Snowfall softened the morning light that filtered through the shoji screens of Hinata's new room. Though the estate of the Gin family was quieter than the villages she had passed through, its silence carried weight. Expectations, tradition, watchful eyes—all things she now had to learn to navigate.
The previous night still echoed in her chest. The room of silver chains. The voices of a forgotten world.
She hadn't spoken of it to anyone. Not yet.
<<<< o >>>>
Later that day, as part of her new responsibilities, Hinata was invited to observe the estate's sword school. She stood silently beside Lady Maeko while a group of samurai youths practiced their kata in synchronized rhythm. Their movements were deliberate and efficient, less flashy than the ninja techniques she'd once known, but every slash seemed to carry the full intent of their will.
To Hinata's perception—now expanded through the World of Intent—the samurai moved like pillars. Their emotions were still, their focus sharp. There were no distractions in their minds. No hesitation. That clarity unsettled her. Not because it was threatening… but because she had rarely seen such unified purpose.
"They train with the expectation that their lives may be offered in service," Maeko explained. "But their hearts must remain still. No room for doubt."
Hinata nodded, unsure of what to say.
One of the younger samurai noticed her watching. He narrowed his eyes and said nothing, but his intent was readable to her now. Distrust. Resentment. She lowered her gaze.
"They don't mean harm," Maeko added gently. "But… your presence here is difficult to grasp."
"Because of Lord Takama's son?"
"Yes. Akio was well loved. And now, not long after losing him, Lord Takama has introduced a new daughter. It is… sudden."
Maeko paused, choosing her next words carefully.
"Hinata, I know Takama would never ask this of you—but in this land, women are expected to fulfill roles that are quiet, supportive. We manage households, maintain harmony. That's not a weakness… it's just our way. You may be asked to present yourself formally soon. And as his only heir, your behavior will reflect upon him."
"You're asking me to change?"
Maeko shook her head.
"No. I'm asking you to understand. So you can decide for yourself how to walk forward."
<<<< o >>>>
That night, the Silver World called her again. As her spirit arrived, the cold mist shimmered differently. The world had changed since her awakening. She walked the steps of the library, the crystal tower slowly, knowing where she needed to go.
She descended.
At the base of the tower, the door stood open. No longer bound by chains, it pulsed faintly with her presence, as if it had been waiting.
Inside, it was not darkness that greeted her—but vast light. Crystalline memories floated midair. Echoes. Images. Words. Concepts.
She stepped through them and saw:
Michel as a boy, walking in a world of machines and glowing screens. A city with towers piercing the clouds. A family laughing in a language she did not know. As he grew, he built a dojo, trained disciples, raised children, and held his grandchildren with the fierce love only a fulfilled man could offer. He developed his own combat style, earned respect, and faced age with pride.
She saw him later, aged but content, meditating beneath a tree—his life's journey complete. And then, as death approached gently, a portal of energy opened. He entered another world, not out of sorrow, but with peace in his heart, knowing his life had meant something.
She saw her experiences with Kaguya, eyes wet with grief, calling forth a presence not meant for their world: Shikashi.
His origin was not malice, but desperation. Kaguya had gambled her final strength to alter fate, not to destroy—but to find her children again. A lost soul, trying to reverse eternity.
But Shikashi did not remain pure.
He fragmented. Adapted. Hide within the souls of others. Michel. Jiren. Ren. And perhaps others yet unseen.
She saw the threads of her world intertwining with another: the tale of Naruto. It was both history and fiction, prophecy and memory.
Michel's voice echoed from deeper within:
"I never wanted you to bear this burden. I tried to keep you from this room. But if you're here… then I know you're strong enough to choose."
Hinata trembled.
"Why me…?"
No answer came. Only the hum of countless truths.
She fell to her knees.
"If this is the weight you carried… then I can't let it crush you alone."
<<<< o >>>>
Somewhere above, in the Silver World, Michel stirred.
He felt her presence.
He closed his eyes, whispering: "You weren't supposed to open that door yet. But perhaps… it's time."
He turned to the window of the tower and watched snow fall in that dream-world sky.
"If she truly understands what she's seen… the world itself may begin to change."