In Flore
FortePlus
The THRILL from Green Hill
- Location
- Toronto
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Scarlet Justice - ep. 81
"In Flore"
---
It's a good thing that this resort isn't far from the village. Coming here so often is made much easier as a result. Today is another day with Fio, and she mentioned the week before that she had something to show me. Apparently it's also something that can only happen once within a certain period of time. I'm intrigued as to what it could be.
"I asked nicely and got us a room we could hang out in. Great, isn't it? Perks of being a regular and junk, helps that the rates are pretty cheap overall."
The hotel at the resort has a gym, with a few individual rooms within it for training and the like. Fio has secured one such room for our personal use, for a while at least. I'm not dressed in anything for working out, but she has on a shirt and shorts from our recent shopping adventure the other day.
"I always meant to ask, where did you get your cache of money?"
"Oh, I worked some odd jobs at the start, scrounged up a few minerals...things like that," Fio says with a shrug. "Traded what I could for some cash. It was difficult at first...well, it was difficult the whole way through. Didn't have much energy in me for jobs that took too long. And I, uh...took out some indefinite loans where I could."
"Indefinite loans. How cute."
"I could just call it what it is, but that's not classy," she says with a grin.
"Survival isn't always the cleanest thing. Making it through is what counts. The heavens will deal with the supposed morality of it much later. Besides, I couldn't judge you for something that trivial."
"Oh, yeah?"
"You know how I enjoy certain...unsavoury activities."
"Well, yeah. But the whole hard work thing, you know. Rich people and all that."
I roll my eyes. "Please. Elites start ninety-five meters down a hundred meter track and claim they've slaved away for everything they have when it's time to run the race. It's nonsense, they know it and I know it. We get to where we are mainly by exploiting the classes below us. Every so often, there's someone who claws their way to the top, and we let them in as a matter of courtesy, to maintain this facade that anyone can do anything as long as they work hard enough. Bullshit."
"Wow."
"It's not often you see rich girls with this level of self-awareness. And there's a reason for that. All sorts of indoctrination and trickery, meant to keep the so called 'filthy poors' unaware and working on behalf of the global elite. It's how the world turns, at least for the time being. A rather complicated subject."
"Guess being rich isn't as good as it looks," Fio says as we reach our designated room.
"Yes, but I would be suicidal to mention that in earshot of any normal person. Far as they're concerned, I have double privilege as someone who's wealthy and a shinobi all at once. I don't get to complain because my life is that good, apparently."
"Yikes. No joke, that sounds like a really rough time. Okay, we're here. Now, I can only do this once, realistically speaking. You can probably guess why...I'm not the gal I once was."
"You're lovely."
"If I could run off flattery, I'd strap you to my back and sprint across the world twice before lunch," she says with a smile. "But that's not what's happening right now, so if you would kindly cease with your rhetoric for a moment while I complete this performance, that would be great."
I roll my eyes. "You're getting cheeky all of a sudden. I don't like it."
"You're a bad liar, Lili."
"I am not. That's insulting."
"I think you get off a little on being bullied by the right people."
"Vulgar and outrageous. Silence, savage."
"Bite me."
"Oi. Don't threaten me with a good time."
"Shaddap already and watch me work. I'm gonna dance for you in a minute or two. It's important and special and difficult. So I want you to see it."
"Fine. Let's see what you have for me." I sit on the floor and she takes her place a good distance from me. I imagine this sort of room is used for things like martial arts and gymnastics, which explains the softer composition of the floor and the padding on the walls. Mirrors are at the very back of the room, so that people can observe themselves practising techniques. I observe the rise and fall of Fio's back as she stands, preparing herself.
"I can only do this once. So make sure you're watching."
"I'm watching. What else do I have to do in here?"
"You want a list?"
I sigh and gesture for her to get on with it.
"Come on, promise that you're gonna pay attention."
"I promise. Sincerely," I say as I look into her eyes.
"Thanks. Alright...I'll start." She settles down again and takes her stance. Legs shoulder width apart, arms hanging loosely in front of her. I lean back on my hands as I look on.
Fio moves forward, in a slow and fluid manner. It first reminds me of water, then of a feather falling towards the earth. It's a natural sort of flow, one that she still remembers through that broken and battered body of hers. She mentioned that she used to have many scars on her arms and legs, but that they disappeared once she started her transformations. Her body is light, sometimes sailing away in a manner that she doesn't like before she regains control. She dances, moving like a floating feather that doesn't want to touch the earth even as it falls steadily towards it. Her arms trace paths through the air before falling back towards her body, rising and falling with her momentum. The graceful way she moves reminds me of a ballerina.
She lands one last time, and her arms tense before snapping forward. I can hear her heavy breaths as she moves. This is the end of the first dance, and the start of the second.
These are kata, moving from the short and simple to the long and complicated. She punctuates the ends of her attack strings with fierce yells, huffing and sweating, continuing in spite of her shaking frame. Her first step is fast, just as fast as Hina's. This second dance is one of precision and rigid form, something she's had drilled into her from years of training.
And then the third dance comes as I watch with heightened interest. This is the current Fio, the one who had her life unfairly changed at the drop of a hat. This is the culmination of talent, effort, and determination. A girl who leaps and walks through the skies while striking with terrifying force and ruthless precision. Her body is graceful and free as she moves, but her muscles tense and there's a vicious look in those smoky eyes as she delivers savage blows. Not a movement is wasted as she lands and rebounds into the air, calculating how she should approach before suddenly bringing herself downwards. I can't help but smile as I watch her. Excellent body control. Impressive force. There's a peculiarity to her motion, but I remember that she had equipment she used years back - the armour that was the same as her sensei's.
Fio is not only graceful, but strong. I think about what it would be like to fight with her, or by her side.
And finally, she stops and goes silent, taking her initial stance before bowing towards me. Her body is shaking, and she's drenched with sweat. Her breaths are heavy as she holds her form, staring into my eyes.
"You're beautiful, Fio."
She smiles and continues to catch her breath. "I had...a silly dream, all that time ago. But even if I thought it was over and done with...that spark has suddenly come back, thanks to you."
"What is it? This dream of yours..."
"It's what you would call a...lofty dream. Something outrageous, almost. I will become 'Bushin'."
"Bushin...I see. It's lofty, indeed."
"Yes. More than that...I want us both to reach for that goal together, without shame."
"Hm." I close my eyes. "I have no interest in such a thing. Not now, anyways."
"You who call yourself the Scarlet Viper, great blade of justice, the Crimson Nightmare who stands near the top of the shinobi world. The woman who will carve out a new age for herself and those who trail behind her. It's a title that you will have around your neck, whether you think you want it or not."
"You talk too much."
