In the distance, two distorted lights flickered. They weren't stars or lanterns. They were souls—Konan's and Nagato's. Hinata recognized them instantly, and with them, the shadow that cloaked them. Their hearts had been invaded by the darkness of the Red Monk, their inner light corroded, dimmed, slowly consumed—perverting their souls, preparing them to merge with the shared void of the countless souls that made up the monstrosity known as Shikashi.
Hinata understood now.
Shikashi didn't believe in the light within people. He couldn't—he was darkness. To him, hope was an illusion doomed to shatter. That's why he pulled the strings of fate, ensuring that everything followed the path he desired, even if it meant extinguishing the last flickers still burning.
They were made into puppets of something far deeper. These weren't entirely their own decisions. They were choreographed steps in Shikashi's grand dance of manipulation. And if they continued on that path... if everything unfolded as it was "supposed" to… Nagato would offer his life to undo the destruction of Konoha. Everything would fit neatly into the script that entity had written—one where Naruto, after touching the darkness, would find redemption. One where the cycle would repeat… and nothing would change.
But she had already changed so much. She had already left her mark on this story. Naruto had lived through different losses. Formed different bonds. His emotions would never be the same, and because of that… the miracle could not repeat itself. Not this time.
"Should I let this decision play out?" she wondered.
But then came the weight of everything she had lived. The pain of not having a choice. The memory of when her body, her soul, her destiny, had been nothing more than strings in someone else's hands. She could not let others suffer the same. Not Konan. Not Nagato.
And yet… part of her still wished for the dead in Konoha to return. She knew that if she did nothing, Nagato's sacrifice might unfold just as written. Was that truly wrong? Or simply convenient?
Far ahead, Naruto had begun gathering natural energy, preparing to re-enter Sage Mode—preparing for whatever came next.
When she looked at him—his light, the warmth that had once given her strength—in that moment, she made her decision.
She chose the light. She chose freedom. She chose the right to choose.
The knot in her soul was unravelled.
Hinata stepped forward. Her silver threads began to shine with brilliance. She did not use them on their bodies, but on the darkness itself—that foul layer that had warped their souls. She pierced it with intent, searching for the hidden sparks within Nagato and Konan. And when she found them… she rekindled them.
Their wills ignited with newfound force, fanned by the silver flames Hinata had planted within. And with that, the darkness gave way.
"No more masks…" she whispered. "This choice… is mine."
When she opened her eyes, Naruto opened his. Their gazes met, and he calmly said,
"Hinata... Thank you. But this moment... leave it to me. It's something I need to do alone."
She looked at him for a few seconds. Then she nodded.
"Then go. I've made my decision. Now it's your turn."
Naruto advanced past the bodies of the two ANBU teams of operatives who had previously fought in this place, in a faceless fight.
He opened the entrance to the paper tree. On the other side, the figures of Nagato and Konan were waiting.
But now, their eyes were different. And deep within their souls—where once only shadows dwelled… a quiet flame had begun to burn again.
Hinata didn't hear everything they said. She stood on the sidelines, watching from a distance. She felt the vibration of the words, the weight of the emotions. She saw Nagato's eyes change, the rigidity in Konan softened.
Nagato decided to help. He focused, began to summon the power of his Rinnegan to use his final technique. Hinata felt it: the energy began to flow, the soul expanded… he used his power to reach the souls in the pure lands and she allowed him to reach those in Yumegakure helping him. but his body couldn't handle it.
It was too damaged.
The residue of Shikashi's influence clouded Nagato's judgment. He couldn't pace himself. He pushed beyond what his body could endure—more than even in the original timeline.
He just couldn't complete the monumental task that his heart decided to do. His Jutsu began to fail.
His soul flickered one last time, and then went out. Before fading, she ensured that his soul would drift toward Yumegakure—guided not by duty, but by choice.
A small portion of the dead returned. Some children. Some elderly people. A handful of shinobi. It was a miracle, but not the magnitude of the original story … but it was a choice, and it was his.
Hinata felt it and lowered her head.
"Not all returned. But some did. Not because fate demanded it… but because he chose to defy it."
<<<< o >>>>
Hinata entered the clearing quietly, her steps respectful yet firm. The air still shimmered faintly from the final remnants of Nagato's soul crossing over. Konan stood beside his body, unmoving, her posture rigid. But Hinata saw it immediately — the grief behind her still gaze, the unbearable weight of solitude. For Konan, Nagato was more than a comrade; he was family.
