Scarlet Justice [Naruto AU]

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 18
"Debut"
---

Lunch turns out to be very delicious. I'll have to come back to this place soon as well.

Hinata doesn't eat much, I note. I mean to say something, but end up holding my tongue. It might simply be nerves or exhaustion. I think she will be okay. Kurenai pays the bill as promised and we say our goodbyes for the day.

When I get home, Luna is out. I decide to use this free time in a somewhat responsible manner, and check if I can access another snake friend from my registry. Midori gets a call by way of telepathic communication, using the seal carved into my arm.

Midori-nee.

Lili, darling. How are you today?

Fine. I just finished my first day with Kurenai-sensei and my team. I'll tell you about them later when you come over next.

Of course. What can I help you with, my love?

I wanted to see if it was okay to use another part of my power.

Hmm...

I wait a moment.

Okay, you should be ready. I've added the next person to our list. Concentrate and call them to your side. Anything else?

No, nothing for now. I'll see you soon. I love you, Midori-nee.

And I love you, Lili. Take care.

We end our short call, and I concentrate on my seal again. In a cloud of smoke, a blue snake appears before me. They have scales that make them look sturdy and stone-like, like a fortress.

"Princess. I am glad that you have called for me at last."

The voice projected into my head is feminine, and also a bit deep. It gives me a feeling of strength and stability.

"Yes. Thank you for assisting me."

"Our Empress has allowed you access to my power, and so I will place my life in your hands to use as you see fit. My name is Aoko. And the power I offer to you is that of a strong shield to defend against the most menacing threats, called Chaotic Bulwark. As your power grows, Princess, so will mine. One day in the near future, we will combine to form the most absolute defense."

"Ah."

"But...I do not want to have you get ahead of yourself, Princess. Forgive my enthusiasm."

I think for a moment. "You and Crim are related."

"Ah, yes. Not all of us that will become available to you are of the same family, but some of us are directly related. Crim is my younger brother. He speaks highly of you and wishes to offer his assistance as often as possible."

"He is an excitable fellow."

"Yes, surely."

"I feel safe knowing that the two of you will be protecting me from now on. Crim is a good man, and you should be proud of him."

"Yes, Princess. I certainly am." An elder sister who cares for her brother deeply. Family is strong in the serpent kingdom it seems, and I think it's delightful to see.

"Then, until the time that I need you, Aoko."

"Of course, Princess. May heaven watch over you." She leaves in a cloud of smoke. I close my eyes and go back to my registry: Midori-nee, Crim, and now one more...a very fit woman in armor, with short blue hair and a calm expression. Your third member, Aoko.

"Good. My strength grows."

With that done, I waste the rest of my day reading manga until Luna comes home. We chat about our day, and I inform her of Kurenai's desire for a meeting. Afterwards we take a bath together, washing away the stress of a long day. We watch a movie and end up falling asleep in each other's arms.

---

Kurenai drills us with basic exercises and abbreviated missions of all types - the sorts of things I imagined we would start off with as genin. Fixing things, clearing yards, making deliveries, and other odd jobs. They pay little to nothing and wouldn't be taken care of if not for students and young shinobi like us. Rarely there are some adults and others who take detours to do these sorts of thankless jobs, but it's mostly left to beginners in the same positions we are. And it's fair, I think. We don't get much in the way of money, but we get to know our neighbours, the value of hard work, and do service for our community. Being part of the Leaf...many dimensions to that sort of thing. Money and prestige can wait...and we especially don't need to rush off to die so soon.

The time for battle will come, though. I wonder how I will handle it. Will I...enjoy such a thing? I've asked myself that question before, more than once.

Is it wrong to enjoy killing?

I wonder about that a lot.

We gather daily at Training Field 23, in the same manner as we do today. Kurenai has finally authorized official missions.

"I think you kids are ready. You've shown off teamwork, ability, and a willingness to work hard. We'll start off slowly for now, and then graduate to tougher work as we adjust. But I'll be with you at all times, so if you need to rely on me, say the word and I'll take on your burdens."

After Kurenai does equipment checks, we go to the Academy complex where the Mission Assignment Desk sits. It's a long table with about six or seven people sitting behind it. An encouraging banner is printed above: "do your best, everyone".

"Nice that we cross paths again so soon, eh?"

A familiar voice. I approach the table to see Iruka, who I give a smile and polite bow. I wonder how his back is doing today.

"These ones haven't been any trouble, have they, Kurenai?" he asks with a silly grin.

"Far from it. Passed their first test with flying colours, too. You raised a heck of a class this year, Iruka."

"Heh, these kids are powerhouses all on their own. Couldn't match up at that age."

"I'm pretty excited to get things started...those rookie nerves are all but gone on my end," Kurenai says with a smile.

"Good to hear!"

"Yes, I feel the same. Very good to hear," the old man beside Iruka says. From the flowing robes, the wrinkles, and the character on his hat, he has to be...

"Lord Hokage. It's an honour," I say while bowing low and keeping my head down. So this is him. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf. He had retired once, but after that incident...the one that made Naruto a host...he had to return to the position once more.

"Formalities of that degree aren't necessary, my dear. Ah...Lilith, isn't it? This is our first meeting."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

"I hear that Lili is fine as well?"

"It is, my lord, if you would prefer that."

"Alright, Lili it is." He gives me a warm smile. I...really feel comfortable around this old man. Everyone seems to, and Ino did give that glowing report the other day...but this feeling is really soothing right now. "I know that you'll do great things after your performances in the Academy."

"Thank you, my lord."

"Although...we'll have to keep you away from any missions involving Kobayashi Rice, just to cover ourselves," he says with a laugh.

I smile and nod. "Understood, sir."

"Good, good. Now, Kurenai...I believe you wanted to pick up a D-Rank to start things off," the Hokage says as he flips through papers.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. Nothing too strenuous. I believe in their teamwork."

"Hmm..." The Hokage looks at us curiously, scanning each member of the team. Smoke puffs up from his pipe as he seems to be mulling something over. I can't imagine what, as we're a newly minted team. "Kurenai."

"Yes, sir."

"Have you spoken to the Hyuuga Head recently?" What's this about...?

"I have, Lord Hokage. And he said..." Kurenai makes a face before composing herself. "He said that I could 'do as I pleased'...because he had no further use for her."

"..." Her? No. No, that couldn't be referring to...

"I see. Still stubborn, that man..." The Hokage rubs his forehead.

"Lord Hokage, may I ask what this is about?"

"I'm mulling over sending your group on a C-Rank mission to start."

"C-Rank?" Iruka says. "Sir, that's...a bit much, isn't it?"

"Sir, I was also thinking the same," Kurenai says. "I know that I'm more than ready to lead, and I don't want to question your judgement here..."

"I have confidence in this particular team and its members, based on what I've seen and heard. Also...there's something that I want to test. I don't mean to use your team as expendable guinea pigs, Kurenai..."

"I wouldn't think anything of the sort, sir. I really just want to keep the children safe."

"Of course, of course. I didn't mean to cause you alarm."

"Yes, sir. I understand. If you're confident in us taking on a C-Rank, then by all means."

"The decision will ultimately be up to you. I can only make the suggestion and offer it as an option for now. As you said, your team is still young with plenty of time to grow. There are two C-Rank missions available; you may choose from one of them, or decline and attempt D-Rank missions instead."

"..." Hinata has her head down after Kurenai's report. She is quiet and deathly still.

The clan head...her father.

No use for her.

Memories violently flood back into my head. I feel my blood start to boil as those words echo, over and over.

"The two missions, sir?" Kurenai asks.

"Iruka?" The Hokage says.

"Yes, sir. Both escort missions, here...one for an architect who needs protection on his way to Wave Country, and a defense mission for a construction project there. The second is portable guard for a precious metal shipment to Wind Country. It will go through the Hidden Sand Village."

Kurenai looks to me, and I nod. She looks back towards Iruka and the Hokage.

"Lord Hokage, we're taking the mission to Wind Country. I think it will be better suited to our abilities."

"Excellent. You will be leaving in two days at dawn. The mission is estimated to take a week, barring any incidents," the Hokage says. "Make sure you rest and prepare until then."

"We will. Thank you, my lord."

The four of us bow before leaving.

"Good luck, Team Eight!" Iruka says.

I wave back before we exit for good. Down the hall, there's a familiar scent...alcohol. Emi's favourite, among other things. She apparently had a high tolerance...

