The long-awaited day had arrived.
That evening, the Iron Capital shimmered beneath a clear sky, the stars wheeling in their ancient dance. The air held a certain tension—excitement, pride, and a sense of something greater about to unfold.
Though weary from her constant efforts sustaining the Silver World, Hinata moved with a vitality she could barely contain. Her heart was full — with joy, with pride, with gratitude for those around her. Especially Asuma and Kurenai, whose happiness seemed to shine brighter than the stars themselves.
The news of Kurenai's pregnancy had spread quickly among her friends. Even Akamaru had grown oddly protective of her, often shadowing her steps with quiet vigilance. Asuma, meanwhile, seemed to float on air—tending to Kurenai's every need with a warm, infectious smile that softened everyone who saw them. He had even stopped smoking near her, something that had not gone unnoticed by Shikamaru, who'd commented dryly that miracles truly do exist.
Kurenai and Maeko had become fast friends over the past few days. The two women could often be found deep in conversation—Maeko sharing her hard-earned wisdom about motherhood, while Kurenai listened eagerly, her eyes shining with hope and curiosity.
In turn, Asuma had struck up an easy camaraderie with Enshin and Takama, the three often discussing both politics and fatherhood in quieter moments.
Yet among all the expected visitors, one new arrival drew particular attention from Team 8.
A golden-crested caravan had arrived at the estate — that of Fujima Renga, accompanied by his wife Joi, their young son Ranmaru, and the ever-loyal swordsman Tentsu.
For Kiba, Shino, and Hinata, the sight was bittersweet. They had first encountered this family during their earliest C-rank mission — a mission that had unknowingly set so many events into motion. Seeing them now, prosperous and well, stirred a deep sense of completion in their hearts. For Takama too, this was a moment of gratitude. Though none had realized it at the time, the actions of that young team had altered the fate of many.
As the sun set and the moon began to rise, the city's streets filled with people streaming toward the great square of the Iron Palace. Tonight was no ordinary gathering — it was the birth of a new era.
At the heart of the palace, the ancient hall of the Daimyō — once cold and austere — now pulsed with life. The halls were filled with banners of silver and indigo, the scent of incense drifting through the air. The courtyards overflowed with samurai, nobles, and common folk alike. And everywhere, embroidered on garments and woven into decorations, gleamed the crescent-marked sigil of the Moon Cult.
When Kiba caught sight of the symbol once more, he couldn't suppress a grin.
"Heh… this is never gonna stop being funny," he murmured, shaking his head.
Beside him, Hinata flushed slightly, her head dipping in quiet embarrassment as Kiba's teasing laughter echoed softly.
Mifune himself awaited them at the main entrance to the great hall, standing tall and composed. He had deliberately arranged for Takama and his retinue to enter last — so that all eyes would be upon them when the time came.
As the ceremonial hour approached, a hush fell over the gathered crowd. The full moon rose high, its silver light illuminating the ancient stones. The moment had come.
Takama Gin strode forward, his presence commanding and resolute. At his side walked Hinata — now dressed in flowing silver and midnight blue, her bearing regal. Together, they ascended to the dais at the heart of the hall, where the assembled lords and samurai awaited.
The ceremony itself was simple, as tradition dictated.
One by one, the great lords of the Land of Iron stepped forward, kneeling to swear fealty to Takama Gin as their new Daimyō. Each oath was spoken with solemn reverence, the words echoing beneath the vaulted ceiling.
When the final oath was given, Mifune approached with deliberate steps, bearing a blade of legend — the ancestral sword of the first Daimyō. Its polished steel gleamed beneath the moonlight.
In a voice that carried through the hall and into the city beyond, Mifune proclaimed:
"Before the gathered clans and the watchful moon, I declare Takama Gin — Daimyō of the Land of Iron. May his reign bring strength, wisdom, and unity to these lands."
A great cheer erupted from the crowd — nobles, samurai, and commoners alike. And beneath it all, a deeper resonance seemed to stir — the unseen currents of the realm itself acknowledging the shift.
When the cheers faded, Takama stepped forward to address the assembly.
"These past years have shown us the danger of uncertainty. Of failing to prepare for the future. Tonight, I will end that uncertainty." His voice rang clear, steady. "Standing beside me is my daughter — Hinata Gin. Let all here bear witness: she is my heir. From this day forward, she shall bear the title of Iron Princess."
The response was overwhelming. Cries of approval rose from every quarter — not only from the nobles and warriors, but from the countless others whom the Moon Cult had touched, knowingly or not. In that moment, the people's hearts stirred — drawn to the young woman who had, in so many unseen ways, already become a symbol of hope.
As the formalities concluded, the great feast began. Tables overflowed with delicacies, music filled the gardens, and lanterns swayed beneath the starry sky.
Later in the evening, amidst the mingling guests, Kiba, Shino, and Kurenai found Hinata beneath a moonlit arbor.
"Hey, Iron Princess," Kiba teased with a grin. "I gotta say — the title suits you."
Shino, ever composed, added thoughtfully: "I'm still reflecting on what you showed us last night… beyond the red door. Have you chosen a name for it yet?"
Kurenai didn't speak at first — instead, she simply clasped Hinata's hand, her aura radiating pride and quiet joy.
Hinata met their gazes, her expression serene — but her eyes shone with a newfound certainty.
"I have," she said softly. "And it's thanks to all of you that I realized it. I'd been searching for the right name, but the answer was always there."
She smiled, her voice warm.
"All the villages… they are hidden behind something. But it's not just villages that can be hidden."
Kurenai squeezed her hand gently, eyes bright. "Well? Don't keep us waiting."
Hinata took a steady breath. "Yumegakure no Kai."
[(夢隠れの界) — Realm Hidden in Dreams.]
In that moment, across the vast reaches of the Silver World — of Yumegakure no Kai — a subtle tremor rippled through its depths. The realm itself seemed to awaken, as if embracing its new identity.
And thus, beneath the light of the moon and among those she loved, Hinata's dream took its rightful place in the world.
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Author's note 2.
I have to admit that I had help in being able to adjust things in it, a friend of mine Outtouch helped me by reading the material in advance and it really made a difference to have someone to at least bounce ideas off of.
I hope you enjoyed this arc. It ended up being longer than the first, in terms of the length of each chapter, the amount and the amount of things that happened.
I tried to introduce new lore, such as how samurai use chakra through breathing and how the society of the Land of Iron is closer to what ancient feudal Japan was. I tried to make it feel like things in the Land of Iron have also changed over time with Hinata's interference.
I was satisfied with Orochimaru's presence in this arc and how Hinata and Sasuke's interaction felt in it.
I was excited when I wrote about Hinata's fury during the Jashin cult's attack.
I hope you enjoyed the introduction of Hinata's new companion, Mitsue.
This arc ends a little before two years have passed since Hinata left Konoha in chapter 55.
For this story I consider the beginning of Naruto Shippuden to happen one year after the end of this arc, mainly because I don't want to get too crazy with the timing.
If you've read this far into the story, if possible, I'd like to ask if you could leave a message or give the story a rating, or a review of the story saying things you like or things you think could be improved, at least in the future.
This is the end of the second story arc.
Iron Princess