Naruto: Rise of the Fallen Princess

Tsunade sat behind the wide desk of her office—though calling it that felt strange in this world. It was a faithful replica of the Hokage's office, yet slightly dreamlike in its composition. Light filtered through the tall circular window, always warm, always gentle, as though time itself had been softened. Here, in this dream-formed reflection known as Yumegakure—or whatever one might call this land entered through the Red Door—Tsunade read in silence.

She scanned the latest reports from her agents, detailed summaries that only confirmed what she had begun to suspect from her own observations.

"Every time I sleep, I remember this place. I remember what I've done here. And somehow, I know that I can choose to come and go without restriction."

Her gaze lingered on a particular passage describing the origin of this strange world.

It had become increasingly evident that the heart of Yumegakure lay rooted in the Land of Iron. Many shinobi, arriving through different points known by the locals as Silver Nodes, had discovered the world's remarkable traits. Injuries healed within hours. Even death itself seemed impermanent—revival possible with time and will.

Those who had died in the real world could, if they chose, remain here as permanent residents. They had been warned, however, that dying again carried consequences—delays in revival, memory loss, perhaps worse.

Access to the Silver Nodes required permission from the samurai who oversaw them, though that permission was readily given to those who honored basic moral and social etiquette.

From anywhere in Yumegakure, the Crystal Tower was visible—an enormous structure reaching skyward, said to house a vast library of esoteric and worldly knowledge. Invitations were rare, but once granted, allowed direct access through the nodes or special paths.

Tsunade turned another page, noting that Konoha had not been the only village drawn into this mystery. Reports from Suna, Kumo, and Iwa had also surfaced. Curiously, no word had been heard from Kirigakure within the dream-state.

A more startling realization had taken root: what was learned in Yumegakure eventually echoed back to the waking world. The process took many forms—sometimes inspiration, other times instinct, or even a sudden ease in conceptualizing once-difficult techniques. But the outcome remained the same: gradually, what one mastered here would manifest as truth in the real world. Techniques, jutsu, even forms of taijutsu began to take root beyond dreams. The accelerated flow of time inside the Silver Nodes—where space expanded like a scroll unfolding into hidden landscapes—only amplified this effect. Some 100 meters of surface land might contain ten kilometers of developed terrain: dojos, workshops, clinics, even peaceful civilian homes.

The civilian population seemed content. Thriving, even.

Tsunade exhaled, fingers steepled beneath her chin. "This world continues to defy logic. And those guiding its people... they defy expectation even more."

She paused.

"How long before a war begins—for dominion over this land and its secrets? Whoever controls Yumegakure could gain a tremendous advantage over the rest of the world. And right now, all signs point to the Land of Iron."

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden message flagged urgent—from the hospital. A strange sensation of dread tickled her spine.

Hinata Gin had just been admitted as a patient—an anomaly in a world where wounds heal on their own, and death holds no permanence. A patient, here, was not just rare. It was unheard of.

"So even here," she muttered, rising from her chair, "there's still room for one more surprise."

<<<< o >>>>

When I awoke, I found Kuro lying beside me, warm and still. Mitsue was draped over me as well—weak, but unmistakably present. Before I could speak, I heard voices.

Kaito was speaking softly to Hanabi. My younger sister sounded defiant, her voice trembling not from fear, but from raw conviction.

"She's my sister. I have to stay with her while she recovers... I refuse to wake up unless she does first!" Her voice softened into something more fragile. "It's... it's the least I can do."

"I understand, Lady Hanabi," Kaito replied gently. "But she needs rest, and so do you. Your family will worry. I promise to watch over her. Tsunade-sama said it herself—her recovery, though miraculous, still requires care."

My own voice rasped weakly from the bed. "Is... is this a dream?"

The question stirred everyone. Mitsue shifted. Kuro raised his head. I felt Hanabi approach, her fingers wrapping gently around my hand. Behind her, I sensed Kaito—his calm presence, a beacon of peace. Even without activating my soul-sight, I could feel their emotions: concern, relief, love.

My senses extended further, reaching beyond the walls. We were in a replica of Konoha, mirrored within Yumegakure. Ten samurai stood vigil outside my room, their discipline sharp, their concern palpable. I could sense Tsunade conversing nearby with my father—Takama Gin.

More than that, I felt Yumegakure itself coursing through me, its energy flowing into my body, mending me. Kenshiro's seal and Reika's chakra acted as conduits, channels for the world's healing breath. Even my stomach was repairing itself before my senses.

This was no dream. I was physically here. Alive in Yumegakure.

Mitsue clung to me still, her chakra flickering weakly. She was drained, but refused to let go. And Kuro—my oldest companion—her soul trembled with sorrow and quiet fury.

