[X] The recommended route. Hannah goes it alone, allowing Tsunade and Rin to focus all of their time and effort on her. While you're missing out on training from one of the Sannin, your partner will gain a ton of medical knowledge and a few very useful techniques for use on and off the battlefield.
[X] You suspect she has a question or two on her mind, and wonder what those might be.
Late to the party, but yes, I agree with @veekie on this. Quality over quantity.
Hannah has given you her consent, and it looks like a good plan. You think that she'll be able to do great things with this new knowledge.
"I agree with both of you. Let's have Hannah work on her own, so that she can absorb as much as she can. I think we'll all be better off for it," you say.
"Great. It's all settled, then," Tsunade says with a nod. "The plan is pretty simple...two sessions per day of four hours each, with a four hour break in the middle. So that's twelve hours each day to carve out. Rin will do basic training, chakra exercises, and lessons from six in the morning until ten. Four hours to yourself from ten to two in the afternoon, then you're hanging with me from two to six in the evening. We'll be immediately building on your basic training towards intermediate and advanced skills, which include the technical jutsu you'll use in the field to heal people. We'll drop in some lessons and maybe an hour to two hours will eventually be devoted to field work, meaning you'll be healing injured civilians and shinobi as you progress." She covers her mouth to stifle a yawn. "Eight hours is plenty, especially with all the material we'll need to go through. When you get home, I'd like between one and two hours of study between dinner time and bed. Make sure you get your sleep too, it's important. Part of why we're starting so early, we can finish at a reasonable time and then let you relax properly. But if six in the morning is unpleasant, we can always adjust the schedule. Five days a week, no weekends. Other stuff we can work out as we go."
"I believe that should be fine," Hannah says. "But I will inform you if anything changes."
"Good. Make sure you do, seriously. If you burn out during all this, it'll be a total waste for a lot of reasons. Too many medics forget to take care of themselves while trying to take care of their patients. It's not healthy, and it's not sustainable. But yeah, I'll let the Hokage know what I've got going on, maybe he can give us an extra week or two so that we have a full month to get busy. It would help."
"Thanks a lot for this, Tsunade," you say.
"Yes, thank you very much," Hannah follows.
"You're good kids. It's among the least of things I could do for you, especially since you asked. Just make sure not to worry about a thing. You're in good hands."
"The best, even," Anko chimes in. "Wouldn't be surprised if you came out a master yourself at the end, Blondie."
"Flattery, huh." Tsunade smirks. "Smart of you to stroke my ego."
"Hard to miss. It's the size of your house," Anko quips back.
"Yep. That happens when you're a top class, super elite medic." Tsunade chomps down on a piece of melon and chews. "Mm. Anything else you kids wanted to chat about?"
"I was actually wondering if you had something to ask us," you say to her. "We assumed you would have a question or two."
"Yeah, something like that." She pauses for a while in thought. "I guess two relatively simple questions. For Joshua, at least. I have a feeling that Hannah is pretty straightforward, so..."
"Go ahead," you say.
"Thanks. The first question...since I was talking about Dan and Nawaki earlier, I wanted to know what your dream was. If you have one, at least. Some of us get so caught up in just trying to survive that we lose track of what we want in life. Some of us just give up, like I did once. And some of us are still pretty young, so we don't have anything concrete yet. The second question is about how you'll go about creating peace and all of that. War's on its way from what we all can see, and fighting is all well and good, but without a plan it's pretty meaningless. It's okay if you don't have an answer for that right now either, but...it'd be neat to hear what you have to say. I guess those are my two big ones for now."
You think on those questions.
"I think it's only fair," Hannah says. "Even before the investment in me, so many people like Tsunade are placing their hopes in us. To see what we want to achieve only makes sense. We would still be allies, but once the conflict ends, any manner of things could happen..."
"You're right about that," you say.
"And Tsunade is correct in saying that my answer would be fairly simple and straightforward. What my heart tells me to do is stay by your side and support you. I do have wants and dreams, but in accordance with the heavens, they will align neatly with yours."
"Heh. You really think so?"
"If it were something meant for evil, I would know. There's no need to worry about that," she says with a flip of her hair. "Besides, you did say you meant for us to become kishin in the end, and you wouldn't turn away from that path on a whim."
"Looks like your wife's got everything figured out," Anko says with a laugh. "I'm curious, too. What's the great troublemaker got cooked up for after the enemy's flattened like pancakes? Very interesting~"
You fold your arms and look upwards in thought. "Well..."
How would you approach this, anyways?
