The dust had barely cleared when Naruto ran over to Hinata and Kiba, who were still lying against the walls of the cave. Hinata was breathing shallowly, while Kiba, though conscious, was struggling to get up. Akamaru moaned softly next to his master, injured but alert.
— Kiba, Hinata! Hold on, I'll help you! Naruto cried.
In his mind, Kurama spoke.
—You can use some of my chakra to speed up their healing, but do it quickly. These injuries aren't fatal, but they could seriously weaken them.
Naruto nodded. A golden glow emanated from his body as he channeled Kurama's chakra. He placed his hands on Hinata first, letting the calming energy flow through her.
— Naruto-kun…, Hinata murmured, slowly opening her eyes.
— Rest, Hinata. It'll be okay, Naruto answered with a reassuring smile.
He then turned to Kiba and did the same. Kiba growled, but a smirk appeared on his face.
— Thanks, Naruto. But next time, I'll be the one to finish this guy off.
Naruto burst out laughing.
— I'm counting on it, Kiba.
While Naruto was busy healing his friends, Kaguya, still in her spirit form, observed Raiken, tied up and unconscious, with a glint of opportunism in her eyes.
This chakra… Although it is corrupted, it is still a valuable source of energy. I can't let this opportunity slip away.
Taking advantage of Naruto being distracted, Kaguya focused some of her energy and headed towards Raiken. A thin vapor emanated from her intangible body as she began to suck up the Hachibi's chakra residue that still permeated his body.
—What are you doing? Kurama growled in Naruto's mind.
Kaguya answered calmly, without showing any concern.
—I'm only taking what would have been lost anyway. This chakra no longer has a master, and it would be foolish to let it disappear into nothingness.
Kurama growled, but Naruto was too focused on Hinata and Kiba to notice the interaction.
—Be careful, Kaguya. I've got my eye on you, Kurama growled.
Kaguya gave a subtle smile, continuing to discreetly absorb a small amount of Raiken's residual chakra.
When Naruto finished healing Hinata and Kiba, he stood up, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He turned to Raiken, still unconscious.
—We have to get him back to the border village. These guys need to understand that their leader is neutralized, he said.
Hinata, although still weak, nodded.
— I can walk.
Kiba, helped by Akamaru, grunted as he stood up.
— Hey, we don't need to wear it, right?
Naruto smiled.
— Do you want him to wake up in the middle of the road? I don't think so.
As Naruto prepared to carry Raiken, he felt a slight fluctuation in his mind. Kaguya had become silent again, but Kurama growled.
—This woman is more devious than I thought, he warned.
Naruto frowned.
— What did she do now?
—Nothing that concerns you directly… for now, Kurama replied, refusing to say more.
Naruto sighed, vowing to keep a closer eye on Kaguya's mysterious presence.
Leaving the cave, the team slowly made their way towards the border village. Hinata and Kiba walked cautiously, while Naruto carried Raiken on his back, tied up securely.
Kaguya's silence and Kurama's remarks left Naruto thoughtful. What is she hiding? And why does Kurama seem so suspicious?
Kaguya, in her mind, remained unmoved, satisfied with the energy she had quietly stolen.
It's not much, but every drop of chakra brings me closer to my goal. Let them not notice... for now.
Chapter 9.2: Return to the Village
Naruto's team finally arrived at the border village, where a crowd of villagers were waiting anxiously for them. The eyes of the inhabitants, wary at first, lit up when they saw Raiken tied to Naruto's back.
— It's him! He's the leader of the gang! shouted a villager.
The murmurs of relief turned to cheers. An old man, probably the village elder, approached, his eyes moist with recognition.
— Thank you, Konoha ninja. You have delivered us from a terror that has haunted us for too long.
Naruto gently placed the still unconscious Raiken on the ground and smiled.
— Don't worry anymore, we'll make sure he doesn't come back here. Take care of your village.
Hinata bowed respectfully, while Kiba and Akamaru greeted the villagers before leaving with Naruto.
As they set off on their way back to Konoha, the still unconscious Raiken was securely strapped to a makeshift stand that Kiba and Akamaru were carrying. The goal was to keep the man incapacitated until they arrived, where Hibiki or Ino could use their techniques to extract information about the gang and its activities.
The journey passed in relative silence, everyone lost in their thoughts after the recent events. Naruto, though visibly relaxed, seemed pensive.
Hinata, walking beside Naruto, glanced hesitantly at him. She knew this was a rare opportunity to spend time with him, away from the distractions of the village or missions.
— Naruto-kun… she began timidly.
Naruto turned his head towards her with his usual smile.
— What, Hinata?
Hinata twisted her fingers nervously.
— I wanted to tell you… you were incredible during this mission. Your courage and determination… it's inspiring.
Naruto burst out laughing, scratching the back of his head.
—Thanks, Hinata! But you were great too. Your Byakugan saved us more than once.
Hinata blushed, but tried to continue.
—You… You've always been like this, ever since the academy. Always fighting for what's right, no matter the obstacles.
Naruto slowed down a little, a wistful smile on his face.
— Yeah, but I just do what I think is right. I want everyone to be able to live in peace.
Hinata took a deep breath.
—That's what I admire most about you, Naruto-kun.
Naruto, surprised by the sincerity in her voice, looked at her for a moment before looking away, slightly embarrassed.
—Thank you, Hinata. That means a lot coming from you.
Kiba, walking slightly ahead of them, rolled his eyes and muttered to Akamaru.
— Those two… they're slower than a snail in love.
Akamaru barked softly in response, as if agreeing.
In Naruto's mind, Kaguya, in her spirit form, was watching the scene with a mixture of annoyance and interest.
This girl is pathetically devoted to him… yet he seems unable to understand her feelings.
She also noticed the warmth in Hinata's gaze and the confusion in Naruto's. It reminded her of emotions she hadn't felt in centuries, emotions she preferred to ignore.
Kurama growled, interrupting his thoughts.
—What interests you so much, Kaguya?
She answered coldly.
—Nothing that concerns you, fox.
Kurama sighed.
—Your silence speaks volumes. Don't you dare try anything against them.
Kaguya remained silent, but a slight smile appeared on her spiritual face.
As the sun began to set, the team finally caught sight of the imposing gates of Konoha. Naruto felt a wave of relief as he saw the familiar walls of the village.
—Finally, back home, he declared.
At the entrance, two Chūnin greeted them, taking note of the tied-up Raiken.
"We have an important prisoner," Naruto explained. "Notify Kakashi-sensei and prepare the interrogation room."
Hinata and Kiba accompanied Naruto to the Hokage's office, where Kakashi and Shikamaru were already waiting. Raiken was handed over to the ANBU to be placed under strict surveillance, and preparations were made so that Ino or Hibiki could begin searching his mind as soon as he woke up.
After their report, Hinata and Kiba were dismissed to rest, but Naruto remained alone for a while on the rooftops of the village, admiring the sunset.
In his mind, Kurama broke the silence.
— So, kid, what do you think?
Naruto sighed.
—That Raiken… he really suffered. I know what it's like to feel abandoned, but that doesn't justify what he did.
Kaguya, slowly reappearing, intervened.
— You are far too lenient. Those who use their suffering to justify destruction deserve their fate.
Naruto shook his head.
—Maybe, but I prefer to give them a chance to change.
Kaguya looked at Naruto for a moment, puzzled. Her words sounded so naive, but there was an undeniable conviction in her voice.
Kurama growled softly.
— You haven't changed, kid. But it's probably for the best.
Naruto stood up, ready to go back home.
— We'll see what tomorrow brings.
End of chapter.