Naruto: Rise of the Fallen Princess

In the pure lands, in the halls beyond existence, where time drifted like dust and memory held no weight, the Shinigami Supervisor watched.

He had been observing Soul 07 — the child mortals called Fū — ever since the initial disturbance. Sacred Soul, temporarily displaced. Suspected of proximity to the anomaly. But no corruption clung to her. Whatever imbalance pulsed through the world, it eluded direct sight.

The one near her, however…

The male. Closely bonded.

An aberration clung to his soul like frost on glass. Not native. Not natural. An additive parasite woven so deeply into his spiritual structure that it could not be removed without annihilating the host core itself.

The Supervisor watched carefully. This being — this boy — resembled the anomaly, but lacked the magnitude. What dwelled inside him was incomplete. Fragile. And crucially, it was not the source of the world's degradation.

Still, the resemblance clouded the trail.

The Supervisor recorded the interference.

OBSCURATION FIELD: ACTIVE. PROXIMITY TO ANOMALOUS CORE REDUCES ACCURACY OF TRACKING FUNCTION.

"False scent," the Supervisor murmured. "But time is my ally."

And so he waited. Days passed. Then weeks. Then months.

Five months.

Until at last — a sliver of irregularity.

A conversation. Supposedly private. Unnoticed by those who believed they remained unseen.

"It seems the Princess of Iron will be staying in Konoha for a while," said the boy to Soul 07. "I'll wait nearby, outside the village. But you... return to Takigakure. You'll be safer there."

"That's a shame," Fū replied softly. "At least we can still meet in Yumegakure at night, right?"

"Of course," said the boy, smiling. "Thanks to the Princess, we're only a dream apart. We'll meet again soon."

They parted soon after.

But the Supervisor did not forget the words.

Keyword: Yumegakure. Context: Conceptual space. Associated with Sacred Soul 07. Access point: Princess of Iron.

And with that, the trail cleared.

"The anomaly hides in dreams. The Princess is the link. Next time she nears Soul 07… I will follow."

His eyes, like distant stars, dimmed once more.

But only for now.

He would wait. And when she reached for that forbidden place again, he would be there.

To seal Yumegakure.

To erase the violation.

To restore the balance.

<<<< o >>>>

The gates of Konoha stood open beneath a warm afternoon sky, framed by ancient timber and watchful shinobi. Hinata Gin stood at the threshold, pausing as her eyes took in the village she once called home.

It was nothing like the Land of Wind or the stone-guarded austerity of Iwagakure. Here, the streets were alive. Families walked beside shinobi. Merchants called out with bright voices. Children darted past without fear. The gates welcomed rather than warned — a city breathing with warmth, not caution.

Kuro walked proudly beside her, though something in her body language had changed. With an exaggerated motion, she began to shrink — her massive form curling inward until she took on the adorable, fluffy size she once had as a pup. It was comical and deliberate, and the way she glanced at Mitsue — still draped in cool confidence across Hinata's shoulders — clearly said, "I can do that too now."

Hinata blinked in surprise, then laughed — a warm, honest sound — and scooped Kuro into her arms, cradling her as she had done in their earliest days together. The wolf gave a dignified little huff but nestled close, her pride intact and tail flicking lightly against Hinata's robes.

"You've gotten even better at showing off," Hinata murmured with a grin, gently stroking behind Kuro's ears. "But you really do look adorable like this."

Behind her, clearly not surprised by Kuro's little demonstration, Souta leaned toward Emi, whispering, "So... when are we meeting the famous Ino you've been talking about since the Land of Earth?"

Emi flushed. "As soon as I find her," he said quickly. "That much, I promise."

Ayaka, clinging to Souta's arm, smiled. "You also promised me a fancy dinner here, remember?"

Souta grinned at her, then gave Emi a pointed look. "Double date. Non-negotiable."

Ayaka turned her bright eyes to Emi, who sighed in resignation. "I suppose I have no choice."

Masaru, walking a few paces behind, watched the banter and muttered to Kenshiro, "Good thing we already figured that part of life out, huh?"

Kenshiro gave a subtle nod. These past months had cemented a rare bond — true friendship. Yet as he looked upon Konoha, his gaze sharpened.

Old allies, yes. But convenient ones. He remembered Uzushiogakure — how help came too late, if it came at all. And what they'd recovered with Hinata's aid… it had been too easy. Too smooth.

He had no proof.

But he had no doubt.

And silence, for now, was the best shield. Blood once spilled could not be called back.

Hinata, unaware of his thoughts, smiled at the city. "Now... where's the Sarutobi compound?"

<<<< o >>>>

They arrived at the Sarutobi compound a short while later — a quiet place, walled by tradition and shaded by old trees that whispered of long-held memories. Before Hinata could even knock, the door slid open.

Asuma Sarutobi stood on the threshold, a faint smile playing under his beard. His eyes flicked briefly from Hinata's face to her posture, taking in the grace and strength she now carried. "I thought I felt an odd ripple in the wind," he said. "Welcome home, Lady Hinata. You've grown — you'll be breaking hearts without even noticing."

Kurenai stepped beside him, one hand resting gently on the curve of her noticeably rounded belly. Her gaze was affectionate as she smiled at Hinata. "I'm so happy you came early!"

Then her eyes fell to the small, fluffy version of Kuro nestled in Hinata's arms. She let out a soft gasp and knelt to stroke the wolf's fur. "She looks just like she did when you first introduced her to us," Kurenai murmured, her fingers gentle. "It brings back such happy memories."

Kuro preened under the attention, clearly pleased.

From behind the couple, a boy peeked out — dark-haired, eyes full of mischief and curiosity. He stepped forward with a hesitant grin.

"And this troublemaker," Asuma added with amusement, "is my nephew. Konohamaru."

Konohamaru puffed up slightly. "I'm not a troublemaker. I'm going to be Hokage one day!"

Hinata laughed lightly. "Ambition suits you. I'm honored to meet you, Konohamaru."

The boy blinked, then scratched his head. "You're the priestess everyone's talking about, huh? You don't look scary at all."

"Good," Hinata said with a small smile. "I try not to be."

Asuma gestured toward the house. "Come in, all of you. Let's get some tea. I think there's much to catch up on — and you have quite the entourage now."

Hinata nodded, grateful. "Yes. And if it's not too much, I'd like to talk about the wedding. I came hoping to help however I can."

Kurenai smiled softly, rising to her feet. "Then you're right on time."