Naruto: Rise of the Fallen Princess

It had been nearly two weeks since the event that left Hinata with questions she could not ignore—doubts not about her survival, but about the true extent of what her actions had caused. The uncertainty compelled her to change their route, leading them toward the coast, where she could confront the consequences directly.

Their destination became Yukari no Minato, a modest coastal village nestled between the steaming cliffs of the Land of Hot Water and the icy winds of the Land of Frost. It was a tranquil place—almost dreamlike. The old wooden docks, weathered by salt and time, were made more for humble fishing boats than grand vessels. Each morning, a thick mist clung to the rocky shore, casting an ethereal veil over the harbor. Some said spirits wandered through that fog at dawn.

The homes were simple, often raised on stilts to withstand the coastal tide, with thatched or tiled roofs that dripped constantly from condensation. Local fishermen warmed their houses using natural steam vents, sometimes cooking fish over the hot, mineral-rich stones that hissed with gentle heat.

Masaru had explained what Hinata already suspected. "Despite its isolation, Yukari no Minato is known for its hospitality and warmth—a haven halfway between opposing lands. Mercenaries, wandering monks, herbalists, even disguised shinobi pass through seeking rest. The locals offer silence rather than questions, and in certain circles, that's the highest courtesy of all."

When they arrived, Hinata had made an unusual request.

"We'll rest here for a day," she said quietly. "If possible, try to gather news—rumors about recent events in the Land of Hot Water... and anything ordinary about the people here."

Her companions sensed something beneath her tone, though none commented on it—not even their silent observer.

Hinata spent her time meditating, her focus turned inward, working to hasten her recovery through stillness rather than action. There was no training that evening. Her senses, attuned as they were, picked up whispers from the village, but she trusted that the full picture would come together from the mouths of her trusted companions.

When the time came, they departed Yukari no Minato just as quietly as they had arrived.

Riding along the road once more, Hinata finally broke the silence.

"So… what did you learn in Yukari?" she asked, her voice gentle but curious.

Ayaka was the first to speak. "It seems the flow of shadowed visitors has increased in the last few weeks—all moving toward the Land of Hot Water. I heard whispers about something that happened in a southern village called Toba. They speak of a battle between a goddess shrouded in silver light… and the fury of the sea itself. The tale says the goddess sacrificed herself to save the town, only to be swallowed by the ocean in retaliation."

Souta followed, nodding. "Yeah, I heard that too. But some versions add that a giant sea monster appeared days before the event. The rumor is that the goddess fought that creature as well."

Emi offered another angle. "I spoke to the fishermen. The sea's been turbulent—fewer fish, rougher tides. They say the big waves came from the south. No major coastal towns were harmed, but the fishing routes were badly affected for nearly a week. Things are starting to return to normal now."

Kenshiro gave a small, approving nod at his companions' accounts, then added with an air of calm, "I heard the fishing disruption didn't cause significant hardship. Just a couple of slow weeks. The real stir seems to be in the local restaurants. They've had to invent new dishes to satisfy their patrons without fresh catch."

Masaru raised an eyebrow at Kenshiro's oddly casual remark. It was clear he was downplaying the situation for Hinata's sake. And it was equally clear who the silver goddess in the rumors truly was. He withheld one last detail—that the townspeople were already discussing renaming their village and building a shrine to the Silver Lady.

Their journey continued, and the hot springs of the Land of Hot Water offered a welcome, if fleeting, distraction from the ever-turning wheels of the world.

<<<< o >>>>

Ayaka was tired, but it was a good kind of tired. Lately, her nightly training sessions with Hinata had become more intense. Surprisingly, Hinata's attempts to slow her pace and strike with unexpected rhythm had improved her precision—not just in movement, but in force. Souta's armor no longer cracked under the strain, and Hinata's blows now landed precisely on joint seams, enough to weaken without causing lasting harm. Before, such strikes would have forced them to pause training for days. Now, recovery came faster, and Ayaka sensed Hinata was holding back less with each passing night.

Yet even amid the progress, Ayaka couldn't help but think—Hinata seemed to long for her family. Seeing them only through glimpses in Yumegakure was no longer enough. Especially with the chaos brewing in that part of their world.

In the week that followed, their travel speed increased. Rest stops grew shorter. And everyone knew why. Home was near—and they all yearned for it.

