The Rinnegan's awakening flooded Hanekawa's mind with knowledge—ancient techniques, chakra pathways, the very structure of godly power. As the information settled, he realized the truth: his new dōjutsu mirrored Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's perfectly. Amenominaka. Ash Bones. Yomotsu Hirasaka. Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Of course it does. Same fruit, same tree.
He collapsed to one knee, breathing hard.
"What's that expression?" Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's voice was curious, almost childlike.
Hanekawa looked up at her snow-Byakugan and felt a chill. "Why do I get the feeling you want to devour me?"
"Yes." She answered without hesitation. "But I cannot bear to."
The chakra radiating from him was intoxicating—fresh, potent, unmarred by time. Any other being would have been consumed already. But this was Hanekawa. And Kaguya had learned patience.
"Lucky for me," he said, pushing to his feet. "Otherwise, I'd be running for my life."
"No!" She stepped forward instantly, grabbing his hand with surprising urgency. "You will not run."
Hanekawa couldn't help but smile at the panic flickering across her usually serene face. He reached up and pinched her cheek gently. "Silly. Innocent."
"Silly?" Kaguya tilted her head, genuinely confused.
"That's what you look like right now."
He kissed her before she could respond, soft and deliberate. When he pulled back, she was still processing, but her expression had shifted to something almost content.
"Go call Tsukihime," he said, turning toward the Divine Tree. "I need to release the tailed beasts."
With the Rinnegan, controlling the tree was effortless. The beasts emerged one by one, their massive forms filling the sacred space. Tsukihime appeared moments later, nodding at his instructions before leading them away.
The journey back to Konoha was instantaneous—a blink through space, courtesy of his new power.
---
Nohara Rin stood the moment he entered the Hokage's office, her eyes immediately catching on the intertwined hands he and Kaguya shared. The white hair visible beneath the ANBU mask was unmistakable.
Hanekawa released her hand without comment. Kaguya vanished just as smoothly.
"Rin." He crossed the room and pulled her into an embrace. "This is unexpected."
She melted into him, her warmth a contrast to the cold power still thrumming through his veins. "I... I needed to talk to you about something."
"What is it?" He guided her to the sofa, settling her against his side.
"Orochimaru gave me a new medical technique yesterday." She produced a scroll, her voice hesitant. "But I'm not sure if I should use it."
Hanekawa unrolled it, scanning the contents. Cloning technology. Genetic replication. Organ cultivation.
Uchiha Shin's legacy, he thought. Useful. Ethical? Debatable. Necessary? Absolutely.
"The origin of the organs concerns you," he said, understanding immediately.
"Yes. I don't want innocent people hurt."
"They won't be." He set the scroll aside and pulled her closer. "Trust me on this."
She nodded, accepting his word without further question. That simple faith made something in his chest tighten.
"Is there anything else?" he asked, his hand drifting to her thigh.
"No, I should get back to the hospital—"
He kissed her, cutting off the protest. Her lips were soft, responsive, and she made a small sound of surprise before melting into him.
"The movies," he said when they parted. "I want to take you to see the Demon Slayer adaptation."
"Now? It's daytime..." She blushed deeply, clearly misinterpreting his intentions.
Hanekawa smiled at her flustered expression. "That's exactly what I meant. Come on."
---
The theater was crowded, but a word from Hanekawa cleared an entire viewing room. Rin looked around in wonder, her eyes wide at the massive screen.
"First time?" he asked.
"I never have time," she admitted.
"Work matters. Rest matters more."
He settled into the center seats and pulled her onto his lap. She fit perfectly against him, her body warm and trusting. The lights dimmed. The movie began.
Two hours passed in comfortable silence, his hand resting on her thigh, her head against his shoulder.
When the credits rolled, he asked, "Well?"
"It was beautiful," she said softly. "Thank you for bringing me."
"How will you thank me?" His hand squeezed gently.
She turned to face him, eyes dark with emotion, and kissed him. It was tentative at first, then deeper, more certain.
"Is that all?" he murmured against her lips.
She didn't answer in words. Instead, she gasped his name as he lifted her, her legs wrapping around him instinctively. The empty theater became their private world—her soft sounds, his steady control, the intensity building between them until she was trembling, overwhelmed.
Later, in her apartment, he laid her down carefully and covered her with a blanket. She was already asleep, exhausted in the way only complete trust allowed.
She's too fragile, he thought, not unkindly. But that's what makes her precious.
---
The Hokage's office was quiet when he arrived. Tsunade sat at her computer, completely absorbed in a card game, her expression fierce with concentration.
"Teacher," he said softly.
"Don't interrupt. I'm winning," she replied without looking up.
Hanekawa smiled and moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "August 2nd. Our wedding."
Tsunade froze. August 2nd—their shared birthday. Four months away. Enough time to prepare. Enough time to accept what was happening.
"The ANBU will handle the arrangements," she said, her voice carefully controlled. But her hands trembled slightly.
"Should we have children?" he asked, his hand slipping beneath her shirt to rest on her stomach.
She caught his wrist, her breathing uneven. "It's natural. After marriage."
"Thank you," he whispered, and meant it with every fiber of his being.
Tsunade said nothing, but her grip on his wrist tightened—not in rejection, but in something far deeper. Acceptance. Hope. Love.
Outside, the village of Konoha continued its evening routines, unaware that its future had just been irrevocably shaped by a man who'd eaten a god's fruit and a woman who'd learned to trust again.
---
---
Finally, the second book is live—many of you asked for it, and it's here.
Naruto: Don't Count Me In
Do check it out, you'll definitely enjoy it.
I've learned a lot from the first book—improving translations, fixing errors, and reducing inconsistencies to make this one much better overall. That said, I'm still growing, so if you notice minor mistakes, just let them pass and enjoy the story.
Most importantly, don't stay silent—comment on the moments you like. I'd love to know how it felt for you.