Under Hinata's lead, the group made their way to the Land of Lightning. Their path took them to a rugged coastline, where the waves battered ancient cliffs of black stone. In the distance, rising from the mists like a myth, was Turtle Island—a massive, living island that carried its own ecosystem on its back. Covered in dense foliage and dotted with strange stone formations, the creature's shell bore ancient scars of storms and time.
As they approached the island aboard Kuro, Hinata signaled him to stop just short of the shoreline. "This is the island where Naruto is hiding. We just need to cross the barrier the Shinobi Alliance placed around it. Sasuke, do you think your Amaterasu weapons could break through?"
Sasuke smirked, intrigued by the challenge. "That sounds like a fun test… though oddly enough, I think being so direct might not be the best option. Strange coming from me, but wouldn't it be smarter to just draw attention and let them come to us? We are allies now, after all."
Hinata blinked, caught off guard by the logic.
"Oof. That's gotta sting," Kuro chimed in. "The Uchiha boy's the voice of reason this time."
Mitsue nodded beside her. "Perhapsss Kuro can grow and give a howl… draw their attention… and we wait."
And so they did. Kuro expanded into his towering wolf form and let out a powerful howl that echoed over the water. Then he sat down politely, shrinking back beside the group waiting over the water.
It didn't take long. A squad of Kumo shinobi arrived, surrounding them quickly—but not with hostility. Recognition sparked when they saw Hinata.
After a few tense exchanges, two key figures were brought to them—Jiraiya and Motoi.
Motoi stepped forward first, offering a respectful nod. "I'm Motoi, guardian of this island… and you must be the Iron Princess. Your duel with Killer B left quite the impression on the younger generation." His eyes then shifted to Sasuke. "And who's your bodyguard today?"
Jiraiya laughed as he joined them. "That's Sasuke Uchiha. He and I fought against the former Akatsuki leader. He's solid. Let them through, Motoi. Naruto's been waiting to see them."
Hinata bowed with grace. "It's an honor to meet you, Motoi. Jiraiya-sama, I'm glad to see you well. I know this is irregular, but may we pass?"
Motoi raised an eyebrow. "I'm more curious how you found this place."
Hinata smiled, and with a flick of her fingers, revealed a single silver thread stretching from her chest into the dense foliage of the island. "Simple. I just followed the thread connecting me to Naruto."
Motoi sighed. "That… is concerning. I'll have to inform the Raikage."
They were granted entry and led through the island's winding paths. Eventually, they reached a tranquil lake, fed by a waterfall. In its center stood a stone platform—and on it, Naruto, deep in meditation.
As they approached, his eyes opened slowly, a peaceful smile forming on his lips.
Jiraiya nodded proudly. "Looks like the kid's done it."
Kuro tilted her head. "Done what?"
Motoi explained. "This place is special. Those who meditate here confront the darkness in their hearts. If they can endure it, they ascend to a new level of power."
Naruto stood and rushed over the water, his grin wide. "Sasuke! Hinata!"
He fist-bumped Sasuke, then turned to Hinata.
Hinata offered him a warm smile. "It's good to see you again, Naruto-kun. We came because… there are things that must happen if we're going to stop this war before it starts."
Naruto blinked. "War? What war?"
"They didn't tell him," Sasuke muttered. "To protect him and to keep him from interfering."
Jiraiya looked away, clearly uncomfortable.
Hinata turned to him. "Jiraiya-sama, you're welcome to join us. We need to speak to someone very special in Yumegakure no Kai. It'll make things clearer."
Sasuke frowned. "What do you mean? Who are we talking to, and why Yumegakure?"
Hinata just smiled. "We'll meditate… and sleep. The rest will reveal itself."
Naruto looked at Jiraiya. "Well, guess we're going to Yumegakure. You coming, Ero-Sennin?"
Jiraiya sighed. "Looks like I don't have much choice if I want answers."
The four of them sat down in a circle, with Mitsue and Kuro watching over them.
Kuro's eyes drifted to the meditation stone. Mitsue noticed.
"You can go. I'll guard them," Mitsue said, her coils wrapping protectively around the group.
Kuro's eyes sparkled. "You always get me. Time for some soul-punching darkness therapy." And with a leap, she vanished toward the center of the lake.
<<<< o >>>>
Hinata emerged into the White Space—a vast and still dimension bathed in soft silver light. A breath later, the spirits of Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiraiya manifested around her, each arriving with a familiarity that spoke of countless crossings through this realm. Every time they slept and sought the path to Yumegakure, they passed through here.
Naruto, true to his boundless energy, was the first to speak. "Alright! We're all here! So, what's next, Hinata?"