"That sort of attitude makes me want to punish you harshly, you know." I crack one eye open briefly. Drops of sweat run down her face as she looks at me, focused and demanding. So this is the Fio from so long ago. Very fiery, in a way. And something that I like, to be honest with myself.
"I suppose so. You seem to have an interest in chasing me around until I crush you. I don't have the heart to do something so cruel, but you knew that much."
"Now who's the one talking too much?"
"What are you going to do? Make me submit?" I ask with a devious smile.
"Yes. Completely," she shoots back.
My eyes open fully to acknowledge her again. "Well. Then I will look forward to that, 'Warrior God'."
"You really do bully people too much."
"It's easy when you give me so much ammunition."
She sighs and slides down to her knees. "I'm hungry now. Would you feed me?"
"Yes." I rise from my seat and lend her my back. Her body is soaking wet, and I can feel the heat of her breaths on my neck.
"Can I ask something?"
"Of course you can," I reply.
"I want you to get something for me with your resources. Something I need to complete myself...I want to be useful again."
"You're sure that you want my help? All that time spent refusing me, telling me that you were just fine as you were, making slow progress."
"Something's been knocked loose," she says quietly.
"I see. Is it that armour you were talking about earlier?"
"No. That won't be useful for the current me. It's something much smaller. Can you do it for me, Lili? Please...give me your reply, even if it's a harsh one."
"Tell me what you want, and I will see to it that it's done," I say.
"Thank you."
"You don't need to say things like that," I say as I push open the room door. "It's fine."
"Maybe...I don't need to say those things. But I want to. Along with that other stuff..."
"Why not say them now? I'm listening."
"It's not the right time."
"Mm. I see."
She goes quiet and soon falls asleep as I carry her up to our shared room. Fio takes her shower, dries off and changes, and then promptly falls asleep again like the stubborn girl she is.
"So much for eating. I suppose she'll want something when she wakes."
I take a manga volume from my bag and sit on the bed beside her as she sleeps.
"..."
It's especially dangerous this time. I'm really getting pulled in. Am I good enough? Will I ever be good enough? Small questions, at least for now. But they have a deep resonance all the same. There's still another wall I have to meet after this one.
"I wonder if I will ever feel right."
The words hang in the air as I set my book down, looking at the sleeping girl that I'm slowly, yet all too quickly, falling in love with.
---
Fio will be down for a few days.
The performance she put on really took a lot out of her, and it became clear that simply eating a lot wouldn't bring her back to her normal self. We spent a day talking while she had things like heating pads on her arms and legs to try and soothe her soreness...there's no clear understanding as to how her body reacts or doesn't react to certain things. Though she will come out of it fine, which is assurance enough. I leave her at the resort as usual, trusting that she will be able to take care of herself. By my next visit, she should be back to normal.
As for today, it's another mission. Kakashi was originally slated to lead it, but things appear to have changed. I really wanted to sit back and just follow orders for a while, with someone else reliable calling the shots. I guess that's too much to ask.
"Naruto hasn't been out of the village much, so this is a good opportunity for him. I think you'll be able to keep him in line better than I can," Kakashi says to me. We've met outside of the Academy Complex, where he hands off the mission scroll to me. I read through it as he explains some of the details. A C-Rank mission, nothing too extensive. We're delivering something of value, nothing large. A drop box is listed - in code, obviously - and that's where we will pick up the mystery item.
"From the sound of it, you're not having a good time with him lately," I say as I continue reading.
"He's anxious about a lot of things. And I suspect Jiraiya is influencing him quite a bit."
"That would happen, especially with recent events. I take it that Sakura hasn't been any trouble."
"Not when she's around, no. Which isn't often. I don't expect any return to normalcy until Sasuke is cleared to do exercises again. That's a while away."
"Are you taking advantage of the free time?" I ask as I roll up the scroll.
"You'll have to be more specific."
"Is that what you want? Fine. How many times have you and Ruki-"
"We're not there yet."
"But you're somewhere."
"We've been going out for dinner more often. When I don't have missions and she doesn't have work at the hospital. I'm...pretty fond of her, if I have to say anything. Is that good enough?"
"No. But I'll let you go with that much."
"I appreciate that. Anyways, I'm off. Have some other important things to take care of today. Thanks for taking care of this for me."
"Not a problem. I will see you later, Kakashi."
He gives me one of his lazy waves before leaving. Now that the mission has been figured out...I suppose it's time to get ready and gather my team. It's a group of four this time. Myself, Naruto...and two unfamiliar people. Yuno Nakamura and Futaba Azuma. Both chuunin, with a limited amount of combat experience. As long as they're not too unruly, I can take care of them and Naruto all at once.
I walk down to a local store near the drop location and buy a satchel off the shelf. The material doesn't matter, I just need something to carry the item in and that's free of any potential bugs or traps. Weather should be clear for the day. The final stopping point is southwest of Tanzaku Quarter, near the border of River Country. I go to where the drop box is, hidden beneath the floorboards of someone's porch. There are people inside, but they don't seem to notice me. A small child comes to the front door and waves at me through the glass, and I wave back before disappearing again.
Everyone is set to meet at the main entrance to the Leaf in about thirty minutes. I'm already dressed in my neutral outfit, putting up my hair into a ponytail and wearing a cap so that I'm not too recognizable in the wild. We don't want to unnecessarily raise the danger quotient this time. Naruto is probably going to be late, so my attention will be on the other two members.
Ten minutes before the designated time, someone arrives.
"Oh...is Major Hatake not here yet?" she asks. Very plain and tolerable, far as I'm concerned. Her long brown hair is well cared for, reminding me a lot of Sakura from the Academy days. Vain as anything and middling in all that she did. She has the standard uniform on, complete with a fresh looking combat vest that screams 'inexperienced'.
"I've replaced him on this mission. He had some urgent business to take care of."
"Replaced? Do I...know you?"
This one has a big head, it seems. Probably due to her recent promotion. I give her a look from under the shadow of my hat, and she steps backwards.
"Lilith Kobayashi. Your jounin commander for this mission. I assume you are Futaba Azuma."
"Y-yes. Ma'am, sorry, ma'am." She stiffens up and salutes me. I already don't like her, she smells like a suck-up. As long as she doesn't get in my way, it won't matter too much. I recite the mission details to her and she nods along like a robot. Enough time passes that the next person arrives, and I give them a look before sighing.
"Kakashi didn't mention a tag along," I say to myself quietly. "Annoying, but workable. You, what's your name?"
"Ma'am. Yuno Nakamura, ma'am. It's an honour to work with you."
"..." I resist the urge to raise my eyebrows. That boyish sort of voice is just indeterminate enough to make me second guess myself, but this is definitely a guy. His black hair is done in an impeccable bob cut down to his chin, with a silver streak on the left side. Lashes, eyeliner, light makeup, a splash of pink lipstick...and he's wearing a plain skirt and stockings to go with his uniform.
