Hinata's death

At home

When Naruto opened the door, Hinata came out to the hallway to receive him with a wide smile and open arms. She was, again, the soft, blushing and caring wife. Himawari and Boruto came rushing down the stairs and the three of them hugged Naruto. For a moment, his saddened heart shined.

While Boruto and Himawari rushed to the dinner table, Hinata stopped Naruto and told him:

—Honey, I've invited Konohamaru over. I wanted to have a family dinner with the whole family, and also talk about this mission. Our kids can't be left out; they're children, but they need to understand the situation and agree with the plan. After all, this involves us all.

—I agree with you. I was also planning on inviting Konohamaru. Thanks, Hinata.

Naruto felt, again, the weight in his heart that wouldn't let him breath. But he controlled it and tried to focus on Shikamaru's words: certain circumstances... if needed, he would get there in the blink of an eye.

The doorbell interrupted his thoughts. Boruto asked if they were waiting for someone, with worrisome in his eyes given the events of the last days. Hinata told him that it was Konohamaru and stood up to open de door. Boruto felt relived.

They dined and, after an hour or so, the table was clean again.

—Boruto, Hima, we actually need to talk —Naruto started talking and, immediately, the atmosphere became heavy:

—You both know what happened a few days ago... you know a guy named Kimochi Ootsutsuki came to the village trying to fetch you, Boruto... you know uncle Sasuke was deeply injured and is currently battling for his life... I, myself, am not fully recovered...

As those words came out, Boruto looked away. He felt directly responsible for Sasuke's injures because he knew Kimochi was going after him. Naruto realized about Boruto's reaction and added:

—It is not your fault, son. You don't need to look away or be embarrassed. Anyway, in the light of such events, we've decided we need a plan to protect Boruto. That means we're gonna be apart from each other and we, Hinata and I, need to know that we are all in the same page.

—What do you mean, dad, by being apart? Am I going to go away with you and mom is gonna stay with Hima?

—Not exactly, Boruto —said Hinata. And then, proceeded to explain the plan and the mission to her kids. She wanted them to feel reassured that that was the best chance at beating Kimochi and that she was ready to put the bandana on once again.

Himawari wanted to cry, but stayed calm and accepted the plan, knowing that it would not be forever. Boruto, on the other hand, had just one question that came out like the roar of a tiger:

—Dad, why would you let mom do something this reckless, risk her life like that? I don't... I want her and Hima to be save.

Naruto, unable to answer the question, lowered his head, but Hinata, with a soft and calm voice, answered:

—I'm doing it to protect you, Boruto. And also, it was not your father's idea, I volunteered and he had no choice but to accept. As you can see, he hasn't even wrap himself around that idea, so go easy on the gilt, please. What you have to understand is that this the best way to protect you. My path, as your father's, is to always protect those I love, no matter the odds.

Boruto, ready to answer back, shut up, lowered his head and nodded in agreement. After the plan was discussed and the kids had agreed on it, Konohamaru said:

—I met with Kakashi-sensei. We will be going to a warehouse tomorrow somewhat far from the village. Naruto-nissan, you can't come to say goodbye or it could leave a trace. Also, for safety reasons, Kakashi-sensei will be the only one knowing where we'll be. When, and if needed, he'll tell you.