Scarlet Justice [Naruto AU]

[FortePlus]

Spoiler: content warning

not really sure how to class this one, but there's a bunch of stuff in here. it's mainly violent emotional trauma, suicidal ideation, and various states of mental distress happening rapidly. some people have mentioned relating to Lili a bit through the story, so it's best to be aware. other possibly harmful things are depictions of psychological abuse and severe panic attacks. the chapter features an intense rush of these things at one point. please enjoy the chapter responsibly.

please read the content warnings just in case. thank you for your support as always.

---
Scarlet Justice - ep. 93
"Void Heart"
[Crimson, Part 2]
---

I see unnatural colour in the afternoon sky. Smoke...black, and billowing upwards.

It provides two pieces of information. One, that I'm likely not too late to make a difference. Two...that my loved ones really are in trouble right now.

"It's really no good...god damn it all."

I grit my teeth and continue to run. This should be past the half way point, even if it feels like it's been an eternity since I left the village. Midori still hasn't contacted me, so she must be working hard on solving this mystery. All I have to do is work hard and give her as much assistance as she needs. Even then...god, I feel so useless. I need to be able to do something, to make a difference that I can see. Or at least, see Emi and Luna well...

Lili, it's me.

Ane-ue! What's happened? Are they okay, are they with you?

Emi is here with me. She's managed to escape to a safe place. Luna is still inside.

Still inside?! Why, then? Why aren't you-

Lili. Slow down a moment. Be calm.

I let out a harsh breath and focus on steadying my heart. This is...maybe too much to take in. I'm losing control too often. Midori is right...I have to calm down a little.

Yes. I'm sorry...

As I said before, you don't need to apologize. You're in pain right now. I just want you to be at your best so that you can make a difference, like I know you badly want to. Tell me when you're ready and I will call you to my side.

Yes. I look down the road and take some more calming breaths. Ane-ue, I'm ready.

Good. Hold tight, now.

I feel myself become weightless for a moment before disappearing, then landing on my feet in the next moment somewhere else. The smell of smoke and burning material is intense...and along with that, far too much blood has been spilled. In front of my eyes is my old home, burning profusely. Tongues of flame reach out of windows and up the sides of structures, consuming plant life instantly and scorching everything in their paths. The mansion staff, maids and butlers, cleaners and cooks...all sorts of people are doing their best to head away from the horrific scene. Some carry their coworkers, others have collapsed, still others hobble away with broken and even missing limbs.

"Lilith?"

"Mother...Emi!" I snap out of my daze and run to her, smothering her in the warmest hug that I can give. "You're safe...thank the heavens above, you're safe..."

"I'm glad that you're safe, too...I was scared that something had happened to you as well." I release her and finally get a good look at her face. She looks worn out, completely exhausted and just starting to recover. The dress she wears is stained all over, dirt and soot and ash and blood...everything about her suggests that this has been a complete nightmare.

"Emi could only summon me outside, with the charm that I gave Luna as a present," Midori says. She must have been in the middle of something before I called. Her green hair is braided and looped at the back of her head, with a red sundress going down to her knees. Several gold bands are around her wrists, making slight sounds with her movements. "There's a barrier around the entire estate, and another one coming from the direction of my own mansion that overlaps it. We're sitting outside the effective range, but..."

She frowns and stretches her hand forward...and as she does so, smoke starts to stream from her skin.

"I can feel it. That much is an issue...the barrier was custom made to try and keep me out. Brute force is an option, but not a very good one. I know this technology. Manda used to use it to keep undesirables away. People like me." She lets out a breath and turns to me. "Luna is alive. She's inside of the mansion, and that's because she bought time for Emi to escape. One of the reasons your dear mother looks so haggard right now is because she was poisoned earlier."

"Poisoned? But then..."

"As the empress of many serpents, I hold the greatest and least traits of all of them. Countering poison is a simple matter with my blood. Emi is fine now, and that extends to the child growing inside of her. Which leaves our Luna...she's in trouble, even if I can't sense her current state at the moment."

"I'm sorry," Emi says quietly.

"I can see where Lili got that habit from. This is far from your fault, Emi. Now...we're going to make a difference, together. Luna can hold on for just a bit longer while we figure out what exactly we're up against. Please tell us what you know."

"Yes." Emi moves away some of her frazzled black hair. "Mercenaries flooded into the mansion and attacked a few hours ago. The help did what they could to try and fight back, but...it ended up being futile. There were two leaders that could not be stopped, no matter what anyone attempted. Extremely...strong shinobi." She pauses and takes a breath in. "They are still inside. The two targets were definitely myself and Luna. For a while, we were separated. Everyone did their best to protect me, and I tried to draw on my training. But because of the poison, I was weak and slow. I...saw Sara..."

I take Emi's hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

"She...gave me time to escape upstairs and find Luna. But because she was singled out for her fighting skill by one of the mercenary leaders...she was killed. Along with so many others. Just...slaughtered senselessly. She sniffles. "Luna and I reunited. She defended me against one of the murderers, and fended him off long enough so that we could head to the top floor. After that, she gave me her charm and then used herself as a distraction, fighting off those two men...even if she was at a disadvantage. I made it to one of the windows and ran until I could see the charm glowing. And after calling Midoriko..."

"We've arrived at this moment," Midori finishes. "The two men, those leaders...what can you tell us about them?"

"Yes. There was...a giant with strange eyes, and a covering over the lower half of his face. He had a headband, like the one Lili wears. But there was a large line going across it. The other man was a serial killer, someone truly insane. He carried a giant scythe, with three blades. I...I saw Luna cut him during their brief fight, and he didn't even react. He...looked like he was immortal."

"An immortal...that's hard to believe, even for me. Do you have more details?"

"Yes. He...he kept screaming about a Lord Jashin. And sacrifices. I-I didn't catch...wait, no. I did. I did hear his name, from the other man. It was Hidan."

"Hidan...I don't know that name. But I know of Jashin...he is real, but he is the furthest thing from a god, I can assure you of that. And the name of the other?"

"It was...Kakuzu."

"A giant?" I ask. "That boy...the messenger from earlier. He mentioned such a person. It confirms that this entire siege was planned out, and by someone with an intimate knowledge of the mansion and its inhabitants."

"Kakuzu...I wouldn't know that name either," Midori says. "But if they have such strange abilities..."

"T-there were strange monsters with masks...they had many black threads coming from them," Emi says.

"Thread monsters with masks...very serious, indeed. They may be immortals yet, in at least one sense. Luna...we need to go in and rescue her, but once we enter this barrier we can only retreat manually. No space-time techniques of any kind will be permitted, based on what Emi had to go through earlier. So fighting head-on will be the only answer."

"I don't like the idea of you going inside, Ane-ue," I say. "If the barrier causes you trouble from out here, it's more than likely that the pressure will increase the closer you get to the source."

"That much is true. I suspected it myself. There's not much time, as much as we've been able to conference. Our first step needs to be finding the location where the barrier is being projected from. It's likely guarded, or on the person of one of the two mercenaries inside. This will also result in Luna being strengthened, since she has an array of snake arts that I've taught her."

"Buying her more time and a chance to escape to us," I say.

"Yes. There is another option that will save time...it's to head straight in and defeat the two main attackers as fast as we can. But as we've outlined, it's extremely risky like this."

"You also mentioned the possibility of traps. Ane-ue, I think it would be best if you moved to locate the barrier. This means that you can also watch out for my mother at the same time. Luna...if she's well enough, then we should be able to team up and at least exit the mansion promptly, giving us an extra pair of hands to work with. I won't be affected by the barrier in the same way that you are."

"And you're strong enough on your own. Yes, that seems like a very sensible plan..."

I can hear something distant in the next moment. That...was a scream. I know that voice...

"T-that was..." Emi clasps her hands together.

"Luna." Whatever fear I had left has been replaced with anger. My blood is boiling. "Ane-ue..."

"Go. Make them regret their existence."

"I promise you. I will."

"Emi, stay here for now. You will be safe...I have things that I need to take care of."

"Yes. Midoriko, Lilith...please be safe, both of you. Come back to me."

"Yes, Mother. We will," I assure her. In the next moment, I accelerate forward, past the looming front gates and to the mansion entrance. I kick open the closed front door, sending it flying off its hinges. A veil of smoke greets me as I use my extra senses to survey the area. The last of the staff is clearing the mansion, leaving four other presences in the main foyer as I walk forward. It seems the fire has been suppressed here...

"..."

The smoke starts to clear, and light properly fills the ruined space around us. My chest burns hot as I see the scene in front of me.

"Luna...?"

"Miss...Lili..."

"Damn it all...you trash, you're in my way!" I yell. My legs tense and I flicker forward to grab Luna, scooping her up before anyone can react and sliding towards the foyer's rear exit.

"Is...is Emi...Midori...?"

"Please, Luna. You don't have to worry anymore. They're both safe...both of them are safe. It's alright..." She's pale and trembling in my arms, doing her best to stop crying. These monsters have beaten her...hurt her just for sport, enjoying themselves all the while. I can't stand it, seeing her hurt like this, her lovely face in ruins with cuts and bruises. This isn't fair...none of this is fair! She never deserved any of this!

"Safe...it's good...happy..."

"Luna..."

"I knew you...would come to us. I...love you."

"I love you too, Luna."

"I...have to stand..."

"You shouldn't."

"I need to in...case we want to run..." She lets herself down and tries to stand, only to start falling over. I catch her and gently set her on the ground.

"You've done more than enough, Luna. You have to stay here...I'll figure this out. Midori-nee is working on removing the barrier. Once that happens, we're home free."

"Yes..."

I fight back my tears and stand again, turning to face the three men in front of me. There's a strange black creature made of threads...one of the monsters that Emi mentioned. It moves towards the largest man in the room, the giant with the slashed headband. I can see that the symbol is that of the Hidden Waterfall, a minor village to the north of Fire Country...the creature disappears beneath the man's robes and doesn't reemerge. Robes that are black, with red clouds on them.

Itachi's current colleagues...these men are from Akatsuki.

The giant is Kakuzu. And the man with torn robes exposing his cut-up chest must be Hidan, the religious zealot who murders in the name of his false god. Both of his arms...have stitches going around them. Almost like his arms were sewn on at the elbows.

"..."

If he truly is someone that cannot die, then he must be the most dangerous. He slicks back his silver hair and brandishes his triple-bladed scythe at me.

"Oi...is this the bitch daughter that was supposed to show up? This fucking midget? I think we got paid a bit too much for this job, not that I give a shit," he says.

But I can barely hear him. Because my eyes are locked onto the man standing in front of them both. A person that was in the back of my mind, that I considered, to my shame...but never wished to be the culprit. Someone I know. Someone who knows me. Someone who would know about Luna, and Emi, and Midori...on a level that nobody else in this world, aside from me, would.

A person who chose to betray everyone he came in contact with.

A person who sent me to ruin, over and over and over again.

A person. A man. The one who helped give me life. The man who named me, but never once gave me a name.

I know this man. Leonidas Rothschild. My father.

At this moment, I can't see anything else. I can only...try to process this scene in front of me. The smell of burning. Everything...burning. All of the blood that fills my nose, from innocent people who didn't deserve any of this. Luna's heavy breathing from behind me, as she suffers quietly. I hardly know what to do anymore.

He looks the same as ever. Blonde hair, swept to the left. Blue eyes. An immaculate black suit, complete with leather shoes that have been polished to a mirror shine. He looks down on me, in the same way that he always did. Disappointed. Disdainful. Making me feel like I'm unimportant, like I'm useless. Those feelings, those memories come flooding back. All I can do is...ask.

"Why did...you do this?" My voice is weaker than I hoped it would be. I'm trembling slightly. I look into his eyes for understanding, but...there's nothing there to find. I feel a fear start to rise inside of me.

"The reasons are not complex. I simply saw an opportunity to correct...certain mistakes that I made in the past."

"Mistakes...is that how you saw Luna? How you saw Emi, and your unborn child?"

He says nothing, but his gaze tells me enough. I remember Hidan's outburst...they were expecting me. That letter was more than just taunting, it was bait for this moment.

"So...it wasn't just them, then," I conclude. "It's as I thought."

"..."

"I really...was your biggest regret, wasn't I."

"If that's what you think of yourself, then it must be so."

The words burn. But they're not...the worst that I've heard from him. I can endure it. I can still...still...

"I...I was never meant to be born. I was always just Lilith to you. I was never your daughter...I was never your child. Even though I tried so hard, every single day. I could never get away from it all. I despised you, but I always craved your attention. I wanted your affection, even as much as I would speak bitterly of you. I kept searching and searching for you, even though I knew in my heart that you would simply push me away. I thought that maybe, just maybe...you saw something beneath this red hair, beyond these amber eyes of mine. I thought that...despite everything that came between us...you would always be my father."

"I see." He...he really doesn't care. Standing in front of me, like this...I'm nothing to him.

I have been trying, this entire time, to detach myself. To put my emotions to the side, to focus. But after all of this, after the pain and the worry and the hurt...to find that my father was behind all of it, and worse, that he doesn't even care...

I...can't take it.

I'm crying.

"Mommy? Did I do something wrong? Does Daddy love me?"

"Oh, darling. Of course he does. No father in this world would truly hate their own child."

No father...would do such a thing. Mom told me that. She must have believed it, and I did as well. That's why I kept chasing, why I kept reaching for him. But...she was wrong, and so was I. I've found the man who would plunge his own daughter into darkness. I never wanted...this.

"You're crying...I suppose that only makes sense."

I sniffle and look up at him.

"You will always be a pathetic little girl, no matter how much training you do. No matter how many techniques you learn, or how strong you might get. You will always be this weak when it matters most."

I shake my head. "Please...don't do this. I was in love with you. I still love you, Daddy..."

"..."

"Even when I never saw your face...I prayed for your safety. I made wishes on every falling star I saw. You were always my Daddy, my Papa. How could I hate you? Even when you hurt me, I forgave you, I hoped against hope, I did everything I could to protect you. I tried my best to be a good girl, because I thought it would make you proud and happy."

"What is it that you want, Lilith? Use your words for once in your life," he says with anger.

"I want you to stop this!" I scream. "I want you to stop this, and turn yourself in! I want you to send those men away, and call off this madness! Maybe the blood on your hands can't be erased, but we won't know until we try! It's enough...you've proven your point, alright? Please, don't make me turn away from you. I don't want it. I don't want to lose you, even if it sounds terrible and pathetic. I never cared about the world, about what it thinks. I can accept you, I can love you as you are, and hope that you will change."

"..."

"Please...Papa." I reach out towards him. "I don't want to go. I don't want to leave you here. If we continue, like this...we will end up in a place that we can't come back from. I'll take on everyone's anger, on everyone's suffering for your sake. I can do it...I'll do it for you. Mom...it's what Mom would want. You're...my family. Let me save you. Let me help. Please..."

"..." He keeps looking at me, silent.

"Please. Daddy, say something. Come with me," I plead through my tears. "I'll pay the price. I'll do whatever it takes..."

"Begging...even now. This is the person you are. Just like your mother, then."

I feel myself shrinking further under his gaze. He sighs and shakes his head.

"I suppose that I was right from the start, and that it couldn't be helped. Something that couldn't be changed, no matter if the gods willed it themselves."

"Papa...?"

"I was right...you are a mistake, Lilith."

I can't...can't feel anything. My chest...my chest is...hollow.

The words won't come out of my mouth. Crying...I can't stop crying. I can't stop...shaking.

Why was it...those words. Five of them. Bringing me to ruin. I've never known such despair in my life. I want to die. I want to die. I want to die.

Why didn't he just...kill me...

"You two. Deal with her. That observation Hidan made may have been astute after all...but paying this amount to rid myself of troublesome issues like this is a bargain, at any level. The snake woman might be skulking around, so keep that in mind with everything else."

I'm...it's hard to breathe.

"Lili...have to...snap out of it...Lili..."

I can't see anything through these tears. Footsteps...coming closer.

"I'll handle her, Hidan. You go take care of the other problem. I have a feeling they're going to be clever and try to take down the barrier."

"Ah, yeah. Alright, I guess I'll go have a look. Wouldn't be much fun disembowelling a little girl, anyways. Hey, leave the body intact at least, yeah? Been a while since I could get any virgin girls for Lord Jashin's rituals..."

"Papa...please..."

My hand reaches for him as he turns and walks away.

"Please...it's not true...it's not..."

But my words...

---

...betray me.

---

I can no longer see the real world. My mind has faded to darkness. I am a sobbing, shambling wreck, a doll with her strings cut. That blow to my heart was something that I thought I could prepare for, but it was always futile.

I never wanted to hear those words come from him. I never wanted to accept that reality.

And because of that, I have fallen to pieces.

I know that the giant is lumbering towards me. That my father wants to see me and Luna dead, along with everyone else that I love. I know that I have to wake up, that I have to get moving in order to defend myself. But knowing and doing are two different things.

I am on the edge of a cliff. A golem that reaches towards the sky is at my back, walking closer and closer, erasing the land in front of it with each step. It will come. It will reach me. And it will crush me. That will be the end of it all. That will be the end of my life, of the suffering inside of my head. It will be the end of disappointing my father. The end of letting down everyone that I ever knew.

It wasn't supposed to hurt this much.

And in front of me, is the dark and cold abyss. That darkness, the same that exists inside of every shinobi. The place where, if they enter, they will never leave. Becoming the most hardened killers. Machines. People with singular purposes, who have no place in this world or any once their tasks are complete. Their mortal flesh slowly rots away until they become the void itself. Consumed.

I thought I was over him. I thought I was over everything that he said and did. I thought that I was stronger than this. But I was wrong. Because he's my father. He still is. Even now.

I can't get rid of these feelings for him and about him. I always wanted him to love me back. I longed for nothing else from him. I have crafted myself into a fine shinobi. Into a beautiful weapon. But that is not all that I am. I...wanted to be with my family. I didn't want Mom to die. I wanted to save her, but I was too small, I was too weak. And when my father took me into the void, I wanted to save him too. I wanted to protect him...but I still wasn't strong enough. I never wanted him to be sad, to be lonely like this. I didn't want...any of this.

I don't want to be scared.

I don't want to hurt any more.

The earth beneath me shakes as the golem comes closer. The end is coming. It's so close. What if I...if I just...

"..."

I feel...empty. Completely drained of all essence, in this moment. And it is now that I understand.

I know...what I must do.

I have lost a bond. I have had it severed violently. It's breaking me apart, but I still...can go on. I remember that there is hope...because I gave light to someone like this before.

"You don't have to remain where you are for the rest of your life."

I said...those words to Gaara. I believed in them then...I will believe in them now.

I...will believe in the person I have become. The person I became in spite of my father. In spite...of that man who called himself my father once before. This place, the cliff...it's the barrier between my conscious self and the void. It's what keeps my emotions flowing, what gives me my humanity. And the abyss below...that place is where I would fully transform into a weapon, into the shinobi of many nightmares that kill and murder without a second thought once ordered to.

I see it now.

I look back at the golem advancing once more before stepping forward. My feet take me into open space. I fall, and I land in the pitch black world without a sound. A sharp pain forms in my chest as I feel myself sinking, deeper and deeper with each passing moment.

The conscious self exists within every shinobi. Not even Gaara, the boy who was once an intense, ruthless killer, could escape it fully. He needed to stay afloat in the void. He needed an anchor, so he clung to love of himself and those hateful memories. He, with all of the hatred in his heart, could not fully destroy himself. He could not ever truly become the weapon he was meant to be.

But we are not the same.

I spread my arms wide. I open my mouth.

And I inhale.

---

"Humanity...is something fragile and precious."

"Yes. I know that very well."

"There will come a time where you will have to ascend beyond it, Lili. When that time comes...the choice you make will be permanent."

"Ane-ue...I'm not afraid. I know that I will still have love within myself, and because of that, I can overcome anything."

I remember her proud smile.

"Remember those words. You're my brilliant little sister...the girl who can do anything."

---

My sister said that I could become anything I wanted.

So here and now, I will become the perfect weapon.

I have swallowed the void. I have taken it into myself. I have become one with the darkness itself, and it flows through me. Emotion. Feeling. Wants, desires. All of it, gone. My mind is tuned to one thing, and one thing only. This objective.

I will destroy every enemy in my sight.

The pain of loss and despair was the final key. A once fragile human, her pieces gathered and reunited.

I am strength.

I am power.

I am whole.

I am the weapon who will cut through the darkness and deliver righteous justice.

I am the world serpent who will release her tail from her jaws and consume her enemies.

The world will bear witness to me, and it will tremble. I am terror herself.

I am she, the Crimson Nightmare.

---

My vision changes once more.

"Lili...!"

Luna calls to me, but she does not need to fear anything any longer. I see the giant called Kakuzu raise a fist, the colour changing from that of darkened flesh to a pitch black.

He pays me no attention. I make my presence known. I speak.

"It will not be as simple as you hoped for, mercenary."

"!"

I jump and flare up my chakra mode, launching a spinning kick that drives the larger man back onto his heels. He slides across the floor, fragments of rock falling downwards from his desperate, last moment guard.

An Earth release technique. How fortuitous.

"Imagine that...seems that you've finally shown up to battle," Kakuzu says. "But you won't get far against me. Not from what I've seen already, daddy's girl."

"Daddy's girl...you mistake me for someone else," I say tonelessly. My voice is calm, even, constant. There is no longer a waver. I do not hesitate. "I have no father."

"..."

Leonidas Rothschild stares at me from the background. I look at him and feel...nothing. My thoughts are quiet. My mind is clear and focused. I can see every movement, every strategy and plan, every action that I want and need to take. Everything else has truly been erased. I feel no fear. I feel no pain. There is no lust for battle, no excitement. I am in a perfect, unshakable state.

I am the shinobi of dreams and of nightmares. One who exists beyond the bounds of humanity itself.

This man with strange abilities...I will put an end to him. And then I will deal with that man standing behind him.

"You have dared to hurt my mother. You laid your filthy hands on my precious Luna. And you conspired to hurt my beloved elder sister. Your sins are numerous, and unforgivable. Thus, your sentence is death."

"Really, now. Come and deliver that sentence if you can, brat," Kakuzu says.

I plant my feet and activate the chakra mode once more.

"I will keep my promise to Ane-ue. I will make you regret your very existence, old man."

 

[Cyan Snake]

Sigh... Didn't she already give up on her father ever feeling anything but disappointment towards her? Why is she taking this so hard when she already knew that he doesn't care for anyone but himself?

 

[w34v3r]

Accepting something logically at a remove is different from having it viscerally, and directly in your face during a time of extant emotional high.

 

[JamesEye]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Luna! Betrayal! Acesnsion??!!

So damn action packed and emotionally packed.

Release the beast within Lilith!


Thanks for this

 

[FortePlus]

Spoiler: cw: bad things

uh. murder happens near the end of the chapter. it's not a particularly good thing. it's not shinobi on shinobi violence. there's also blood and stuff, and instances of graphic violence. but the big thing is killing happens and yeah. as always be careful when reading. things are pretty tense and intense so.

also there's esoteric japanese attack names in this chapter because I'm a huge weeb also I'm very uninterested in using ruby text right now.
enjoy.
---
Scarlet Justice - ep. 94
"Caroline"
[Crimson, Part 3]
---

"You're a little on the dangerous side, so I'll try to end this quickly. Anyone who has managed to learn a chakra mode like that should be taken at least a little seriously."

Kakuzu unclips his robe and tosses it away. There's a rumbling coming from his body and suddenly masses of black threads explode from his back, forming into distinct, almost humanoid shapes. These are the thread monsters mentioned earlier by Emi, all wearing a different type of mask. Two of them have decided to appear at Kakuzu's command.

With my senses tuned sharply, I can feel the chakra natures before even seeing them. The tiger-like mask charges flame, while the one with a beak and four legs charges wind. A large scale attack, then. Luna will be killed if I fail to neutralize it. Therefore, I must make an impact in the fastest possible time. I make seals quickly and gather water into my mouth.

"Disappear. Jiongu: Kimen no Bakuen."

"Suiton: Bakusui Shouha."

"!"

I breathe out and spit the water against the floor below me, cracking tiles from the pressure. It rebounds just as I planned out, creating a high and dense wave that continuously smothers the incoming flames. The chakra cost will be high for this single usage; I will have to adjust accordingly once this sequence has been completed. However, I still have more than enough chakra at this juncture to take down this opponent and any others that might come by. There is a high amount of heat coming from the clashing techniques. Thick steam has formed. Visibility will be low temporarily. Kakuzu may or may not be a sensor type, but it seems unlikely that he is. Theory must be tested.

"You really are a handful. Mister Rothschild...I wonder if you've miscalculated when it comes to that daughter of yours," I hear the old man say.

"..."

There is no reply. That man must be nervous by now.

"Luna-nee. Please follow my instructions post-haste," I say with no tone.

"Yes..."

"There will be no time to get to the door, and no chance that you evade Leonidas Rothschild in your current state. Please ascend the nearby staircase to a higher level, one floor above us. I will be able to monitor and defend you efficiently from that position."

"Will..."

"There is no need to worry about me. Your concern is noted, but ultimately unnecessary. My apologies."

"Y-yes...I'll go."

"Thank you. I will finish this battle expeditiously and return to you in good health. Ane-ue is presently locating the barrier in order to disable it. We will place our trust in her."

"Yes. Good...luck, Lili."

"Understood. Please ascend to your position, Luna-nee."

She gets up with my help and hobbles towards the nearby staircase that sits in the middle of the foyer. Grand and majestic in nature, it has survived the earlier fires and assaults with minimal damage. I will be able to make the fastest assessments with Luna in that position. Calculations will be readjusted.

"Crimson Depths, activation," I say to myself. The tracking technique is now active. Pain inhibition will be a boon. In this state, I can see the colours of chakra and the way it flows. This must be because of the mental alterations that came with the current transformation. Information processing has been improved. This is a positive development. The mask creatures orbit around Kakuzu. They seem to be limited by sight and sound, as is he. Each creature contains its own chakra. There are also...three more sources inside of Kakuzu himself. More creatures, for a total of five. No...I misunderstood. Four, including his own heart which I can see in the usual position. But the mask creatures have the same sort of circulation running through them, much like they are hearts of their own. I see now, along with the differing colours of chakra.

This is his secret.

Each heart has a different element. Fire. Water. Earth. Wind. Lightning. He can make use of any of them at any time he wants, and he can have them separate from him as he is doing now, leaving them free to attack with powerful techniques. Combinations of many kinds. Pressure tactics. Ambushes. And his body...there are many stitches all over, most notably on his arms which are split into segments. He must be able to expand his body parts with the threads and subsequently sew himself back together. This can also be done for others - the explanation of the origin of Hidan's strange arm patterns. I see. Luna decisively defeated Hidan, only to be ambushed by Kakuzu. Kakuzu then used his unique ability and Hidan's special physiology to sew the latter's arms back into place, allowing him to move and fight at full capacity again.

A truly despicable ability. No human could stand properly against this combination of immortals. It means that it was good that they separated. I will be able to properly conserve energy if I only have to deal with one of these men. Kakuzu is clearly the stronger one. Midori will therefore be able to crush the other, even if her efficiency is diminished by the barrier.

Kakuzu. With access to five hearts, and the ability to remove and install them inside himself, I must destroy them all. Thus, in effect I will be killing him five times. It is not lost on me that my old self, as Lili, would be immensely excited at this prospect. A divine hunt that would tickle the senses and extract the maximum amount of pleasure from an encounter. Something that would be classed as 'severe bullying'. However, that part of myself has been sealed away, possibly permanently. I must evaluate this upon conclusion of this battle.

The immediate dangers have passed. Luna is safe, and I have neutralized the combination technique. I have not used many arts yet, including my signature one. This is another advantage that I will use to crush my opponent.

"Lightning and Water...it seems we have a prodigy here," Kakuzu says as the steam finishes clearing. "But you're a hundred years too early to think about getting one over on me."

"A hundred years. Your taunt is very specific," I retort.

"A cheeky little Leaf brat. You remind me a little of the first shinobi I fought...someone you might have heard of named Hashirama Senju."

"The Founder. I see. So you have lived a long time. I suppose that information was supposed to intimidate me, and force me into making several hasty mistakes. You assume that with your advanced age, you will have a significant tactical and strategic advantage over me. It would be a fair assumption to make in most situations."

"You've got a mouth on you."

"I wish to know if you are truly an immortal. You and your partner."

"Hmph. There's no such thing as immortals in this world. I simply take the hearts of others before my own expires. That is how I can live longer. Yours seems potent enough, with that advanced lightning technique. I'll take that, along with the little maid's."

"You continue to utter profanities and conspire against me. Your punishment must be more severe," I say. "Your life is forfeit, along with the ones you have stolen to progress through the ages."

I will make him guess my intent. He likely has made certain assumptions about my attacking style, based on his years of experience. I will take his base of knowledge and twist it to use against him. I move forward with a body flicker and signal an attack subtly. The first move he makes is to form the black armour by hardening his skin once more. As proven before, it is an Earth-based technique, weak against Lightning. He has calculated that he can at least absorb some impact even with the disadvantage.

He will suffer for that assumption.

I jump towards him before bouncing through the air, defying his expectations. The brief appearance of water beneath my feet allows me to flip myself over as I charge my attack in my right hand. I float over his head and aim while upside down, putting the most troublesome of the mask creatures in my sights before it can react.

"Raiton: Moebius."

The blast is precise. It punches through the head of the wind creature, taking pieces out of its mask on the other side. My body twists at my command, and I line up another burst before firing. Kakuzu's body rotates, seemingly on instinct, and it causes my attack to miss the vital area I was aiming for by inches. It seems his battle experience was fruitful in that instance. I land properly and reset my position, facing the old man squarely. His face is slightly distorted in anger.

"I see. It looks like I will have to end this quickly."