Surprising, but...nothing to worry about, honestly. I don't know if Kakashi was unaware or just forgot to mention it to me. It's likely to be the second option, if his past performances are anything to go by.
He's either aware of my scrutiny, or his caution is reflexive at this point. Given the strict adherence to appearances in these times, I can't blame him. "I hope it's...not any trouble, ma'am."
"Not at all. If you need to talk, just say so. Understood?"
"Yes, understood."
"Good. You look very nice, by the way. Those stockings are cute."
"O-oh. Thank you, I got them downtown the other day," he says with a timid smile. There's some light in those blue eyes now that he's relaxing around me. "Silly for a mission, but you know...first impressions. I haven't done anything this important yet."
"Follow my instructions and everything will work out fine. You're in good hands."
"Yes, Captain."
"..." Futaba is giving Yuno more than his share of malicious looks. I'll have to keep an eye on the situation, since she's clearly aware that this is a boy she will have to work with. How much she likes this development won't factor into how she treats him over the course of the next few hours. I'll make sure of that.
"One minute over. Not bad, honestly," I say as I look at the watch under my wrist. I can see my lovable idiot scrambling towards us at high speed before sliding to a hard stop. He salutes and I close his mouth before he can spill his usual nonsense all over us.
"You're a bit late."
"Mm-mhm-mhmm..."
"Try getting here a little earlier next time, yes?"
He nods and I let him open his mouth again. "Sorry, ma'am. Won't happen again."
"Don't worry about it too much, I just like being tidier than most. You're usually pretty good with time from what I've heard. Eager, if nothing else. Channel that enthusiasm as much as you can."
"Yep! Hey, I'm Naruto Uzumaki!" he says to his two teammates. "Good to meet you!"
"Just a genin, then?" Futaba asks.
"Eh? Oh, yeah...haven't gotten my promotion just yet, but it'll come! Really soon! I wish I was a genius like Lili, haha!"
"You know Captain Kobayashi?"
"Sure do! We graduated out of the Academy in the same year! Best friends, you know?"
"We've known each other a while, yes. Naruto has his quirks, but is a reliable teammate. I'll be around to calm him down if he gets too excited," I say.
"I'm not that bad, you know."
"Of course not, dear. Now, allow me to go over the mission details one last time. Things will be simple enough, but it's always to our benefit to follow instructions properly. Nothing unnecessary over the course of the mission. Listen closely."
I explain the mission again, as clearly as I can. A linear route towards the border between Fire and River. Along the way, there will be secured checkpoints that I can transmit radio signals from. It's a sort of tracking system that is frequently used by wealthier customers, so that they can see when their packages are arriving. Judging from the size and weight of the item I'm delivering today, I imagine that it contains important documents, maybe an expensive item or two. I don't know and really don't care - I can't smell anything odd or dangerous inside, so it's none of my business. This is really a solo job, but it looks like the Hokage wants to get some field experience for Yuno and Futaba, and to have Naruto bleed off some energy with an extra mission. All of these things have some strategic importance.
"Any questions?" I ask as I finish.
"Nope!"
"No, Captain Kobayashi, ma'am!"
"No, ma'am."
"Good. Let's get this mission over and done with. Diamond formation, Uzumaki will take the rear. Azuma will be left, Nakamura right. Gather yourselves in the next ten seconds before I take off."
They do as they're told silently, and I nod with satisfaction before moving forward. They follow faithfully and we leave the Hidden Leaf at last, starting on our southwestern course. The forests are the same as ever, and a comfort in some ways. I reach out with my senses as we move, flicking my tongue out to taste the air. The familiar feedback comes to me, and everything is safe for now. We bounce through the trees for the sake of efficiency and speed, covering ground effortlessly.
"Most of these C-Ranks are similar, huh?"
"They're supposed to be low-risk in general," I answer Naruto. Making conversation at this point is alright. "I believe one of the missions you first went on was classified as such."
"Yeah. Changed in a hurry, though."
"How does a mission change rank so suddenly?" Yuno asks.
"Clients aren't always forthcoming about their circumstances. They could be doing something illegal, like hiding banned substances, or having them smuggled across the country. It could be a simple matter of desperation, since missions have different price points. Naruto there had a case where a mission that was actually an A or B-rank was sold as a C-Rank because the client lied about what was happening."
"B-Ranks bottom out at about 150,000 ryo...C-Ranks start at 30,000. That's about five times less, pretty big difference. I can see why someone would lie...still, that puts everyone in danger, doesn't it?"
"In that case, you just abort the mission and go home. It's not something difficult," Futaba says derisively. "Whoever your mission leader was, they must have been a completely irresponsible jerk."
"Hey! Kakashi-sensei might be a weirdo, but he's not as irresponsible as he looks!" Naruto shoots back.
"That's...why would someone as elite as him do something so reckless?"
"Extenuating circumstances," I answer. "This is where we make important judgement calls, depending on the situation and the facts on the ground in front of us. There will always be a chance of unexpected danger, no matter how well you plan for a mission. We have to use all of the skills at our disposal and everything we've learned in those cases. Sometimes the best option is to move forward, ahead and into the danger. This world that is oriented with individualism and wealth has one set of rules. In order to have a good career, it's best to follow them. But within ourselves, as shinobi...there is another set of rules that we discover and craft for ourselves. It is from there that we make the choice between the mission and our fellow man. You have been taught a lot in your classes and in the village about how missions should go, but it's when you're in the field for the first time that you will be able to shape the type of shinobi you will become in the future."
"Yeah...I was thinking that, too. I read about the White Fang the other day. He was a great person who ended up disgraced because of what he did," Yuno says.
"What'd that White Fang guy do?" Naruto asks.
"Instead of completing an important mission, he saved his comrades instead."
"That's awesome! But...wait. You said he got disgraced for that? Why the hell would he be disgraced?"
"Because of the Shinobi Rules," Futaba says. "Shinobi Rule Number Four: a shinobi must always put the mission first. The mission he was on was very important to the nation, and he caused it to fail. Even as the White Fang, that was unforgivable."
"Missions are important, especially high level ones the likes of Sakumo Hatake would be sent on," I explain to Naruto.
"Sakumo...Hatake? That's Kakashi-sensei's dad, isn't it? He's never really talked about him..."
"Sakumo was dishonoured," I say as we move through the trees. "By the village, by the country itself. Everyone looked down on him. Even the people he saved hated him."
"That's...so awful..."
"It is. Missions are the lifeblood of the economy. They are a village's reputation, and that means everything in this world of ours. Failures like that are intolerable, especially once they're amplified by politicians and senior shinobi. That kind of weight on your shoulders can make your mind and body deteriorate. So it was with the White Fang."