"What's this? Are you really shinobi?" An old man with a bottle emerges from a room nearby. Seems like he just wants to sneer at us. "I didn't think they would just train and hire anyone for the job..."

"Pay him no mind," Kurenai says firmly. "Let's go."

"Women concerned with their appearances more than their skills...especially the red-head midget over here. Who'd your parents pay off to let you play ninja, huh?

"I don't know who you are, but-"

"Sensei. It's fine." My anger is already surging behind this impassive mask. I walk towards the old man and stare up at him. "I suppose you're a client of the Leaf."

"That's right. I'm paying your village to protect me on the way back home, but now I'm not so sure with the likes of you running around."

"I see. How unfortunate...I do hope that you find someone suitable enough to take care of you on your trip."

I let my mask start to slip.

"I wish you safe travels...ossan."

I tilt my head and 'smile' brightly for him. He steps back and fumbles his bottle several times before catching it, shaking in fear.

"I promise. I will be a splendid shinobi the next time we meet."

"..."

As he falls on his behind, I turn on my heel and walk back towards my team.

"My insects are agitated again, just like the last time you did that at the Academy. You're sure that you're human?" Shino asks me.

"..."

Kurenai gives me a worried look, and I turn my head away.

I really do have a bad temper.

"Just barely...Shino."

---

Home. I do stretches and then light exercise in the comfort of my room before taking a shower. Luna comes in a while later and cooks dinner. I tell her about my mission.

"Do you need help with the supplies?" she asks.

"No thank you," I say to her. "Please don't push yourself. I'll gather everything and make my way out the morning of. It will be early even for you."

She nods in understanding. "Alright. I'll be here just in case you need anything, Miss Lilith."

"Thank you, Luna." I kiss her on the cheek and she smiles.

In the morning I go down to the training field and work on my attack speed. But it's an excuse to hit something until I stop feeling angry.

It's not working.

My chest feels hot even as my knuckles and feet get sore from pounding away at logs. The soreness goes away, but the anger doesn't. I keep thinking of Hinata. I keep thinking of her father mistreating her. Throwing her away. I can't stand it. She lives in that home and...

...

I pack up my things and head home, then sit in the tub for a long while. It's hard to stop thinking, but I eventually manage it and clear my mind. My body relaxes. I feel a bit better and start to focus on that feeling.

"Miss Lilith? Is everything okay?" Luna calls from outside the bathroom.

"I'm fine, Luna. Did you need something?"

"No, nothing. Lady Midoriko will be here soon, she's staying overnight."

"Oh, good. That means I won't have to worry about you in the morning."

"How...so?"

"You'll be too tuckered out to-"

"Why do I even bother sometimes?" Luna complains. "The worst...the worst..."

She stomps away as I snicker. I really do love that woman.

After my bath is relaxation time. The anime I ordered isn't out yet, which is a little disappointing, but manageable. A good book will have to do for now. I read with a cup of tea nearby before I hear the front door open and shut quickly.

"Lady Midoriko-"

"Lili, hi. I'll see you off tomorrow. Luna, pay attention. Mouth, closed. Room, in. Clothes, off."

"I-I don't think..."

"Five minutes. If you make me wait, I will make you squeal louder than you ever have before, woman."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be ready in four minutes, ma'am."

I turn a page as I hear Luna hurry off.

"Long day, I assume?" I ask without looking up.

"Too long. Gonna take the edge off. If we're too loud, apologies in advance."

"It happens. Have a good night."

"Thank you."

The door to Luna's room opens and shuts. I put on the earmuffs that I leave nearby just in case, and take a sip of tea. They'll help while I pretend to hear nothing else for the next few hours.

"I did warn her, didn't I?"

I shrug and turn to a new page.

---

It's still dark outside as I open my eyes. That means that I'm still okay for time...

I rub my eyes and walk to the bathroom, splashing water onto my face and starting my routines. Packing is finished, I'm freshened up, and now I can start on breakfast.

"Mm...leaving already, then?"

"Yes." I turn my head to see Midori, with a robe that she lazily has open as she yawns.

"C-Rank, right? Seems like Sarutobi has a lot of faith in your group. I'm happy to see it, it means that you're another step closer to becoming a great shinobi."

"I see."

She sits down at the table, leaning back in her chair. "Don't worry about me. I'll be going back to snuggle with Luna once you leave."

"Understood."

"I've noticed that you've been a bit more tense lately. There's something worrying you."

"..." Well, she would notice. This is the woman that taught me everything I know.

"Hey. Be straight with me, Lili. What is it?"

"I'm worried about Hinata. She's...been discarded."

"Mm. And you want to reach her, is that it? The only thing you can do is strengthen her heart. After that...it's between her and her family."

"How do I do that?" I say as I finish cooking. "How can I give her strength?"

"Love her the same way that I love you."

"Like that..."

"Yes. Like that. As if she is your everything. And she will love you right back." She stretches and stands up. "Go ahead and eat, don't let me keep you. Everything will sort itself out, if you simply move forward. I promise you, Lili."

"Take care of Luna," I say.

"With my life, Lili."

"Thank you." I pause a moment. "I know that I'm being selfish. I do that a lot."

"That's perfectly fine sometimes. We all have our own desires and dreams. I'm the same. Those have value, too. I'll see you soon, Lili."

"Yes. Of course, Midori-nee."

She gives me a light nod before returning to Luna's room. I finish preparing breakfast and eating, then check over my things. One last, last check, then I shoulder my backpack and secure it. Okay. Time to leave.

"I forgot something."

"Did you?" I ask as I turn around. Midori smiles and places her hands on my cheeks. She leans forward and kisses my forehead gently.

Well, I suppose I have to come back safely now.

"There. Now it's fine," she says. My big sister is cute in her own ways. "Be safe, and if anything should happen...don't hesitate. I'll be there for you, even if I die."

Idiot. Saying things like that.

"Then I won't let it get that far," I say to her.

"Stubborn. Cute, but stubborn." I wonder where she gets off saying that. She pats me on the shoulder and sends me on my way.

My forehead still feels warm. Midori has a way of making me miss her the moment we part ways. I can't say that I dislike the feeling.

Love, then...

"..."

If I can rescue Hinata with that, then I'll give it my all. I trust what Midori has told me, and so I will follow her advice.

 

[FortePlus]

Scarlet Justice - ep. 19
"Togetherness"
---

Our meeting place is the main gate of the Leaf. Kurenai and Shino are already here. We meet and say our morning greetings before waiting for our last member. After a few minutes, Hinata arrives with another person in tow. The colour of their eyes makes it clear they're a member of the Hyuuga Clan.

"Lady Hinata, will you need anything else?" the man asks, annoyed at his task.

"N-no...I will b-be fine...t-t-thank you..."

"Understood. Then I will return to the estate." He gives the rest of us a dismissive look before taking off, back into the village.

"Everyone ready?" Kurenai asks. I want to say no. I should. Hinata is trying to hide it, but I can see the faint dark lines under her eyes. She's barely slept.

"Yes," the three of us say in unison.

It will be okay. I'll protect her. None of us want to screw this mission up, especially after the Hokage put his faith in all of us.

Kurenai nods. "Good. Our clients and their cargo should be coming up now. I think I see them."

The merchants draw nearer to us from inside of the village, and stop with us at the gates. Horses pulling a covered wagon, though this one has a solid roof and sides, made of strong wood. Sturdier than the normal covered wagons, and probably more expensive. The wheels are different too, containing rubber treads as opposed to leaving it just at wood.

The occupants meet up with us, three merchants.

"Morning to you." The first person is an older bald man, stern looking and muscular. He's fit and looks like he could easily thrive in the wilderness on his own. And he has a sort of aura that would seem intense to normal people. His name is Zen, and he's definitely the leader of the outfit. He has a black shirt on over blue overalls.

As he shakes hands with Kurenai, I take note of the other members. There's the younger man, probably early twenties, with brown hair spiked upwards and piercings on his eyebrows. I hear that his name is Toki. His loud complaining indicates that he thinks we're unnecessary. His muscles are bigger than Zen's, but I can see that they're mainly for show. Likely a playboy in his free time. He wears a baggy blue shirt and pants that look to be the group's regular uniform.