---
Dreams for the Future
[] You envision yourself with Hannah, in a log cabin out in the wilderness somewhere, living together in tranquility. Ritsu would come to visit as a wise and elegant ruler, the three of you sharing memories in a peaceful world.
[] You see yourself as the leader of a new world, taking responsibility as a heroic and just figure who traveled endlessly to wipe out evil. Perhaps one day, the darkness could be exterminated for good.
[] You're back home with your family, your name cleared, and your reputation restored. Your old home would finally become home again.
[] You would build your own home, a village that would take in all kinds of people and give them shelter. With so many lost, you would be a light to them in the darkness.
[] You're not entirely sure right now, though hopefully that will change as you move forward.
[] Custom option.
---
A Path to Peace
[] You want to preserve the world as it is. Even if it's slowly, it's moving towards a peaceful age - ending the current tension will help. The shinobi world isn't perfect, but it's what you have right now.
[] You want to disrupt the current order and create a level of chaos. From there, everything will shift. You just don't know how, or how much work it will take to create a positive outcome...if that's truly what you want.
[] You want to use this opportunity to gather strength and diminish it in those with authority at this moment. When you climb to the top of the world, you will know what to do once your eyes look down on the rest of it. You have to decide this world's fate yourself.
[] You know that change is inevitable, and that strength alone won't be enough. Whether you desire it or not, you have to rule over everything and shape the new world in an image of your choosing. It will cost a lot, but...the darkness won't be able to take over again.
[] You realize that the shinobi age has to come to an end. Everything that you know has to change and disappear for anything resembling peace to truly come. It will bring the hatred of the world crashing down on you, but you see this as the only way to truly end the cycle of hatred and destruction.
[] At this point, you don't know. Maybe once the fighting starts, your path will become clearer.
[] Custom option.
---
Simple enough voting, all options are valid as things stand right now so there aren't any mistakes or wrong answers. As the story continues you are allowed to adjust your end goals as necessary.
[X] You're back home with your family, your name cleared, and your reputation restored. Your old home would finally become home again.
[X] You want to preserve the world as it is. Even if it's slowly, it's moving towards a peaceful age - ending the current tension will help. The shinobi world isn't perfect, but it's what you have right now.
For the moment, as in right now? People are already working towards peace.We just have to give them support and work together for a common cause that will see tensions healed.
As for the future, we're just a humble man with simple dreams.Family,home,and loved ones-that's all we want in life.
[X] You would build your own home, a village that would take in all kinds of people and give them shelter. With so many lost, you would be a light to them in the darkness.
[X] You want to preserve the world as it is. Even if it's slowly, it's moving towards a peaceful age - ending the current tension will help. The shinobi world isn't perfect, but it's what you have right now.
Episode 5.23: New Age of Heroes - Brunch, Bonds, and Beyond 5 (Second Intermission 10)
"I guess to answer the second question first, it's not terribly complicated. There are people out there doing their best," you say to Tsunade. "Jiraiya is trying, as much as he hates me. The Hokage and Mizukage are on my side and looking towards a peaceful future themselves. And even if they're enemies now...I think the Raikage and Kazekage also want some sort of peace, as much as it might not make sense from my end. The old man in Rock lives up to his name and will capitalize on whatever the end result is. Whatever the case is, there are people who want to change the world, and I think the best thing to do is give them the opportunity to do so."
"Really? Nothing bigger for you?" Tsunade asks.
You shrug. "Better to stay humble, much as I can anyways. We're already set to shake a few things up, and that should be enough. It's not a perfect world, but it's what we've got right now, and I think that works out. Maybe the age of shinobi will wind down on its own, maybe it won't. Can't speak for the future. But I think that if we work together, we can solve more than a few things."
"That's a different perspective, to be sure..."
"I suppose you were expecting something...a bit more rebellious?" Hannah asks.
"A little, yeah. Something like tearing the world apart or taking control of it from on high, maybe wiping out the shinobi entirely. I mean, you're still young and all, but this is a pretty measured response on your end. I get it, in all honesty...with all that we've learned in this age, it could be useful to carry it on to future generations. Create a better world, I guess?" Tsunade sighs. "I've been around a while, and even I'm not totally sure how to solve the big problems with this world. Still...something like that sounds alright. It's always gonna be your choice, of course. I was just curious as to what you had lined up."
"It's possible that my feelings will change," you admit, "but that's the path I want to walk down right now."