"You seem unamused now. Was the earlier display of confidence simply a front?" Psychological attacks will have increased effect. I have successfully removed twenty percent of his battle capacity. The animal mask clatters to the floor ahead, and the monster lets out a wail before melting into a mess of black threads. Kakuzu stretches a hand out and the threads return to him, flowing beneath his flesh before he settles again.

"I have no idea how or where a little girl like you obtained these abilities, but it's getting bothersome. Now I really will have to take at least one of your hearts before I leave. I won't waste any more time or resources on you."

"A very bold claim to make. Unsubstantiated. Very rude as well. You underestimated me multiple times in the past few minutes. You carry much in the way of arrogance because of your advanced age. Living a long life does not entitle you to respect."

"No more games." A multitude of threads starts to emerge from his body, some shooting upwards and making him look like a potted plant. They come from his mouth as the covering falls away, and cause his arms to become segmented, held together by the mentioned masses of tentacles.

He looks very similar to a rag doll, with stuffing that has started to seep out after years of use and abuse. It is fitting in a way for this tired and tormented old man, who spends much in the way of time stitching himself and others back together again.

I have ruined his strategic endeavours with the last attack; he would seek to replace a more expendable mask, such as the water one he is sure to have on his person, in order to preserve his ability to use the combination of wind and fire for a devastating attack. But I have thwarted him. He fuses the fire and lightning masks to his shoulders. This new scheme has already been deciphered.

He means to use the lightning mask to disable my techniques of the same nature, while capitalizing with the fire mask. Simple. His boasting of battle experience was merely the barking of a wild dog. A plan with so few dimensions cannot hope to succeed. I will prove it quickly.

"Come on. Your luck is going to run out soon, brat."

"So you say. I will fulfill your request, old man. Be ready."

He growls before having the lightning mask fire its attack.

"Raiton: Gian!"

I track the attack and step swiftly to one side, dodging the bolt of lightning easily. So he also knows False Darkness. Very fascinating. It is quite a useful technique, which is why he stole the heart of the shinobi who made use of it in life. If he hopes to use me as a replacement, I will have to disappoint him. The next attack comes, splitting itself into three jagged bolts. I weave seals and open my mouth.

"Raiton: Gian."

"What-!"

My attack takes on the same form, the three bolts of lightning meeting his. A bright flash of light appears as the attacks clash against each other before disappearing.

"This...is ridiculous. It ends now..."

"I promised to fulfill your request. Here I come, mercenary."

"Tch...!"

I burst forward and violently slide to a stop in front of Kakuzu, just as he has the fire mask start to attack. My body shifts to one side before I accelerate again, evading the jet of flame. My energy is stable and in a good place. It should be a good time to pull the trigger on my next move.

"Full Boost, activate."

The red sparks fill my vision briefly before clearing. I dodge another burst of flame and circle Kakuzu before advancing, timing myself along with his quick turn. He launches several of the threads at me and hits nothing but air as I pass by. My feet push against the ground and I body flicker behind him before he can react.

"Shit...!"

My aim is true. I fire Mobius and obliterate his heart before the threads can reach me. I skip backwards before sliding to a stop against the worn and damaged tile. Kakuzu lurches for a moment before I see his hearts switch places. The water element mask emerges from his body and wails loudly like the last, the animal mask crumbling to pieces while the threads melt back into Kakuzu.

"No. No...for this to happen. Losing two of my hearts...to a damned child like this." He is seething with anger as he looks at me. "You little bitch..."

"I warned you. Over and over. You will pay for your sins. You will not escape me. Are you frustrated? Do I frighten you?"

"You...you little...!"

"Come. Show me the extent of your rage, Akatsuki. I will show you the extent of my function in return," I say calmly.

"You had better wrap this up."

Leonidas Rothschild emerges from the shadows with a steel implement in hand. I wonder what plans he has for its use. My disassociation from him at current is...quite complicated. I will resolve it at the conclusion of this battle, as planned.

"The barrier is down. It looks like the snake woman has foiled our cunning plan, and is on her way to invade this clubhouse of ours. A shame," he says, sounding amused. "I was enjoying this display. What my daughter lacks in mental fortitude, she makes up for in battle prowess. Those dance classes were not a complete waste after all. Kakuzu...unless you're feeling confident, you should leave and take your zealot friend with you. Unless your quest for human hearts is more important."

"I'm going to finish this job," Kakuzu replies with malice. "Now...it's a matter of personal pride. I won't let this bitch get away with mocking me and destroying two of my hearts. You said you wanted them dead. Customer satisfaction is what I do."

"I see. Very well, then. If you could make it quick, another generous bonus will be added to your pay." Still smug and confident, despite this recent setback. I try to figure out if there is something he knows that would give him an immediate advantage. Nothing comes to mind. Must investigate later.

This news means that Emi and Midori should be safe, and Luna will be able to help herself with summons. This extends to me as well, though I will not have any use for them with regards to finishing this battle.

"You're dead." Kakuzu transforms further. His headgear falls off, revealing a head of thick, shaggy brown hair. More threads emerge from his stitched-up mouth, merging with the others as they take the form of massive, compacted limbs, like that of a spider. And his chakra is building, spreading through the threads and the rest of his body. Reinforcement against attacks that might come his way. Prudent.

Ultimately futile.

"I recall a promise I made to a certain someone. Someone I shed tears for, because of the pain that he went through for the sake of a world that continues to reject him. I will keep my promise to him as well."

"What are you yammering on about?!" Kakuzu roars. His control is slipping.

"Because you are Akatsuki, I absolutely cannot let you escape. Even on a whim. I will take measures to end this strife where we stand."

"Shut your damned mouth...go ahead and die!"

The threads move and converge on my position, all of them meaning to crush and skewer me. The chakra mode activates once more in a torrent of red, just as the space around me is thrown into darkness. I easily push backwards with one foot and evade his attack completely, leaving him attack to plow into the floor ahead of my position.

"You...! I won't...let you...! GrrraaaaAAAAAH!"

He is no longer in control. His anger has consumed him. The threads reach for me as we move, and I step back and forth to dodge each of his attacks. They are not very fast, considering the circumstances. A stream of flame comes from the fire mask and I swiftly move under it, back into the immediate range of his threads.

"You're mine, brat!"

"Tragic." I focus my chakra into both hands and slide under the mass of threads as they try to crush me. My hands move upward and I take advantage of the new opening. "Moebius: Kouzokuhou."

I fire and hit my targets precisely. The masks on his shoulders shatter into pieces.

"You...DAMN YOU!" His head swivels to one side, and I already know the exact place he is going to aim for next. I shoot forward towards the staircase and gather chakra into my hands. Energy consumption is now the least of my concerns. I will take every measure to keep my loved one safe.

"Twin Drive System, activation."

"DIE!"

The threads shoot straight at Luna, who has already braced for impact. I stop in front of her and swing my hands out toward the incoming attacks.

"Moebius Sankata: Epyon Futago."

The blades fire out from my fingertips as they move, cutting away the masses of threads as soon as they arrive. Luna's heart is beating fast, but she is safe. It means that I can put an end to this once and for all. My body tenses briefly and I use a body flicker to clear the stairs, ending up in front of Kakuzu before he can register my presence.

"Your time is up, mercenary."

"!"

I jump and cover my arm in lightning chakra before plunging it into his chest. He freezes before he and his threads go limp, coming down to his knees as I stand with my hand around his beating heart. He is powerless. This fight is over, and soon his life will be extinguished by my hand.

"This is im...possible...to be beaten by...a child..."

"..."

"How...how did someone like you get so...strong. Not even...that Shodai Hokage..."

"I was born with this hidden gift," I reply plainly. "From the moment I entered this world, the strength you see here was inside of my body. All that I needed was a means to bring it to the surface. But to call me a child...you are mistaken, old man. I have not been a child for many years now. My innocence was crushed and swallowed by the darkness of this world."

"Nonsense..." He tries to move and I surge lightning through my hand in response, making him shudder uncontrollably.

"Nonsense. Is that your conclusion, with your years of experience and worldliness? Intriguing, if true. I am sorry that you feel this way. Especially since you stole the lives of many to continually fuel your own. Coming to that conclusion is, in a word, pathetic."

He coughs violently. "What...exactly are you..."

"I am the Crimson Nightmare herself. The one who will devour this world in her jaws at the promised time."

He finds the strength to laugh bitterly, looking down on me. "You think yourself...a god? Foolish. There is a man called god among us that I answer to...you may be strong, but you are nothing compared to him..."

I tighten my grip around his heart. "How many times do I have to teach you this lesson, old man. You continue to blaspheme against me. Do not talk to me about gods in this world. I am the envoy of heaven, the one who was gifted the title of Bushin by the blessed mother wolf of the frozen forest. I have seen the shining fields of Almighty God. I am she who has touched the heavenly plain itself, and absorbed its essence."

"What...no. Itachi's...inane ramblings...you're the one he...?"

"I tire of you and your insolence. The strife ends here. The evil is defeated. Fare thee well, false immortal."

I squeeze and crush his heart in my hand. He groans quietly before starting to slump forward, and I withdraw my blood-soaked hand to let him fall over. Blood starts to spread around him, his black threads lying limply in heaps and surrounding his corpse.

"It is done."

My head turns toward the remaining belligerent. He walks a short distance with the steel object in his hands before coming to a stop.

"Well? You've won. What will you do now, Lilith?"

"Leonidas...your ambitions are over. Stop trying to torment her," Luna says as she slowly descends the staircase. Two snakes are coiled around her arms, and even with one eye swollen shut, she is determined to protect me.

"Luna-nee. I will handle this from here on."

"I can't...say that is a wise decision, Lili. Even if you are resolved now...you still..."

"I realize that. But I must make this decision on my own. If there is a means of stopping him, I will find it. However, he is still a hostile at this moment in time."

"A hostile? What happened to me being family? Your precious Daddy?" Leonidas taunts. "Are you just going to pick and choose who you kill? A hypocrite, just your dear mother."

I can leave him alone.

I can run away with Luna, and leave things where they are now. I can end this by doing nothing at all. And my heart is telling me that this is what I should do. That it is the correct option.

But that will not be enough.

He will do this again. As many times as it takes. He will aim for the people that I love and cherish. He will go back to Akatsuki with his resources, he will hire more assassins, he will burn down our homes. He will torment my loved ones. Not just this family of mine...Hina, and Shino, and Kurenai. Ino, Erika, Naruto. Hanabi and Nami. Kakashi, Ruki. More and more people. Every connection I have. If he finds out about Temari, or Aiko, or Ittan...that sort of reach. That sort of terror over every inch of my existence. He will do everything he can to try and kill me. Over and over. And over. And over. And over.

This man is a part of me. He always will be, no matter how much it hurts to know. And it's for that reason...this must be resolved here. He must be cleansed. He has to start changing. Even after he shattered me, I still...irrationally, want to see him change. He is my father. I deny him, but it's the truth.

Even so, I have been awakened to reality.

I cannot feel myself tremble. I have no wavering within myself. I know and understand the objective that I set at the start of this conflict. The moment he becomes a threat, I will erase him. It will be the only thing that makes sense. He stands before me, supremely confident. Making the assumption that I still held tightly to the humanity that made me shed tears for him before. His expectation is that I will falter again, that I will break down and cry in the same manner as before. Perhaps if I was anything like the Lili that entered this mansion today...but at this moment, I have sealed all of the unnecessary parts of myself away in order to focus on the earlier battle.

My emotions are swirling in the space surrounding my head. Violent and heavy, they demand more energy to manage than I could possibly spare. I understand where the limit is now. Perhaps this is the last movement before I experience another change...if I am not already broken beyond repair.

I can only focus on the here and now. I am an assassin. Thus, I will default to my function.

"Leonidas Rothschild. You will stand down and surrender yourself immediately."

"I am not going to do anything like that. And you will not make me do anything like that, Lilith." He starts to walk towards us.

"Leonidas...stop this at once," Luna says.

"I tire of you and your insolence, Daidouji. In fact, I tire of all of you. Of your whore mistress who calls herself my wife. Of your degenerate fiancee who has stuck herself into my affairs. Of this worthless brat who dogs me at every turn, who has been nothing but a burden for as long as I have known her."

"You are scum."

"That is a compliment coming from the likes of you."

"Leonidas Rothschild," I repeat. "I do not care about your assessments of me, or of my loved ones. You will stand down and surrender yourself. Severe consequences will follow if you fail to comply."

"You really have some nerve," he says as he continues walking. He refuses to stop.

My function is...to eliminate the threats to my loved ones. What is my father to me...in this moment?

What is my family?

"Father. This madness must cease," I say. He finally pauses, now ten feet away from me.

"Father? Is that what you still think?" He chuckles and shakes his head. "And here I thought you ascended beyond yourself. You're just like your mother." He starts to reach into his jacket pocket. "You've lived in the same foolish way that she did."

I know what the weapon is before I even see it. His eyes drift towards Luna, who is oblivious.

Chakra flows into my right arm, pressing against my fingers.

I have already made my choice.

"I'll make sure you suffer and die as she did too."

"Leonidas Rothschild. This is your final warning. Stand down and surrender, or the consequences will be severe. You must stop."

"Lili is your daughter, you son of a fucking bitch!" Luna screams. "Listen to her!"

"You've said enough, Miss Daidouji. Consider this your severance package."

"!"

This is the end of it all.

I...wanted...

"Raiton...Moebius."

In one smooth motion, I raise my hand, point my finger forward, and fire. The beam of searing lightning chakra pierces his heart and exits the other side in an instant. He drops the handgun to the floor, along with the metal pipe in his other hand.

I watch as he slowly touches his chest, staring at the blood coating his fingers. Then he stares at me, with an expression that I can just barely parse.

"You worthless bitch."

A flash of heat passes through me, and I fire another burst through his neck. He stumbles before falling backwards onto the tile floor. Blood starts to pool, spreading around his form. His chakra has faded away...his heartbeat has stopped.

"My apologies for taking so long...Luna-nee. All threats have been neutralized."

 

[FortePlus]

Spoiler: content warning

there's some pretty heavy trauma going on and pretty dark thoughts. depressive spirals, suicidal ideas. can't be sure of what is worse which is why there is a warning now. as always take care when reading.

short content warning above. enjoy the chapter.

---
Scarlet Justice - ep. 95
"Rose"
[Crimson, Part 4]
---

I can understand...and feel...the gravity of my actions in this moment.

Leonidas Rothschild, the chief executive officer of Kobayashi Rice Corporation. Husband of Emi Kobayashi, once heiress to the Kobayashi Rice empire. My father. The one who, reluctantly, helped bring me into existence.

At this moment, he lies on the floor of his once majestically crafted mansion. Dead. And I am the one who killed him. I have killed my own father.

"..."

The ever increasing weight is a signal of sorts. One that tells me I am still human after all. Soon this facade will crack into pieces. I can only wonder what will become of me at that point in time. Will I survive the final transition? Or is this my end as well?

"Lili..."

Luna has the snakes around her arms disappear before kneeling down to meet me. She is still significantly wounded, but stable at this time. Her injured face shows concern for me. She is always thinking of me, more than she does herself.

"Luna-nee. Please, do not worry. It was something that I had to do, for your sake."

She shakes her head. "No. Don't say that. This isn't...it isn't something..."

"Luna-nee."

She hugs me tightly and refuses to let go. I can hear her crying.

"We've made it. This place is still standing, somehow..."

"Lili? Luna?"

Midori and Emi have arrived, though the front entrance. A bound, slightly moving person is set onto the floor before they hurry towards us. I assume that is Hidan from earlier. Luna releases me and is immediately embraced by Midori.

"Luna...oh, look at what they've done to you..."

"I'm alright, Midori. It's all thanks to Lili...she protected me this entire time, on her own."

"I can see that. Those other two attack...ers." Midori stares at a particular spot on the floor. Emi shakes her head and sinks slowly downwards.

"Yes. The person who...was behind all of this," Luna says. "The master of the house."

"There's no way...he really did his?" Emi asks. "But...but then why..."

"Weapons on the floor," Midori says. "Luna..."

"He personally did this to me."

"Why?" Emi asks, shaking.

"He wanted us all dead. He was the one who hired the two mercenaries, and they baited Lili into coming here so that she could be erased as well. It was all part of the plan. Everything, organized by his hand. The killings, the mansion burning...everything. I knew that he was always scum, but doing something like this...I never would have guessed at it."

"That blood is still fresh." Midori steps away from Luna and finally gets a good look at me. "Oh...oh no. Lili."

"Lili?! What's happened?" Emi stumbles on her way up and runs to me. Her trembling hands go on either side of my head. "What's happened...your eyes are so...it's...like staring into darkness..."

"Leonidas...hurt her. He...said many things. But worst of all, he said that she was...she was a mistake," Luna manages to get out. "And he tried to finish me off with that weapon. After Lili stopped the other mercenary, he was about to..."

"He tried to kill you...?" Emi asks.

"Yes."

"I was the one who did it, Haha-ue. He sought to kill Luna-nee, and I had no other option. I eliminated Leonidas Rothschild. It is something that I take full responsibility for," I say evenly. "He refused to negotiate, and was consistently hostile to us both. I suffered mental distress before the battle with the Akatsuki member Kakuzu, a man who carried the ability to steal the hearts of enemies. It is the reason why I am in this state."

"Something like that...it's my fault," Midori says with sorrow. "If I had been the one, then maybe..."

"Ane-ue. You are not at fault. I was the one who suggested this course of action. You could not have predicted that Leonidas Rothschild would be the mastermind of such an operation, nor could you have discerned his presence because of the advanced nature of the barrier surrounding the estate. You made the correct choice, using the information that was available to you."

"You're like this. How can I feel any other way?" she asks. "You were in so much pain that you just shut off...you had to face down your own father, and then make that awful decision. Something nobody, especially not a child, should have to carry out. Even if you felt bitter towards him, he was your family. The last remnant of your old life. Lili...I'm sorry. I should have..."

"Ane-ue. Please do not cry. I am not lost...the Lili from before will return to you. This state will not last for much longer. I am aware of everything that wants to come back. Those emotions are not gone forever."

"Putting it like that doesn't make me feel any better..."

"I apologize, Ane-ue. I sincerely wish that I could properly pacify your fears, but I am incapable at this time."

"Lili, no. You don't have to worry about...just..."

"I did not mean to-"

"You don't have to say any more," Emi assures me. "We understand, Lili. It just...hurts so much to see you like this, to hear you speak like some kind of machine. You're trying to cope. We know that. But this...all of this is too much to bear. You're in pain and...we can't help you."

"Haha-ue. I understand."

"I know you do." Emi pulls me into her body. I can feel her trembling disappear. She is calming. I hug her back and she has a positive response to it. For a long while, everything is quiet. The other women are too distressed to speak, or even move from their positions on the floor. Healing their pain is also out of my reach. Now that the threats have been neutralized, I feel...quite useless. It is a form of irony, I believe.

My words from before were not a lie to placate Emi and Midori. This state of being will not last for much longer. The partition that allowed me to operate at the highest efficiency, void of emotion or feeling, is starting to weaken and fade. Soon it will disappear. I do not know what will become of me. I do know that I would like to be alone and isolated, in an environment that would allow me time to recover if needed. My family is here. I know they care for me. But I must confront those feelings regarding L-...my...father. I must confront my feelings regarding my deceased father.

"Luna-nee. Ane-ue. Haha-ue."

"Lili...what is it you need, my love?" Midori asks.

"The time is coming soon. I would like to make a request. My desire is to retreat to a safe place where I can be alone for a while. I know the three of you wish nothing but the best for me, and that you would prefer to give me direct support as I work through my grief. However, I have determined that it would be best for my mental and personal development to take on these feelings alone, in isolation."

They look at each other before nodding.

"Take as long as you need, Lili," Midori says. "But if we hear...or sense anything that is amiss, one of us will be at your side in an instant. Is that an acceptable compromise?"

"Yes. Thank you for your gracious reply, Ane-ue."

She gives me a tender smile and pats my head. "Of course. Remember, we're all right here."

"Understood. I will see you all again in a reasonable frame of time."

As I leave, I hear the fading snippets of discussion.

"Emi...is there anything you would like to do with the body?"

"I...if you could hold onto him for a while...I would appreciate that. I have to figure out what to tell the family, and those on the board of directors...there's a lot of responsibility that has suddenly fallen into my lap."

I head up the stairs and leave the main foyer behind, moving to the top floor. The walls are scorched black everywhere I look. The carpet crunches beneath my feet. The heavy smell of smoke lingers. I walk past the burned out rooms until I reach a particular one.

This used to be my room.

Almost everything has been rendered down to ash and carbon. What remains is warped glass and blackened metal. The frame of my bed stands alone, with springs littering the now empty space inside of it. Perhaps many of these fires were set deliberately, with the help of jutsu. It would make sense...Kakuzu had the ability to send out his mask creatures, who were able to commit murderous acts on their own. All of the things that I owned before are now gone. The hideous dresses that must have still been in the closet. The old photos I left behind. The stuffed animals and toys that I collected. My most important treasures are in that small, locked cabinet in the Leaf, but...there were things here that had value as well.

I lower myself to the ground, resting my back against one of the blackened walls while hugging my knees. I wait. I feel the last shadows of this cold and empty state vanish. And at that, everything starts to flow. Just as it did before. I feel that pain once more, of when I shattered into pieces. My mind is hazy and heavy. Every feeling and cry from before was sealed away, never truly disappearing. In some place, on some level, I was still experiencing everything. I was still processing the hurt and anger and fear that had started to rule me from before, but it was being sharply managed, shunted somewhere else while I dealt with the task at hand. And now...now all of that is over. I have yet to heal. Especially from...those words.

He really called me a mistake. Shouldn't I have seen that coming? I don't know. I wouldn't want to know something like that. My own father, not just resenting me, but saying that I should...have never been born. What could I say to that? What could I do?

I want to say something, to just...speak, and maybe try to get over this in some way. But I can't. It's so hard to work up the strength to talk. My heart is still trying to put itself back together.

For a long time, many things happened. For a long time, I buried the truth inside of myself. I realize it now. The small void that I never explored. The memories that I had shoved down. The rage that burned inside of my heart, time and time again. Something that I had not just forgotten...I had repressed it. I sealed those memories away, because I was a frightened little girl who had just watched her mother die. I was scared, and I was alone in the world. I needed my father. I needed him to love me. I needed him to protect me from all of the scary, scary people that existed. I was nobody. I was nothing.

My mother...Caroline. Sometimes she wore a look of disappointment and dejection on her face. She tried to keep those moments from me, but I caught them despite her best efforts. These were things that I could not understand. What I thought of, what I wondered, was when that man would be home. I wanted my father to spend more time with me, with us. I grew older, and the presents and money weren't enough. I needed attention. I needed his attention. And it didn't matter how I got it. I ended up getting desperate. I was desperate enough to stop caring about what was happening around me. He never hugged me. Never read to me. Never kissed me good night and put the sheets over me. I was ignored in the mornings, talked over to my mother and stepmother and any other adults in the room. I was nothing to him. But I was a desperate, foolish child. I wanted nothing more than to please my father. To make him proud of me. To see him finally smile. To make him happy.

"I...wanted it. So badly."

My mouth is bitter. The tears are starting to fall, and I know they won't stop.

I had pushed everything out of my mind after that night, the last one I spent with my mother in this world. I shoved it all down. At the wake. At the funeral. Every day after that, until I left as my father's accessory. I pushed away everything, including the truth that I had known for so long.

"It was you...then, too. You did that to her...and I was too weak."

He threw me to the wind after Mom...no. The truth. He threw me to the wind after he killed Mom. I denied it until the truth was papered over in my mind. It was his fault. He never truly loved her. He poisoned her. He broke her. He made her go through all of those stressful things on purpose, never allowing her a chance to rest, even as sick as she was. And my mother fought for her life. I watched it all happen, afraid and alone. I saw him look at her frail, light body the morning she died. There wasn't anything there. He didn't care then. My instincts told me over and over that he was a monster, that I should have run away as far and as fast as I could. But I was just a child, wasn't I? How could I do something so drastic? How could I survive on my own, in a world that I had never truly experienced without my mother's guidance? And so, I shoved down those instincts. They screamed at me, but I refused to listen. I...needed my father. He was all that I had. I followed him.

I followed him right into the darkness, where he abandoned me.

"I...wanted to be your daughter. I always wanted...that much."

I became twisted. I saw the things that no child should see. Those experiences that filtered through me and gave deep colours to my soul. Those depraved people, those depraved things. The immorality and corruption. I saw and felt fear. Broken people, breaking each other. Hands that reached for me, trying to spirit me away. I cried out for my father, hoping that it would be enough, knowing in the back of my mind that if anyone knew how far apart we truly were, I was done for. I spent night after night, terrified and sobbing, stuck in the most decadent nightmares imaginable. And every morning I would rise to breakfast, alone. I took those blackened memories and locked them away, hoping that...if I was the good girl that he wanted...maybe I would never have to deal with them again in this life. I wanted to be his daughter.

But not once did he see me as a human being.

"Those...words. All I ever wanted was to hear...those words."

Everything hurts so much. I feel myself choking on my own tears.

I wanted him to say that he loved me. But I killed him. He's gone. He's dead, he will never come back to me. I did it with little hesitation. I knew that it was the end, but I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want that sort of thing to happen. I just...just wanted him to acknowledge me, for once in my life. To see me as a person.

I don't know why he chose this path. I don't know why he hated me so much that he chose to try and kill me, to kill my loved ones. Why he wanted to hurt Caroline, why he wanted to hurt Emi. What did I do to deserve something like this? There had to be a reason. Something that I did. But I can't...think of anything.

The people who gave me life. Both of them are gone. It's...my fault, isn't it? All of it?

Isn't it possible that I'm...I'm just a cursed person? I feel...maybe like...I should crack apart. Maybe...maybe I'm the one...maybe everything I knew was wrong. And I was...always the wrong type of person. Maybe that's why Daddy never loved me. I can't escape this pull. I know that...I know that my worth isn't based on what he thinks. But my head...in my head I can't help but think it. That I'm just wrong, that maybe I always have been.

It hurts. My head hurts.

"Nngh...what do I do..."

The memories keep flooding in. The ones from so long ago that I shoved down, and now I can remember it all. I can see everything disappearing, and I keep thinking, over and over and over...that...that maybe...I should...

"It's too much," I say through my tears. "I don't want to see it any more. Please..."

The strange background noise comes into focus. Foot...steps. This entire time, someone has been coming closer to me. They get to their knees and wipe away my tears gently.

"Step...mother?" I choke out. "Haha-ue...?"

"Yes. It's me. I'm...sorry for intruding. This is your place, and I...I was just so worried, and then I heard you in pain."

"N-no...don't apologize. Please...thank you for coming to me..."

"Lili...will you look at me a moment?"

"Yes." I look into her wearied eyes.

"I...am going to make a promise to you. It's one that will be bound to my soul forever." She takes her trembling hands and places them around mine. "I am going to be your mother. From here until the end of time."

"My..." I feel a wave of panic come over me. "Emi...please, you don't have to...I'm-"

"I want this. I want to be there for you, not just as a guardian, or a supporter. I want to be family. I want to be your family, most of all."

"You shouldn't..."

"I want you as my daughter, Lili," she says with tears in her eyes. "I've always wanted a beautiful, precious daughter. And I'm...a selfish person, I know it. I want you as my daughter because you're so warm, because your love has reached me over and over again. I want someone to love me, without condition. A precious friend who I can talk to about anything that's inside my heart."

"Emi..."

"I want to make this promise...I want you to accept me, Lili."

I start to open my mouth to protest. The words never make it out.

At once, I understand everything. I understand that there are things I have forgotten in this terrible situation.

It's not...just me in this world. It was never just me. I want to be selfish, I want to be alone as the cursed person that I think I might be. But the truth is that I'm not cursed. I'm needed. I am treasured. I...am loved. By so many people.

I have a family. I have always had a family. One that I created with my own two hands. I became a little sister that royalty could boast of. I became a step-daughter that brought pride to her family name. Someone who became a light in the darkness, a leader, a courageous and trusted friend. Even if I was never my father's daughter...I was always so much more. And I proved it.

The painful memories that have taken over my mind...they're not who I am. They're not the truth any more. I am not cursed. I am not a burden to those I love. I was scared before, it's true. I was powerless to save my mother from her illness, and my father from himself. But I am more than my painful failures. I am more than the foolish mistakes I made.

More than that...I am duty bound. My eyes move to Emi's stomach.

The duty of an older sister. To guide and protect. Midori and Luna have taught me that. And their lessons will not go to waste. I...am everything. I will mourn that bond that never was. And I will celebrate all of the bonds that are, that exist at this very moment and make me who I am.

I look into Emi's eyes...my mother's eyes.

"Emi...Mama. I hear your words, and I accept all of them. I understand now. Thank you...you came to me when I needed you the most, just like any mother would. I love you, Mama."

"Lili...thank you..."

She hugs me with all of her strength, crying and shaking. But I can feel her warmth and happiness. It's all I ever wanted. It's enough. I can start to move forward, to pick up those fragments of myself and put them back together slowly. Step by step. Day by day. I will find a way to overcome the pain inside of me. My heart will heal...and I will become whole again in time.

I will fight forward. For Caroline's memory. For Emi's future. I will protect everything dear to me...this I swear.

---

"That should be everything. I imagine the proper authorities have been called and will be arriving shortly..."

Midori lets out a breath. It's just the four of us now in the burned out foyer, standing near the front door. The bodies have all been moved...Hidan, who had been run through, poisoned, and subject to several torturous things to keep him down is going to be sent off for studies. Kakuzu's corpse has been transported and will likely be subject to the same type of testing, given his unique physiology. He likely was making use of a kinjutsu from the Hidden Waterfall, his home village. It has been a long time since he was first a shinobi, though. And my father's body...or rather, Leonidas Rothschild, the master of the house. He will be held for a while, preserved until Emi figures out what to do with him.