"What happened to him? I know that he must have died, but..."
"The shame was too great in the end," I say solemnly. "He had already lost his wife at a young age, and even with Kakashi to take care of...that bond wasn't enough. It crushed him completely. He committed suicide."
"..."
"It's a depressing thing..."
"Now I get it."
"Get what?" Futaba asks.
"Why Kakashi-sensei acts the way he does. He must have remembered the things his dad went through, and all the sacrifices he made. I've always wanted to be a shinobi in my own way...not just following rules and orders like everyone else. Missions come and go every day, but people don't. They're more important than any piece of paper or rule book. That's what people like the Hokage, and Kakashi-sensei, and Lili have taught me. Maybe it's foolish, but...I'd rather spend my days as a fool in that case."
I look over my shoulder to see Yuno smiling. Futaba is predictably unimpressed.
"There's always something to be said for charisma. It's part of what makes great leaders," I say.
"The stuff of great Hokage, too!"
"Indeed."
"Is that your goal, Naruto?" Yuno asks him.
"Hell yeah! I'm gonna become Hokage one day, no matter what! Bet you can't wait to see my handsome mug on the side of a mountain, eh? Hehe."
"He's got a long road to that point. Hopefully I'll be around to keep him in line," I say to them.
"I'm counting on you to show me all the secrets to being a super elite ninja, Lili!"
"Of course you are. Don't you worry, I'll get all of the basics through that thick skull of yours. Somehow."
---
We hit the first few checkpoints in short order. The ones on this route rely on four digit codes, protected by simple encryption in the notes that I have on me. Three small boxes, partially hidden in the bushes near trees. I punch the codes into the keypads, and a light blinks on to let me know that the signal is being sent.
Nothing of note has taken place. It's a boring mission so far. Boring is good for us.
We stop for lunch. Everyone starts to pull out their food, whether it's a ready to eat meal or in Naruto's case, some sort of long sandwich packed with meat.
"Where are your vegetables?" I ask.
"They're in there...somewhere..."
I slap his hand and make him put away the sandwich. "Foolish. Eat that on your own time, with a salad. I'm cooking today. That goes for the rest of you, put away those ration packs."
"Do...we usually do this?" Yuno asks as he puts away his facsimile of food.
"When you have a team, meals will vary. Most will eat what they bring with them, others like the experience of hunting and will eat on the go. Survivalists, rugged fellows. Nice folk, if a little unhinged at times."
"Heh."
"Hush, you," I say to Naruto with a playful poke. "Our team is a bit more refined, I would say. Health conscious as well. Three ladies and one gentleman, all versed in cooking of some type. And so, we have lovely meals whenever we go out together."
"Hey, I got a question. A serious one this time," Naruto says.
"Go ahead, love."
"How come your team comp is the way it is, Lili? Kinda weird, compared to what people have been telling me."
"For the sake of our audience, I will explain what our 'team comp' in this case is," I say to Yuno and Futaba. "We started out as any team fresh out of the Academy would. Three genin in a team, led by one jounin instructor. Team Eight of the Leaf."
"Hinata Hyuuga, Shino Aburame, and Kurenai Yuuhi," Yuno says.
"Correct."
"Kurenai-sensei is amazing, I think. She's stylish and really skilled...I don't think anyone in the village right now is as good as her when it comes to genjutsu. I was thinking about going down that path, but...I might become a medic instead. They're kind of in the same stream, so maybe I can do both. I have time to decide, right?"
"You do, yes. Try out what works for you, and you can always take on something else later. You're never locked into one choice for your whole life, people have been known to stumble into their passions later on as they advance in age and mature. Now, we were talking about how our team is composed. Hinata is currently still a genin, accomplished as she is. Shino is a chuunin. And I am a jounin, along with Kurenai. You can see how it looks odd against what you've been told about shinobi teams."
"Usually a genin will move on to lead their own squads. It's the same for jounin," Futaba points out. "That's what I did, and our team split up."
"I remember what Iruka-sensei said at our team selection thing, though," Naruto interrupts. "That the people we get paired with are our life and death partners and junk. We end up eating and sleeping together, going on all kinds of missions together, making bonds...how do you just split up after all that?"
"There lies the confusion," I say. "It's those bonds and experiences that lead teams to stay together for as long as the members are active. While we might get called away to do important work, like Kakashi did today, or like I am doing here, our team remains a team. Shinobi ranks change what kind of work we take on and our responsibilities. They don't determine our teammates, the people we constantly spend time with. I'm still quite young, and there's much that I can learn from Kurenai. That's why I still call her my sensei. Rank doesn't change how I treat Shino or Hinata either. They're my precious comrades that I would do most anything for, and they feel the same about me. This is all intentional...the formation of strong units that know each other inside out for the greatest synergy, containing strong and capable leaders who individually can strike on their own or lead other teams in the field."
"Whoa...crazy," Naruto says as he scratches his head. "So...you're a student, and a teammate, and a leader all at the same time..."
"My team split up too after my promotion...well, they let me move on without them. I think it was for the best," Yuno says.
"It sounds like it," Futaba says, a little too quickly.
"Well, my question's been answered! Time to eat already!" Naruto yells.
"Calm down a little. I need some time to cook. Get me some wood to use while I work on the meat."
"Heh..."
I glare at him. "Imagine being that childish. I could never relate."
"Ah, shut up. Don't walk around with a stick up your butt because we're on a mission."
"Excuse me for pointing out that you're giggling like a girl at the mere mention of...meat. You are a child. An infant."
"Listen, just 'cos I didn't swallow the dictionary or whatever when I was younger..."
"Go away already, peasant. You want to eat, get me my material. Some thick wood would be nice for my purposes...you're laughing again, aren't you."
"N-no."
"Get out of here, idiot," I scold playfully. "Be useful for once."
He blows a raspberry at me before smiling and heading into the forest.
"It's nice to have teammates you can joke around with like that," Yuno says. "Is there anything you want me to do, ma'am?"
"There's a stream some distance away. If you could gather some water for me, that would be lovely. Any herbs you spot will be a bonus, so don't press too hard. Okay?"
"Okay. I'll get to it." Yuno gets up and Futaba is barely holding back a scowl as she watches him go. There's some history between them, clearly. Perhaps it was the source of that unsubtle little comment from earlier.
Things we can explore after lunch, I suppose.
"Ma'am, ready and willing to help, ma'am." Futaba is on her feet, brown eyes focused on me as I unseal vegetables from one of my storage scrolls. Bootlicker. Between the start of the mission and now, she's already become tiresome.
"Cut those up. I'll work on the rest."
"Ma'am."