"For a guy that's on a divine mission, you sure like to keep your head down. Heh, but I guess that's part of the whole deal, eh? The humble chosen one. Something like that. I don't pretend to understand these things. What about the first question, kiddo? I know that's probably a tough one, too."
"It's complicated, that part...I'm stuck between two wants. In the future, I'd like to be able to go back home and have it...feel like home. Being able to live in the Port again, spending time with my family like I should have been doing, I guess. I don't...regret what's happened." You turn your head to Hannah, who smiles and reaches over to rub your shoulder. "But being able to clear my name and all that, to go back to where I grew up and get my reputation back, and not have my family looked at like criminals...there's still some guilt there about what happened, as much as I don't talk about it." You rub the back of your head. "Like maybe if I stopped pushing, I would have spared them all that trouble. Even after they told me that it was all okay, and that they'd fight for me all over again."
"It's a nice thing to want. But I gotta be honest...you'll have to confront the fact that maybe you'll never get to go back home again. Not physically, you know?" Tsunade says to you gently. "Sometimes home isn't where you left it, and sometimes your heart finds a new place to settle on. If it does come to that, you've gotta be ready, hon."
"Yeah." You know she's right. Maybe you'll never get back "home", but you want to try...still, it might hurt more than you know. The threat of terrorists taking over your town and country...it's heavy, but for more reasons than the obvious. Thinking about it stings a little, but it's a welcome sort of pain. Hannah seems to understand and gives you a reassuring squeeze. You nod and acknowledge her.
"You said two wants," Tsunade continues. "What's the other one?"
"Well, I have a vision. See, besides going back to my old home, I think I want to build a new one somewhere. A place where all kinds of people could gather, no matter the occupation or past history, long as they wanted to contribute and make a difference. There are a lot of lost people in this world. They're relying on the mob, on Akatsuki, on corrupt politicians, and on the shinobi. It's really not enough sometimes...more than just a place to sleep, they need homes and shelter on a lot of levels."
"A progressive village, you mean?"
"Yeah, I would say so. A place that looks to the future constantly, while taking every lesson it can from the past laid out behind it. Somewhere...that doesn't need a single person walking ahead, taking punishment for the sake of others. It would be a place where everyone would help hold their shields together, walking through obstacles into the future. And we would use the power of chakra to help light the way. I think the Sage meant for it to connect us in some way. Maybe we could do that again."
"It fits neatly with the thought from before, the evolution of the shinobi world," Tsunade says thoughtfully.
"That all sounds familiar, and in a good way. There's someone just like you, you know?" Anko says.
"Really...who?" you ask, curious.
"Sensei, of course. He's a member of the Leaf family through and through, right? But he's usually going back and forth between here and his place in the Hidden Sound. That's the village he created with the 'buy your whole life' money he gets for being a national hero. Actually, between us four, the Hidden Sound isn't just the one village. It's a bunch of different facilities that help with scientific research. The main one however is for orphaned and abandoned children, and it's in the old Rice Country."
"What about the ones without potential to become shinobi?" Hannah asks.
"Sensei has them trained in other areas if he just can't let them go, but he makes sure to make connections for adoption whenever he can. I pop in and check on the kids who can become shinobi from time to time. I think if you're interested in how you can have yourself loyal to two places at once, or just about building your own village, you should talk to him. I can set you up a meeting whenever you're free!"
"That'd be neat. Thanks, Anko," you say.
She gives you a wink. "No problem~! A guy as smart, talented, and distractingly handsome as you deserves all the help he can get!"
"Distractingly handsome is an accurate assessment. I find myself staring at him often over breakfast," Hannah says. "Enough that I forget about the breakfast part."
"You girls are something else," Tsunade says, shaking her head.
"Heh. You're just being restrained 'coz he's old enough to be your grandson."
"And maybe because I'd be a literal criminal for even trying anything that you're thinking. Just a hunch."
"Whatever you say~"
"Ignoring the creeper over here for a moment...I really do hope you kids get where you want to go at the end of all this. It's a lot to take in, fighting a war and traveling across this land of ours, trying to bring everyone and everything together while some madman in cosplay is making life harder. So many different directions this could go in. It'll be a difficult journey, but like I said...I'll do my best to be in your corner."
"We really appreciate that, Tsunade. It's more than enough," you say.
"Yes, indeed. Between your faith and us and your direct assistance, we will surely be fine, and victorious in our struggle," Hannah says. "We are forever grateful."