"Everything should be fine," the woman in question says. "As a result of this incident, the family business will fall into my hands again. I'm going to take it a bit more seriously this time, and I am certain that my father will see to it that the transition goes smoothly. But if I need your help, I will call on you, Midoriko."

"See that you do, Emi."

"Yes."

"I will let Sarutobi know what has happened through our usual channels. We don't want too much trouble, especially for our Lili here."

"Agreed. This experience has been...more than enough. And the potential scandal is something I want no parts of. Midoriko...when I get settled in, I will have access to certain sensitive records. I will have to find a way to forward them to you, so that you can investigate what has been taking place behind the scenes. You mentioned that the technology to obscure communication between yourself and Luna..."

"Originated in my land, yes. More than a little suspect. Orochimaru did own the old Rice Country in a literal sense, but that would not be enough to square this circle. Jakari Programming will be able to help. We have several people on payroll that will be happy to do something more exciting than usual with their time."

"That sounds very good. Thank you in advance for this."

"You're very welcome."

"I should be able to do something," I say. "Taking care of all this yourself-"

"Stop being stubborn," Emi says firmly. "You're in no state to carry on business. Please understand that, Lili."

"Yes. I'm sorry."

She gently rubs my cheek. "You meant nothing by it. I'm just being my pushy self, as you know. I would really like you to stay with me for the next while. But...I know better than that. You need to spend time in the Leaf, with the friends and family that you've made there. I have quite a few errands to take care of, no thanks to one former Mr. Emi Kobayashi, and you need a bit more emotional support than I can give you right now."

"Yes. I know it's...a lot."

"It's a lot for you as well. I can see that you want to get back to where you were before all of this happened. But it will take some time, and you have been through more than any twelve year old girl on this planet or any other has been, I suspect. All of us will need some time to properly process this. There's no need to rush."

"Yes, Mama."

"Good." She turns to Midori. "Midoriko...I'm leaving Luna to you. Love her like only you can."

"Yes. You can count on it." Luna nods and snuggles into Midori's side as they hold hands.

"Further discussion can be had later...for now, you are on paid leave until further notice, Luna."

"Mistress...yes, I understand. Will you be okay, Miss Lili?"

"More than okay, Luna. Your health is what's most important. You need time to heal, like Mama said earlier. Please take care of yourself, and let Midori-nee tend to you as she pleases."

"I understand. Then be well, Lili. I love you dearly, and I always will."

"I love you too, Luna-nee," I say with a smile.

"Lili, Emi...until the next, my lovelies. We will speak again soon."

With a light nod, Midori and Luna disappear by way of reverse summoning. Voices can be heard in the distance, coming closer to us. Emi and I move to the front steps to see some of the help arriving in the distance with horses and carriages. They're tending to all of the people they can see.

"Reinforcements...a welcome enough sight." Emi sighs. "I suppose this is a good excuse to build a new mansion, presumably somewhere more secure. Or perhaps I could just properly renovate this one. Mm...both. Both sounds good. While that is happening, travel sounds nice."

"You really will have a lot on your plate," I say.

"Yes, that much is true. Oh, and I can use my alter ego for more modelling and related activities. It's a delicious way to unwind, you know. I always feel so much lighter after a photo session."

"Mm. Up to perverted things as always."

"Come, now. Every woman has her hobbies. Mine just happen to be a bit lewder than most."

"You're pregnant, Mother. You do remember this, yes?" I ask with a brow raised.

"Well...as a wise woman once told me long ago," she says with a smug smile, "it's somebody's fetish."

I pause in wonder for a moment before giving her a resigned nod. I really can't argue that, can I.

"You truly are my mother. An unrivaled response," I say, flatly and sincerely.

"A lovely compliment that I will graciously accept. Thank you, my daughter."

"Think nothing of it, mother dearest."

"I will be sure to contact you at some point while abroad. Do you have any plans on changing your address?"

"Not any time soon, especially with Luna gone. You will have more than enough time to send me a card, and I can reply with details quickly if I do change my mind."

"Very good. Then expect to hear from me."

"Please take care of yourself, Mama."

"I promise you that I will. You make sure to do the same, my love."

"Yes, I promise you that."

"Mistress Emi! You're...you're safe!"

"Touka! You made it out...I was worried that you were lost, too..."

A woman makes her way up the stairs, out of breath. There's a sword on her hip, inside of a sheath that has had several chunks taken out of it. Her shirt and pants are matted with dried blood and dirt, and her brown hair looks like it's been chopped to pieces. A thin and waifish looking young lady, who had some strength in swordplay before she was hired.

"Lady Lilith? You're here...I-I thought..."

"It was thanks to her that I made it out alive. Luna is with Midoriko right now...she is safe as well. The master of the house, unfortunately...I will have to speak to you about that later, Touka."

"Yes...Lady Lilith, thank you. Because of you...I'm sorry. If only I had been faster, or stronger...Miss Lunamaria wouldn't have had to shoulder that burden, and Sara-nee..." She sniffles before dropping to her knees in front of us. "Please, forgive my weakness. I'll accept any punishment you decide on."

"..."

"Touka...you don't have to go that far," Emi says. "None of this is your fault."

"There is always tomorrow..."

Emi looks at me, and Touka raises her head.

"You don't...have to be the same person you were yesterday. Touka...I can feel your passion and sorrow. I want you to channel those things within you. I want you to remember the sacrifices that Luna and Sara, and everyone else made to protect Mama. Make those memories your strength...and serve your Mistress with everything that you have from now on."

"Lady Lilith..."

"I will put my faith in you, Touka Suzuki."

"Yes...yes!" She rises to her feet and salutes. "On my life, I will serve House Kobayashi with everything that I have. Lady Lilith, I swear this to you!"

"Well said. Mama, you are in the best hands."

Emi smiles and nods. "You're right. It looks like I've found my bodyguard...and new chief maid."

Touka blinks. "Ah...?"

"Goodbye for now," I say to Emi.

"Until the next."

We hug each other, for what feels like a long time...and at the same time, not nearly long enough. I don't want to let go, but I know that we both have to. And so, we do. I nod to the flustered Touka and leave the mansion's front steps. I go past the growing crowds of people, the medical staff and local lawmen, the shinobi that arrive and are surveying the scene from afar. I leave all of them behind. I don't look back.

"..."

I...am slowly returning to a home of mine. A place where I grew up. Where I learned the importance and true strength of bonds. The Village Hidden in Leaves...one more place where I can belong, and the place that will help me change the world. If not now, then one day soon.

The urgency is gone. The pain still lingers. But...I am sure of where I am heading now. This is time to myself...time to finally breathe. Where the air is clear, and my thoughts are fresh. This is the start of a new journey. For now, I only have the strength within me to walk slowly down this road.

But I have made a promise to myself. That when I am ready and healed...I will move at a speed too terrifying for man to comprehend. I know that I can do it. Because I'm Luna's elegant mistress. I'm Midori's brilliant little sister. I'm Emi's virtuoso daughter.

I'm Lili Kobayashi...the woman who can do anything.

 

[FortePlus]

It's Christmas and I shouldn't be doing things but whatever. Have a good Christmas if you're into that. If not, then I dunno have a good day and junk. Here's a chapter. It's not about Christmas. But if you liked the others you will probably like this one. Thanks.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 96
"Discovery"
---

Healing has never been an easy thing.

It is nearly the new year. About one and a half weeks have passed since the incident at the mansion. I can function...well enough, I suppose. There was a letter for me as soon as I made it home. I expected a reprimand for leaving the village so suddenly, but the old man has everything figured out. That much has been taken care of. He writes to tell me that Shino and Hina informed him of what was going on, and that he received communication from Midori later. Nobody in this village aside from him knows about what I did. I know that I should be the one to tell my comrades, and I will. When I'm ready.

I will also have to arrange for a meeting with the Hokage at my convenience. Maybe at the beginning of the next year. Hopefully that's enough time to shake off this mood I'm in. It's currently 3 am, and I have returned from the bathroom. I am going to make tea. Again.

Sleeping has been difficult. Nightmares and cold sweating. And all of the water I drink to keep myself occupied. I get up more than a few times each night and then end up doing silly things like making more beverages to drink. I've scrubbed the apartment walls, the floors, the counters. I have time. I'm on indefinite leave with pay at the Hokage's request. It's generous of him, even if I think it's not necessary. It's hard to read manga or play games. I lose concentration easily, or get focused on something far away. Right now, it's the kettle as it starts to shake on top of the stove, steam escaping from small openings slowly. I've been zoning out a lot lately. I haven't been answering the door. I take long showers even though I shouldn't, and end up staring at the drain for tens of minutes as water flows into it. It's wasteful of me.

I...am healing, though. Slowly.

This should be a time for sleep, but the nightmares are persistent. Things I don't like to think about too much. I start to make my tea and decide that I will drink it while staring at the front door a while. The taste of sugar makes me a bit happier, so I add an extra spoonful to my tea these days. I sit and observe. The sun comes up before I realize it, and only half the tea has been consumed. The rest is cold. I sigh and gulp it down before heading to the bathroom again. I suppose afterwards I should wash up properly, and then head outside for the first time in a while. The beginning of the new year is too far away. I should see him now.

"Yes...this is Kobayashi. 012599. I...would like to know if Lord Hokage has time for me today. He made a request to see me. Yes...please, take your time." I pull on my pants while I wait, and fix my hair in the mirror as best as I can. I don't have the energy to comb it properly today. Hopefully nobody will recognize me before I get to the office...Tamaki and Imari are running errands downtown, so I won't see them. That might be for the best.

"Yes, I'm still here. Yes. I can be there within the next ten minutes, if you want...okay. I understand. Thank you." I press the button to hang up and toss the phone onto my bed. Seems like it's now or never. I put up the hood on my sweater and start my exit through the window of my room. Afterwards I skip across the rooftops for a while before slowing down and walking the rest of the way to my destination. It's cold and a bit gloomy today. The clouds above us are large, puffy and dark. I feel the energy draining from my body as I walk...this is harder than I remembered. I might be done for if I have to stop and talk to anyone.

Fortunately, I make it inside and find the person I was talking to earlier. He escorts me to the Hokage's office space and knocks on the door before opening it.

"Lord Hokage, Captain Kobayashi is here to see you."

"Excellent. Any calls from here on have to be of the utmost urgency."

"Understood, sir. Shall I seal the outside?"

"Please."

The shinobi nods before leaving the room.

"Go ahead and lock the door, Lili."

"Yes." I do so and head for one of the chairs to take a seat. Walking here was truly an ordeal...I wonder if I'm actually getting better, or I've just convinced myself that it was the case. But the illusion of progress is a comfort in and of itself, in a way.

It's quiet, like it is at home. But in a different sort of way, since there are many different distractions. I can focus on the smell of pipe smoke, or ink. Stare at the wood grain patterns in the large desk in front of me. Press my fingers into the material of this chair.

"How have you been handling things?"

The old man's voice brings me back into this slightly unwelcome reality. Even if he won't say it, or even think it, I know that I shouldn't waste time here. It's precious and meaningful, not just because he's the Hokage. He is...a person I care for very much.

"..."

I realize now that I've never met my grandparents on either side of my family. Or any side, if you count the current ones. What a curious thing...or, the word might be tragic. That sounds a bit more fitting. Maybe Emi will change that.

"I am...coping."

"I see. That sounds like a positive."

"It is, surely. I can function, I just have a lot of trouble sleeping. The nightmares, and all of that. Remembering what it was that I did. I'm sure you know already. Ane-ue sent the cable."

"Yes."

"Sasuke is named after your father, isn't he?"

He chuckles. "That much is true, yes. What brought you to that conclusion?"

"Someone like him...he must have felt a lot of pressure because of his parentage. It's possible that they didn't mean to stress him out that way, but still...he seems like that kind of person. Someone burdened with lofty goals from such a young age. Great potential. All of that."

"Mm." He lights up his pipe.

"I...killed my own father, you know. I shot to kill. That's the heaviest, and most important part of it."

"A lot of things must have happened. If you have the strength...I would like to hear the story from you, Lili."

"Yes. That, I can easily do. I haven't stopped thinking about it, really." I start to speak about the events that took place. By now, I can speak fluidly without stumbling. I have gone through this in my head, over and over and over again. Some part of me says that it should have been harder, but this result is fine too. It's a significant part of my life, something that I should remember clearly. Even if I don't really want to at times.

"...and at that point, Ane-ue and Haha-ue found us."

"Hm, I see." He nods and leans back in his chair. "There are many things that I want to say to you about your performance, and how it will relate to this world's future. But...those can be discussed later on. The time we share now should be dedicated to helping you heal."

"I see. Thank you for that." I fold my hands in my lap. "Oyaji...you don't have anything to say about how it ended?"

"Even as an older man, I came across the same sorts of conflicts as you. But I failed to act with prudence...and as a result, it led to wide-spread chaos. The formation of the Hidden Sound, the Cursed Seals, the attack on the village...and going back further, the demise of the Uchiha, among other things. I...did not take action in the way that I should have."

"You are also a human being," I assure him. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"You must not take away from your own actions, Lili. You overcame yourself after a terrible experience, and used newfound strength to defeat a most dangerous enemy. You protected your loved ones. You did what you had to do, and it was the correct thing. I know that you feel guilt about your father's death. Confronting those who are family, or have become like family to you is something that I know all too well. I failed to stop Orochimaru once before because of those lingering feelings, despite knowing everything he had done. But you acted correctly."

"I...I could have chosen a different path, maybe. Isn't it possible?" I ask.

"Yes. But you are not a monster for that either. What you understood and held to was something that I should have done. Something that many people would struggle doing. In that moment, you were a soldier. And you did what you were supposed to do in that role." He lets out a breath. "Anyone who draws a weapon in the field of battle should expect to be treated as an enemy combatant. When your father made that choice, he sealed his own fate. Perhaps you could have disabled him. Perhaps you could have wounded him and stopped him there. But...you had that thought in your head."

I remember. Perhaps in my grief, I've...tried to discard the logic I used, instead of understanding it. I remember the understanding that I came to. That was the reason why I fired upon him in the way that I did.

"I remember thinking that...if I let him go, if I gave him another chance...he would bring down more tragedy and hatred upon me and my loved ones. He would stalk me everywhere I went. And with his wealth and connections, possibly harm the Leaf. I had pushed that away in my head, but...yes. I realize why I made that choice." I blink and shake my head slowly. "Really...it's the truth. He had to die there."

"There are consequences to our actions. Brothers and sisters, parents and children, lifelong friends...those who draw weapons to strike another down must be prepared to be struck down themselves. That is never all there is to it, but that simple fact must be understood and accepted."

"Yes. That much is true."

"But of course, that doesn't erase everything else. I don't, and will never think any less of you for what happened, Lili. None of this is your fault. You only did what you had to. You fought, you rose above despair, and you survived. You saved many lives and protected the family that you created. For that, you should be praised."

"..." I look into his eyes. "Oyaji. Is this...what you think a Hokage should be?"

He looks at me for a few moments before going to refill his pipe.

"Between us both...the strength that you have inside of you now is what the world needs to move forward. We have yet to leave the shadow of the shinobi world's beginning, that cursed age."

"A heart void of every feeling, including that of despair. Something that can confront the turbulence that has kept peace from truly blessing this land of ours." I smile, a little bitterly. "One more step towards a heavenly transformation, you think."

"Yes. I do not mean to make light of your tragedy in any way, Lili."

"Of course not. This is why you wanted to talk about it at a later time. I understand completely. But...you make a good point. The tragedy that you experienced...the ones that befell your old masters, Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama. Hanzo of the Salamander. And so on. And then the pure ones, like Lord Minato, are taken away too soon because of threats beyond their considerable power. It's something to focus on."

"In due time, of course."

"Yes," I say with a nod. "In due time."

"I want you to take as much time as you need to heal. Two months, at the least. I won't let you even consider returning before then, and I've given Shikaku instruction to that end."

"Yes, understood. I won't try to rush back. There are...things I want to do before then, anyways. Thank you for looking after me. You always do, but...this time it's certainly special. It's a blessing to me. I really do feel a lot better, now that we're talking about it."

"I am very glad that I could help you, Lili."

"I...wonder sometimes. About the past, and the future that could have been. Dreams and stray thoughts. Questioning myself about how it all came to an end. Shooting to kill..." I rub my cheek. "But this new perspective is...fresh. And reassuring on many levels. I made a promise to Hina the other day that if I did leave my humanity behind, I wouldn't come back for it. That, though...it was just a temporary seal. A technique that I've already internalized."

"Already, then?"

"It even has a name by now. Imagine that, even in these troubled times...I find a way to lean into those chunni inclinations of mine. The new version of the tracking technique I use...it will be bound to that, so that I can properly control the activation. The name is something I gave thought to. A state of emptiness. Becoming...not ruthless, but more focused than I could dream of normally. Emptied of emotion for a while, free from feeling grief and despair, and therefore capable of acting in my best interests. A terrifying technique that will be called Crimson Depths: Void Heart."

"Hoh...terrifying, indeed. You are as creative as always."

"Like I said, I can't escape being silly when it comes to things like this. But as with everything else, I can refine it even further."

"Nothing you'll worry about too much right now, I hope."

"No, of course not. I'll focus on my recovery for now."

"Good, good."

"I have more of an idea how I want to move forward now." I rest my head on a closed fist. "I originally wanted to delay this meeting until the new year. I thought I was going to have a complete mental breakdown if I came to see you, but...that reassurance that I did the right thing in the end. It helped me more than I ever thought it would. It has been said that things happen for their own reasons, and that the will of heaven is not so easily discerned by man. Unsavoury to hear, maybe. Very hard to accept in the face of tragedy...but truthful all the same."

"The memories of your father...how do you feel towards him?"

"I...remember that I made that loud declaration, while in that protective state. That I had no father. It might be more of the truth than I realize. Mama and I solidified our bond after that event..."

"You mean to say...Miss Emi?"

"Yes. That's what I call her now, when we're together. Her child is safe, too. We're entirely too much alike, you know. Perhaps she's absorbed some of my late mother's spirit? It sounds like something Caroline Rothschild would do, place pieces of her essence into my loved ones so that she could properly watch over me. But Lilith Rothschild died along with her father on that day. My name is Lili Kobayashi, the proud daughter of the Kobayashi House."

Hiruzen nods. "You will be just fine, Lili. I know it will be the case. But I will continue to pray for your safety regardless."

"Petitions of heaven never hurt," I say. "I have a ways to go, and many responsibilities to take care of. Mm...Fubuki-senpai was right after all. Uncanny how she could sense such things after a single meeting."

"It is said that those who meet in battle can discern each other's feelings. Those who come together in combat can even speak without words."

"Ah. It was something like that, for a moment...or perhaps it manifests differently for everyone. She came to that realization...about the heavenly plane." I sigh. "Is it okay if...we simply talk for a while?"

"Yes. As long as you would like, Lili."

"I'm going to feel guilty since you're the Hokage and all...but I will take you up on that offer, without hesitation."

"Excellent." Hiruzen gets up from his chair. "We can have some tea in the meantime, then. I'll make us a fresh pot."

---

I spend a few more hours with the old man. We talk about a lot of things. Old missions that I've been on, people we both know...the state of the world at current. I learn a bit about his past, and his interactions with the Senju brothers of legend. His old students who went on to become the legendary Sannin. And of course, the Fourth Hokage...Naruto's father. Thinking of him, how would he take it? Knowing that I've erased one of my parents. The Hokage has years of experience and those regrets to learn from, but Naruto...he's someone who cried over the death of an enemy he never truly knew. I feel my stomach wobbling just thinking about it. But I will tell him. He had the courage to show himself to me, so...it's only right that as his beloved friend, I do the same.

I trudge home, avoiding as many open places as I can. I'm exhausted, but finally comfortable for the first time in a long while. Dinner is light - I've used the newly bought rice cooker tonight. It's a definite godsend. And then, I fall asleep early on the couch.

It feels...like I'm at home, finally.

---

For their parts, everyone has stayed away at the Hokage's request. They get their updates to say that I'm fine, as I call the office every day and speak to Tamaki. She worries a lot. Keeps me on the phone for at least two hours at a time. I quickly learn my lesson and get comfortable with a cup of tea and a blanket on the couch while she speaks.

Tonight is the last night of the year. Christmas has passed quietly, and it's a shame. I was looking forward to a celebration with my friends and family this year. I had to decline the invitations from Kurenai, Hina, and Nami, but sent a video message to them. It's probably been shared with the others by now, and I hope they enjoy it as a small gift.

There's a knock on the door, but one that I was expecting. I got a surprise request earlier in the week.

"Season's greetings."

"A pleasant evening to you as well, Erika."

She had, in her own quiet way, insisted that we go out together tonight. Knowing that I needed the company, and that I couldn't resist such a cute companion, I agreed to have her come over and escort me to our meeting place. Today she wears a sweater and light jacket, paired with a wool skirt and fluffy boots.

"Some tea? I'll be a while getting dressed," I say.

"Thank you."

"Any preferences?"

"None."

"I have some warmed, then. Anything to eat?"

"Nothing. Thank you."

I nod and pour her a cup of tea, then set it down as she takes off her boots and sits at the table.

"I shouldn't be too long. If anything, I will be in the shower."

"Understood. We still have much in the way of time."

It's about half past eight by the time I finish washing up. We've planned to take our time getting to Kigiku Shrine, the place where Ruki works. I'm not feeling up to anything special in terms of appearances. Most people won't be paying attention and Erika won't mind. I suppose I can just cheat again. About ten more minutes pass before I touch up my face and apply a layer of lip gloss. I weave my hair into a loose braid and let it sit on my shoulder before leaving. There's a pair of leather boots that I never wear and they have low heels. I can deal with those today.

"I'm ready."

"..." Erika turns in her chair to look at me, tilting her head to one side. "Very minimalist today."

"I see you've developed a sharp tongue while I've been away."

"Perhaps so."

"I can't say I mind it too much. And you're correct, either way. This isn't my normal." I lift my braid a bit to properly throw on my scarf. Today's outfit is simple and lazy, as already noted. A long red cotton sweater, black leggings, and the newly worn boots from earlier. "You can tell me if it looks entirely too sloppy, and I'll change before we leave."

"It is not a problem."

"Don't lie to me."

"I promise that it's the truth."

"..." I sigh. "As long as you're sure. Have you finished your tea?"

"Yes."

"Leave the cup in the sink and splash a bit of water into the bottom, will you? I can take care of the rest when we get back. We should hurry before things get too crowded up there."

Erika does as asked, drying her hands before slipping on her gloves and joining me at the front door. After putting on her boots again, she steps outside with me as I lock the door and make sure everything is secure. We descend the flight of metal stairs and head out into the village proper. Tonight is lively, as expected. Families and lovers roam the streets, taking the bright lights and festive sights in. Warm food and drink are being sold by street vendors. People are gathering in parks and restaurants.

"It's nice to see," Erika says as we walk. "I sometimes forget that these moments of peace are fleeting and fragile. Perhaps one day that can change."

"It will change. We will see to it once we grow as women," I say to her.

"I see. I look forward to that day, then."

"I would have thought that you would be at home, perhaps on the phone with your mother and sister."

"We spoke before I made my way to you. I trust that they will be awake when I call again after the new year begins. This is fine, we each had our own events to attend."

"Thank you for accommodating me, either way."

"You're welcome. I do object to your avoidance of your comrades on Team Eight."

"As you should," I say with a grimace. "I'm an awful person. I just...couldn't handle seeing them right now. The old man gave me comfort and clarity, but I still feel like garbage. Like I can't face them as I am now."

"You are not awful or garbage," she says, frowning. "You are a hero of the Leaf, and a very kind and loving person. I become very distressed when you put yourself down like that."

"Sorry."

"It's alright. You are still processing that pain," Erika says. We reach the main gate and show our IDs to the people standing guard. They check them against a scroll embedded with some sort of technique - a suggestion that came from Tamaki and Imari, apparently - and nod before letting us go. This is still an experimental system, but it seems to be working well for the time being.

"Yes...but how much time should pass before enough is enough?"

"Where I am concerned, that time is indefinite."

I laugh lightly. "You have a way of making romantic things sound incredibly tidy, you know."

"At the least, I have provided you with some amusement for the day," she says with a smile. I didn't think Erika could get any cuter, but...it's far from a complaint on my end, surely. I really am blessed with wonderful companions.

"Thank you for that. I feel guilty, about Hina especially."

"There is something that I have for you. Lady Hinata asked that I allow you access once the year ended and a new one began."

"I see. I'll be looking forward to that."

We continue our walk down the forest path, which quite wide and has been beaten by the feet of many common travellers over the years. Perhaps even decades of use, thinking about it. This road leads up to a small village, called Ebicha for the fallen red-brown leaves that cover it from autumn to late winter. It's centrepiece is a certain shrine, called the Kigiku Shrine. We head straight for it and pass under the torii, ascending the stone stairs and going down the long path towards the worship hall. On one side is the temizuya used for purification. Erika and I slip off our gloves and go through the motions at the water basin. Pick up the water ladle. Left hand, right hand, mouth. The handle of the water ladle we use. A symbolic purification before we continue our approach. There is already a crowd of people milling about. I don't think there's anyone I know around, which is good.

"Looks like you've made it."

"We have. Thank you for your invitation," Erika says to the person approaching.

"It's always been my pleasure. Lili, are you well?"

"As well as I could be," I say to Ruki. She looks as lovely as ever, wearing the traditional priestess' clothing for her work. A pure white blouse paired with red hakama, and a thick red ribbon on the back of her head.

"I see. Kakashi did mention that you had gone through something serious a few weeks ago. I hope that this can be a time of healing for you as the new year comes. By the by, he's around here somewhere. Oh, and I got you these." Ruki hands us several wooden ema to write our prayers on. "You can call it a late Christmas gift if you want. They're on the house all the same."

"Thank you. I'll be sure to write something of substance on it."

"I know you will. The money goes back into the village coffers, so...while we'd rather not sell them, they're a decent source of revenue, especially around the holidays like this. The world and its old ways are changing, sometimes in strange ways. You never know what to make of it...ah, but I'm rambling on. Follow me, there's a spot where you can write your prayers down properly and then hang 'em up."

We trail behind Ruki, looking around at the trees, the many buildings in the distance, and the stone lanterns that line our path, glowing with pale light. I wish there were less people, but this isn't too bad. It's somewhat calming. As for what I will wish for...what my prayer might be...

The queue for the small table moves along at a good pace. There is a small sort of box, a private space that shields the writer from prying eyes while others wait. Erika goes ahead of me, and finishes quickly. I feel like I know what she might ask for, and hopefully she gets it in short order.

In my case, there's a lot to ask for. There's a lot that I want...but there are few things that I truly need to ask the kami for. One favour is enough.

Erika and I stand near the lion dogs that guard the shrine, in front of the haiden that is placed in front of the shrine's main sanctuary where the kami are said to reside. We both bow our heads and pray. Then we clap our hands, once, twice, three times before raising our heads and leaving.

"The new year should be fruitful for us in the Leaf."

"You think so?" I ask Erika.

"My analysis of recent events has brought me to this conclusion. Lili...please remember your strength. Not because people are counting on you, but for the reason that you are meant for more than this. The world is changing, and it is someone like you who will be able to make it turn in a way that blesses all of us."

"I see."

"One day, you will shake the heavens with a roar so loud that it cannot be escaped. From there, you will know what needs to be done."

"..."

My wish was a simple one. Strength, and good luck...love, and prosperity...simple things that could have been requested. But those things can and will be gathered under my own power. I asked the kami for vision. Not for me, but for my loved ones. Many people run into obstacles, and can't see past them for one reason or another. But if they have the sight, they can gain the proper wisdom, and make decisions for themselves. I make this prayer not so that I can abandon them, but rather...so that when the time comes, and they make the choice to walk beside me, I know it will be because of what they feel in their hearts.

Making those hard decisions for themselves, in the way that I did. But without that terrible trauma. Gaining the strength that I did, without having to sacrifice the last remnants of their memories. Finding the truth, without having to kill the person you used to be in a fit of anger. I want more for them than I received in this life.

"You're right, Erika. Thank you for being at my side. I really do appreciate it."

"I never had to worry about that much. Please continue growing in mind and body. I look forward to serving you properly in the future...Lady Hokage."

"You just had to ruin the moment." I stare at the ground, trying to hide my blushing. "I appreciate your praise of me, but...don't get ahead of yourself. Someone like me might never become popular enough to be Hokage."

"I suppose we will see soon enough." She nods ahead of us. "Miss Enjou and Major Hatake have arrived."

"Now that you're done with your prayers, it's time to enjoy a nice hot cup of cider or three before the year is over," Ruki says with a smile. Kakashi trails behind her and gives us a friendly wave.

"Thank you again for this," I say.

"Not a problem. You know, I have a feeling that quite a few wishes will be granted this year."

"What brought you to that conclusion?"

"Mm...something about the change in atmosphere. The kami do have a habit of showing out whenever someone particularly influential arrives."

"She's talking about you," Kakashi says. Ruki frowns and huffs at him.

"Seriously! Ruining the suspense like that!"

"Then it was a good thing I came around. Helping others is always good, and it costs nothing to do."

"You were blushing earlier. Was Erika teasing you?"

"I bet she's flustered because of that one word..."

"You really are a pain in the ass, Sharingan Kakashi."

"Heh. Who knew that calling you 'Lady Hokage' would make you retreat into your shell so quickly."

"I am going to hurt Asuma badly one of these days," I mutter. Aside from the bullying...the cider is really good.

The year comes to an end in a way that feels different from when it first began, for many reasons. I look to the sky and watch the fireworks bursting apart, a cup of hot cider in my hands.

Things will continue to change...for the good of us all, this time.

"A blessed and prosperous new year to all."

I smile and give Erika a nod. "Yes. To a wonderful new year."

We tap our cups together, and watch the sky fill with colours once more.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 97
"Impression"
---

"My comrades, who have supported me for...no. Not it. My friends, who are bonded to me in life and in death, I must...no. Not that...either."