I unseal a separate scroll with the meat, and we work separately in silence.
"In Flore"
---
It's a good thing that this resort isn't far from the village. Coming here so often is made much easier as a result. Today is another day with Fio, and she mentioned the week before that she had something to show me. Apparently it's also something that can only happen once within a certain period of time. I'm intrigued as to what it could be.
"I asked nicely and got us a room we could hang out in. Great, isn't it? Perks of being a regular and junk, helps that the rates are pretty cheap overall."
The hotel at the resort has a gym, with a few individual rooms within it for training and the like. Fio has secured one such room for our personal use, for a while at least. I'm not dressed in anything for working out, but she has on a shirt and shorts from our recent shopping adventure the other day.
"I always meant to ask, where did you get your cache of money?"
"Oh, I worked some odd jobs at the start, scrounged up a few minerals...things like that," Fio says with a shrug. "Traded what I could for some cash. It was difficult at first...well, it was difficult the whole way through. Didn't have much energy in me for jobs that took too long. And I, uh...took out some indefinite loans where I could."
"Indefinite loans. How cute."
"I could just call it what it is, but that's not classy," she says with a grin.
"Survival isn't always the cleanest thing. Making it through is what counts. The heavens will deal with the supposed morality of it much later. Besides, I couldn't judge you for something that trivial."
"Oh, yeah?"
"You know how I enjoy certain...unsavoury activities."
"Well, yeah. But the whole hard work thing, you know. Rich people and all that."
I roll my eyes. "Please. Elites start ninety-five meters down a hundred meter track and claim they've slaved away for everything they have when it's time to run the race. It's nonsense, they know it and I know it. We get to where we are mainly by exploiting the classes below us. Every so often, there's someone who claws their way to the top, and we let them in as a matter of courtesy, to maintain this facade that anyone can do anything as long as they work hard enough. Bullshit."
"Wow."
"It's not often you see rich girls with this level of self-awareness. And there's a reason for that. All sorts of indoctrination and trickery, meant to keep the so called 'filthy poors' unaware and working on behalf of the global elite. It's how the world turns, at least for the time being. A rather complicated subject."
"Guess being rich isn't as good as it looks," Fio says as we reach our designated room.
"Yes, but I would be suicidal to mention that in earshot of any normal person. Far as they're concerned, I have double privilege as someone who's wealthy and a shinobi all at once. I don't get to complain because my life is that good, apparently."
"Yikes. No joke, that sounds like a really rough time. Okay, we're here. Now, I can only do this once, realistically speaking. You can probably guess why...I'm not the gal I once was."
"You're lovely."
"If I could run off flattery, I'd strap you to my back and sprint across the world twice before lunch," she says with a smile. "But that's not what's happening right now, so if you would kindly cease with your rhetoric for a moment while I complete this performance, that would be great."
I roll my eyes. "You're getting cheeky all of a sudden. I don't like it."
"You're a bad liar, Lili."
"I am not. That's insulting."
"I think you get off a little on being bullied by the right people."
"Vulgar and outrageous. Silence, savage."
"Bite me."
"Oi. Don't threaten me with a good time."
"Shaddap already and watch me work. I'm gonna dance for you in a minute or two. It's important and special and difficult. So I want you to see it."
"Fine. Let's see what you have for me." I sit on the floor and she takes her place a good distance from me. I imagine this sort of room is used for things like martial arts and gymnastics, which explains the softer composition of the floor and the padding on the walls. Mirrors are at the very back of the room, so that people can observe themselves practising techniques. I observe the rise and fall of Fio's back as she stands, preparing herself.
"I can only do this once. So make sure you're watching."
"I'm watching. What else do I have to do in here?"
"You want a list?"
I sigh and gesture for her to get on with it.
"Come on, promise that you're gonna pay attention."
"I promise. Sincerely," I say as I look into her eyes.
"Thanks. Alright...I'll start." She settles down again and takes her stance. Legs shoulder width apart, arms hanging loosely in front of her. I lean back on my hands as I look on.
Fio moves forward, in a slow and fluid manner. It first reminds me of water, then of a feather falling towards the earth. It's a natural sort of flow, one that she still remembers through that broken and battered body of hers. She mentioned that she used to have many scars on her arms and legs, but that they disappeared once she started her transformations. Her body is light, sometimes sailing away in a manner that she doesn't like before she regains control. She dances, moving like a floating feather that doesn't want to touch the earth even as it falls steadily towards it. Her arms trace paths through the air before falling back towards her body, rising and falling with her momentum. The graceful way she moves reminds me of a ballerina.
She lands one last time, and her arms tense before snapping forward. I can hear her heavy breaths as she moves. This is the end of the first dance, and the start of the second.
These are kata, moving from the short and simple to the long and complicated. She punctuates the ends of her attack strings with fierce yells, huffing and sweating, continuing in spite of her shaking frame. Her first step is fast, just as fast as Hina's. This second dance is one of precision and rigid form, something she's had drilled into her from years of training.
And then the third dance comes as I watch with heightened interest. This is the current Fio, the one who had her life unfairly changed at the drop of a hat. This is the culmination of talent, effort, and determination. A girl who leaps and walks through the skies while striking with terrifying force and ruthless precision. Her body is graceful and free as she moves, but her muscles tense and there's a vicious look in those smoky eyes as she delivers savage blows. Not a movement is wasted as she lands and rebounds into the air, calculating how she should approach before suddenly bringing herself downwards. I can't help but smile as I watch her. Excellent body control. Impressive force. There's a peculiarity to her motion, but I remember that she had equipment she used years back - the armour that was the same as her sensei's.
Fio is not only graceful, but strong. I think about what it would be like to fight with her, or by her side.
And finally, she stops and goes silent, taking her initial stance before bowing towards me. Her body is shaking, and she's drenched with sweat. Her breaths are heavy as she holds her form, staring into my eyes.
"You're beautiful, Fio."
She smiles and continues to catch her breath. "I had...a silly dream, all that time ago. But even if I thought it was over and done with...that spark has suddenly come back, thanks to you."
"What is it? This dream of yours..."
"It's what you would call a...lofty dream. Something outrageous, almost. I will become 'Bushin'."
"Bushin...I see. It's lofty, indeed."
"Yes. More than that...I want us both to reach for that goal together, without shame."
"Hm." I close my eyes. "I have no interest in such a thing. Not now, anyways."
"You who call yourself the Scarlet Viper, great blade of justice, the Crimson Nightmare who stands near the top of the shinobi world. The woman who will carve out a new age for herself and those who trail behind her. It's a title that you will have around your neck, whether you think you want it or not."
"You talk too much."
