Hinata returned home. She had no interest in Obito's invitation, a mix of despair, obsession, and the pretense of saving the world.
She sat cross-legged; the Pure Pupil Spirit Body circulated naturally, sharpening her perception of herself and the surrounding energy to an unprecedented level.
Recalling Obito's original plan of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, she shook her head.
'Replacing reality with illusion, covering the will of all beings with one person's desire… creating a world without pain…'
Hell, if everyone's dead and turned into White Zetsu, of course there's no pain.
It's like everyone starts praying right now, draining themselves, praying themselves to death, feeling great—and then dropping dead.
Obito even brought the God Tree to help you pray; once everyone's happy, the Ninja World would be painless.
Speaking of prayers… that reminds me—(text omitted, nothing happened)
'True transcendence lies in walking through the Mortal World, seeing through its warmth and cruelty, understanding life and death, and still holding on to your original heart—breaking the chains of heaven and earth step by step, forging your own Dao. Not like an ostrich burying its head in a sandcastle it built, hiding from every storm.'
Hinata's eyes were resolute, her Dao Heart steady as a sage's as she calmly judged Obito's plan.
She had meant to tear off his mask and see his reaction, but she'd rushed it—this was only their first meeting.
She would expose every disguise the moment he felt most triumphant, believing everything was under his control.
Or… Hinata's mind lit up with a good idea, but there was no hurry; she could do it anytime.
Hinata got up and went to an open area outside Konoha.
With a thought, a clear stream of light leapt from her Dantian into her palm, becoming the simple, antique longsword.
Nurtured by her, the blade was noticeably sharper, wrapped in a faint glow. It circled her twice, then hovered steadily; gripping the hilt, she felt it far stronger than when she'd first claimed it.
She began to practice sword forms.
Using only the most basic cuts, thrusts, raises, wipes, taps, snaps, blocks, and presses, Hinata moved through them slowly.
Yet infused with the refined Spiritual Energy of a Golden Core at Middle Stage Peak, every move flowed perfectly. With the big dipper seven stars sword in hand, it felt wonderful.
She kept swinging casually, enjoying the blade's smooth passage through the air. Sunlight struck the sword, and the seven star-like patterns flickered occasionally—quite pretty.
Where the edge passed, air parted soundlessly, leaving faint, distinct ripples in space.
Just as her mind sank into the swordplay, drawing surrounding Spiritual Energy and starlight to mingle…
A crisp, lively girl's voice rang out, tinged with uncertainty.
'Huh? Hinata, is that you?'
Hinata turned. From behind a tree poked a girl with her signature double-buns and qipao—Tenten.
Her big eyes sparkled with wonder and curiosity, locking onto Hinata, especially the sword in her hand.
'Wow! Hinata, it really is you!'
Tenten's eyes shone.
'Were you practicing sword just now? That looked amazing!'
'Just messing around,' Hinata smiled.
Tenten walked over, circling her once, gaze glued to the big dipper seven stars sword.
'This sword's so special—so pretty! It's like there are stars on it! Um… can I look?'
Hinata handed it over with a smile. 'Here.'
'Thanks!' Tenten took it carefully, weighing it in her hands and tracing the blade.
She brushed the edge and yanked her finger back. 'So cold—and so sharp!' She stroked the flat. 'This feel is incredible! Better than any of my ninja tools!'
'And it's way heavier than it looks! What's it made of? Doesn't feel like iron or steel…'
Tenten, who studied weaponry, saw at once this blade was extraordinary—and her eye proved right.
She flicked the blade with a finger; it rang clear.
'Mmm, bought it from a shady merchant,' Hinata said vaguely.
System: '?'
'Heartbroken… real heartbreak isn't yelling…'
'Wow… must've cost a fortune. A sword this good and they sold it? I'd keep it for myself…'
Tenten stroked the blade lovingly, then looked up at Hinata with pleading eyes.
'Um… Hinata, can you show me again? Just like before!'
Meeting those expectant eyes, Hinata nodded.
'Sure.'
She took the sword and spun a casual flourish. This time she put a bit more intent into it; the blade flashed, flowing between light and firm, graceful and steady.
No special effects, yet the seamless sequence was beautiful to watch.
Tenten clapped, entranced.
'So cool! When did you learn sword? Way better than our shuriken practice!'
'Figured it out in my free time,' Hinata said, sheathing the sword. 'Just to stretch.'
'Self-taught and this good?' Tenten admired her even more.
'Then… can I touch it again? Just once!' She held up one finger, eyes pleading like a kitten's.
Hinata laughed and handed the sword back.
'Go ahead—can't break it by touching.'
Tenten fondled the blade while chatting, and the two girls warmed to the topic.
Tenten chirped about the ninja tools she collected—expensive pieces she loved—while Hinata chipped in now and then. Warm sunlight bathed the yard, the mood easy and bright.
'Oh, Hinata,' Tenten remembered, 'want to get dango next time? I've got a mission soon; when I'm back I'll find you. Since I got to feel such a great sword, it's my treat—QAQ'
Hinata thought; Orochimaru's research wouldn't hurry, and she had nothing pressing. She nodded. 'All right, next time.'
She stored the big dipper seven stars sword back into her Dantian; it vanished.
'Eh!? How'd you do that? Summoning? But where's your scroll?'
Tenten stared in amazement at the empty air.
'It's in my belly,' Hinata said with a grin.
'Really? That tiny stomach? Hinata, are you a conjurer?'
Tenten eyed her belly suspiciously.
The girls chatted a bit more, set a time to meet again, and Tenten finally left, reluctant to go.
Seeing her off, Hinata stretched. A relaxed afternoon like this felt nice. She glanced at the sky—time to head back and make dinner.
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