Chapter 71

Hinata moved with quiet determination, her every step calculated, her every word carefully chosen. While Naruto delved into the depths of experimentation, pushing the limits of power, she was engaged in a battle of her own—a battle of perception, influence, and diplomacy. The world did not yet understand Naruto, and that misunderstanding bred fear. It was her task to change that.

The harsh reality of power was something Hinata had come to understand in ways that Naruto had yet to fully grasp. A hero was only beloved as long as there was a villain to fight. The moment peace settled, the once-revered warrior often became an object of scrutiny, a potential threat. Even though Naruto had traveled the world in the months following the war, allowing many to see his true self, fear still lingered.

The world was divided. Chakra users held dominance, treating those without it as lesser beings. The disparity had only grown wider with Naruto's rise to power. He was a symbol, a force beyond reckoning, and rather than bridging the divide, his existence only intensified it. The common people who lacked chakra felt increasingly marginalized, while those who wielded it viewed themselves as superior, emboldened by the presence of someone like Naruto at the pinnacle.

Those in power saw an opportunity in this divide. They twisted the narrative, painting Naruto as a danger, a immortallike being who could one day turn on humanity itself. Propaganda spread like wildfire, whispering of the worst-case scenarios—what if Naruto lost control? What if he decided to rule through might alone? The world watched him with wary eyes, waiting for the slightest misstep.

Hinata knew that Naruto had little patience for politics, for the intricacies of public relations. He was a warrior, a protector, but he had yet to fully understand the burden of leadership. That was why she had taken it upon herself to ensure that the world did not turn against him before he had the chance to truly shape its future.

Using her clan's influence, she reached out to the noble families tied to the Hyuga. Many of them had remained neutral in the shifting tides of power, watching from the sidelines. But through careful negotiation, persuasion, and strategic alliances, she secured their support for Naruto. She presented him not as a tyrant in the making, but as the guardian of peace, a force that would ensure balance rather than disrupt it.

It was through these connections that she secured the most important audience yet—one that could change everything.

Fire Lord Zuko had agreed to a private meeting.

It was a monumental step. The Land of Fire held great sway over the world's perception, and if Zuko extended his support to Naruto, it would counter much of the fearmongering that had taken root. This meeting was crucial, and Hinata knew she could not afford to fail.

She would not be alone. Her father, Hiashi Hyuga, had agreed to accompany her. Though their relationship had been complicated in the past, he had come to respect her choices, especially where Naruto was concerned. His presence would lend further legitimacy to their cause, as the Hyuga clan remained one of the most prestigious in the nation.

As Hinata prepared for the meeting, she remained focused. She had grown beyond the timid girl of her youth. She was no longer the silent observer, the hesitant admirer standing in Naruto's shadow. She was his partner in every sense of the word—his shield in the world of politics, just as he was hers in battle.

She would ensure that the world did not turn against him.

She would carve a path for him, no matter what it took.

Fire Lord Zuko was the greatest obstacle standing in Naruto's path within the Land of Fire. Like most of the other Elemental Lords, he harbored a deep distrust—if not outright disdain—toward the shinobi. His reasons were not personal but rooted in centuries of history. The fear of shinobi power was not unfounded. The Kage, rulers of the great hidden villages, had often disregarded the authority of their respective nations' monarchs. They were warriors who followed their own laws, answering only to their village's interests, and disregarding the will of the sovereign they technically served.

Before Naruto's emergence, there had been a slow but steady shift toward bridging the divide between the shinobi and the formal military of the Land of Fire. There had been hope for a future where the two could coexist under a structured system. But with Naruto's rise, that hope was shattered. He was an anomaly, an entity beyond classification, a force that could not be controlled. A being with absolute power in a world built upon checks and balances.

There was no one who could match him, no force that could stand in opposition should he choose to impose his will. This was a fear shared not only by Zuko but also by powerful figures like the Raikage and Tsuchikage. Even those who did not see Naruto as a threat could not deny the reality—there was no precedent for such a being, and the unknown was always dangerous.