"Well, you can continue to show your appreciation by finishing off this food with me. I know you didn't get that wholesome figure of yours by skimping on the red meat, Blondie," Tsunade says with a smile. "You too, Josh. You're a growing boy and you'll need all the energy you can get. Week after the tournament is when the real fun begins."
You follow her orders and enjoy the rest of brunch.
---
Tsunade promises to talk to you later, as she indicates that she had another matter she wanted to discuss. Anko waits with you and Hannah for Haru to arrive, and she does promptly.
"Ready to go?" your minder asks.
"Ready. We'll see you later, Anko," you say.
"Yup! Remember to call me~" she says with a playful wink.
"Will do." Haru leads you and Hannah around the side of the mansion to the front, and down the path towards the estate entrance.
"I suppose you have something of advanced taste planned," Haru finally says as you hit the main streets of the Leaf again. "But then, Anko does work quickly to corrupt her targets..."
"We were talking about setting up a meeting with Lord Orochimaru."
"Ah. More wholesome, at the least."
"How was your day so far?" you ask.
"Mine? Nothing to report. I'm a bit surprised that you asked."
You blink at that. "Really? Why?"
"..." She's quiet for a moment. "No reason, really. I...just was lost in my own thoughts, I think. My apologies."
You shrug. "Hey, no worries. It happens."
"Yes. Things like that happen from time to time. Since...I haven't been relayed anything from Hikari, I think her outing with Ritsu was uneventful as well. I don't believe we had anything planned out for the rest of the day, but as always, I am on standby. Whatever you need, I can provide."
"Thanks, Haru. You've been a big help this whole time."
"The pleasure has been mine, sir."
"Heh. Well, actually coming out of our meeting...we're gonna have the Princess here work with Tsunade and Rin for the next few weeks, after the tourney is over," you explain to her. "Accelerated training to help us with the battles and other junk coming up."
"Did she offer you the same thing?" Haru asks.
"Yep, but I turned it down so she could put all her time into Hannah's work. That way we get someone with more expertise overall. I'm sure that I can figure out some extra things later on, but for now this seemed like the smartest option."
"Mm. Interesting..."
It's comfortably quiet the rest of the way back to the hotel. Haru knocks, you hear sounds back, and the door opens. Hikari and Ritsu are waiting to greet you, the latter wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe.
"Welcome home. I haven't cooked anything yet, but tea is being kept warm for now," Ritsu says. She hugs the three of you while Hikari does her standard salute.
"I don't need anything right now," Haru says. "Thank you."
"We should be fine for the next while," Hannah says with a yawn. "Oh, the food was exquisite. And plentiful. I am absolutely stuffed."
"Same here," you reply. "Probably not gonna eat much of anything the rest of the day."
"Nothing big happened at the meeting," Ritsu explains to you. "I do have details of the events, but Donovan's lackeys weren't very active. They brushed up against a few members of the Hyuuga Main Family, but other than that...pretty plain, flat sort of affair. They did have good drinks, though. I'll pop into that bar again soon...but yeah. We seem to be at the same place we were this morning."
"If there is nothing serious to contemplate...I'd like to make plans for us this evening, Ritsu," Hannah says to her. "What one might call a date."
"Night out with my mistress, huh." She laughs softly. "I wouldn't turn something like that down if my life depended on it."
"Make sure to wear something flashy. I want to bathe in the jealousy that you'll attract."
"Yes, ma'am. Consider it done. I was going down to the pool...anything I need to take care of first, sir, ma'am?"
"Nothing from here. Have fun, ninja girl."
"I see nothing myself. Enjoy, love."
"Then I'll see you both in a while." Ritsu grabs her towel and heads out. Hannah kisses you gently on the cheek and heads into her room, intending to take a nap from what you can see.
"I assume that we'll go over everything later. There's no need to rush right now, and moving around after eating that much might be unpleasant," Haru says to you.
"Heh, yeah. We've got plenty of time to catch up with local news." You take a seat on the couch and let out a breath. Maybe it would be smart to take a nap yourself. Couldn't hurt. But you could also make plans for the rest of today and part of tomorrow. Hannah won't let anyone have a moment of your time once evening hits, you know that much for sure.
So, sleep off brunch...then what? The girls will be out for the evening, so that leaves you pretty much free...
---
Thursday Afternoon/Evening
[] Might as well take it easy the rest of the day. There isn't too much going on and you could use the time to catch up on readings and talk to the girls when they show up.
[] You have things you want to get out of the way before night falls. What are they? (Custom option)
---
Friday Morning/Afternoon
[] Do nothing. You've been running around for a few days now. Surrender yourself to the comforting haze of inactivity for a few hours.