"That sort of attitude makes me want to punish you harshly, you know." I crack one eye open briefly. Drops of sweat run down her face as she looks at me, focused and demanding. So this is the Fio from so long ago. Very fiery, in a way. And something that I like, to be honest with myself.
"I suppose so. You seem to have an interest in chasing me around until I crush you. I don't have the heart to do something so cruel, but you knew that much."
"Now who's the one talking too much?"
"What are you going to do? Make me submit?" I ask with a devious smile.
"Yes. Completely," she shoots back.
My eyes open fully to acknowledge her again. "Well. Then I will look forward to that, 'Warrior God'."
"You really do bully people too much."
"It's easy when you give me so much ammunition."
She sighs and slides down to her knees. "I'm hungry now. Would you feed me?"
"Yes." I rise from my seat and lend her my back. Her body is soaking wet, and I can feel the heat of her breaths on my neck.
"Can I ask something?"
"Of course you can," I reply.
"I want you to get something for me with your resources. Something I need to complete myself...I want to be useful again."
"You're sure that you want my help? All that time spent refusing me, telling me that you were just fine as you were, making slow progress."
"Something's been knocked loose," she says quietly.
"I see. Is it that armour you were talking about earlier?"
"No. That won't be useful for the current me. It's something much smaller. Can you do it for me, Lili? Please...give me your reply, even if it's a harsh one."
"Tell me what you want, and I will see to it that it's done," I say.
"Thank you."
"You don't need to say things like that," I say as I push open the room door. "It's fine."
"Maybe...I don't need to say those things. But I want to. Along with that other stuff..."
"Why not say them now? I'm listening."
"It's not the right time."
"Mm. I see."
She goes quiet and soon falls asleep as I carry her up to our shared room. Fio takes her shower, dries off and changes, and then promptly falls asleep again like the stubborn girl she is.
"So much for eating. I suppose she'll want something when she wakes."
I take a manga volume from my bag and sit on the bed beside her as she sleeps.
"..."
It's especially dangerous this time. I'm really getting pulled in. Am I good enough? Will I ever be good enough? Small questions, at least for now. But they have a deep resonance all the same. There's still another wall I have to meet after this one.
"I wonder if I will ever feel right."
The words hang in the air as I set my book down, looking at the sleeping girl that I'm slowly, yet all too quickly, falling in love with.
---
Fio will be down for a few days.
The performance she put on really took a lot out of her, and it became clear that simply eating a lot wouldn't bring her back to her normal self. We spent a day talking while she had things like heating pads on her arms and legs to try and soothe her soreness...there's no clear understanding as to how her body reacts or doesn't react to certain things. Though she will come out of it fine, which is assurance enough. I leave her at the resort as usual, trusting that she will be able to take care of herself. By my next visit, she should be back to normal.
As for today, it's another mission. Kakashi was originally slated to lead it, but things appear to have changed. I really wanted to sit back and just follow orders for a while, with someone else reliable calling the shots. I guess that's too much to ask.
"Naruto hasn't been out of the village much, so this is a good opportunity for him. I think you'll be able to keep him in line better than I can," Kakashi says to me. We've met outside of the Academy Complex, where he hands off the mission scroll to me. I read through it as he explains some of the details. A C-Rank mission, nothing too extensive. We're delivering something of value, nothing large. A drop box is listed - in code, obviously - and that's where we will pick up the mystery item.
"From the sound of it, you're not having a good time with him lately," I say as I continue reading.
"He's anxious about a lot of things. And I suspect Jiraiya is influencing him quite a bit."
"That would happen, especially with recent events. I take it that Sakura hasn't been any trouble."
"Not when she's around, no. Which isn't often. I don't expect any return to normalcy until Sasuke is cleared to do exercises again. That's a while away."
"Are you taking advantage of the free time?" I ask as I roll up the scroll.
"You'll have to be more specific."
"Is that what you want? Fine. How many times have you and Ruki-"
"We're not there yet."
"But you're somewhere."
"We've been going out for dinner more often. When I don't have missions and she doesn't have work at the hospital. I'm...pretty fond of her, if I have to say anything. Is that good enough?"
"No. But I'll let you go with that much."
"I appreciate that. Anyways, I'm off. Have some other important things to take care of today. Thanks for taking care of this for me."
"Not a problem. I will see you later, Kakashi."
He gives me one of his lazy waves before leaving. Now that the mission has been figured out...I suppose it's time to get ready and gather my team. It's a group of four this time. Myself, Naruto...and two unfamiliar people. Yuno Nakamura and Futaba Azuma. Both chuunin, with a limited amount of combat experience. As long as they're not too unruly, I can take care of them and Naruto all at once.
I walk down to a local store near the drop location and buy a satchel off the shelf. The material doesn't matter, I just need something to carry the item in and that's free of any potential bugs or traps. Weather should be clear for the day. The final stopping point is southwest of Tanzaku Quarter, near the border of River Country. I go to where the drop box is, hidden beneath the floorboards of someone's porch. There are people inside, but they don't seem to notice me. A small child comes to the front door and waves at me through the glass, and I wave back before disappearing again.
Everyone is set to meet at the main entrance to the Leaf in about thirty minutes. I'm already dressed in my neutral outfit, putting up my hair into a ponytail and wearing a cap so that I'm not too recognizable in the wild. We don't want to unnecessarily raise the danger quotient this time. Naruto is probably going to be late, so my attention will be on the other two members.
Ten minutes before the designated time, someone arrives.
"Oh...is Major Hatake not here yet?" she asks. Very plain and tolerable, far as I'm concerned. Her long brown hair is well cared for, reminding me a lot of Sakura from the Academy days. Vain as anything and middling in all that she did. She has the standard uniform on, complete with a fresh looking combat vest that screams 'inexperienced'.
"I've replaced him on this mission. He had some urgent business to take care of."
"Replaced? Do I...know you?"
This one has a big head, it seems. Probably due to her recent promotion. I give her a look from under the shadow of my hat, and she steps backwards.
"Lilith Kobayashi. Your jounin commander for this mission. I assume you are Futaba Azuma."
"Y-yes. Ma'am, sorry, ma'am." She stiffens up and salutes me. I already don't like her, she smells like a suck-up. As long as she doesn't get in my way, it won't matter too much. I recite the mission details to her and she nods along like a robot. Enough time passes that the next person arrives, and I give them a look before sighing.
"Kakashi didn't mention a tag along," I say to myself quietly. "Annoying, but workable. You, what's your name?"
"Ma'am. Yuno Nakamura, ma'am. It's an honour to work with you."
"..." I resist the urge to raise my eyebrows. That boyish sort of voice is just indeterminate enough to make me second guess myself, but this is definitely a guy. His black hair is done in an impeccable bob cut down to his chin, with a silver streak on the left side. Lashes, eyeliner, light makeup, a splash of pink lipstick...and he's wearing a plain skirt and stockings to go with his uniform.