It's a few days after the beginning of the new year. I've decided that it has to be now...with each day that passes, my ability to resolve this issue properly decreases. I don't want to keep this from my loved ones any longer. Even if it means they...

"..."

I don't want to think about it. There's every chance that I'm overreacting, like I was with the old man. He told me that I did the right thing, and I know my logic was sound. It's just that...how will the others feel? Wouldn't killing their own family be a step too far, even on the battlefield? The choice between 'winners' and 'losers' in that single moment...

A burst of cold winter air snaps me back into reality. The Hyuuga residence is a place where we can have our privacy to some degree, and Hina has taken measures to keep our area clear of any eavesdroppers. Neji will be watching over us as always. A few extra bodies will be present aside from Team Eight. Erika, who comforted me despite not knowing any details, Ruki and Kakashi, Naruto and Hanabi. The information might filter down one more level, but that's the end of it, or I would hope so. But I don't care if the village commoners despise me. It's these people that I worry about the most. It's not that I...couldn't survive being cast aside. That was never the part of it I feared the most.

My body is shaking a bit as I reach the front entrance. Neji is there to meet me, and he gives a respectful nod as we meet.

"Senpai. Have you recovered properly?" he asks.

"Not yet, Neji. But there are things...I must do."

"I understand. Follow me, the others are having tea as they wait."

"You should be inside for this as well...it's something you should hear."

"With your permission, then." He leads the way, through a different set of paths that are much shorter in total length than the last few times. This is one of the areas for guests, and inside of a relatively small room is everyone mentioned from before. They're sipping tea and talking amongst themselves. Neji slides the door closed and clears his throat after I remove my sandals.

"Lady Kobayashi has arrived."

Almost immediately, I'm overwhelmed by voices in front of me.

"Boss, you're alive."

"Lili-nee! You're here!"

"Hell of a way to come back, you scared me."

"Lili...you're alright, I'm so glad..."

"I really thought something bad happened to you! Lili!"

"Everyone, settle down. Don't crowd her so much, alright?" Kakashi says as he gently moves everyone away. "I know you're all glad to see her, but we still have that announcement to get through."

I sigh. "I...it's alright. I'm really happy to know that you all care about me so much. Even after I made that request to stay away, you all thought of me, and I...sorry." I wipe at my eyes. "I was hoping not to get too emotional after the past few weeks."

"It's more than alright," Hina says from her seat. "Please, if today is too much..."

"It has to be now, Hina. I want to put this off, too...but it has to be now, in front of all of you."

"Whenever you're ready, senpai. I have the area secured," Neji says.

"Thank you, Neji."

"You okay? Maybe you should sit, you look a little pale," Kurenai says. "Seriously, don't push yourself. Like Hinata said, we'll come back another day if you just ask."

"Thank you...but I can make it like this. I feel better standing up right now."

"Got it."

I stand in front of my precious people. Nervous. Just a bit frightened. My toes curl and uncurl against the floor. I press my hands together and tap my fingers against each other. I try to steady my breathing.

"You are all...special people to me. I love and care for all of you in this room. Not just you, but...I mean to say that you're important, and I wanted you to hear this. I trust you to keep what you hear in confidence. What I don't know is if...you will look at me the same way again after I say those words. I have shown parts of myself to you and others in this world, and you sitting here have accepted those parts of me in full. That means...has always meant...so much to me."

Everyone's expectant eyes...even as they mean well, they're a bit too much right now. I close my eyes and take several breaths in.

"Shino and Hina found the note that I left a few weeks ago. Shortly before that time, I captured a messenger that had posted a letter to my door. When I opened it...it revealed that there was going to be an attempt on the lives of my immediate family. My devoted maidservant and sister Luna...and my mother Emi. I contacted Ane-ue, known to most of you as Midoriko, the woman who defeated the strongest colossal snake and helped save the Leaf many months ago. There had been an elaborate scheme put in place to block her, so...I left the village, and ran up to the mansion. When I got there...everything was set aflame."

Everyone is quiet as I open my eyes, pausing to gather myself before continuing.

"Mama was outside with Ane-ue. The barrier around the mansion weakened her slightly and blocked any sort of space-time techniques, such as summoning. We quickly devised a plan to rescue Luna. She would disable the barrier, and I would dash inside to assist directly, facing down the two mercenaries who were behind this terrible siege. I could...smell the blood before I even reached the front steps. When I...got inside. There were those two shinobi, and a third man. He had hired them and organized everything himself."

"So...are Luna and your mom okay?" Naruto asks.

"Yes," I say while nodding. "Mama is fine. Luna was badly hurt when I found her, and still willing to fight for me. But she's recovering now as well, with Ane-ue."

"That's great news!"

"It is."

"The third person...must have had quite the grudge against you," Ruki says.

"He did. He was...very close to us, in many ways. He knew me...my mother...Luna...and Ane-ue. Personally." I steady myself and take another breath in. "Because he had lived in that place for many years with us. His name was...Leonidas Rothschild, CEO of Kobayashi Rice Corporation."

"There's no way...Lili, your..."

"Father. One of the two people who brought her into this world," Erika finishes for Kurenai.

"Yes. My father. He planned to kill my mother and Luna, all the while using the event as bait to draw me in along with my elder sister. The two criminals were listed in the Bingo Book as S-Rank."

"Hiring two of them for a job like that...it sounds like the sort of thing that only big money could buy," Kakashi says. "But it also sounds like a grim situation for any one shinobi."

"One of them left to defend the barrier from Ane-ue. He, along with his partner, exhibited strange abilities that made them extremely hard to kill...I must leave it at that for now. That meant that in the foyer I was...left to defend Luna against my father, and that other shinobi."

I run a hand through my messy hair, trying to gather my thoughts again. This part is...a vulnerable part. Something deep enough that nobody really knows about. I know that these people won't judge me, but...it still makes my stomach knot up.

"This is a lot already," Hanabi says. "Your own father...hiring people to kill you?"

"Even as much harm as Father caused me in the past, he would always protect me from the worst possible fates," Hina says. "I knew that, on some level, he cared for me and hoped that I would grow into the person he thought I could be. And eventually, he did learn the error of his ways. He became a kinder person, and now he sees me in a different light. I won't forget what happened before, but I can forgive it...because I know that he's trying, and that he wants to treat me like a father should treat his daughter. But that...hearing that, it's beyond cruel. All of the terrible things that man said and did to you, Lili...and now this?"

"He continued to say hurtful things when I confronted him," I continue. "I thought that I could endure and just put a stop to him, perhaps bring him back to his senses. I didn't know how deep his hatred ran. And when he...he called me..." I let out a breath. "He called me a mistake. And it hurt me in a way that I...didn't think possible. I collapsed in on myself. I almost gave up. But...I gathered the pieces of myself together again. I found the light inside of myself, and used that to ascend beyond my broken shell. I became the most terrifying weapon to ever exist. I crushed that shinobi, that man who had taken the lives of so many others, and left him bleeding on the floor. From that point...it was only the three of us."

I swallow the lump in my throat.

"I asked my father, over and over, to stand down. It was my love for him that tore me every which way, and it was my love for him that persisted enough to call for his surrender. I wanted to shoulder the pain, I wanted to take on the sins of that man, as awful as he was. He hurt me so many times before, and...perhaps foolishly, I wanted to see him whole again. I continued to reach out to him, even as the time grew short. But he kept approaching, with awful intent. And then I saw him reach into the pocket of his suit and...I..."

"Boss-"

"Let me finish...let me finish, Shino."

"Right. Sorry."

"It's okay. You meant no harm. I saw him...and I heard him threaten Luna, who was in no condition to do anything. And so, I acted before he could."

I move my arm and make a shooting motion with it.

"I used my technique and shot him, right through the heart. I had already come to the conclusion that he would not stop if I let him go. Even if he were to be put into a prison, his wealth and connections meant that he could order the same operations from inside of his cell. There would be no end to the pain and destruction that he would bring down upon me. Upon all of us. Nobody would be safe from his wrath. He would not stop until I was destroyed, until all of my loved ones were erased from existence. The strife, the darkness...it would never end unless he ceased to be. I never wanted that to be the final outcome, but I knew inside of myself that it had to be so. I killed my father. And I...even as I stand here before you, trembling because of those memories...to protect the people I love so much, I would...I would do it again. Only because I had to. Only because I knew that I was...never anything other than a burden to him. But even if he did all of those terrible things to me, even if he tried to kill me, there's this terrible weight on my heart. He was still my father, my family. And what I did wasn't just part of another day. I've done something that can never be taken back in the eyes of heaven. That's what I wanted to tell you all. I wanted you to hear this yourselves, and make your own judgements...to decide for yourselves what kind of person I will be to you from now on."

I wonder if I should just leave it at that, and just leave the room altogether. I don't know if I want to hear any of this. But it's only right that I hear what my comrades have to say to me. Whether it hurts or not. It's quiet for such a long while that I wonder if time itself has stopped moving. Nobody has said anything, and they're all simply looking at me with...disbelief, I think. Perhaps some pity as well. It's hard to say for sure.

"When...Haku and Zabuza died...they chose their own ways out."

I look at Naruto as he speaks.

"Haku saved Zabuza by putting himself in front of Kakashi-sensei's lightning jutsu...Super Chidori-"

"Lightning Edge," Kakashi and Ruki say in unison.

"Yeah, that. And then Zabuza...he had both his arms busted and asked for one of my kunai. So I gave it to him, and he...he killed a lot of people before lopping off that sleazebag Gato's head. After that, he was too injured to go on. But I'm sure that if he wanted to, he could have run away on us. Point is...some people make choices in life, and we can't stop 'em from doing that. Even if that was your dad, the person you shared blood with...if he did all of that to you, and then tried to kill someone you cared for right in front of your face...then there's nothing wrong with what you did, Lili. I know how it feels. I lost my head when I thought Sasuke died, back on that bridge. I just wanted to...to kill Haku, right then and there. But even then, my head cleared and when I saw Haku's face, I couldn't go on."

"What Naruto is trying to say is that it's a difficult thing to strike down those you feel close to," Kakashi follows. "They might hurt you, wound you...but still, you think that they can be saved. You think that if you just yell a little louder, look a little angrier, they'll see the error of their ways. But sometimes that isn't enough. Jiraiya and Orochimaru...it was the same for them. Orochimaru, who had already escaped the grip of the Third Hokage, was also confronted by Jiraiya, his comrade through many battles and wars. And yet...even that supremely dangerous criminal couldn't be struck down by his friend."

"I could never think less of you," Erika says. "In that moment, you made a difficult choice. You did it without hesitation, even as you understood the impact. And it's more than enough that you wanted to save the man you called your father, even as you found yourself forced to deliver justice unto him. You are not a monster, Lili."

"She's right. You're not a monster. You're not a bad person for what you did. We can argue that you could have just injured him, that you could have walked away or turned him in yourself," Kurenai says. "But you understood better than anyone else what was at stake. Your life, the lives of your family, and so many other innocents. He had already taken lives before...it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't do so again, just to get to you."

"He was an awful bastard who deserved the punishment he got. To hell with him," Hanabi says angrily.

"Lady Hanabi, language-"

"Brother Neji...respectfully, fuck that noise."

"Ugh." He shakes his head.

"Lili-nee, you did what was right. That man was a father to you, because he did give you life along with your mother. But he wasn't anything like a dad to you. And trying to kill you, not just physically but spiritually...that's the kind of scum that deserves to rot in hell. We're here for you, and will always be here for you. So don't worry about us rejecting you, or thinking that you're some sort of horrible monster. If you draw a sword, then expect a sword to be drawn on you in return. That's what my Daddy says. What your father did was unforgivable, Lili-nee."

"I agree with my sister in full," Hina says. "I still think the best of you, Lili. I always will. What your father did was unacceptable and out of line. The outcome was just and deserved. You are not a monster for what you did, and you are not alone."

"Hanabi made a good point," Ruki says. "Father or not, he tried to kill you and Luna. When he made that unfortunate choice, he sealed his own fate. I don't feel sorry for him at all...just for you, because you really did do everything you could to try and save him. But he rejected that, and hurt you to this degree...it's an awful, abominable thing. I hope he suffers for it, forever."

"You acted decisively to save a loved one, and the lives of many others. You did more than enough, Boss," Shino says. "The courage to take on that sort of situation, the worst nightmare of many shinobi...that is something that should be praised above all else. While your father's death is unfortunate, it was an outcome that ultimately he chose for himself. I could never think badly of you for that, Boss."

"As a person who had dark, violent thoughts himself in the past...and as someone who was ultimately saved by compassion and understanding...it's hard not to think that there was some other way to settle the strife," Neji says.

"Seriously?! Neji, you're-"

"Brother Neji is not simply being contrary here," Hina says to Hanabi gently. "His experiences are valid too. Let's listen to him, okay?"

"You're right. Onee-sama, I apologize. And to you especially, Brother Neji. Please, continue."

"Thank you, Lady Hanabi. I do understand your initial frustration, but it's as Lady Hinata said. My approach is from a different perspective. Naruto here used his fists and determination to open the door of my mind. Lord Hiashi was then able to give me the information I needed to start my healing. I...can only wonder, if senpai had done what she could to harm him without causing his death, perhaps with the same passion that Naruto gave me...would that produce a different outcome? Would another approach give him a second chance, something to think about from the inside of a prison cell? Would that not also be justice? What if I did something shameful, like the things I had inside of my head...bringing harm to those like Lady Hinata..."

"You thought about that?" Naruto asks.

"Brother Neji has told me that story, yes. He was filled with so much hatred and sorrow, and it twisted his world view. I accepted that part of him as well...and I know that he has changed for the better," Hina says.

"Yes. I know now that my father gave his life for the sake of the brother he loved. Taking all of that into consideration...this is the conclusion that I have reached. Some people simply cannot be reached in time, no matter how hard we try. There is always tomorrow, yes. But the decision must be made on both sides. And at some point, the sand in the hourglass will run from top to bottom, and we will be in a place where nothing can be done. Senpai's father...what he did was the equivalent of cracking open the hourglass and spilling the grains of sand onto the floor at her feet. He mentally battered her, threatened the lives of her family, and backed her into a corner with no other options. Forgiveness may be infinite, but our capacity, not just as humans, but as people, is limited. There are times where the resolution to conflict must be violent. We must take up the sword, or else be destroyed by those in opposition to us."

"So...you ultimately agree with the actions that Lili took?" Ruki asks.

"Without question. We can only rescue those who wish to be rescued. And beyond that, in our fight for the greater good, we may come across those must be struck down, even if our first wish is for them to surrender and live to see another day."

"It seems like we're all in agreement," Kakashi says. "We can see that it took a lot for you to come to us with this, Lili. Thank you for trusting us."

Everyone bows their heads towards me. I feel tears coming to my eyes, but...at least this time, they're not born of despair. Not just accepting what I did, but understanding it. Showing me the right things, instead of saying what I wanted to hear. Speaking with passion and grace, giving me reason to hope for a better future. I know that I'm not deserving of this, nobody could possibly be. But I accept it, all of it. I will never forget this beautiful, pure feeling. I don't have to be afraid anymore.

I get to the floor as soon as they raise their heads, going to my knees and bowing my head until it's pressed against the wood.

"Thank you...I'm unworthy of this love and praise. My hands are covered in blood, and may very well be for a long time. But with you, I can do anything I put my mind to. Thank you for your kindness, for your compassion. I love all of you...thank you so much."

I raise my head to see Hina in front of me, smiling. She wraps me in a warm, wonderful hug. I close my eyes and accept her loving embrace.

"Nothing more needs to be said, Lili. Please forgive yourself...and remember that you are loved."

After today...that is something I will never forget.

 

[FortePlus]

apparently I can put a crispy icon on the front index now, but I don't have any ideas.
if you have ideas though we can try them out. maybe something with snakes or flowers. or both.

also thanks for reading and stuff. makes me feel like a big writer man and happy.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 98
"Ventures"
---

The apartment is quiet, as it would be with only one occupant. I keep to my chores and eat as properly as I can. I really do miss Luna in these times, but I want her to recover and rest for a long while. Emi has put her on leave, and I will not go against her wishes. It's also just a case of me being stubborn, as I could get anyone I wanted to cook for me if I just asked. I simply don't feel like bothering them with things that are so trivial. What I have here is more than enough for now.

"Mm. This works for tonight's dinner." I pull my precious curly fries out of the oven and bask in the delicious aroma for a while. Ah, heavenly. The salmon has already been cooked, and so I am ready. I've received some mail today that needs to be read. That can be done at the kitchen table.

"The usual junk...Luna has already taken care of this, so I don't need it...already paid all of these. At least the postmaster is kept busy. No wonder Midori-nee got rid of this junk in her world." I shake my head before sitting down to eat. Ah, there's something...

"Another postcard."

It's from Fio. She sends these frequently, at least once every two weeks. There's never a return address, but the cards are usually from a tourist location so I can figure out where she is on the continent. This one is from last week, which is a reasonable time frame. She's still in Lightning Country. Her goal was to scale ten different cliffs before the month was through, and she did so. There's a picture attached of her celebrating the new year at a festival. And of course, there's another cheeky message.

"Hi, Lili! I miss you tons, like always. Finished scaling those big cliffs out in the wilderness, total rush and all that. Also, it's more work towards those legs you like so much. I've been eating pretty well, still not much meat on my bones, though. I think that will come in time. I'm sure you're annoying the heck out of everyone within a mile of you, so try to be nicer, yeah? Otherwise you're gonna have to deal with me! I'll always be thinking of you, Lili...I love you so much, and I always will. Take care of yourself, and remember to eat your veggies!

~ Fio."

"What a silly child she is..." I sigh. "I know that I miss her more than she does me."

The days of playing games in front of the television until I fell asleep...reading manga and light novels...lying on the couch from day until night, munching on snacks. Good times. But that cannot be the entirety of this time away from work. I want to go outside. Somewhere...far away. What would be a good excuse?

I ponder that while finishing my meal. After washing and drying everything properly, I go to my room and search through my documents. Something has been nagging at me for a while. Something that...I needed to do. What was it?

"Something to do with Fio...oh. Oh my goodness, I nearly forgot in all of this chaos. I commissioned that item for her, didn't I? It's well past the time to pick it up. Hopefully he isn't too annoyed with me by now." If Fio is still in Lightning Country, which she should be, then I can pass by and pick that up for her. Hot Water Country is on the way there. It's perfect, really. I couldn't have planned it out better. There's every chance that she's not where I think she is, but...I could use the exercise. I'm going to take this opportunity to see her. And...I'll tell her about that incident myself.

"To the Hidden Cloud village, via Hot Water Country. Sounds good," I say with a nod. "I can pack a few things, and see about my authorization tomorrow."

This will be good. A long journey alone to clear my head, and perhaps see my beloved at the end of it all. Okay, the phone call.

"Special Aide Imari Hyuuga speaking. How may I help you today?"

"Good evening, my love. This is Lili Kobayashi."

"Oh, Lili! How are you today? I heard about what happened from Lord Hokage..."

"I am fine today, thank you for asking."

"Good. And I want you to know that senpai and I don't think anything bad about you. You did what you had to do."

"Thank you, Imari."

"It's no trouble. Now, what can I do for you today?"

"I would like clearance for a trip outside of the village. There's a certain item that I have to personally inspect, and truthfully, I can't stand being stuck in the village forever."

"That only makes sense. I'll take care of that for you. Please give me the relevant details, in order."

"Yes. Lilith Caroline Kobayashi, 012599. Captain, Clearance Level A. 04-20."

"Thank you very much. That...should do it. I'll handle the physical paperwork, you can relax and make your way out by tomorrow if you so desire."

"I think I will do exactly that. Thank you, Imari. How has work been, by the by?"

"Not too bad, actually. Senpai's showing me the ropes, and I'm picking up on the details faster than I thought I would. All the encouragement doesn't hurt," she says with a laugh. "I'm getting there, day by day."

"That's lovely to hear."

"Your faith in me is definitely being rewarded. I'll continue to work hard."

"I know you will. Take care, Imari."

"I will. You do the same, Lili."

"Promise. Until the next." I hang up and clap my hands together. "Very good. I get to leave tomorrow...we can start packing in earnest now, then."

---

"The old man sent me over here to do a health check."

It's now the next morning, and I've been up since dawn making sure the apartment is clean and everything is secured properly. I made several phone calls to my loved ones, informing them of my intentions and assuring them that I will be fine on my journey alone. Tsunade has come by to do a quick physical evaluation, which she performs by looking me over and putting her hand on my head.

"Hm. Nothing off that I can see from here. You should be good to go."

"Thank you."

"Yeah. Just remember to take deep breaths if those nightmares come back, alright?"

"One of the reasons I've been looking forward to this trip...I want to confront those parts of me properly. I know that I won't forget what happened, but I can try to move past it, at least."

She nods. "Good. I'll see you later, then." Tsunade pats my back gently before leaving. I gather my equipment one last time: the backpack filled with my essentials, clothing, and small meals. My tools, which will be properly on my person. Some compact survival items. I'll also have my armband on me, just in case anything comes up. Technically I'm still on leave, but I'm still a member of the Leaf. Any misunderstandings should be cleared up quickly. As for my outfit, I've decided on the one that I was wearing while chasing after Sasuke. It will be warm and durable enough. Actually, I should make that order for the sweater in alternate colours...dressing in all black so often might be a little too chunni, even for me. But the aesthetic is nice, so...

"Sweater, check...shorts and socks, check. Shower is done, and my hair is fine...finally ready." I nod to my reflection before making sure my window is secure one last time, then I lock the door behind me. One last glance at my home, and then I step through the front door and secure it. A simple set of paper seals will be able to tell me if anyone has paid an unscheduled visit. I put a note on my front door, which contains leads to a certain mailbox that contains the actual away note for those who have access. Everything is in order.

"Goodbye for now, Hidden Leaf."

I reach the front gates and take a deep breath before passing through them. Nothing on my mind now but reaching my first destination. My feet take me down the road, and before I know it, I am inside the forest. I jump towards the first branch I see and leap into the air, slowly falling towards another in the distance.

I have the world to myself for now. It's time to make the most of it.

---

A day passes as I run. I had forgotten how much speed I put on in the past few months; this sort of light running allowed me to cover quite a distance already. I suppose the next battle will be exciting for that reason alone, whenever it might be. I rest for a few hours before taking off again, reaching one of the main roads and running along the shoulder. A rest stop comes into view and I slow down to have a look. There's a farmer transporting milk by wagon.

"Really? I'd sure appreciate if you looked out for me and my cargo a while. You guys from the Leaf do a good job, so there aren't too many robbers around, but extra protection is always nice. Hop in the back and let me know when you want off."

I get a few treats for the child pulling the wagon, and she's appreciative. As soon as I get properly seated within the wagon, we head off. I can feel the wind going through my hair, colours starting to blur slightly as we pass buildings from time to time. There are waves of rolling grass, some flowing into golden fields of wheat, others grazed by leisurely moving cattle.

It's easy to forget that we're still in winter. Obviously it's not the same everywhere, but this is my first real look at Fire Country in this time of year. Last year was devoted to getting acquainted to the Hidden Leaf and how everything worked. The feeling...it's like a cool spring, with no snow or ice as far as the eye can see. I close my eyes and let the sensations of nature filter through my body. A very pleasant experience. I really should do more things like this when I have time off. Being connected to the world like this might be what truly completes me in the end.

My friendly farmer announces that he is turning east, and I take it as my cue to continue on my own way. I bid him and his lovely child farewell with small gifts, then continue north along the paved road at an even pace. I should reach Hot Water Country in good time...but I could also make a detour west, to a familiar place. Ah, perhaps another time. I'm not terribly far from my destination at this point, so I might as well continue. Night falls, and the border comes into view. A growl comes up from my stomach.

"Right...I haven't eaten anything hearty in a while, have I? I should slow down and have a proper meal."

I search for a good spot to rest, moving carefully through the trees. Something favourable does come up - a nice, flat location next to a moving stream. Perfect. I carve out a shallow fire pit a good distance away, then venture back towards the tree line to find appropriate timber. Some good application of lightning chakra and a kunai help me cut through some wood in short order, and I start up a fire easily.

"Good. That should do. Now...for meat. Venison tonight, and fish for the road later? Hm...that should do nicely. Time to hunt."

I make sure my things are secure, hanging my bag in a nearby tree before venturing back into the forest. Fortunately, there's a deer nearby and I use Mobius for a certain kill, ending its life immediately. I butcher it on the spot, like I remember Luna showing me one day, and then carry the pieces back to my camp. The fish aren't terribly hard to catch with my reflexes, as I take my socks off and wade into the cold water. Three should do, since they're of a good size.

"Now to clean. Let's see how much I remember..."

I take the packets of herbs from my backpack and rub them into the meat I've prepared. The deer is roasted over the open fire, while the fish will be smoked once I have the fire die down. I believe doing that should help with preservation. In any case, it shouldn't be too long before I get to eating them on my journey. I've crafted a crude sort of box for this purpose, and it sits ready as I cook the pieces of deer. The smell is already making my mouth water. I can't wait to eat.

"And...finally done. Now to start with the fish...then we'll eat."

Naruto would give me grief if he saw this scene: a pile of cooked meat, and not a vegetable in sight. I say a short prayer and take off my sweater before finally digging in. The meat tastes even better than it smells. Only a tiny bit on the tough side, but nothing to complain about in these conditions. I eat as much as I can, enjoying a bottle of fortified milk that has been kept cold in my backpack at the same time. The remaining pieces are cut up a bit further and sealed away - perhaps they could be used for sandwiches when I get my hands on some bread in town.

"Ah, that was good." I pat my full stomach and sigh happily. The fish should be done smoking in a few hours, which is more than enough time to get some sleep. I wash up in the stream, find my thin sleeping bag, and inflate it with two measured puffs of air. One more look at the fish, camp is cleaned up, and I shed some more clothing so that I don't overheat in my sleeping bag. I think I'm ready now. I reach out into the forest with my senses, and can't detect anything of note. If anything, there are a few traps to alert me to unwelcome visitors.

I zip up my sleeping bag and shuffle around a bit to get comfortable...and finally feel myself drifting off to sleep.

---

It's...dark. I can feel the tension in the air. I know this place...I have been here before. One too many times.

This is the same nightmare that has been playing inside of my head, over and over, for the past few weeks.

There is a man standing in front of me. My father. And my body is...I'm losing control of it by the second. I can feel myself slipping away. There are hateful, murderous urges inside of my head. They swirl and swirl, threatening to take over. But I feel like...maybe I can win. Maybe I can beat this. I keep thinking that...

And then my father appears from another angle. And another. And another. And another, and another, and another. So many copies, too many of them. They keep speaking, saying the most hateful things. My body fills with rage and pain, and I can't stop those emotions from taking over.

I snap.

I reach for the first one I see, and he looks at me like I'm nothing, even as I crush his throat. I plunge my hand through the chest of another, and he smugly looks at me while falling to the surface of this unforgiving void. A kunai appears in my hand and I tear through more of them, killing, slaughtering, even as more keep appearing. The blood continues to flow, endlessly. My rage does not subside. I feel nauseous. I don't want this. I want it to stop. It has to stop. Stop, stop, stop, stop...please, stop it...

And in the madness, I can...hear myself laughing. I know that I've lost control. I know that...that I...

---

My eyes snap open.

"..."

It's still dark out. Dawn has yet to arrive.

My heart is beating fast, and I'm covered in a cold sweat. It's difficult to breathe for a while. I...I feel so filthy. So dirty and shameful. I keep having those...those sorts of visions, over and over. Is what I truly wanted the opportunity to...ruin him? To take his life and enjoy the sensation of it? It's such a mess inside of my head right now, even though I've come so far. These nightmares are certain to continue for a while. All I can really do is endure. I don't know if anyone can really help, or if this is something that a human being can fix. I don't think it is...

Remembering what Tsunade said, I take several deep breaths in and out. I feel a bit calmer as a result, and can function properly. It feels unbearably warm and I'm already sweating a bit, so I get out of my sleeping bag and properly deflate it. I take off the rest of my clothing and set it down before wading into the stream, splashing the ice cold water over myself. Any remnants of drowsiness have surely left by now, and I wasn't planning on going back to sleep anyways.

"I really am a mess..."

I sigh and step out of the water, going to find one of my towels so I can dry myself off a bit. The moon is a bright crescent in the sky as I glance upwards, feeling the morning chill sink into my skin. The fire is restarted, and I take the time to check on the fish. They look fine enough, but I can leave them where they are a while longer. Right now, I just...need to escape into nothingness.

The fire's warmth helps me dry as I sit near it, and I stare into the waving flames while occasionally poking at the embers with a stick. I feel a bit better...not having to think about anything important for a while. A small respite from those terrible nightmares, that's all I could ask for...

---

Dawn eventually does come, and I prepare to leave my small refuge. I take the fish and wrap them up neatly before dismantling the box I used. I put out the fire properly and make sure any significant traces of my presence have disappeared. When everything is done, I get myself dressed and leave my small refuge at last.

Another trip up a main road heading north. There's another traveller passing by with a horse and covered wagon, and he offers a ride, across the border at last to Hot Water Country. We don't talk very much but he seems relaxed with my presence. As his stomach rumbles, without a second thought I offer my venison from the previous night. He's quite appreciative, and it's far from a big loss since I still have those fish to eat later on.

In a happy coincidence, his delivery will take us straight to the place I was aiming for: the Village Hidden in Hot Water. What I remember of that man, Hidan...he had the headband with this village's symbol on it, a slash going across it to indicate that he was a missing-nin. Kakuzu was from another minor village, the Hidden Waterfall. I wonder what that place is like.

"Here we are. Thanks a lot for the food, it was delicious."