"Don't worry, Kuro," I murmured. "You couldn't have done anything more... the Shinigami caught all of us off guard."

Hanabi squeezed my hand. "The... Shinigami?"

"I believe one of their leaders attacked me," I said softly. "I don't know why, but I think it's because of my bond with Yumegakure... Now that I think about it, maybe the reason is the flow of souls."

Hanabi looked stunned. "You have a connection to this place?"

I smiled faintly. "I do. And don't worry—you'll remember everything once you wake up. There should be some perks to being my sister."

Kaito stepped forward. "That's not a small thing she's sharing with you. And yes... the Shinigami admitted he'd return—he fled the Crystal Tower after Michel forced him back."

My pale face drained of what color remained. Yumegakure... a sanctuary of dreams... now marked for war?

"H-how is that even possible?"

"He used you to reach this place," Kuro said solemnly. "And now he knows how to return. He's preparing."

"How long have I been here?" I asked.

"Three days," Kuro answered, his voice unusually childish despite her large form. "Don't worry—I'm strong. I'll recover soon. Then we'll fight him together again."

Hanabi laughed gently and scratched behind Kuro's ears, which the little wolf accepted with quiet grace.

Takama entered the room swiftly. Hanabi stepped aside as he approached me and wrapped his arms around me.

"You had me worried," he whispered.

"He hasn't slept either," Kuro said quietly.

Kaito sighed. "Look who's talking. You need rest more than any of us."

Suddenly, the weight of reality returned. "What... what happened to Fū and Jiren?"

Takama responded, "You're lucky. Somehow, Fū convinced the last remaining attacker to give him what he needed—and let her go. Michel said both she and Jiren survived and are now recovering in Takigakure.."

Tsunade entered next, flanked by Kenshiro. Her presence, as always, filled the room with stern resolve.

"So you're my mystery patient. Honestly, I'm stunned by what this seal and our medicine have accomplished. You were nearly dead. At this rate, you'll walk out today."

I blinked. I was already planning. Then—a soft flick to my forehead.

Tsunade stood over me, scowling.

"Whatever you're thinking, stop. That look in your eye is trouble. You're not pulling another Orochimaru-serpent stunt on me. Until you're 100% and out of my care, you're grounded. Understood, young lady?"

Takama, beside her, nodded immediately. He knew exactly what she meant.

Beside me, Mitsue's weak voice added, "Today... ressst. Tomorrow will come sssoon enough."

I let my head sink into the pillow, allowing myself the rare luxury of stillness.

Tsunade's voice broke the silence. "Now that you're awake, maybe you can explain how you came to me half-dead in a land where wounds vanish on their own."

I swallowed and replied, "Yumegakure no Kai is going to be attacked—by the forces of the Shinigami and the Pure Lands. I think... I think it's because the dead are choosing to come here instead of following the soulless Shinigami."

Tsunade frowned, the words settling heavily. "Soulless… puppets? That's what they are?"

"Yes. Most of them," I said. "But the one who found me—he's different. He has a soul. He was waiting for me to approach Fū. He's not a puppet. I think... he's one of their leaders. And he sees Yumegakure as a threat."

Takama, at my side, said nothing—but nodded once in grave agreement.

Tsunade crossed her arms, eyes narrowing with sharp intuition. "That is troubling. No doubt this world—and all its potential—stands to suffer if it comes to pass."

She leaned closer, her voice lower, more pointed. "But that was a very elegant way of dodging my original question."

I took a slow breath and answered my doctor. "The reason my wound—and Mitsue's—are so severe is because we are both physically present in Yumegakure no Kai. This is a world where spirit takes physical form. Being here in a living body should be impossible... and yet, here we are. The natural regeneration of this world doesn't apply to real bodies."

Tsunade furrowed her brow, thoughtful. Her tone shifted to one of serious inquiry. "If being here physically is supposed to be impossible... do you have any idea why, in your case—and Mitsue's—it became possible?"

I hesitated. "I think... The reason I'm alive here, after the Shinigami brought me to the brink of death, is my blood. My eyes. I can feel it. The seal—it's breaking. Not only from outside force, but also from pressure within. My blood is rewriting what the seal once defined as unbreakable."

I looked down at Mitsue. "She shares a fragment of that blood, thanks to things Orochimaru did to her. I used to feel pain when I tried to break the Caged Bird Seal... but now, I feel like I don't have a choice. This impossible situation... it's forcing the change."

Hanabi stared at me, lips parted in stunned silence. My words had unsettled her more than any wound ever could.

Tsunade, watching us both, offered no comment—only a grim look and a quiet nod to herself.

She had followed her instincts in watching me closely. And now, she knew she had been right.

"This girl," she thought out loud, "is a dangerous patient."