Jiraiya crossed his arms, brows lifted in mild curiosity, while Sasuke simply gave her a quiet, expectant look.
Hinata smiled gently. "During my travels, after rescuing my two fathers—Hiashi and Takama—I came here each night. I've been stabilizing the connection to the Pure Lands." She noticed Naruto's puzzled expression and clarified, "It's the realm where the souls of our dead go… including your parents, Naruto."
Jiraiya's features tensed slightly in confusion, while Sasuke's eyes glinted—he understood.
Hinata brought her hands together, weaving her chakra with deep focus. Her spirit aligned with her body, and Yumegakure itself responded. Silver and gold threads erupted from her form, spiraling outward, shimmering with intent and power. They twisted through space and time, pulling at something far beyond.
"Yume no Fukkatsu—Dream Rebirth!"
The first form rose like mist from a luminous pool. Tall, robed in symbols older than language, his presence was timeless. His eyes were galaxies—witness to the birth of chakra and the fall of gods.
Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths, stood in still reverence. He said nothing—but his silence resonated like eternity.
From his shadow emerged a figure thin and solemn, wearing the red clouds of a twisted dream. There was no malice, only a heavy resolve.
Yahiko, the original bearer of Akatsuki's dream, stepped into the light.
Next came a flash of gold, and then stillness. A man with warm eyes and the stance of a protector. His presence was sunrise after an endless night.
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, moved forward without hesitation.
Beside him, hair the color of wildfire swayed gently. Her spirit was fierce, radiant, but loving—she placed a hand on Minato's shoulder without thinking.
Kushina Uzumaki, strong and bright, returned with a soft grin.
Then came the weight of legacy—sharp and cold. A man whose face was carved by leadership more than affection. He scanned the space with a gaze built to command.
Fugaku Uchiha, the father of the revolution that never was.
Finally, a whisper of grace. She glided rather than walked, her smile gentle, her chakra flowing like water. Her gaze held pain and infinite love.
Mikoto Uchiha, mother of the destined brothers.
Hinata lowered her hands as the threads retracted, wrapping around the souls to anchor them to the present.
Sasuke's usual composure cracked. His expression melted into pure shock at the sight of his parents.
Hinata saw his soul ripple—equal parts disbelief and yearning. His guard dropped, and for once, the mask of the avenger faded, revealing the son.
Jiraiya looked as though the breath had been stolen from his lungs, watching the dead walk again.
Minato moved first, pulling Kushina into his arms. "I thought I lost you…"
Kushina gave a gentle smack to his chest, eyes glassy. "Idiot. You did… but I clawed my way back anyway."
Yahiko turned, voice quiet but firm. "Jiraiya-sensei… what is this place?"
Jiraiya, still staring at Hagoromo, shook his head in awe.
Naruto stood frozen, eyes wide and glassy. "Dad? Mom?"
Hinata extended her silver threads once more, this time linking directly with the minds of Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiraiya.
"Surprise," she sent to all three with a warm pulse. "Take your time. You deserve it."
She watched with quiet joy as the impossible became real—reunions once thought lost.
Turning toward Hagoromo, she stepped away from the others.
"This wasn't exactly what we discussed," he said with faint amusement, "but I can't say I mind the family reunions."
Hinata lifted her chin with a proud smirk. "I followed my heart. The timing felt right… and these moments matter too."
Hagoromo nodded. "I see you've taken your next step and are firmly on the Silver Stage, which makes me feel more at ease… I assume you've spoken with my brother?"
"That step... wasn't easy…" Her voice broke for a moment about what she had lived through to take that step, but she concentrated on what was ahead and continued. "Your brother is already here in Yumegakure. Should arrive any moment," she confirmed.
A doorway formed, glowing with celestial energy. From it stepped Hamura… and Michel.
Hamura stopped behind her and stared at Hagoromo. "Brother."
From Hagoromo's soul, Hinata could see it—a flicker of ancient rivalry, softened by pride. She felt Hamura's recognition too, an unspoken acknowledgment that his descendant had surpassed the limits of their lineage, carrying a burden neither brother had dared entrust to another until now.
Not wanting to intrude, she stepped aside and turned to Michel.
"I knew you were planning something," he said with a chuckle, "but this… this is beautiful."
Hinata shrugged playfully. "Originally, it was just Hagoromo. But then I thought—why not bring back those who mattered to them too? Konan asked for help finding Yahiko again… and he matters to Jiraiya. So… two for one."
Michel's gaze grew softer. "I'm surprised you didn't bring your mother too."
Hinata's expression grew more solemn. "Not yet. That one needs to happen with Hiashi… and Hanabi. When the time comes, it'll be all three of us. Together."