I nod and give him a small donation, which he starts to protest before I shut him down with a firm look. He sighs and praises me entirely too much for my liking before heading out. Immediately, I can see that this shinobi village is much different from any other. Quite a bit of fanfare on the streets, and tourist traps abound. The layout of the streets and shops, the signage...catering to tourists. Shinobi are on patrol and visible in their maroon outfits. A hidden village doubling as a resort town...hm. Could this be a possible future for the shinobi world? Something to think about.

An abundance of steam comes from the many hot springs dotting the area. As a result, there are quite a few inns and hotels in proximity of each other.

"Mm. Perhaps I should rest a while. Right now, I think I should complete my errand before it gets too late."

I shoulder my backpack and head into the heart of the village.

 

[w34v3r]

While I doubt most of the hidden villages would become resorts specifically, there is a lot of potential for peace time applications of chakra, super human labor in both skilled and unskilled roles, chakra and natural energy technologies, not to mention sports.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 99
"Ascent"
---

It's not terribly long before I find the building that I was looking for.

A sturdy looking design, composed of brick and mortar. Rustic red with a large window at the front of the shop to display some of the wares within. Weapons of all kinds are precisely positioned to catch the light, coming from many different places in this world. There are the longswords near the katanas, the strange chakrams next to crossbows, leather whips and metal flails. Plate armour, chain mail, metal chains for combat, helmets, gauntlets and greaves.

Certainly impressive, and a quick display of the owner's skill and expertise. But I already knew that much, which is why I hired him in the first place.

"So...this is it, then." I open the door next to the window and step in to the sounds of gently singing chimes. There are more displays within the shop, racks of clothing and weapons spread out in individual sections with the most expensive equipment placed along the walls. The counter is towards the back half of the shop, and I walk towards it while waiting for someone to assist me. Emerging from the back room is a woman with long black hair, her stomach bulging slightly beneath a blouse and worn overalls. Her smile is warm and familiar.

"It's very nice to see you again, Lili. Welcome," she says in her soft, airy tone.

"Lovely to see you again as well, Airi," I say with a small bow. "You're with child, congratulations."

"Thank you. Zen will be here with your request as soon as I get him. Was there anything else that you wanted?"

"No, no. Thank you, regardless."

"Understood. A moment, please." She disappears into the back room again.

"Oi, don't go moving around too much," a voice calls out. "I appreciate your help, but there's no need to act tough, Airi. Eh? Oh, she's here! Alright, gimme a minute or two to grab her kit. I have it stashed somewhere safe."

Airi reemerges and nods. "He will be out in a moment."

"Please, take your time. Are you alright to move around so much?"

"Very much so...as I remind Zen so often, I still have my pride as a working woman to consider. When our child is closer to entering this world, perhaps I can rest a little often."

I smile at that. "I see. It only makes sense that you're as stubborn as that man is. You really are perfect for each other."

She giggles behind her hand as Zen arrives.

"Alright, got it. Nice to see you again, kid." He's still the same bald and muscular man that I remembered, but one thing has changed: he now has a thick beard of dark brown hair. As usual his shirts can barely contain his physique, and there's a heavy apron on his person that is no doubt used for metal working. He sets the metal box in his hands down on the counter. "Heck of an outfit you've got on."

"It's actually quite comfortable and durable. More than a few missions have been carried out wearing this."

"Interesting...well, that and all the flare you've got on it suits you from what I remember. Anyways, here's the gear you requested all that time ago. I was wondering if you were gonna come up here for it, or I'd have to ship it over to you. It's good that you're here, since I can show off the functions to you in person. I'll show you in the back, so step right up."

Airi unclicks a lock and flips up one section of the counter to let me through. The three of us travel through the small office that's directly behind the counter, and into a workshop.

"This is where I fiddle with things before putting them out or giving them to customers. The real deal workspace is a few doors down...but we'll have a look at this one in here, since it's nothing too flashy or dangerous." He sets the box down on a metal table in the middle of the room and opens it, revealing my order at last. "Hope you like it."

"Very hard not to...it looks very well done." It's a pair of metal gloves, made from that rare commodity Red Iron and crafted to be extremely flexible with detailed and articulated joints. They have a glow to them in the room's lights. Complementing them is a pair of sandals that look like they're from another world, somewhat. They're made from the same material and look just as flexible as the gloves, with cushioning on the insides.

"So, I'll explain how it all works. That way you can answer a few questions if your lady friend has any questions for you. First thing I'm gonna show you is this." He picks up one of the gloves and puts it over his hand. It seems to fit snugly, and that makes me raise a brow in confusion. Fio's hands are not that big, so...

"Wild, huh? Go ahead and try it yourself, you'll see what's going on."

I nod and pick up the weighty glove, putting it over my right hand. To my surprise, the fit is just about perfect. Whatever material is inside moulds itself to fit my fingers perfectly, and I have a great response when I move my fingers around. "Oh...that's certainly something..."

"Instead of making something to custom fit, we used the data we had to go with something more adjustable," Zen says. "Airi suggested it, actually. To sum it up, the material on the inside of the glove moulds itself around the user's hand, no matter the size. When you're ready to go, you just close your hands and flex your chakra a bit through the gloves themselves. Then they get nice and taut, like a boxer's hand wraps. All of the main features on the glove respond directly to chakra output. But this feature is handy because it means that you don't have to worry too much about wear on the inner lining, or having to order a new pair every year because of a growth spurt. I know you like throwing business my way, but it's better to take care of your customers properly the first time."

"I very much appreciate that. This feels quite comfortable and secure," I say as I swing my hand through the air a few times. "Yes, this definitely works. There was a reason I left this to a genius like you."

"Ha."

"And of course, Airi's brilliance cannot be understated. You make a wonderful team."

Airi smiles and curtsies for me.

"There's more stuff here. I followed your notes as closely as I could, and put in a few features that your friend will like." Zen makes a half seal with his gloved hand, and I see a few holes open up on the glove's cuff. When he makes a different type of seal with the same hand, holes on the knuckles open. He makes yet another seal, and all the openings close. "Your partner there uses Boil Release, of the type made famous by Han from the Hidden Rock. But that makes sense, since he was her old master after all. I used that bit of knowledge to work on integrating that into the glove, and it worked out just fine. When she creates steam, she can use it to further regulate the pressure against the hands if they like, sort of like an air cushion. There's also some hollow space inside of the gloves themselves, so that she can store and release high pressure steam. It took a bit of testing, but I managed to get it down so that the completed glove won't rupture or explode from the high pressure being exerted on it. Because of that, you can put different kinds of chakra in there too and make use of it."

"Did you use chakra to open those vents just now?" I ask.

"Yep. Same as you do to activate the glove get it primed. You use some specific hand gestures, which are pretty much the same as the handseals you shinobi use. I asked some local shinobi to help me out with that part, and then I made different parts of the glove respond to different levels of chakra input. The amount isn't very much, so even an old man like me can operate these things. You just flex your chakra a bit using different gestures in different position, and certain vents are opened and closed. Really easy for seasoned shinobi like you guys."

"Ah, I see. So there are sequences we can learn, or perhaps program into the gloves themselves. And from there, it will come down to muscle memory. Well, she's very good when it comes to that, so she will definitely be happy with this system."

"Good to hear. If you look at the valves, they're all individually adjustable, so you can mess with the opening and closing speeds, the air flow, the amount of pressure, all of that. There are a lot of ways that she can use these things if she feels like it, and I included a set of instructions so that she can get a hold of the basics and figure out what fits her the best. Oh, and see here..." Zen takes off the glove and points at the inside of the cuffs. "I put in space for those wrist things you mentioned. If she ever takes those off, I included a similar set of discs so that she can seal the gloves that way if she wants."

"Very thoughtful of you, and supremely helpful," I say as I continue to inspect the glove. Truly remarkable craftsmanship on his part...I couldn't have imagined something so complex, even with all of the detail I left in those notes. My eyes move to the sandals as I set the glove down. "Do these work in the same way?"

"Pretty much. I went back to your notes and included some extra ventilation for the feet. They're made from Red Iron too, so they're heavier than the average set of footwear, but durable as anything you can think of." Zen holds up one of the sandals. "Airi came through with another suggestion. I made them able to transform, so you can use them if you want a more every day type of shoe. So the default setting is what you see here. There's a little button on the outside of each foot, you press it and at the same time output a little chakra while moving your finger...then you can adjust the heel and have it pop out to the height you like. Maybe you like a casual heel, maybe you like a taller one, whatever works. The slope there changes and the soles and cushions in there keep your feet comfy."

"Hm." I press the button and nothing happens. Then I push a bit of chakra into it while sliding my finger downwards, and the sandal responds. A short heel emerges from the bottom, sturdy and unmoving. I repeat the button press and slide my finger upwards, and the heel retracts, leaving a normal bottom again. "I see. It's very nice...Fio should like it for outings. Being able to switch from heels to flats in an instant is every girl's dream."

"That's what Airi told me," Zen says with a chuckle. "That feature sounds like it'll come in handy, then. Like I said, you've gotta put chakra into those spots manually to transform, so it won't be triggered in the middle of a fight, or by climbing trees and walking across water, or anything like that. The gloves operate on the same principle, they won't do anything unless you ask 'em to. I included two extra pairs of rings with inscriptions on them, they're kind of like training wheels just in case there's any trouble or you want to give them a spin yourself for a while. They help to coordinate power for the gloves, but as a result everything operates at reduced strength. So when you're ready to use the gloves for real, you'll want to take those off. But your friend there sounds like a vet, so she shouldn't have any trouble."

"You said that instructions were included, yes?"

"All in the box. Airi and I wrote them together. We made sure to keep the main parts simple in a quick guide, but the real meat of the instruction manual is a lot denser than that. All sorts of advanced technical knowledge to dig through if you're hungry for it. If you've got a question, we made sure that it's got an answer somewhere in there."

"Yes, I see." I inspect the items one last time. Fearfully made, these...exceeding my expectations in many ways. Fio will certainly love them. "Thank you very much. These new tools will certainly be appreciated by their future recipient."

"I should be thanking you for making the order in the first place," Zen says with a smile. "Seriously, I haven't had this much fun in a long time. I like making normal weapons, but a challenge like this is always welcome. If you think up something else crazy, go ahead and give us a call."

"I very well might do that. There are more friends of mine who would appreciate some unique tools."

"We appreciate your patronage very much," Airi says.

"Very good. I'm happy to know that I've brought some joy into your lives. It's a fleeting thing in these times."

"Oh, right. Turns out we've got another connection aside from being old work buddies. Heard you met my niece a while back," Zen says. She's getting married to some hippie who used to work for the Hidden Frost Village. Kid's a handful sometimes, but...I guess that's why she likes you so much."

"It must be so. Has she been well lately?" I ask.

"Yeah, she's doing okay." Zen starts to put the items back into the box neatly. "You know how Rei is, a good kid with a few quirks here and there. She and her new boyfriend are making a way for themselves. Ah...I call him a hippie, but he's far from just some common treehugger. Guy's got a real eye for weapons. I told him that if he wanted some freelance work, I'd be happy to have him onboard. No questions asked."

"That's nice of you."

Zen shrugs. "Nothing to it. It's the right thing to do, he and Rei are family. Where she's concerned, I'd do a lot for her sake."

Airi hands me a scroll and I use it to seal away the box. The scroll goes into my backpack as I set it down. "Thank you both for your hard work, I am quite grateful to you. I will leave you to continue business as usual, so please take care. I will see you and our darling Reiko soon." I reach into a compartment on the side of my pack and pull out a small envelope. "The promised payment for your services. You will be the first number I call if I have anything that needs to be crafted."

"Got it." Zen takes the envelope and looks inside. His eyes widen. "Hey, this is way too-"

"I won't hear it."

He goes to argue but stifles his protest, sighing instead. Airi gasps as she takes a look inside herself.

"You know, you're a stubborn one. Listen, you make sure that you show up for the wedding now..."

"We will be sure to attend, as promised."

"Good stuff. And one more thing, there's a formula on the bottom of the box for transport, if your lady friend Fio should need it. That's our lifetime warranty at work, and we mean lifetime when we say that. The box will be reverse summoned back here whenever she wants, and she can call or mail us if she needs something smaller like an extra part. Instructions are in the manual too. It's the least we could do for an important order like this."

"Incredibly generous of you. I'll let her know everything you've just told me."

"Be well, Lilith. Bless you," Airi says with a smile.

"Thank you. Good health and prosperity to you both, and your child. Until the next."

I bow politely for them both, and Airi lets me out past the counter before I leave the shop altogether. The warm air of the village greets me once more. Everything has gone better than I could have hoped...the tools for Fio are impeccably made, and I can't wait to see her smile when I deliver this gift into her hands. Speaking of her...I still have a ways to go before I reach my final destination. Frost Country still has to be crossed, and it's far from an easy adventure in the winter months. Fire Country might as well be a tropical paradise in comparison. My clothing is far from inappropriate, but still...I am not particularly excited to cross that sort of terrain.

"..."

I should give myself time to breathe instead of rushing. I did say I was interested in resting a while, so I can stand to be a tourist for a while longer. I don't feel tired or anything, but something is telling me to take this opportunity while I still can. I walk through the village and have a look around at the various rest stops, trying to see what suits my mood best.

"Mm...lots to choose from, but nothing suitable quite yet. Ah, perhaps I spoke too soon."

I cross the wide street and pass a shaved ice stand, spotting a small inn. It looks to have been converted from a residential home with two levels to it, and there is steam escaping from a few chimneys on the roof.

"Let's see what's inside."

I enter through the front door and step into a cozy space, with a reception desk that is crafted from polished wood. The receptionist politely explains their services, and I pay them upfront for everything to get it out of the way. I overhear from some other patrons that it's a bit pricier than the other places in the area. I'll learn the reason for it soon enough, good or bad.

"Thank you, ma'am. Please enjoy your stay here."

And as I soon learn, the quality of service is more than worth the higher than average prices. An expert masseuse undoes my knots with her deft hands, there is plenty of high-quality food to eat, and I am practically waited on hand and foot for the evening. Likely owing to the exclusive feel of the establishment, there are not too many people wandering around, and those that are tend to be of middle-age or older than that.

"Here you are, ma'am."

"Thank you." The outdoor pools are lovely around these times of year. I take the bottle of strawberry milk from my helpful hostess, and she bows before retreating indoors once more. I put up my hair and make sure that my towel is secure before stepping into the warm pool, sinking down until it reaches my neck. This feeling is extremely pleasant, and I settle in with my back against one of the walls. The silence is welcome - I am alone again, and thus free to think without distraction.

"..."

Those nightmares again. The ones that continue to plague me without end. I even find myself thinking about them during the day. But...I did say that I wanted to confront them properly, and this is the best way to go about doing so. I am not yet freed of those chains, but one day I will be. The scene from that day is vivid. I find myself standing in the burned out mansion again...my father's body lying on the floor, blood spreading out around him. A piece of me did break once I fired that final shot. I can't simply move on all of a sudden. I did hate him...I did kill him on that day. But he was still my father. And it's for that reason that I cannot so easily escape those feelings.

For some, the pain is far too much to bear. They start to disassociate, desperately trying to find a reliable way to deal with the pain inside of their heads. For others, it is only the pain that remains inside, torturing them as an unshakable phantom at their backs. For me, it is...quiet. Sorrowful. The darkness contains a lonely place where I look at my reflections in gilded mirrors. The girl who lusts for blood in one, the girl who ruthlessly eliminates targets in another, and the girl with shining wings of light in the last. Not different people, or different personalities to swap with in stressful times. Each of them is who I am as well.

"Cold and shattered dreams...those things that I had long tried to forget."

I take a sip of milk and look into the evening sky.

---

The nightmare comes again as I sleep. It fills my head with darkness and leaves me filthy again, as much as I try to tell myself otherwise.

I roll out of bed and take a warm shower, though it doesn't help much with the lethargy I feel from being awakened so suddenly. Sleep will not come again tonight. After my shower I dress lightly and look through my bag for a certain item. It seems I've forgotten it this time, which is unfortunate. Finishing that strange novel where I ended up as the lead character somehow was something I wanted to get done. But perhaps that's a sign as well. I shake my head and walk over to the phone, dialing room service. There's a drink I want to try, since I'm already awake.

"Here you are, ma'am."

"Thank you very much. A pleasant morning to you."

The gentleman gives me a bow before closing the door again. I've made sure to order a sizable breakfast, since I am a growing young lady, and something from the west that's called an 'espresso'. Ibiki was talking about it some time ago, and my curiosity has gotten the better of me. I grab the nearby remote and sit at the table with my tray of food, then turn on the television.

"Winter league baseball is on, then. Mm..." I flip through a few channels before spotting something interesting. I've seen this before...it's called football, but there's a lot of passing with the hands. They call actual football 'soccer' over there. Strange. What I finally settle on is one of those winter sports that uses a stick and rubber disk. 'Hockey' is what it's called. You need a lot of strength and balance, along with the ability to skate well. I don't know anyone who plays...maybe that could be a sport that could become popular here, in the future? They're played in those indoor arenas after all, so the ice has to be kept cold by some means.

This 'espresso' tastes quite odd, but not unpleasant. I already feel more awake than before as I watch the athletes on the television screen.

---

As dawn arrives, I do my normal stretching, gather my things, and check out of the inn, after leaving a small gift as usual. My milk supply is reloaded, and I am far more relaxed than when I came in. It was a very good excursion, to say the least. Making this small stop was the correct choice in the end. Now, I think I am ready to take on the world again.

"Or at least that terrible frost-ridden corridor..."

I sigh and make sure my scarf is pulled tight. Exercise is good for the mind and body...I might be tempted to fatten myself up while coasting on a boat to Lightning Country. The cold will be good for character, or some nonsense that Kakashi would dole out from time to time.

Alright. Frost Country, here I come.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 100
"Together"
---

My first proper crossing into Frost Country brings me through the majesty of the forest. The cold bites into the small portions of exposed skin on my face as I run. It's night by now, and dark beneath the canopy of old trees. I can navigate easily enough with my abilities, and occasionally take to the air, skipping above the tops of the trees and enjoying the sensation of weightlessness. The skies are clear tonight, and I can see the shining stars beyond my smoky breaths.

Absolutely beautiful.

"How many people can see the same sky, at this moment?" I ask myself. "Nature is such a wonderful gift to us mortals. So very lovely..."

The cold sweeps in briefly to remind me that nature is indiscriminate in addition to its wonderful aesthetic. Freezing is a real possibility if I stop too long to admire the sights - there's a reason why even shinobi stick to the main roads at this time of year. That wouldn't be too pleasant, and a tragedy above all. Well, I am being a bit dramatic. Frostbite is easily dealt with these days.

I stop on a branch to confirm my course and mentally map out the fastest way through the country. Fubuki and Yamato's land, then...and Ittan's, of course. One day, I should explore a bit more. Oh, I will actually get that chance soon enough. I'll be looking after those children, won't I? An owl lands beside me, snow white with thick feathers. It stares at me briefly with what looks like understanding before returning its gaze to the distance.

"Hm." I dust snow from my sweater absentmindedly. "A lovely night, is it not?"

A small response comes from the owl as it turns its head, and I smile while nodding.

"Always nice to meet a fellow stargazer. Time must be made for sights such as these on the road of life. Otherwise, it's not much of a life lived at all."

Another hoot of familiarity.

"It's time for me to move forward again. Please take care, and I will do the same."

My companion spreads their wings and hoots once more in approval. I step off the branch and fall forward, bounding off the next foothold and back into the space above the trees. The cold air is stimulating as it fills my lungs, a half moon dominating the sky ahead.

This enrapturing beauty is something that I will dream of for many days to come. I feel...peaceful, in a way that I haven't for such a long time.

Mid-morning arrives and I finally feel the warm rays of the sun once more. A sturdy branch allows me to rest a short while before I continue on my journey, slicing quickly towards the eastern edge of the country without an extended pause. Hugging the southern edge, near the sea, and following that out. After that, it will be a matter of navigating the terrain ahead. With another day passing and little sleep, I find myself accelerating past the border and into new territory. The forest is broken up by a desert with tall, weathered rock formations, then by hills and peaks as I move. After several hours of running, I am among the mountains. Rivers and streams flow endlessly outwards, looking to unite with the coastline and the oceans beyond.

"Quite warm here..." I put away my scarf and unzip my sweater a bit to get some extra air. A few localized thunderstorms are sounding off in the distance, which only makes sense for a country named after lightning. Steam is rising up from a few places as well - the hidden village proper isn't known for its hot springs, but there are quite a few natural ones there and around the country itself. But it might be a strategic consideration, perhaps keeping the village less visible overall unlike the Leaf. There have been mutterings that the development of infrastructure to better facilitate tourism and trade has led to an increase in security breaches, such as the one I dealt with the other day. We will have to see what comes of that.

The terrain is rough, but I feel confident today. My feet take me quickly through and I check my heading once more to make sure that I'm on the right path. Northeast from here...simple enough, really. The wind rushing by me is refreshing in this humidity...the clouds above look like they're on the verge of bursting, as they have for the past few hours now. But here is an interesting sight...I come to a quick stop in order to marvel at it.

"I forgot to pack my camera as well. Another time, I suppose."

Whether this is fog or the result of very low cloud cover, I cannot tell. But my vision is obscured from this point on. What I can sense is that I'm near the edge of a valley, and that there has to be a substantial amount of water in it. Long, and quite wide. It must be deep as well. There is...something there. A very distinct presence that I can sense, hidden away within that fog. I will hold my curiosity at bay today, but I have to wonder what could be lurking in such a place...or rather, who. It may very well be a shinobi, or perhaps a missing tailed beast. If I'm not mistaken...the Three Tails is currently on the loose. Perhaps it could be resting here? In any case...I don't think I would be equipped to take on such a task, and it would be ill-advised to seek out danger. The long way around will do, just so that I don't cause any disturbances that would have Cloud shinobi harass me.

I casually continue along through the various mountain ranges, noting that the presence has not moved an inch. Night eventually falls and I am still some distance away from the village. Perhaps another day at this speed...my muscles are burning just a bit from the constant climbing, but I welcome the feeling today. As Hina once told me, pain is the sign of life.

"I should sleep. Properly, this time." I find myself a flat surface, set a few compact traps in the area, and unroll my sleeping bag. My outer clothing comes off and is set into a messy pile nearby before I bury myself in the sleeping bag and put my head down. Exhaustion barrels into me all at once and my eyes close.

I shouldn't be so foolish. Going back to a regular sleep cycle will be best once this is over with...

---

"Mmph..."

I wiggle out of my sleeping bag and rub at my eyes. My hair is a complete mess, I can feel it. Not that it matters...I really was exhausted from everything earlier. It's going to take a few moments to get myself moving.

"Not even a dream, then..."

One boon was that I didn't have that terrible nightmare again. Small mercies, it seems. Such is the will of heaven. Though I wish said will didn't make my head throb so much. The relative quiet of the mountains allows me to hear the echoes of hooves impacting rock. The mountain goats are out today, and I observe them climbing the nearly vertical faces while gaining my bearings.

"They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate...on your wonderful works."

I blink and shake my head before finally rising. The last of the smoked fish, some bread and milk to wash it down. I get myself dressed and apply a comb to my hair with a casual set of strokes. Really, it's nothing to worry about too deeply until I reach the village itself. The sleeping bag is put away once more, I disarm and dismantle my traps, and start through the mountains once more. A soaring hawk follows through the sky, and as morning shifts to afternoon, the clouds become more and more dense. Not much in the way of roads, which leads me to believe that most people in the village never travel much outside of it, compared to places like the Leaf where travel is normalized, or the Sand where regular travel has become necessary for several reasons. I pass through a thick veil of clouds and find myself on top of a structure built into the side of a rock face. From here, I can finally see it.

"I'm here, then...good. It's been a long enough trip."

A village built on top of mountains, reaching into the sky. Impressively built, and complicated in its design to my eye. Walkways go to and fro, suspended above the valleys below. There are regular pathways, of course, but many parts of the village are elevated. All of the shinobi are fine with this, and so are the civilians as they move along. The Cloud has their personnel in long grey shirts and bottoms, with those iconic one-strap jackets and guards on their arms and legs in white. What jumps out at me the most is that everything around looks impeccable. With all of the military spending, one would assume that appearances would be lacking, but it seems like the village is not wanting for anything. A stark contrast to the Hidden Sand, with high class shops all over and a well-decorated village entrance. I head down to it and make a normal entrance to the village, passing through without any fanfare.

"Fio...she might be here. Hopefully she is. The trip won't be a complete waste, but..."

I feel like I'm rested enough today. There's time to look for her properly...I wonder what I should do first. Perhaps checking out the local restaurants would be a good start. She does need plenty of food. But then I would have to figure out where those establishments are...hm. I should try not to cause too much trouble. A silent, subtle approach works best for now. I search for a high perch and make my way up to it at a leisurely pace, climbing manually and playing the part of a tourist to perfection. Best to make them guess whether or not I'm just fit instead of a kunoichi infiltrating their abode. The peak that I'm climbing has a small ledge that I stand on, and I can get a read on a lot from here. If Fio truly is present, I will find her in short order.

My eyes close, and I remember the feeling of her chakra. That unique warmth, something that gives me sweet and happy memories. I reach out and that familiar wavelength bounces back to me.

"She's here."

I focus to make sure, and it is her, definitely. She's just a bit down the road, and I carefully descend the mountain's face towards the pathways below. I jog lightly and keep my gaze pointed ahead, feeling that she hasn't moved anywhere. I wonder just what she's like right now. I wonder what she looks like, what she feels like. I wonder about the changes she's made, if any at all. I wonder how much she's grown. I know it hasn't been terribly long, but these past few months have felt like it, like an eternity plus a day. I just want to see her right now. More than anything else.

There. She's looking at fruit, admiring them with that curious gaze I remembered. I found it adorable, just as I did her. Should I...? I feel so strange, now that I'm here. But I should follow through, shouldn't I?

"Fio?"

I worry that my voice hasn't carried far enough, but her head pops upwards, and then it turns towards the timid sound I made. She has her white hair tied into two bushy tails, and they seem to move gently along with her as she turns herself to face me. Her shirt is patterned in all the colours of the rainbow, and she has rugged pants that are rolled up to her ankles, with her feet bare.

"Lili...is that really you?"

Her smoky grey eyes start to brighten as she recognizes me, and then she smiles. It's a smile that is bright, and wide, and beautiful, and it's everything at once somehow. Just as I remembered it. She runs towards me with her arms open and wraps them around me, pressing her fingers lovingly into my back. I hug her back and it feels like I've always been next to her like this...the warmth that made me feel safe, and unworthy, and loved at the same time. I didn't realize how much I needed this, from her. It wasn't that I was alone, but I...I missed her. A lot.

"You came all this way to see me. That's...really, that's so sweet of you," I hear her say.

"I love you that much, you know...even if I don't say it out loud, because of how stubborn I get..."

"Like you needed to say it. I always knew, just from the way you looked at me. But this...oh, it's everything. I could have been anywhere, you know? Taking such a long journey, just for me...gosh, how could I even imagine it..."

"I really did miss your warmth," I say.

"I missed yours too. The last time we were like this, I felt like I could have floated away."

"You might be lost if you do that here. We're quite high up as it is."

"Hehe." We finally separate and look at each other. Fio smiles and nods towards the street ahead of us. "Wanna celebrate by buying me food?"

"Of course. Whatever you like, my love. There is no finer occasion."

"Awesome!" She takes the opportunity to wrap her fingers around mine, locking our hands together. I give her a reassuring squeeze and we start our walk together through the village. "Oh, I hope you don't mind too much...kind of updated the look while walking around. Hit or miss?"

"Definite hit. You're still wearing that little accessory, I notice?"

Fio presses her fingers against the choker I bought her all that time ago. "Pretty stylish, I think. Works with a lot of outfits. Plus you bought it for me, and...well, sentimental value. All that junk."

"I see. I'm flattered."

"I got the pants because I wanted to climb some, and not have to worry about ruining the nicer stuff I had on. As for the shirt, there was a nice girl who was making them out in the country, so I bought one off her. Has a great feel to it, and I loved the look. Just pops with all the colours, you know?"

"I can see that. You look lovely, Fio. All of it is very you. Even the bare feet."

"Hehe. I actually do a lot better climbing like this, and running around, everything really. There's some cool tech I worked on that we can talk about later. I've actually been pretty productive lately!"

"I would love to hear about it, then. Hm...let's try this place here. Does barbeque sound good today?" I ask.

"Sure does! Let's go!"

We head into the restaurant and are seated at a table promptly. As always, Fio is quite hungry and I make sure to order as much for her as she desires. The waitress takes away our menus and leaves two glasses of water before disappearing. I drink mine down in one go, since my throat suddenly feels very dry.

"So, what sparked this sudden desire to run halfway across the continent to come and see me?" Fio asks from across the table.

"I...simply had a longing to see you. That was really it, as I said before."

"Yeah? I think I know you a bit better than that, Lili. Come on, it's something else. What is it?"

"Well..." Being this easy to read isn't like me. "I...did have something for you. Something that you should have in person."

"Really? That's so cool! But..." She crosses her arms. "There's more than that, isn't there? You're worried about something. Something recent. Am I right? Probably needed to get away, right?"

"I..."

"Hey, don't worry about it too much. If you need something, I'm here for you. Just like you were there for me, Lili."

"..." I suddenly feel guilty, and afraid. Doing this again...talking about that event. Everyone else was accepting, but even if she loves me this much...I don't know. Could she forgive me doing that? Killing my own father, even if it was to protect someone else? I want to believe that she won't think badly of me. I could just leave it at the gift I have for her. Perhaps that would be enough, and we could leave everything else behind us.

"You alright?" Fio asks.

"I'm fine, Fio. Please, don't mind me too much. There have been some unsettling events...I will tell you everything after we finish eating here."

"Sure. If that's what you want, I promise that I'll listen to everything you have to say," she replies with a smile. "I worry sometimes when I see you get nervous like that. You're normally so...confident, and like a big old rock that weathers whatever comes its way. You know what I mean?"