The Land of Rice, with its endless plains of swaying grass, passed swiftly beneath their feet. Strange noises echoed through the night. By now, they understood the region's reputation—its shinobi and their long-distance communication techniques. Fortunately, Jiren and his Shadow Guard kept pace, their vigilance constant. To their surprise, they even encountered one or two wandering samurai from their homeland, their armor bearing the subtle marks of Iron.

Then came the Land of Iron—their homeland.

It didn't take long for them to notice the change. Patrols of samurai roamed the fields, often accompanied by ronin allies. The posture of the country had clearly shifted—tense, watchful, projecting strength. The journey of Lady Hinata had brought notoriety to their nation, for better or worse.

Ayaka watched as village after village came into view. Compared to how things were just two years ago, everything had changed. The settlements looked richer, more cared for. The fields were well-maintained. The people seemed lighter in spirit.

The rise of a new daimyō—and the emergence of his daughter—had drawn a clear line between before and after.

And it seemed that lands beyond the borders of Iron were beginning to take notice.

<<<< o >>>>

Upon arriving at the capital, Hinata paused before the gates of the estate that had become her home—not merely by title, but by heart. For a brief moment, her breath caught—not out of doubt, but anticipation. The gates opened, and waiting beyond them stood familiar faces: Takama Gin, Maeko, and Enshun, each serene and expectant.

That serenity was broken by a delighted shriek.

"Taro! Taro, slow down!" Enshun called out, but it was too late—the small child had already charged into Hinata's legs, throwing his arms tightly around her knees.

The impact was soft and warm. Hinata knelt down and embraced him, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "You've grown," she whispered.

The toddler blinked up at her with fascination. "Rin said you'd bring stories from your travels!"

That made Maeko laugh softly. "Rin's told him all about you," she said, approaching to help Hinata stand and then wrapping her in a warm embrace. "Every time I see you, you've changed. This year has turned you from a girl into a woman."

When Takama stepped forward, his grin wide and proud, Hinata bowed slightly. "I hope my journey didn't cause too much trouble in my absence, Father."

Takama gave a slow nod, his eyes sharp and kind. "You walk like a warrior now. And you look like one. But the air around you is still as gentle as the day we first met. What I've heard of your journey—your deeds and your strength—has brought only honor to the Land of Iron, its people, and its samurai. You've proven my trust was never misplaced. You've made me a proud father."

Indeed, Hinata had changed. She stood taller, carried herself with quiet strength, and wore her spiritual and martial growth in the way a seasoned blade bore the mark of its forge. Even Rin, now eleven and reserved as always, stepped closer with a soft expression.

"You came back," she said plainly.

"I did," Hinata replied, resting a hand gently on her head. "And I always will. With new stories just for you."

Rin lit up at the promise. "Yes! Taro and I want to hear everything!"

Behind her, her guardians—Masaru, Kenshiro, Emi, Souta, and Ayaka—stood respectfully. A bit farther back were Jiren and his three comrades, who had accompanied them through much of their journey.

Lord Takama turned his attention to them, stepping forward with a measured smile. "Each of you has shown loyalty, wisdom, and skill throughout this campaign. I will speak with each of you soon about your futures within the Land of Iron. But for today, you are all my honored guests. Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we plan."

Emi, Souta, and Ayaka exchanged stunned glances, visibly moved that the daimyō would offer them such grace. Masaru and Kenshiro, while less surprised, accepted the honor with respectful nods—both visibly pleased.

Then Takama's eyes shifted past them, toward Jiren and his retinue.

"My words extend to you as well," he said simply.

Surprise briefly crossed Jiren's face—a rare break in his composed exterior. He gave a solemn nod, and entered alongside his companions, who looked relieved and honored.

Yet amid the warmth of reunion and celebration, Hinata felt it—a spiritual whisper, a thread pulled taut across the soul.

Zetsu.

Despite the layers of security Reika and Kenshiro had meticulously woven—seals crafted with advanced knowledge and empowered by Takama's new resources—Zetsu had moved through them unnoticed. Either his abilities were far beyond anything expected, or he was a sealmaster of immense skill. Given Akatsuki's numerous hideouts and the whispers of their reach, it was entirely possible.

For now, Zetsu watched.