Just wanted to chime in and mention that three times today while I was walking around and at work I found myself lost in thought imagining what will happen in the next few chapters.
Will Lilli act Low key and allow misconceptions to accrue until she reveals her skills saving someone who thought less of her? Or will she just act in the background and not until they arrive back to the village will Makoto realise what calibre of Shinzo I she said been insulting.
I know the second scenario is unlikely because where's the drama and action if everything goes right. You wouldn't need more than a few lines to describe a successful uneventful mission usually but sometimes I do wish for a slice of life type mission where there's no crazy overarching consequences or schemes but that's not the life fitting for The Hokage's Blade haha.
Looking forward to see how spot on or how wildly different event sounds go than my daydreams. :~)
We get our clearance and leave the village. It's a quiet affair as we travel through the desert, passing small villages and settlements along the way. The sun rises higher and higher in the sky until we decide to stop for a while and take shelter in the shade of some large rocky structures. Moving around in the heat is one thing, risking combat at high noon is another thing entirely. And while these girls have been raised in a desert environment, I don't want to put them in any sort of danger.
I pull water from the air near me into a small sphere, just to occupy myself, and keep it stable as I drink from it. A familiar shadow comes to my attention after a few minutes.
"You doing okay in this heat?"
"I am, yes."
Makoto crosses her arms as she looks at me. "Good. Wouldn't want you to overheat and collapse, or anything like that."
"Thank you for your concern."
She glances at the sphere of water in my hand for a moment before leaving. I sigh and shake my head. Stubborn girl.
Once it passes noon and the sun lowers itself in the sky, we begin to move again at a measured pace. Nomads and merchants walk down the few carved paths through the desert, or at least the ones that haven't been swallowed up by the shifting sands.
"..."
By now it's afternoon, and I can sense an unusually strong chakra in the area. Familiar, almost. I raise a hand and the group stops behind me.
"Keep close," I say simply.
"If it's something strong, we can handle it well enough," Makoto says. She has her weapons pop out from a scroll, two large kunai blades that look like they can be combined to make a scissor-like weapon. Makoto is a wind type, according to the data I have, meaning she can make good use of cutting attacks.
Suketsune readies herself; she's a poison user, primarily. Likely has multiple wrist-mounted weapons to launch poison, projectiles, or both. She also has a wind nature, useful for moving said poison to its target efficiently.
Aiko mainly uses ninjutsu, and she smartly readies her hands so that she can make seals as quickly as possible. And I'm certain that as that woman's daughter, her natures of fire and wind combine into something else entirely...
There are a few presences, but that larger one is unchanging...wait. I know this signature.
"Oi. It's been a while," I say as the other group stops close by.
"It has been. Lilith Kobayashi, isn't it..."
"You remembered me," I say to Gaara. He hasn't changed much, aside from the outfit that's more uniform on his body. A reddish-brown colour that suits him well. Maybe he got his fashion sense from the same place Temari did.
"It would be shameful to forget someone like you. Someone who changed my existence to this degree..."
"I'm flattered." It doesn't escape my notice that the girls are unnaturally quiet. Gaara's expression is neutral, but with a hint of apology hidden within. He understands that it will take a while before he's trusted in his home village. Even if it wasn't his fault that things turned out the way they did. "Breakfast was enjoyable this morning. You're quite the cook."
"I was under the impression that snakes enjoyed eggs."
I laugh. "So you have a sense of humour now? Very good. You're progressing nicely. The four of us here are heading to Mitsurin in the south. Any reports from that section?"
"None recently. Things seem to be largely unchanged."
"Understood. Have a safe journey, and tell Temari I'm thinking fondly of her."
"Of course. Good luck, Lilith."
"Thank you. And Lili is fine for the next time."
He nods and leaves with his team. I turn to face my own, watching as Suketsune catches her breath, Aiko relaxes, and Makoto grinds her teeth together.
"So you're friends with that psychopath too, huh. Aren't we full of surprises?" she says angrily. "But that's just like your kind, isn't it?"
"Makoto...that's too much," Aiko says.
"Suketsune's a wreck. You know exactly how frightened she is of Gaara. But whatever. Hope you enjoyed your friendly chat, Captain."
"Wait. Captain Kobayashi? How...do you know Gaara?" Aiko asks. "And you're acquainted with Lady Temari, too?"
"Temari helped me thwart the invasion of the Leaf all that time ago. We placed our faith in each other, and a friendship blossomed from there. As for Gaara, well...that was different. I merely showed him his place at the Chuunin Exams."
"The Exams...wait, that means..." Aiko's eyes widen. "You're...her? The Desert Storm?"
"No fuckin' way," Makoto yells. "There's no way-"
"It makes sense," Suketsune replies shakily. "The red hair, being a jounin...what happened to Gaara. She's the Scarlet Viper from Leaf..."
"What...?"
"Do you know who I am now?" I say with a menacing smile. "The Leaf's Crimson Nightmare herself. A woman of battle who carries many oppressive titles. You were right, Makoto. Money can't buy skill. It's earned in blood. And I've spilled quite a bit of it."
"..."
"I apologize for your discomfort earlier, but it would be quite rude to ignore someone that I know so intimately."
"Yeah. Gaara...isn't a bad person. He just made a lot of mistakes in his past. Things that he's been trying to make up for," Aiko says.
"It's fine. You don't need to apologize for disliking someone, or feeling like you can't completely trust them after things they've done in the past. Grieving is hard, and forgiveness can be as difficult as it is virtuous. Do we need some more time to recover?"
"Suketsune?" Aiko asks.
"I'm fine. Captain...thank you. I'm okay."
"You're sure, now."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Alright. Let's move on so we can get to our designated area and set up camp. I hope it hasn't been washed away by sand, at least..."
"The desert isn't quite that volatile, ma'am," Aiko points out.
"Oh? Educate me then, Miss Mishoto."
"You mean that?"
"Of course I do. Learning from someone who has experience in an area is a great honour, and quite invigorating."
"Invigorating...?"
"It means filled with energy," Suketsune says quietly. "Okichi says it when he's having a good time making weapons."
"Your clan is that of weapon smiths, no?" I ask her. "I was thinking that your family name sounded familiar."
"Yes, we are. I'm not much myself, but my older brother Okichi is a genius. And there's Yushiro too, he's older than me but younger than Okichi. He makes his own weapons for personal use, mainly, but they're really good as well. I'm surprised that you know of us..."
"She's a rich girl, so maybe she heard about your high quality weapons and junk," Makoto says dismissively as we move across the sand again. "Your weirdo brother, not so much."
"Makoto!"
"What. He's a weirdo, Aiko. Always giving me shit about how I handle my kunai blades. For fuck's sake, I clean them every chance I get."
"You know that's not what he means."
"I'm not gonna polish and sharpen my blades everyday."
"He said he would do it for you."
"No. I don't want him rebalancing my tools or whatever weird jank he does. Remember when he 'fixed' a set of my kunai? They were unusable-"
"You have an improper throwing arc," Suketsune points out.
"See what I mean? Like brother, like sister."
"Fumi-sensei has told you the same thing for months," Aiko says.
Well, at least they're all comfortable again.
---
We carry on through the day, with not much in the way of civilization along this route. My attention is focused mainly on looking out for any sudden threats, and monitoring team activities. Suketsune is her quiet self, while Aiko and Makoto speak quietly at what they think is a safe distance from me.
"You're ridiculous...talking to her like that in the first place, Makoto."
"Some snobby little brat comes up and talks to me like that, what was I supposed to do?"
"Not say anything, maybe." Aiko sighs. "And now we find out she's the Scarlet Viper. Do you have any idea what could have happened? I mean, she wouldn't be out of line to slap you. You're lucky she's a good person."
"Good? Her?"
"Yes, her. She's really nice and is obviously looking out for us."
"You're way too kind to people sometimes, Aiko. And someone like that, who comes from money...what would they know about our struggle? It's people like them that are responsible for the village being the way it is right now. You know it, and I know it. Not just the poverty, but you..."
"..."
"You've suffered the most because of them, Aiko."
"Yes. And I've also been healed by one of 'them'."
"Remi...she's different."
"Because you know her, and because you know how much I love her. She was there for me when nobody else was after...after Mom died and Dad left. People aren't automatically bad because they were born rich, just like people aren't automatically good because they're born poor. I know that you have your hangups, but...I think we should give Lili a chance."
"..."
"At least be nicer to her, Makoto."
"I'll think about it."
"Thanks. I mean that."
"Only because it's you, Aiko."
Aiko's mother...her too. And yet she turned out like she did, so full of warmth. Thinking about my journey, where I struggled to keep my head above water most days...that's some kind of strength she has.
"We can keep going until later in the night, or we can stop earlier and get some extra rest before we head out early in the morning. At this rate, we're making good time," I announce. There are quite a few sand dunes here, and we slide down them to conserve energy when possible.
"Let's stop early. It sounds better if we're refreshed before taking on the next half of the mission," Aiko suggests.
"What she said," Makoto follows up.
"I agree with them, Captain," Suketsune says.
"Then it's decided. We'll keep going a bit longer and then settle in for dinner. Any objections to me cooking?"
"Oh, the rich girl can cook? This oughta be good. By good, I mean-"
"Makoto, hush. Captain, I think it would be an honour if you cooked for us."
"I agree...thank you so much, Captain."
"Hmhm. It's no trouble at all," I say with a smile. "Oh, and I do have a lovely maid that cooks for me at home. Maybe one day I'll visit again and bring along some of her wonderful treats."
The sea of sand gives way to flatlands, with different sorts of crevices and layers of rock. The vivid reds and browns stand out against the blue sky, and we skip through a small canyon with plant life blooming in the solid walls around us. Water flows at our feet, with birds scattering at our arrival and settling in again as we move forward. We're carried back out into the sand again, watching the sun start to dip below the horizon and colour the skies.
"Desert sunsets are always lovely," I say to myself.
"One of my earliest memories was watching one of these with my mom," Aiko says to me. "It was a long time ago, though."
"My mother loved to take me out exploring in the wilderness. We would see all kinds of interesting things. At night we watched the stars and drew shapes in the sky with our hands."
"It's always precious spending time with family."
"It is."
Night comes and we find a place to stop. There's some brush, plants, and rocks for cover in case we need them. A few of them we move around to use as seats, circling the fire that Aiko makes and maintains as I prepare dinner. Unsealing fresh meat and seasoning it with herbs and spices is the first step to any good meal.
"This is soooo good!"
Today's meal is a simple steak, cooked with fresh herbs to medium-rare. Enjoyable for most everyone, and leaves room for further cooking if needed. Thankfully, everyone is happy with their food, Aiko especially. Makoto says very little but seems to be enjoying herself with the pace that she's eating. Suketsune is quietly appreciative. I've paired the steak with some flat bread and wild salad.
"I agree with Aiko...this is very good, ma'am," Suketsune says. "To be honest...I didn't think you could cook, because of what Makoto..."
"Well, it's not a necessity in the wilderness. There's a booming business for ready-made meals that you can open and heat on the go, and then you have the last resort..."
"Military rations," Aiko says. She sticks out her tongue and fake gags.
"They're free for shinobi, at least," Makoto points out.
"And there's a reason for that," Aiko counters. "Not to mention it's totally random what you get when you buy in bulk. The absolute worst is the one they call 'Meaty Feast'."
Hm. It reminds me a bit of what Aoko calls her dish, 'Meat Surprise'. The only difference is that her food is actually good - Crim brought over some the other day for lunch and insisted I try it. Little wonder he grew up so well. It's somewhat heavy and makes you want to go to sleep afterwards, that's how satisfying it is.
"I'll take first watch when we're done," Makoto announces. "Unless Captain Kobayashi here has any objections."
"None whatsoever. The other girls and I will decide the remaining spots between us."
"..." She means to say something else, but holds her tongue. "Yes'm. I'll be right back, then. Gonna do a walk of the perimeter."
I watch Makoto get up and dust herself off before walking into the distance.
"She's been acting weird ever since the mission started. It's not like her," Aiko says.
"I see."
"I'll talk to her when she gets back, see if I can do anything. But I think she's coming around, at least. You know, not trying to bite your head off and all."
"That much is appreciated," I say flatly. "I suppose I'll take last watch and make sure everyone's up in the morning."
"I'll take third watch. Suketsune, is that okay?"
"Yes, it's fine. I can follow up after Makoto."
"Don't let her push you around this time. When it comes time to switch, make sure you switch and she goes to bed."
"I-I'll try. She's...kind of scary at times, though."
Aiko sighs. "She puts on that kind of front when she thinks she can get away with it. Once you call her bluffs, she's not that hard to deal with."
"It sounds like you know your way around her," I say with a smile.
"Kinda have to. Makoto's a really great friend and teammate, but...definitely a handful at times. Um, just as a heads' up..."
"The girl could burn a hole through me if she stared any harder. It's alright, darling. I'm aware."
"It's not a problem, is it?"
I shrug. "I certainly don't object to it. Not to be too vain, but I do cut a stylish figure...it's only right that she sneaks a peek so often. Though it is kind of sad that we don't get along currently."
"Well...that's not wrong," Aiko says timidly.
"Mm?" I already had an idea about Aiko, but it's fun being a tease. "What isn't?"
"That you're, um...very attractive," she says while blushing.
I sigh dramatically. "'Tis a shame. You're cute, but taken."
"Taken? Um...I mean, that's not..."
"It's alright, I'm just having fun. But seriously, it's quite obvious. Very protective of you, and not averse to your scolding most of all. You have a comfortable sort of relationship. It's cute."
"...thanks."
"And of course, what we talk about out in the wilderness stays here, between us." I think a moment. "She...hasn't noticed, has she?"
"Way too busy crying to herself about how you're rich and some sort of evil witch because of it. Makoto can be all muscle at times," Aiko mutters. "You really would hit it off if she paid attention for five seconds."
"Such is life."
"Yeah. Anyways, dinner was super delicious! I've never eaten this good on a mission before. Do you do this all the time, Captain?"
"Most of the time. My teammates and sensei all have some skill in cooking. Some more than others, but we eat at least this well when we're out in the field."
"That's so awesome. I should learn how to make stuff like this for the future...hmm. Something for later. Oh, I'll clean up for us. Suketsune, you need time to do your checks, right?"
"Yes. Just a bit of tuning before bed. I hope that's alright, Captain?"
"Very much so. Whatever it takes for you to be in your best shape," I say.
"Thank you." She bows and shuffles off, presumably to take care of her hidden weapons and poisons. I wonder just how much she has on her, considering she has to recalibrate so often. Hm. I won't worry too much about it, she'll be fine.
Makoto quietly returns and everyone settles into their sleeping bags so that she can take first watch. I sleep soundly and wake a few minutes before my time to switch with Aiko comes.
"Captain?"
"I'm here. Looks like it's time to switch over," I say to Aiko.
"Did you sleep well?"
"I did. Very comfortably."
"Is it okay if...we talk for a while?"
"Something wrong?"
"Nothing, I just...thought it would be good to say a few things while it's just us. You know?"
"I might. Come, we'll find a place to sit." I get up and lead Aiko to a set of rocks nearby. Between the few wire traps set, my sensing ability, and the light of the fire, we should be safe. "Tell me what's wrong, dear."
"It's nothing, really...nothing bad. I guess."
"Hm." The desert is cool at night, in stark contrast to the day. I can just barely see my breaths in the air. "Your mother is Pakura. The hero of the Sand from a generation ago."
"How long did you know?"
"It came together shortly after we met. Even if it was long ago, I'm sorry for your loss. I can't claim to know her as well as you did, obviously. But she was a remarkable woman from what I've read of her. And heard directly."
"Yeah?" Aiko says, perking up. "From who?"
"Lord Hokage, Lady Tsunade...mainly them. They've spoken highly of her as a soldier and a stateswoman. Sharp tactical mind, incredible control of her bloodline limit, and a desire to create a peaceful world. Gentle and well loved in the Sand. A terrible loss for many, even if some reasons for mourning were less savoury than others."
"I really loved her. I...want to be just like her one day. Just as good as she was."
"You seem to be on your way. Have people told you that you're too nice sometimes?"
"Yeah. A lot, actually."
"Listen to them," I say as I look up at the starry sky. "But never let go of that kindness. Never change who you are at your core. We can evolve without throwing ourselves away."
"That's true." She pauses a while. "My mom...died protecting the village. It was about seven or eight years ago, I think. Gaara lost control of his tailed beast and fully transformed. My dad's name was...is...Sozen. Everything before then was good. We were happy. Dad was on a mission when that incident happened, and Mom was there so she hurried and tried to help out. They said her body was...destroyed beyond recognition," Aiko says sadly. "All they had left to give us was her headband. When Dad came back, he heard the news...I didn't understand. I didn't know where my mom was, and I kept asking. It drove him to madness along with everything else."
"Did he...?"
"No. He never hurt me phystcally. Could never work up the strength to try, so he just got drunk all the time and abandoned me. Left me at home to fend for myself...he'd get food from outside and leave it in the kitchen. Whenever he saw something that reminded him of Mom, or heard her name even...he would find a bottle and drink. Over and over. Crying and drinking. And I was all alone."
"I'm sorry, Aiko."
"It...got worse." She looks at me. "There was that night...he said he had a mission to go to, and that he wouldn't be back for a while. That last part was right, I guess. He hasn't come back since that day. My dad is a missing-nin now. Maybe he's dead. It's not likely since he was so strong, strong enough that the Fourth Kazekage trusted him with difficult missions before he got depressed. I don't know what he was thinking. He...I know he loved me. I just don't understand. I never understood a thing."
"How did you overcome it all?" I ask.
"I almost didn't. My uncle is Yusuke. He found me after my dad was declared missing by the Kazekage, and adopted me. That's my uncle on my mom's side. My dad...there's a lot I can't say to you about my dad, unfortunately."
"I understand perfectly well."
"Thank you. Uncle Yusuke did a lot for me, but I was still...all broken inside. Mom dying, Dad leaving...it was all too much. But then I met someone. Her name's Remi. Remi Sugita."
"Ah. It's a small world, isn't it? The beautiful daughter of the Sugita House, then...she's a sweet flower."
"You met Remi?"
"I had some things to take care of before formally taking on this mission. Yes, we had a brief exchange while I was at the mansion on business."
"Wow. Oh, but Remi's...you know. Straight."
"That much is fine. I don't lay claim to every woman on this earth, you know. Being able to view those heavenly creations called women, unfettered and in the light of the sun...that is satisfaction enough."
Aiko giggles. "You know, you sound like Makoto if she suddenly got really classy and stuff. I guess a refined lecher, maybe?"
"I suppose, if you must give it a common name. I vastly prefer to be called a 'connoisseur of cuties'."
"Oh my god, you're awful."
"I'm cultured! There's a difference. Anyways, it seems that you'll have to introduce me to Remi properly next time."
"For sure. Um...when you talked about your mom earlier, it sounded like..."
"Yes?"
Aiko looks at me sadly. "Like it was...past tense. Is your mom...?"
"She passed away. Nearly...six years ago now. A terrible illness that was never disclosed to me."
"I'm so sorry."
"I...watched her pass on. It was when I woke up that I saw her struggling. We held hands and she took her last breaths while holding onto me. I'll never forget that moment. That helplessness, everything that was taking over me. I loved my mother so much. After she died, my father took on her inheritance and we left that country in the west together. I saw many things that little girls shouldn't, at all hours of the day for many, many months. In a sense, my father was present but at the same time very far away. He never cared for me. Not from the moment I was born."
"Something like that...what do you mean, Lili?" Aiko asks.
"Do you remember the name I gave you, when we met?"
"Lilith Kobayashi."
"My current family name comes from my stepmother's side. It's because my father married into the family, so he could take control of the business - you would know it as Kobayashi Rice."
"Oh, wow. Is your dad at the top, then?"
"The chief executive officer. Something he's very proud of, clearly. Lilith...well, that name is a curse. It always has been."
"A...curse?"
"My father wanted a male heir above all else. Someone to properly follow him. He never wanted me, and I realize that now. I have yet to fully accept it within myself, and it's possible I never will. But he gave me that name for a purpose. A witch. A demon. A temptress, a deviant. He wanted to curse me so that I would suffer, first for being a woman, and secondly for being a nuisance."
"That's so terrible. What kind of person..."
"Such are the whims of mortals, Aiko. But my mother was a glorious woman. She found a blessing and gave it to me. Do you know what that blessing is?"
She thinks for a moment and scratches her head.
"You've said it once before. Think a bit longer, yes?"
"Hmm...a blessing. In a name...Lilith. Or, Lili...ah! Like the flower!"
"Mm-hm. That's exactly right."
"So Lili was what your mom called you...and I guess all of your precious people call you that too, right? Or at least the people you like. That's really beautiful." She frowns. "What's not beautiful is how your dad treats you. He sounds so awful."
"He doesn't approve of my career choice. Ironic, since he sent me off to become a kunoichi so that I could learn manners and respect."
"Good for you! You're a great kunoichi, so who cares what he thinks!" Aiko yells. Definitely fired up...but it makes sense she would be so disapproving of abuse, given what she went through. She's so precious. "What about your stepmom, is she treating you well?"
"She is, yes. We've come a long way since our first meeting, and she's very proud of me. Also, I thought she was straight until recently...turns out she likes both women and men. How to put it...hmm. Imagine Makoto, except she's even more vulgar, leers at boys too, and has a whole lot of money."
Aiko gasps. "Something like that...how do you even...?"
"I know, I know. I love her dearly, but that woman...she's a lot to handle sometimes. She's also tired of my father's antics, and has a child on the way. Hopefully she's staying out of trouble. My maid Luna and my big sister Midori are engaged."
"Oh...that's something. I think the only person I know who's out is Makoto, but she doesn't know how to be...in. Something like that. Does the village know?"
"Ah, they will soon enough. Plenty of big mouths in my village...one woman keeps thinking that I'll scoop up her daughter if she's not careful."
"Well...would you?"
"Mm...a treat to be sure, that one. I'll think about it a few years down the line."
Aiko shakes her head. "Sounds like she's got a good reason to worry. I bet a bunch of other people are hiding their daughters away from you too. I should warn Remi..."
"You make me out to be a villain," I say with mock outrage.
"You're way, way, way more dangerous than someone like Makoto. Can't take any chances."
"A compliment. My heart flutters, Aiko."
She laughs and we settle into a comfortable silence.
"We've both been through a lot...haven't we?" she says after a long while.
"We have been. And the journey continues."
"Yeah."
"I know that your mother is proud of you. She must come to you in your dreams from time to time."
Aiko looks at me with surprise. "How do you...does it happen to you, too?"
"Yes. They're precious moments."
"They...really are." She smiles and hugs herself. "I visit her memorial...and sometimes she comes to me and just holds me. Her warmth is there, like it's really her standing with me and holding me close. And that's why I can keep going, day after day. I'm going to become as great a kunoichi as she was. In my own way."
"Truly, it's the only way to go through life. That kind nature of yours will make a difference in many lives."
"I'll remember that."
"Well said. Now, as much as I would like to talk into the day with you...beautiful blossoms like you need your rest. I'll wake you at the promised time."
"Yes, ma'am. Good night."
"Good night, Aiko."
She kisses me gently on the cheek before smiling and heading towards her sleeping bag. I'm alone again, with the cool desert wind and a canvas of stars for company.
But even without those, I am never alone.
"Further...into the great beyond. I will become the woman you wished for me to be. Watch over me, Mom."
I gently wake everyone up, and we do equipment checks while having a light snack. Once we're ready to go, we erase our presence at the camp site and continue through the desert once more, travelling southward. Roads and paths become more visible and defined, meaning we're heading in the right direction. But the signs of civilization are...slow to develop.
"Have any of you been here before?" I ask.
"Never even heard of the place," Makoto answers from behind me.
"I've never heard of it either," Aiko says.
"No, not at all," Suketsune answers.
"Curious. It's supposedly an important area, but these homes leave much to be desired."
"Not all of us are fortunate enough to live in castles."
I roll my eyes. Makoto is getting tiresome, but it's not worth getting into it. "With enough resources at their disposal, people can build perfectly serviceable homes outside of village centres. I've seen many of them while out on missions. While Fire Country has a different economic situation in comparison to Wind Country, it doesn't excuse the quality and the state of these lodgings."
"So they're bandit homes," Makoto replies.
"That doesn't follow with modus operandi at all. The homes we're passing by are meant for individual use. Bandit bands tend to be more communal and mobile in nature. They've been abandoned."
"What does that mean for us?" Aiko asks.
"I don't have a clear idea. Just musings at this point. At any rate, our main job is reconnaissance. The rest will be left to other teams, presumably. Bandits and other unsavoury characters may be in the area, so stay alert. Anyone else, approach smartly. Do nothing unless you're truly in danger."
"Yes, ma'am," they all reply.
We head deeper into the area, which is now free of sand. The streets are fairly clear, with buildings very similar to that of the Hidden Sand in place. Simple, sturdy structures that can be modified to serve a variety of functions, and protect against the incoming dust storms and desert heat. They're in much better condition than the ones on the outskirts.
But it's too quiet. The number of people I can see has this place rivalling a ghost town. There are wagons moving to and fro, some covered up and loaded with mined material from what I can smell, with others containing furniture and personal effects. What's of interest is the town structure here, something like a large grid that clearly stretches back towards the main feature, and presumably the reason we're here: the mines. There are different resources that have come out of this place. One is gold, the other is water. Both top of the list when it comes to value, for different reasons.
"So. Where do we start looking, Captain?"
"..." I turn to Aiko. "Looking for what, exactly?"
"Here we go. Guess it was only a matter of time before our peerless leader here fucked up."
I turn and give Makoto the most exasperated look that I can muster, then hold it until she slowly starts to squirm. "Alright, alright. Sorry. I get it, so...could you stop?"