Surprising, but...nothing to worry about, honestly. I don't know if Kakashi was unaware or just forgot to mention it to me. It's likely to be the second option, if his past performances are anything to go by.
He's either aware of my scrutiny, or his caution is reflexive at this point. Given the strict adherence to appearances in these times, I can't blame him. "I hope it's...not any trouble, ma'am."
"Not at all. If you need to talk, just say so. Understood?"
"Yes, understood."
"Good. You look very nice, by the way. Those stockings are cute."
"O-oh. Thank you, I got them downtown the other day," he says with a timid smile. There's some light in those blue eyes now that he's relaxing around me. "Silly for a mission, but you know...first impressions. I haven't done anything this important yet."
"Follow my instructions and everything will work out fine. You're in good hands."
"Yes, Captain."
"..." Futaba is giving Yuno more than his share of malicious looks. I'll have to keep an eye on the situation, since she's clearly aware that this is a boy she will have to work with. How much she likes this development won't factor into how she treats him over the course of the next few hours. I'll make sure of that.
"One minute over. Not bad, honestly," I say as I look at the watch under my wrist. I can see my lovable idiot scrambling towards us at high speed before sliding to a hard stop. He salutes and I close his mouth before he can spill his usual nonsense all over us.
"You're a bit late."
"Mm-mhm-mhmm..."
"Try getting here a little earlier next time, yes?"
He nods and I let him open his mouth again. "Sorry, ma'am. Won't happen again."
"Don't worry about it too much, I just like being tidier than most. You're usually pretty good with time from what I've heard. Eager, if nothing else. Channel that enthusiasm as much as you can."
"Yep! Hey, I'm Naruto Uzumaki!" he says to his two teammates. "Good to meet you!"
"Just a genin, then?" Futaba asks.
"Eh? Oh, yeah...haven't gotten my promotion just yet, but it'll come! Really soon! I wish I was a genius like Lili, haha!"
"You know Captain Kobayashi?"
"Sure do! We graduated out of the Academy in the same year! Best friends, you know?"
"We've known each other a while, yes. Naruto has his quirks, but is a reliable teammate. I'll be around to calm him down if he gets too excited," I say.
"I'm not that bad, you know."
"Of course not, dear. Now, allow me to go over the mission details one last time. Things will be simple enough, but it's always to our benefit to follow instructions properly. Nothing unnecessary over the course of the mission. Listen closely."
I explain the mission again, as clearly as I can. A linear route towards the border between Fire and River. Along the way, there will be secured checkpoints that I can transmit radio signals from. It's a sort of tracking system that is frequently used by wealthier customers, so that they can see when their packages are arriving. Judging from the size and weight of the item I'm delivering today, I imagine that it contains important documents, maybe an expensive item or two. I don't know and really don't care - I can't smell anything odd or dangerous inside, so it's none of my business. This is really a solo job, but it looks like the Hokage wants to get some field experience for Yuno and Futaba, and to have Naruto bleed off some energy with an extra mission. All of these things have some strategic importance.
"Any questions?" I ask as I finish.
"Nope!"
"No, Captain Kobayashi, ma'am!"
"No, ma'am."
"Good. Let's get this mission over and done with. Diamond formation, Uzumaki will take the rear. Azuma will be left, Nakamura right. Gather yourselves in the next ten seconds before I take off."
They do as they're told silently, and I nod with satisfaction before moving forward. They follow faithfully and we leave the Hidden Leaf at last, starting on our southwestern course. The forests are the same as ever, and a comfort in some ways. I reach out with my senses as we move, flicking my tongue out to taste the air. The familiar feedback comes to me, and everything is safe for now. We bounce through the trees for the sake of efficiency and speed, covering ground effortlessly.
"Most of these C-Ranks are similar, huh?"
"They're supposed to be low-risk in general," I answer Naruto. Making conversation at this point is alright. "I believe one of the missions you first went on was classified as such."
"Yeah. Changed in a hurry, though."
"How does a mission change rank so suddenly?" Yuno asks.
"Clients aren't always forthcoming about their circumstances. They could be doing something illegal, like hiding banned substances, or having them smuggled across the country. It could be a simple matter of desperation, since missions have different price points. Naruto there had a case where a mission that was actually an A or B-rank was sold as a C-Rank because the client lied about what was happening."
"B-Ranks bottom out at about 150,000 ryo...C-Ranks start at 30,000. That's about five times less, pretty big difference. I can see why someone would lie...still, that puts everyone in danger, doesn't it?"
"In that case, you just abort the mission and go home. It's not something difficult," Futaba says derisively. "Whoever your mission leader was, they must have been a completely irresponsible jerk."
"Hey! Kakashi-sensei might be a weirdo, but he's not as irresponsible as he looks!" Naruto shoots back.
"That's...why would someone as elite as him do something so reckless?"
"Extenuating circumstances," I answer. "This is where we make important judgement calls, depending on the situation and the facts on the ground in front of us. There will always be a chance of unexpected danger, no matter how well you plan for a mission. We have to use all of the skills at our disposal and everything we've learned in those cases. Sometimes the best option is to move forward, ahead and into the danger. This world that is oriented with individualism and wealth has one set of rules. In order to have a good career, it's best to follow them. But within ourselves, as shinobi...there is another set of rules that we discover and craft for ourselves. It is from there that we make the choice between the mission and our fellow man. You have been taught a lot in your classes and in the village about how missions should go, but it's when you're in the field for the first time that you will be able to shape the type of shinobi you will become in the future."
"Yeah...I was thinking that, too. I read about the White Fang the other day. He was a great person who ended up disgraced because of what he did," Yuno says.
"What'd that White Fang guy do?" Naruto asks.
"Instead of completing an important mission, he saved his comrades instead."
"That's awesome! But...wait. You said he got disgraced for that? Why the hell would he be disgraced?"
"Because of the Shinobi Rules," Futaba says. "Shinobi Rule Number Four: a shinobi must always put the mission first. The mission he was on was very important to the nation, and he caused it to fail. Even as the White Fang, that was unforgivable."
"Missions are important, especially high level ones the likes of Sakumo Hatake would be sent on," I explain to Naruto.
"Sakumo...Hatake? That's Kakashi-sensei's dad, isn't it? He's never really talked about him..."
"Sakumo was dishonoured," I say as we move through the trees. "By the village, by the country itself. Everyone looked down on him. Even the people he saved hated him."
"That's...so awful..."
"It is. Missions are the lifeblood of the economy. They are a village's reputation, and that means everything in this world of ours. Failures like that are intolerable, especially once they're amplified by politicians and senior shinobi. That kind of weight on your shoulders can make your mind and body deteriorate. So it was with the White Fang."