The last person has a vulnerable feeling to them. They're frail looking and skinny, and the baggy uniform that Toki wears looks even bigger on their body. It takes an extra moment for me to figure out that it's a woman under there. Her name is Airi, and she's even quieter than Hinata is...her black hair is cut short, and she's making an attempt to hide her femininity, wearing a straw hat to help that along. Given the things that can happen to women who travel...it's a sensible decision.

"What are the properties of the cargo that we're guarding?" Shino asks.

"None of your fuckin' business," Toki snarls. "You're getting paid to help us guard it, not to find out what's inside. Fuckin' clown. I told you this was a shitty idea, old man."

"Pipe down," Zen says. "Sorry about the kid. The cargo is pretty important like you've heard, and it's one of many shipments we've made. Wind Country is paying top dollar for it...there's a mix of things in here, but the majority of the shipment contains Red Iron."

"Red Iron?" Kurenai asks. "I've heard it mentioned vaguely, but I don't know much about it."

"It's a super conductive type of metal. Highly receptive to chakra and has a hell of a lot of applications. Ultra-high speed vibrations with lightning, extra moisture with water, increased heat tolerance and transfer with fire."

"So anything can become a deadly weapon when made with the stuff."

"Precisely. Now, being a metal it has applications outside of combat, really good ones...but this kind of offer couldn't be passed up. Can't give you the exact details, but it's a fat sack of cash for us once we finish this job. We...or really, I figured that we could afford to hire some extra muscle as a result."

"And I see that it only exists in a certain place at the moment, which is why you've kept your origins on a need to know basis," Kurenai concludes.

"You got it. We haven't yet perfected the process - working tools are pretty rare right now - but we're pretty much the only ones with the knowledge, expertise, and frankly the balls to handle this stuff. Red Iron is a real bitch to work with."

"Ah, I see."

"This is a waste of money," Toki says, interrupting. "A painted up leader, a girl pissing herself, a weirdo nerd in a jacket and this short red-headed bitch. This is what we've paid for? A bunch of fucking runts?"

"Ignoring the other garbage...I gotta question the youth movement here, myself," Zen says. "Did you guys just get dumped on us?"

"Lord Hokage entrusted us with this mission," Kurenai says. "The girl your...associate insulted just now with his vulgar language is an elite rookie kunoichi. By the numbers and her performances, she's on the same level as the Fourth Hokage at this age."

Zen raises a brow and looks at me, impressed. "That much, eh? Well...I know not to underestimate people who look small. That's what age teaches, anyways. Alright, you've sold me. We've wasted enough time chatting. The wagon's got enough room for four people, including the cargo. What's our game plan?"

"Let's go with two of us outside, two inside while you drive," Kurenai says. "Schedule preferences?"

"Hmm...let's keep it normal. Travel during the day, sleep at night."

"Good. We'll work out night watch when we get there. Sound okay?"

"Perfect. Let's get moving."

Kurenai turns to us. "Team Eight, our mission has begun. C-Rank, minimal threat level. Keep your eyes and ears tuned towards me, and if you have anything to bring to my attention, anything at all, please do so. Understood?"

"Understood, sensei," we all reply.

"Good. Then we advance."

---

It's largely uneventful out here. We keep level with the horse and wagon as it moves along at a steady pace, down the cleared paths of the Leaf Forest. Zen drives, Toki and Airi are inside. Shifts rotate throughout the day, and Kurenai makes sure that we're not expending too much energy. Two people on, two people off inside of the wagon. If someone is tired, they can take a nap to recharge.

The strategy pays out wonderfully; we make very good ground in three days even with the horses stopping for rest.

"Oi, sensei."

"Mister Zen. What can I do for you?" Kurenai responds. It's the fourth day and we've crossed the border from Fire Country to Wind Country. The forest is behind us, and we've started down a desert trail.

"We're going to stop and get a good meal in us. I know we're all tough, but I think we've made some really good time, and it'd be nice to get some actual rest in for once."

"I feel much the same. Let's find somewhere good to stop."

The land around us is flat and dusty, broken up by patches of vegetation. Some unfamiliar plants, and what I recognize as cactus. I can also see some have blooming flowers, so I wonder if it rained recently...

"There's something good."

Kurenai seems to have spotted something in the distance. We head off-road with the wagon moving a bit slower as our horses traverse the terrain. They're strong children though, and bring their cargo and passengers towards a most welcome sight.

An oasis, complete with natural hot spring.

"Hoh, lucky!" Zen says with a laugh.

"Shall we stop here?" Kurenai asks, smiling.

"Yeah, definitely. Oi, slackers!" He bangs on the wagon roof behind him, causing Toki to respond with his usual string of curses. The younger man steps out and scoffs.

"You really wanna stand here and jerk around with a delivery to make?"

"Shut it. We're going to be almost a week early for our shipment at this rate, no need to tire ourselves out for no reason," Zen responds. "Now you can sulk if you want, but I'm gonna make us some real grub and get a damn bath."

"Tch." Toki ducks back into the wagon as Airi steps out. She takes off her hat and fans herself with it. Shino and Hinata emerge from the other side. He starts snooping around for bugs, as I expected. Hinata...she looks better, and rested. But she's also been nearly silent aside from replying to orders, and has been distancing herself from everyone else.

It's probably nerves because of the mission, but...I still worry. I want to reach out to her. It's just...if I approach this the wrong way, I'm going to hurt her. And I can't stand the thought of making my precious friend hurt. What can I do...? Hm.

"..."

I need more understanding. The event that almost made me boil over...nearly a week ago now. There are things going on around Hinata that I'm not privy to. I can change that. I know who to talk to. Kurenai has gone to the hot spring, so this is an opportunity to chat privately.

And...there are other bonuses to consider. I suppose.

"I'm following sensei to the hot spring," I announce. "Hinata, you should come over too when you're ready."

"I'll...think about it. Thank you, Lili..."

I nod and leave it at that, then walk through the small section of bush towards the naturally formed pool on the other side. Provides for a small bit of privacy, which is nice. Kurenai is undoing her wrappings as I arrive.

"You too, eh? Well, company is nice." She hums to herself.

"..."

"...Lili? Oi. What's with that look..."

"Nothing. Continue," I say with a gesture. "We're both girls here, aren't we?"

"Yeah, and?"

"Well, I'm sort of interested to see what you look like."

She frowns. "Bit much, isn't it?"

"Not really. I take baths with Luna and Midori-nee all the time. I know what a naked woman looks like."

"This is a bit different, I think."

"I wouldn't say so. Skinship like this is a good way to bond, sensei." I shake my head and start to pull off my shirt. "I'll occupy myself if you're so shy. Just make sure you keep your eyes away on your side."

"I wonder what you're implying, missy."

"Nothing terrible, sensei."

"Yes, I'm sure. If you could close your mouth for a moment, that'd be great."

"Rumours get around."

"They sure do."

I finish undressing and folding up my clothes, then slowly step into the pool before sinking down into it. Remarkably good temperature. Kurenai slowly steps in herself, and I get a good view of her. Not anything like Luna or Midori, obviously...but a well-honed body. I think it's impressive.

"Did you get to meet with Luna?" I ask.

"I did." She sighs as she settles in.

"What did you think?"

"She's a good woman, very devoted to you and observant as well. You know, I think she could become a kunoichi herself if she wanted to. She'd be really good. But from what she's said, she really enjoys being of service to you. Heh, there are a lot of guys who would kill for a woman like that. Well, life being what it is...a few have, unfortunately."

"I'm glad to hear that...but that wasn't what I was really asking about."

She blinks at me. "Huh?"

"Her body. You know? What did you think?"

"Oh, for...stop asking about lewd things, Lili." She closes her eyes and grumbles. "It's not nice to bully people."

"Hm. Well, I tease Hinata all the time, and she doesn't mind."

"She doesn't mind much when it comes to you," Kurenai shoots back.

"Shino's not much fun."

"He's got an annoying way of speaking, I know that much. But he's a good kid." She narrows her eyes at me. "And you are too, when you're not busy being a pervert."

"Oh, come on. I told you flat out that I liked girls. There's no reason for me not to look at you."

"I'm into guys. Guys," she repeats. "Men, human males."

"I can appreciate the aesthetics of men, also. But I don't like them nearly as much as I do women. Besides, you look really good."

"..." Kurenai goes silent and sinks into the water a bit. "You're not just teasing me again, are you?"

"I am, but it's the truth. You really do look good. All that aside," I say with a smile, "spending time with you is always a pleasure, Kurenai."