"Aiko," I say as I turn back to her, "what item are you searching for?"
"It's supposed to be a scroll. The location data is in three pieces. I have one, Makoto has one, and Suketsune has one. We're supposed to survey the area and then grab it from a section of one of the mines."
"I can only assume it's buried somewhere."
"Yeah, probably. They...didn't tell you about this part?"
"No."
"You don't seem mad about it."
I shrug. "I have no reason to be. That's just how business is done."
"I don't quite understand," Suketsune says. "Isn't it a problem if you don't know exactly what's going on with your team members?"
"At times, yes. But this is a natural consequence of working as a shinobi, especially in cross-village missions. Your superiors have no obligation to tell me everything that is going on," I explain. "It might be important information that needs to be kept secret at all costs. Even teammates from the same village might have concealed motivations, depending on what type of mission it is. They're usually A or S class missions, if they're even listed publicly. ANBU have a complex web of things to consider each time they're in the field."
"That doesn't explain why you're not pissed off that we kept you out of the loop," Makoto says.
"I'm extending courtesy to you and your village. Again, this is just how business is conducted. You have things that you wish to keep hidden, and if it doesn't put us in danger or compromise the integrity of the mission, then it's perfectly fine. This sub-mission qualifies."
"I see. It's...kind of mean. But I get it. Some things have to be kept secret," Aiko says.
"The other reason I'm letting it go is because I have a lot of latitude to make my own decisions, as a Leaf elite. In other words, I have my own reasons to let you carry on as you wish."
"You know what I'm sick of? Your tough talk," Makoto says as she crosses her arms. "Don't act like you know everything and have us all figured out. You're just a kid like the rest of us, no matter how strong you might be."
I sigh and run a hand through my hair slowly. "Let's simplify this for you, Miss Hibana. You have access to at least two of the Eight Inner Gates. Suketsune has poison sprayers mounted on her wrists, and none of the formulas she has mixed are lethal in nature. And Aiko has access to two bloodline limits, one of them being Scorch Release."
"Oh..." Suketsune covers her mouth.
"We...never told you any of that. And it wouldn't have been listed in the mission data, Fumi-sensei said as much," Aiko says.
"Observation and deduction," I reply. "Simple things. Things that most shinobi of my level could figure out within a day or two. That is why I'm so relaxed. Do you remember how Gaara terrified the three of you? I crushed him. I tore him apart, I stood over him and told him how stupid he was, and I didn't take a scratch from him the entire time. Who are you three in comparison? If he was a delicious meal, you would barely be a snack put together."
"Sorry, Captain."
"It's fine, Aiko. You didn't do anything wrong. Now, I hope you've learned a bit more about the world today, and will take strides to apply that knowledge in the future." I check my time piece and nod. "You may set out to complete your tasks, ladies. How long will you need?"
"About two hours," Aiko says.
"Good. This will be our rendezvous point. We will meet here in about two hours and fifteen minutes from now. I will be conducting my own surveys, and from there I will relay everything I've learned to you. Any questions?"
"Yeah. Where will you be?" Makoto asks.
"I'm going to check what's marked as the district perimeter, the state of the supply chain, and the area's water supply. If reports are to believed, a notable amount of the fresh water at this spring is being exported a short distance for military and industrial purposes."
"Oh. Alright."
"Hurry along, then. Be sure to observe best practices." I wave at them and they look at each other for a moment before starting off. Not a completely unexpected development, this. I always considered that there would be an item or two to bring back, and that it would be done under my nose. But not informing me of this development was definitely done as a test.
There's nothing so important in that mine that I need to follow those three and compromise myself, like the Sand higher-ups seem to want. No, what's important is what I'm watching unfold in front of me. This town is being cleared out. Evacuated, most likely. A time sensitive mission to the mines...they didn't have Gaara come back on his return trip, either.
"The game they're playing is almost cute," I say as I move towards the town limits. Nothing much to see, just dusty land and uninhabitable space. Supplies are moving back and forth, enough to keep the dwindling number of people from starving but not much more than that. As for the water, the reservoir is operational from what I can see of it. It looks fine enough, but one can't tell from just looking.
"Oi! Kid, you need something?"
There's an old man in a boat, wearing some kind of wet suit or something similar. He's in the middle of the reservoir currently.
"I'm here on a mission, ossan."
"Come on over, then." He removes his hat and wipes at his bald head with a towel before returning it.
"Okay." I easily walk across the calm waters to where he is, and stop outside of the small boat. There's plenty of equipment in there.
"Soon as you started your walk, I knew you were the real thing. We're down south, so not too many enemy shinobi would come around here to murder an old man that helps move water around. Anyways, kid. You're from Leaf, so I'm guessing some kind of joint operation is going on." The old man scoops water into a bottle and places it along with several others.
"That's correct. General reconnaissance, so I've been told."
"Yeah, go figure. Weirdos in Hidden Sand always have something to hide. There's room if you wanna come in, kid."
"Thank you." I hop into the boat and sit across from him as he writes down notes. Rough hands like that of a man who has worked his whole life, but deft with his pen nonetheless.
"You come alone?"
"My colleagues are retrieving an item of importance."
"Figured as much. Ah, there were a couple of noisy ones in the other day. Some fellow in a trench coat or something like that, I don't know. Heard he was foaming at the mouth over our weapons cache, inferior quality this and shoddy craftsmanship that. They passed through and left."
"I've noticed people packing up and leaving town," I say.
"Yeah, that's been going on for a few weeks. Naturally, we don't know exactly why. I'm gonna be here until they get all the water out of the reservoir and then blow it to bits. Probably gonna have it pumped out and moved to a military base, something like that. Up north."
"Wary of the Hidden Rock."
"Among other things. I'm guessing more drilling for gold, too. You know, this place had its fate sealed once they figured that there wasn't any gold left. Other minerals for sure, but gold is what keeps things moving. Big businesses left, small businesses closed down and relocated...they got a little payment from the big village to move somewhere else, but who knows if it'll be enough. Anyways, there's probably one or two more things of value lying around that the shinobi need to scoop up, then we'll be pretty much on our own aside from the patrols, border and internal."
"Hm."
"It's nothing to worry about at this point. I got a contact in Fire Country that says they're looking for experienced guys to run some of the dams and reservoirs they have all over. Pays pretty good, too."
"Homes are very affordable in the countryside. Commuting is fairly easy," I say.
"Sounds good. At this rate, half a year at most before we shut everything down."
"..." I have to wonder why this mission was declared 'time sensitive'. Something is missing, clearly. "Have you heard any rumours, ossan?"
"Nothing too big. Usual noise about Hidden Rock infiltration and the like," he says while shaking his head. "That's why they have me out here six times a day checking the water. Real pain in the ass. But if this is what they want to spend their money on, I say have at it. I'll take my money and be quiet about it. Ah..."
"Did you remember something?"
"Yeah, there was something that stood out. Couple of guys came by last month or so to survey the town, something about fire hazards and structural integrity. Things we only worry about a little out here in the desert."
"Fires are less likely to spark on their own with this reservoir present. Small climate changes," I say.
"Yeah, good eye on you." He finishes with his notes and puts them into a waterproof bag. "You're no ordinary kid. What's your rank?"
"Jounin, sir."
"Captain?"
"Yes."
He nods. "Keep up the good work. And you know, the usual. Watch your back out there. I'm probably saying that because you remind me of my daughter. Small thing, on the quiet side. Married a banker and they live out in, uh...Tanazku Quarter. So I should be able to visit after getting that new job. Her eyes are sharp, so's her tongue."
"Yes, that sounds a lot like me."
"Does it?" he says with a laugh. "That's good. Girls like you are what make the world turn. You need anything else from me?"
"Nothing. Thank you very much for your help, ossan. Please be safe," I say as I bow my head to him.
"You too, kid. Thanks for dropping by."
I hop out of the boat and back onto the water, walking across the reservoir and towards town again. There's still some time before the rendezvous. Maybe I should eat something.
---
"Welcome back, ladies."
The group returns ahead of schedule, a small bit dirtier than before, but otherwise fine. Makoto is carrying a large scroll on her back, marked with a visible seal that would prevent unauthorized persons from opening it. That's fair enough, I suppose.
So...do I tell them what's going on, or not? Let's test a few things first.
"As far as I can tell, everything is normal. The people have been gently encouraged to move out of town by the Hidden Sand. It's going to be a lengthy process, to be sure."
"How come they're moving?" Aiko asks.
"Classified. Money was offered, so that's enough to shut most people up, but the full details as to the reason for the move were never disclosed. It may also have to do with the depletion of gold ore in the area."
"Sounds about right. People go where the money is," Makoto says.
"Yes. Other than that, and some rumours about infiltration and the like, we should be fine." I lift up a bag in my hand. "Chicken fried rice. I figured the three of you would be hungry upon your return."
"Aren't we supposed to head back?" Makoto asks.
"Are we? That's not what I have as part of my mission detail, but I wasn't exactly informed of your item retrieval," I say to her. "In any case, it's up to me how long we stay here and take notes on the state of the area. I intend to stay until the next morning, since the nearby inn is functional and still taking visitors."
"Captain Kobayashi is our mission leader, and...she's taken good care of us so far," Suketsune says. "I think we should do as she says..."
"Yeah, I agree. Besides, if there was a rush to get back, Captain would have been told as well," Aiko points out. "I think it's okay."
"Are there any characteristics of that scroll that I need to worry about?" I ask Makoto.
"None that I can think of...but how come we all got different orders? This makes no sense," Makoto says.
"I assume it was to protect their assets, as I mentioned before. It's nothing to worry about too much. Come, you three should eat. Then we'll spend time talking about what we've seen today."
There's a fixed table and chairs outside of a now closed restaurant. We sit together, and I have myself a yogurt while the girls eat from their paper boxes.
Orders to move as soon as the scroll was found, then. Combining that with what the old man mentioned...it's becoming clear to me.
False flag.
"..."
I should be able to clean up without putting these girls into too much danger. But as cute as they all are, I'll need to use them as bait for what's coming next.
"Can I ask a question?"
I lift my head towards Makoto. "Of course. What is it that you need?"
"I just wanted to know since you're from Leaf. What's it like being a girl there? You know, the local culture, atmosphere...stuff like that."
Aiko shakes her head.
"Well," I say as I lazily stir my yogurt, "things are relatively good for women. There are still some stigmas, of course. You would think having all of these gifts would move us away from the old customs faster than they have, but men are notoriously stubborn and greedy in these affairs."
"Ha. Tell me about it."
"The Leaf is a vibrant and healthy place. Plenty of sunlight, hot springs, pools. Good places for women to gather together safely. Some exotic flavours, too," I say knowingly. "I would say that things are on the progressive side and moving further in that direction each day."
"The Third Hokage was from an older time. You think he's interested in those kinds of, dunno, reforms for women and junk?"
"He sees it as right on a personal level. An egalitarian at worst, if you had to provide him a label."
"Oh. Cool." Makoto pauses a bit to eat. "So...you know Lady Tsunade? Of the Three Shinobi?"
"I do, yes."
"Personally?"
"Yes."
"Whoa. Holy shit." Makoto sets down her chopsticks and looks at me attentively. "Please, seriously. Tell me everything you know about her, she's like, the coolest. Are they, uh...as big as people say they are? You know, up close-"
"Makoto!"
"What. I gotta know, Aiko. It's for the sake of my curiosity."
"You really are terrible..."
"They're as magnificent in person as you hope they would be."
"Man..."
"What makes you so curious about them?" I ask, already knowing the answer.
"Oh. I mean...jealousy, I guess? I wish mine would be like...you know, that one day."
"It would be a good tool for capturing boys."
"What would I want with boys? With sweater puppies like that, I could get girls to-"
She covers her mouth in the next moment. Aiko grumbles and Suketsune covers her face with her sleeves.
I calmly swallow another spoonful of my yogurt before breaking the silence. "I didn't think you would make it even more obvious than before."
"More...huh?"
"She was giving you a chance to save face," Aiko says. "She knew."
"What? What do you mean by that?"
"Honey, the only way you could make it more obvious is if you walked around with a sign on your ass that said 'professional lesbian' on it."
"Well, shit."
Suketsune nervously looks at me. "Um, Captain...are you...?"
"Upset? Hardly. I'm guessing you're the only straight girl here, though..."
Makoto's eyes widen. "Fuck right off. You too?"
"Mm-hm."
"What are the odds, eh?" Aiko says with a smile. "Well, now that the cat's out of the bag-"
"Okay, so that means we can get into more details, right? Tell me what you think, what you really think about Lady Tsunade. I need details! Details on her melons!" Makoto yells.
"We really will need to stay an extra night at this rate," Aiko mutters. She reaches over to rub Suketsune's back. Poor thing is overheating.
"Seriously, I'll do anything! I must have it...the forbidden knowledge..."
Aiko chops Makoto on the head.
"Ow."
"Can you stop being a super pervert for one second? Geez."
"Sorry, Aiko. I just got excited...you know that nobody compares to you, right?"
"That's not what I'm bothered about, and stop flirting with me while we're on business."
I laugh quietly and turn to Suketsune. "Darling, it's alright. I have some form of restraint, as you can see."
She nods. "I understand, Captain. It's just...surprising to hear. B-back in our parents' generation..."
"I'm sure it was as common then as it is now. They just didn't talk about it, due to societal pressure. On my first mission in the desert, there was an older gentleman who spoke to me about it."
"Did he?"
"His name was Zen. A fine gentleman. Very manly, strong in both body and mind. Men slept with each other too in those times. The punishments were severe if you were caught, but a bit of money could solve the issue. Men typically had more control of finances than women. You see where I'm going with this."
"Yes."
"Now, some argue it was simply the work of progressive champions that advanced the causes of women, along some limited support for those of the lesbian community as it existed then, but the reasons were far more economic than that. You'll note the push during the Third War. Enlistment ages were dropping, against the wishes of world leaders."
---
I regale Makoto with tales of Tsunade's legendary softness, and she ends up in a state between intensely excited and unbearably jealous. Aiko and Suketsune spend time calming her down, which they clearly have had to do before while in the field.
Nothing eventful happened within the mine; there were no traps or obstacles, just a straight trip into the depths where the scroll was hidden in a side tunnel. Why the scroll was there and what it contains wasn't disclosed to them, and I never had any intention of prying. It's not important to me, and it's not important to the Leaf.
This false flag, though...perhaps tonight is the night. I can always skip sleep and see what's going on.
"Did we want separate rooms?" I ask as we reach the inn.
"I dunno. Four rooms is a lot, isn't it?" Aiko asks.
"Cap here is loaded. She doesn't mind, right?" Makoto says with a smile.
"I certainly do not."
"But we don't want you to spend too much on us. Aiko and I can share a room."
I look to Aiko, who sighs and nods. Good, it means that they can get some alone time. They deserve that much.
"If you would like a room for yourself, I can accommodate you, Suketsune."
"Is it okay? I don't mind sharing, and I think we should...to keep an eye on each other."
"I understand. We'll do that, then."
The four of us walk up to the counter and book two rooms for the night. These facilities are decent enough, even containing a pool for guests to splash around in if they like. Vending machines, a recreation room, and a television room. A few good comforts.
As for the rooms themselves, clean and well-organized. One large bed in each room, a bathroom, and some items to heat food and make warm drinks.
"Since we're already checked in, you can move around if you have need of anything," I say to Suketsune.
"Thank you, Captain. If...you're not too busy later, may we talk about a few things?"
"Of course. Just let me know when. I'm going to take a shower, so see you in a while."
"Okay."
---
"Yeah, cool. I'll let Aiko know what's going on."
"Appreciated. I will see you in the morning, Makoto."
"Yep. See ya."
Makoto leaves my door and starts her walk back to her room.
"Makoto, are you serious?"
"What. What'd I do this time?"
"You can't walk around without clothing! Especially on your top half!"
"I got my shorts on and this here towel. What else do you want, Aiko?"
"Get in here. Come on, get in!"
"Nobody's around anyways. You're such a nag, you know that?"
I shake my head and close the door. What a girl.
"We're free to talk now, Suketsune." No response. I turn to see that she's fallen asleep already.
We can always talk later, I suppose. Since it's night, I feel like it's a good time to start my routines. I throw on a sleeveless shirt and shorts, then strap a kunai holster to my upper thigh and tie back my hair. I don't want there to be too much action, but I should be prepared just in case. With that in mind, I tie a sweater around my waist. Might come in handy later. I turn off the lights and leave silently through the door, then head downstairs. Coins in the vending machine, and I hit the button to have a glass soda bottle travel down the chute and land upright in the nearby holder. I flip the top off and take a drink.
"Refreshing."
I smack my lips together and leave the inn, bottle in hand. My senses reach out into the night, and I detect a few chakra signatures. Two, three. Five from what I can tell. Two of them are together, not doing much from what I can discern. The other three are spread out. I'll check on them, then.
The first one seems to be on a normal patrol route. I slip through the shadows and leave him be. The second is doing the same, so I wonder if they're working in tandem. The third...now there's something unusual.
"What have we here..."
I press myself against the side of a building and try to figure out what's happening. Tags and some sort of substance are being applied to the bottom half of another building across the way. It's big, probably about a quarter of a block in size. A sort of plastic smell is wafting towards me. Hm. It could be a bomb of some sort, which would conveniently fit with my reports. I take a few sips of soda while waiting for the shinobi to leave. If I'm right, that's someone from the Sand. I should check on the pair closest to the inn, since they might have something important to reveal. But right now, I'm going to look at this little scene.
With a single jump, I make it across the street and land softly near the side of the big building. Not much in the way of light, but I can sense that the tags are filled with chakra, and placed in a certain formation.
"Exploding barrier. They're expecting someone to come by at some point...the extra explosive here is meant to cause maximum devastation to the surrounding area. Having your cake and eating it, eh."
Tags still work when wet or soggy, so it won't be that simple. And there may be a detection mechanism to stop someone from removing the tags. So...what to do...ah, there's an idea.
"Since this is on the surface...what I can do is disturb it like so." I set down my bottle and feel around the tag. This feels like...yes, it's right on top of a large brick. Perfect. I reach for a kunai and close my eyes, using my other senses to get the most accurate picture. The three shinobi are well away from my position, which means I have ample time. I flow chakra through my kunai, and none of them react - meaning none of them are sensor types. With that settled, I move the vibrating weapon through the bricks and slowly carve out the one with the explosive tag printed on it. No disturbances. Oh, I am so good at this.
"Beautiful. Let's hold onto this...it might come in handy later."
I smile and put the brick under my arm, then pick up my soda and take another well deserved drink. I've thwarted one bomb plot, and there may be more...but this seemed to be the most immediate. Those three can be dealt with in time. Let's see what the other two are doing. As I walk back towards the inn, I can sense that the two from earlier haven't moved. A few people are in there with them. Some sort of establishment. A bar, perhaps? Could it be another target?
I can't exactly walk in and cause trouble as I am. I need to get close to them and figure out what's going on. Nothing else is open this late, so I can't loiter without looking suspicious. I'll have to observe from the inn and keep my tracking technique primed.
"Annoying."
I sigh and finish off my soda as I reach the inn, putting it into the recycling bin and grabbing another to sip on. The receptionist is busy reading a newspaper and doesn't notice the brick in my hand. I shrug and head into the television room, flipping on the screen to a random channel and leaving it there. My sweater comes off, still nice and clean. If I'm right, then it should be good if I leave it right here.
"Golf."
I close my eyes and focus, finding the two signals from earlier and locking onto them. Definitely shinobi of some type. It's possible that these two could be harmless individuals out on patrol, but I doubt it. It's quiet and boring, save for the low mumbles coming from the television on account of the announcers. Golf is supposed to be a gentleman's game, or something. Makoto would hate it. I assume so, anyways. It's possible that she's more refined than I know.
"Mm. They're moving."
I get up and take the brick with me, gliding past the receptionist who is still reading, and out towards the bar that I passed earlier. They're standing around and talking; I shift my chakra a bit and neither of them react as I slip into the shadows once more.
"Alright. Let's get things started. You wanna get the other one? They're set up, right?"
"Oh, yeah. Should be set by now. We'll swap outfits once it goes down."
"Did they check for collateral?"
"I was told it wasn't an issue. Might even be better if we got some, make it look heavier."
"Man."
"Hey, we don't do this, a hundred times this amount of people are gonna die. And then maybe a thousand times that. This is for all of us."
"Yeah...I get it. Let's do it."
Get two and then three, or all five at once? First option sounds better. The other three seem to be separating. There's one more for...six, I'm assuming. But they seem to be an unimportant accomplice. And I want a witness to what's happened, just to make sure that the Sand is aware...
I quickly step out of my hiding place and wind up before throwing the brick at the two men ahead of me. The target turns and grabs the brick out of the air while his partner draws a sword and charges me. I make the snake seal.
"Shit-!"
The tag explodes in his face and I surge towards the other attacker as he hesitates, chopping him in the throat and making him reel. He drops his sword and I catch it before surging lightning through it, swinging and taking his head off with a clean stroke. I drop the sword next to him as his body falls and his head rolls some distance down the darkened street.
The other one is still alive, unfortunately. I pick up the sword again and rip through his throat in order to end his suffering. Half of his arm is gone, and bits of brick are lodged in his face. It's a gruesome sight. Well...he died fighting for his country, I suppose.
"..."
I reach carefully into their tool pouches and find the items I was expecting: headbands matching those of the Hidden Rock Village. I just as carefully dip the items in a bit of blood and place them nearby for posterity. Now the Sand can have fun trying to prove their countrymen weren't just spies.
The other three are moving quickly towards my position. Whoever was mentioned before hasn't left the bar, and his chakra seems...erratic. They're more than likely drunk, and were about to be used as a sacrifice for this fake terrorist attack. It would be so easy to take them out with Mobius, but that's my signature technique. I don't want them to track this back to me so easily.
Moving in a tight bunch, with a little space left for me to drift about. Good. Seems easy enough.
"We've been compromised, goddammit!"
"Who the hell is here with us?!"
I slice through the night with a stolen kunai and meet the first enemy under a street light. His eyes widen with shock before I swing quickly through his throat. My steps take me back into the darkness and the second one freezes. Her breathing shortens before I stab her in the back and then rip across her throat from behind. The last one tries to retreat and moves back up the street as his comrades fall.
"Fucking shit...!" I can feel his chakra building, and he starts to weave handseals. I surge lightning chakra into my hand and throw the kunai as fast as I can; it lands on target, burying itself in his forehead up to the hilt and killing him instantly. He sways a moment before falling backwards like a rag doll.
"Ah, that got a little tense."
A woman's scream pierces the air. I suppose that's the person that was supposed to be part of this whole escapade? That's one way to sober up. I didn't kill them that far from the inn, but there aren't any other shinobi around from my estimation. They'll have to be called in, and that will take at least a few hours...they might not be here until morning. There's blood on me, because of course some got kicked up during the fights. It's on my upper half, though...so that problem is easily solved. This is why we think ahead on operations.
I run back to the inn and slip past the terrified woman, along with the receptionist who has left his post to see what the commotion was about. Aiko and the others are beginning to move; they've reached my room and Suketsune is waking up. I move into the television room and throw on my sweater, zipping it up neatly before stepping out just as the girls come down the stairs.
"Captain Kobayashi! You weren't in bed, so we were worried!" Aiko calls to me.
"I was out having a late treat," I say as I hold up my soda bottle. "They've found two shinobi dead just now. Killed in some sort of fight."
"Shit. Are they ours?" Makoto asks.
"I can't tell. There were different headbands at the scene, from both Rock and Sand."
"Double agents? Spies? What do we do?"
"Nothing. We shouldn't contaminate the scene. The primary witness is...or at least was drunk earlier. We'll place a call to the nearest outpost and let them handle it. This is currently outside of our mission purview."
"It could have been so much worse," Aiko says. "Who could have done this? And why?"
"Why, indeed."
The scent of blood wouldn't be strong enough for them to catch on, especially in this mess, and even if they did suspect something...deny, deny, deny. Just like all shinobi are taught to do. The Sand's little plan of sending children to keep me in check hasn't gone the way they wanted it to.
"You three head back inside and rest. I'll take care of everything from here."
"Are you sure?" Aiko asks. I pat her head gently.
"I'm sure, darling. Leave everything to me. I'll see you in the morning."
"Okay. Makoto, let's go back to sleep."
"Yeah. Don't take too long, Cap."
"I won't. See you in the morning, Makoto."
She nods and leaves after Aiko. Suketsune hugs me before taking off after them.
"My little sweethearts. I really am sorry to use you like this, but...such is a shinobi's life."
I sigh and reach over the inn reception desk for the phone.
"Operator? Yes, my name is Lilith Kobayashi, a jounin working on behalf of the Hidden Sand Village. Please connect me to the nearest military outpost. There's been an emergency."
Now that I know you haven't read much/any fanfic I'm able to appreciate the differences in what you focus. With how you show really well that Lillith earned Jonin not simply for her power but also her mind and understanding of situations/scope. It's really refreshing and something people forget to take into account because of how the series ends.
Ah these two recent chapters were great. I like how you're describing the way missions work where each member of the mission may have side objectives to complete alone in secret but assumably would also let other team member know if I think impacts the main mission.
Love the way Lilli seems so intelligent and helps us understand plots and plots otherwise I'd be flying blind haha.
Tsunade is literally a wonder of the world it seems. Hilarious as it is cute to see barriers being broken down by the power of !BREASTS!
There must have been some sort of panic once the news was relayed back to the Sand, because about 10 soldiers, or two squads worth of shinobi, show up at the inn looking out of breath. The usual barking starts once we're woken up and assembled. Suketsune withdraws into herself and Aiko does her best to provide some comfort, despite being upset herself. Makoto is struggling to restrain herself while protecting her two teammates. At that point, I formally introduce myself and unsubtly exert my influence on those in the area.