Hinata, along with her father Hiashi Hyuga, arrived at the Fire Lord's palace, their presence marked by quiet dignity. The palace itself was an immense structure, spanning several miles, serving as both a home and a fortress for the royal family and the elite Royal Guards. These warriors, handpicked by Zuko himself, were the finest in the Fire Nation's standing army, enhanced with the latest mechanical augmentations.

Yet, to Hinata, they were nothing more than standard Jounin in strength. Their enhancements gave them an edge over common soldiers, but against someone of her caliber, they would not last long. Still, her power was not widely known. That anonymity worked in her favor, allowing her to move through political circles without raising alarms.

Led through the grand halls, they were eventually guided to the royal garden, where Fire Lord Zuko sat with his grandfather, the esteemed General Iroh. The two men were having tea, a peaceful contrast to the tension that loomed over the meeting.

Hinata took a moment to observe Zuko. He was young but carried himself with the composure of a seasoned leader. His eyes held intelligence and caution—qualities of a ruler who understood the weight of power. Beside him, Iroh offered a warm smile, his demeanor far more inviting than Zuko's impassive gaze.

With a nod from the Fire Lord, Hinata and Hiashi took their seats. Iroh, ever the gracious host, poured them tea, his expression one of quiet amusement. But the moment of civility was short-lived.

Zuko took a sip of his tea before speaking, his words cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

"Are you here to convince me that Uzumaki Naruto isn't a threat? If so, you should desist from this futile endeavor. I only have a few minutes to spare."

His directness was unexpected. Most leaders engaged in formal pleasantries, carefully maneuvering toward the topic. But Zuko had no interest in wasting time. His mind was already made up, his stance unwavering.

Hinata, however, was not deterred. If anything, she appreciated the clarity—it meant she could get straight to the point as well.

Bowing respectfully, she began, her voice calm yet firm.

"Greetings, my lord. I am honored to be in your presence. My name is Hinata Hyuga, and I am a close friend of Uzumaki Naruto.

I have no doubt that you have already gathered intelligence on him, so I will not waste your time with unnecessary details. Instead, I will present you with clear proof of his character.

First, as you are aware, Naruto Uzumaki has been the vessel of the Kyuubi since birth. The demon fox could speak to him, could have manipulated him. Given the way Konoha treated him—feared him, despised him—it would have been understandable if he had chosen to destroy the village that cast him aside.

But he didn't.

Despite their hatred, he risked his life to protect them. He answered cruelty with kindness, fought for those who had given him nothing in return. Furthermore, he extended that selflessness to people beyond his homeland, aiding those in distant lands without seeking any reward.

This alone should prove that he is not a man driven by vengeance or power."

She allowed a brief pause, letting her words settle before continuing.

"Second, when Pain attacked Konoha, he slaughtered everyone. Among those lost were Master Jiraiya, who was a father figure to Naruto, and Hatake Kakashi, one of his closest mentors and friends.

Most of us, if faced with such loss, would have sought revenge. We would have hunted down the perpetrator and executed him without hesitation. But Naruto did not.

Instead of killing Pain on the spot, he chose to listen, to understand, and ultimately, to bring him to justice through the proper channels. He believes in accountability, not personal retribution. That is the measure of his character.

Finally, he gained unprecedented power during the war. He witnessed untold tragedies, saw entire nations crumble. And yet, he did not change.

He remains humble.

He does not seek to rule, does not command others as a tyrant would. Even now, he chooses to serve under a lord rather than seize power for himself. If he were truly a threat, if power had corrupted him, the tragedies he endured would have pushed him down that path. But they did not."

She met Zuko's gaze directly.

"You may verify all that I have said. You will not find a single lie. The reality is this—Naruto is a kind man. The fear of what he might become is based on theory, not fact."

A silence followed her words.

Zuko regarded her with an unreadable expression before setting his cup down. His voice remained calm, but his words carried weight.

"I see. But that still doesn't solve the problem."

He leaned forward slightly, his golden eyes sharp.

"Why should anyone trust a single man with such power? Tell me, if the worst were to happen, if he were to turn against us—who could stop him?

Is there a force capable of challenging him? Or…" He let the question hang in the air for a moment before delivering his final demand.

"Is he willing to share half of his power with me and serve me with absolute loyalty?"

His question was not just difficult—it was damning. It was the very fear that gripped the world, the one that no reassurance could fully erase.

