In the Silver World, still Nameless, called by its inhabitants 'The Moon Realm'.
The continued presence of the sixteen individuals punished by the Silver Lady began to have unforeseen consequences upon the Silver World...
It started subtly—strange tremors shuddered through the crystalline ground beneath the forests and rivers. The once-harmonious flora, attuned to the gentle flow of spiritual energy, began to behave erratically. Vines twisted unnaturally, branches curved at impossible angles, and blossoms bloomed with unsettling hues—colors that seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive with restless intent.
The wildlife too became disturbed. Creatures that once welcomed visitors or remained indifferent grew violent. Beasts turned territorial, lashing out even at familiar Silver World guardians. Seasoned travelers reported attacks in regions once considered safe.
But the true danger had yet to reveal itself.
Reports soon reached the heart of the Silver World: a lone swordsman, cloaked in ragged garb, prowled the outer territories. Those who saw it found it similar to Tenshō. This specter attacked any it encountered with merciless precision. Worse, the wounds it inflicted resisted the natural healing of the Silver World—scars lingered for days or weeks. Even those who awoke safely from the dream-world bore the marks of the encounter when they returned to the silver world.
The descriptions chilled all who heard them.
"This description feels like... Nightmare Hiashi," Takama whispered in dread.
Yet this was no isolated apparition.
More figures emerged—aberrant forms, wielding complex Jutsu with tactical intelligence. They struck from ambush, used illusions, coordinated in packs. When travelers fell to these beings, they were expelled from the Silver World violently, waking in the real world as if with a terrible nightmare. Many could not sleep for days afterward, plagued by visions of their attackers. Only after deep rest—often induced—did their minds begin to recover.
Fear began to spread. The once serene sanctuary of the Silver World was changing. A taint had taken root—one that grew stronger with each passing night.
<<<< o >>>>
Even in exhaustion, duty called.
The journey back to the Iron Capital had been anything but restful for Hinata. The Silver World's increasing demands drained her constantly—her body weakened, her spirit worn thin. Every breath seemed heavier. Luckily all she had to do was hold onto Kuro, she was doing most of the work.
And now… a new threat.
Reports had come—of distortions growing, nightmares prowling the once-safe regions. Not just isolated dangers anymore, but something systematic. An attack against the very heart of the realm. Against its people.
When the meeting was called in the Crystal Tower's heart chamber—the luminous sanctuary beneath the great silver-leafed tree—Hinata arrived pale, her movements slow, leaning faintly on the polished stone railing. She wore a simple robe rather than her divine attire; there was no illusion to hide her current state. Yet her eyes burned with focus.
Around her gathered those she trusted most, those to whom she entrusted her secrets and who have not let her down.
Michel stood close by, hands clasped behind his back, expression thoughtful yet sharp—ever her mentor, and now her anchor.
Takama, tall and imposing, remained at her side, one protective hand lightly on her shoulder—father first, strategist second.
Mifune sat cross-legged near the map table, brows furrowed in rare frustration, blades still within reach.
Gorō leaned against a pillar, arms crossed, alert as always, scanning for unseen dangers.
Kaito stood at Hinata's other side—silent, but eyes tracking every word, every gesture, ever ready to act.
Maeko had come as well, her concern plain. She moved near Hinata instinctively, a steady, warm presence amid the tension.
As the last of the scouts reported, Michel was the first to break the silence.
"The entity known as Nightmare Tenshō is only the beginning." His voice echoed softly through the chamber. "Others are emerging—more coordinated, more dangerous. They move intelligently now. And worse—if they are defeated, they simply reform elsewhere."
Takama's hand tightened slightly on Hinata's shoulder. "That is unacceptable. We cannot allow these abominations to hunt in our lands. Not here. Not among our people."
Hinata, voice low but unwavering, finally spoke. "I… can still transfer samurai between Silver Nodes." Her breath hitched faintly, but she pressed on. "I cannot fight them directly. Not now. The realm is… pulling from me more and more." She closed her eyes for a moment, her hand pressed over her heart. "But I will open the way. I can ensure the Silver Nodes remain stable for transport."