We soon come to a suitable arrangement: two of the inn rooms are going to be used for interrogation, or what they try to pass off as 'interviews'. I instruct the girls to answer honestly about every aspect of the mission. The only one with anything to hide is me, and I've made sure of it.
"We'll take Temko and Mishoto first," the one in charge says. If his headband were wrapped any tighter, me might get less blood flowing to the brain than there already is. He has a typical square jaw and his hair is cut in that short and tight manner that career soldiers like, for the illusion of professionalism. Asuma and I have agreed that it makes them look more like pricks than anything else. Aiko and Suketsune look to me, and I simply nod in response. The aggression is just for posturing, as far as they're concerned. They're taken to separate rooms and the doors shut. Three in each room, two downstairs, and two looming over us in this room, trying to be menacing. At least we've packed up and dressed in our regular clothing.
"God, this is the worst. If those assholes make Aiko cry, I swear-"
"You won't do anything. Calm down," I say to Makoto. We're sitting together on the bed, trying to stave off boredom.
"Fucking hell, Cap."
"I know how you feel. Just take it easy for now. You don't want to screw up your career like this. Right? You've got nothing to worry about, anyways. You did your job and everything else was just following orders."
"You're right. It's all fucked up, though." She sighs. "Thanks. I...lose my cool sometimes."
"It happens."
"Yeah." She smiles. "Too bad we can't talk too much about...you know."
"Is that all you have on the brain?"
"Obviously not. I like training, too. And other fun stuff. I'm a pretty good dancer, you know."
"Are you? Perhaps you could teach me a few moves later."
"Ooh. I'll take you up on that," she says as she wiggles her eyebrows. "But on a more serious note...you know, while we're here."
"What is it?"
Makoto rubs at her cheek and is quiet for a while. This looks like an apology coming up, but something like that would be difficult for her. At least she's trying. I can be happy with that much.
"About earlier. Or, all of those times earlier. Sorry for being such a bitch to you."
"Not to question your motivation, but are you apologizing because you feel sorry for me, or because you're ashamed of what you did?"
She looks at me and frowns. "You know, you're really-"
"I know."
"It's...a little bit of both. I feel bad about treating you like that, and at the same time...you've gone through some stuff. So, you know. I just wanted to say sorry for all of that. You didn't deserve it."
"I accept your apology, Makoto. It's gracious of you, no matter how you meant it."
"Really?"
"Really. I was just giving you a hard time because you earned that much."
She rolls her eyes at me. "You dick."
"I don't know what you were expecting."
"I dunno either. Whatever, it's water under the bridge now. That's what matters." We look at each other and then at our two guardians, who are likely listening in on the conversation. Best not to say too much that can be figured out.
"Aiko must have told you about him," I say.
"Yeah. Sounds like a real asshole."
"You have no idea."
"Might not want an idea if he's really that bad. It'll sound insensitive, but...you might as well not have one of those guys at that point."
"Maybe. I don't know how to feel about that. He's still a part of everything. Important, in a strange sort of way. I have no idea how to explain it. He's worthless, never there when needed, but I...don't have a concrete way to deal with those feelings."
"It's complicated, then. Like dealing with an old boyfriend, or something like that. That's what girls tell me, anyways."
"Do they take you seriously?" I ask.
"Some of 'em do. Compliments are mostly harmless, right? The boys like me, though. I hang out with 'em enough, they ask for advice and junk. Pretty cute sometimes, you know? I like the feeling, sorta like being a big sister sometimes," she says with a smile.
"What about Aiko?"
"Aiko? I...well, it's the little things with her, you know? I guess all the things boys would talk about. How she smiles and laughs. Beautiful eyes. Great body. There's a lot of cute in there, but at the same time stuff that gets you going. Know what I mean?"
Well, there's no question that she really cares about Aiko. Not a single lewd remark to be found in that description. "I do."
"Yeah. Stuff like that. She's...different. I tease her a bit about it. Sometimes she's just too nice to people. Forgives a lot of things that others wouldn't. But you can't hate that about her."
"Do you mean to be her protector from the world?" I ask.
Makoto shrugs. "I'll try, but I know I can't be everywhere. She's growing into someone strong, though. It's good to see. I know her mom would be proud of her. Speaking of that, I'm sorry about...you know."
"Thank you."
"Yeah. It's hard, dealing with something like that. I can't imagine it. I'd probably be on the streets if that happened to mine. I, uh...I know that not every person with the status you have is evil. I'm just not rational when it comes to that sort of stuff. Mom and Dad did everything they could, you know? Everything right, civic duty, sacrifices for the village. And then everything kept going downhill, year after year. It's because of the snobs that Aiko...had all that happen to her. Even Suketsune and her family's been kicked in the ass by this. They've had to eat so many losses because the village ordered them to make tools, and then shorted them on the payments or moved contracts to other toolmakers and villages. The Temkos don't compromise for anyone. Stubborn bastards. But that's the type of grit that makes the common man love you." She sniffles. "The old man. He runs that place in Sound, yeah? The fields and junk."
"Yes. You've probably heard about the conditions."
"What a fucking asshole."
"Say that twice. I want to do things differently."
"You gonna take over one day?"
"Yeah, right. He wouldn't let me if it were my dying wish."
"Wow." Makoto shakes her head.
"I have my own path to walk down, anyways. I don't need him. Frankly, I don't need anyone. But friends are good to have, in places high and low."
"Yep. Hey, Cap...you turned out pretty good for a rich girl. Keep at it for everyone's sake, yeah?"
"I will, Makoto. Thank you for your faith in me," I say with a smile.
"Anyone who could turn Gaara into a pussycat like that has my vote of confidence. You're scary as all hell, and I like that. I like a lot of other things about you, but that's the most I can say in this kind of company."
"The sentiment is returned, Makoto."
"Eh? What's that mean?"
I put a finger to my lips and wink at her. She makes an 'o' shape with her mouth and grins in response.
"Thank you kindly, Captain."
The door is flung open, with Aiko and Suketsune entering. They look a bit rustled, but otherwise fine.
"Are you darlings alright?" I say as I hold them close to me.
"I'm okay, Captain," Aiko says.
"Yes...I should be fine. I answered all of the questions faithfully," Suketsune says.
"Hibana and the Leaf brat. Time to have your interviews," the leader barks.
"Makoto, remember what I said. Relax and be yourself. There's nothing they can or will do to you in there," I say to her.
"Got it, Cap."
"Good."
"You heard the man, it's time to g-"
I quickly sweep the offending shinobi off his feet as he places a hand on my shoulder, pinning his head to the ground underneath my foot. The others react a moment later, drawing weapons.
"Listen here, Leaf! You've got three seconds to back away before we do something you really won't like!" one of the nervous idiots yells.
"You have no right touching me with your filthy hands," I say calmly. "Now, listen closely. If you, or anyone else here outsteps your boundaries again, you're as good as dead. I can kill every single one of you in this room in an instant. Exactly how stupid are you?"
"Hey!"
"Oh, shut the fuck up. Go ahead, I dare you to make the first move. Go on, yeah?"
The room is deathly silent. I lift my foot from the Sand shinobi's head and he scrambles up, looking frightened while trying to act tough. Typical.
"Right, as I predicted. Now if you would kindly lead us to our interview rooms, and refrain from making any more foolish mistakes, like for instance, carelessly putting your hands on a shinobi from another village, then we can finish up quickly and return to our homes. Yes? Is that something we want?"
"Listen, kid. If you don't want trouble, you just do as we say. Alright? Five of our countrymen are dead, murdered. Killed in the street like dogs," the leader says, trying to suppress his anger. Mister Military Haircut could pass for a ripe tomato at this stage.
"One, I am not a child. I am a jounin from the Leaf, I am in charge of this mission, and I outrank you, asshole. Two, your shinobi getting killed off in a firefight isn't any of my concern. You have no recourse if I decide right now to take these girls home and leave this little ghost town behind. Do you understand? This is a courtesy," I say slowly. "I am being civil. I am being polite to you."
"I don't give a fuck if you're some queen or whatever. This is our territory, and while you're a guest here, as you have been the moment you took on a mission for our village, you're going to follow our rules."
I give him an incredulous look and laugh. "Is that what you think?" My hand casually reaches into the holster on my thigh and pulls out a few large bills. I hand them to Aiko.
"Captain...?"
"I'm going to be in there a long while, my dear. When Makoto gets back, the three of you should go out and get something to eat while you wait," I say, never moving my gaze from the chuunin looming over me. "Gather your items and bring them with you."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Makoto, let's get this over with."
"Yep."
We finally leave the room.
---
"The Council is going to hear about this."
I yawn and stretch my limbs as I get up. "I'm sure they will."
It's been four hours, and finally the fools have given up. They realize that they're not getting anything out of me and are better served taking care of business somewhere else.
"We're done, yes?"
The lead bootlicker lights a cigarette and sits down. "Get the hell out of here, Leaf."
"Finally. Enjoy the rest of your day."
I walk past the other shinobi and head for my room, making sure that I have everything I need before heading outside. The girls are at the same restaurant as before, and have finished eating already.
"Ladies, are we refreshed?" I ask as I approach them.
"Yes. Nothing," I repeat. "They talked, I listened. Nothing much happened."
"Didn't you say to be honest about everything?" Aiko asks as we start to leave.
"Yes, I did."
"So...why wouldn't you tell them anything?"
"Because the things I tell you don't necessarily apply to me, my dear. I have my own reasons for staying silent, yours don't matter here."
She frowns. "Fumi-sensei makes it sound so easy. Just follow orders and do your best."
"You'll learn how complicated it can get in time. For now, focus on what your sensei says, and continue being a good girl."
"Yes, ma'am," Aiko says with a smile.
"Besides, someone will need to take care of Makoto while she's stuck at chuunin the rest of her life."
"Heh, you think I'll be a chuunin? You've got more faith in me than my own mother! Hahaha!"
"That's not true, is it?" I ask.
"Her mom thinks she won't ever get promoted because she's such a skirt-chaser," Aiko explains. "I told her that it doesn't matter how many skirts you chase as long as you chase missions harder."
"Hold onto this girl," I say to Makoto. "She is a fount of wisdom."
"Don't I know it!"
"Ah, there was something I neglected to mention the other day. Suketsune, we can have our long awaited talk while we're on the move. The ossan at the waterworks I spoke to mentioned a strange fellow who was obsessing over the local weapons cache."
"He was wearing an overcoat."
"Yes."
She sighs and nods her head. "That's...without a doubt, my oldest brother."
"Tell me a bit about him, won't you? And your other brother, Yushiro. Family is something of a passion of mine, I love hearing about everyone else's and how they function."
"Aiko says you got sisters, too. And that they're total hotties!"
"Makoto..."
"Aiko, please. I want more details from the babe magnet over here."
"When I'm finished talking to Miss Temko," I say to her. "Patience is a virtue. Now, Suketsune. You were about to explain your eldest brother's obsession with weapons."
---
As it reaches night, I cook another set of steaks with the ingredients I have left for dinner. Today's location is a convenient natural pit that has been used at least a month or two before us. Likely to be travellers, or merchants on their way back home from Mitsurin District. We make sure the area is clear and then start winding down for bed.
Suketsune tells me about her brothers. Okichi has a condition that's not terribly understood in this part of the world, but that I had been tested several times for as a young girl in the west. Here, it's called 'jiheishou' - an illness that 'closes off the self'. It explains a great deal of things about him, including his extreme skill in making, modifying, customizing, and identifying every weapon under the sun. He is a rare person with his condition, called 'daigakusha' - or simply, a savant. Even the Temko Clan, known for their demanding standards, have no words to describe his ability. But he has quirks that make him disliked and even hated by many in the village. One of the most notable ones is something that Makoto mentioned earlier, an extreme anger towards people who mistreat and throw away their weapons when they're finished with them.
Yushiro, the middle child, has his own issues. He's also intimidating in his own way. A tall young man, very terse, and bitter-looking from the moment he wakes up. Someone who has worked hard his whole life, only to be ignored by his parents and everyone else. Okichi and Suketsune, as the older genius and the precious younger daughter respectively, each got their share of attention and left him with nothing. Even working as a shinobi to help keep the family financially secure wasn't enough, it seems. He fights often with Okichi because of their competing frustrations.
Despite all this, Suketsune insists that they all love each other. She says that both Okichi and Yushiro are protective of her, in their own ways, of course. And that she prays constantly that the two will get along one day, on their own. The pressure from the past few years has simply been hard on everyone.
"You told me the story about Master Zen, and the Red Iron...is it possible to get any of that material?" she asks as we travel towards the Hidden Sand again. It's the next morning, and the sun is climbing higher in the sky as we jog across the desert.
"Mm. I do have his contact information, so it's possible...it depends on how much you're willing to pay for a personal supply," I say to Suketsune as we finish eating. "I imagine it will be expensive, especially since the material is new. You'll also need a large update on your forging equipment, and you'll have to learn several new techniques to use and shape the metal."
"Wow...that much..."
"It's notoriously hard to work with at the moment."
"That's what I heard from Yushiro...he saw the few weapons made with it, and they were really simple, but also very brittle because they weren't made right."
"Yes, that much was relayed to me. I'll leave the information with you regardless, so that you can pursue those opportunities at your own discretion. I suppose you think that a difficult project like that could bring those boys together."
"Was...it that obvious?"
"I wouldn't call that a bad thing. This is family we're talking about," I say with a smile. "Of course, there are certain issues to consider...but I have my doubts that your village's overall strength will increase enough to be a threat, so it should be fine."
"You say those things so casually..."
"Confidence is a key to success."
"I see..."
"Captain Kobayashi? I have a question," Aiko asks as she and Makoto slow down for us.
"Yes, go ahead."
"Makoto and I were talking earlier...you know by now that I have Scorch Release, like my mom used to. She thinks it's possible to create that sort of thing by mixing wind and fire together, and I keep telling her that it's impossible, or else it wouldn't be a bloodline limit and stuff. So we wanted to know what you think about it."
"Yeah. 'Cause you're really smart and junk," Makoto says.
"Makoto isn't wrong," I say.
"Really? Didn't expect to hear that..."
"Aiko isn't entirely incorrect either. There is some nuance to these sorts of things."
"Do you mind telling us?" Aiko asks.
"I can, yes. It's not terribly difficult to explain, but it's also not something that shinobi are taught to worry about, or study in any significant portions. We will begin by talking about the nature of blood abilities. They manifest in different forms, but the relevant one here is that of Scorch Release, something that Aiko has inherited from her mother Pakura. But it goes further than that, you see. There is a basic thing that you need to understand, and that is how the human body functions," I explain. "Makoto, you understand how your body works, yes?"
"Yep!"
"How do all of the normal functions move along? Do you consciously activate them?"
"Nope. Stuff like breathing and reflexes and junk. Body just kind of chugs along by itself."
"Yes. If you had to keep track of such things, there are so many that it would immediately drive you to madness. Our bodies do many, many things without our direct input. They are coded that way. And so, one of the things that ends up coded into some of us has to do with how our chakra manifests itself."
"So...Scorch Release is automatic, then?" Aiko asks. "But how does that make Makoto right?"
"Scorch Release is achieved with a physical function, one that allows you to mix the chakra in your body, and your body alone, into a new element that is a combination of two others. When you mix wind and fire together, the wind usually is relegated to extra fuel for the fire technique, making it bigger, hotter, and more powerful. This is how things naturally go. One person normally fires one technique at a time, making mixing very difficult. Firing two techniques isn't recommended because of the difficulty, the potential for energy, and the costs of creating two different elements at once and trying to shape them at the same time that you're releasing a technique."
"It's a lot happening at once," Suketsune says.
"Exactly. Now, to get to my point. The fact that Scorch Release exists and can be broken down into two basic components means that the combination is possible in reality with two separate elements. It simply isn't plausible. The amount of balance and control needed to fuse those two elements together, at the proper speeds, and in the perfect ratios, is beyond that of most shinobi in the world."
"What about...a doujutsu? Would that work?"
"Something like the Sharingan, you mean. I would say...yes. If the Sharingan could analyze the levels of chakra properly, it would be a step closer. But analysis isn't control...there would have to be a way to adjust the chakra levels precisely, of either the wind or flames, to achieve the desired effect and create Scorch Release from those two elements."
"So it's possible, it's just super hard to do," Makoto concludes. "That makes sense."
"There is another layer that pushes the feat towards the impossible. Aiko, which element do you favour?" I ask.
"Um...I guess wind."
"So you would say there's an imbalance, a distribution of skill and power between the two elements that means they don't line up perfectly. And of course, you can train yourself so that the two elements are roughly similar when you use them. Let's say this is possible. What do you think happens if one element is slightly stronger than the other?"
"They don't mix properly, and you don't get Scorch Release from them."
"Correct."
"Okay, okay. So...bloodline limits are like, uh, the ice cream machine! You know, like the place we go to all the time, Aiko."
"Makoto...that's..."
She waves her hands. "No, no. Seriously. So one day you could get all the ingredients and try to make ice cream yourself at home, right? And it's definitely possible if you get a bunch of different tools and equipment, and spend a whole lot of time preparing everything and making sure it goes right. But you're not likely to get the same sort of smooth and creamy ice cream as you'd get from the machine. See, the machine has a whole bunch of parts and gears and everything that works automatically, without anyone having to do anything. The ice cream just comes out the other end and to you every time. That's what it's like with Scorch Release. You take your wind and fire, put 'em through your body and the bloodline limit does the work, then bam! Out the other side comes your super fire."
"That is eloquently put, Makoto," I say with a bit of surprise.
"It's somewhat surprising...you have to admit," Suketsune says.
"I can't tell if I'm being insulted right now," Makoto mutters. "At least I was right, sorta. Some hard work and luck, and you can make your own elements...maybe."
"It's nothing we need to worry about right now, Makoto. We're still learning. Once we get all the basics down, we can think about teaming up to create new elements and all of that," Aiko says.
"You're right. Besides, we learned a lot on this mission. Thanks a lot, Cap."
"It was truly my pleasure," I say. "To be in the company of such beautiful and vibrant young women is a rare privilege, indeed."
"Really? I woulda been disappointed if I didn't get to take a bath-"
"Makoto!"
"What. I'm not lying."
"We can always fix that, you know. There's a nice hot spring that I spotted in the village," I say unsubtly.
Aiko sighs and shakes her head. "Captain, you shouldn't encourage her..."
"Yes! Best mission ever! Let's get home already!" Makoto speeds up and moves ahead of us. The rest of us follow, sharing amused looks as sand sprays behind us with our movements.
As always, the sun climbs upwards above our heads.
Now, I guess the question is how will Lili deal with having been the subject of a Take-Out Mission. I have a feeling the girls with her were intended to be sacrificed with neither their knowledge nor consent, so Lili must be positively seething under her cool exterior, or will when she realizes the likely result of the trap those goons were setting had she not smashed it before it was finished. The question is what she'll do about it. Confront the asshole geezers on the Council? Hmm, too dangerous, she'd have to admit killing the shinobi at the village and she'd have to fight her way out and probably deal with annoying attackers until she made it back to Konoha. Keep silent in Hidden Sand and tell the Hokage when she reports back? Leaves the assholes to do what they will while she's heading back to Konoha and by the time she gets home any evidence will have already been shredded. Maybe discretely inform the Sand Siblings. Tell Gaara directly if he's home, Temari if he's not. Gaara will not be pleased about the betrayal the Council planned and I'm sure he can come up with a... creative way of making sure they don't do it again. Next time the target could be him or one of his siblings. Yes, I think option 3 would be the best course of action.
"...and as you can see, I have brought your children back to you safely. They are well-fed, clean, and now have a refreshing scent to them. All at my own expense, of course. You're welcome."
I give the unamused old men of the Sand Council a playful wink. It's the day after our return from the mission to Mitsurin District. The mission has been formally completed, and today is my final meeting before being released from the contract. On my end, I am free to take as much time as I wish before heading home, but I intend to leave soon after saying my goodbyes to Temari and the others.
Actually, there is a new face. One man on the younger side, perhaps in his twenties. Very debonair, well-groomed with smooth black hair. Charming smile. I assumed him to be some sort of representative, perhaps to make the lives of the old men easier as they talk to me. Temari's rapidly deteriorating attempts to keep her amusement hidden communicate there's something more to it. I have to wonder what the game is here. Oh well. This one's easy on the eyes, so I don't mind either way. Speaking of easy times, our time at the hot spring was quite nice. I figured that Makoto had some knowledge on physical therapy, but she really is talented. My back hasn't felt this good in a long while...
"Now, Miss Kobayashi-"
"Captain Kobayashi," I correct the young man with a smile. "We should maintain this air of professionalism, Second Lieutenant Hojo."
To his credit, he doesn't visibly flinch at that. "Right. Captain Kobayashi, my apologies." His voice is suited to public speaking, too. Hm...I wonder. "On the mission, we relayed instructions through our kunoichi, that you should return to the village as soon as possible after retrieving the mission target. We of the council would like to know why you decided to stay in the mining town overnight."
"Simply put, the additional objectives were not disclosed to me until well after the mission was underway. While you of the Sand are well within your rights to provide additional assignments to your soldiers without my knowledge or consent, you must also realize that as the squad leader, I maintain control of overall group movements as long as they don't conflict with what has been listed in the contract between our villages. I made the executive decision to stay overnight, with the desire to complete a full survey of the area before leaving with 1200 being the latest time we would remain. Rumours of foreign infiltration were gathered on my first pass, and I saw fit to make sure that there were no immediate threats to the area because of the stated importance to the country; both in the mission reports, and verbally by the council itself."
"..." He nods and writes down notes again, as he has been doing for the last hour or so. A chair has been provided for me as a courtesy, and I cross my legs over as I sit. "You're aware that during your overnight stay, five shinobi of the Hidden Sand were murdered in an area that was in proximity to the inn that you and the members of your squad were occupying."
"Yes."
"The team sent to investigate obtained full cooperation from those of our village...but not from you."
"Yes."
"Can you explain your actions?" Hojo asks.
"I can."
"Then, if you would?"
"I won't."
There's a murmuring among the old men as Hojo pauses to compose himself. "It's...not exactly a request, as much as it sounds like one-"
"I understand what words mean, Second Lieutenant. I can explain why I refused to cooperate with your shinobi, but I won't explain. I am under no obligation to and you legally cannot make me. Especially you, who sits at a lower rank than me. The only person that can compel me to speak is the Hokage himself, and I don't think he wants me kept in a cage here when I can be doing productive work in the Leaf on his behalf."
"Captain Kobayashi," he says with a thin smile, "you do understand that this is a matter of national security, don't you? We simply want cooperation from an ally of ours in the Leaf. It wouldn't be good if our relationship became strained because of these events."
"Is that so? So you would be willing to disclose your reasons for concealing mission parameters from me, including an insistence that we leave the area as soon as possible? Perhaps there was a scheduled event that you didn't want those young ladies caught up in?" I say sharply. "It would be understandable. You wouldn't be so reckless with someone like Aiko, after all."
"..."
"Is there something that I should know? There was also a planned bombing in the area, and evidence was found that one of the shinobi was fatally injured by an explosion at close range. It's a tragic thing...people so callously murdered by foreign agents. Well, the fact of the matter is that I was provided with latitude to complete the primary mission objective in a necessary window of time. I performed to those expectations, along with allowing for other undisclosed objectives to be completed within that same time. If your issue is that I didn't cooperate with rude, unprofessional, and frankly unorganized personnel from your village, then you are free to take that issue up with the Jounin Commander, and then then Hokage himself if needed."
"Second Lieutenant Hojo, is there somewhere you're going with this?" Temari asks. Gaara is seated beside her today, quiet as always.
"With the extra unscheduled time spent in Mitsurin, we simply want to rule out any inadvertent involvement with the recent incident. This is for the sake of both the Leaf and Sand, especially if there are foreign elements involved as we highly suspect," Hojo says. "It's why that, in this neutral setting, we want Captain Kobayashi to be as forthcoming as possible, in order to dispel any unpleasant assumptions."
"I am required to do no such thing," I say. "Again, as per the agreements we made prior to the mission commencing, I was well within my rights as well as the allocated mission time to hold within the settlement for as long as I did, which I intended to be overnight with our group leaving in the morning."
"If she was involved in something like that, why would she tell you?" Temari asks. "This is getting stupid."
"With all due respect, Lady Temari...five of our countrymen are dead at this point in time. We all want justice to be done on their behalf, and any information to that end is valuable. It's precious to a village that has already been hit heavily by all sorts of tragedy these past few years, especially this one. I think that calling these questions 'stupid' is slightly inappropriate," Hojo says delicately.
"No. I think stupid is the perfect way to describe it. I also think what's stupid is trying to direct blame towards one of our allies for using the tools provided to them," Temari fires back. "Hojo, you and this council have no grounds to do what you're doing right now. This is a courtesy coming from the Leaf, and you would do well to realize that. And as far as using the tragedies of this country as a cudgel against an elite of the Leaf? I suggest you learn your place and back off. That goes for all of you."
"Lady Temari-"
"Shut up," she says firmly. "The mistakes we've made are our own. We have to look inside of ourselves and solve those problems, on our own terms. If you all lament our reliance on the Leaf, then perhaps you should act like it. Take some responsibility. Captain Kobayashi did her job. She completed the mission that we asked of her, she protected the kunoichi we sent her out with, she allowed them to complete their objectives, and she helped us retrieve a valuable asset while protecting several others for a time. That is what we should be evaluating, not claims from some jerk-off stationed in the desert that there was some sort of 'obstruction of justice'. That's not how these things work, that's not how they're supposed to work, and you damn well know that. And if you want to go a little further than that, try this: you lot have the balls of a goddamned elephant to pile onto someone from a village that we just attacked, unsuccessfully. Instead of leniency, instead of some sort of understanding of the situation, you treat a jounin from the Leaf like this?"