Hinata hesitated, not because she lacked an answer, but because she understood the weight of what he was asking.

Naruto was powerful, but trust in him could not be based on control or subjugation. It had to be earned through faith, not fear.

And that was a battle not easily won.

Hinata expected resistance, but Zuko's bluntness was something else entirely. He wasted no time on pleasantries or political maneuvering—he simply laid bare the core issue that troubled the world's leaders. Power.

No matter how noble Naruto's actions had been, no matter how selfless he had proven himself, the simple fact remained—he was too powerful. A single individual, beyond any measure of control, beyond any counterbalance. That was what terrified the world.

Hinata held back a sigh. She had come prepared, but Zuko's direct challenge was a difficult one to answer. The leaders of the Elemental Nations were not unreasonable for their concerns. Even if Naruto had only ever used his strength to protect, history had shown that the strongest individuals often dictated the fate of the world, whether they intended to or not.

Hiashi, seated beside her, remained calm, his posture perfect, his face unreadable. He was here in support, but this was Hinata's battle to fight.

Taking a measured breath, she looked directly at Zuko, her lavender eyes unwavering.

"My lord, your concerns are understandable, and I will not insult your intelligence by dismissing them. However, I must ask—what true alternative do you see? Even if Naruto were to disappear today, the world would not return to balance. The problem is not his existence, but the system that allows such disparity of power to exist in the first place."

Zuko raised an eyebrow slightly, but remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"The trust issue is a valid one," Hinata admitted. "Power unchecked is dangerous. But Naruto has not abused his strength. You ask if he would share his power or submit himself to you. But would any man in his position do so? Would you, if you held such power?"

Zuko narrowed his eyes. "I am not the one threatening to upset the balance of the world."

Hinata's lips pressed together. "Neither is Naruto. He is not a conqueror, nor has he ever forced his will on others. Unlike the Kage, unlike the warlords of the past, he has made no attempt to claim authority for himself. Instead, he seeks to serve, to protect, to find a path where power is not used to dominate, but to uplift."

Iroh, who had been silently observing, set his teacup down and chuckled softly. "A noble sentiment. But sentiments alone do not govern the world, young lady."

Hinata turned to him, nodding in acknowledgment. "You are right, Lord Iroh. That is why Naruto does not stand alone. That is why I am here. Why we are building a foundation of trust. If you fear that he may lose his way, then guide him. If you fear that he may one day turn against the people, then ensure he has people around him to hold him accountable."

She leaned forward slightly. "Naruto does not desire absolute power. But if he is left isolated, if he is treated as an enemy before he has even done wrong, then what choice does he have? The world is watching, and so is he. If the rulers of the world seek to make an enemy of him, then they will create the very disaster they fear."

Zuko exhaled through his nose, swirling his tea in thought. "You argue well, Lady Hyuga. But words alone will not ease my concerns. I do not deal in promises—I deal in guarantees."

Hinata remained silent for a moment before nodding. "Then let us work together to create those guarantees. Not by chains or forced servitude, but by establishing a true system of accountability. If Naruto is willing to serve under a lord, then let him do so in a way that is structured, in a way that ensures checks and balances. I am not here to ask for blind faith. I am here to find a way forward."

Silence stretched between them. The tension was thick, but Hinata did not waver. She had learned patience, had learned the power of quiet strength.

At that moment, there existed forces capable of halting Naruto's advance, should he ever pose a true threat. The immortals who stood beyond human limitations could restrain him, and even the other Jinchūriki, if they were to develop alongside him, could offer resistance. Additionally, Toneri, a figure of considerable power, had the potential to counter Naruto after growing into his own strength.

And beyond them, there was the ever-present reality of the Ōtsutsuki Clan. These celestial beings, who existed far beyond the reach of ordinary humans, were the greatest threat to the world's survival. If anything, Naruto was not a menace to be contained—he was a necessary shield against their inevitable invasion.

But should Hinata share such information with Fire Lord Zuko?

Revealing knowledge of such a cosmic-scale threat was not a decision to be taken lightly. However, considering Zuko's reputation as a capable and wise ruler—one who could play an integral role in the future of their world—Hinata decided that he deserved to know the truth. The threat of annihilation was real, and only through unity and preparation could they hope to survive.