"No one asks more than that," Michel said gently, stepping closer. "You've already done more than anyone could expect. This world… is responding to you. But now, others must stand in its defense."
"I will lead a contingent," Takama declared firmly. "We will track these Nightmares. Capturing them is the only viable option—we can no longer simply drive them off." He looked at Mifune. "Will you stand with me?"
Mifune's answer was immediate. "Of course." He rose smoothly to his feet. "A samurai's duty is to protect the people and the land. No matter where that land may lie."
Kaito spoke next. "I will go as well. I've fought alongside her long enough to understand this world better than most." His gaze flicked toward Hinata. "And if something happens, I can reach you faster than any of them." Hinata understood and although limited, it was somewhat reassuring.
Gorō nodded once. "I will coordinate mobile groups from the outer Points. We'll hunt in teams, drive them inward where containment is possible."
Maeko, watching all this, touched Hinata's arm softly. "You're not alone, Lady Hinata. None of us will let this place fall. Not while we still stand."
A flicker of emotion stirred in Hinata's weary gaze—gratitude, deep and fierce.
And then… word came. From the many Silver Nodes all over the Silver World.
Civilians were moving. Refugees from the outer districts, farmers, artisans, scholars—ordinary folk drawn by the promise of safety—were gathering at the Silver Nodes. Not in fear, but in defiance. They welcomed the arriving samurai with cheers, with offerings of food and aid. Some even began organizing support lines—tending to the wounded, crafting basic defenses, aiding however they could.
Hinata, watching this unfold through her spiritual perception, blinked in disbelief.
"They… they're not fleeing," she whispered. "They're fighting for it. For this world."
Michel smiled faintly. "Of course they are. It's their home now. You gave them that. You think only warriors defend what they love?"
Takama's voice was resolute. "This is more. It is spirit. You've built more than a realm, Hinata—you've given them a cause."
Mifune's gaze was steely. "Then we will not fail them."
And so… in the face of darkness, the Silver World stood. Not by divine decree alone—but by the will of its people. A land once dreamed, now defended.
And Hinata, though weary beyond words, knew in that moment:
She was not alone in this fight.
<<<< o >>>>
Rain poured relentlessly over the capital of Amegakure, shrouding the metallic skyline in an ethereal mist. Towering structures of steel and glass pierced through the fog like rusted monuments, while enormous ducts slithered between buildings, hissing steam and channeling runoff rainwater into the depths below. Board signs flickered weakly against the gloom, casting brief reflections across the puddled streets. Within the tallest tower—an obsidian spire laced with copper veins—sat the hidden command center of the Akatsuki.
Inside, the air was heavy, filled with the soft hum of machines and the occasional crackle of old speakers. Konan stood near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, her origami cloak catching faint light as she watched the city's downpour. Pain—Nagato—remained seated on his elevated throne of interlocked chakra rods, his Rinnegan fixed forward with quiet intensity.
"Taki reports a coordinated infiltration and attack against their Bijuu," Konan began, her voice calm but sharp. "They claim a cult from the Land of Iron assaulted the Bijuu. No fatalities, though multiple operatives are unaccounted for."
Pain's gaze didn't waver. "If it is something related to the Bijuu it is of interest to us."
"They've issued an S-rank bounty," Konan continued, turning to face him. "The description is... unorthodox. A silver-haired woman. Graceful, ethereal, who brandishes a sword as if dancing. Some say she glides across water without ripples. With Genjutsu of exceptional strength"
Pain remained silent for a moment. "Survived a Jinchūriki in full release without casualties. That is not trivial. There's more to this. This description matches the one Sasori shared with me a while back, she defeated some cultists of Hidan Jashin cult."
"Shall we mobilize our intelligence to find out more? The situation clearly seems like a narrative altered by Takigakure." she asked.
"Do it" His words ended the conversation.