Naruto: Rise of the Fallen Princess

That evening, Hinata gathered with her family and all of her guardians—both the visible and the discreet—for a quiet dinner. The meal was simple and warm, shared under the gentle glow of lanterns on a balcony overlooking the stone gardens. The mood was peaceful, filled with low conversation and the occasional laughter carried by the evening breeze.

Between bites, Takama's expression shifted, a glint of amusement surfacing in his eyes.

"I've received… quite a few letters lately," he said, setting his teacup down with deliberate care.

Hinata looked up from her plate. "From whom?"

"From noble families, trusted allies, and even a few ambitious merchants. It seems there is considerable interest in you, Hinata. Proposals of alliance—some of which include marriage."

Hinata nearly choked on her tea. "W-What?"

Takama chuckled at her reaction. "I'm not pressuring you, of course. I simply wonder… is there someone you're interested in? Or do you prefer to make those decisions in your own time?"

She hesitated, a rare blush creeping up her cheeks. "I… haven't thought about it seriously."

Her father nodded thoughtfully, his tone turning softer, more heartfelt. "Now that your recovery seems to have been remarkably successful, I'll admit I feel hopeful. I may have some years left, but… I wouldn't mind meeting my grandchildren sooner rather than later."

Hinata groaned and hid behind her teacup. "Father…"

Takama only smiled, the silence between them filled with warmth and quiet understanding.

That was when Kuro, who had been chewing contentedly beside Hinata, chimed in with his innocent voice. "Weren't you trying to mate with that boy?"

Takama froze, his hand halting just before raising another bite. "You… talk now?"

Then the words sank in. "W-Wait—boy?"

Hinata's face drained of color just before blooming into crimson. "Kuro, no—"

But Kuro continued, unbothered. "Yeah, the one I don't like. In the place where everyone's always making weird noises. That's where Hinata met Mitsue."

Mitsue, nibbling quietly on her roasted fox meat, nodded solemnly in agreement, locking eyes with Takama without a shred of hesitation.

Takama raised a brow, trying to process the surreal conversation, his eyes wide with amused disbelief.

Hinata, now red as a tomato, scrambled to explain. "Father, it's not like that. I'm just trying to help Sasuke out of a difficult place… I promised Naruto I would."

A flash of recognition sparked in Takama's eyes. "Ah, so Sasuke and Naruto…?" He leaned back, laughing heartily. "Well then, I suppose I have nothing to worry about. With a bit of luck, maybe one of them will help me become a grandfather sooner than expected."

His laughter echoed warmly across the balcony, lifting the tension. Meanwhile, Hinata buried her face in her hands, wishing the floor would open beneath her.

The rest of the table chuckled—some out of amusement, others out of secondhand embarrassment—as the evening drifted on under the soft glow of lanterns and the silver light of the stars.

<<<< o >>>>

By mid-morning the next day, General Mifune and Goro arrived at the residence of Lord Takama Gin. Enshun received them at the entrance, offering the customary bow of respect before leading them into the estate.

"I know the two of you have been busy preparing to receive the delegations from the Lands of Earth and Lightning for the retrieval of the artifacts related to Hinata's amulets," Maeko explained as she walked with them. "But Hinata returned just yesterday… and as no one could possibly be surprised, her father—upon hearing she had completed her style—did what he was absolutely fated to do: challenge her at dawn in the dōjō."

"So much time just to test her style?" Mifune asked, mildly surprised.

Goro answered instead, his tone matter-of-fact. "Both of them practiced the forbidden art of the Gin Clan. They've overcome the technique's former limitations—I don't know how. What's clear is that their bodies are nearly tireless now, forged through that practice. It's like they're constantly performing breathing techniques—even at rest. And now they've added real Breath techniques on top of that. They could spar an entire day without pause. Knowing Lord Takama… he'll push her seriously."

As they neared the dōjō, the shift in temperature was immediately apparent. Inside, the air was thick with heat and intensity. Around the perimeter, Hinata's samurai companions sat on tatami mats, sweat streaming down their faces. They were silent, entranced by the ongoing match.