"Yes. But really, you shouldn't worry that much. Everyone has these sorts of moments. Even the strongest in this world."

"Ah, yeah. That's true."

"Your hair looks lovely," I say. "You've been taking care of it properly."

"Doing my best, yeah. Helps that the regimen is pretty easy, too. Nail polish is still around, though! I've been trying to take care of myself like...normal girls, I guess?" She shrugs. "I'm super low maintenance."

"That's perfectly fine. If you're comparing yourself to me, please don't. I usually take a lot of time when it comes to appearances. Old habits, social signals...things of that nature."

"You're sure I don't have to worry about it?"

"If we're on an outing together, I can take care of that for you. But you look lovely as you are, Fio. You've done well."

"Thanks. Makes me feel good hearing that...ooh, our ribs are here. This is the good stuff, I can tell already!" Fio rubs her hands together as the plate is set down. I mostly watch her eat and take a few bites myself, not having much of an appetite at the moment.

"Not eating much today?"

"I'm not very hungry. Please, don't worry about me," I say to her.

"Maybe I should," she says as she wipes her mouth with a napkin. "I mean, your hair is a mess today. Usually you're so on point with yours, you know?"

"I know. As I promised, we can talk once we're finished eating."

"Okay, got it."

We finish and render our payment, and then Fio happily pulls me to a quieter place within the village. I set down my backpack as we stop.

"Nice, right? I was wandering around the other day and stumbled on this spot. I'm guessing it's somewhere people rest, or maybe it's something for couples."

I nod and look over the nearby railing at the village below us. We're up high enough that clouds are roaming to and fro, periodically obscuring my vision of the people walking back and forth. At night, it must be really nice to get a good view of the sky and the stars within. Fio sits on the bench nearby and gives me a reassuring smile.

"We had our dinner, and a short walk up. Now you can tell me what's happening, yeah?"

"Before that...I have something for you."

"Oh, right! You did mention that. What is it?"

"You remember the item you asked for a few months ago? I just picked it up on the way here. So since it's finished...I want you to have it right now." I rummage through my bag and come up with the scroll, unrolling it on the ground and making a single seal. The box appears on top of the formula, looking none the worse for wear. I pick it up and hand it to Fio as she sits.

"Whoa."

"Please, go ahead."

"Hmm..." She sets it on her lap and scrutinizes it. Her head tilts from side to side, and she closes one eye to properly focus the other. I watch as she gently shakes the box and smiles. "Hehe...so I remember that I gave you notes to work with, but I really do wonder what I'm gonna see when I open this up. What has my Lili got for me this time?"

As she opens the box and sets the lid aside, her eyes widen.

"Wow...wow wow wow wow!"

"You...like it?" I ask.

"Like? That doesn't even come close to describing it! Look at these! They're so cool! Awesome! Oh, wait wait wait...let's try the shoes on first..." She takes out the sandals and puts them on her feet, bouncing up and down in them. "Yeah! These are so comfy! Like walking on fluffy pillows!"

"There's a switch there you might like," I point out. "On the side there. You should sit, or else you'll lose your balance."

"Ooh, okay. Show me?"

I nod and slide my finger across the buttons as she sits, extending the heels downwards. She gaps and stands up again to start walking.

"Whoa, almost...ha! I need to get used to walking around in heels." Fio smiles before twirling once, and then strikes a pose. "Super classy! I can turn heads with this for sure. They don't feel too bad in this form either...I'm gonna keep these nearby for dates and meetings and stuff. You know, to look like a professional woman type and all that. Being able to shift back to flats is awesome. But I won't wear these around too much as it is...part of that new tech I was developing means that I won't need shoes or stuff for my feet anymore." She scratches at her cheek. "Ever had to peel hot rubber off your feet? Not a fun time, I'll say that much."

"It sounds decidedly unpleasant."

"Yep. But it's still an awesome gift on your part, Lili. Thank you so much."

"You're very welcome. I know you're waiting to try out the most exciting item, so go ahead with that."

"Sure! As long as you're okay with watching me totally nerd out for a long while!" she says with a laugh.

I smile. "Seeing you happy like this is precious, Fio. Take as much time as you need, and I'll be right here."

She smiles back and nods, taking off the sandals and setting them back into the box. The metal gloves come out next and I can see her eyes sparkling as she looks at them.

"They're so beautiful, Lili. Wow. Super neat...let's see. So my hand goes like...ohhh...oh, that's so soft and snug..." She slips on both gloves and flexes her hands. "A perfect fit, that's amazing! Feels like I can wear these forever." I watch as she stands up and punches the air rapidly. Her fists move as red streaks of colour, making the air whistle as she picks up speed. Forward, ducking and weaving while throwing faster combinations of punches. She shifts her weight around and doesn't seem to be missing a beat.

"Wahoo! This is so cool! And if I remember my notes right..." She makes seals with her hands and steam flows from the vents as they open. "Yes! Oh my gosh these are so so so so perfect! Even better than I dreamed up in every way! The feeling, the response, and even the weight...it's all perfect! Oh, and there's a manual...I'll read it front to back and back to front for sure!" Fio smiles and stares down at the gloves for a while before taking them off, putting them into the box neatly.

"It sounds like everything is to your liking," I say.

"Beyond expectations. Lili, you're all kinds of amazing. Thank you so much for this," she says as she gives me a hug.

"It's among the least of things I could do for you, Fio. And you did make that passionate request...I would be remiss to turn you down in that moment."

"It totally isn't a small thing. You are everything," she says happily. "I know you won't hear anything about me repaying you for something like this, but I'm going to become the best woman I can be, just so I can make it up to you."

"You don't need to tell me that much. It will happen soon enough," I say with sincerity. "I'm glad that this made you so happy."

"And in the meantime...I haven't forgotten, you know. You have to tell me what's on your mind."

"Yes...I should."

Fio looks at me with concern. "I've never seen you this nervous before." She seals away the box and sets aside the scroll, pulling me into a seat beside her. "Lili? Please tell me what's going on..."

I fold my hands in my lap.

"It's a difficult story, but one I need to tell you in the end. There was an incident at the mansion several weeks ago, before the new year. Mom and Luna were targeted."

"What?! Are they okay?"

"Yes. The estate and everything in it was attacked by mercenaries and their underlings. The two leaders were members of Akatsuki."

"I've heard that name before," Fio mutters. "Apparently they work for cheap on behalf of shinobi villages and other people. They attacked your mom and Luna? That's so awful! Why did they do something like that?"

"There was a reason for it. Luna...she saved my mother, but the two Akatsuki were there, hunting them both. In order to give her time to escape...Luna faced the two shinobi alone. I got a letter delivered to my home, and then I rushed to the mansion after contacting Ane-ue...she got there first, and summoned me to her. Many things happened...we found out that someone had planned this out, nearly every detail. Even poisoning my mother...we ended up going out to save Luna and disable the barrier that was meant to keep Ane-ue away. When I got inside, I...faced the mercenaries."

"Don't rush yourself, alright?" Fio says.

I nod and take a breath in. "When I got there...along with the mercenaries, my father was inside."

"Oh, no. Was he hurt, too?"

"No. No...you see, he was the one behind all of this. The very client that hired the mercenaries for the attack. The one who targeted all of us...marked us for death."

"..." Fio pauses in shock and places her hand on my shoulder. She's trying to find words, but it's difficult. That only makes sense. It's not something that is supposed to happen, in this world or any other. "That man...he organized all of that?"

"Yes."

"Your pregnant mother and Luna...even your older sister. He...tried to kill them all. And you too...isn't that the case?"

"Yes. All of it is true. And when I found out, I could hardly take it. Eventually, I...I just..."

"Lili..."

"I...snapped. I broke apart in those moments," I say quietly. "I couldn't keep myself together, and had to embrace the darkness just so that I could carry on. And I did. I gathered the strength I had, and with every feeling inside of me sealed tightly, I killed the man from Akatsuki that remained. Ane-ue took care of the other, and disabled the barrier. But that...was not the end of it, Fio."

"Listen, you don't have to push yourself. It's okay if you just stop," she says as she squeezes my shoulder. "I can hear more when you're ready."

"It's not okay. As I said to the others...it needs to be now, in this moment. Otherwise, I might never come back to it with you." I slowly raise my head to face Fio. She's terribly worried for me, but I made a promise. I have to see this through.

"Then...if you feel strong enough. What happened after you killed that mercenary?"

"My father...refused to surrender. He refused to see reason. Even so, I continued to try and stop him from making even greater mistakes. But he chose to advance, and there was that moment...where he decided within himself that he was going to kill Luna, after already hurting her so much. He refused to listen to me. And so, when he decided that...he was going to see his vengeance through..."

"..."

"I raised my hand and killed him. He was my father, and I killed him. There was no outpouring of grief in that moment. No pain. I shot him, and he fell...and I felt nothing. Without hesitation, I took his life."

In the next moment, I feel Fio's warm hands on my cheeks. She guides my face close to hers.

"Lilith...listen to what I tell you."

"Fio?"

"You are not a monster, Lilith. You are not a terrible person. What you did was not wrong. Don't ever think that, even for a moment. Don't say it to yourself. Don't believe it. To force you into that sort of choice..." Her voice is firm, and I can see the determination in her. More than anything, she's fighting to try and help me. "He must have had words for you. What did he say?"

"..."

"Lili. I know it's hard, but I want to help you now."

"He said...that I was a mistake. And his last words to me..." I take a breath in. "As he started to bleed in those moments, he called me...a worthless bitch."

"All of that is a lie. He is a liar," she says fiercely. "You are not a mistake, or a worthless bitch. You are none of those things. Calling you a mistake...those were just the pitiful cries of a weak, cowardly man. I remember what you told me, Lili. I remember hearing that you touched the plains of heaven, and no failure, no mistake of a person would ever get that far if they were to exist. You and I, and all of the people we know, we are not mistakes. We're not errors or broken copies. But more than that, you are a blessing. To me, and to everyone you've ever been close to. You have me, and Hina, and Luna, and Midori, and Emi, and everyone else you can think of. You have a family, one that you built with your own hands and the blessings of heaven. You belong to us, just like we belong to you, and would do anything for you. You are not, nor will you ever be worthless."

I nod, tears coming to my eyes. "I...thank you, Fio. I just..."

"I know it's hard. I understand perfectly. Our fathers are the first men we meet in life. The first ones to spend precious time with us...and most of all, the first men that we ever come to love. All we ever want as girls, and as women, is their love and approval. To be deprived of that, even as he was dying...to have your entire life void of love from a person who helped create you, who you loved and trusted with your very existence, over and over...something like that is an abomination above all else."

"I...I have nightmares, Fio. About killing him, over and over. About losing control. They come almost every night. Those hellish dreams about my secret self, about all of the blood that pours from him and covers me..."

"What a cruel thing to leave you with." I feel our foreheads touch gently. Her warmth is flowing through me.

"Fio...I'm so broken inside. I made so much progress, I stopped myself from falling apart, but still..."

"I'm sorry, Lili. I know that it's not enough to lift you on its own, but...I'm here for you. Even as much as I want to just make it all better, I know that it doesn't work that way."

"What do you think of me?" I ask. "I must be..."

"There's nothing wrong with you, and I'll say it over and over. You're not an awful person. You're Lili. And you always will be to me. I'll take up that burden along with you, for as long as it takes. I'll be a part of your new family, the one that has always loved you, and will keep doing it until the end of time. And I hope that one day, I can love you forever and ever as your wife. There's a space in your heart that I know won't be easily filled. But I can always start, and I can always try my best. I'll...I'll be the person that your father never was. You'll be whole again."

"Fio..."

"I know you came out on this journey to clear your head, and to face the darkness and nightmares inside of you. That's what I've been doing these past few months myself. As long as you continue the struggle, I know that things will get better. Nothing will ever truly be forgotten...but you have nothing to apologize for, Lili. Please remember that."

"I...I will, Fio. Thank you..."

"Yes. Anything for you, Lili."

I finally close my eyes, feeling Fio's hands squeeze both of mine gently. I squeeze back to let her know that I appreciate her. It's only a small bit, but...I can see light coming back properly into this dark space of mine. My precious friends, and now this...

For the first time in a while I feel...safe again.

"You're not alone, Lili."

I know that voice. I know that she's been watching over me this entire time...and that her wish was for me to be strong enough to make it through on my own. Without him.

I know that what she says is true...that I'm not alone. And I don't think I ever will be, no matter what path I take from here on.

 

[FortePlus]

Naruto Alternative Character Data Files.

---

Lilith Caroline Kobayashi

---

​

Alias: Scarlet Viper, Envoy of God, Bushin, Crimson Nightmare, Sword of Justice

Birthplace: Rothschild Estate, Lincoln Territory

Residence: Village Hidden in the Leaves, Fire Country

Shinobi Registration Number: 012599

Age: 12

Birthday: April 20th (Taurus)

M/F: Female

Hair colour: Scarlet red

Style/length: Wavy/long

Eye colour: Amber

Height: 5'0"/1.52m

Weight: 99lb/45.0kg

Blood Type: O-

Personality: Haughty, observant, persistent, and somewhat sadistic. Likes curly fries. A little body-conscious and drinks a lot of milk as a result. Has a bloodlusted personality that emerges in battle. Reacts violently to projections of murderous intent. Cares deeply for her friends and family. She enjoys the view and company of women, and walks a bit on the lewd side sometimes. Generous without a second thought and respectful of her comrades.

Rank: Jounin, Age 12 (previously Genin (Honours), Age 12)

Member of: Team Eight (Kurenai Yuuhi, Hinata Hyuuga, Shino Aburame), Arms of the Hokage (unofficial) (Shikamaru Nara, Erika Kotowari), Rapid Response Team 2 (Kurenai Yuuhi, Asuma Sarutobi), Sasuke Recovery Team (disbanded) (Shikamaru Nara, Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuuga, Rock Lee)

---

"A terrifying warrior who blew through the Leaf like an unrivaled wind, becoming its trusted defender and fighting ace. The young woman with a light speed technique, called the Scarlet Viper!"

---

​

Coming from a dark past, Lilith came to the Leaf participating in an experiment to become a kunoichi. But nobody could have expected her incredible rise from a sheltered, wealthy little girl to an awesome warrior, one that has left even the Five Kage in shock. Her trump cards are the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, an ability that pushes speed beyond the normal limit, and the ultra-fast lightning technique that tears through enemies at the speed of thought: Mobius. With just these tools, Lilith can change any battle at her will. But she has even more than that at her disposal.

---

"A first class shinobi and friend for life. Her elite upbringing has only filled her with compassion for the world's inhabitants."

---

​

Lilith presents herself as the most powerful 'ojou-sama' to walk the Leaf, but that haughty exterior is more for routine than anything else. Underneath that, she is consistently polite to those she first meets, and only makes her tone hostile to those she feels are deserving of it. She is stern at times, but not rude, and even in those cases she prefers to show mercy to those who have slighted her. To her friends, there is another, even more tender side. She has sisters from different families and bloodlines, such as Hinata Hyuuga, who has blossomed to a striking degree in Lilith's presence. The person she has an immense love and respect for is her elder sister Midoriko Ryuuchi, the empress of the serpent world who defeated the strongest colossal snake, Manda, in single combat. One of the most important relationships she's formed is with Naruto Uzumaki, the host of the Nine Tailed Demon Fox who struggled with loneliness. But in a single moment, Lilith made a promise to love and accept him, no matter what he was or might become. These bonds and more are immensely important to Lilith, and no person who threatens those bonds will ever escape her wrath.

---

"She makes use of her knowledge and intellect to become the most complete kunoichi. Not every battle can be won with physical strength - the shining daughter of Kobayashi House would be the most aware of this fact."

---

​

Among the reasons she is first class, Lilith makes use of her sharpened observational skills to take advantage of various situations. Though still a young girl, she moves with the grace and confidence of a grown woman. Her thoughts and speech are reflective of the type of person who has experienced darkness and overcome it, many times in her past. Charm, charisma, and forward thinking have led to her becoming relied on by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage and God of Shinobi. They are able to speak candidly to each other, and the Hokage entrusts Lilith with difficult and secretive missions in the meantime. Lilith's growth and ability have also been widely recognized by the members of the Leaf's military forces - so much so that men multiple times her age breathe sighs of relief when they recognize the small form of the Scarlet Viper. Her reactions to being praised are subdued, and she bristles at the thought of being recommended for the position of Hokage in the future. But it is said that those who have no desire to become the leaders of the free world are thus the best ones to lead it forward. Perhaps her mind will change as she grows.

---

"A world that has been constantly swallowed up by conflict and war. If one could prove themselves worthy of heaven's blessings, the chains of strife could finally be broken. This is the strength of heaven's envoy."

---

​

"Lili" was the name gifted by the eccentric western heroine, Caroline Athena Rothschild - Lilith's birth mother. Signifying her as a flower of heaven that would soon blossom, Caroline became sick and died tragically, setting off the spiral that would cause Lilith pain for the next five years. But through her growth, Caroline's enduring spirit came to visit her, and remind her of the heavenly strength that lay within the spirit. Thus, the world bore witness to the true birth of the Flower of Heaven, who found herself gazing at the heavenly fields and coming to an understanding of her existence. The Inugami Mother Wolf, called Fubuki Inugami on the earthly plane, bestowed the title of War Goddess or 'Bushin' upon Lilith as she lay defeated. As her strength to shake the world grows, Lilith's loved ones become more and more aware, and implore her to continue along the same path for the sake of the world. There may even be something beyond the world in front of Lilith, that only she could reach...

---

"A woman of beauty and class who loves nothing more than to stare at the flowers in her garden. Her taste for aesthetic is becoming well known through the Leaf."

---

​

Lilith is a lover of many earthly pleasures, from food to music to books. But her most daring indulgence is that of the female form. Awakened to her true nature before arriving in the Leaf, Lilith has declared to the most important people in her life that she has a sexual attraction to women. She finds herself most satisfied with simple interaction and the opportunity to tease the young flowers that she comes across, never wanting to cause unnecessary distress or harm. Rumours have spread slowly through the village, though thanks to careful and prudent movements, nobody can confirm or deny the allegedly lurid tastes of this Leaf elite. Aside from that, she is brilliantly charming to all those she meets, and her mysterious aura makes her the talk of the town at any hour. Many an influence might be credited to Midoriko and Lunamaria Daidouji, called Luna, who graciously serves Lilith at home. Many more might be credited to Lilith's adoptive mother, Emi Kobayashi, who miraculously combines her elite nature with a hedonistic lifestyle.

---

"The future of the Hidden Leaf is in the greatest hands. But that might only mean the rest of the world should be fearful of what will come once the Scarlet Viper approaches her full potential..."

---

​

Joining hands with the man who became a criminal for the sake of his beloved village, Itachi Uchiha, Lilith has made promises to him and many others about the state of the world and its eventual resolution. But this woman with heavenly strength may do more than answer the prayers of those she meets. As she seeks out the next challenge to overcome, what will become of the shinobi world? Will it be the promised revolution leading to peace? Or...will a new heavenly mandate be written in blood? Only time will tell, and the pages of history are rapidly being altered by the strength of the most terrifying soldier, the Crimson Nightmare herself.

---

Base Stats (out of 5 points):

Ninjutsu	Taijutsu	Genjutsu	Intelligence	Strength	Speed	Stamina	Hand seals	Total
4.5​	2​	3.5​	3.5​	2​	5​	4​	4.5​	29​

Primary Style: Offensive Ninjutsu
Physicality: Flexible/swift. Uses a lithe body and acrobatic movements. Techniques focus on speed, flexibility, and the ability to escape every scenario.

---

Techniques:

Summoning Contract: Snakes
- these are versatile creatures, able to strike within a moment's notice, bind enemies, and carry out a number of supplementary uses. They are not confined to any one role and as such, their power and reliability depends on the summoner's personal style. Currently Lilith has the command of lesser snakes all the way up to Midoriko, the current Empress of all snakes in the kingdom. She can take on different forms, and enjoys her human transformation the most.

Summoning Contract: Chaos Connection
- a seal inscribed into the user's body. Allows an instant connection with the snake kingdom at the cost of chakra. This can be used to summon smaller, unranked snakes at will and used to summon classified snakes that are within the user's memory. Also allows the user to communicate with those who share the same connection of seals.

Summoning Contract: Chaotic Movement (Crim)
- using the help of Crim, a strong jawed and extremely elastic snake, the user can pull just about any object towards them or pull themselves towards any given object. Crim can also be used as a quick counter attack, though he mainly shoots ahead of the user.

Summoning Contract: Chaotic Bulwark (Aoko)
- using the help of Aoko, a snake with strong and durable skin and scales, the user can defend against almost any attack, while Aoko herself absorbs the impact. An extremely strong shield that can be used in many situations, including to defend comrades individually or in a group. Aoko's powers and abilities grow along with her master's.

Shinobi Art: Jacobson's Eye (Indomitable Special Tracking Technique: The Eye of Jacobson)
- Like a snake, taste the atmosphere (or objects) to detect scents and chakras. The collected data can be used to track targets, decipher obstacles, and maneuver without the aid of the other senses. A very plain picture of the surroundings is painted in the user's mind as they identify people and objects. Pathways of light appear in the user's mind to help them towards their target as well once they are locked on. This technique evolves with repeated use and is more suited to the individual.

Shinobi Art: Crimson Depths
- an advanced version of Jacobson's Eye. Improves the technique range to 10km at its bottom end. Like a snake, taste the atmosphere (or objects) to detect scents and chakras. The collected data can be used to track targets, decipher obstacles, and maneuver. Detailed pictures can be created within the user's mind, as well as pathways of light to lock onto targets. The technique evolves with repeated use. With Crimson Depths active, Lili's bloodlusted state grants her extra pain tolerance and durability until she returns to normal.

Crimson Depths: Void Heart
- an alternate status derived from its parent technique. Void Heart seals away the user's emotions completely, turning them into a perfect killing machine. Every ability and technique is improved and more precise thanks to the focus granted by this state of mind. But every technique has a cost: the emotions from before are not destroyed and will flood back into the user's psyche violently once the technique ends. Void Heart will be forcibly terminated with heavy damage or emotional trauma during a battle.

Shinobi Tool: Midori's Butterfly Knife
- a knife that can be opened and closed rapidly with a flick of the user's wrist. Gifted by Midoriko as part of the blood ritual, and used for techniques such as Jakyou Messenga.

Lightning Release: Mobius [Type 1: Godspeed Cannon] (A-Rank, offensive)
- a technique formed from hyper compressed lightning chakra. After focusing the energy into one point, the user fires it from their index finger like a gun. The technique explodes outwards in an instant, piercing anything in its way and delivering massive damage to obstacles. When fired from up close, it can become even more dangerous. A high speed assassination attack that is the antithesis of Chidori. This technique can be charged and fired within 2 seconds. It can also be fired repeatedly or from both hands at reduced (half) power, called Second Barrel. Several variants have been created to use in battle.
[Type 2: Double Barrel], where the user uses their index and middle fingers on one hand to increase the attack power twice over.
[Type 3: Epyon], where the user fires a hyper-condensed blade of chakra outward from their finger in a split second. Used as a high speed, close range attack that is mainly used for cutting instead of piercing.
[Type 4: Aegis], a concussive burst attack that can paralyze the opponent directly with electricity, or perform similarly to the air palm attack of Hyuuga at longer ranges.
[Type 5: Zeta], an attack that uses a burst of chakra through the earth or other surfaces. It travels forward before exploding upwards at the designated point in a thin, concentrated blast intended to rip through the enemy. This attack can be transferred with more power through the hands or with more speed by the feet.

Lightning Release: False Darkness (B-Rank, offensive)
- the user emits lightning in the shape of a spear from their mouth; its destructive power is great enough to even pierce through rock. The user can increase the number of spears to attack multiple enemies. This technique is capable of being focused into a straight beam, similar to a laser.

Lightning Release Chakra Mode [Stage 2 > Stage 3: Full Boost > Stage 3 Overdrive: Trans-Am > Stage 4: Twin Drive] (B-Rank, offensive/defensive/supplementary)
- the user wraps their body in a layer of lightning chakra which is used to electrically stimulate their nervous system. The technique speeds up neural synapses reaction time, and pushes physical prowess to the absolute limit allowing for tremendous raw speed. The technique has different levels of activation: the higher the level, the higher the speed the user can achieve. This mode also increases the user's defences, drastically reducing, if not completely negating, damage from incoming attacks. Full Boost changes the user's chakra to red. Trans-Am changes it to orange. Twin Drive changes it to white.

True Lightning Release: Quantum Drive (S-Rank, offensive/defensive/supplementary)
- most effective with the chakra mode at Trans-Am or higher, but can be used in short bursts in any form. A technique that allows human beings to transcend normal limits, view the flow of all life, and most of all, operate outside the bounds of normal time. The technique allows the user to move within frozen time and multiply the strength of their attacks. Wings of light form at the user's back and their eyes become red as a result of this form. The feedback to the body from extended use can be severe. At current the limit is 5 seconds of real time.

Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave (B-Rank, offensive/supplementary)
- the user spits out a great volume of water from their mouth, swallowing up and crushing the enemy with the advancing surge. The user can ride the wave, allowing them to move at high speed. The amount of water created is proportional to the amount of chakra used. Afterwards, the excess water can be used for additional Water Release techniques.

Water Release: Water Shark Bullet (B-Rank, offensive)
- the user shapes water into the form of a large shark and thrusting their hand forward, sends it hurtling towards the opponent at high-speeds. The user can also ride inside the water shark to dramatically increase their swimming speed.

Water Release: Sky Grasper [Air Waltz] (B-Rank, supplementary)
- allows air space control by allowing the user to briefly manipulate water underneath their feet while in the air. This allows some movement in the air and redirection is also possible.

Hidden Shadow Snake Hands [Striking Shadow Snakes] (C-Rank, offensive)
- this technique allows the user to eject snakes from their wrist or sleeve, usually after a punching motion. The snakes are used primarily to attack from a distance and, being snakes, can inflict multiple poisonous wounds on the victim's body or hold them in place. This technique can also be classified as a variation of the Summoning Technique and can also produce snakes from different parts of the user's body.

White Snake Sage Art: Jakyou Messenga (S-Rank, offensive/supplementary)
- using chakra, the user wraps themselves in the aura of a snake and charges forward at an incredible speed, tearing into and through unfortunate enemies. The technique requires a fair amount of chakra and excellent control. Its range is also deceptively long, making surprise attacks possible. The current limit is two uses in a single battle.

 

[FortePlus]

New stuff for the new year. Hope you all have a good one as we continue through it. Two new chapters and a little something that was requested, so it made sense to slip it in along with 100. Thanks to everyone for reading and if you've stuck around for this long I appreciate it a lot. If you've been enjoying yourselves then expect some more good things to come. As always stay safe wherever you might be, and take care of yourselves better than I do.

Have a good one.

 

[AzureSnake]

Base Stats (out of 10 points):

Click to shrink...

Shouldn't you put this out of 5 points instead? Since the data book goes by out of 5 as well, and doesn't seem to shy away from .5 marks?

 

[FortePlus]

Shouldn't you put this out of 5 points instead? Since the data book goes by out of 5 as well, and doesn't seem to shy away from .5 marks?

Click to shrink...

You're 100% right but I just plain didn't do it. I've just used a 10 scale because it's what I'm used to with other stuff. I'll think about changing it back to 5.

 

[AzureSnake]

You're 100% right but I just plain didn't do it. I've just used a 10 scale because it's what I'm used to with other stuff. I'll think about changing it back to 5.

Click to shrink...

I think a 5 scale would work better, as the 58 score surprised me at first because I remembered that Itachi/Jiraiya had a score of 38-ish, and I didn't remember that the databook used a 5 scale till I checked.

Edit: Here's a nice post I found on Deviantart about stats

Naruto Official Stats Guide by anniberri on DeviantArt

www.deviantart.com

 

[FortePlus]

I think a 5 scale would work better, as the 58 score surprised me at first because I remembered that Itachi/Jiraiya had a score of 38-ish, and I didn't remember that the databook used a 5 scale till I checked.

Edit: Here's a nice post I found on Deviantart about stats

Naruto Official Stats Guide by anniberri on DeviantArt

www.deviantart.com

Click to shrink...

That makes sense. I've gone and changed it to a 5 scale for reference. The guide is also handy, I read it through and it made some interesting points that I've been following before I saw them outlined. Thanks for your input.

 

[FortePlus]

Thought I would drop some trivia for the people.

Masashi Kishimoto, author of the original Naruto manga (and now the sequel manga Boruto) is a known fan of some old school series. He played a lot of Dragon Quest as a young man and even got his dad into it. One of the series he likes a lot is Mobile Suit Gundam. Kakuzu is chock full of references to the original Gundam, from his character design to his attack names. Chapter 94 has seemingly untranslated jutsu, not only to convey the weight of Lili's transformation but to give a shout-out to the references that are completely missed in the English translations (to say nothing of the Viz treanslations because...you know how I feel about them) of Kakuzu's techniques.

In the same vein, I went with a Gundam style scheme for the majority of Lili's technique list, starting from her signature move Mobius. There are a few references to other media as well, but I thought it would be pretty fun to try and it's really worked out so far. Just you can follow along, here's a quick rundown of what's what at the moment.

Kakuzu:

Earth Grudge (Jiongu) - The name Jiongu was taken from the Mobile Suit MSN-02 Zeong (ジオング, Jiongu), a mecha that can detach its arms for ranged attacks, while still attached to the main body with wires. The name was altered slightly and given kanji to create the name of this technique.

Intelligent Hard Work (Zukokku) - The name Zukokku was taken from the Mobile Suit MSM-07 Z'Gok (ズゴック, Zugokku). The name was altered slightly and given kanji to create the name of this technique.

Pressure Damage (Atsugai) - The name Atsugai was taken from the Mobile Suit MSM-04 Acguy (アッガイ, Aggai). The name was altered slightly and given kanji to create the name of this technique.

