The Pure Land Deep Within

Hinata had seen similar examples of murder and seizing the power of others in many novels in her previous life.

Hinata had initially thought she would feel no guilt and could face this situation calmly. But when the moment actually arrived, Hinata inexplicably felt nauseous.

This is not the same as murder; this is practically cannibalism.

Even in ninja training, ninjas would never be taught to rely on cannibalism to survive when food supplies are cut off.

"Is it really worth abandoning all principles and morals in order to gain so-called power and longevity?"

Hinata couldn't help but ask herself the same question.

At this moment, Hinata's heart was very firm, and there was not a trace of hesitation in her eyes.

After Urashiki was sealed away, Hinata told herself more than once that she would one day transform Urashiki into Chakra Fruit and eat him.

Even though her heart was already as firm as iron, Hinata hesitated in her actions.

This is different from fusing the Shikotsumyaku or Wood Release. Even though the essence of both is to seize the power of others, turning people into Chakra Fruit and eating them... Hinata cannot get past her conscience.

"Ughhhhhh—"

Urashiki fiercely resisted Hinata; this was a clash of Dōjutsu.

If Hinata hadn't used the Truth-Seeking Orb to create sticks and insert them into Urashiki's limbs beforehand, Urashiki's resistance would likely have been even more intense and tenacious.

"If I really did such a thing, could I still be called a 'human being'?"

"The Chakra Fruit is just a form of power. Urashiki died during the transformation process. This cannot be considered cannibalism; it is just a way to obtain power."

"Absolutely not! If I were to do such a thing, I would have lost all sense of decency."

"What is humanity? Think of immortality, think of the power to traverse the universe... Once you have these, you will one day regain the humanity you have lost."

It felt as if an angel and a demon were fiercely debating within Hinata's heart. One urged Hinata to gain power at all costs, while the other tried to persuade Hinata to retain the last shred of Hinata.

Even Hinata herself kept telling herself that the Chakra Fruit wasn't Urashiki; it was just a form of power.

Hinata absorbed Urashiki's Chakra and fused with the power of Shikotsumyaku and Wood Release... but now she is only converting Urashiki into Chakra Fruit, not actually eating Urashiki.

What does it matter if I become stronger?

Hinata's actions, thoughts, and heart seem to have split into different camps, constantly fighting each other and trying to persuade the other to give up.

"Aaaaaaahh..."

Hinata roared wildly, a struggle flashing in her eyes, constantly telling herself: Just this once, and only this once.

However, this thought could no longer control Hinata's actions. The remaining five Truth-Seeking Orbs on Hinata's back transformed into spikes, instantly piercing Urashiki's entire body and killing Urashiki completely.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."

Hinata was panting heavily, her heart filled with endless regret, but Hinata soul seemed to have found some kind of relief, and her whole body relaxed completely.

"What have I been persisting for all this time?"

"Whoosh!"

Hinata's clothes were soaked with cold sweat, but Hinata ignored it and instead questioned herself again and again in the depths of her heart.

"What's wrong with me lately?"

"What was the point of all my persistence and hard work?"

On the path to gaining power, the difficulty lies not in the method, but in the self-examination and self-reproach that comes from the soul.

Hinata was actually quite at ease with the idea of 'eating people' before.

What a terrible idea that is!

Looking back now, Hinata suddenly feels an urge to cry.

"I'm starting to not even recognize myself anymore..."

Hinata felt that her pursuit was not wrong.

What's wrong with us humans yearning for immortality and power?

Hinata's mistake was actually her method; it was her relentless pursuit of power by any means necessary.

Although Hinata always claims to be the mastermind behind the Shinobi World and the ultimate Shinobi World, Hinata has always had a moral bottom line that she must uphold.

That's the bottom line for us to be called 'human'.

Hinata reflected on her actions over this period of time, quietly contemplating her gains and losses.

A guilty conscience prevented Hinata from starting a war between the Five Great Shinobi Villages, because it would make Hinata feel like her hands were covered in blood.

Even though Hinata's hands were no longer clean, Hinata still kept a Pure Land for herself deep in her heart.

After a long while, Hinata raised her head slightly.

There is no air movement in space, and even with the Tenseigan Chakra Mode, it can be difficult to adapt to staying in space for a long time.

In such an environment, Hinata has to expend her own energy to maintain her vital signs.

Hinata flew back to the Shinobi World without saying a word.

At that moment, Hinata suddenly wanted to talk to Hyuga Hiashi, hoping that Hyuga Hiashi could point her in the right direction for the future.

Hinata desperately wanted someone to tell her that what she had done was not wrong.

Before entering the Shinobi World, Hinata turned back for one last look at Urashiki, used the power of the Tenseigan to bury Urashiki in a meteorite, and then pushed him into the depths of space.

"In the end... I still couldn't break through my own limits."

Hinata felt weak and regretted giving up such great power.

"Well!"

With a sigh, Hinata flew back to Konoha, where she handed over her identity to the White Zetsu substitute in the Back Mountain of Konoha, and then returned to the Hyuga residence.

"Father!"

Kneeling opposite Hyuga Hiashi, Hinata's small face was tense, and her eyes were extremely serious.

As Hyuga Hiashi, Hiashi Hyuga kept a poker face, as if nothing could ever change his expression.

"What's wrong?"

Hyuga Hiashi keenly noticed Hinata's unusual behavior. "Did you encounter something difficult to resolve by secretly leaving the village this time?"

"Kindness!"

Hinata nodded, feeling somewhat aggrieved.

Hyuga Hiashi calmly said, "Tell me!"

Hinata remained silent for a moment, struggling internally for a long time, before weakly saying, "Father, the hidden danger of your Rinnegan has been eliminated."

Hyuga Hiashi touched his eyes and then asked, "You left the village this time just for this?"

"Kindness!"

Hinata lowered her head, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Father, do you think I was wrong?"

Hinata then recounted her hesitation and inner struggle when facing Urashiki.

"I have seen the path to immortality, and it is almost within my grasp..."

"I once thought I would stop at nothing to gain power, but when the time came, I became weak."

"I simply can't do it!"

Hinata was somewhat dejected and aggrieved. "If I really transform Urashiki into Chakra Fruit and eat him, I feel like I can no longer be considered human."