"You really are a troublesome girl," she says as she shifts back to her original position. Finally, she smiles back at me. "But that's why I like you. Never a dull moment."

"Indeed."

"Hrm..." She has a conflicted expression. "Alright, this is going to sound weird..."

"Is it, now."

"Yes, because I'm asking these things of a twelve year old girl. When...did you kind of, you know...know?"

"It was...I saw two beautiful women kissing," I say to her, feeling warm at the memory. "And I really thought it was the most magnificent thing in the world. I thought it was something I wanted for myself, I suppose. And those feelings only grew and grew with each day. It wasn't just the kissing part, but...beyond that is hard to explain. I don't know if I really could. But it sparked something in me, and made me forget about everything else."

"That's enough, I think. I get it. Listen, I hope that wasn't..."

"It wasn't, Kurenai. I'm actually glad you asked. Thank you."

She laughs quietly. "The more I learn, the more I get attached to you, Lili. You just tell me if I ever go too far, alright?"

"I will, Kurenai. Thank you."

"And thank you, Lili."

This time of conversation is good. But...there's that question I need to ask. For Hinata's sake.

"Kurenai...I was wondering..."

"About Hinata," she finishes for me.

"Yes."

"She hasn't been doing too well. Not sleeping much, barely eating...I thought the mission structure would help get her into some sort of normal routine, so that's why I kept with it for her sake. She's improved, but not by much..."

"Please tell me what's happening. What was that message the other day?" I slowly move over to where Kurenai is, resting my arms on the edge of the pool.

"No touching," she says firmly.

I feign a sigh. "Fine. I won't this time."

"You're awful."

"I know."

She pauses for both of us before continuing. "The message I relayed the other day was the truth. Hinata...she's the eldest daughter of Hiashi Hyuuga, the current head of the Hyuuga Clan. She was always sort of shy and timid, but she would also attempt to be outgoing and friendly to people. A lot of people loved her. She was the pride and joy of the clan, and expected to be the next leader. Someone who could take the weight of Hyuuga prestige on her shoulders. But...her training didn't go well. You see how she is...she doesn't seem like someone suited to fighting, and it was the case long ago as well. But she forged ahead out of love for her family. She always did her best."

"..." Hinata...

"But it wasn't enough. Ever so slowly, she fell out of favour with her father, and the elders, and then the rest of the clan. All of them started to look down on her. She started to fall behind, day by day. Hiashi stopping caring about her progress, and all that did was make her tumble further and further. A vicious cycle that continued as he taught her less and less...and then he suddenly stopped teaching her. That was the same time that he started to groom Hanabi for succession. And at that point, she was no longer the clan heiress. Hanabi...she's seven right now, and about to enter the Academy when her basic training is deemed complete. She's his successor now. That's why he said he had no use for Hinata. She's...nobody to him. Just a useless child."

"..."

"Lili?"

It's taking a lot...to hold back these tears. "I'm...fine. It's just that...that feeling of just being reduced to a pawn..."

"What do you mean?"

"Kurenai...if I were a boy, I wouldn't be here with you right now. I would be at the mansion, or with my father on business trips across the land. He wanted a boy. Not a girl with red hair. Not someone with such a cold feeling to them, and an odd smile that frightened others. He wanted a heir...not a heiress. And I realize now that...not once...did he truly care about me."

"Lili...no. You too?"

"Yes." I take a breath in to calm down. "I'm just a discard too. He's never said it out loud, never expressed it in front of me...but I know. I know in my heart that I am nothing to him. My...father. Hinata and I are reflections of each other, I know that for sure now. But she was so pure, so vulnerable...she should have been cherished and protected the first time she fell. She's spent her entire life being beaten down and torn apart, through no fault of her own. But I...I who became cursed and lonely, I was able to sharpen myself. I pulled my strength inward and survived. I found myself drawn to Midori-nee, and she made me into a beautiful weapon with her love. My stepmother acknowledges me as a warrior princess, and gives me strength with her prayers. And Luna, she devotes herself to me out of love."

"Lili..."

"Midori-nee...told me this. That what I have to do is pour my love into her, just as it was done for me. It's going to be difficult. She's scared that she will break into pieces, and...even as much as I want to believe, I'm scared too..."

"But you don't want to see her like that anymore," Kurenai says.

"Yes. I can see it inside of her. I can see strength...the heart of a lioness. I want to draw it out of her, but only she can let it happen. I can't do it all. It has to be her."

"That's why you worry about her so much...I see now. A reflection of the pain you've experienced your whole life," Kurenai says sadly. She looks at me with resolve a moment later. "Lili. We'll help her for sure. She's already come such a long way, but it's these critical points that test a person. Many people run into walls and just...give up because they seem too high to climb. I want to say that it won't be the case, but...I've seen a lot of people who seemed to have it all together just crumble in the face of a challenge. There's no way to tell what will happen in the end."

"..." I ponder Kurenai's words.

"Lili, I think...you can reach her."

"I want to believe it. I want to believe that I can, because...she doesn't deserve to wander in darkness. Not like I did for so long."

"Then believe. And follow through. You'll have my support...after all, we girls need to stick together, yeah?"

I smile. "You're right. Sticking together...like this, maybe~?" With a turn, I move ahead and hug Kurenai tightly.

"Ah? Hey, what'd I say earlier?"

"Soft, too...I like it."

"You...geez. You're too much." I feel her hug me back. "Thanks..."

"For what?" I ask.

"Nothing...just for choosing to trust me, I guess. I'm happy that you can do that, after this amount of time. It's...it makes me feel good. That's all."

"..." I look up at her and tilt my head to one side.

"What?"

"Tsundere?" I ask innocently. She blushes and turns her head away, but still strokes my hair gently.

"You need to stop saying weird things...you dummy."

 

[Mizu]

After my bath is relaxation time. The anime I ordered isn't out yet, which is a little disappointing, but manageable. A good book will have to do for now

Click to shrink...

Huh, guess this rendition of Naruto has anime, DVD players and TV. That's a surprise.

"That's enough, I think. I get it. Listen, I hope that wasn't..."

"It wasn't, Kurenai. I'm actually glad you asked. Thank you."

She laughs quietly. "The more I learn, the more I get attached to you, Lili. You just tell me if I ever go too far, alright?"

Click to shrink...

I think this flew over my head. What did Kurenai think happened?

 

[FortePlus]

Huh, guess this rendition of Naruto has anime, DVD players and TV. That's a surprise.

I think this flew over my head. What did Kurenai think happened?

Click to shrink...

Yeah, there's some tech around, more for communications and leisure than anything. Military applications *waves hands*, call it author fiat but it's still pretty basic with ninjutsu flying around.

Kurenai was trying to respect Lili's privacy so she's wondering if she went a little bit too deep with her questions. Sexual orientation is a touchy subject for most people, so.

 

[Megacookie]

Yeah, there's some tech around, more for communications and leisure than anything. Military applications *waves hands*, call it author fiat but it's still pretty basic with ninjutsu flying around.

Click to shrink...

I mean in Shippuden it showed the Kage talking to each other over televisions and iirc, I remember a flashback into Sasuke's childhood room that showed a TV there. Plus all the TV and monitors used during the chunin exam to check the Forest of Death.

So, technology was always there, just never in the foreground.

 

[Thief of Words]

Huh, guess this rendition of Naruto has anime, DVD players and TV.

Click to shrink...

Canon had a film industry and movie theaters at this point, so not THAT odd.

 

[Megacookie]

I suggest Lili helps Hinata by buying a Ninjendo and playing Super Senju Bros

 

[FortePlus]

I mean in Shippuden it showed the Kage talking to each other over televisions and iirc, I remember a flashback into Sasuke's childhood room that showed a TV there. Plus all the TV and monitors used during the chunin exam to check the Forest of Death.

So, technology was always there, just never in the foreground.

Click to shrink...

Canon had a film industry and movie theaters at this point, so not THAT odd.

Click to shrink...

Yeah there's all that, I just wanted to be lazy and handwave anything like nuclear missiles and machine guns that always comes up (not from Mizu here, just in general). You know how it is sometimes.

In canon the remote Kage meeting also only had a limited amount of juice, so the tech was there it was just super early and of limited use. Which is why it actually makes sense to have electronic communications and messenger birds at the same time - redundancy is one of the military's core values lol. Always have a backup for your backup backup. Televisions are also super variable, like we've had them in our world for a while now and there are many different incarnations, so I can see the Naruto world having a lot of the old tube televisions. Radio tech has also been around for a very long time.