In the center, Takama and Hinata clashed—wooden swords in hand, their movements a blur of precision. They flowed between stillness and speed, water and fire, their footwork controlled and balanced. Every strike echoed through the chamber, each parry met with equal resolve. Though both were clearly tired, neither gave a quarter.

Then, with a resonant crack, Takama's blade snapped in half against Hinata's block. The broken piece clattered to the floor, landing in a growing pile of shattered practice swords.

Breathing heavily, both fighters turned to acknowledge their new guests.

Mifune stepped forward and gave a deep bow. "Lord Takama, Lady Hinata. It is a relief to see you both in such good health."

He paused, and his gaze lingered on Hinata.

"You've changed, Lady Hinata," he said solemnly. "You look... formidable."

Goro nodded beside him. "Rumors of your skill have spread. The samurai speak your name with reverence."

Hinata held her breath—not from pride, but awareness. She could feel it: Zetsu was listening.

She smiled gently, and gracefully shifted the conversation. "I've worked hard to honor the legacy passed down by my father. It's a pleasure to see you both again. It's rare to find you together this early in the day… I hope nothing serious has occurred?"

Goro answered, his stance firm. "The payments from the Lands of Lightning and Earth are proceeding as expected. We estimate the final installments will arrive within the next month. Each will bring their own contingent to retrieve the artifact they paid for."

Mifune caught her gaze and offered a subtle nod, understanding her intent. "Indeed. This is a delicate time. The world is watching the Land of Iron. We must meet their expectations. We came today hoping to arrange their visits separately. I doubt it's a coincidence that both sides wish to finalize things at the same time."

Takama lifted a fresh wooden sword and sighed. "I suppose this matter will take some time… A pity we must end our little duel."

Hinata nodded silently, her breathing still steady despite the effort.

Takama looked at her with a proud glint in his eye. "Your new Mirage Breath is magnificent. You've woven fire and water together—two opposing forces—and made them amplify one another. You've merged your kunoichi instincts with the Iron Style you've inherited. What you've created isn't just effective—it's your own. And now… I see you've even begun to grasp the meaning of slow."

He turned toward Mifune and Goro, a rare smile brightening his aura. "Wonderful. Truly wonderful. Rest now, Hinata. We'll speak more later."

<<<< o >>>>

Far away, in the dim corridors beneath Konoha, Shino Aburame knelt in silence before Danzō Shimura. The shadows clung to the walls, and the room pulsed faintly with residual chakra—Shino was still under the subtle and absolute influence of Kotoamatsukami, the Danzo conjured from the Crystal Tower.

"...Yumegakure," Shino said calmly. "That is the name of the place where all those who have dreamed of the White World and passed through the Red Gate awaken. It's a mystical realm shaped by Hinata Gin. This land manifests like a mirage of our world, yet it is different. The sun does not rise there—only the moon hangs in eternal vigil."

He continued, voice steady but reverent. "It has nodes of silver where time flows faster. At the heart of it all stands a Crystal Tower. I believe it contains secrets from Konoha... and perhaps many other places as well."

Danzō's single eye glinted in the darkness, and a slow, sinister smile curled his lips. "So the girl not only survived… but forged a village of her own. This demands a complete reassessment of her significance."

<<<< o >>>>

In the days that followed, Takama met with each of Hinata's companions.

Masaru and Kenshiro were both honored—officially inducted into the daimyō's personal court as trusted retainers.

Souta and Ayaka were named elite guards of the daimyō, granted permission to form their own noble house, with the implicit blessing for marriage.

Emi received an official appointment as an envoy to Konoha. It would allow him to remain close to her beloved Ino, backed by the full support of the Land of Iron.

Jiren and his group, however, were… kept waiting.

Takama had not forgotten his disdain for the boy. And Jiren knew. He waited in silence, dignified yet strained, aware that the coming meeting would be anything but warm.