"What happened to him? I know that he must have died, but..."
"The shame was too great in the end," I say solemnly. "He had already lost his wife at a young age, and even with Kakashi to take care of...that bond wasn't enough. It crushed him completely. He committed suicide."
"..."
"It's a depressing thing..."
"Now I get it."
"Get what?" Futaba asks.
"Why Kakashi-sensei acts the way he does. He must have remembered the things his dad went through, and all the sacrifices he made. I've always wanted to be a shinobi in my own way...not just following rules and orders like everyone else. Missions come and go every day, but people don't. They're more important than any piece of paper or rule book. That's what people like the Hokage, and Kakashi-sensei, and Lili have taught me. Maybe it's foolish, but...I'd rather spend my days as a fool in that case."
I look over my shoulder to see Yuno smiling. Futaba is predictably unimpressed.
"There's always something to be said for charisma. It's part of what makes great leaders," I say.
"The stuff of great Hokage, too!"
"Indeed."
"Is that your goal, Naruto?" Yuno asks him.
"Hell yeah! I'm gonna become Hokage one day, no matter what! Bet you can't wait to see my handsome mug on the side of a mountain, eh? Hehe."
"He's got a long road to that point. Hopefully I'll be around to keep him in line," I say to them.
"I'm counting on you to show me all the secrets to being a super elite ninja, Lili!"
"Of course you are. Don't you worry, I'll get all of the basics through that thick skull of yours. Somehow."
---
We hit the first few checkpoints in short order. The ones on this route rely on four digit codes, protected by simple encryption in the notes that I have on me. Three small boxes, partially hidden in the bushes near trees. I punch the codes into the keypads, and a light blinks on to let me know that the signal is being sent.
Nothing of note has taken place. It's a boring mission so far. Boring is good for us.
We stop for lunch. Everyone starts to pull out their food, whether it's a ready to eat meal or in Naruto's case, some sort of long sandwich packed with meat.
"Where are your vegetables?" I ask.
"They're in there...somewhere..."
I slap his hand and make him put away the sandwich. "Foolish. Eat that on your own time, with a salad. I'm cooking today. That goes for the rest of you, put away those ration packs."
"Do...we usually do this?" Yuno asks as he puts away his facsimile of food.
"When you have a team, meals will vary. Most will eat what they bring with them, others like the experience of hunting and will eat on the go. Survivalists, rugged fellows. Nice folk, if a little unhinged at times."
"Heh."
"Hush, you," I say to Naruto with a playful poke. "Our team is a bit more refined, I would say. Health conscious as well. Three ladies and one gentleman, all versed in cooking of some type. And so, we have lovely meals whenever we go out together."
"Hey, I got a question. A serious one this time," Naruto says.
"Go ahead, love."
"How come your team comp is the way it is, Lili? Kinda weird, compared to what people have been telling me."
"For the sake of our audience, I will explain what our 'team comp' in this case is," I say to Yuno and Futaba. "We started out as any team fresh out of the Academy would. Three genin in a team, led by one jounin instructor. Team Eight of the Leaf."
"Hinata Hyuuga, Shino Aburame, and Kurenai Yuuhi," Yuno says.
"Correct."
"Kurenai-sensei is amazing, I think. She's stylish and really skilled...I don't think anyone in the village right now is as good as her when it comes to genjutsu. I was thinking about going down that path, but...I might become a medic instead. They're kind of in the same stream, so maybe I can do both. I have time to decide, right?"
"You do, yes. Try out what works for you, and you can always take on something else later. You're never locked into one choice for your whole life, people have been known to stumble into their passions later on as they advance in age and mature. Now, we were talking about how our team is composed. Hinata is currently still a genin, accomplished as she is. Shino is a chuunin. And I am a jounin, along with Kurenai. You can see how it looks odd against what you've been told about shinobi teams."
"Usually a genin will move on to lead their own squads. It's the same for jounin," Futaba points out. "That's what I did, and our team split up."
"I remember what Iruka-sensei said at our team selection thing, though," Naruto interrupts. "That the people we get paired with are our life and death partners and junk. We end up eating and sleeping together, going on all kinds of missions together, making bonds...how do you just split up after all that?"
"There lies the confusion," I say. "It's those bonds and experiences that lead teams to stay together for as long as the members are active. While we might get called away to do important work, like Kakashi did today, or like I am doing here, our team remains a team. Shinobi ranks change what kind of work we take on and our responsibilities. They don't determine our teammates, the people we constantly spend time with. I'm still quite young, and there's much that I can learn from Kurenai. That's why I still call her my sensei. Rank doesn't change how I treat Shino or Hinata either. They're my precious comrades that I would do most anything for, and they feel the same about me. This is all intentional...the formation of strong units that know each other inside out for the greatest synergy, containing strong and capable leaders who individually can strike on their own or lead other teams in the field."
"Whoa...crazy," Naruto says as he scratches his head. "So...you're a student, and a teammate, and a leader all at the same time..."
"My team split up too after my promotion...well, they let me move on without them. I think it was for the best," Yuno says.
"It sounds like it," Futaba says, a little too quickly.
"Well, my question's been answered! Time to eat already!" Naruto yells.
"Calm down a little. I need some time to cook. Get me some wood to use while I work on the meat."
"Heh..."
I glare at him. "Imagine being that childish. I could never relate."
"Ah, shut up. Don't walk around with a stick up your butt because we're on a mission."
"Excuse me for pointing out that you're giggling like a girl at the mere mention of...meat. You are a child. An infant."
"Listen, just 'cos I didn't swallow the dictionary or whatever when I was younger..."
"Go away already, peasant. You want to eat, get me my material. Some thick wood would be nice for my purposes...you're laughing again, aren't you."
"N-no."
"Get out of here, idiot," I scold playfully. "Be useful for once."
He blows a raspberry at me before smiling and heading into the forest.
"It's nice to have teammates you can joke around with like that," Yuno says. "Is there anything you want me to do, ma'am?"
"There's a stream some distance away. If you could gather some water for me, that would be lovely. Any herbs you spot will be a bonus, so don't press too hard. Okay?"
"Okay. I'll get to it." Yuno gets up and Futaba is barely holding back a scowl as she watches him go. There's some history between them, clearly. Perhaps it was the source of that unsubtle little comment from earlier.
Things we can explore after lunch, I suppose.
"Ma'am, ready and willing to help, ma'am." Futaba is on her feet, brown eyes focused on me as I unseal vegetables from one of my storage scrolls. Bootlicker. Between the start of the mission and now, she's already become tiresome.
"Cut those up. I'll work on the rest."
"Ma'am."
I unseal a separate scroll with the meat, and we work separately in silence.
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