At the end of the day though I AM LAW or whatever.

 

[Khona Moshr]

Yeah Naruto is weird with tech and it's easy to justify most things.

"Red Iron?" Kurenai asks. "I've heard it mentioned vaguely, but I don't know much about it."

"It's a super conductive type of metal. Highly receptive to chakra and has a hell of a lot of applications. Ultra-high speed vibrations with lightning, extra moisture with water, increased heat tolerance and transfer with fire."

"So anything can become a deadly weapon when made with the stuff."

Click to shrink...

Oh hey look it's what Lili's eventual main weapon will be made out of.

 

[FortePlus]

When you have three "world wars" within half a century tech will jump around a lot, I think. Still pretty good for people who were roving bands of mercenaries not that long ago.

Oh hey look it's what Lili's eventual main weapon will be made out of.

Click to shrink...

Well someone will make use of it. Who? It is a mystery

 

[FortePlus]

I'd advise people to read the content warnings, there's...a lot in this chapter and it will represent a turning point in the story that I've been trying to set up for a bit. Thanks for all of your support so far, and hopefully you enjoy this next installment.

Spoiler: content warnings

intense trauma, mental breakdowns, suicidal ideation, graphic violence, sadism, potentially unsavory things involving blood, murder, homophobia

this chapter has a little bit of everything, and if you see something I missed that might be harmful, I'm listening and will add it to the big list. but this is the beginning of what might be OW THE EDGE country for the story - there won't be sustained edge, but it will be A Thing from here on out.

---
Scarlet Justice - ep. 20
"Awakening"
---

"I'm telling you guys. We need to get back to the society we had way back when, where men had more respect for women and themselves."

Zen has cooked steak and vegetables for us, while Airi finishes baked treats for dessert. It's the first good meal in a while, and it's delicious. It seems I was right about Zen, he knows how to handle himself no matter the situation.

"What the hell, old man. This bullshit again?" Toki says.

"Yes, again. Women shouldn't be restricted to the kitchen, and men shouldn't just go out to hunt and gather all day, then trudge home and help themselves to their wives' bodies whenever they please. It's damn gross and erodes family values."

"You think so, huh. What's your ideal, then?" Kurenai asks him.

"Has to be a partnership. Not every woman is going to cook well, but she might be good at just baking things, for example. She might have a knack for home maintenance. Things like that. Figure out how to support her best. As for us men, we need to be well-rounded." He points his chopsticks at Toki. "Jokers like this are too plentiful, and a lot of bright young women have had their lives ruined as a result."

"Sorry that not everyone wants to become a housewife like you," Toki says with a smirk. "You're just mad that I pull tail like no tomorrow."

"I'm mad that you can't even take care of yourself. You're a child in a man's body. No woman should be forced to babysit guys like you, and then get themselves trapped by the little mindgames you play. It's sad." Zen shakes his head. "Men have to have a solid foundation, not only for their own survival, but that of their wives and families."

"What do you make of relationships between the same sex?" Shino asks. Jumping right into it, huh.

"Who cares about what those fa-"

"Toki. Please."

Everyone turns their head to look at Airi, who for the first time speaks. There's a stern, disapproving look on her face. Even with her attitude, it seems she can stand up to Toki's antics. She also seems very calm around Zen, where I would expect a person like that to feel under constant pressure from his intense energy at times. I do wonder...

"Thanks, Airi. Talking about gay people, then? Men?" Zen asks Shino.

"Perhaps women in this case." This guy. Seriously.

Zen shrugs. "I can't lie and say I know exactly how the roles work for lesbians, but it's the same sort of thing. Live well, gain knowledge, and make sure you can be independent. These days, though, a man's romance isn't strictly for men." He crosses his arms in thought. "There are quite a few older ladies I know that just aren't out in public. You know how people get when it comes to girls loving girls. Guys, they'll let slide a bit...heaven knows why, but they do. Girls, they're the life-bringers, so it's taken a lot more seriously. I don't pretend to understand it."

"Do...you think it's wrong?" Kurenai asks cautiously.

"Nope. Love who you want to. I'm honestly too old to put up a fuss, maybe a younger me would have cared slightly more. And I know too much as it is. Historical research brings a lot of things to light, if you know what I mean."

"I think I do."

We finish a delicious meal in peace, and I help Airi clean up. She still looks very boyish because of her precautions, but I'm fully aware of her womanhood now.

"Shino is...very lucky to have you," she says quietly as we finish rinsing our items.

"Is he..."

"Yes. Some boys aren't...very tactful." Her smile tells me all I need to know.

"So you saw that much from here, then."

"Your aura is hard to miss. Promise you won't steal my heart away before the end of this mission," she jokes.

I laugh gently. "Very well. I'll spare you this time, Airi. Do you have a man you're returning to?"

"I do. I think he's...ready to take my hand, very soon."

"Good luck, then. I hope you both have a happy union."

"Thank you, Lili."

It's getting late, so we decide to set up camp. The morning will be a good time to continue our journey properly. Everyone gets to bed, with Team Eight doing rotating watch. Shino wakes me, and I slip out of my sleeping bag to replace him. I can see the stars in the night sky, bright and shining.

I wonder what the new day will bring. Hopefully nothing but good things and high spirits. Better fortunes and stronger bonds. I long for that much at this moment.

The cool desert winds refresh me every so often, as I sit still on a rock near the camp. It's a few hours before I hear distinct footsteps and recognize her scent from far away.

"Time to switch," Kurenai says as she reaches me. "I'm going to be taking care of Hinata's part, too. She's exhausted right now..."

"I see. Thank you, Kurenai."

She nods and I head back, getting into my sleeping bag again and curling up. My head is turned towards Hinata...she has a pained expression on her face as she sleeps.

"..."

I curse my helplessness once more. But...there's nothing that I can do. Not yet.

---

"Just a few more hours and this shitty trip is over."

I sigh as Toki starts to complain yet again from inside of the wagon. Mid-morning in the desert, on the last leg of our journey. This brat is supremely irritating...I haven't been able to get any sleep or rest because of him, and now he's just spouting all kinds of nonsense. He should count his lucky stars that he's a listed client for the mission.

"Toki...there's no need to be rude," Airi scolds in her quiet tone.

"Shut the fuck up. You've only got one job here, and it's not to lecture me."

I start to open my mouth so I can put him in his place, but then I feel the wagon come to a stop suddenly. Zen is talking to someone outside...I can't make out who. Kurenai and Hinata are outside with him, so it should be okay. I nod to Shino and start to position myself near the door-

"The fuck is going on, old man?" Toki whines.

"There are more people inside!" a voice yells.

"You dumbass!" Zen shouts back.

I hurry outside, with Shino and the others following. There is definitely a problem, and...yes, here we are.

Bandits.

Lots of them.

"Shit," Zen mutters. "Alright, get yourselves ready! Airi, gonna need you at your station!"

"Yes..." She pulls out a scroll and gets ready to open it. From the looks of it...it's a standard barrier scroll. Good enough to withstand some attacks while the users remain in place. Zen draws a sword from his side as he drops to the ground, and Toki has come out with his own blade.

"We'll be able to withstand some attacks with that barrier in place. Pick these assholes off one by one, like we have in the past. Nothing to it."

"No."

Zen looks at Kurenai. "What? What's wrong?"

"These aren't normal bandits. Their stances, those odd tools on them...they're trained."

"That's...you serious?"

"Very. They're either former shinobi, academy dropouts, or they've been trained by a shinobi themselves. And the numbers...I can pick out forty of them at the least. A bunch of them are definitely lying in wait to overwhelm us."

"We can't deal with that many," Zen says. "If they're trained, and there are only, what...seven of us? With only the four of you well trained..."

"Can that barrier cover the whole wagon?" she asks.

"Yeah, without a doubt."

"Okay. The three of you need to huddle inside of the wagon and put the barrier up. We'll do our best to handle things out here."

"Shit...alright, let's go. Airi, Toki! With me!" Zen yells.

"You're not seriously gonna listen to this-"

"Toki! We're going! Airi, go on and set the barrier up!"

"Yes...!"

"Fuck that! I'm taking these losers on even if I have to do it myself! They're just bandits!"