She met Zuko's gaze with unwavering resolve.

"There are threats only Naruto can fight against," she said, her voice measured yet firm. "We are not alone in this vast universe, and our enemies are the very ones who altered the course of human history."

At her words, Zuko's hand stilled, and he slowly placed his teacup down. For the first time during their meeting, genuine interest flickered in his golden eyes.

"Are you saying that the Immortal Queen is real?" he asked, his tone sharp with curiosity.

The Immortal Queen—a figure of legend, known as Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. She had been revered as the immortaldess of the Golden Age, the savior who had lifted the world from destruction. Yet, it was her son who had shaped the course of humanity, bestowing upon them the chakra system that defined their existence.

Hinata nodded, her expression solemn.

"Not only is she real, but she is also the one whom Uzumaki Naruto defeated during the war. And she is not the only one of her kind. Her people are still out there. They will come for us, as they have done with countless other civilizations. They see intelligent life as nothing more than a resource—crops to be harvested before being consumed. If we are not prepared, they will wipe us out."

Zuko's expression darkened. His fingers lightly drummed against the table as he contemplated her words. Then, with a steady voice, he asked, "Do you have any proof of this claim?"

Hinata did not hesitate. "There are multiple witnesses to this incident," she said. "But the real question is—are you willing to believe what we saw?"

The Fire Lord did not immediately answer. Instead, he studied her with an intensity that had not been present before. For the first time, he looked at her properly, not just as a representative of Naruto's faction, but as an individual in her own right. She was different from what his intelligence reports had suggested—more composed, more insightful.

After a moment of silence, he finally spoke.

"Show me."

With his permission, Hinata activated her abilities, revealing the truth as she had witnessed it. The overwhelming power of Kaguya, the scale of the battle, the devastation that had nearly consumed their world—it was all laid bare before him.

When the vision ended, Zuko sat back, his expression unreadable. A heavy silence filled the air before he exhaled slowly.

"Is this enough proof to grant him a chance?" Hinata asked.

Zuko was quiet for a long moment, before finally nodding.

"For now, I will give him a chance," he said. "But tell him to remain vigilant. There are many eyes upon him, and not all are friendly."

With those parting words, he lifted his teacup once more, signaling the end of the discussion.

Understanding that their meeting had concluded, Hinata and Hiashi rose from their seats. Bowing respectfully, Hinata offered her gratitude.

"My lord, thank you for your time."

With that, they turned and left.

As the two shinobi departed, a deep chuckle broke the silence.

"It is not easy to play this game, Zuko," Iroh mused, his voice warm with approval. "I am proud of you for taking the difficult steps."

Zuko set his tea down, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile. His previously cold demeanor softened as he replied,

"This isn't a difficult step, Grandfather. The truth is, I already believe in him."

Iroh's brows lifted slightly in surprise, prompting Zuko to elaborate.

"From the information I have gathered, Naruto Uzumaki is someone I want to keep close. We have yet to meet personally, but I have watched him. I have seen the way he moves, the way he helps those in my land without expecting anything in return.

However," he added, his voice becoming serious once more, "I cannot afford to be too trusting. If everyone simply bows to him without question, it will be too easy for him to lose his way. He needs to be challenged, to be kept on the right path.

And more than that, I need to see who is truly opposed to him—who among us is planning to take drastic steps to remove him. A man with such power is a double-edged sword. If an attempt is made to destroy him, the consequences will be catastrophic for the world itself."

Iroh listened intently before nodding in understanding. "A wise decision," he said, his tone thoughtful. "But I did not expect that there would be even greater threats looming beyond our world."

Zuko sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I suppose I was too optimistic about the idea of peace."

His grandfather chuckled, shaking his head. "Life is always like this, my boy. Whenever there is a glimmer of peace, disaster is never far behind. But worry not—we will prepare. I will have my people gather information on the old legends, and we will see what can be done."

Zuko nodded, his expression resolute. The world had changed, and the threats they faced were unlike any in history. But he would not sit idly by.

For the sake of his people—and for the sake of the future—he would ensure that when the time came, they would be ready.