"Lady Temari brings up a rather pertinent point, gentlemen. This is a dangerous game that you're playing, as our previous actions have done little to garner sympathy in many corners of the world," Baki says.
"In addition...retribution has been delivered to a common enemy. The man who killed this village's leader," Gaara adds in. "While the Hokage has shown compassion and understood that we were tricked into doing the bidding of Orochimaru...this gesture and the many others like it are above and beyond what is normally done. There should be proper respect shown for those who volunteer their services to us. Especially those who stand atop the shinobi world..."
I hold back my smile, but display my pleasure at hearing the most important members of the council side with me. It's about time these wrinkled trolls learned their place.
"Let's put an end to this farce before it gets any worse," Temari says. "God willing this doesn't make it back to Fire Country."
"What is the listed rate for the mission?" I ask Temari.
"We are paying...225,000 per person. At twenty five percent, that is 56,250 ryo. This means that as per our arrangement, your total owed is 168,750 ryo."
"Will this be included in the taxed portions?"
"Everything rolled up nicely and taxed, yep. Feds need to take their cut."
"A shame. Round it up to 200,000 then. I believe that comes out to about...66,000 each?"
"66,666 and change."
I nod and toss Temari a scroll, which she catches with one hand before unsealing. The pile of money appears on top of the scroll and she expertly moves 200,000 ryo into a neat stack before sealing the scroll again, tossing it back to me. I catch it easily and put it into one of my sweater sleeves, where it vanishes in a timely fashion.
"I assume that there aren't any other topics up for discussion?" I ask.
Everyone glances at each other. There's nothing, it seems. Good.
"That should be all, Captain Kobayashi. Thank you for your time," Hojo says.
"Of course. Thank you for having me, Second Lieutenant. Please be well."
He nods and collects his notes before getting up with the rest of the room. Temari, Baki, and Gaara leave through another exit and I follow; they've immediately crossed over to another room where a kunoichi stands outside the door. She closes it as soon as we're inside.
"You know what it is I want to ask."
"I do."
Temari sighs and nods her head. "But I don't think we can talk about it. Sensei, what do you think?"
"I feel the same way. As soon as we become aware of the situation, we'll be expected to act on it swiftly. Whatever happened in Mitsurin District was done without our knowledge. Some members of the Council decided to act in what they thought were the best interests of the nation. It's unfortunate."
"You did what needed to be done," Gaara says in that flat tone of his. "The results were indeed unfortunate..."
"Yes. Very much so," I say.
The three of them are well aware that it was me who was behind the killing of the Sand shinobi while on the mission. The council suspected me and had Hojo try to apply pressure, while the emergency team was looking for someone to apply blame to after the girls didn't follow orders precisely, because I prevented them from doing so. In any other circumstance, I would put everything out into the open properly. But these tangled strings prevent me from doing so. Temari would try to move me out of the way where she could, Gaara would lock the secret up inside of him, but Baki...I'm not sure that Baki could let it go even if he wanted to. He's one of the village's senior shinobi, a right hand to the former Kazekage. An investigation would have to be carried out if he had clear evidence of what was going on.
"..."
Stopping the false flag was what mattered, and I would do it all over again. The kinds of problems that it could drag Leaf into...it's little wonder I was sent over, then. I doubt that Shikaku and Hiruzen had this specific instance in mind, but any political problem avoided is a blessing in itself.
"There is...a lot to take in," Temari mutters. She puts a hand to her head.
The long and short of it is...I was not supposed to be in that place at that time. If I had left when I was being persuaded to, we would have had a much different conversation earlier. In any case, we wouldn't be currently standing around in silence.
"Gaara's right. You did what you had to do," Temari says to me. "And I can't get mad at you for that. I wouldn't get mad at you. You did a lot of things right, and we as a village...definitely overreached. All of that aside, you've done a lot for me and my family. Listening to me and doing your best to keep me safe. Giving Gaara another chance to rethink his life instead of ending him, like you could have at any time. And of course, looking after those girls. Aiko especially had a lot of nice things to say about you. Makoto was...appropriately Makoto. You know how she is."
"I certainly do."
"Well...we can leave it at that. You probably won't call on this mess of a village for help in the near future, but if you need us, we're right here."
"Thank you, Temari. I will be here for you as well, both on and off the beaten path."
She nods and we share a warm hug. I shake hands with Baki and Gaara before stepping back and bowing towards the three of them.
"Until the next," I say with a smile.
"Yeah. Till next time, Scarlet Viper," Temari says, smiling back. I knock on the door and it opens, the kunoichi acknowledging me with a nod before closing it again. Those three are no doubt having their own discussions, but...that is no longer my issue. This mission is officially over, and the rubber stamp will come once I make it back home to the Leaf.
"So said...so done. Time to go." I gather my things from the storage area at the front of the building and leave, walking through the village and towards its entrance. It would have been nice to taste more of Gaara's cooking, but he'll be busy for a while yet, unfortunately.
"Hey, Cap!"
"Hm?" I turn my head to see Makoto running towards me. "Fancy meeting you here. Are things well?"
"Yeah, totally. I was hoping you hadn't gone home yet...wanted to show you something. If you have time, I mean. Looks like you're already packed."
"Time shouldn't be an issue. What is it?" I ask.
"Follow me. I was talking to Aiko earlier but she had to run an errand or something with Remi. Kinda sudden, but whatever." We jump lightly across the rooftops and towards what looks like a small park. Certainly lush against the setting of the village itself, with green grass and trees scattered about. Currently, there is a group of shirtless men working out. They all seem to be shinobi, judging from the attire and the attitude of the person leading them. This group is in fine form, with fit and muscular bodies that glisten with sweat in the heat. A few women have gathered on the grass to watch, and I can't blame them for doing so. The aesthetics are dazzling.
"Is this what you brought me out here to see?" I ask Makoto with a smug smile.
"Hell no. We're early. I was gonna get some stuff for us to sip on, you wanted to come with?"
"I'll have what you're having."
Makoto shrugs. "Alright. Enjoy your sweaty men, then."
"Since you have asked so nicely, I will do so. Thank you."
She shakes her head and leaves while I get myself comfortable. Of course Makoto would have something so reckless in mind, but that's part of her charm. The group of men finishes their routine and socializes a bit before starting to move out. At that point, the female spectators disperse, seemingly satisfied with what they've witnessed.
"Hope you like pineapple."
"That sounds lovely. Thank you." I take the sealed cup from Makoto as she returns, settling into the grass next to me. "How much was it?"
"Need to know basis, Cap."
I nod with understanding and take a sip. Delicious. "So. With your obvious enthusiasm for the female form, how did you seize this opportunity without being a bother?"
"Ah, wasn't much. I was hanging out a couple times and some creeps pulled up, you know how men get. Took care of the situations as they popped up, and the ladies were very appreciative." She shrugs. "They're on the record as missions now. Remi, uh...hooked me up after Aiko asked. So I get a little pocket change and a nice show. There are other girls who take up the work when I can't, and they get the earnings, but it's usually my job here. Even if I wasn't getting paid, you can't go wrong with this."
"Indeed."
"Here we are," Makoto says with a smile. Our featured group arrives at last, women of different sizes and complexions wearing snug workout apparel. Certainly colourful, and a lovely sight to behold. A few of them wave and say their hellos to Makoto before getting into formation and starting their routines.
"The best part, though...you watch for a while and see everyone changing, meeting all of their goals and stuff. It's really great to see the strength and confidence kinda...boom. You know?"
"It gives them a lovely glow."
"Yeah, you get it. Well, I figured you would. That's why I brought you out here. I guess that, and part of it is making up for how I treated you when we first met, and...as thanks."
"I really only did my job," I say as I watch the ladies start their stretches.
"You did way more than that. And Aiko...you know how I feel about Aiko by now, obviously. But Suketsune and I have our families. She lost hers, and everything. You two talked, but more than that, you really and truly listened to her. You understood what she was going through and that meant a lot. It'll mean a lot going forward."
"Mm."
"So, you know. You've done a lot more than you realize."
"Perhaps so."
"You're pretty modest sometimes, you know that? It'd come off as weird if I didn't know you better."
"I'm not a very good person, Makoto. That sort of self awareness breeds restraint, and the modesty you speak of."
Makoto sips from her cup while focusing on the women in the distance.
"I don't really get it. But I look at things this way...you don't need to be a good person to be good to people."
That answer is something I hold within myself constantly. But hearing it from someone else...it's validating. A good...or rather, great feeling.
"Well said, Makoto."
"I have my moments, Lili." She raises her cup. "Precious smiles, right?"
"Yes. To those smiles we strive to protect."
We tap our cups together and drink, returning our attention to the beautiful flowers ahead of us.
A just reward for a job well done.
---
I move a bit slower than the last time and make it home in two days. The written report is delivered to Shikaku by hand, and we talk a while about what happened.
"A false flag...of all the things that could have happened there. So you took care of it on your own," he concludes.
"Yes."
"Hm. An operation like that...nothing complicated, then. Explains why they wanted someone around to lead their group in. A little bit of chaos goes down after you leave, no real timeline. They make the switch and start pushing the angle that Rock was involved."
"Leaf would be pulled in, because of the nature of the mission. Either from accusations that I was involved in the incident somehow, or because Sand needs an ally against the Hidden Rock, which is already wary of Leaf as it is."
"An excuse to grab more resources and manpower from us," Shikaku says with a nod. "And the old man isn't going to stand by and let bad things happen. It's not good for us if the Sand collapses, or worse is annexed by another village. That's part of why these aid missions are so important. We don't want Sand to remain feeble for many reasons. But their leadership got greedy this time and went too far."
"Indeed."
"That takes away more than a few headaches. You're really impressive, you know that?"
"I might be. It's what good shinobi do, isn't it?"
"This is above and beyond good," Shikaku says with a smile. "I'll have a chat with the Hokage about this. He'll probably just sit on it for a while after skimming the contents, but having this at the back of his mind will help us in the future. Hopefully what you did was enough of a warning shot to dissuade them from doing it again."
"Mm. I have my doubts they'll try it with anyone else. Missing the prize once has probably broken their confidence completely."
"Guess we'll see. We might have to talk about this later with the Hokage, but don't worry about that part right now. Go and get some rest, you've more than earned it. Welcome home."
"Thank you. Until the next, Shikaku."
He nods and I leave his office, stepping into the warmth of the Leaf once more. I yawn and realize that I truly am more tired than I thought.
Time to find my way into that warm, comfortable bed of mine.
The recent little arc we just had featured some original characters as you've clearly noticed. I decided to wait until the end of the arc to make proper mention so as not to interfere with too much reading.
Basically @Megacookie has worked with me for a bunch of years on stories/quests similar to this and we've done collaboration on large projects in the past outside of Sufficient Velocity. Most of my work is done on my own in self contained versions of the Naruto world, but sometimes we talk about certain things and in past works have had a few characters cross in and out of each others' worlds just to see what it was like, in the form of short form stories. So I mentioned that I was setting up for a few arcs down the road and he suggested some extra characters for the Sand Village, I took that along with his information and made an arc of it. Aiko, Makoto, and Suketsune were "loaned" to me out of his book of ideas, so to speak. Aiko as mentioned is the daughter of Pakura, a canon character who made her appearance in the manga's final arc. Simply put, Aiko is a main character in her own story. Makoto is a scrappy, physical sort of girl who draws inspiration from action and fighting games. And Suketsune is more of a minor character in another set of stories that megacookie works on with other people we know.
So I appreciate his involvement and letting me interpret his characters like this, and wanted to make sure that there was proper recognition before we moved on.
Ah, I see. So it wasn't a Take-Out Mission, after all. They were expecting Lili and her lovely minions to be out of town and on the way back to Sand before nightfall, them staying the night in town was a monkey wrench in the plan. Maybe it was intended to liquidate any locals who saw the girls going into the mine to retrieve the scroll, or maybe just general chaos to justify aggression against Hidden Rock.
What bothers me is that they didn't check. It speaks poorly of Sand's discipline, their relationship with the civilians, and their own internal cohesion that the bomb team went ahead with this without doing recon before setting up a bomb in a civilian area.
Ah, I see. So it wasn't a Take-Out Mission, after all. They were expecting Lili and her lovely minions to be out of town and on the way back to Sand before nightfall, them staying the night in town was a monkey wrench in the plan. Maybe it was intended to liquidate any locals who saw the girls going into the mine to retrieve the scroll, or maybe just general chaos to justify aggression against Hidden Rock.
Yeah, it was more about general chaos and manipulation of geopolitics. Using Leaf as a hammer instead of being the weak junior partner, and possibly taking advantage of the situation.
The leverage that came from killing off the guys who were doing the fake terrorism would have been pretty significant if put to use.
What bothers me is that they didn't check. It speaks poorly of Sand's discipline, their relationship with the civilians, and their own internal cohesion that the bomb team went ahead with this without doing recon before setting up a bomb in a civilian area.
Yeah they're pretty screwed up. Going through with it was a combination of desperation and state propaganda, the idea that the sacrifice of a few lives would be worth it to save millions later with the money that would come in from war preparations. Ultimately it wouldn't matter to them since they were simulating a terrorist attack anyways. You can also attribute general lack of quality and discipline on their super soldier programs and weak economy. It's part of why the arrangement with Leaf is unsettling, Hiruzen is very carefully holding the Sand in his back pocket.
What bothers me is that they didn't check. It speaks poorly of Sand's discipline, their relationship with the civilians, and their own internal cohesion that the bomb team went ahead with this without doing recon before setting up a bomb in a civilian area.
Makes sense, actually. Sand's leaders liked to blame the Hidden Leaf for their losing business, especially their own Feudal Lord giving jobs to Leaf that should have gone to Sand, but the botch up by the fake terrorists could be indicative of the real reason they were losing jobs to Leaf: Quality of their own Shinobi was substandard and Sand's leadership refused to look inward for the real cause of their problems.
"So ideally, there would be constant generation of electricity using the supply from the reservoir. There would also be controls for peak and off peak power demand. Isn't it possible to have a system that uses natural gravity?"
"Such systems exist, yes. The goal however within current society is to have power that can be stored. If there is oversupply, it cannot be used in the mentioned system. The potential for environmental impact is lower, but if operation becomes intermittent as a result...you see where this goes, yes?"
"Hm."
Shino and I have been discussing the merits of hydroelectric power generation while watching Kurenai and Hinata practice swordplay. It's another day on the the training field. While I freely discuss the more enjoyable parts of the recent mission to the Sand, such as my lovely companions, for instance, the more active portions need to be sealed away for everyone's safety. I'm very sure that each of my comrades can take care of themselves, it's the village that I worry most about if someone were to make casual mention of my performance at any point in time. It's something that the Sand would hope for, anyways.
"Speaking of electricity."
"Yes, speaking of that. What happens to be on your mind, Shino?"
"I noted your appreciation of certain physical features with regards to your companions on the recent mission. A good while ago, when you formally introduced yourself, you expressed a desire to meet with young women that could be described as exotic in nature."
"I see. Well, two of them were already taken and the other prefers boys. Long distance relationships aren't impossible, especially with the ties that Sand has to Leaf, but it wouldn't have worked out this time for many reasons. Enjoying their company was enough."
"Hm."
"It is as I told my dear Aiko when we were together. I don't lay claim to every girl that walks this earth. Nor would I try to pressure them into relationships with me just because I wanted it. Now, if they awaken to the same desires as me...that's a different story."
"Awaken?"
"It's not something that can easily be identified one way or another. Simply a sort of feeling that lets you know what's happening and why it's happening. I have Luna and Ane-ue to thank for opening my eyes to this world's true pleasures."
"I see." He pushes up his glasses with one hand. The frame is a bit off balance, but I'm sure he'll get to that when he gets home. Those are an older pair, anyways. "I was merely wondering if you wouldn't be pursuing a relationship by now."
"Are you worrying for me?"
"I couldn't call it that. Curious, if I had to say anything."
"Mm. Well, there is someone on my mind. I'm going to see her soon...she's currently in a place outside of the village to the north, recuperating."
"An exotic foreigner?"
"You would think. This person is...interesting, in a lot of ways. Someone who should sit outside of my strike zone. Low and away, to be specific."
Shino subtly raises a brow. "Is that so."
"'Tis so."
"It sounds like a good thing, then. There must be something to the type of person that can draw you in despite all of those...disadvantages."
"That would be the right word, yes. I...sometimes wonder, Shino. I hope that this isn't some advanced form of pity on my part. There's a genuine feeling there. I don't know if she might turn into something, or rather someone more to me. The doubt that was there before has disappeared. I suppose I'll figure it out when I see her next. Such an unexpected thing."
"Yes."
"What about you?"
"Life has been unkind so far. My expectations are kept low as a result, to avoid any harsh feelings or disappointment."
"I see."
"Boss...if you could just leave it at that, I would appreciate it."
"You don't want to be condescended to. Of course. That said, you are not an undesirable person. Or...lame. Anything like that. A good woman will come your way soon enough."
"It would have to be entirely on luck, then. I lack my father's charisma." He turns to me. "Even that one...Koichi Nagano. There are women who desire companionship with him, openly. He has a cutting-edge gimmick and notable strength. I would be hard pressed to compete against that sort of thing, let alone the likes of Sasuke. Even Naruto has what's called a 'rugged charm' that attracts people like Hinata to him."
"Hm."
"Sorry, Boss. I don't mean to talk over you like that."
"There's nothing to apologize for, Shino. I stand by what I said earlier. You're a good person, and you will find a companion in good time. As the heavens will it, so shall it be done."
"Thanks."
It's nice to hear those sorts of things from him. That sort of feeling, that impression with regards to the world. A passion, you could call it, that most people would assume he didn't have. Right now it's a bit stressful for teenage boys, but it should fade away soon enough. What I've said will come to pass. Although...it wouldn't hurt to use my connections for his sake, and see what the pulse of the village is here. No chance that he hasn't gained a few fans lately. Further decisions will be left to him, as it should be. I don't want to meddle too much.
"All right, I think that's it for today. Lili, got time to spot for me? Feeling like some weights today," Kurenai says as she and Hina approach us.
"Easily done. We can eat something hearty afterwards."
"Yeah. I'll pay today."
"Noted. Then we will see you later, loves. You have my number if anything should come up," I say to Hina and Shino.
"Oh, Lili. There's something for you...give me a moment," Hina says as she runs to her bag. I receive a standard size envelope from her, with my name written in very neat strokes across the front. The back is sealed with wax. Very fancy.
"Who is this from?"
"I can't say. Hanabi handed it to me before I left this morning...I can only assume it's someone from the Main Family. But my part in this is over now that you have the letter."
"Mm. It seems serious. Urgent?"
"That wasn't relayed to me either."
"Very curious. I suppose that means I can keep them waiting for a week or so. I have important exploits to take care of in the meantime."
"Only you would treat a message from Hyuuga so casually."
"Yes, and you love that about me."
"I do, yes," Hina says with a smile. "You and Kurenai-sensei take care. Please don't overwork, okay?"
"Promise." We kiss each other on the cheeks gently. Kurenai and I leave the training field together and cross back into town, bags slung over our shoulders.
"It's getting a little hot out there, Lili."
"I see."
"Some people are...stuck up about the whole thing. It's not confirmed and will probably stay that way for a while. But people might start saying things they shouldn't, you know what I mean? Your circle's been quiet about it, as you probably know. Tsume...she hasn't gone as far as saying anything that would hurt you. Just loudly mentioning that you're a lady killer and all that."
"A little spice never hurts."
"You would say that." Kurenai sighs. "Listen, you've got the backing of the Hokage and everyone, but nobody's invincible."
"Kurenai, you don't need to worry about me too much. I will be fine, I promise you. If I do need your help, I will call."
"I know...just, you know."
"Yes, I know. I won't be too reckless. Nothing too obvious, nothing too serious...not yet, anyways."
"Good. And don't think about brushing me off or anything stupid like that. You're the one who kept teasing me and calling me onee-chan and whatever. So this is what you get, a couple earfuls from your big sister."
"It's something I appreciate very much," I say sincerely. "Thank you, Kurenai."
"Yeah. Be proud of yourself above all else. You're my Lili, no matter how many skirts you chase."
"Don't be too reckless yourself. I'm sure the Sarutobi Clan likes to keep their traditions intact. It wouldn't do for them to learn that you're running around with a wealthy little deviant while dating one of their sons."
"We're...not really a thing yet."
"Officially."
"Officially, yeah. I dunno, we haven't been on a proper date..."
"You don't need to go on one to be a couple."
"Right? That's what I told him, but he wasn't having it. I think one of his aunts kept insisting it was the case, and the Hokage...I don't think he wants to get in the middle of it. We haven't talked about it yet but he clearly knows."
"Should I move a few things around for you?" I ask.
"Ah...nah, it's fine as is. Maybe we'll do more teaming up once things start to slow down around here."
"Understood."
"Good. I think today should be a back day. Yeah, I like the sound of that. What about you?"
"I'll be resting for a few days, so I can take care of the legs today again," I say.
"Alright. Did you crack that mystery with the chakra mode yet?"
"Not yet. I feel like I'm getting close, though. It's not terribly urgent, the third and fourth stages are more than enough to take care of most enemies. Anyone who can shrug those off is an existential threat, or at least on the level of Orochimaru."
"Existential threat, huh."
I look up at Kurenai. "My estimation of myself is appropriately high."
"I won't argue with you there," she says with a smile.
---
The days continue to shorten. Autumn is crisp and comfortable as always...we approach winter in Fire Country with care and grace. Quite lovely to see.
I've made it to the usual resort north of the village. More patrons are arriving at this point in time, the space between autumn and winter where cool breezes mix with hot baths for a refreshing sensation. The outdoor baths are popular for this reason, and the indoor ones are also starting to fill up nicely. But while the hot springs are a treat, they're not why I'm here today.
I've decided to go with something normal enough for today's visit: a plain silk sweater in pink, and a comfortable pair of jeans. As hard as it is to keep a lower profile these days, I think I should make a token effort to try.
"Hm...let's see..."
There are a few small cafes in the area, and I look around them for a bit before spotting the person I wanted to see. They're sipping water on the patio of one such establishment.
"Fio!"
"Lili...it's nice to see you again." Her smile is gentle and a bit melancholy, if I had to say. The clothes she's wearing are plain and grey, most likely an attempt to keep attention away from her body. Unfortunately, it seems to be doing the opposite. The fit isn't very good and the colours make her look dull. Some of her long white hair is tied into a ponytail, with the rest sitting on her shoulders.
"I'm quite happy to see you as well. You're just having water today?" I ask as I nod towards her table.
"Just something while I decide what to eat...I'm not sure if I'll have much of anything, but I'll make an order anyways. No point in making extra work for people, after all. I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Have you come on business?"
"No, I came to see a friend of mine."
"Oh. I see."
"Fio, you silly girl. It's you."
She blushes. "Me? I...I see, then. Then I won't refuse you if you want to spend time with me. I'm really happy to hear that, especially because...well, I've really come to like you, Lili."
"I've come to like you too, Fio."
"I'm glad to hear that," she says with a cute smile. "I really wanted a chance to get to know you better. How long will you be staying?"
"Mm...a few days at least, maybe a week. There's not much for me to do in the village right now, since I just had an important mission and all. I also had a request granted for time off, so...it won't be a bother at all. Ane-ue is still on business and Luna has gone on a trip to the estate. My mother Emi is eager to see her again and hear reports on my progress. So this is a perfect time to play with friends."
"Ah...that's a lot. You really live a charmed life, Lili."
"Are we jealous?" I ask.
"Very. I craved that type of life at one point. Being an elite, gaining freedom...everything like that."
"Well, I don't mean to tease you. It certainly has its benefits, this level of prestige."
"Is that so...it's alright." She giggles a little and looks up at me. "Even if it's a small thimble of icing from the queen's cake...I want the chance to swallow it up, Lili."
I can't help but laugh at that. "Well, well. Quite a response from our Fio! Then I'll let you eat until you're satisfied and then some...let's enjoy ourselves, and open up our hearts a little together. Does that please you?"
"That would be lovely."
"Good. Let's start by sharing a treat at this establishment. I'll spoil you more afterwards."
---
We talk a bit about our recent exploits. I tell Fio as much as I can about the recent mission to the Hidden Sand, and she speaks about her efforts to try and gain a bit of weight. She says it's strictly for health reasons, but it's clear that there's more to it. In any case, I want to help her and take measures to do so.
Orochimaru's experiments have done a lot more to her than I realized. She can't eat like everyone else - I watched her at the cafe and she was consuming things in a manner that told me it was for sustenance only. She also didn't look very satisfied when we were both done. With that, I took her across town to a buffet-style place and told her to eat as much as she wanted. In the meantime, I watched her carefully. Fio can eat...an incredible amount of food for someone her size. But the manner in which she eats...she favours food with notable texture to it, the kind that she can repeatedly interact with. As for taste, it explains why she consumes things so listlessly at times. She can barely taste anything as she is. The most intense flavours, high amounts of spice and sugar for instance, elicit large reactions from her. Everything else is weak at best.
"I've never eaten this well before...and there are so many fancy dishes here. I've never seen a buffet like this," she says as she finishes eating.
"It's definitely upscale, which is why it carries some exotic types of dishes that would normally be too expensive for other establishments," I explain. My nose crinkles as I rub a very, very hot chili sauce into my steak. "Here, try this."
"Okay." She obediently opens her mouth and I place a slice of steak into it. She happily chews on it for a while before swallowing. "Wow! It's so juicy and tender...and I can taste all the flavours! What did you do?"
"Slathered it in abnormally hot chili sauces and spices, of course. Since you like it, go ahead and have the rest of it."
"You're sure?"
"Of course, of course. There's more than enough food for everyone here, you know."
