The End

But it didn't matter. Better a short pain than a long one. That was Hinata's thinking.

After all, if she didn't act, the tailed beast would surely cause this kind of destruction at some point—perhaps something even worse.

So really, she was a good person.

Once the tremors finally faded away.

A violent gust swept through, and amid the shattered ruins, there was no longer any sign of the Artisan Ninja Village's prosperity from just hours ago.

Nor was there any trace of Matatabi, the Two-Tails, who had been wreaking havoc here.

All that remained was the faint smoke that only came after war.

The place seemed filled with loneliness. At its very center, Hinata alone floated silently high in the air.

If it had been someone else, or in the eyes of others, this should have been the moment to convey that feeling of how lonely invincibility was, of standing too high to bear the cold.

But Hinata felt somewhat wistful. Yes, she was moved. Who would've thought? I've actually become this powerful already?

Fortunately, no one heard her. If they had, who knew what expression they would make.

The End

Honestly, what had happened was completely unexpected for everyone. They had all come here with their own goals.

They had imagined that this mission might be difficult, that they might have to fight the enemy to the death. They might win, or they might lose.

They had considered life and death, worried over the situation,

and perhaps even prayed inwardly for protection.

But up to this point, well, everything that had happened was far beyond anything they had imagined.

Kumogakure had never expected their Two-Tails Jinchuriki to go berserk.

Then, with no other choice, the pitiful Three Great Ninja Villages had joined forces to deal with Matatabi.

And