"Toki! Dammit!" Zen tries to pull the younger man away, but he's pushed off roughly. Clicking his teeth, he runs towards the wagon alone, where a light green barrier forms a dome around the wagon and restless horses. The rest of us take position ahead, with Toki brandishing his sword dramatically.

"You're just making yourself a liability," Shino says to Toki.

"Fuck yourself, freak." He flexes a bicep and grunts. "I'm more than enough to take on some punk bandits. Just stay out of my way."

"Team, cover your angles. Keep them away from the cargo as much as possible. Hopefully they don't have much in the way of long range attacks...they seem more suited for close range. Stay defensive for now until we can gather more information."

The four of us back into a circular formation around the wagon, trying to cover each of the major directions as the bandits start to creep closer. I realize Kurenai is dead on; these people aren't moving like normal bandits would. It seems to be only marginally, but they have some sort of training, and a basic understanding of tactics. No clear leader, either...I taste the air and confirm the numbers. Exactly forty of them, and only five of us out here.

But we can do this if we play our cards smartly.

"Hey! Don't!"

Kurenai's yell comes too late. I turn my head to see Toki advancing at the same time a bandit does. He slashes at his enemy's side, seemingly taking him out of the picture.

"Take that, bitch! You're nothing!" he gloats.

But he's wide open! Idiot! "Toki!" I yell.

Hinata is closest and leaves her position to save him, deflecting the other bandit's blade with her kunai. But her stance is weak, and she immediately loses her balance. The bandit strikes again and he just barely misses, his blade cutting into the top of Hinata's shoulder.

She loses it. I watch with despair as she screams and hits the ground, extremely slow to move.

"Forgot about me already, huh?!" Toki jumps in, only to be elbowed solidly in the gut. He crumples over and falls backwards as I rush in, determined to save Hinata. Two of them at the same time, no good!

"Assist!"

Shuriken rain down as covering fire, driving the bandits back as I launch smoke bombs at them simultaneously. They drop back and I drag Hinata and Toki to cover behind a large rock. More smoke and a few explosive tags to throw up more debris.

"Sensei! Shino! I need time for first aid!"

"I've got it!" Kurenai calls back. "I can buy you five minutes! Shino, with me! Full protection!"

I toss out another smoke bomb and then decide that it will have to do for now. There's no more time. Hinata is shaking and sobbing uncontrollably, and Toki is folded up like a wet rag. Serves the homophobe right, though I don't want him to die here. Even he doesn't deserve that much. He's unconscious, but fine.

I slip Hinata's arms out of her jacket and can see blood leaking from the wound on her left shoulder. I roll up my sleeves and then reach into her pouch for the medical supplies she always has on her, like the thoughtful person she always is.

"L-Lili...I'm sorry...I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she cries out. "I'm so sorry! I'm so weak, so worthless...it hurts so much, I can't even...please! It hurts! I'm so scared!"

"Hinata, be calm...I'm right here." I disinfect her wound and she screams out in pain...it's making me tremble with agony, watching her like this. She's breaking down. She's falling apart right in front of me. The screaming shifts into painful sobs.

"I...I can't go on," she chokes out. "I can't d-do it...I'm so tired! He was right about me...all along, he knew I wasn't good enough!"

It hurts.

"Not as a leader, not as a fighter...!"

I want to cry. I want to burst into tears hearing this, but I have to dress this wound.

"Not as a woman! I'm nothing! I don't have anything left!"

"..." I finish with the bandage as she starts to hyperventilate. Her eyes stare into mine, and I can see nothing but despair. She loathes herself. She hates herself and everything she is. She sees nothing. No future, not a life after this moment.

"I quit...I'm a quitter," she whispers. "I'm sorry...for being a weight around your neck."

"Hinata..."

"Lili...I'm...nothing. Let me...bleed."

I can't look at this any longer.

"Just...let me disappear. Please," she pleads. "Please..."

There are words caught in my throat. A pain too deep for words.

I shove aside that pain, and force those words upwards. I won't allow this. I won't run away. I promised. I promised! I promised!

I'm going to save her!

"Hinata."

"I know it...I know you-"

"No," I interrupt. The noises of battle are so faint, somehow. As if we're standing in a box, shielded from the world itself. This is what I need...for it just to be us. "I want you to know the truth. I want you to know the reality of everything."

"The...truth?"

"Yes. The truth is that I love you, Hinata."

"Huh...?" Her mouth flaps open, but with no sound.

"I love you, with all of my heart," I repeat calmly. I am no longer trembling and hurting. I have to believe in the love that I will give her, and I do. Right now, I believe in it more than anything. "I'll do anything for you. I'll fight for you. I'll struggle for you. I'll die for you. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, no matter what you become, no matter what path you choose...I will always be by your side."

"Love...me...? You love me? Lili?" And in the struggle she has with herself, I can see it...the faintest of lights, shining in the distance. But it's a light. And it's there.

I will make it grow.

"Yes. I love you," I repeat again. I will say it as many times as it takes. "I always will. I see myself in you...someone who worked so very hard to please her father. Someone who devoted herself, body and soul, to the first and most important man in her life. Someone who was thrown away because she wasn't good enough. Because she wasn't useful. Someone who walked through the darkness...scared to death, hurt beyond compare, and alone. You had nothing...you had no one."

She can see the reflection. "You...too?"

"Yes. Me too," I say with tears in my eyes. "Your pain touches my heart, Hinata. I've been where you are right now. I know you have a wonderful, beautiful soul. I know that you're a kind person, so determined to do the right thing. I know that you want to be strong. But you have to find your strength. You...have to stand up. Hinata, there's only so much...that I can do."

"Lili...why me?" she asks, shaking. "Why choose me?"

"Because you were the one I wanted. There was nobody else to choose," I say, feeling an echo. I remember my sister's warm smile, the way she looked at me that day among the flowers. "I see a kindness in you that nobody else has. I see a blessed strength that only you can use to brighten the world. I was lost, just like you. But someone so precious to me came and poured love into me. They filled me with it, and made me whole. I'm here because of that. I'm not just a discarded tool anymore. I'm someone special...I'm able to become my own woman."

She shakes her head. "I c-can't...Lili, I can't...I don't have..."

I place my hands on her cheeks. I...can see it. I can reach just a bit more. I have to, because I love Hinata. I have to save her. I can't give up.

"There's going to be fear...and pain...and times where you feel tired and lost, and that you can't go on. But I promise you on everything that I am...that I'll be here for you. Because you're precious, you're irreplacable, you...give me happiness. I'll be here for you, because I love you."

The explosions and sounds of weapons are getting louder.

She's trying desperately to fight.

But I can see the memories of the past are pulling at her, holding her back. The words, the actions of her father. The sleepless nights. The days filled with loathing and tears.

Please. Stand up. Please, Hinata. Stand up. You can do it.

Please, don't give up. Don't disappear. Because if I lost you...

...

I can't do anything else from where I am. I can only look into the slowly dimming light in her eyes, and shed tears.

"I'm scared. I...don't know what to do," she whispers.

"..."

"The...only thing I do know...is...is that..."

She places her hands over mine. And suddenly, the dimming light explodes outwards, bright and pure and true. I can feel my tears dry and my heart skip a beat as I look at Hinata, her eyes brighter and clearer than I have ever seen before. She is so very weary...and yet, so very beautiful right now.

"I love you, Lili."

And her voice is pure like crystal as she says those words. They sink into me, they fill me with a joy that I've only known only twice in my life.

From my mother. And from my Midori.

"Help me find my way, Lili. I want to be a woman...my own woman. Not for Hyuuga."

We slowly rise to our feet. Together.

"Not for my father. Not for anyone else. Only for him...the one I gave my heart to so long ago...and for you. My precious sister."

"Hinata..."

"I want to be a worthy vessel," she says with determination. "A...vessel to carry it all. Love and courage...and the Will of Fire itself. I want to find my strength."

"I made a promise. I swear, I will help you find your way. All you ever have to do is follow me," I say.

"I understand...yes, I understand. Because you gave me another chance...you placed this light into my soul, and poured love and compassion and caring onto it until it grew and blossomed into this. I will love you forever...because you loved me when I had nothing left, and asked for nothing in return."

I want to hug her. I want to tell her how beautiful she is, I want to nurture the light and strength growing inside of her. I want to hold her in my arms and soothe her soul.

But there's no time. The sounds of battle come in, full force.