"Right. I forgot where we were already. Mm-mm..." She sighs happily and wipes a tear from her eye. "That's...really nice. I guess I know how I can eat properly now..."
"Yes."
"I'm not that bright, so I didn't know what exactly was wrong...I just kept eating normally, and my appetite would kind of disappear after a while. Part of eating is the joy in it, you know? I love food, I always have. But after being fed such bad stuff by Orochimaru and Kabuto, and then just losing the ability to taste anything properly...it was hard up until now."
"That's not your fault," I say.
"I know. I just...feel like an idiot, even knowing all that."
"We'll get some more meat on your bones during this week, yes? I'll help you."
"I appreciate that. But...how come you want to help me so badly, Lili?"
"I really want to see you well. I've been thinking about you, you know. How you've been dealt such a bad hand. But even then, you held onto your confidence and optimism. Maybe...I want to see the Fio from a time gone by. A person who can be happy with herself, and in herself."
"I see. That's a noble goal."
"It sounds like it, yes."
"Oh?" She gives me a teasing smile. "Is there more?"
"Curiosity," I say honestly. "Perhaps...I want to see how beautiful a girl like you can become, sculpted by my hand."
"Ooh. A little self-interest on your end, then."
"Hmph. More than a little, my dear."
"That's more than fine. I like that you're paying me this much attention in the first place. You know...since you're so pretty."
"Oh, Fio. You don't need to flatter me anymore than this. I can buy you food tomorrow as well."
She laughs. "You're terrible, Lili!"
"The worst, as I've heard so many times before." I smile back at her. "And proud of it."
And so, we continue. We move through the week and continue to eat heartily together. I do a fair bit of running outside of the resort in order to keep in shape while Fio rests as much as she can. The results are a slight gain for me, and modest increases for her. A few pounds was more than I was expecting, and I have to wonder how long she'll keep it on for. I can ask Tsunade for advice, but something tells me the solution will involve some sort of rare drug or surgical procedure.
"Are you sure you're not spending too much on me?"
"You worry too much." Today's breakfast involves several types of pancake and a lot of syrup. I had the waitress bring out a large container for said syrup, so that she wouldn't have to run back and forth constantly replacing empty bottles. There are also plates of bacon and sausage, steak, eggs and vegetables. The table is almost crowded, but I can move my arms to eat at least.
"I don't think I'm worrying too much. Also, you don't have to eat as much as I do."
"It's fine," I say. "I could stand to put on a bit of weight anyways. It's not going to make me any slower. You know, normally I wouldn't allow anyone to do this to themselves, but that bit of information you revealed yesterday was helpful." I make myself a crude steak sandwich with tomatoes and bite into it. "On top of your already high metabolic processes, your unstable existence causes your body to self-repair continuously to equilibrium. That's what you said, wasn't it?"
"It's what I remembered that Orochimaru told me...or said in passing, at least. I might be mistaken. But it seems correct right now."
"It seems to track, yes. After all, your body has to remember the shape it was in before transforming into steam."
"I see. All of this is...I guess more than I can comprehend."
"I'm no expert when it comes to this either. Lady Tsunade would know more."
"Lili? Everything you've done so far has been wonderful. I think that if I keep at this, at my own pace...I can become whole again. Just knowing how to carry on means so much, you know?"
I nod. "I appreciate that. It's far from over, and I would like to know that you're truly well before we part ways again."
"It's as you said before. Patience. Right?"
"Right."
"Let's finish eating. It's...a bit difficult being stared at again," Fio says nervously. I shift my eyes to one side and see that the waitresses are gossiping. The bits and pieces I can catch from their conversation tell me that they're talking about us.
"Yes. Let's finish what we have here and go. How much did you want on your side?" I ask.
"Oh, can I hog the pancakes? They're so good and I haven't had any in a while..."
"Anything your little heart desires," I say with a smile. "There you go. I'll have myself a few of these steaks. They can be worked off properly later."
We eat steadily and finish off every plate on the table. I leave a tip and we exit the restaurant without a word. Fio seems very happy, and her spirits have been lifted over the past few days. A cute, sleepy-eyed young woman. And a pleasure to be with at all hours. I wonder...what it is I'm thinking. Wondering what I'm thinking. A contradiction if there ever was one, one would argue. But I'm not sure if I'm subconsciously masking my thoughts, or transforming them into something else entirely. Maybe this would be a good time to say something to her about that.
The scenery around us is nice and lush. There are many trees planted, some with blossoming flowers that inject splashes of colour into the area. I look up at them while thinking of what to say.
"Lili?"
"Yes, Fio. What is it?" I ask her.
"I'm going to be a bit...forward again."
"I certainly don't mind that. Did you have something that you wanted to ask?"
"I want to know where it all started for you. Some of your story, where you came from...things like that. If it's not too much to ask, I know things like this can get very personal and sensitive, all of that."
"Is that all you want of me?"
"It's a lot. It's enough, if you wanted to do that."
"..."
I gently take her hand and we move down one of the side streets, further away from the rising steam of the outdoor springs. A small clearing comes into view, with a smooth and flat rock that's big enough for two people. I seat Fio and then sit beside her.
"Lili?"
"It's not something insolent, if you're thinking that. I...just wanted to ask. Why did you want to know all of a sudden?"
"I'm not really sure. It's hard to explain." Fio puts her hands over her chest and takes a deep breath in. "There's a thumping in my heart. It makes a loud echo that I can't ignore. Every part of me...mind, body, and spirit. When I get near you like this, I feel so peaceful. So...I wanted to learn more. I wanted to know more about the girl who has already gone this far for me, who has decided on her own to show me this much kindness."
"..."
"Even if it's only a small, short glimpse...I really want to see inside of your heart."
I really didn't expect this. In some ways, it is a lot to take in. It is a lot to show someone that, in comparison to so many others, I have only just met. And yet...I felt strongly enough to reach out to Fio and treat her like this, like someone who was worth far more than the sum of their parts.
Our eyes meet, and are locked together for what feels like a long while.
And then, I slowly part my lips to speak.
---
I was born Lilith Caroline Rothschild. A child who met the average in every aspect, normal and healthy looking. My father, Leonidas Rothschild, born Newton. My mother, heiress to a massive fortune, Caroline Athena Rothschild.
It was April 20th of a certain year. Once my gender was known, my father made the decision to name me after the temptress, the demon, out of pettiness and frustration. My mother frowned upon it, but she was above all else a woman. She had no power, especially once she was married off. In the end, the family agreed with the name, thinking it was appropriately exotic. My mother found a hidden beauty in it for herself. Lily...or Lili. A blossoming, heavenly flower.
My father was almost never present. My mother was always protective and sometimes smothering. She had her quirks and annoyances, but she genuinely loved me, and showed it at every turn.
I started life as a happy child with good prospects. My grades carried well, year after year. I learned proper speech and etiquette, including the basics of several different languages. Among them was the common tongue of this land, of course. I was curious and wanted to learn the family trade, but said family was very old-fashioned - that is to say, misogynistic. My mother planned to teach me in secret at a certain point, just so that I could properly control my own destiny. Even for a noblewoman, she was reckless, impulsive, and just a bit self-absorbed. Her appetite for food and drink was infamous; she could drink anyone under the table with ease, and devoured entire roast chickens on her own, even after being scolded by the cooks repeatedly. She loved games of all kinds, especially the newer electronic games of the time that excited her immensely. We often played together once I was done with my studies. She tinkered with electronics and tools, even if she didn't understand what was going on inside of them. She loved my red hair and played with it whenever she could, which ended up being therapeutic. My mother was a strange woman, but she gave me a normal and memorable early childhood. She wanted as much of my time as she could have, but she never hurt me. She never tried to change me, she never forced a single thing onto me. Maybe she was a little pouty, but it was all in good fun. And as far as my father's demands, along with that of the family...she was always smartly obedient. She never caused chaos that would give them any reason to reprimand her. She always accepted and adapted as needed.
My mother Caroline was...an eccentric. She carried on as she wanted, mostly because of the fact that my father was almost never home. I recall her figure and it would be best described as average. Definitely on the thinner side, nothing too amazing. But she had a beautiful face that could launch at least a thousand ships. And of course, that brilliant head of red hair, which she was proud of, just as she was of mine. She carried herself charmingly, and had a nimble mind that she used to navigate the world of the elites with ease. I didn't understand what it all meant at the time, so it simply looked like some sort of magic that she used. The ability to charm men and then turn them away in a single motion. The strength to stand up to other women and redirect their barbs in a single breath. She was amazing...someone that I called a heroine within myself.
My father, Leonidas...someone who took great care of his appearance, and had a youthful face. I didn't inherit his most desirable features, his blue eyes and blonde hair. I know now that my head wrapped in scarlet was his greatest shame. But...I wouldn't know it for certain. He was never around enough for me to know what he was like underneath the tuxedos and three piece suits. He was straightforward, some would call him logical. Exceedingly bitter. Only cared about results and obtaining them by any means. He constantly bought presents and that distracted me up to a point. I soon longed for him to be there while I opened them. For him to...see the happiness that might have been on my face. To be able to say a thank you for thinking of me. It's possible that he wasn't thinking of me at all when buying those gifts. Or that he never once paid it any mind, and it was just one of the help that bought something for little girls and handed it to my mother with a note. There are so many things. So many thoughts. Hm. As much as I try to deny him in my memories...
I lived a life that floated on the waves of normalcy, at least for a wealthy child.
It was in my seventh year of that life that I watched my mother wither away.
She held herself upright in the face of her illness. She smiled, and she laughed. She broke down, and she cried. She was miserable, and angry. She searched for meaning in everything that she could. And she hid nothing from me. I saw her as she was, and as she could be. I did what I could to comfort her. I tried to be by her side. That eccentric heroine that I loved so much, the woman that I wanted to be one day...she was eaten away in the space of a month. She died in the way she wanted, with me nearby. Though...I know she wished for more time. She wanted to show me the world, to keep all of those promises she made to me. But I remember that she was warm even in death. I remember that above all else.
There was a fortune she held, and it was passed onto my father. If he grieved for her, I couldn't tell in the short moments we were together. Eventually, we decided to leave for parts unknown. It was sudden and startling. I watched as he indulged himself for two long years, and he tried to buy me off to hide his guilt. That guilt that kept bleeding through, but that I also turned my eyes away from because it frightened me. All those implications. I saw the darkness of the world, and ended up immersed in visions of sin. Thinking back on it...it was little wonder that I turned out like this. So...liberated. Watching the glistening skin of those models and working girls who walked in and out of rooms, looking to deliver good times and partake in pleasures for themselves...it wasn't an awakening like I would experience later, but it did twist many things loose in me. Things I wouldn't talk about or act on out of fear and weakness, but things all the same. Those dark memories were buried in my heart like seeds, and only needed a bit of sustenance to grow.
My father courted and married a woman by the name of Emi Kobayashi. He took over the family business the moment they were married, and never looked back from there. There was no time wasted, and he settled back into his old ways. I was just baggage again. Emi was...a shrewd, selfish woman who openly manipulated anyone that she wanted. A ruthless bitch, to be blunt. There was a maid by the name of Lunamaria Daidouji who was hired to keep me, the child, in a distant corner. To be seen and never heard. I resumed life and my studies, but I had changed. I no longer understood myself, and stopped talking unless I absolutely had to. I forgot how to smile properly. It turned into...that. A twisted imitation of what I remembered those filthy adults doing whenever they would approach me. Something that frequently chilled me to the bone, and was etched into my mind. A smile that came from my head, and never my heart.
This was the person that I had become. The person that I would remain as until that day, where I met Midori. Everything from there...changed.
Love...have I ever fallen in love before? No. I never liked boys in that way. They sometimes played with me, out of novelty because I wasn't like the other girls. That stoic nature and attention to detail made me tolerable. Girls hadn't come to mind in the same way as they do now, and I was always pushed away from their in groups because of my nature.
My father. I hate my father. I say it over and over again. I mean it, but I wonder if I'm just trying to convince myself that it's the truth. I don't want anything to do with him, for many reasons. He wasn't there when my mother died. He wasn't there when she was sick. He wasn't there when she was well. And he always...saw me as a mistake, no matter how hard I tried to prove otherwise.
Home was a big and empty place that I don't remember much of. It was my mother who gave colour to those walls, and without her...there was nothing. But I have vivid memories of those bars and gentlemen clubs, those brothels, those hotels that would cost a normal person an entire month's rent for a single night. I remember the women of the night who would look at me as if I were a doll to play with. I remember how they would try to talk to me and around me like I was stupid. I remember the leers of the men who saw me sitting alone in lobbies, waiting for my father to finish fucking some expensive whore before he treated me to an overpriced, unfulfilling meal for the third or fourth night in a row.
There was a time where I sat in a room alone, thinking about dying slowly.
No. That's wrong.
There were many times like that.
---
"It's...heavy."
Fio's voice is quiet as I finish speaking. It feels like the energy has been sucked out of me, just recalling those memories.
"Does the past feel...distant now?"
I parse her question slowly. "It's some distance away, but...never truly gone. As if I can see it each time I look over my shoulder."
"No wonder. Thank you for telling me all of that, Lili. It means a lot, that you could trust me like this."
"Of course. This is among the least of things I could do for you." I look at Fio closely. "Please remember what I tell you."
"What is it?"
"Love yourself. Love your body, in the way that only you can. No matter what people might think or say, you are not a monster. Do you understand?"
She pauses a moment before smiling and nodding. "Yes. I understand, Lili."
"Good."
"Your mom sounds really cool. Caroline, I mean. But you mentioned Emi...is she really that bad?"
"Depends on what you mean by bad," I say as I leave my seat. Fio does the same and walks next to me as we return to the resort. "Our relationship now is splendid, to the point where we're girlfriends and share raunchy stories over the phone."
"Wow...that's, um. Interesting."
"You don't know the half of it. Did you know what that woman said to me the other day? She said she had tapes being sold in stores."
"Tapes? What kind of tapes?"
I give Fio a look and she gasps.
"No way...someone had to have noticed..."
"Apparently she was in disguise, but I doubt that's good enough. Or it won't be for long. When we first met, she would put me in these hideous dresses," I say to Fio. "We did reminisce about that the other day, and there was an interesting sort of psychological play going on that I didn't think of until she mentioned it..."
there's some casual drug references and general discussion in this chapter, just wanted to put up the cw just in case.
Scarlet Justice - ep. 76
"Rusty Hinges"
[Fire Country Night Session: Opening]
---
"..."
I'm awake as soon as I hear the sharp knocks on the door. I can smell coffee. Low quality, but coffee all the same. Luna has already left her bedroom, and I wait for her to assess the situation.
"Of course. I'll get her right away."
It's 2 am. Thankfully, I've already had the four hours of good sleep that I need to be refreshed. This is still annoying, though. I wonder what's happening.
"Miss Lili?" Luna calls as she opens the door.
"I'm here, Luna. What is it?"
"Miss Kurenai is at the door for you. She's fully dressed."
"Understood. Tell her that I'll be out in a moment. Don't make anything, we can grab a bite to eat later. Perhaps the same place where she got that coffee from..."
I think on what I want to wear as I get out of bed and go to wash my face in the bathroom. Something simple, perhaps? No, I don't want to be too plain for whatever this is. Ah, whatever. I bought all of those uniforms for a purpose, let's mix and match one of those.
"I wonder just what the hell is happening at this hour..." A yawn escapes me and I shake my head free of the earlier haze. Should be awake by now. Okay...generic Leaf sweater, a nice black and red skirt with pleating to allow better movement, and a good pair of high socks. I turn quickly a few times in the mirror and slip on my armband before leaving.
"Are we ready?" Luna asks, wrapped up in a thin robe.
"We are ready. I'll call if anything serious comes up." We exchange kisses briefly before I open the door. Kurenai is casually sipping on her coffee.
"Asuma is gonna meet us at the office. Luna, I'll see you," she says.
"Yes. Take care, both of you."
Kurenai hands me a cup of coffee, and we start on our way through the village.
"Sorry about the quality, but I wanted to pick something up quickly before I got to your place. It's got a big kick, though. Woke me right up."
I take a sip and nod. "You're right. Lacking in flavour, but what I need right now." I down the rest of the coffee as we soar above the rooftops, and then drop it in the appropriate bin once we near the Hokage's Office. There's a fair bit of activity for this hour - the shinobi of the village are technically never off duty, and there is a presence here at all times, but not to this degree. It's clear there's a major problem, and that it has to be cleared up very quickly.
"Captain Yuuhi, Captain Kobayashi. This way, please."
A tired looking man in uniform leads us past the Hokage's normal setting and into a side room where Asuma is already sitting. He gives us a wave and lights up a cigarette.
"Real pain in the ass. Wonder what it is this time," he mutters while puffing out smoke.
"Hopefully a false alarm," Kurenai says. "I wouldn't mind going straight back to bed."
"Call it a hunch, but I believe the three of us were assembled for a very specific reason. It seems that sleep will have to wait a while longer."
"Very perceptive of you, Lili." The Hokage enters with a folder tucked under his arm, and he closes the door behind him. We take our seats on the various chairs scattered around the room and he smokes on his pipe a while, flipping through his notes.
"I always aim to exceed expectations, sir."
"God, it's too early for this," Kurenai groans.
"There have been varying reports of attacks on military installations to the east of the village. We've taken care of them for the most part, but something concerning has taken place. There is reason to believe that rogue agents from this village have participated in a heist, targeting a cache of explosive tools and several million ryo worth of materials and currency," the Hokage says.
"Any one of those things on their own might be low level, but all of it at once is certainly a cause for concern," I say. "Do we have an estimate on numbers?"
"None so far."
"That is a problem. They're east of here, so I expect them to try and flee towards the sea or something like that," Kurenai says. "I'm guessing we've been chosen because of our unique skill sets."
"If the shipment cannot be reliably retrieved, I would like it destroyed so as not to fall into the wrong hands. We are already prepared to accept the losses, so it will be a call that is made in the field. The rogue agents will hopefully have been identified in the one to two hours that it will take you to reach the outpost. My preference is that they be captured alive...but again, that is a call to be made in the field."
It's incredibly obvious what the old man is doing, so nobody says anything to that effect. This is a very straightforward mission that needs to be accomplished with the greatest speed. Three skilled, trustworthy, and experienced jounin are just the solution.
"Any further questions?"
"The level of opponent we will be facing, if you would, sir. I understand it will be written in the report, but it's better for me, personally, to hear the details from you."
"Suck-up," Kurenai mumbles. Asuma pats her shoulder gently and mouths out to hush.
Hiruzen chuckles. "I'm flattered to hear such things. It means that I haven't yet lost my touch. The opponents are, unfortunately, former members of the ANBU Black Ops. There is a possibility that at least one of their collaborators is a current member. That will have to be determined from reports on site. Reinforcements have been called, and we have set up a wide area to be monitored based on estimations of the supply weight, terrain, and mobility of the suspected missing-nin."
"You mean whatever was carrying the cache hasn't been located yet," Asuma says.
"No, not yet."
"Guess that means we have work to do. Alright, whoever's the most awake at this point should run point. That means I'm out."
"I suppose that I'll do it this time," I say. "We can start off quickly and investigate the disappearance of the cargo first."
"Here you are," Hiruzen says as he hands me a scroll. "Leave at your own discretion and report back before you return home, so that I can prepare everything properly."
"Yes, sir," we all say in unison.
"Good luck to you." He gives us a friendly smile before exiting the room. I open the sealed scroll and look at the data contained within.
"Mm."
"Trouble?" Kurenai asks.
"I have a feeling that a few of these are Danzo's dogs, caught in the act by someone who shouldn't have been watching. No major landmarks...there's a dam, but it's too far away from any populated areas and the path wouldn't make it suitable for a terrorist attack. Seems like a snatch and grab."
"No way they got anywhere with all of that stuff to lift," Asuma says. "Bet money they have an Earth Release user and buried the whole thing somewhere."
"We'll sniff it out. As the Hokage said, what happens next is up to us. They'll be busy evading the patrols, so our first important decision is which direction we're coming from."
"I doubt they're heading for the village, there are probably a few squads set up just in case they do."
"There is indeed a platoon of about thirty, genin and chuunin mainly. Do not engage orders are in effect, teams are travelling in pairs at minimum and covering sections ranging from the northeastern outskirts to the southeast. Barrier team is on high alert and available sensor types are in hidden locations," I say to Kurenai. "We should be good to go. Equipment?"
"All good," Asuma says.
"Yeah, good here," Kurenai says.
"Alright, then. I propose we approach directly from the village, going east and aiming for the outpost. Objections?"
My companions shake their heads.
"Then we are all set. Time to clock in."
Asuma puts out his cigarette and drops it into a small cylinder. Kurenai stifles a yawn and pulls her headband tight. We leave the room together and exit the building, then accelerate towards the village entrance.
Night missions are difficult for many reasons. Reduced visibility, logistical issues, stealth, and so on. It's actually not any easier sneaking around at night compared to the day, unless you have a focused and particular set of skills for that purpose. You want to be able to navigate with an alternative suite of senses. Moving quietly is a must. Knowledge of main and alternate routes to targets and way points. Shinobi are obviously able to operate at night, but a small percentage of us are actually good at it.
And naturally, I am in that number.
The ability to track targets by scent is one aspect of it. Perception and discipline are another. I am quite good at what I do, and it explains why I have been promoted so early, and chosen for so many missions. Things like this, especially. The old man was as careful with his wording as always, and so I understood exactly what he meant. We're being sent out at 2 am to clean up a very serious spill. Can't stain the rug, after all.
This trip through the forest is relatively quiet as we move at a high rate. The village is two hours away normally; we want to make it there in one or less. That way, we will end up on top of the traitors and their precious cargo. It's quite cool out tonight, so the sweater was a prudent choice for this outing.
"Here we go," Asuma announces. We've reached the outpost, and there are two shinobi waiting at the entrance. We jump through the trees and land a safe distance away, giving them time to recognize us.
"Great, you're here." They approach with their headbands visible, putting away their weapons. We exchange the universal hand signals in order and acknowledge each other. "It's been a long night already," one of them says to Asuma.
"No kidding, has to be. Any casualties?"
"One. He's on a breathing machine right now, but he'll make it. The situation-"
"Wait, now. Talking to the wrong guy," he says while nodding towards me. The two men slowly turn to face Kurenai, who shakes her head and nods towards me again. Then their heads move downwards, and I wave politely.
"Good morning. Captain Kobayashi here."
"O-oh! Captain Kobayashi!" the younger of the two says. His brown hair is short and formed into spikes on top of his head. The older partner, a man with black hair shaved flat, seems relieved as well. "So they sent you out...great. Means that we'll get those bastards. Sorry for not recognizing you right away, ma'am."
"It's fine, no offence taken. Before you tell me what's happening, I would like your names, please."
"Ma'am. Sanjou Taneda, chuunin."
"Ringo Kawasaki, ma'am. Chuunin," the older man says.
"Good. Lilith Kobayashi, with my associates here. Asuma Sarutobi..."
"Yo."
"...and Kurenai Yuuhi."
"Morning."
"I am the commanding officer for this mission. Please tell me what you know so far."
"Cargo was moving through the forest at about...zero forty five, best estimate. Attack took place quickly. Surgical, just about. Felt like an inside job," Taneda says.
"We've gathered information that suggests it's the case. Very possible that a collaborator is among you."
"Ah, shit."
"Be calm, now. That collaborator won't want to draw any attention to themselves at all, so that will pacify them until the mission is over. We will find them, but we need to give them a false sense of security until our primary objectives are completed. That way, we can weed them out later. Cargo was reported as a mix of material, including cash."
"Explosives in there. We think the cargo is in the forest somewhere, nearby," Kawasaki says. "Best option is to sniff it out, but...if I still have my druthers about me, sending the whole thing up is in play."
"As much was mentioned to us at the briefing," I say. "Easily written off by both sides. I suspect there's something else we've yet to find, and that's the reason for this strike. Shinobi don't risk their careers on something so flimsy. Manifests?"
"Inside at our little strategy centre."
"Let's go," I say. Everyone falls in behind me, and we walk up to the checkpoint. The shinobi on watch acknowledge us and open the gates. "What was the guard like?"
"Five requested, two on," Taneda says.
"Reeks of a setup," Asuma replies. "You don't head out with three people missing on detail unless you know everything that's going to happen on that route. They kept one guy out of the loop so that it would look more authentic than it was. Guessing that's what put him in intensive care."
"Had to be."
We make it to a small room inside the outpost and Kawasaki unrolls a scroll that contains the shipping manifest.
"There's the money...gold, silver, copper. Platinum there, a small amount. Not enough to justify this hit, though," I mutter. "The explosives look important enough, but again...I would guess a crew of four, maybe five. Experienced enough to pull this off, but they must have hit a snag other than their unwilling participant."
"Did you want to talk to him?" Taneda asks.
"No, no. Please let him rest. I don't doubt that he saw something, but...it's not something that would help us fast enough to make a difference. There should be two copies of the manifest here. One copy from the beginning of the journey and another one for this checkpoint. The others are probably with the driver, who is hopefully alive somewhere, and the person receiving the cargo at its destination."
"I dunno. Uncle, did we get two?" Taneda asks Kawasaki.
"Checking right now...should be it right here," he says as he hands Kurenai a scroll. She hands it to me and I open it up, looking at them side by side. "I'm gonna guess they screwed us."
"An astute observation. The tare weights are different. They likely explained the discrepancy by saying that the delivery vehicles were of differing types by the time the delivery was made, but the same registration is here and there were no other major changes. All of the numbers are correct otherwise, smartly adjusted to avoid further suspicion. But..."
"What're you thinking, Captain?" Taneda asks.
"I'm going to guess that the clever little trick was too clever for its own good."