False Darkness (Gian) - The name Gian was taken from the Mobile Suit YMS-15 Gyan (ギャン, Gyan). The name was altered slightly and given kanji to create the name of this technique.

Earth Spear (Domu) - The name Domu was taken from the Mobile Suit MS-09B Dom (ドム, Domu). The name was given kanji to create the name of this technique.

Lili:

Mobius - The name Mobius was taken from the Mobile Armor TS-MA2mod.00 Moebius Zero (TS-MA2mod.00 メビウス・ゼロ) featured in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. Subsequent forms such as Second Barrel and Double Barrel are references to the all-range attack function of the Moebius, which uses multiple gun pods while floating in space.

Mobius v.3: Epyon - The name Epyon was taken from the Mobile Suit OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon (OZ-13MS ガンダムエピオン) featured in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. Epyon is a mobile suit that famously uses little else than close combat. In this way the purely close range nature of the technique calls back to that.

Mobius v.4: Aegis - The name Aegis was taken from the GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam (GAT-X303 イージスガンダム) featured in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. Aegis has the ability to transform between mobile suit and mobile armour; likewise the technique that bears its name can change form depending on the user's needs.

Mobius v.5: Zeta - The name Zeta was taken from the titular MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam (MSZ-006 Ζガンダム) featured in Mobile Suit Gundam Zeta. Zeta features a system called the Bio-Sensor, allowing interface with mental commands. In a simliar way, the technique uses remote transmission and detonation on the part of the user for surprise attacks.

Chakra Mode 3: Full Boost - The name Full Boost was taken from the title of the videogame Gundam Extreme Vs. Full Boost. The chakra changing to red in this mode is a reference to the Red Comet, famous series antagonist Char Aznable. Char piloted several Mobile Suits that were painted red, among the most famous of them his custom MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type (MS-06S 指揮官用ザクII) in Mobile Suit Gundam that was said to be "three times faster" than the normal production models.

Chakra Mode 3 Overdrive: Trans-Am - The name Trans-Am was taken from the operating system Trans-Am System featured in Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Trans-Am there also directly references the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am upgrade package. The fiery orange chakra in this state calls back to the 'firebird' theme.

Chakra Mode 4: Twin Drive - The name Twin Drive was taken from the Twin Drive System, a next-generation energy system featured in Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Much like the chakra mode that bears its name, Twin Drive opened up a truly stunning level of power generation in mobile suits.

Chakra Mode EX: Quantum Drive - The name Quantum Drive was taken from the Mobile Suit operating system Quantum System featured in Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Quantum System is only usable by the evolved humans called Innovators in the world of Gundam 00; mirroring that, the achievement of this superior state indicates Lili's reach beyond human limitations. The wings of light that accompany Lili are a reference to the wing pods of the XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero (XXXG-00W0 ウイングガンダムゼロ) from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, and the "Wings of Light" generated from high-energy exhaust in the LM314V21 Victory 2 Gundam (LM314V21 V2ガンダム) from Mobile Suit Victory Gundam.

Sky Grasper - The name Sky Grasper was taken from the support aerial fighter FX-550 Skygrasper (FX-550 スカイグラスパー) featured in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The unit's nature as a support craft lends itself neatly to the naming of a supplementary technique.


---

I hope you all found this interesting and informative, at least a little. There's more to come, so if you like things like this be on the lookout for it.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 101
"Asagao"
---

The same nightmare as always. Those bodies...keep falling around me, piling up and leaking blood. I erase copy after copy of my father with my bare hands. I'm tired. I want to stop this. I want to go home. But my body won't stop moving, and this anger won't subside.

I want to move forward. I want to...change. For the people that I love, and for myself.

Suddenly, I see something coming towards me in the distance. It's a wave of water, towering high above me and everything else. It crashes down on my head and washes everything away...the blood, the filth, the endless corpses. I feel myself floating freely, being cleansed as everything becomes still.

"Lili."

The water slowly flows around me and disappears. I look up and watch a woman with red hair start to float down towards me. I...know this person, don't I?

"You are...?"

She holds me in her arms and strokes my head.

"It's alright. You don't have to worry any more, okay? I wish...I could have done more for you."

"Momma...?"

"Yes. It's me...I wanted to give you this moment of peace. This reminder...do you remember?"

---

"Lili...you are not alone."

---

The next morning comes, and I yawn before getting up. Fio and I have checked into a hotel to stay a while, and last night we had a hearty dinner. The extra calories are welcome at this point...but then, I don't even laze around enough to worry about that. I wonder how much it would take on my part to even get a little plump. I get into the shower and take care of my face and hair after about a week of laziness. Proper tooth brushing, with a good length gargle to clear my throat. And finally, a proper brushing of my hair along with essential oils added in.

Through my haze I remember that Fio wasn't in bed with me as I got up. She used the shower before me...I wonder where she might be. Breakfast, perhaps? Hm.

"I need a coffee. If she's down there I should follow her lead."

The weather is definitely a bit cooler in the Cloud, but it's not that bad. I replace my towel with a bathrobe and some slippers before starting my search for Fio. Something out of place catches my eye - the unlocked sliding door that leads to the balcony. So she's out there, then.

"Good morning."

"Hey."

She's slumped over the balcony railing as I reach her.

"You know anyone who smokes?" Fio asks.

"The Hokage, and his son among others. Why? Are you interested in that sort of activity?"

"I hung around some folks who smoked...not tobacco, though. Something else that they said was relaxing and junk. You know what I'm talking about."

"Yes."

"I might try that out one day, when I'm a little older. Just to see what it's like. Stave off boredom. Things like that."

"Mm. I see. Is that what you're struggling with now?" I ask as I stand beside her, my back against the railing.

"Nothing like that. Just...thinking. Maybe too hard about some things."

"Did you want to tell me about your adventures since leaving Fire Country? You did mention working on several things and keeping yourself occupied."

"I did, yeah. I, uh...went home the other day," Fio starts. "It wasn't one of the first things I did, but...you know how it goes. Or maybe you don't, so I should explain. I picked up an odd job while moving around, and they had a shipment of fruit out to the Hidden Rock. So I got myself attached to it. Short thing, payment as soon as the delivery was done. Then I was free of the little contract and could do what I wanted. So I did that. Ended up in the village with no issue. Found myself with some extra cash and some time. So...I stuck around. Home was right where I left it after some looking. Didn't make myself too conspicuous. Took my time and decided to make a visit a few days later."

She pauses a while.

"Someone I didn't know answered the door. And...they were the new owners. We had tea, they were pretty nice." Fio lifts herself from the railing and places her hands on it. Her eyes stare at the mountains in the distance. "Said my dad offered them the house at a decent price."

"Oh...your parents, they...?"

"They moved. I guessed that what happened to me screwed them up real bad, probably couldn't stand living in the house anymore. But...it was a little more than that. I went over to try and be normal again, but things weren't like that. Which was...I guess unsettling at the time. I did a little detective work, asked around...figured out where they were staying and happened to catch my dad coming home from work, same time as always. So I stopped him and we had a conversation. I didn't drop everything onto him at once, you know?"

"That makes sense. So what ended up happening afterwards?"

"We had tea with Mom, in their new and smaller house, not too far away from the old one. She was...a lot thinner, to be sure. I was sorta worried, but she said that she was fine. It was nice for a while. And...then I told them what was happening. I explained who I was and why I was there, sitting in front of them. I recited everything that I knew, told them things that only I could have known as their daughter. I could...see it. That spark of recognition in their eyes. That understanding. I was suddenly there in front of them again."

"That's wonderful to hear, Fio. I know it must have been a shock to them, but...for you to finally come home, it must have been the greatest thing in the world," I say.

"Yeah. It would seem that way, for sure."

I freeze at those words. "Fio...? What does that mean?"

"My dad...my father. He told me a story," she says as she moves away from the railing. "About their daughter. Her name was Fionne Mutou. She was eleven years old, a prodigious kunoichi that had a proud mother and father. He told me about how there was a search for a few months that was called off because investigators found evidence that she had likely died. All of the evidence added up. He told me that for that entire year, they fought and fought and fought until the evidence was too heavy to ignore...and they eventually accepted that Fionne was dead. She was never coming back. He showed me the memorial. The pictures of that black-haired little girl with so much potential."

"Why...would they show that to you?" I ask uneasily.

"To make a point. To tell me that they had given up, and that I was truly gone. That their daughter had died a long time ago, and the person speaking to them wasn't her. Everything about me didn't fit, didn't make sense. Both of them, my parents...they were in pain trying to process the idea that I was their daughter, that I wasn't dead after all. But it had gone so deep in their heads that..."

"Fio, you-"

"And you know what? I...I understood them. I could see their thoughts, and I could understand them. I understood why. I saw it. Just...how this couldn't simply be. How things couldn't turn out this way. They didn't..." She shakes her head. "They didn't think I was real. I wasn't anything like their daughter. I wasn't...a person in their eyes. I know they wanted to believe, but they couldn't handle it."

"You didn't accept that, did you?" I ask. "After you had come so far, after you did so much...you didn't let them..."

"I wanted to fight. I had the words in my mouth. But I ended up looking at them...I just saw the pain on their faces. They didn't even...touch me. Not once. So that they didn't have to...so that they could just keep believing that I wasn't real. And they kept saying that they were sorry, that I hoped I found my way home...I had to stop myself. I had to accept it. Even if they didn't want me to disappear again...to be left as a memory. I was already dead. It was...over. All I would do is add to their torment."

"They're your parents!" I yell with anger. "They can't just turn away from reality! Even if you weren't real, even if you were just some wandering spirit, they shouldn't have done any of that to you! Rejecting you, throwing you away, denying your existence...you came back to them! No matter what happened in the past, you came back! You endured! How could they do that to you?!"

"They must have thought I was a hallucination, or someone who had mixed up memories. I...don't know," Fio says as she stops moving. "They're human...just regular people, in the end. They could only accept so much..."

"Fio. That's not fair. It's wrong," I say firmly.

"I wonder why it turned out that way. I wonder about their reasons. But...I accept it. I accept that I died a long time ago, as the only daughter of the Mutou family. I accept that they want to move on."

"No...it's not fair. It's not fair!" I say as I shake my head.

"I know. It's not fair. And...it was worse than that. I found out a few days later, after I left...they moved out of the Hidden Rock for good. Now I don't know where they might be. Just packed up, took their memorial and everything...then disappeared."

Tears start to run down her cheeks.

"I...got to see them one last time. Even as they refused to see me as...real. They were as kind as they could be. They gave me a chance to speak, to make my plea. But that wasn't enough. Because of that, I don't have parents. I don't have anyone in this world connected to me by blood. I...just have you, Lili. You're all I have left."

"Fio..." I try to shove down my anger. This...I can't comprehend something like this. It's despicable. Humans...just weak slaves to their needs and limitations. Fio, my Fio, abandoned and rejected by her own parents. Absolutely the worst. "So this was what you meant...when you said that you had come to run away, too."

"Yeah. I started moving around, just trying to escape the sadness. From the past that I...started to regret each day. I cried a lot, you know. I cried so much that I thought I would run out of tears, and then when I did stop, I wondered if my heart would turn to stone or something. Maybe I would never cry again, you know? But...you saved me from that, Lili."

"Did I..."

"Yeah." She smiles and wipes away her tears. "I feel like I can be myself around you. Like I finally belong. It's because of you that I can keep going, and that I want to be a better and stronger person each day. I can talk about myself...I can share my feelings with you. Everything that I've dreamed of in a companion. I know that as long as I get to see you, and talk with you, and laugh with you...everything will be okay. I know it's the truth."

I walk up to her. "You were holding all of this in. The entire time...when you were comforting me, this was swirling inside of you."

"It's alright."

"It's not alright. It's never-"

"You weren't being selfish. Okay? Don't think that. You were in pain," she says. "You were hurting so badly, and I would do anything to see you well again. Whether or not I was dealing with my own baggage. This isn't your fault. And besides...you being here helps me enough. I was able to talk about my problems. I was able to cry without shame. Just like you did...I feel safe with you."

"Fio..." I gently wipe at her cheeks. "Tell me. What will you do next? Where will you go?"

She closes her eyes. "I'm...not entirely sure. I've been thinking about travelling the world. Discovering more of myself, you know? Maybe finding Sensei and training? I...could do a lot of things. The future's opened up, now that...you know. The parents thing."

"Yes. I know now."

"Besides, you had it a lot worse. So it's good that I dropped this on you now, instead of before. You looked so peaceful this morning that I didn't want to wake you up."

"I see."

"What kind of dream did you have?" she asks.

"I saw my Momma. She ended the nightmare...she made me feel like myself again. When you held me yesterday, I heard her voice."

"You're not alone," Fio says.

"Yes. Exactly that. Did...you hear it, too?"

"I...mm. I more like, felt it? If that makes sense?"

"It does, perfectly so." I smile. "If it's like that, it means that she approves of you."

"Yeah?" Fio perks up and smiles. "That means I have a leg up on the competition! I like it!"

"Oh, sheesh!"

"Momma Caroline, thanks!" she shouts into the air.

"You really are silly, Fio."

"And hungry! I was too busy being all depressed before, so I was ignoring my tummy. Now though, I want a nice big breakfast."

"Of course. We'll eat soon enough. Before that...I want to do something for you, my love."

"What is it?"

I gently pull her into me, stroking her hair. "Just...a simple thing like this. I want to give you my warmth, and remind you of the same things that you reminded me of. That everything will be okay...and that you will never be alone."

"..." She puts her arms around me. "I won't forget."

"Neither of us will. As sure as the sun shines, I know that to be the truth."

---

Breakfast is a quiet affair. Ever since Fio shared her pain with me, I have been thinking heavily. Fortunately, she's a bit busy stuffing her face at the moment, so she has little time to worry about my studious look.

My thoughts...they reach back to the first days of the Academy. The place where I became a shinobi. When Hina and I first met, I remember what happened between us. I made that conscious decision to sacrifice, to give up my chance to shine brighter than everyone else on my own so that she could succeed along with me. All this after I was singled out and bullied by the other students. And from there...there were so many other times where I put others before myself. No matter the circumstance, no matter the pain that I had to take on. It is with this understanding that I weigh every option in front of me.

"..."

Home would be in the back of Fio's mind. Her first home. The family that she once knew and loved. Even as I am...I can still do something for her. I can still find the strength within myself to be of service to her. Because I love her, because she is a wonderful soul, and because it is the right thing to do.

Home. Belonging. A place to come back to. Those things that she's been deprived of in the past while. She's so strong and capable that she could survive in any way that she chose. Travelling this world of ours, just to properly clear her head. Finding her old master and possibly resuming her training, becoming strong enough to take on anyone she chose. And the Hidden Cloud has plenty of work, even the surrounding area outside of the village is a good place for mercenaries to make a living. So many paths. So many places she could go. I would support her, no matter what she chose.

We check out of the hotel after finishing our meal. Fio gives her compliments to the petrified chef, who can't believe she's eaten about half of his kitchen. Nothing of hers to pick up, and she's been making enough money on her journey. She finds her way from place to place by various means, like I did on my way to this village. The entrance to the Hidden Cloud comes into view.

"..."

I am a selfish person. Today...I will use that selfishness for the sake of a loved one. Someone who deserves everything that I have to offer, and more besides.

"Oh, hey. We're leaving already? Got somewhere in mind, Lili?" Fio asks as we pass through the village's main entrance.

"Yes, we are. And I do have a destination for us both. I have something I want to tell you, and it will be a short while."

"Okay. Lead on, then."

We continue our walk, going through the nearby mountain pass and ascending one of the peaks. It gives us a good view of the Hidden Cloud from afar.

"So. Where are we headed?" Fio asks, hands on her hips.

"Fio. Do you see the place ahead of you?"

"Yeah. That's the Hidden Cloud Village."

"What is that place like? Could it be...a home for someone?"

"A home for a lot of people, yeah. Decent place to live, I think. Different, but..."

"It's a place where people can belong. They simply have to meet those requirements first."

"Yep."

"There are places...homes...that accept people without condition. These homes are special, and precious above all else to those who stay within them. The Hidden Cloud is not such a place. But one does exist. One that is closer to you that you realize."

"Huh. I see," she says as she scratches her cheek.

"Fio. Please look at me."

She turns and looks into my eyes.

"I want you to understand...and remember these words. Keep them within your spirit for as long as you live."

"Lili?"

Time and time again...I have risen above myself, to become a place of refuge for those who thought themselves lost. And this time will be no different.

"You will find your rest in me. I will be your home, from now until time comes to an end."

Her hands drop to her sides as she looks at me, stunned more than anything.

"I...do you mean...that?"

"With all of my heart. I mean it. Your home is with me. And no one else."

"Having...a home again. Being able to make one with you, someone so wonderful...hehe." She smiles and sheds happy tears. "It's all too much...you really pull out all the stops, don't you?"

"Give me your answer...I want to hear it from your lips, Fio." I spread my arms wide. "Will you come home to me?"

"Yes. A thousand times, yes. My home is with you, and nobody else."

She runs to me, jumping into my chest and wrapping her arms tightly around me. I hold her close, stroking her head gently as we slowly turn and turn together.

"You are, and always will be my treasure," I whisper to her. "I love you, forever and always."

"Thank you...so much."

"Welcome home, Fio. I will be your shelter from now on."

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 102
"Bluebell Prayer"
---

We start our trip home. It's longer than the way up; we make a few stops here and there to sample food whenever Fio gets in the mood. Some of the new flavours are wonderful, others less so. But it's a wonderful experience all around. I never did look down on street food despite my upbringing, but I have more of an appreciation for the various styles and personalities behind these mobile businesses now. Courage and confidence are key, it seems.

"Gotta say...this stuff never gets old," Fio remarks as we walk through a patch of forest. We're about to enter Hot Water Country once more, and so a warm meal is what the doctor ordered - today's is chicken fried rice, quickly and impeccably made. She stuffs her face as always. "Super jelly...mm...could never cook like this."

"Oh? You don't know how to cook?"

"Not very well...never had to worry about it while at home. Or I guess I never got to the age where my mother would start teaching me." She swallows her food. "I thought you would be in the same boat, but I guess not?"

"Luna-nee and Midori-nee gave me lessons. I'm not nearly as good as them, but..."

"Ah. You said they're busy right now, yeah? Luna sounds like she'd send me off to heaven with just a sandwich...I wanna try her food one day."

"You'll get the chance, don't you worry. In the meantime, you'll have to put up with what I can make you."

"Heh. Like I wouldn't be excited for that on its own."

Those old nightmares become less and less frequent, popping up in anxious moments, but with Momma showing up faster and faster to wash everything away. The sea of bodies becomes mere handfuls of corpses. I am becoming much stronger by the day. As for my lovely Fio, she says that she's never slept so well in her life. And nature is even more enjoyable with someone by my side.

This trip really was the best idea.

---

It's been nearly two weeks since I left the Leaf.

Those familiar gates at the front of the village come into view, growing larger and larger as we approach. Fio stares up at it with wonder in her eyes...this is the first time she's been here, and she is definitely taking everything in. It's a bright morning, warm and comfortable as we get to experience that familiar Fire Country weather again.

"Hm. Right, there is that matter..."

"What's up, Lili? Something going on?" she asks.

"We've talked about this, remember? Your status. I hope you remember most of it."

"Oh, yeah." She rubs the back of her head as we stop. "Can't really tell people about me so easily."

"They will quarantine you right away. For many reasons, including the fact that there are other children from the Hidden Sound here."

"You mentioned that. I was kind of surprised that the Leaf would hold onto so many people from another place like that...from what I've heard, it's a lot of work and resources."

"What was it you wanted, my love? Regarding how you will move through life from now on..."

"Honestly...I'm thinking about becoming a shinobi again, in some form. There are options within that, but I know for sure that I can get back to where I once was, and that I can be an effective fighter. You believe in it too, right?"

"Definitely."

"It's as I said before...I want to leave it all to you, Lili. I think that you know best."

"One more time," I say seriously. "Are you sure that you want to leave everything in my hands?"

"I do."

I nod and let out a breath. "Okay. Then we will advance promptly. I have everything decided, and while there is no such thing as a guarantee...there is a road to success that we can follow. It will be a little unethical, so to speak."

"Unethical...sheesh, Lili. What are you thinking of doing?" she asks as we resume our walk.

"Do you remember the connection between Orochimaru and Lord Hokage? They were student and teacher a very long time ago...the old man blames himself for what happened in many ways. We're going to exploit those feelings a little bit, since you yourself were directly affected by those events. It's not very nice, but I also have no interest in turning away opportunities that have come to us."

"I see...I was thinking that we would end up lying or something, but that sort of sounds better? I think?"

"A bit of leverage will be gained, very much needed if we want to make you a shinobi once more, and in service to this village especially. We will be honest. There is nothing for us to hide, after all. But we will employ some manipulation to get what we want."

"Yeah, makes sense." We reach the entrance to the village and I present my identification. The woman officer checks over Fio and we get the all-clear before stepping inside. "So, what are you thinking in terms of work? You know, since being a stay at home wife is out for now."

"I could petition him to have you join my team, if you would like," I say. Putting out the question is best, even if I know what the right answer is. I want Fio to work through it properly.

"Eh. I think that's too hard a pull on the leash, and as much as I would love it...I think if we want to talk about utility and the like, it would be way more effective for me to be on another team and not disrupt the synergy you guys have going. The only other thing to do would be to create our own team, which again, would be the best thing ever."

"And yet there's an unstated objection."

"There has to be. Team Eight is your family, I know that really well. There's no way that I would break that up, even if you gave me the chance to do it. So that's out too."

"Mm. That's as good a reason as any."

"Right. So I think the best option is to go through the normal stream, all that."

"It probably won't end up that way. We have the Bonus Program to consider, and from there your future path will be decided. It's built specifically for foreign children such as yourself."

"Yeah? Alright. I'll look forward to that, then."

"This way," I say to her. "We'll head straight to the office and tell the Hokage about you." We continue through the streets and towards the Academy complex.

"How much are we telling him?" Fio asks.

"Enough. You've run away from Orochimaru's hidden base, you were used as a subject in far too many experiments, and you have nowhere else to go right now."

"Only that much?"

"Perhaps. Not every single thing needs to be revealed at once. We can decide what needs to be left out, if anything, once we get to our discussion. But I suspect that we'll have an easier time being completely honest. Tsunade can help with your condition as well."

"Oh, yeah! I did have that whole thing with my weight and such," Fio says as she pats her stomach. "Still having a hard time with that. It'd be really cool if I could put on some more muscle...hmm. You think I should get like, buff buff or just model buff? Girl abs are pretty popular these days, you know."

"Aesthetics are always nice, but we should see how you grow before deciding on one direction or another."

"Yeah. But you want the six pack? Or the eight?"

I sigh and make a brushing motion towards her. "Listen, we have more important things to do than worrying about my kinks right now. Focus, silly girl."

"Hehe."

"We're here. Let's go and see the Hokage, and secure your place with me. I did make that promise to you, after all."

"Yep! Let's get it done!"

We make our entrance and Imari is at the front desk, working away. She raises her head and stands, meeting us with a polite bow. Today she's dressed formally in green and black, looking absolutely gorgeous. Something about the way her curves meet the fabric...

"Good day to you both. How might I help?" she asks.

"Good day to you. I would like to have a meeting with Lord Hokage, if possible."

"We can look into that. Your names, please." I remove my backpack and Imari puts it away in a safe place.

"Lilith Kobayashi," I say.

"Fionne Asagao," I hear from my companion.

"It's a lovely name."

"Was hoping you'd say something like that," Fio says with a smile. "It's a name built on a promise. You hear it a lot...that names carry strength within themselves."

"The Hokage should be free at this point in time," Imari says. "Welcome to our village, Miss Asagao. My name is Imari Hyuuga, a member of the Leaf's noble Hyuuga Clan. I am the junior special aide to Lord Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf."

"Thank you. It's very lovely to meet you, Miss Hyuuga." Fio bows for Imari. "I've come to the village as Miss Kobayashi's guest. I hope to be staying a while."

"If it's not too bold of me, are you two an item?"

"Yes...we are." Fio takes my hand and I squeeze it back. Imari nods and gives us a smile.

"Understood. Please, follow me. It's a been a slow week, so far at least. Senpai is out running some errands, if you're wondering where she might be. She needed to...cool off."

I nod knowingly as we start our leisurely walk through the halls. "The old man gets a bit touchy sometimes, doesn't he..."

"An understatement. I can't say I endorse that sort of treatment, especially when it comes to senpai, but...even as she acts up, she's not averse to the sort of dynamic they have going on."

"So she lets him have his fun, as long as he doesn't go too far."

"Believe me, she lets him hear it. And feel it."

"Ooh."

"Sounds like a heck of a woman," Fio chimes in.

"She's everything you want a senior to be. I couldn't dream of doing this job without her by my side. Lili here did very well."

"A good draw helps, yes."

"Lili? She got you this job?" Fio asks Imari.

"Yes! Senpai was unemployed and homeless, and I was serving the Hyuuga as a housekeeper. Both of us were scouted for our talents and offered work here. It's been the honour of a lifetime, and we have your lovely partner to thank."

"Glad you're enjoying it here. Yeah, Lili does have an eye for quality."

"So light teasing is fine, then," I muse.

"Don't get any ideas, you. One lecher in this office is enough. Maybe when you get your turn with the hat, we can consider it," Imari says.

"Hmph. You're no fun."

"Fun doesn't fill out the paperwork. We've arrived at our destination, ladies." The three of us stop in front of the door and Imari knocks politely as she always does before opening it. "Lord Hokage, Captain Kobayashi and her guest are here to see you. The normal schedule is still intact at this time."

"Hm. Thank you, Imari."

"Of course, sir. If there are any changes, I will be at my post in the front lobby. Senpai will be returning soon."

"Yes, of course. Many thanks again, Imari."

"Thank you, Imari," I say.

"Thanks a bunch, Imari!" Fio follows.

"Of course. I'm happy to serve, ladies. Until the next." She smiles and strides away, back down the hallway. I watch her figure as she leaves.

"Not even in the village two hours and you're making me jealous," Fio quips.

"Mm. I think she's gotten sexier since the last time I saw her..."

"Ah...gotta be the skirt and heels. I think so, anyways. Makes her look more...powerful when she walks, if that makes any sense?"

"Yeah. Good eye, Fio."

"Let's hurry up and meet the Hokage before it gets dark out. You can ogle other girls later, okay?"

"Hm. Yeah." We enter and close the door behind us, making sure it's locked before moving forward. The old man is rubbing his cheek lightly as he yawns...there's the familiar smell of polished wood and tobacco smoke that greets my senses. It's good to be back.

"Ah, Lili. It's good to see you again. How was your trip? Please, both of you have a seat."

"It was a lovely thing," I say as I drop into one of the nearby chairs. "I feel much better now, to say the least of it. The experience healed me in many, many ways."

"Good, good. And you've brought back a friend from your journey, I see."

"Yes. My other half."

"Ah," he says with a smile. "Was this love at first sight, then? Unexpected for someone of your tastes, shall we say."

"Rather cheeky on your part, ossan."

He chuckles. "I have my moments."

"I was my stubborn self, so calling it a sudden romance...well, it's hardly the case. We've had quite a few romantic moments these past few months. Isn't that right, Fio?"

"Definitely." She tilts her head downwards to address the Hokage. "My name is Fionne Asagao. It's an honour to meet you, God of Shinobi."

"Not many people in this age refer to me as such," Hiruzen says, smiling. "Especially those of your generation. Where might you be from, my child?"

"Originally the Hidden Rock, my lord."

"Ah, I see. That explains some of it." He picks up his pipe and puffs on it a few times. "Is Lord Tsuchikage doing well in his age?"

"From what I've heard, it is the case. But...I have a confession on that end." She looks to me and I nod. "I have not...been part of the Hidden Rock Village for a while now, my lord. You see...I was kidnapped by a certain man. He was Orochimaru of the Three Shinobi."

"Mm...I see." The old man rubs his chin. "Orochimaru was a former student of mine. In many ways, I am responsible for the things that he did after defecting. Because I failed to stop him decisively on that day...I must apologize and beg your forgiveness, Fionne."

"If I might be so bold, my lord? There is no need for you to apologize to me. Lili has told me many things about this village, and I heard for myself that you eventually avenged all of our broken souls in the end by defeating Orochimaru with your own hand. None of this was your fault, and I bear no grudge towards you as a result."

"I see. But...are you well?"

"Quite well, as things are now," she says with a smile. "Lili has taken care of me in every way, and it's why I can sit here in front of you, speaking with this much confidence. I'm very blessed to have met her."

"How was it that you escaped?"

"The base in Grass Country was attacked and destroyed...it was during that chaos that I ended up escaping. That seems to be what's called providence, I think."

"Most definitely," Hiruzen says in agreement.

"All of that happening allowed me to meet Lili. Even as horrible as the experience in that place was...I can sleep peacefully now, and one day I think that I'll be truly content with myself. My life is starting to change for the better."

"I see. Well...I am truly glad that you are able to move forward after so much pain and suffering."

"Thank you for that, Lord Hokage."

"Fio has no place to go," I say to him. "She has taken to wandering the countryside, doing odd jobs here and there to raise funds for herself. As capable as she is, this is no life for a young girl."

"Hm..."

"I want her to stay with me, and at this juncture will petition you to make that a reality. Further than that, I want her to become a productive member of this village. Fio was abducted for her ability, and that ability is still intact to some degree. For that reason, I believe that she would make a fine shinobi of the Leaf. As far as the Hidden Rock is concerned, she died a long time ago."

"Your request is noted, Lili. Still...this is a complicated thing to take on, as I am sure you realize."

