot near the fireplace, Kuro flicked an ear lazily. "I don't get the fuss over something that can't even walk yet. But if he matters to you all... then he matters to me."
"Thank you, Kuro," Hinata murmured, petting her head with her free hand.
Kiba glanced at him. "I have to say, Kuro, I'm not sold on that eye or the whole white-wolf look. Doesn't really suit you."
Kuro flattened his ears. "Well, I didn't have much choice. I needed a disguise."
"So… you're planning to change it?" Shino asked.
Kuro perked up. "Yes! I know someone with a whole bunch of cool ones. I'll ditch this bear eye Mitsue got me and get something better."
Hinata gently covered Hiruzen's ears. "Kuro, we can't talk about these things in front of the baby."
Kurenai turned toward Mitsue with curiosity. "Hinata mentioned you're learning some healing techniques from Lady Tsunade? That's incredible."
Still munching on her food, Mitsue lit up. "Yesss! We're working on a joint project. I've learned a lot!"
Hinata turned to Asuma. "I heard about the fight… I'm relieved to see you well. How did... Naruto… do?"
Asuma smiled like a wolf hearing good prey. "Don't worry. Naruto showed exceptional wisdom and capability. Even Kakashi acknowledged his growth—something that speaks volumes."
Hinata smiled softly. She could feel the change… and hoped it was for the better. Here, with baby Hiruzen in her arms, surrounded by what remained of her family, she felt at ease. Yet, something about seeing Shino in person triggered a quiet unease in her heart.
Hiruzen let out a tiny yawn, and Kurenai stepped forward to take him gently from Hinata's arms.
"Time for bed, little shinobi."
Hinata watched the moment, committing it to memory. That night, with the fire's soft crackle, warm voices, and the presence of those who had seen her grow, she felt she could finally stop being 'Oni'... and just be Hinata.
The evening stretched on a bit longer after Hiruzen was tucked in. When it was time to go, everyone said their goodbyes, warmth still lingering in the air of the Sarutobi household.
Just before leaving, Hinata gently stopped Shino.
"Shino… I was hoping we could talk. In private, if that's alright."
He didn't speak, but nodded silently. They stepped away together, and as they exited the compound, Hinata was once again cloaked in her 'Oni' persona.
"I know this may sound strange… but do you trust me?"
Hinata could see it—his soul, distorted in a way she couldn't fully understand. There was darkness clinging to it, and she knew its source. Shikashi had tampered with Shino. And yet… beneath it, she still saw it: his trust in her.
"You know I do," he replied, steady and sure.
Behind her mask, Hinata smiled. She channeled her spiritual threads and released them around him, tearing through the darkness embedded in his soul. Shino staggered briefly, and Hinata reached out to steady him.
"W-what was that?" he asked, breathless.
"Someone had contaminated your spirit with something I couldn't quite identify. I thought it best to remove it quietly. I didn't want to disturb the mood back there."
"I understand... thank you, Hinata."
She could see it. Shikashi's darkness was gone—but Shino's soul was different now. Changed. And she wasn't sure what it meant.
After a pause, Shino organized his thoughts.
"Someone... somehow... had been using me to send reports about Konoha's shinobi forces. I told them about Sasuke's arrival… I gave them guard positions… I think something big is coming. Come with me. I know someone who can help. There's still time."
She could feel it in him—the stress, the guilt, but also a thread of hope. Someone had used him… but now, he was fighting back. And he wanted her by his side.