Asuma laughs. "That's gotta be a pain in the ass. They screwed up the details on the ground, so that's why they had to ditch the cargo in the forest. Way too big and heavy for the calculations they had, and I'm going to guess that the contraband couldn't be moved out on its own without some major issues."
"What kind of contraband would it be?" Taneda asks him.
"Drugs," the four of us say in unison.
"Drugs...what the hell. Why drugs? To sell in the Leaf? Seriously?"
"Drugs are an easy way to launder money, raise funds, offer incentives, influence certain segments of society, etcetera," I say.
"So it's a yakuza hit?"
"Nah, kid. I told you, it's that uh...deep state bullshit," Kawasaki says while taking out a cigarette. Asuma gives him a light.
"Oh, hell. That doesn't exist, man."
"You kidding me? Deep state is everywhere. The amount of drugs that go in and out of Fire Country, no way the gangsters are moving that weight by themselves. Goddamn spooks are always watching."
"In any case, drugs are the logical choice. You can fit a lot of it into tight spaces and it commands the kind of street value that would help an organization grow exponentially," Kurenai says. "We have our suspicions about who's behind this."
"Can't say, huh."
"Not if you like having ten fingers by the end of this," Asuma says to Taneda. The younger man nods sagely.
"I'd think you would want the wagon brought back as evidence," Kawasaki says after taking a long drag on his cigarette.
"Probably coke. Maybe the black tar, though you could rake over the hospital shipments for some of that for an easier score," Asuma muses while lighting up his own cigarette. "Doubt they'd risk going rogue over opioids, though."
"Rules out speed, then," Kurenai says as she opens up a window.
"What about...what about the rock stuff?" Taneda asks. "You know, the crystals?"
"That's processed cocaine," I say to him. "It's made like that for efficiency's sake. That way you can smoke it."
"Shit. Wait, how do you know that?"
"First hand observations," I say as I look over the manifests again.
"Damn. Sorry, Captain."
"No harm meant. Whatever it is, it's not something cheap. The heist was staged as a sort of misdirection."
"So they could have taken the drugs and left?"
"No, no. They couldn't get to the drugs. Otherwise they would have left the cargo out in the open, picked at like the work of some vultures to throw us off the trail. It's out there, and they're desperate to get at their precious supplies before we can. Kawasaki, thoughts?"
"Me? Ah...there's probably another layer to this. Couldn't tell you what right away. Let me see one of those manifests."
I hand it over to him and he looks up and down the list.
"Yeah, there's something interesting after all. See these components here? They're usually keyed up for tactical tools...bombs, really. So you have a few things here that are separated, metal mixes and oxidizers that suggest they're going to make flash bombs out of the material, but...there's another thing listed here. A batch of apple-scented postcards. You and I have never heard of such a thing in our lives, and that's because it's code. The 'ha' and 'ri'."
"Shit. White phosphorus," Asuma says.
"It's a good thing I decided to check with you, ossan," I say with relief. "Thank you so much for that."
"They were smuggling white phosphorus in, too? Isn't that stuff illegal?" Kurenai asks.
"Far as we know, but shinobi aren't exactly known to play fair. But the reason you'd hide it so well from everyone is because it's not going to be used by the military," Asuma says.
"Paramilitary groups and the yakuza would like to get their hands on this. Probably security forces in Sound Country, now that their military is destabilized and they want control of their production regions back," I add in. "White phosphorus is tracked like little else in this world. It's murder to handle and particularly nasty when used as an incendiary. It has seen extensive use as a smoke bomb, but I can guess that the potential buyers are interested in things that are a little more lethal than that."
"This helps us, right?" Taneda asks. "Something that dangerous and valuable can't have gone too far."
"You're right about that. So...we'll get started on a proper plan to catch the traitors before the sun can come up. At that point, they'll have their wits about them and can navigate easier to their escape routes, wherever they might be. If we strike, it has to be now."
A knock on the door interrupts us. Taneda goes to get it.
"Oi, we got something. A few of the trackers detected disturbances heading west, in the direction of the village. Nothing past the perimeter, and we still haven't found the cargo yet," another shinobi says from outside.
"Okay, that's good. Hold on a second. Captain, did you get all that?"
"I did. I already have a little something in mind. Kawasaki, any Earth Release jutsu in your bag?" I ask.
"One or two, none for detailed excavation, though."
"That'll be good enough. I'll need you for a bit to help me out before we leave, just for a little contingency. Taneda, relay this message. Thirty minutes from the last broadcast, I want everyone outside to hold their positions for about five minutes. They are not to move for any reason that isn't protecting their life or that of a comrade's. At the thirty minute mark, I want all radio signals to be jammed for five minutes exactly. Asuma and Kawasaki will cover the northeast section closest to the outpost and will perform a manual search for the cargo. Assess the situation, box it in properly, and then it will be your call based on the terrain whether you send it up or not. If not...you'll have to wait for me a while. If my memory is still good on this, white phosphorous isn't a big fan of water. I've got plenty of it. Kurenai, I'll need you with me. We're going hunting."
"Yes, ma'am. Ready when you are."
"Good. Taneda, you'll be here managing things. Grab us a few portable radios and come back after delivering those orders, we'll go back and forth before those thirty minutes are up and make sure everyone is in position."
"Yes'm. Delivering orders," he says as he leaves with the other shinobi.
"As for us, we'll go over things one last time before moving. On such short notice it won't be the end of the world if something goes wrong, but we don't want things to go wrong, period. Here we are..."
Really enjoying you taking us on realistic missions that aren't canon. You don't see as much of that because how much harder it is to think up an actual mission,conflict,background and stuff like that.
I really enjoy it though. Getting to see a ninja operate and having no idea what an outcome will be. It's pretty much an entirely new story by itself every mission. Looking forward to more, thanks for taking the time to write for us.
Scarlet Justice - ep. 77
"Barn Doors"
[Fire Country Night Session: Feature]
---
We move ahead as planned. Kurenai follows me closely as we move through the forest at a slow pace, trying to pick out any unusual chakra signatures or movements. Everyone is still scrambling to get into position, so it won't be easy to pick out who we should be going after at this point. There's still time before we freeze everyone on our side.
"How are things going, Taneda?" I call over the radio around my wrist.
"Everything is going according to plan, ma'am. Nothing to report so far, still quiet out there. Twenty minutes to go."
"Excellent. Have everyone keep their eyes and ears open. Report anything of importance as soon as you hear of it." I turn to Kurenai. "Anything on your end?"
"Nothing."
"We might not get as lucky as we want, but it's still nice to look for opportunities."
"Five minute window...you think it'll be enough?"
"It should be. No chance they want to stay in the forest longer than this. They'll move and expose themselves, or I'll hunt them all down. No in-between."
"Got it. Just give me the signal and I'm there."
The split offensive and supplementary disciplines are here for a specific purpose. No doubt there will be countermeasures taken for someone like Kurenai, but if there's a chance I can act fast enough to negate them, we can take advantage of the situation quickly. The distinct smell of black powder repeatedly reaches my nose; it seems like these ones aren't taking too many chances.
Five more minutes pass with the same report from Taneda, then ten. We're getting close to the promised time.
"Asuma, it's me."
"Hey. What's happening on your side?" he answers.
"Nothing so far. I can smell black powder, and the scent is getting stronger as time passes."
"Yeah, sounds like they're not screwing around. ANBU guys definitely have their extreme methods...if I had to guess, we might be looking at one or more guys with bomb vests. Means we might have to abandon any attempts at capture. We still haven't found the cargo yet, but we're getting close to it. Lots of misdirection being applied in this area alone."
"Alright. Do what you can and then start winding down as discussed."
"Right. See you in a while, Lili."
"So they're coming up blank, too. And I can definitely smell the gunpowder you're talking about now," Kurenai says.
"Yes. Something is definitely happening...but it's only a few minutes before our plan goes into action. Let's stick to it."
We stop in a tall tree nearby, and I close my eyes to focus as much as possible on the signals that are coming to me. The gunpowder is coming from two different sources that are moving. I can't attack them yet, though. I can feel that the perimeter is holding and that nobody has broken it, or altered the initial formation meaningfully. Taneda would have said as much if it did happen.
Less than five minutes now.
"I'll move towards the first suspected target, and you can handle the other at the same time," I say to Kurenai, keeping my eyes closed. "It will help immensely if there's a thought that the attacking force is much bigger and closer than it seems. Any objections?"
"Nope. Let's do what we have to."
"Good."
"One minute to jamming," Taneda announces. "Get ready to hold your positions. Repeat, one minute to radio jamming. All personnel, hold your positions."
"Northwest section, shift your attention a bit further north. We're not expecting much of a drive out to the main road since they have yet to retrieve the cargo. We want to be careful since there are some explosives and there might be traps in the vicinity to set them off," I announce.
"Copy, Captain. Shifting focus," a voice calls back. But obviously, he's not going to physically move in that direction. And if I'm correct, then...
"Twenty seconds to jamming. All personnel, hold your positions."
"Slowly...slowly..." I keep my focus and continue tracking the targets, who have come to a stop. "And..."
Static.
"We're jammed," Kurenai says.
"Sixty degrees...seven hundred meters. That one is certain to have an explosive vest, so be careful," I say to her. "Do what you can, but no more than that."
"Understood." Kurenai vanishes into the night a moment later. I advance towards my own target, keeping to the trees and lowering my profile as much as possible. There are a few tricks I have in mind to make stalking prey easier in the future, but this will do for now. Learning those will take some time, and I would rather not rush things. I drop lightly to the ground and sneak past one of my comrades, then move even lower and crawl along the ground on my stomach. Certainly unglamourous, but highly efficient in my case. Ah, this reminds me of that time during the exams. That was fun...making that trash squeal before I slaughtered him. But I can reminisce on that another time.
The stench of gunpowder is overwhelming. Is this one a decoy? I don't know for sure, perhaps I'll find out in a little while. Kurenai is still approaching her target, and the others aren't moving. So it's as I thought, they were listening in on the radio calls and using that to coordinate their escape. Staying put should be the safest option in this case.
Or, it would be. But their plan has a massive weakness. Me.
I crawl closer to my target and can see him pressed up against a tree. Clearly a grown man, in good shape and wearing facial paint so that he can blend better into the darkness. Must have been put on after the initial heist went south. His breathing is barely steady, and he keeps peering out into different parts of the forest, as if he suspects something is going on nearby.
One minute and thirty seconds gone. Right...I'll use this one to make some noise. Kurenai is on top of her target and...now has them subdued. My turn, then.
I charge Mobius and get to one knee quickly, aiming directly at the man's chest. He barely turns as the shot rips through him, and then after a delay the vest packed with powder goes off, sending up a blast that's aided with more than a few explosive tags. It's loud, definitely. It's also started a small fire that I'll put out in a moment, but I'm more interested in the movements of the others. If they haven't started towards the supposed exit that I announced earlier, it means that they're more interested in playing this game than I assumed.
"Two accounted for. Two to go, three minutes until jamming is lifted," I say to myself. "A sorry sight. He's turned right to ash...just how much explosive was he fitted with?" I stomp out some of the flames and spot a metal tag lying on the ground. It's still a bit hot, so I smother it in some dirt to cool it down before placing it into my pouch. It will help with identification later. Now the next phase is figuring out who exactly is in the wrong place, as I'm not familiar with all of the people who are supposed to be patrolling. But I do have a good idea of where they should be at this point in time. Nobody has come to investigate the explosion, so I run through the trees and towards the first person I think is out of place.
"Oi. What are you doing out here?" I say as I approach.
"C-Captain Kobayashi, ma'am!" The young woman bows apologetically, her short brown hair shaking with her movements. "Sorry, I was just following the orders given out earlier! I was heading to my perimeter position, and...p-please don't kill me, I swear I'm not a traitor..."
"Oh, knock it off. If you were a traitor you wouldn't piss yourself so openly," I say with a bored expression. "Now...you were telling me why you ended up all the way out here, about a kilometer from your initial guard position?" I had already accounted for this one, but there are things that I want to confirm. She doesn't need to know much of anything.
"I was investigating some suspicious findings, someone else mentioned it in a short range transmission earlier and I was technically closest, so...um, I did find something strange, but I can't move so I wouldn't be able to-"
"You can move."
"Eh? Really?"
"I'm the commanding officer here, so yes, really. Come on, we're on a timer. Show me where it was."
"Ma'am." She sprints from her position towards a nearby tree, and kneels to the ground to carefully clear away some grass. "Right here."
White powder, huh.
"Good work. You stay here, and when the jamming is lifted call for Captain Sarutobi as soon as you can. Got that?"
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am."
Two minutes. Not much time left...I would consider it a personal failure if even one of those traitors got away. Someone is occupying the open space where the young chuunin from earlier was supposed to be, but I can't go out and kill on mere suspicion alone. Has to be something else. Has to be...ah, I know.
"Excuse me. I'm going to need a bit of help here," I say as I walk up to the tall man holding his position up ahead. He salutes and nods.
"Ma'am. What is it you need?"
"The radio jamming is going to be lifted in about a minute or so. There's an issue we're having right now. I want you to join the woman who's east of us right now and get her help to search the area...there's a strange substance on the ground and I would like to know how much of it there is, aside from what it is exactly. I'll get someone to cover this gap while you're gone, and Captain Sarutobi will be joining you in a while."
"Understood."
There's not nearly enough time to hunt down the last one, so I'll clean up this loose end first. I pretend to move away into the distance before fading into the darkness again, slowly stalking this target like I did the last. He's not wearing an explosive vest like the others, meaning those two must have served the purpose of bait or decoys as I assumed earlier. I can only assume the last one isn't wearing any rigged equipment either, which will make him much harder to capture. Not impossible, but merely troublesome in comparison.
"'Scuse me. Captain Kobayashi sent me over," he says to the young woman as he makes his presence known.
"Oh, I see. Thanks...the jamming should be gone in a few seconds. I gotta call Captain Asuma Sarutobi and have him come over here..."
"I see. Alright, I'll wait for you to finish."
"Thanks for that."
Jamming over in three...two...one, and...gone.
"Kurenai, come in."
"Read you loud and clear, Lili."
"Good. I assume there wasn't any trouble, or much to report on your end. Did you hear the explosion earlier?" I ask unsubtly.
"Yeah, I did. Nothing on my end, the guy I was tracking isn't with us anymore. Was that explosion you?"
"Yes."
"I figured. We need to regroup soon, then."
I crawl on the ground and get close enough to the pair that I've been watching. She gets on her radio to make the call that I requested. He moves, and I move faster. My lightning shroud appears around me as I jump up, and I rush towards him with a hard elbow before he can properly draw his weapon, sending him flying through the air.
"Finish calling him over!" I yell to the woman. She nods her head vigorously, tears falling from her eyes as she quickly messages Asuma again. The other shinobi gets up and holds his side briefly before weaving seals. Judging from the pattern...has to be an Earth technique to buy time and get away. No point in interrupting the jutsu, I'll let it activate and then deal with the aftermath quickly.
"Get clear," I call to my new charge. She jumps away just as the other man slams his hand to the ground.
"You're done! Can't run fast with no ground beneath you! Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm!"
The ground shifts and starts to break apart beneath me. Very hard to aim in these circumstances, and the attack threatens to destabilize a large enough area. Normally, these would be issues.
I shift myself into the third stage of my chakra mode and burst across to the other side, planting my foot in the enemy's chest and sending him rocketing backwards, into and almost through a tree. He falls from the trunk and to the ground, unconscious...alive, it seems. Almost lucky for him, if he survives. Or maybe not, considering that he's likely to be executed for his role in this.
"Captain Kobayashi, we've got reports coming in."
I shut off the chakra mode and sigh. "Tell me what's happening, Taneda."
"We've got one casualty in the northwest, but they've managed to capture one of the traitors. He apparently had a previous injury, must have gotten it when he attacked our guy earlier. Made him take some risks that a seasoned vet wouldn't otherwise with the enemy closing in. The team followed protocol and took him down after he struck first. Injured soldier should be okay after some treatment."
"Wonderful news. Send a few medics to section 3-4 just off the center line, won't you? I have one of the cowards here with some serious injuries, unconscious. Pull the extras from the perimeter in and we'll see what develops from there, but I think we have all of the traitors accounted for," I say. "Some parts of a drug trail were erased by a jutsu, but I think that was a dead end anyways. Tell Kawasaki to take it easy and we'll join him soon."
"Got it, relaying orders."
"Lili, it's me."
"Go ahead, Kurenai. We're all clear."
"Great. I can confirm after some discussion with my new friend here that there were indeed four people in on the plot, and all of them were present this morning. A few juicy details that we can talk about once we get back to base."
"Understood. Contact Taneda with your position, and we'll have some strong fellows sent over to help you transport our new friend back to base."
"Cleaned up here already, huh."
Asuma arrives, already smoking away as usual. He looks down at the unconscious traitor with the amount of disdain I would expect.
"Yes, it was only a minor hassle. Remarkable for such a mission, I only had to kill one person outright."
"That's definitely a miracle. Dad will like it."
"Well, if it makes him happy...that's a bonus worth fighting for, I suppose."
"Right," he says with a chuckle. "When you're done being bashful and all, we should start on the search for that cargo. By the way, what'd you have the rookie over there call me for?"
"There was a substance on the ground that seemed to be consistent with the medication allegedly onboard." I gesture to the now uneven ground ahead of us. "Of course, we've now run into some technical difficulties where that's concerned."
"Yeah. Think one of them took a free sample?"
"It might not be out of place-"
"Sarutobi, you there?"
"Yeah, I'm here. What is it, Gramps?"
"I found the cargo and a couple other things. Might want to head over to my position," Kawasaki says over the radio.
"I know where he is," I say. "Follow me. If you could stand guard here, my darling. If he wakes up and makes any sudden movements, engage with lethal force. Understood?"
"Ma'am. Understood." She sniffles and composes herself as well as she can. Asuma and I acknowledge her before taking off through the forest, due north and to the area where he and Kawasaki were searching earlier. We find the older man standing in a small clearing that looks relatively undisturbed.
But there's a heavy smell of blood.
"The driver," I mumble. "I was hoping it wouldn't come to that..."
"Pretty quick and careful operation. Raised a big enough section of earth, carved it out, put the cargo in there, lowered it and that was all she wrote. Poor bastard from earlier is probably buried somewhere nearby," Kawasaki says.
"Here," I say as I walk over a few feet to a smoothed-over patch of earth. It's hard to see in the dark, but I can definitely smell the blood seeping out from the body. I carve out an approximate area where the body has been buried and Kawasaki carefully lifts up the outlined section of earth.
"Ah, shit," Asuma says as he turns away.
"..." There is no body to speak of. It's been butchered into pieces.
"Ruthless fucks. This isn't anything shinobi are supposed to be doing. Savages, all of them. Fucking hell," Kawasaki growls.
"Probably...to add another degree of deniability," I say as I gently take the body parts out of the dirt and lay them on the ground. They're in large chunks, so it was very obviously a rushed job. "Bandit, serial killer...something to put distance between themselves or any organized crime families once this was investigated. Too precise and there would be suspicion laid at the feet of shinobi. Too ruthless and the yakuza would end up bothered by authorities. This was a happy medium of sorts."
"..."
"It truly is savage, though. There was no beauty or dignity in it. No thought given to any of these actions. An operation like this was nothing but sloth and greed rolled together into some grotesque form. Killing people who didn't need to be killed and hurting those who never needed to be hurt. All for what? The country...the government. Maybe not even that...for a man who claims authority, and thinks he knows what's best for everyone." I activate my radio. "Taneda, come in."
"Read you loud and clear. Anything come up?"
"A few things. Please put out a call for Earth Release users to come to Kawasaki's last transmitted position. Three of us are here. Also...send another person from the medic corps if you can spare them. There's a corpse that needs to be handled."
"It's the driver, isn't it..."
"They've hacked him into pieces."
"Sick fucks."
"I know. Please do all of that for me. Has Kurenai arrived yet?"
"Captain Yuuhi is here and we've got a hold of the traitor that she captured earlier. He's in the tank right now. The other one's getting treated in the medical bay. We're about to send a bird out to the village proper with details on the mission. Gonna send those Earth users your way in a hurry."
"Thank you."
I lower my wrist and let it drop down to my side. I feel so tired for some reason. Maybe it's this sadness that has come over me all of a sudden. As much as I enjoy killing and the hunt, I realize there is a limit somewhere. There are some things that are just...wrong, no matter how we try to justify them in our minds. And sometimes I wonder if I am right to say something like that. But the truth is that I am right. I have an upbringing, a moral code that tells me what is right and what is wrong. Maybe not for the world at large, but for me at the least. And I live guided by all of that. To kill someone who never had a choice in all of this...what sense could it ever make? Why do this? Lives are worth something. I keep that in mind all the time, even as I take them one by one, even as I swallow the essence of my prey and immerse myself in that glorious sensation, that pure glow that can only come from a most satisfying rending of flesh. This...is so very far removed from all of that. That's why it feels so disgusting.
"Hitting you hard, huh."
"Not just unfair...despicable. Maybe even that is an understatement," I say to Asuma.
"I figured you would feel that way about it. The types of people who do these sorts of things...something else entirely. The way they think, the way they act. Following orders and all of that garbage."
"Little more than machines. Some would say that dignifies them too much."
"Are you in that number?" he asks as he lights up another cigarette.
"I would say so."
"That's good to know. If I thought you were one of...these types, I wouldn't ask in the first place. You know how it is."
"I do. I understand that there are certain...unsavory aspects of my character that most don't like to touch on too much. There's no reason I should take offence to that."
"You're sure?"
"Very sure. It's something you learn to deal with, difficult as it might be."
"Ah." He puffs out a cloud of smoke. "I never know what to say to you around this time. Telling you that you sound a couple decades older than you should doesn't have the same bite as it used to."
"Very true. But the sentiment is accepted, same as always. I have always lived a mysterious sort of life, Asuma. That isn't likely to change any time soon...I like it this way. For all of the depressing things that have come down this path, there have been untold blessings as well. Perhaps this time in the darkness will...yield something of importance. That will bring us closer to the future that we've envisioned."
Our philosophizing is interrupted by the arrival of the backup forces. The body parts are photographed, carefully arranged, and placed into a modified body bag for transport. The hidden wagon with cargo is carefully raised from the earth with Kawasaki's instruction and the efforts of four other chuunin.
"Carefully, now. We don't want anything to go off in there."
"..." I sniff at the air once and notice the smell. It's like garlic. "Oi, ossan. That familiar to you?"
"Damn right it is...send the thing back down, you guys. Cut a hole open in the top right down to the roof, then get back a good distance," Kawasaki says. He looks to me with some worry. "Sure you can handle it on your own?"
"I'm good at running fast. Nothing to fear."
"Alright. See you in a bit."
I nod and position myself over the hole while making seals. "Okay. Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave!"
I slowly tilt my head back before throwing it forward, spitting out as much water as I can at once. The cavern that the cargo rests in is quickly filled and then overfilled, water gushing out from the opening before I stop. Small tremors indicate that the chain reaction of other explosives is happening, and that the drugs have likely been dispersed as a result...whatever the case, that water is quite contaminated with different substances by now.
"I suppose the Hokage will have to send an additional cleanup team for this. Unfortunate, but far from the worst case scenario, considering everything," I say to myself.
"Clear yet?" Asuma calls out.
"Clear," I reply. "Apologies for the excitement. We should be fine."
"Looks like it, at least. Alright, let's get back to base already. I'm honestly pretty bushed..."
"Imagine how I feel," Kawasaki complains. "Way too old for this crap. That's why I asked for a post out here in the first place, you know?"
"I hear ya."
"Yes, let's return to the outpost and file our reports properly," I say. "Much to do, and yet so little time to do it."
The group double checks everything and cordons off the area properly. Then we finally leave to start wrapping up the mission in earnest.
"..." I sniff at the air once and notice the smell. It's like garlic. "Oi, ossan. That familiar to you?"
"Damn right it is...send the thing back down, you guys. Cut a hole open in the top right down to the roof, then get back a good distance," Kawasaki says. He looks to me with some worry. "Sure you can handle it on your own?"
"I'm good at running fast. Nothing to fear."
"Alright. See you in a bit."
I nod and position myself over the hole while making seals. "Okay. Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave!"
I slowly tilt my head back before throwing it forward, spitting out as much water as I can at once. The cavern that the cargo rests in is quickly filled and then overfilled, water gushing out from the opening before I stop. Small tremors indicate that the chain reaction of other explosives is happening, and that the drugs have likely been dispersed as a result...whatever the case, that water is quite contaminated with different substances by now.
Hmm. The thieves boobytrapped the wagon so if anyone did find it, they'd get blown to kingdom kum? What exactly did the smell of garlic indicate? It was obviously a clue that the wagon was dangerous but I'm not sure exactly how.
Hmm. The thieves boobytrapped the wagon so if anyone did find it, they'd get blown to kingdom kum? What exactly did the smell of garlic indicate? It was obviously a clue that the wagon was dangerous but I'm not sure exactly how.
White phosphorus has a strong smell that is similar to that of garlic. Kawasaki's experience with white phosphorus in the past made him recognize it immediately.
Scarlet Justice - ep. 78
"Grazed Pastures"
[Fire Country Night Session: Conclusion]
---
It's currently 5 am.
I would welcome sleep at this point, but still feel more than energized enough to take on the current set of challenges. The immediate threat of the exploding cargo has been neutralized, and a special cleanup team will be sent out some time after dawn to do a full investigation among other necessary things. The three captured have been interrogated to the best of our current ability; we have neither the resources or personnel to match that of the Intelligence Division, but Kurenai has been made jounin for many reasons. Her skill and precision with genjutsu is close to unrivalled in the village, only truly matched by certain masters and doujutsu users. Considering those advantages are usually a circumstance of birth, she's done quite well for herself in this world of ours.