[] Meet up with someone important in the Leaf. A status report or two would help.
-[] Choose a person or people.
[] You're compelled to visit the hospital...Hisano is still there and you wonder about her at times.
[] Training.
-[] Training day. Increase your physical stats. Get +1 to any stat of your choosing that is not at 10. Roll d100 to train stats already at 10 or above 10.
-[] Research day. Improve your current abilities or create new ones.
--[] Improve a non-taijutsu technique by one level, unlock a new form of one non-taijutsu technique, or gain one element level over one session.
--[] Create the basis of a new technique to be finished later.
---[] Automatic
---[] Custom (voter pick)
[] Create custom schedule (either solely for the day or beyond).
---
It's early afternoon on Thursday after brunch. Nothing should be going on Friday; Joshua and Hannah will be having a date in the evening as planned. Everything until then is open for whatever comes to mind. The tournament grand final is Saturday morning. If I forgot something feel free to mention it.
Two of the votes weren't completely incompatible with each other so they got merged as an undecided sort of thing. You'll see why at some point down the road.
Next update deadline is
.
Side note: I forgot how useful ruby text is. I'll probably stick to the current format for databooks though, since archival is easier. As always, thanks for reading.
[X]Might as well take it easy the rest of the day. There isn't too much going on and you could use the time to catch up on readings and talk to the girls when they show up.
Friday Morning
Training.
-[X] Train Ninjutsu, up to a comfortable level of 5.
Friday Afternoon/Evening
-[X] You're compelled to visit the hospital...Hisano is still there and you wonder about her at times.
[X]Might as well take it easy the rest of the day. There isn't too much going on and you could use the time to catch up on readings and talk to the girls when they show up.
Friday Morning
Training.
-[X] Train Ninjutsu, up to a comfortable level of 5.
Friday Afternoon/Evening
-[X] You're compelled to visit the hospital...Hisano is still there and you wonder about her at times.
Episode 5.24: New Age of Heroes - Brunch, Bonds, and Beyond 6 (Second Intermission 11)
You think it would be best to take the rest of the day off, taking it easy. The world would go on without you, and you could catch up on a few things while making yourself available to the girls when they decided to show themselves. Before that, some sleep.
"I'm gonna follow Hannah's lead and catch some z's," you say to Haru and Hikari. "You won't have to worry about me for a while."
"Yes, sir. We will continue monitoring the area while you rest," Haru replies. "A question, before you leave."
"What's up?"
"Are you a light sleeper?"
"Eh, depends. I tend to keep myself on high alert, for unusual sensations and the like, but when I get comfortable I can sleep like a rock."
"Alright. We wanted to do some cleaning and maintenance for the hotel suite, so we were hoping that you and Miss Kuiper could sleep through most of it."
You start to open your mouth to ask why before realizing what the sweep up was for. This part of the hotel was always secured by Haru and Hikari, along with their associates. It wasn't often that it was unoccupied, and when it was, your two ANBU helpers always went in first to check for disturbances. This was probably checking for any significant deposits of genetic material, indications of spying or infiltration, and gathering of data for the next few weeks to increase interior security. Findings would be checked over and new schemes would be created.
"A reset to defeat any meddling, huh."
"You figured it out from that much..."
You shrug. "Good guess more than anything."
"We haven't had any incidents so far, though anything can happen in this kind of environment. Lord Hokage made sure that food and hygiene areas were fitted with special equipment for effective destruction of waste. One of our jobs is to inspect and calibrate that equipment over time. We've been doing it periodically, but days like today are where we need to do full, proper adjustments," Haru explains.
"When we say that we appreciate you, we mean it. That must be a lot of work," you say to her.
"Well...I don't need to say it, but I will anyways. It's worth the effort for you."
"I'm sure you're blushing under there."
"You would like to know, wouldn't you...but you should go and get some sleep, like you said you would. Hikari and I will keep watch as always."
"Sir. Have a good sleep, sir." Hikari salutes enthusiastically, and Haru bows her head.
"Yep. Thanks, ladies." You get up from the sofa and head to your room, closing the door behind you. After flopping onto your bed, you close your eyes and think pleasant thoughts before drifting off to sleep.
---
A yawn has your mouth open wide as you wake up again. You blink away the drowsiness and head to the washroom, take a quick shower, and jump into comfortable clothing since you don't have any plans for the rest of the day. Some books and scrolls are gathered into your arms as you head outside, dumping them on the table in the living area.
"I've already made tea."