"We did discuss these things, Lord Hokage," Fio says. "Many...changes have occurred in the past while. I was declared to be killed in action a year after my abduction by Orochimaru, meaning that I as person have not existed for some time now. My body, as you see it now, is very far from the one that I had until two years ago. This hair, these eyes...they were not this way to begin with. I could easily start a new life, and remain unrecognizable to anyone who might have known me from my old village."

"What of your parents? They must be worrying at the moment."

"My parents...they have left the village altogether, Lord Hokage. More than that...more than that, they have accepted my death as reported by the authorities. So much so, that when I did visit them a few weeks ago, they...refused to accept that I was there in front of them."

"Something like that...I see. I am sorry that you had to experience such a thing, Fionne."

"Thank you. I have been able to endure thus far, my lord."

"Yes..." It becomes quiet as the old man puffs away on his pipe, thinking. Understandably, Fio is nervous. I am too, just a bit. We've played our cards with regards to the emotional connection he must feel, but he is still well within his rights to refuse our request. He could do a lot of things, thinking about it, not least among them have Fio quarantined and studied to get ahead of any potential issues. Would he do something so cruel? Not likely, but it's always possible.

"Something quite interesting...hm. Yes. I think that will work for the good of all..."

It sounds like he's coming around to it.

"We have other children from Orochimaru's various bases, some that will be in need of guidance as the days pass. I wanted to create a group for them, and your arrival has only solidified that idea. I believe that you would be a good leader for some of those children."

"Me, Lord Hokage?" Fio asks.

"You have proven your courage and resilience. And of course, anyone recommended by one of our most elite shinobi always deserves the most serious consideration," he says with a smile towards me.

"Ah...right. I would gladly lead in service of this village, my lord. That is, if you would have me."

"Then it is settled. I will have Tamaki and Imari register you properly in the coming days. Then an aptitude test will be administered to see where you stand and the resources you will need moving forward. Our advanced stream meant for foreign children will be available to you. And of course, medical assistance will be provided by our own Tsunade," Hiruzen says with a subtle nod.

"Thank you very much."

"Welcome to our family, Fionne. I hope that you grow to your full potential while with us, and that the scars of your past are thoroughly healed."

"Thank you again, Lord Hokage."

"Is there anything else you would like to discuss, ladies?"

"Lili?" Fio looks to me for confirmation.

"A few things. There were extensive modifications to Fio's body...some becoming more harmful than others in the end. She was hunted for her bloodline limit, a rare version of Boil Release," I say. "Her physical form was severely weakened for a spell as a result, and some devices that are now a part of her are what allow her to continue to exist as a normal girl."

"I see, I see. A bloodline limit like that is an extraordinary asset. And it only makes sense that Orochimaru would be after something like it...his pursuit of jutsu was endless, and extremely destructive. I will let Tsunade know about this before your physical checkup, so that she can prepare accordingly and provide treatments as required. In the meantime, both of you should head home and rest. I am sure that it has been a long while since you've been able to properly relax."

"We will do as you say, then. Thank you for having us, Lord Hokage."

"Of course. If anything else comes up, please do not hesitate to inform me. Lili and Fionne..."

"Um, Fio's okay. I mean, if you're okay with that, Lord Hokage."

He chuckles lightly. "Fio it is, then. Lili and Fio. Both of you, take care. We will meet again soon."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage," we say in unison. We both get up, bow towards him, and leave the room together, closing the door behind us.

"..."

"..."

I watch Fio put a hand to her head, swaying dramatically. "Ohmygodohmygodohmygod-"

"We pulled it off!" I squeal.

"We did it! Aaaaaaah!"

We hug each other and jump around, giggling happily together.

"I'm home, I'm home!"

"You're home!"

"We made it! I get to live with Lili!"

"I'm so happy to have you, Fio!"

"Um...we should..."

"Yes. This...really isn't the place."

We separate and smooth out our clothing, then properly regain our composure before walking down the hall. Imari hands me my backpack at the front desk and waves to us as we leave.

"I know a little place," I say to Fio as we leave the complex. "Shall we celebrate our new life together in the Leaf?"

"Sure! Which place is this?"

"I told you about Ichiraku Ramen, yes?"

"You did! Can't wait to have a bite, then. Lili?"

"Yes, my love?"

"I'll never be able to say it enough. Thank you for everything that you've done for me."

"You're welcome, Fio. As I live and breathe, I will do anything to make you happy."

I take her hand in mine, and we start our walk through the Hidden Leaf once more. The sun is a bright circle in the mid-morning sky.

It's the start of a brilliant new day.

 

[nyktos]

Ah, they are just so cute together.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 103
"Naturals"
---

The week goes by at a comfortable pace. We are already touching upon the second month of this brave new year.

Everyone is busy around this time it seems, especially Hina who I haven't seen much of. Nami phones me every so often to say that there are frequent meetings and strange sorts of affairs at the Hyuuga estate, ones that she cannot make sense of. However, both Hina and Hanabi are none the worse for wear as a result. That sounds good enough for now, I suppose.

Fio is registered and tested for general ability. Even in her sub-optimal state, she immediately earns her wings as a chuunin, and is going to lead a small team of her own soon. Before that, she will be warming up with missions here and there. I have to wonder what sorts of characters will come under her command...but with her personality, she fits well with most anyone. I don't believe I have anything to worry about at all. She's also very helpful around the home, cleaning whenever she sees the need to and saving me a bit of work. A lot of time is spent curled up into a cute, fuzzy ball on the couch, sleeping to conserve energy.

She really is much too adorable to handle sometimes. I couldn't be happier with how things have turned out.

"Lili! Phone for you!"

"A moment, love." I step out of the shower on this lazy afternoon and wrap myself in a towel. "Who is it, by the by?"

"It's your sensei!"

"Hm...interesting. I wonder what Kurenai needs of me." I put up my hair, step into a pair of slippers, and exit the bathroom, taking the phone from Fio gently. She yawns and curls up on the couch so that she can nap again, nibbling on some of her hair. "A lovely afternoon to you, sensei. How are you today?"

"Just peachy. Been a while, yeah?" Kurenai says from the other end.

"It has been. Things are okay over here."

"Was that the new friend I've been hearing about?"

"Yes, that was my Fio. She's gone back to sleep for now, but we will have a round of introductions as soon as our schedules properly clear," I say as I pet her head. "I've just been reactivated, and I want to take care of a few things while I still can."

"Yeah, for sure. I can leave you to that. I'm a bit busy myself right now with some of these rotations, just wanted to check in and see how you were doing."

"Thank you for that. I'm starting to get back to my old self, don't you worry."

"Means I have more bullying to look forward to, huh."

I smile. "Exactly. Very exciting, no?"

"You would say something like that. Hey...I'm looking forward to it, Lili. Things aren't the same without you poking at me."

"I know. I've missed you as well, Kurenai. We'll talk soon. And get back into our little gym routine. Fio will probably tag along, too. She can't wait to get back into fighting shape."

"Sounds like a party. See you in a bit, Lili."

"Until the next." I press the button to hang up and sigh. "It truly has been long enough. Team Eight needs to come together soon, like we used to. I have a feeling the future will depend on it."

---

"...but that's how things are so far. So you didn't miss a whole lot."

"I see."

Today is as good a day as any to get myself reoriented with the village's workings. Ino happened to be free, so instead of a quick meeting, we've settled on tea and finger foods in the mid-town area. Things are continuing on the assumed trajectories from months earlier. Sasuke is still recovering, Sakura is settling into her 'new' self, and Naruto has been training a lot more with Jiraiya. Or simply training, it seems. Jiraiya is always out and about for some reason - I suspect that it's because of the Akatsuki threat. They are after the hosts of the tailed beasts as Itachi said, so extra vigilance is hardly something that I will complain about. Other than that, Ino says that it's largely been a normal, calm, and predictable start to the new year. Recruitment in the shinobi forces is up, we have a few more non-commissioned officers rising through the ranks, and of course there is that search for the Fifth Hokage that may never start in earnest. I have a feeling the old man will step down and throw his support behind me at some point. I won't be able to stop it, either. That sort of job...

"What about you, Lili?"

"Hm? Oh, just the new developments you've heard of...the incident with my father for one, and Fio's arrival in the village for another."

"I know you're not, like, shallow or anything...but she was not what I was expecting. Can't wait to meet her myself and see what pulled you in so quick." Ino grins. "I guess you have the central piece of your harem, then?"

"I wonder about that."

"Don't play coy with me, woman."

"Listen, I'm not." I take a sip of tea. "This...wasn't even planned. You know that she was the one who kept coming after me?"

"Was she? That sounds spicy."

"Quite stubborn, that one. Insisting that I'm not a terrible person, or that I don't have ulterior motives, all of that."

"So she saw right through you."

"..." I make a face. "I would rather you not put it like that."

"You would, yeah." She gives me a smug smile while sipping her tea, and I sigh. "Finding love is a good thing, Lili. You're happy, aren't you?"

"That much is an understatement. She fills me with joy. So much so that I can forget the tragedy that consumed me just a short while ago. I feel at peace when I'm with her."

"I am super jealous."

"You shouldn't be. You're a vibrant young woman yourself, Ino. If I can do it, then so can you."

"You'd think so, right? But...life has its quirks. I could end up alone, a tragic waste of beauty left to wander the barren earth until her dying day."

"Come off it," I say while rolling my eyes.

"It's happened! In fact, it's happening right now! Do you know anything about the Fifth Mizukage?"

"Mei Terumi. Yes, I've heard of her. I've been compared to her at some points as well."

"Yeah. So...she's getting to that age, you know? But it's an open secret that she couldn't get her hands on a good man if her life depended on it. Can you imagine? A leader of the free world and one of the strongest, most beautiful women on the entire planet...and she's single. Not 'cause she wants to be, either..."

"Unlike our Tsunade, who simply refuses to court a man."

"Right. So you see, it's possible that I'm in danger here."

"Again, come off it. You're not even sixteen. Go ahead and panic at that point, you silly bitch."

She chuckles and picks up a slice of cucumber. "It's really good to have you back, Lili."

"There you are. I was hoping that those directions were correct..."

I look back over my shoulder to see a familiar face. Long, straight brown hair and brown eyes. The standard chuunin uniform, clean and neat as usual. Futaba Azuma. What might she want with me?

"Got business with us, hon?" Ino asks her.

"Yes. Please pardon my interruption..."

"It's fine. Pull up a chair and help yourself to the snacks we have here. You like rice balls? Those are good."

"Thank you. I'm not hungry at the moment, but thank you."

"Well, just have a seat either way. We don't want Lili to get a kink in her neck looking up at you."

"Thank you." Futaba seats herself while I sip at my tea. Ino has a subtly amused look on her face, but says nothing and lets the silence drag on.

"So. What business did you have with me, Miss Azuma?" I ask.

"I wanted to ask...about your teammate."

"Which one? I have three of them, you know."

"I know. Just...sorry."

"It's perfectly fine. Which of my teammates did you want to know about?"

She takes a breath in and out before answering. "Shino Aburame."

"Ooh..."

I give Ino a look to silently hush her. But this is quite the development. "Shino. Whatever for, my dear?"

"I...I have a strange hobby. For a girl, I mean. And I thought that he might be able to help me out with it. I also figured that as his teammate...you know, it would be safer for us to arrange a meeting of some kind. Things like that." She rubs her shoulder nervously.

"You collect insects," I conclude.

"Yeah. I only have a very small collection right now, but...I've always been interested in them. My parents don't really know, they assume that the interest in bugs got left behind as I grew. I took to collecting books, and if anyone asked, I just said it was research for missions and related stuff."

"So you...wish to consult with Shino? Is that it?"

"S-something like that. Getting in contact with him, at the very least. So that we could talk properly. I...don't have it in me to approach him on his own, so suddenly. His personality...it's..."

"Difficult. He can be a pain in the ass sometimes, inaccessible. You have to spend a bit of time with him to figure him out."

"That's the truth," Ino chimes in. "Really good guy once you get past that weirdo barrier, though. Gotta be easier for boys. He's friends with Kiba, and...well, you know how Kiba gets."

"Did you want to pass me your information so that you could get in touch?" I ask. "I can inform him later this week of your desire to meet in the future."

"That...I would like that a lot. Thank you, Captain Kobayashi." She places her hands in her lap. The beginnings of a blush creep onto her cheeks.

"Very much fine. Here, I've taken to carrying these cards for such situations."

Futaba nods and takes the card from me along with a pen, then writes down her contact information. I take the card from her and put it into one of my pockets along with the pen.

"As said, I will have an answer for you before the week closes. Was there anything else, my dear?"

"Nothing. Thank you for hearing me out, and sorry again for interrupting your meeting."

"No trouble at all. Do take care, Futaba."

"I will. Take care, Captain." She stands up and bows before leaving. As soon as she's out of range, Ino hits the table with her hand and stares at me, mouth agape.

I can't help but be shocked myself. What...was that? It couldn't be what I think it is.

"Oh my god what the actual-"

"Never in a million years would I have considered it," I say with amusement. "Bloody fucking hell."

"The tea was about to evaporate right out of my cup. Oh my god, the absolute thirst."

"It might just be the hobby after all...oh, who am I kidding. She was bursting at the seams just now."

"Right?! I'm losing it, Lili. I can't believe that just happened. And I bet she thinks we're oblivious, too. I'm not gonna say a goddamn thing, but..."

"Yes, agreed. Not even to Shino. This has to play out on its own. Although...I am going to keep an eye out for my friend. She seemed like she turned over a new leaf when it came to Yuno, but I don't want Shino going through even a fraction of that. She's good as dead if she fucks with him."

"That's the way you gotta do it," Ino says with a nod. "But I think she'll behave. Took some courage coming up to you and asking that, honestly."

I fold my arms as she refills her teacup. "It did, yes. And as disgusting as she was that time...I don't think she's a bigot at her core. It was something learned, and she expressed a desire to unlearn it."

"Talk about irony, though. Straight laced turbo bitch thirsting after local bug boy."

"The heavens do have a sense of humour."

"Gotta love it."

I pop a spring roll into my mouth and chew. We really do live in interesting times, don't we...

---

"That should take care of it."

I wipe my hands after delivering the last of the lumber to its destination.

"Thank you very much, Madam Shinobi," the woman in cover-alls says as she approaches. "That should keep us until further notice. Though I didn't think we'd get an elite like you lifting and carrying."

"Equal parts boredom and benevolence, if you wanted an answer. Getting out to see the village like this never gets tiresome."

"Heh. You really love this place, don't you?"

"Very much, yes."

"Well, have yourself a cool drink here, and I'll send the pay over like you asked." I gently take the glass bottle from her and sip once. Ah, refreshing. It's been a while since I had some lemonade. "Probably won't need to hire anyone in the next few weeks, which will help my bottom line plenty."

"Good luck to you," I say with a bow. "And if you do need anything else, call for me directly."

"I might just do that, heh. See you around, Missy."

I give her a wave before leaving the construction site. Always good to give people a bit of help when they need it. A D-Rank mission or two might not meaningfully add to my resume, but they don't need to at this point.

As soon as I get home, Fio lifts her head from the couch and meets me at the front door. I hand her the bottle and she sips from it as I take off my sandals.

"Tasty!"

"It's the good stuff. If you like it that much, we can buy some for home. Have the rest of it, love."

"Really? I thought lemonade was easy to make at home," she says before drinking.

"Oh, it is. But there's a certain something about this particular brand. Plus, it's made here in the village. I know where the shop is."

"Always good to support your local businesses!"

"Exactly."

"How was work today? Nothing too difficult, yeah?"

"Nothing difficult at all. Just taking care of things within the village. Eventually I'll pick up something that's a little more involved."

"Taking your time is for the best."

"Yes. Are you hungry, Fio?"

"A little bit. It's weird...I don't feel super full, but it's not near as bad as it was before. Tsunade said those pills will help for a little while. She's working on making an actual solution outta some plants that are way out in the forest, usually."

"Hm. I might have to talk to her about that. But you're doing better now, Fio. That's all I care about." I step into the kitchen and take out the rice cooker. Dinner can be something simple again tonight. "Have you been drinking my supplements in the meantime?"

"Yep."

"Good. Simple things like that will help you along." The phone starts to ring. "Sweetheart, would you get that for me?"

"Sure can!" Fio bounds off while I get the rice grains and measure them out. Then it's a simple matter of rinsing in the sink before placing the rice inside.

"Yeah...yeah, she's in the kitchen. Starting on dinner. Yeah...you're sure? Okay. I'll tell her. Yeah, you too! Thanks! Bye-bye~!"

"Who was that, love?" I ask as I switch the cooker on.

"Kurenai-sensei again. She said that she wanted to have an impromptu meeting if possible."

"Over dinner, I assume."

"Yep."

"Well, fortunately this cooker here is one of the models that can manage itself. After the rice is finished, it will keep itself warm afterwards. We are able to move freely between now and then."

"We?"

"Yes. It's time to introduce you properly to my comrades, Fio. Is that okay?"

"Um..." She closes her eyes. "It's not any trouble, is it?"

"Certainly not. Did Kurenai say anything about the urgency of the meeting?"

"Nope. In fact, she said not to worry about it at all."

"Then it's settled." I wash my hands in the sink. "Throw on whatever you like. I'll take a quick shower and get myself into something more presentable."

"Okay, got it."

I take a half-hour to get myself ready, simply to be safe. Today's ensemble will feature a plain black sundress and heels for the evening. I add in the ring of pearls that I bought in Tanzaku Quarter a few months ago, and finally slip on my armband to signify that I'm out on business. An extra touching up of my hair, and I should be ready for anything.

"Are we all set, Fio?"

"Should be. Wasn't too sure what to wear...so I kind of winged it. Hope you don't mind."

I step out of my room to look at her. She hasn't rummaged too far through my closet and picked simple items, a pastel pink blouse and dark pants that stop at her ankles. Her hair is set into tails again, so I suppose that she's become comfortable with that style most of all. "A little conservative for you, but altogether fine."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure, darling. I know that you'll find your style in time. You did spend quite a while wearing nothing but rags, and a time before that with a plain enough family."

"I guess." She puts her hands behind her head. "You don't think I need to be more...girly?"

"You're girly enough." I kiss her on the cheek. "As I've said before, don't worry. The only person who gets to decide how much of a woman you are is you. Don't forget that."

"I'll try. Thanks, Lili."

"Of course, my love. So, are we finally ready?"

"Yep! Let's hit the town!"

I smile and lead us out, securing the premises before heading down the stairs and into the village proper. It's certainly been a while since I've been able to so casually stroll down these streets. Passers-by give us enough attention, directed mostly towards me, of course. It's more than enough to fuel any latent egocentrism inside of my head. Definitely Emi's influence...but I have to admit, I do love the thrill of it. Fio gave out the name of the place chosen earlier, and I can recall where it is...it's fine enough, but I think we can relocate to somewhere that's a bit more upscale for dinner.

"Here we are. Early, as always," I say to Fio. "One of the things that Mama is very consistent about."

"Emi sounds like a trip, around the world and back."

"To say the least of it. There...are some things I will have to clear up before we have you two meet, as a warning."

"That's fine enough, I think."

If I had a collar, I would be pulling on it quite hard by now. Forget telling her that I have a girlfriend now...she doesn't even know I'm a lesbian yet. Between having to put down my father and her almost being killed, there understandably hasn't been much of an opening to make that announcement. And I couldn't dream of telling her over the phone or by postcard...it's not something that I could handle. That woman deserves more from me. But I will tell her within the year, this I know for sure.

"Looks like spring's come a bit early this year. Not that I'm complaining any."

Kurenai, Hina, and Shino arrive together. Save for our gentleman friend, everyone is dressed fairly casually.

"We are changing venues. You haven't put in a reservation for us already, have you?" I ask her.

"Seriously? You're just embarrassed that you got dressed up for nothing."

"Do be quiet."

"Yeah, I'm right." She sighs. "Lead on, Princess."

"I shall," I say firmly, turning on my heel. "The venue is thankfully not far from here. Come." We head forward another block to the place I had in mind, slightly more upscale but welcoming to customers of all stripes. The host that greets us is polite and responsive. I show him the black card that comes from my thigh holster, and he nods before taking us to a quiet corner booth. The seats are coloured a crisp blue, blending nicely with the white and gold interior. Even the drink glasses have stripes of gold running across them. A quaint little place.

"Ah, lovely. Everything you could want is in this place, so don't hold back when ordering," I instruct as everyone sits down.

"It's been way too long. I should have remembered that you liked to go big, even for little dinner dates like this," Kurenai says.

"I hope I haven't been too much of a bother," I say to her. "I know that you have your pride, too."

She waves me off. "Nothing to worry about, hon. Just know that I'll be ordering quite a bit of alcohol on your dime."

"By all means. You do seem just a bit stressed."

"Just a bit. Anyways...we're all here. And with a new guest, to boot."

"I'm sure you've heard already, but this will be a good formal introduction." I nod to Fio and she nods back.

"It's really nice to meet everyone for the first time! My name's Fionne Asagao, and I'm Lili's gal pal! You can call me Fio! We met just outside of Leaf one day and really hit it off...before this, I was stuck as one of Orochimaru's experiments. He kidnapped me from the Hidden Rock...that's the short version, pretty much. But yeah, I'm happy to be here, and to meet all of you. Lili's told me so many wonderful things, and I hope that I can connect with you all like she has."

"We're really glad to have you," Kurenai says. "As you've heard on the phone, my name's Kurenai Yuuhi, jounin and instructor for Team Eight here. I pretty much just split duties with Lili now since we're the same rank and everything."

"She sells herself short sometimes," I say. "This woman is the most delightful partner."

"I appreciate you, but you lay it on thick sometimes."

"You see? Adorable."

"Sheesh. Listen, I'm around if you need anything. Since you're attached to our Lili, you're a part of us too. Remember that."

"Yes'm. Definitely," Fio says with a smile.

"Good!"

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Fio," Hina says. "My name is Hinata Hyuuga, a chuunin and member of the Leaf's noble Hyuuga Clan. My younger sister Hanabi is the clan heiress, you'll see her around the more you interact with us. Lili and I are sisters, and have been for a while. She's my best friend in the world, really. So hearing about you, and how happy you make her...well, it goes without saying that you have my support in whatever you choose to do. I hope you enjoy life in the village, and just as sensei pledged, I will devote my time to helping you in any way that I can."

"Thanks so much! You're just as awesome as Lili told me you were."

"Is...that so..." Hina smiles and blushes. "She really is too much. But I hope that I can continue meeting those expectations, Fio."

"A year or two ago, you would have never heard that kind of speech coming from her lips," I say. "Hina has grown considerably, and is a strong woman in her own right. Feel free to rely on her if I'm not available."

"Again, I wouldn't put it like that...but yes. I will be here for you as much as I can."

"Hmm...well, considering the season, I might call on you soon enough. Thanks, Hinata," Fio says with a smile.

"And of course our last member needs to be poked a little to get going," I say. "Your turn, Shino."

"Got it, Boss." He adjusts his glasses. "My name is Shino Aburame, the next in line to lead the Aburame Clan and chuunin of the Hidden Leaf. I serve as the Boss' right hand and use my skills to act as her eyes and ears within the village. If there is any information that you need right away, I will do my best to assist you."

Fio nods slowly. "Whoa."

"He's a bit on the chunni side-"

"The pot said to the kettle..."

"Hush," I say to Kurenai. "His active imagination has led to great results, and he is an invaluable member of our team. Strange in some ways, yes, but a friend that you can rely on."

"I'll certainly prioritize your well-being above other things," Shino says. "After all, you are important to the Boss, so you're important to all of us. As said before...my concise way of communication may cause a bit of friction. I apologize in advance for that."

"Hey, no worries! Everyone has their own quirks, you know? I like you already, Shino. Good to meet you!"

"Yes." He nods and I can make out a smile from the way his face moves beneath that collar. "Thank you, Miss Asagao."

"Fio's totally cool, you know."

"It'll take him a while to get used to that. You know, if he doesn't make up some weird name for you later," Kurenai says.

"Yeah? I wouldn't mind one of those."

"Another one of you? Should have seen it coming..."

"The time will come, Kurenai," I say to her. "I will provide the village with details about your legend-"

"For the love of god, do not."

"It will be swift and sudden."

"Great. Now I'll have to drink myself into a coma. You're actually the worst."

"And she's proud of it," the rest of us say in unison.

"Oi..."

"I want to see how everyone is doing today," I say. "Well, after we order our drinks."

Kurenai snorts and makes sure to order the most expensive wine they have, just to try and spite me. I make sure she orders a few bottles, since each of them comes with those fascinating gifts like limited edition glasses, cutlery, even watches. The rest of us order our various non-alcoholic beverages.

"Let's start with our beloved sensei."

"Ah, we're starting with the sarcasm early." Kurenai sips at her wine.

"Goodness, no. I really do love you to bits," I say.

"Hmph. Well...I've been pretty miserable the past while because of work. Paperwork, to be specific. Missions here and there, extra training...stuff like that just crammed in. Don't get me wrong, it's far from the worst thing in the world, and maybe I shouldn't complain too much considering where I stand. But...it just takes a lot out of you after a while, you know?"

"That much is understandable," Shino says. "The current era has been stressful for those elites who maintain the balance of our world. We all appreciate your hard work, sensei." Hina and I nod in agreement.

"I appreciate hearing that. Really. You're the best group of kids I could ask for. So I'll put in the work, and watch out for you for as long as I possibly can."

"We're going to be together for a long time," Hina says with a smile. "So we can help each other along the road of life."

"I'm very much looking forward to that," I say. "Shino, what of you?"

"Well." He clears his throat. "I have managed to expand my information network substantially within the past three weeks. I have also bred a new series of insects that carry the same hardening properties as the previous colonies, adding a significant level of fire resistance in the process. This means that while fire type attacks are still hazardous in large volumes, I will not be immediately taken out of battle by the rapid depletion of insects. Further research will of course be conducted to improve said resistance. Aside from that...not much of consequence has taken place, as far as I am concerned."

"Oh, very nice. As expected of my right hand. Well done, Shino."

"Thank you, Boss."

"As for things of consequence, well...that will change soon enough. I have a message for you, from an acquaintance of mine. Do you remember my mention of Futaba Azuma?"

"The young woman with a complex towards lesbians and non-binary persons? Yes."

"Very good. She expressed a desire to speak with you, regarding a certain hobby of hers. It's the collection and study of insects."

"Oh?" Shino's brow goes up, at an angle higher than I've seen before. Which to most people wouldn't be much, but I'm not most people.

"She was a bit hesitant on approaching you on her own, due to your...mm. Idiosyncrasies, so to speak."

"I see."

"Using myself as a medium, I have delivered her message. So, would you be open to meeting with her for those purposes? I have her contact information here, and I did promise an answer before the next week was upon us."

"This sounds like a set-up for a date, Boss."

I frown. "Shino. You know much better than that, love."

"Yes, Shino. I don't think Lili would set you up with Futaba of all people...I myself can think of much better candidates for your affections," Hina says. "It sounds like her desire to meet with you is honest enough, and strictly related to insect studies. Perhaps you should give her a try."

"I think so too," Kurenai says. "Not to mention that both Hinata and Lili would murder the bitch if she did anything to upset you."

"That much is correct. But there is no pressure here," I say to Shino.

"I see. It sounds harmless enough. Tell her that we can meet up at some point this week. She can come over to the house."

"Uh, Shino? Suggestion," Fio says delicately. "Inviting a girl to your house right away like that...not a good first move."

"How come?"

"It...would take a while to explain. I'm just saying, as a word of advice, have your first meeting in a neutral spot. You know, to keep everything even and junk. You don't want to startle the poor thing, you know?"

"Hm." I hand him a card with a copy of Futaba's information, and he nods while taking it. "That makes sense, somewhat."

"You can give her a call from tomorrow onwards," I explain. "I want to give her a proper heads up before you do so, so I will contact her tonight. Futaba is a nervous thing these days, and she wants to make a good impression with you."

"Understood."

"Good." That went...well enough. It might be good that Shino is so oblivious sometimes. "And last, but far from least. Hina, have you been well?"

"Yes, definitely. Brother Neji has been making sure to train me properly. And...I've become a bit closer with Naruto. Perhaps in a few months, we can start dating properly."

"Ambitious, aren't we? Very nice. We're all in your corner, since the two of you are terribly cute together," I say with a smile.

"Thank you, Lili."

"As for me...I feel much stronger than I was the last time we came together. I've been reunited with a precious companion, and started to overcome those nightmares day by day. Things feel...normal for the first time in a long time. I really will be better than okay soon enough. Thank you, all of you, for accepting me and helping me to heal. I love all of you so much."

"We love you too, Lili. You've been a light to each of us. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are right now," Hina says.

"She's right, Boss."

"What they said. Even this old gal has been able to fly a bit higher recently."

"Is that what Asuma tells you?" I ask.

"As aloof as he can be at times, he's got a good eye when it comes to these things. He's not the only one saying it either, which helps a bit," she replies with a smug smile.

"I'm glad that I could pass my blessings on to all of you. It makes everything worth doing."

"Just make sure you cap it all off right, yeah?"

"What do you...oh for fuck's sake, would you stop with that nonsense?" I grumble.

"Eh? What's got Lili all grumpy?" Fio asks.

"It's about that position...you know, the one with the big pointed hat," Hina explains.

"You mean Hokage?"

"Don't say it, idiot..."

"Ah? What's wrong with that? Being Hokage sounds super cool! Imagine, people you pass by every day and smiling at you like, 'hey, Lady Hokage!'"

I groan and put my head on the table.

"She doesn't think she's worthy," I hear Shino say.

"Eh? Eh? Not worthy? What? Lili! We're gonna have to have a talk about this when we get home!"

"Wine...give me wine..."

"No booze for you, Lady Hokage. Suffer as you are," Kurenai says.

"You bitch...I'll kill you for this...ugh." Unfortunately, even the bullies get bullied once in a while. I suppose this is one of those days. Annoying.

Fio rubs my head, and I can't help but smile wryly. I really do love these people, don't I...