"The old man's trying to catch his breath, so I had to make the coffee this time. Hope it doesn't go down too rough," Taneda says with a chuckle. He hands Kurenai and I two paper cups that we take gratefully.
"It should be fine. Thank you, dear. If you would like, you can wind down for the morning yourself," I say to him.
"I might just do that. You're sure you don't want the messages sent off ahead of you?"
"No, I have a few loose ends I need to tie up. I don't want any visible contradictions on the reports. Please don't worry yourself about anything from here on, Taneda. Take a break, you've more than earned it."
"Yes'm. See you later, and thanks for everything. You as well, Captain Yuuhi."
"I appreciate that. Have a good morning," Kurenai says. He smiles and bows for us before leaving, sealing the small room once more. I take a sip of coffee and nod. He underestimates himself too much, that boy.
"I would take him home if I could. Such a sweetheart," I say with my own smile. "Very reliable, too."
"Yeah. We got a whole lot done with him running the command centre for us. That kind of control over situations like this isn't all that common."
"We'll make sure he gets special recognition for his work. And our old friend too, of course. It's a good thing he was here, or else I might have gotten myself into some trouble at the end dealing with that cargo. White phosphorus...such a thing hidden inside of a normal transport gives me pause."
"Definitely risky. And not very smart most of the time."
"What did you get from your interviews?" I ask.
"Not much, but that's unsurprising. Plan was pretty straightforward. Rush in, hijack the wagon, get away with the goods. The guy out of the loop got a good lick on one of them, and then things sort of got out of control. The driver was initially cooperating, according to what I could pick up, but then changed his mind and was about to send up a signal flare."
"That would do it," I mutter.
"They offed him right there. Not part of the plan, so they tried to cover it up by hacking up the body and making it look like some really ruthless outlaws. I can only guess they were going to have the parts scattered around the forest, but felt pressed for time and ended up burying him in the spot you guys found him earlier. Did their little excavation, hid the goods, and planned to come back later for them after evading the patrols."
"And of course, we can't trace the orders back to you know who."
"Either they don't know who their benefactor is, or they've got some sort of mental block that is keeping them from speaking. There was something interesting, too. They've got seals on them."
"Seals?"
"On the backs of their tongues. Here," Kurenai slides a picture across the table and I look at it. A distinct set of bars going across the tongue...it definitely looks like a seal, yes. But for what?
"Have they activated?"
"No. Or if they have, there aren't any visible effects."
"That sort of positioning is meant to send a message. Putting a seal inside of someone's mouth...must have to do with talking, or silence perhaps. It's not something you can easily activate on your own, so I assume there's some sort of trigger. A word, a gesture...I wouldn't know," I say. "What do you think?"
"I was thinking about the same as you. Could be Danzo's work."
"Maybe to kill traitors to his cause or protect secrets."
"Could be. Either way, those shinobi are doped up right now. Helped with getting into their heads and figuring things out, and they won't be doing much of anything, like trying to commit suicide or stuff like that. I didn't ask anything directly about Lord Shimura, and I doubt they'd answer if I did."
"Wise move."
We sip at our coffee in silence for a while. I think on what I want to do...rather, how I want to do certain things.
"What's on your mind?" Kurenai asks.
"I feel personally slighted by the actions of these so called shinobi. Part of the reason that I had Taneda delay the report to the village is that I want to make a decision before we leave here. But there are other reasons, more important ones."
"You're going to kill them here."
"Calling it a killing makes it sound unsavoury. Execution for treason works better. Far more official sounding."
"Logically, it makes sense. All sorts of security issues to contend with, like information leaks. And if we bring them back to the village, it'll take some time for a trial to happen. Anything can happen in that period. Files might be lost, people might vanish...we don't want things like that to happen if we can help it."
"Members of the ANBU have a way of slipping through small spaces. It can be as troublesome as it is useful when they're on our side," I say.
"When you do go through with it...what's the next step?"
"Destruction of the bodies and any items carried. As far as most will know, they will have disappeared into the shadows, never to return. That should be their fate, I think. And though they truly deserve to be terrorized before they leave this world, I will leave it as business. As it should be."
"Yeah."
"I'm going to take care of it now. We'll be leaving in a few hours...maybe taking the time to organize your reports will help a little bit."
"Right. I'll see you in a while, then."
I finish my coffee and get up, leaving the room. My feet take me to the outpost's medical wing, and I come up on one of the traitor's rooms. I enter and stand beside the medic shinobi as she makes notes and checks her watch.
"Sorry to interrupt."
"Not a problem. Captain Kobayashi, right? Thanks a lot for your help today."
"It was nothing. Anything to help my comrades in the Leaf." This one...yes, I remember clearly. He tried to bury me and I broke his ribs in response. "How is he doing?"
"Decent, considering. Ribs are shattered and a few pieces are jammed in his lungs. Might have to go in with a surgery before we transport him to the Leaf."
"That won't be a worry for much longer. If you could leave this room and return in about an hour's time...I would appreciate that greatly."
"..." She looks at her watch again and nods slowly. "Got it. Let me take down the equipment first."
"Yes." I watch as she shuts off the monitoring equipment, unhooks the intravenous tubing, and lastly, shuts off the extra oxygen before wheeling it into a corner of the room. The dazed patient opens his eyes and has trouble focusing as I walk to his side.
"Will there be more?" the medic asks from the other side of the room.
"The other two will be joining him. Check with Captain Yuuhi, she might want another go at them before I get there."
"Understood."
The door opens and closes, leaving me alone with the traitor as he struggles to breathe. I place my hand over his heart and he weakly grips it, eyes dim as he tries to recognize me. I don't need an entire hour to deal with him, but it will help with making this look more...authentic, for lack of a better term. People will look the other way, yes, but there are sticklers for ethics who will want to know what exactly happened. They might even be connected to Danzo or his friends.
"It's an ending too good for you. But efficiency in this case takes priority over feelings. Therefore...you will only feel a slight bit of distress in these moments. Farewell. May the heavens hear your petition for mercy."
I stare into his widening eyes as sparks start to jump from my hand.
And in a moment, as quietly as it could happen...the first deed is done.
---
"That should be all. Guess you're heading back to get some sleep. Hopefully, anyways."
"We can hope, yes. Take care of yourself. Hopefully there won't be any excitement around here for a while yet," I say to Kawasaki.
The five of us exchange bows just outside of the outpost, where our operation began a few hours before. It's 7 am by now. Reports have been written, loose ends tied up, and traitors executed. The end for those three would be cremation, their ashes disposed of in some distant corner of the forest and families notified if there were any to consider. I have their tags on me, and Kurenai is carrying the headbands. Presumably they will be melted down and made into something of value later.
"Really great job on your part, Captain. Like I said, we couldn't have done without you. No offence to you guys," Taneda says.
"Hey, you're not lying. Would have been way harder without Lili here. She's one of a kind," Asuma says.
"Hopefully it stays that way. Having the Scarlet Viper around to put the fear of God into those guys across the way...helps a lot more than most realize, honestly. At least I'm not spending all my time waiting for retirement," Kawasaki says. "Not like I used to. We're entering some exciting times."
"Long as we're not on the field doing work," Taneda adds in.
"Exactly."
"You guys are probably tired, too. We'll leave you to finish up your work and maybe get sleep in for yourselves. You deserve it just as much as we do," Kurenai says. "Stay out of trouble."
"Yes, please take care from here on. I would like it if we could cross paths again one day soon," I say.
"I'll still be around for your inauguration, so maybe then," Kawasaki says with a smile.
"Inauguration, huh. You sound confident about that."
"Should I worry about it?"
"I wouldn't know."
"She gets a little timid when it comes to that subject, just so you know," Asuma says.
"Ah, I see. Then I'll root for you quietly from now on."
"Appreciated," I say flatly. "You may well get your wish, but don't raise your hopes too high. Until the next, friends."
"See ya," Asuma says.
"Thanks for your help," Kurenai says. Our hosts bow for us once more before we leave, taking off through the forest and towards home once more. Sleep will be quite welcome...we just have to hand off a few documents first.
"You always clam up when people talk about that sort of thing," Kurenai says to me.
"It's not something I like talking about too much. You're aware of why that might be the case."
"It's actually kind of cute."
I glare at Asuma briefly before returning my attention to the forest path.
"Hey, no bullying," Kurenai says.
"What? Come on, you can't blame me for poking the bear once in a while. Seeing the almighty Captain Kobayashi get shy and self-conscious is a rare thing, especially after a mission."
"It's fine," I assure Kurenai. "He doesn't mean anything by it. And I'm able to take a bit of needling, considering how much trouble I give people myself."
"You see?"
"Yeah, I guess. But seriously, you would make a great Hokage one day soon, and you're aware of your limitations and all of that."
"I simply don't believe I'm there yet. That I have...what it takes to govern an entire village like that."
"Hm. Well, hopefully you change your mind in the future...I'll leave it alone, then. You too, Asuma."
"Yeah, yeah..."
I think about it often enough. It's just that...I always feel like I'm missing a piece. Something that would make the idea more comfortable to me. I don't know exactly what it is, or if it will reach me in a timely fashion. Hopefully by that time there's someone in the position before me. It doesn't feel right for some reason, as much as I try to entertain the idea. That's why these endorsements make me feel uncomfortable. Besides...someone like me, Hokage? Would anyone actually accept that outside of formalities? I don't have that problem now...
It's confusing. I really will stop thinking about it for the time being.
Asuma and Kurenai talk quietly as we move through the forest, and I pay them no mind. About an hour and a half passes before we cross back into the Leaf, streets already filled with people on what would be a typical morning to most. We salute the guards and head towards the Hokage's Office, getting our debriefing from the man himself. He looks well-rested as we gather in the small room from before and sit in the provided chairs.
"Are you all well?" he asks.
"Yes."
"Yeah."
"Yes, sir."
"Good, good. I received word that the mission was completed, but that details would be arriving with you physically."
"We decided to tie up certain loose ends. First Lieutenant Ringo Kawasaki and Second Lieutenant Sanjou Taneda assisted us greatly in our operations, providing tactical and field support that became invaluable as we progressed." I take out the scroll with the mission information and hand it to the old man, who eagerly opens it and starts to read. "Kawasaki was especially diligent, as he identified a dangerous component of the cargo that would have caused a multitude of problems on its own. Taneda also performed brilliantly in his role as radio dispatcher, helping to coordinate our forces and report on any and all abnormalities."
"Mm. I see...white phosphorus? Something like that..."
"Yes. We neutralized that threat, and the others that came with it. Two casualties were reported, one before we arrived, and one in the course of the mission. As for the traitors, all four of them have been taken care of. I concluded that none of the survivors could be allowed to return to the village, whether it was for trial or immediate sentencing and execution. The risks were ultimately too great, especially with the magnitude of the crimes involved."
"Hm. So...illicit drugs and banned materials. Certainly serious on their own. And the murder of that civilian. Did you make an assessment on who might have been behind this?" he asks.
"Based on the evidence collected, we suspect that this attack was ordered by Lord Shimura and his elements. There is nothing to physically tie him to it, of course, and our comrades are not aware of any guesswork we have made on that end."
"I was thinking the same thing...though I didn't want to believe it at first. Brazen, even for him." Hiruzen sighs. "I will make sure that First Lieutenant Kawasaki and Second Lieutenant Taneda are recognized for their exemplary work, as well as the other members of the platoon sent out. More than a few things need to be taken care of, but that marks the end of this mission. Thank you for your efficiency in this matter, all of you. I've already sent messages out to your teams that you were out on business and will be off for the next day or two. There's administrative work I need to do on your behalf before your return to the field, and it will serve as an opportunity to rest properly. Sudden night missions can take a toll on the body."
"Thank you, sir," we say in unison.
"Of course. Thank you again for your hard work."
"This final scroll has pieces of evidence collected and certain personal effects," I say as I hand off a smaller scroll wrapped in black. Hiruzen nods and takes it from me, putting it into his robes a moment later.
"So noted. The three of you are dismissed. Rest well, and I will see you soon."
We stand and bow towards the Hokage before leaving the room.
"I'm gonna go get a good workout in before hitting the hay. See you girls later, yeah?" Asuma says as we make it outside.
"Yeah. I'll call you when I'm awake again," Kurenai says to him.
"I'll hear from you, then."
"What about you? Anything doing?" she asks as Asuma leaves.
"Nothing. Luna is likely waiting for me to come home before she does anything else. She's stubborn like that sometimes. I'm going to head home and rest. You might not hear from me for a while."
"Alright. Take care of yourself, Lili."
"You too."
We share a hug before going our separate ways. I make it home and open the door to the smell of bacon.
"Welcome back, Miss Lili." Luna is dressed and already hard at work.
"Thank you, Luna. Did you rest well?"
"I did. You would scold me if I waited up all night for you."
"I would, yes. It's good that I don't have to."
"Breakfast is ready. I'm sure you're hungry, so let's have you eat before bed. I won't be around to make too much noise today, there are a few errands to run around the village."
"Unfortunately, I can't tell you much of anything about the mission."
"That's fine. Something so sudden must be secretive in nature, for many reasons." She sets down a plate in front of me. "I can live comfortably knowing that you're safe and sound. Well, if a little dirty."
"A glamorous life, surely."
It turns out I was hungrier than I realized. I go through three full plates before stopping, drinking some hot tea to wash everything down. Luna takes away my plates as I shed my clothing and take a hot shower, then lazily flop onto my bed in my bathrobe. The phone rings just as I start to close my eyes.
"..."
I think about leaving it, but the people who have my contact information are people that I actually care about. It's likely to be important.
"Lilith Kobayashi speaking."
"Lili? I'm sorry, were you asleep already?"
"Not yet, Hina. It's fine, I just had my shower..."
"I heard you were on a night mission, and just wanted to check in. I'll be brief...Hanabi wanted me to call you because of the letter sent a few days ago. The person who sent it is growing...impatient, to say the least. According to her, anyways."
"Like I give a fuck."
Hina sighs on the other end. "That's what I said you would say, but...well, I'm just delivering the message. I suspect you haven't opened the letter yet."
"No. I'll do it when I wake up, just to get whoever it is to stop bothering you and Hanabi. Was there anything else?"
"Nothing. I'm glad you're safe, Lili."
"Thank you. I'll see you soon, Hina. Take care."
"Yes. You too, Lili. Good morning."
"Good morning."
I hang up and roll onto my side. Whatever Hyuuga wants can wait until I'm good and ready. For now, I just really want to stop thinking for a while and sleep.
I've managed to get in one extra day of rest. Apart from that, I have yet to be returned to regular duty, so I will use the extra time to take care of the errand I have been putting off. A good pair of jeans and a frilly blouse should do for my meeting. Not that I care what they think of my clothing, but I have some semblance of reputation that I need to maintain while working for the village...so it means I can't be too provocative, unfortunately.
I satisfy myself with some hot tea, one of the meal replacement drinks in the back of the refrigerator, and a delicious glass of fortified milk. A decadent breakfast or lunch can be enjoyed later on. I check everything since Luna is out for a while today, and lock the door behind me as I leave. The walk isn't terribly long, so I have my wooden sandals on today. They're as comfortable as always.
The letter is in my back pocket, and I suppose that I might as well read it before I get to my destination. I carefully break the seal and look at the heavy paper that's inside.
"Requesting your presence...things of sensitive nature. Insist that you make arrangements for a meeting. Importance...unpleasant actions might be taken if proper care is not..."
I fold the letter up again and put it back into the envelope.
"Definitely some ignorant bitch with an axe to grind. I'll see to it that she has a decidedly unpleasant morning," I say to myself. "You picked the wrong one, sweetheart."
I arrive at the Hyuuga residence, looking the same as always, with the same two guards posted outside of the main gate. But there's another person there today...my escort, I presume.
"Senpai. A pleasant morning to you," Neji says as he bows politely.
"Far from it where I'm concerned," I say. "Hopefully yours is going much better."
"Thank you. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you, senpai."
"It's not your fault, so don't worry about it. Come on, let's get this over with."
"Of course." I'm led in without any fanfare, through the halls of the Hyuuga estate as it stands with its polished wooden floors, expensive relics, and rare fabrics decorating the place. From one part of the interior, through the yard past curious onlookers, and then back into a winding section indoors again. Neji eventually slides open the door to a spacious room, which has strategically placed furniture and other items that could pay for several salaries alone. Light filters through the windows with their silky curtains, properly illuminating the table with hot tea already set upon it. The steam slowly rises into the air ahead of our hosts.
"Our honoured guest has arrived," Neji says.
Hanabi and Hina get up from their positions on the floor, while the remaining person sits with their back turned. I feel a twinge of irritation but keep it hidden.
"Thank you, Brother Neji. You can leave us for now," Hina says gently.
"Yes, thank you." He bows before leaving the room, sliding the door closed.
"Will there be anything that you think you need, Lady Kobayashi?" Hanabi asks respectfully.
"Nothing as of this moment, Lady Hanabi."
"Understood. The person who has made this request of you wishes to speak with you alone. Is this acceptable?"
"It is."
"Then we will leave you to your introductions. Until the next."
"Until the next, ladies. Thank you for your assistance."
We exchange bows before the two sisters leave, Hina trailing behind Hanabi. As the door slides closed again, I get to my knees in front of the small table and wait.
"You do have a bit of nerve, don't you? Responses to members of the Hyuuga Main House should be expeditious and direct. Using our Lady Hanabi to play a telephone game is the height of arrogance."
"So it is. But what's more arrogant is you sending me an ultimatum and then deciding not to show your face. I do not understand why you would jeopardize your own safety by choosing to sit alone in a room with me. Hina and Hanabi aren't going to save you. We're all aware of that fact."
"I see. You really are as vicious as I heard."
"You didn't need to send me a fancy letter to confirm that."
The young woman stands and turns to face me at last. She has that slender, waifish sort of body that most Hyuuga girls share, wrapped lovingly in a set of crisp white robes. Her eyes are the same pure white, though I do see an impishness there that I wouldn't have expected. And her black hair is wrapped up in a neat bun on the left side of her head.
"To finally meet you in the flesh is an honour...and a sight that makes my heart race, if I must be honest." She smiles and gets to her knees before serving the tea. One cup that she slides to me, and the other that she pours for herself afterwards.
"What is it, then? You have a crush on me?"
"I must have made it too obvious," she says with a sigh.
"You've done well to sour my mood. If you wanted to flirt, you could have mentioned that in your stupid little letter. Much easier for both of us, since you do look quite beautiful."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it. My name is Nami Hyuuga, a member of the Hyuuga Main Family as you might have guessed from our earlier exchange. I was the one who made the request of Lady Hanabi, to send you that letter asking for a meeting. There was a bit of intentional provocation in there, as you can see, but I expected a much faster response from you with all of that taken into consideration. You're very bold, Lady Kobayashi."
"We can't be too formal now, can we."
"Oh, but to call you by name...that might be too much for my heart to take," Nami says with a small laugh. "I suppose in private...it's a very sweet taste that I shouldn't get too addicted to."
"Aren't we dramatic..."
"We are, yes. Sometimes I can't help myself. But aside from my obvious admiration of you, I did have things that I wanted to discuss, Lady Lilith."
I take a sip of tea and nod. "Then we can begin when you're ready."
"Yes. Lady Hanabi noted that you were...aware of certain activities involving you. Part of my reason for reaching out to you is that I also serve as the representative for that group of ladies within the Hyuuga Clan. Our feelings for you are...complicated. Mine especially, being the strongest out of those. While we remain conscious of our function within the clan as young women, we admire you and want to support you in any way that we can. So this is the first step, hopefully leading towards many others."
"So there's an association dedicated to me within your clan, is that it?"
"Concisely, yes."
"Mm. Hanabi did mention as much the other day. Helping me, what does that mean? You are aware of my contempt for you lot, yes?"
"We...especially me...want to believe that it's a gap that can be closed with cooperation and servitude. Furthering your goals within this society could help with that. I do not come to you with hat in hand and dreams lining my pockets, Lady Lilith. More than just feelings, we have the tools and connections necessary to make changes of the sort that would allow women like you to live comfortably, perhaps even openly in this world of ours. That is, if you would like that outcome."
"Was this a unilateral decision?" I ask.
"It was something discussed over several weeks as a group. We have weekly meetings, sometimes daily as the need arises. There is usually lively debate over...um, many pertinent subjects, let's just say. So much so that we will be starting bi-weekly meetings next month."
It still doesn't feel real to me. Even as it's definitely happening, right now. Nami is sitting in front of me, taking me as seriously as she possibly can while resisting the urge to vibrate with excitement. I have to wonder if this is some esoteric fan club that fancies me because I'm a rebel. But straight women go through the same thing, I think. Is this a more natural occurrence than I realized, or am I still in denial? It might be the latter. I can't say for sure. This sounds like a good opportunity, an almost perfect opportunity to exploit a bunch of uppity, spoiled Hyuuga brats for all they're worth. If they want to please me, their personal idol, they're probably willing to do a lot of unsavoury things.
"..."
Morals are one thing to consider, but that's not the bulk of what's holding me back. There is something...pure in the way that Nami speaks. The way that she approaches me. That visible spark that tells me she's the furthest thing from a drone sent out to make me happy. As the leader of this secret cabal within Hyuuga, trusted enough to meet with me and deliver that heartfelt request, I imagine that the other girls feel very much the same way as she does. I grumble and complain at Hyuuga, I give them no respect and pay them no reverence. Because of what they allowed to happen to Hina, and because of general arrogance that has hurt many others like Neji. But there's nothing wrong with acknowledging people who want to give you support, as long as the reasons are good enough.
"It would shame me if I turned down the request of someone so beautiful and poised. You are a rare flower, Nami."
"Oh. T-thank you, ma'am." She tilts her head downwards, blushing brightly. "To say that..."
"It's hardly a radical compliment, you know."
"Coming from someone as radiant as you, I would say otherwise. Thank you for accepting me, for accepting all of us. My heart is overflowing with joy right now," she says with a smile. "Whatever you need done, please call on me."
"There are things that I want...but it would be a disservice to you to hand out orders so soon. These items should be fully formed before I send you out to make them reality. Therefore, I would advise you to keep to what you're doing for now, and strengthen your social connections within the village."
"Yes, of course."
"In the meantime, start deciding on an official name to present yourselves with. After that, you may at some point form contracts with other supporters outside of the fold. There are trusted associates that I would like to have primed for your future forays into village business."
"Shino Aburame, you mean?"
"Among others, yes."
"I see. We will have no problems waiting for further instruction from you, Lady Lilith."
"Haughty as you seemed to be, you've pleased me with your competence. Call me by name, won't you?"
"Yes, of course. Thank you, Lili."
"You're very welcome. Now, as punishment for that little bit of antagonism earlier...you're going to answer some questions for me. Truthfully, of course."
"I wouldn't consider doing anything less. Before that...I would like to say something."
"Go ahead."
"Lady Hinata and I grew up together, somewhat. My parents are part of those in the clan's inner circle. There was a constant struggle within myself, whenever I saw her. She was always so nice to be around, but she was also weak. She shamed the clan, which valued strength and competence above all else. So when she started to stumble, as much as I wanted to help, to do something, I was always kept away. By the elders, by my friends, by my immediate family. And eventually I...also became poisoned by the clan's mentality."
"I see."
"I don't expect to be forgiven for what I've done, for what I've helped perpetuate along with most everyone else. But when you arrived in the village, I saw Lady Hinata start to change. I saw her growing more confident, taking those small steps until one day, she returned to the clan as someone completely different from those years before. I personally started to observe you as you went about your days in the village, through various sources. I wanted to see what the person who had changed Lady Hinata so much was like. And in the process I ended up falling in love with you. The fact that you were so confident and assertive simply made me love you more and more. You're not only a blessing to us, you're quite exciting. You add so much colour and tone to the world, all this while being born in the same class as us. Such a difference, such a beautiful contrast..."
Nami pauses and refills our teacups. I take a sip from mine and wait for her to continue.
"I have failed Lady Hinata and Lady Hanabi in the past. But I don't want to be helpless any longer. I don't want to stand by and do nothing as I have for all of these years. That's why I want to devote myself to you, and to help make up for the things that we as elites have done to this village, to this world."
"Instead of crying for forgiveness," I say.
"Yes."
"Then you will have my guidance whenever you need it, Nami."
"Thank you again, Lili. Now, you...wanted to hear the details of our social club, I suppose. Um, there are some educational things here and there, but mostly we girls are...well, we have long discussions about different aspects that we enjoy. Some of us are more abstract, while others are fairly direct about their inclinations."
I clear my throat conspicuously and Nami blushes. She was warned that she would be tortured just a little for her word choices in that letter.
"There are certain members that, um...have a very strong interest in your physical features. And have noticed t-that there have been increases..."
---
We wrap up a few hours later, and things go much better for the morning than I could have imagined. Nami and I exchange cards with our information, and she gives me a sunny smile before I surprise her with a hug. It won't work too well as a tease in the future, so this was well worth it - she's beside herself with excitement as I leave the room and head back into the main hall. Some wandering around leads me towards Neji again, who is standing quietly in the courtyard.
"Ah, senpai. Has the meeting concluded?" he asks without turning.
"Something like that."
"I didn't expect Lady Nami to meet with you. She's a bit stoic at times. Often called difficult by some of the older clan members because she's never easily amused," he says as we start to walk.
"She seems like that type of girl, yes. Very interesting, though. And very much my type, for many reasons."
"She is a rare beauty, even within Hyuuga. There are suitors lining up for her already."
"That sounds about right. The clan has its traditions, same as the other elites in this world. Ah, well. We could always start a secret relationship away from her future husband. He'd be none the wiser."
"That might cross a line in...unexpected ways, senpai."
"Danger is of little issue to me. I'm rich."
"Hm. The logic is sound, but...there's something off about it nonetheless."