"Lili! I can't give you any more time, I'm sorry!"

Kurenai.

I look at Hinata. She nods and draws a kunai, wincing in pain but moving forward with me.

"Sensei! We're back in!" I yell.

"Thank goodness! Shino, formation shift! Get ready to cover the girls!" Kurenai calls back. "Hinata, report!"

"Injury to left shoulder! Still combat capable, sensei!"

"Good girl! Let's bring this show to a close once we meet up!"

"Dammit...Toki," I mutter. Blasted moron.

"...I'll carry him. My combat strength is down, but I should be able to do this much." Hinata doubles back and hoists Toki over her good shoulder, forcing her to carry her kunai in her left hand.

"Keep close," I say. The smoke and dust is thinning. I can tell the bandits are after the cargo and don't want to suffer losses. They're attempting to wear us down...but it feels far too suspicious that way.

"Understood."

We take off, only to see bandits flying around and looking for weaknesses.

"Shoot...!"

Behind. There's one coming, aiming for Hinata. I turn and move. I accelerate.

I think of everything that has happened so far, everything that has driven me forward. I think about the rage I felt so often. I let it rush through me and I can feel power pour in. No bandit can stop me, and I'm upon him before he can react.

With a strong thrust, I drive my kunai into his chest. Blood shoots out and covers my right arm, and it splashes onto my face. It's warm. I swiftly turn and rip out my kunai, then kick his body away and into the dirt. He rolls to a stop.

He's lying there, lifeless. Dead.

I can feel the blood all over my arm and sliding down my face. My heart is racing. That was the first time I killed someone. I killed a man. A human being.

I'm...supposed to feel...?

I look down at my blood-soaked fingers. I lift them to my face. I...can smell the blood. It's not...it's not unusual. I realize what I want to do before I do it, and so my body takes over. I bring my hand close to my mouth, and reach out with my tongue. I lick the blood and taste it.

It's all wrong from what I'm supposed to know.

It's a delicious taste.

Everything starts becoming clearer, somehow. This...feeling. This want. The rumbling inside of me that wants to go away, but that didn't come about because of the blood on my tongue. No...I know exactly what this is.

"Hinata."

"Yes."

I turn to face her. She doesn't flinch. "I'm a natural born killer. Do I frighten you? Are you ashamed of me?"

"I am...frightened. There's a terrifying strength that...I can see. Your eyes are glowing. But...you will never shame me. You're Lili. You always will be to me."

Entirely too precious. I don't deserve her. I don't deserve much, monster that I've become.

I killed someone, and I enjoyed it.

Or...perhaps this is just the dissonance in this world. Killing is supposed to be wrong. Killing is supposed to be a last resort. But what about the predators, whose function it is to hunt the prey of this world?

Is it wrong to want to kill? I don't know. I don't care about...the judgements of humans right now. But this is a thrilling feeling. It's not about being a hero, or reaching out towards justice. I didn't hurt. I didn't feel sick. And I didn't feel the emptiness that I expected.

No. I like it. No, more than that. I love it.

"If you truly feel that way, then...don't close your eyes. I'm going to slaughter all of this prey, and I'm going to take great pleasure in doing so."

"I understand."

My senses are sharper. I can feel all of the bodies through the air, the movements and sensations they cause. I activate my tracking technique and the pictures are crystal clear.

Hungry. Feels like it. I need to devour them, this prey that would dare to put my comrades in danger. But I can't lie to the world and play the part of an avenger.

I take a step forward before accelerating through the sand, towards an unsuspecting enemy with his back turned. I curl my arm around his throat and then pull back with my kunai, slicing his throat open. My body moves before the corpse can even hit the ground, shooting towards another victim; I ram my kunai into his throat and then slash outwards, blood spraying everywhere. His comrade nearby is blinded; I jump at him and plunge my bloodied kunai into his skull, slamming him into the ground.

I lick my lips. "Four down, then." A troublesome situation, thinking about it. Brutality and violence, at the flick of a switch. This murderous impulse is moving calmly...I can see and feel everything as I am. The strain, like that of anger held in tight, is not present. I feel...natural. Proper. The movement of the bandits brings more thoughts into my head, and I draw a second kunai to join the first.

An end...as my sensei wanted, I will deliver it.

"Sensei. Shino. Draw them in closer," I call out. Hinata has escaped behind me and towards the wagon, still carrying and protecting Toki.

"Kobayashi?" Shino asks, unnerved.

"Do that much for me. I'm going to devour them quickly and put an end to this...their menace, and this rumbling inside of my spirit."

"Lili...you don't sound right." Kurenai lands beside me, and her eyes widen as she notes my appearance.

"I'm sorry, Kurenai. I've developed a taste for killing. This...this is what I'm after right now."

"I see. Shino...do as she says, we're falling back towards the wagon."

"Sensei-"

"Shino. That's an order. Please, just...let Lili take care of it."

"Understood."

With the core of their opposition withdrawing, the bandits decide to press. Their original strategy is abandoned...they mean to come at us with pure numbers since they think we're tiring. Trained, but only enough to use the most rudimentary tactics.

Feels like a corporate job.

It's almost no fun this way, but I don't mind at this point. I just want my fill.

Happiness, then. Yes...I'm happy with this. I smile. I dash forward, adrenaline pumping. I start my dance and rip through the first person that I see, cutting into them so severely that they'll die the moment I pass by. Blood sprays out and splashes onto me as I move and thrust and slice, feeling my legs carry me at high speed. I cut into and through and beyond. I duck and spin and stab, over and over. I can feel my heart racing. An excitement coursing through me. This supreme enjoyment of everything that humans would call a sin. But I love this. The battlefield is my place. My hunting ground.

This is where I will reign forever.

They don't retreat. I don't know if it's because they don't want to, or I simply don't give them the opportunity. I oppress them. I frighten them. I slaughter them. I find their vital points without fail, and I rip and tear until they fall to pieces in front of me, their lives swallowed up in the viciousness of my hunt.

I don't feel the need to reassure myself about what I'm here for. This is what it is.

At last, there is one left. On his knees before me, he is powerless. Already broken, from the look in his eyes. He waits for me. I can feel blood weighing down my clothing, wet and starting to get sticky in the desert heat. On my hair, my face...splattered all over my armband with the Leaf symbol on it.

This one in front of me...

"I don't want it."

It's enough. The hunger is gone, with the rumbling inside of me stopped. To consume more, like common trash...unnecessary.

I drop my kunai in front of him. "Sensei."

"Right." Kurenai puts him into a genjutsu and knocks him out. Shino binds his limbs, and the two carry him back towards the wagon. I take a deep breath in and feel myself relax, slowly. The impulse fades to nothing. The consuming heat in my head disappears. Adrenaline fades, and my heart calms.

I shift back from the violent snake I was a moment ago, and into a girl with calm indifference on her face, covered with blood.

It still has that sweet, alluring taste to it. I don't know yet how to feel about it, but it's not an urgent issue, I suppose. I might like spilling it more than tasting it, anyways...

The barrier comes down around the wagon. The children pulling it are restless at the sight of me, but slowly calm down with help from Hinata. Toki is rubbing his stomach as he wakes up, and Airi gasps at the sight of me as she exits the wagon. Zen looks horrified.

"Kid...what happened to you?" he asks.

"I overdid it. I suppose I went too far...bullying all of this prey," I say flatly as I gesture to the bodies lying around us. "Something like that. I just wanted to protect Hinata. She means a lot. But...it turned out like this. Hm." I smile. "They all had to die, because that other part of me woke up from her slumber. I devoured them. And I would do it all over again, because I really liked it."

"...damn."

"My blood boils up sometimes," I say as I curl my fingers on one hand. "And so I have to respond to challenges like this. But it's enough. I can feel the points where it needs to stop, and so I stop. Far from a regular thing, off the battlefield anyways. I want to live a vaguely human life, at the end of the day."

"Thank heaven for small mercies," Zen says with a sigh. "But...we're alive. So I can't say anything else but thank you."

"Of course. More than just being our clients...you deserve to move ahead in your life. To dip my feet into darkness for the sake of innocents is a small thing, yes?"

He smirks nervously. "You sound like an old woman. How much darkness have you seen in your lifetime?"

I look to the sky, and smile sadly.

"You would cry if I told you just how much."

"...I see."

"Got something out of our prisoner here. Fuukudou Heavy Corporation. Does that bring anything to mind?" Kurenai asks Zen.