Naruto remained nearby, silent and contemplative, trying to grasp the full meaning of what had just occurred.
"He gave his life to atone," Hinata said softly. "Some of the people who died in Konoha have returned."
Naruto's soul, heavy a moment ago, visibly lightened. His breath became steady. A subtle nod followed.
Hinata stepped forward. "Konan… it seems we always meet under complicated circumstances."
As she neared, Konan instinctively moved between Hinata and Nagato's body. Her expression was unreadable, but her intent was clear.
Hinata bowed her head slightly. "I'm sorry for intruding in this moment. I know you're in deep pain. But what he chose in the end… shows that even at our lowest, we can seek redemption. He's in Yumegakure now."
Konan's eyes narrowed, evaluating every word.
"So you're the Silver Lady... Hinata Gin. Nagato spoke of you. He said you were coming. Hard to believe — we thought you were sealed forever inside the Red Monk's technique."
Naruto stepped forward, his expression shifting with realization. "Hinata… you're the Silver Lady?"
She met his gaze with calm intensity. "That's one of my identities. But I'm done hiding behind masks. I am Hinata Gin."
Konan folded her arms. "Very well, Hinata Gin... what did you mean when you said Nagato is in Yumegakure now?"
Hinata's smile was gentle, but full of certainty. "Exactly that. When he died, I opened the path to Yumegakure for him. If he desires, he can live on there. I know he accepted. You'll see him again — in your dreams. And yes, you'll remember. That's a promise I can keep."
"I can vouch for that," Naruto added. "She did the same for me."
That seemed to ease Konan's spirit. Hope flickered in her eyes, faint but present. Perhaps she would speak to Nagato again after all.
"May I ask... could you take me to where the Deva Path's body is? He was precious to both me and Nagato. He deserves to rest beside him in Amegakure."
Naruto nodded. "I didn't understand why Hinata asked me to retrieve it… but I see now she knew it mattered to you."
He unsealed a scroll and, with a swift hand sign, summoned the body of Yahiko. It lay still, peaceful. One of the techniques Kenshiro Uzumaki had insisted Naruto learn — whether he liked it or not.
Konan's expression tightened, but the pain gave way to relief. Yahiko was close once more.
Hinata's demeanor changed slightly, becoming serious. "Konan, I have to ask you to leave Nagato's eyes to me. The Rinnegan must be placed under my care."
A chill rippled through the air. Konan's chakra surged, the paper flowers and wings in the space quivering under the weight of her instinct. Her voice was sharp.
"I won't allow that."
But Hinata didn't flinch. Her aura deepened — heavy, ethereal, timeless. The silver threads flickered into reality, shimmering with a cold brilliance. The paper around them slowed, as if time itself resisted.
"Madara will come for them," Hinata said calmly. "And with him, the rest of Akatsuki. If you keep the Rinnegan, you'll die. And with your death — what becomes of Amegakure? Of Nagato's legacy? Of Yahiko's dream?"
She exhaled slowly. "I know it's hard to believe, but if they come looking… tell them I have the eyes. Let them come for me. You'll be free."
Konan didn't want to accept it. But the truth was there, deep in her bones. She knew Madara. She knew what he was capable of.
"And how do you know you're a better choice than me?"
Hinata's smile faded. The threads around her pulsed. Her silver eyes gleamed like starlight. Even Naruto felt the shift — like reality itself thickened.
"Because I have the strength to resist him. And those eyes… in the wrong hands, they bring only sorrow. Enough for me to take them by force, if I must. But I still believe in choice — even when I don't like the outcome."
Konan studied her. Naruto watched silently. Neither could deny what they were feeling.
Konan's voice softened. "If you haven't taken them already… does that mean you're willing to trade for them?"
Hinata nodded. "I already have. Very few can recall what happens in Yumegakure… but you'll have the chance for more. If it's something I can offer."
Konan took a step forward. "Yahiko… is there a way to see him too?"
Those words echoed in the chamber. Hinata saw it — the flicker in Konan's soul. Hope.
"You're lucky," Hinata replied gently. "I've made peace with the Shinigami. I can make it happen. Not immediately… but I can promise it."
The tension in the air finally eased.
Naruto, still processing everything, turned to Hinata. Their eyes met — hers glowing silver, quiet and strong.
And before he could even speak, she smiled.
"Yes, Naruto-kun… I can do the same for you."
He smiled back.