"It's fine. Ladies, I've returned." Hina and Hanabi come out to meet us. "The meeting was productive, and I will see myself here in the future for more of the same."
"Ooh. Did you and Nami hit it off?" Hanabi asks.
"Very much so."
"It sort of makes sense, thinking about it...Nami does have a subtle disdain for men, especially those who court her," Hina says to herself. "Still, to come on so strongly and reveal the existence of her group..."
"You think that Lady Nami is of that persuasion?" Neji asks.
"I couldn't say for sure, Brother Neji. It might be curiosity, but I have a doubt it's just that at this point. I'm not worried about it at all, honestly. It just means that Lili is far more charismatic than any of us realized. Charming a member of Hyuuga like that, especially her."
"Did you know her well, Hina?" I ask.
"Not terribly well...her family became distant after I started falling out of favour with Father. I never got the sense that she hated me...it's the same as what happened with Naruto, thinking about it. People talk, they isolate others, and then the children pick up on that and act accordingly. It's unfortunate, but it's what happens in this world. But then, we can work to change that, day by day."
"I suspect she carries some guilt about those early years."
"It's possible. I hadn't thought about it too much, so...maybe talking to her one day soon, just to dispel that thought if it's there...that could help. I've always watched Nami. She's a strong person, and I admired her for that. Perhaps just telling her that much will heal her heart..."
Nami's words from earlier remind me just how far Hina has come since I've known her. She's become brave and strong like few others, and is blossoming in sight of everyone instead of shrinking away. I'm very much looking forward to the day where she'll grab hold of her confidence in full and face the village, as the strong and beautiful woman that I have always looked at from the start.
"Well. With my work done, I'm going to treat myself to a decadent western-style breakfast. Goodbye for now, my lovelies."
"Have a wonderful day, Lili."
"We'll see you later, sis."
We exchange kisses as always. Neji gives me a nod and I nod back before finding my way out of the clan residence, back onto the streets of the Leaf. There's a place down the road that sells fluffy pancakes and the most delectable syrup that's harvested in the north of Fire Country. My mouth is starting to water just thinking about it.
---
Midori has made some time for us today. Luna naturally will get the most of it, being her betrothed, but I'm more than happy with 'merely' a few hours spent with my favourite person in this world.
Luna made a delicious pudding that was supposed to be for dinner. We've decided to break into it now while she's resting from her earlier physical activity, as it's called around here sometimes. I needle Midori a bit for getting up to naughty things with Luna in public, we talk about the recent missions I've had, and she goes over some of the things that have been happening in her world.
"So you've been preparing for a future transition...to what exactly?" I ask as we sit at the kitchen table.
"It would be a...let's say more accountable system of governance. The main thing is that I won't have to watch over every single activity for the next thousand years or so, or give direct approval. I have thought about dissolving the government structure entirely, but that wouldn't work."
"I see."
"It's not like the human world," she says as she dips her spoon into the large bowl between us. "Your divine rights of kings and all of that, descendants of the heavenly host. So on, so forth. It's unreliable as far as you all know, but we can directly trace our origins back to the Sage of Six Paths, and identify our places in the world both then and now. While it would be very tempting to leave it to a bunch of other people and travel as I like, I can do that now without giving up complete control."
"That's viewed as an authoritarian stance, I think." I swallow a bit of pudding.
Midori shrugs. "And what of it? As I said before, humans won't understand what it means to rule in a kingdom like mine. All that being said, I can definitely loosen the economic controls and leave them to people better equipped to solve those sorts of problems. To that end I've allowed for a transition of economic power to the people themselves. We of the kingdom will provide the most necessary and basic items to the populace. Food, housing, utilities, and so on. It only makes sense that nobody should be homeless or starve in a place with so many resources. It's shameful, really. How worthless a ruler could you be to allow that to happen? People will live and die on their own terms, surely. But the vast majority of these problems are easily solved. In the meantime, the production of goods and services, and all of the other things included under this umbrella will be handled by the workers themselves. They will own their means of production and the product that they create, so to speak."
"It sounds complicated."
"It is, yes. I have been informed more than once that there might be a clash of sorts between having an absolute ruler and having the people in control of their own destinies. They might not want to listen to me anymore. They might possibly overthrow me."
"You don't seem too concerned."
Midori lazily pops the spoon into her mouth. "Did I make it too obvious? I don't need to lift a finger to erase anyone who thinks they can come for my head. Manda was one of the last who had the strength to make me even work up a sweat within the serpent world. All of the others are supremely disinterested in politics, the Sage especially. If she ever decided that she wanted the hassle of running a vast kingdom, I would happily pack up and stay with you and Luna here. This whole thing that I'm setting up is an experiment that I hope works smoothly. If not, we can always fall back to state-run things and the like."
"Mm." I think I'm starting to understand things a little bit better.
"It also helps that I'm cheating a little with companies like JPC, you know. We'll form a few more outfits like that and bring in revenue that we can hand out or store for later. Humans love exploiting others, so surely they won't mind taking it on the chin this time."
"You're right, that is cheating."
"Just trying out whatever works, my dear. I wanted to give this a shot because I thought it would make others happy, maybe even more productive as a result."
"And would result in less work for you."
"Is it not the dream of every ruler?"
"Maybe so. I really do hope it works out for you. It seems like a lot of work to get going, at least."
"It feels like it's worth it. So far, anyways. I still have to see what happens a few years down the road, but there are things that I've been trying to tackle right now. Getting my hands a little dirty like I used to when I was just a rebel. The usual things, you know. A few bribes, purges of the old loyalists, you know...all of that. So tempting just to tear it all down at once, you know? But that doesn't solve all of your problems. Sometimes it just makes new ones that you can't keep track of any longer. Have you ever seen a civil war? Nasty things, those."
"I can imagine. So you're not entirely sure of what you're doing, is that it?"
"Not entirely, no."
"Part of why I admire you so much is your willingness to admit those things and continue on your way," I say. "Sometimes effort and good will aren't enough, but this isn't one of those times."
"You're thinking that you might have to do something similar in the future, then. After being pushed into an unexpected direction by that Nami earlier today."
"Something like that."
"Time is linear, but our actions don't need to be."
I take in another spoonful of pudding and let that mysterious sentiment settle in my mind.
"You're still quite young, Lili. Don't fret too much."
"I'm trying, believe me. It's not exactly torturous being called a wonder child everywhere I go, but...there are always those things that I will need to confront at some point. I've buried them at quite a depth, it seems."
"Mm."
"You were telling me about the sorts of things that you wanted to get done within the kingdom. Something about...optical cables?"
"Fibre-optic, they're called," Midori says while dipping her spoon into the bowl again. "It was an intriguing sort of thing that Sana and Sanae explained to me the other day."
much better safe than sorry. there is some talk about torture and passive suicidal ideation at points in this chapter. other than that, just mellow stuff. thanks.
Scarlet Justice - ep. 80
"Smoky Shards"
---
A few more days pass. I'm cleared for field missions again and take on some simple ones with my team, collecting a fair bit of money for a small bit of work. Luna is with Midori again, doing tours of the kingdom and attempting to guide the transitional teams safely through their tasks. Whatever it is, I hope they're successful. I'm not terribly interested in politics at this moment.
And so, with that in mind...I've gone to see my friend Fio once more. As part of this little project of ours, I've decided to take her shopping for a proper set of clothes. She doesn't have all that much money to spend on anything outside of the basics, and she's so stubborn that she keeps refusing my monetary gifts. Some light persuasion got her to agree to this outing.
"Good morning, my love."
"Good morning, Lili. It's nice to see you again." We share a hug before heading into the shopping district, where trendy people walk around in freshly bought clothes and jewellery, preening for onlookers and staging impromptu photo sessions. It's pedestrian and not worth paying attention to. What bothers me is something else entirely.
"Lili?"
"Mm? What is it, Fio?" I ask her.
"This...it's okay, right? You're not bothered?"
I sigh and try to ignore the bad attention people are giving us as we pass them. Fio is pale, and more than a bit thin still, but...she's not some abomination. It's difficult to not say something.
"This is perfectly fine, my darling. I don't mind at all."
"I understand. Then let's find something for us both while we're here. You know, I've never been inside of one of these places before."
"Is that so? Do they not have these sorts of structures in the Hidden Rock?"
"They do, it's just that between school and training and all of that, I never got a chance to explore much. I was a bit of a sheltered child, funnily enough. Guess that's what happens when people see you as talented and everything."
"I suppose so. There's a shop up ahead that I think you'll like. You can pick anything out that pleases you."
"For you as well?"
I laugh. "Surprise me, then."
"Mm...I will. Definitely." We get to the shop and Fio starts her stroll through it. Another set of odd looks that I immediately shut down with an intense look of my own. I know she can take care of herself, but I have little patience for this sort of discrimination.
This small store has a decent selection of casual wear, and I follow Fio while picking up a few things here and there. Mostly things for indoors, but that will be useful for the summer months when they do arrive. I'll gather up some of my clothing at home later before giving it away - surely someone can make use of my old clothing, without having to sell their souls in the process. I model some of my picks and Fio approves of all of them. I'm not sure if she's got the same impeccable taste as I do, or she's just distracted by my natural good looks. I don't mind either way, of course.
"I really do think black suits you. Very smooth and...mysterious, almost," she says as we stand in the changing room together.
"Interesting."
"I'm not quite sure how to describe it...maybe one day. I just know it's something I like."
"That's fine. I understand what you mean, Fio. Did you find something for yourself that you liked?"
"A few things. I just don't...want to change, as I am," she says quietly.
I nod with understanding. "Bring me what you have, and I'll be your model for today."
"You're sure?"
"More than sure. I'm positive. And determined to do this for you. Now, you will have to adjust your expectations accordingly, as I am a near perfect physical specimen, but you can get a decent preview of what those outfits will look on your body, when you get back up to speed. Right?"
"Right," she says with a giggle.
"Then we'll begin."
I temporarily put my hair up, trying to match the way Fio looks so she has a decent approximation of herself. Our frames, while not the same right now are close enough to make some rough estimations. I pose for her obediently and she has a diligent look on her face as she accepts and rejects outfits, has me try different combinations, and looks me over from different angles. It's quite interesting, this feeling...being observed so carefully and patiently by someone else. I can tell when her eyes linger on one place longer than they should, and she tries to play it off by brushing her hair back a little, or placing a hand on her cheek lightly. The slight raising of her brows when I appear in something she finds interesting. Things like that.
"It's all very nice...I think those will do," she says after a while.
"You're sure, now."
"I'm sure. Or...did you want me to stare at you for a few more hours?" She gives me a playful smile.
"I might. I rather enjoyed modelling for you today, you know. There's another shop we should head to...perhaps more for my pleasure than yours, but you'll enjoy it all the same."
"I can't wait."
"Splendid." I gather up the clothing we intend to buy, while Fio handles the discards. "Listen, Fio-"
"I noticed the moment we walked in, Lili. It's okay."
"That shouldn't be the case."
"I know. But it's fine. What matters is that you get to see the person that I'll become."
I frown. "You should calm down a little. Don't try to be a hero in all of this. Women have their pride, too."
"I understand that very well," she says as she looks back at me. "I don't enjoy being trampled on like that all the time, but there's nothing I can do right now. I'll endure, as I always have. But...I can carry on a lot better knowing that I'm not alone in this. Thank you for protecting me, Lili."
"..." What a brave girl.
"Shall we go?"
"We shall." The two of us head to the front desk, hand off our respective piles of clothing, and complete our transaction before leaving. Fio takes one bag from me, smiling brightly and skipping ahead to the next place that I've selected. I feel my heart filling up with joy, seeing her so happy today.
"So this is the next place, then? Pretty interesting..."
"Mm-hm." It's another high-end shop that sells many skirts and dresses, in all sorts of styles. A few kimonos are on display in the front window...the prices are a bit steep, even where I'm concerned. No thanks. Fio heads inside and I follow, going through the aisles and looking at the trendy little outfits they're promoting.
"Those dresses look kind of nice," Fio says as we browse. The staff seems less bothered by her appearance than the last store, which is good enough for me right now. "Though I remember you don't like them that much. Bad memories."
"Yes," I say. "Bad memories."
"Hm...what about on...your wedding day?"
"I can wear a skirt. I was never a traditionalist. Women can dress very cleanly in suits, too."
"They can, yes."
"Though if I were to try that...I would want to make sure that I filled out first. On the upper half, I mean."
"Really. That's interesting." Fio tilts her head a bit and thinks. "I think I understand the appeal, at least a little."
"There's a woman who works at the mansion that you should see. She pulls off the look incredibly well. It's delectable."
"Are you really going to travel around the world and find a wife, like you said earlier?"
"Yes."
"Would you...consider me? As a candidate?" Fio asks timidly.
"Really? You would want me to court you?" I ask. "If it's what you want..."
"It is, truly."
"Well, I'm already quite fond of you, so it's no trouble. You can go to the top of the list, since you asked so nicely."
"Are you just teasing me?"
"A little," I admit. "But I'm not pushing you away at all, you know. I think you would make a lovely wife."
"Thank you for that, Lili. Let's continue shopping."
"Of course." I wonder how...I got pulled into that conversation so easily. I meant what I said, I just don't know how I got to that conclusion. Or why I was trying to pull away so quickly. I did say I was looking for someone to marry, one day in the future. I did say that my options were open, and I've become attached to the girl that's with me now. Is it self-consciousness? Is it guilt of some kind?
"Lili? Come and look at this, won't you?"
"Yes." I bring myself out of that strange, sudden haze of thoughts and move towards Fio again. She's stopped in front of a certain display, which has a miniskirt paired with high socks.
"It's such a tempting combination," she says as I look over her shoulder. "I like all of the lines. The way the socks flow downwards, and then the little gap at the top where it meets the bottom of the skirt."
"Stockings are nice too," I say.
"Oh, they are. I can imagine them, too. Very flirty. Dangerous, almost." She looks at me. "Try that on for me?"
"Sure. I was looking to buy the socks, anyways. Let's get ourselves a pair off the rack."
We go to the changing room together and try on that combination. She nods with approval and takes her time observing again. It isn't invasive or anything, nor is it awkward. I feel quite comfortable, showing myself off to her. Not as a tease, but in this sort of natural state, where I can be genuinely admired and enjoy myself at the same time. Fio's gaze is gentle, but curious at the same time. Like she's committed to absorbing as much of me as she can for her memories. Maybe that's why she asked that question earlier.
How much should she worry, really?
"I was right. Very dangerous..."
Her voice brings me out of my thoughts again. She seems to be lost in some thoughts of her own.
"Maybe I took it for granted earlier. How attractive you are, Lili..."
"You're aggressive today, aren't you?" I say with a smile.
She blinks and rubs her cheek. "S-sorry. I don't mean to be like that today...it's probably more than a little weird. Um...the skirt is really nice. I'd like to have something like that."
"As we've discussed before, whatever you desire will be in your hands. Just ask."
"Thank you. Maybe a different pair of socks. I saw some that I liked earlier."
"I'll come find you in a bit, after I change out of this outfit."
"Right."
She leaves me alone again and I shed my clothing, searching for my pants in the meantime.
"..."
I thought it was just me this entire time, but maybe...there's something else there. Things just aren't clicking in for some reason. I start to think back to what Luna was feeling so long ago, when she seemed so helpless and lost when it came to dealing with her feelings for Midori. It's something like that, isn't it? It hasn't thrown me into a depression, but people are all different. I just feel...insecure, maybe? It's much like when people start talking about how I should be Hokage one day soon. I feel unworthy. It feels so similar.
Is that what's wrong with me? This constant feeling that I'm undeserving of honour and love? The thought that it has to be earned completely on my own? Complicated feelings...but I also want to honour my word, so I'll seriously consider...something with Fio in the future. Even if it just ends with us being friends.
"Are you alright, Lili?" she asks as I find her again.
"I'm fine. Just doing some thinking, that's all."
"Sorry if I made you uncomfortable today. With all the...staring, I guess. And the questions. I'm just really attached to you, is all. You've come up to see me so often, giving me attention, looking after my health...I'm sorry if I'm just pushing myself onto you."
"Even if it were the case - and it isn't, mind you - I wouldn't be upset with you, Fio. You've been through so much, and it was my decision to try and help you any way that I could. Don't think you're imposing, or that I'm wasting time on you. It's as I said before, if I take issue with anything, I will tell you straight away."
"Yeah. I just...worry."
"I appreciate that as well. Did you pick out what you wanted?"
"I went for some variety. Got some striped ones, and some plain ones, and a pair with lace at the top, see?"
"Very nice. You have a good enough eye for this sort of thing. Maybe I should bring you to Tanzaku Quarter and turn you loose in some of the shops there."
"That sounds nice. I've heard stories about that place," she says as we walk to the counter with our purchases. The cashier rings up our items quickly, folds them neatly, and puts them into fancy paper bags.
"Thanks for shopping with us, and take care."
"Thank you. Take care," I say. As we start to leave, something catches my eye.
"Lili? Seriously, are you okay?"
"There's nothing wrong this time, really. I just saw something that might work for you...come on, let's see if it actually holds up outside of an idea."
---
"What did you call this, again? Go...thick?"
"Gothic fashion. Well, sort of. I borrowed it from there, but the main idea is to make you look mysterious."
"Hmm..." Fio looks down at herself as we leave the store. An opened black sweater with a black shirt underneath, and black shorts supported by netted stockings and black boots. The final touch is the choker with silver studs around her neck.
"This way you're not getting so much attention just for looking out of place. You look very chic right now."
"You think so? I like it and stuff, but you know how my taste's out of order after all this time."
"Oh, hush. You look lovely."
"Where'd you get the idea?"
"I caught a glimpse of something on the shelf, and then I thought of Erika."
"Oh, you talked about her before! So this is the type of stuff she's into, then...neat."
"The contrast of the dark tones against your pale skin really work. For now, at least. I think that with a proper diet, we can have you looking bright and healthy again. You've already managed to hold onto the weight you gained from the last time, and you don't look nearly as pale as before. We're making progress," I say with a smile. "And obviously you don't need to be very pale to work with what you have on now, so it's a good future investment."
"You've gotta be from another planet..."
"What? What's brought this on?" I ask.
"You're seriously amazing, Lili. I mean, you know just what to do and say at the best times. It's so crazy, in a good way!"
"It's only-"
"And stop playing down the stuff you do, seriously!"
"It's honestly not that amazing. I'm just making good observations, that's all."
"So often? That's more than most people, and you know it." She sighs. "I want to do something for you, in return for all of this. Can I tell you a story?"
"A story? What kind?"
"About myself. Where I came from and how I got here."
"It must be difficult."
"It is. But it's something that I want to share with you."
We find ourselves sitting on a wooden bench after a few minutes. Fio puts her hands in her lap and gathers herself, taking deep breaths in and out. I wonder if it's too much, but she's determined to tell me her story. What I can do, at least, is catch her if she does end up stumbling.
Slowly, she raises her head and starts to speak.
---
She was born Fionne Mutou. A plump and feisty child. Her parents are Ayumu and Ayame Mutou, fifth generation residents of the Hidden Rock Village. Neither were shinobi and had jobs in public service - the family was as normal and average as they could be.
Ayumu, the father, was on the thin side and of average height. His black hair was always kept short and neat, first on account of his sensibilities, and then on account of his office management work. Ayame, the mother, was around the same height and just barely overweight, though she managed herself with daily exercise. It was there that Fionne would tag on and gain a love of physical activity. Ayame's hair was long, light brown, and straight. Much like her husband, she rarely did anything to stand out.
Every member of the family worked at their own pace. Fionne had an easy childhood, doing well in her studies and displaying her athletic ability often. She was bullied by some children for her plump figure, but kept busy with friends during her time at public school. It was by chance that she became a shinobi, after a dazzling athletics festival display that got the attention of a few higher ups in the village. They approached her with the opportunity, and seeing it as a new challenge, she eagerly discussed it with her parents. They eventually agreed and gave their consent for their daughter to transfer into the village's Shinobi Academy. Fionne continued to grow, studying as she always had and learning new types of techniques quickly. She earned the favour of her instructors and made new friends.
It was one particular day that a shocking discovery was made. Fionne possessed something called a 'bloodline limit', a strength passed down through families by blood and that blossomed most prominently in those who called themselves shinobi. It had been two or so generations that had passed in the Mutou family since anyone had taken part in the shinobi arts, and nobody knew for sure where this power could have come from because of the passage of time and lost history. But Fionne was in possession of this potentially great power, which had a name: Boil Release, a rare ability that allowed one to generate steam by heating up their chakra to a boiling point. Even more than the attention of her instructors and the Tsuchikage, at nine years of age she was personally approached by the jinchuuriki of the Five Tails, known as Han. He would wander into the village on rare occasions, and after hearing about someone who carried the same abilities as he did, this became one such occasion. He offered mentorship, which Fionne immediately accepted.
For two years, they established a cycle. Han would find himself in the village for a short time, teach Fionne what she needed to know, and then leave. She would work on what he had left her while progressing through her classes, eventually graduating when she was ten years old. She continued on her path, with the support of her parents. She lived a normal, reasonable life for a talented kunoichi. And then she found herself investigating a strange incident a year later, when she was just eleven.
Many of her comrades in the Hidden Rock had been injured and killed at an alarming rate, in what seemed to be solely close quarters combat. The nature of the murderous weapons was impossible to discern. Eventually, the time came for Fionne to head out into the field on difficult missions. It was an uneasy time to be sure, but with her talents and a replica of Han's famous Steam Armour, she went out with confidence, ready to protect her fellow soldiers. Her terrific strength with the help of her bloodline limit would be an invaluable asset.
But this opponent was too much to handle.
It was a young man who could make bones explode from his body at will, and turn them into diamond-hard tools of destruction. The effort, the training, the special gifts she had...they all were useless in the face of this sort of terror. He crushed her and made her world go black. Fionne next awoke inside of a dark area, and saw a pale, unfamiliar face in front of her.
For the next two years, she became an experiment. A plaything in the hands of the snake Sannin, Orochimaru.
She was used in dangerous trials, her body torn apart and restored forcefully and painfully. Blood was taken from her until she couldn't remember where she was or what she was doing. The building blocks of her body, the chemicals that held her together...were toyed with until it was unrecognizable. Her brown eyes had their colour stolen from them. Her hair changed until it looked as if it were bleached white. She cried out as her body was sapped of its strength, week after week after week. At nights, she would cry and sob in her cell until she couldn't find the energy to do it anymore. She thought of her parents, of her teachers and friends. Surely someone would find her and take her away from that hell.
Eventually, she would think on how good death would feel. It would take her away from the pain and constant torture.
To make herself numb to everything, she gave up hope and gave into the snake man's demands. Every day, she would practice her techniques, expending chakra until her body would stop responding and she had to be dragged back to her bed. She woke up in the mornings, mumbling small prayers until the words filtered through with no sound to them, and no further meaning. She watched fights to the death, and took part in them, moving like a machine with no purpose other than survival. Her mind had numbed from the carnage. It continued until Orochimaru pulled her away from the depravity for what he thought would be a fascinating series of experiments. Fionne was eventually turned into a strange being, an existence of steam that could barely hold herself together no matter what she tried. She struggled, and struggled, and struggled, until Orochimaru decided he would forcefully stabilize her.
He was bored. Disappointed. This girl was just another unfortunate failure, one of many before and that would come afterwards. Fionne was shoved into the depths of Orochimaru's stronghold in the Hidden Sound, left to rot away like garbage.
And then, whether it was luck or providence, she was not detected when the base was torn apart by the Hidden Leaf. Something inside of her mind stirred her to action. She knew that she still wanted to live. And so she gathered herself and escaped in the midst of the chaos. She ran into the forests of Fire Country and never looked back.
---
"Maybe it was fated," she says as she finishes.
"It's possible. You really could have died in that attack, but you didn't. You must have been meant for something more." I pause, trying to absorb everything she's told me. It's just so much, and I don't know what exactly to say. I don't know if I should say much of anything.
"You seemed to recognize that person I was speaking of earlier."
"Kimimaro Kaguya," I say. "It's certainly a twist of fate, that we both ended up fighting him..."
"You...fought him?" she asks, eyes widening. "Really?"
"I did, yes. It was on that mission that I can't tell you too much about. But I fought him and won."
"Ah...I'm jealous. I'm really, really jealous of you. Someone that strong, and you beat him..."
"If I fought him at your age, I doubt I would have fared well."
"Yeah, well...I doubt your doubting. You beat him and a creepy snake guy and 40 bandits."
"Thirty-nine."
"Shaddap."
"Yes, ma'am."
She lets out a frustrated sigh. "I can't even measure up to you."
"Why do you think you need to?"
"Because I have to be a better woman and all. You understand exactly what I mean."
I close my eyes. "Don't go chasing too hard. You'll hurt yourself."
"Yeah, I know...I know."
"How do you think...you managed to stand up again, after such a painful past?" I ask. "That would have brought anyone to ruin, but you're here right now."
"The same way you did, I think."
"So you would become a weapon as well."
"Gladly."
"You don't have anything to worry about, Fio. As you are now...you would make a splendid wife."
She brushes back some of her hair and stares into the distance. "I think I want to be yours, most of all."
I smile. "We'll see about that. You're very aggressive."
"I don't have any other ideas for courting you. Like I told you before, I'm not very smart."
Maybe we are perfect for each other. She has the same self-depreciating attitude as I do.
"You shouldn't think like that."
"Speak for yourself."
Tch...she has me there. I'll let that one go. "Let's go soak in the springs today."
"That sounds good. Lili?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for listening to my story. It's a difficult thing, and I know you must have been searching for something to say in response. I just want you to know that this is more than enough. I'm grateful to you."
"You're welcome, Fio."
"Yeah. Let's go put this stuff away for now, then."
We gather our things and head back to the resort proper.