"Fuukudou Heavy...well, we were in the same town the other day, but we made sure to steer clear of them. So they couldn't have known about-"

"A-actually..."

We all turn to Toki, who is rubbing his head with a sheepish grin.

"I might have let it slip during a night out with some broads. You know how it is, right?"

Zen stares at him a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter.

"Is that all? I see, I see. Okay!"

"Really? Is it, old man?"

"Yeah! I'll just dock your pay for the next year, and use some of the dough to pay our shinobi friends extra for their services! Sounds like a win to me!"

"Haaaaaaaaaah?! You can't fuckin' do that!"

"Hahahaha! Sure I can! It's the least you can do, after almost getting us all killed!" Zen shoots back with a smile.

Things have ended on a good note. Everyone is safe and sound. The mission will go on as scheduled. I...will need to talk to Midori about this murderous pulse at some point.

I think with her help, I can get something out of this...aside from pleasure and bloodlust.

 

[nyktos]

Zen is awesome, Lili's personality switch is oddly endearing and i think the Midori conversation will be very enlightening to everyone involved. Also, Luna will probably be exasperated(hilarious)

 

[FortePlus]

Zen is awesome, Lili's personality switch is oddly endearing and i think the Midori conversation will be very enlightening to everyone involved. Also, Luna will probably be exasperated(hilarious)

Click to shrink...

There will be some interesting conversations, some more one sided than others

 

[Thief of Words]

;;


Sorry. Didn't realize it was a Shadow-the-Hedgehog insert. I wish you well, but...unfollowing.

 

[Khona Moshr]

Toki is a dumbass.

"Not as a woman! I'm nothing! I don't have anything left!"

"..." I finish with the bandage as she starts to hyperventilate. Her eyes stare into mine, and I can see nothing but despair. She loathes herself. She hates herself and everything she is. She sees nothing. No future, not a life after this moment.

"I quit...I'm a quitter," she whispers. "I'm sorry...for being a weight around your neck."

"Hinata..."

"Lili...I'm...nothing. Let me...bleed."

Click to shrink...

Ow the edge.

She can see the reflection. "You...too?"

"Yes. Me too," I say with tears in my eyes. "Your pain touches my heart, Hinata. I've been where you are right now. I know you have a wonderful, beautiful soul. I know that you're a kind person, so determined to do the right thing. I know that you want to be strong. But you have to find your strength. You...have to stand up. Hinata, there's only so much...that I can do."

"Lili...why me?" she asks, shaking. "Why choose me?"

"Because you were the one I wanted. There was nobody else to choose," I say, feeling an echo. I remember my sister's warm smile, the way she looked at me that day among the flowers. "I see a kindness in you that nobody else has. I see a blessed strength that only you can use to brighten the world. I was lost, just like you. But someone so precious to me came and poured love into me. They filled me with it, and made me whole. I'm here because of that. I'm not just a discarded tool anymore. I'm someone special...I'm able to become my own woman."

Click to shrink...

I'm not too much of a romance person but it's cute and counter balances the previous edge by being very sappy, I see no problems and want more of the sappy soap opera romance.

I look down at my blood-soaked fingers. I lift them to my face. I...can smell the blood. It's not...it's not unusual. I realize what I want to do before I do it, and so my body takes over. I bring my hand close to my mouth, and reach out with my tongue. I lick the blood and taste it.

It's all wrong from what I'm supposed to know.

It's a delicious taste.

Everything starts becoming clearer, somehow. This...feeling. This want. The rumbling inside of me that wants to go away, but that didn't come about because of the blood on my tongue. No...I know exactly what this is.

"Hinata."

"Yes."

I turn to face her. She doesn't flinch. "I'm a natural born killer. Do I frighten you? Are you ashamed of me?"

Click to shrink...

Ow the edge.

My blood boils up sometimes," I say as I curl my fingers on one hand. "And so I have to respond to challenges like this. But it's enough. I can feel the points where it needs to stop, and so I stop. Far from a regular thing, off the battlefield anyways. I want to live a vaguely human life, at the end of the day."

Click to shrink...

Prettt Chunni thing to say so Hinata and Kurenaj are going to have their hand fulls dealing with the chunniness of Shino and Lilith.

We all turn to Toki, who is rubbing his head with a sheepish grin.

"I might have let it slip during a night out with some broads. You know how it is, right?"

Zen stares at him a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter.

"Is that all? I see, I see. Okay!"

Click to shrink...

Wow he really is a dumbass

There will be some interesting conversations, some more one sided than others

Click to shrink...

Lili: Neesan, Lunanee I love killing people.
Midori: good Job little sis one say we can enjoy killing together.
Luna: *sprays both Midori and Lili with a spray bottle*

 

[FortePlus]

;;


Sorry. Didn't realize it was a Shadow-the-Hedgehog insert. I wish you well, but...unfollowing.

Click to shrink...

Understandable. Thanks for reading to this point and sorry for any discomfort caused.

 

[Thief of Words]

Understandable. Thanks for reading to this point and sorry for any discomfort caused.

Click to shrink...

S'arite. Just read too many "diving face first into razorblades" level edgy fics, and I cannot muster the will to read another.

*hugs* good luck with the story, though!


Also, cause it's obligatory:

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/018/681/Ow_the_edge.jpg

 

[LENDAR-NOT]

Can we force feed Toki his internal organs slowly and painfully?

 

[Khona Moshr]

Can we force feed Toki his internal organs slowly and painfully?

Click to shrink...

I will say tone down the edge, cause there's the level of edge shown by Lilith loving killing people and then there's feeding someone their own organs level of edge.

 

[FortePlus]

Can we force feed Toki his internal organs slowly and painfully?

Click to shrink...

That sort of edge would slice the foundation of SV in two. It would also get the thread locked

 

[FortePlus]

To be honest for a moment, I could have toned down the "edge" even more but then the story would have been lost at that point. The sort of casual acceptance of killing to me comes from being raised in environments where it's common, and the sort of reaction that would come from someone who has largely been imported into that environment is key to the story growth.

I put all of those content warnings and studied what I was writing for a while for the sake of others here (it's really not hard to stay within the lines of SV, especially when you have prepackaged justification for child soldiering from canon, so I'm far from worried about myself or the story). I'm sort of going on here so that people can understand what was on my mind when I wrote this and the things to be considered. It's easy to offload these situations onto a murderbot mode or a psychotic break, to dehumanize the very human desires and impluses that come about when people discover and rediscover feelings, are loved and abused in different ways, and take lessons from their upbringing that may or may not be accurate, if acceptable.

There's a little bit of play going on because at the end of the day, there is a lot of fantasy that shapes the story. That and I'm secretly chuuni myself could you tell.

 

[Khona Moshr]

I put all of those content warnings and studied what I was writing for a while for the sake of others here

Click to shrink...

Do really appreciate that, and something that's very nice to see

That and I'm secretly chuuni myself could you tell.

Click to shrink...

no one could possibly tell

 

[Mizu]

"What do you make of relationships between the same sex?" Shino asks. Jumping right into it, huh.

"Who cares about what those fa-"

Click to shrink...

what those what? fa-something?

"There are quite a few older ladies I know that just aren't out in public. You know how people get when it comes to girls loving girls. Guys, they'll let slide a bit...heaven knows why, but they do. Girls, they're the life-bringers, so it's taken a lot more seriously.

Click to shrink...

Huh, seems the Naruto world is reversed to ours, and are more accepting of male-male relationships than female-female. Wonder why that's the case?

 

[FortePlus]

what those what? fa-something?

Huh, seems the Naruto world is reversed to ours, and are more accepting of male-male relationships than female-female. Wonder why that's the case?

Click to shrink...

You remember the cw: homophobia thing? Yeah. It's that.

And "accepting" is...not wrong, but also not the whole story. Zen was implying that dudes could get away with being on the "down low" because of power dynamics. Girls have the expectation of bearing children, or "life bringers" as he said in old man speak.

 

[Megacookie]

Huh, seems the Naruto world is reversed to ours, and are more accepting of male-male relationships than female-female. Wonder why that's the case?

Click to shrink...

In a world of child soldiers and nigh constant war, I imagine at least the ninja villages don't really care about orientations. Civillians probably worry more about their jobs or "how not to get eaten by ninja bandits"

Edit: nvm Forte explained it well.