"Perfect," you say to Ritsu. She's sitting at the table in the kitchen, eyes glued to a set of notes in front of her. She has on a pink camisole and shorts after returning from her swim. You kiss her gently on the cheek in greeting, the faint smell of chlorine reaching your nose. "How was the pool?"
"Very nice, actually. It's regularly treated and the water isn't too harsh, there's space for everyone, and the staff is quite helpful. I did a few laps, and apparently it's okay to water walk as long as you do it in a clear space, but I didn't bother with it this time. They also have a little area that Mistress was telling me about, where they serve wine and some extravagant snacks. Quiet, quite peaceful..."
"No kids?"
"The family pool is next door, actually. So it was mostly adults where I was swimming."
"Ah, so that's the secret," you say as you pour yourself a mug of tea.
"Check over my work?" Ritsu asks as she ties her brown hair back into a bun. You stand beside her and look over her papers as she starts to organize them for your sake.
"You have homework?"
"I wanted to see how far along I've come, and Haru thought it was a good idea."
"Heh, getting on her good side already, yeah?"
"Not a bad thing to do, considering future events." She hands you a stack of paper and you set down your mug to flip through it. "So. How was brunch?"
"Pretty great. You know a woman by the name of Anko Mitarashi?"
"Oh, she was there? I heard about her, yes. Orochimaru's right hand woman, coveted by just about every organization in the Leaf. An exceptional generational talent, to be specific. It would seem that the Leaf has a surplus of those, which they do, but it's all within calculations considering the size of its armed forces and its training programs."
"Wow. You sure you need me to check your work?" you ask with a smirk.
"Yes, because I'm still an amateur at this. You know that, though."
"I'm not so sure, watching you grow up so quickly. Pass me the other stack, this one's good."
"No comments?"
"Nope. Nothing much to say there, perspective rules the day. Just remember that double-checking doesn't mean doubting."
"Understood." Ritsu hands you another set of papers and you nod while looking at the figures she has recorded.
"Yeah, so we met her first. She cooked brunch for everyone, and she's good at that, too. Tsunade eventually made her way out, we talked about a bunch of stuff, and she asked me what I was doing about the end of war and dreams, all that."
"Tell me about it when you're done."
"Cool. The other important thing is that Mama Bear there is gonna be getting lessons from Tsunade and Rin for about a month, once the tournament is over and everything gets properly organized."
"Nothing for you?"
"Nope. Thought about it. Considered stuff like all of us learning together, but after thinking about it, this was the smartest option. Hannah's a smart gal. I think that Tsunade giving her extra attention works out for all of us, as opposed to her having to teach the three of us and slowing down some."
"Hm. That makes sense. I would have objected to anything involving myself, since I'm so far behind in terms of ninjutsu. Please don't take it as self-depreciation."
"No, no. I was thinking it, too."
She sighs. "Good. You're too polite sometimes, you know."
"I know."
She gives you a smile. "So, how'd I do?"
"Good. There are advanced things you could apply here, but walk before you run is what I'd say in any case. I would consider some more aggressive attack vectors when you get to your C points, in all scenarios."
Ritsu takes the papers from you and looks at them, then frowns. "More aggressive than that? It's already steep...at least, it looks like it. Hrm." Her eyes brighten after a few seconds. "Oh, I see why. I'd like to point out that I won't be your little girl forever, though."
"I know. That's why we adjust protocol, ninja girl. But you can make sharper moves when Hannah and I are around. And we'll pair you up with Haru whenever we're away, of course. She's really big on taking care of others, like an older sister type."
"Is that so...okay, here. One more set." Ritsu scribbles changes on the notes you looked over before while you look at the last stack of papers she had for you. "So Mistress will be busy for the next few weeks, then. What about you?"
"Haven't decided yet. I have that date with Mei, so that might push me in one direction or another once we're done on Sunday. The clans are going to want to meet up for sure, since I'm still an unknown in their eyes. After that, I don't know. I'll have to find something to do with myself."
"What about work?"
"No need. Between our funds and the account we have thanks to Kushina, it's all taken care of. Maybe I can do a few small jobs, but it's unnecessary. This is all good, by the way. You have a really good grasp on political movement and diplomacy. I also noticed you were trying to make some predictions here and there."
"Did you..."
"A little cheeky on your part, but on brand," you say with a smile.
"That sounds very much like a compliment, so I'll take it. Thank you, sir. Now, you're going to tell me about that dream of yours while you spoil me a little bit."
"Am I?" you ask with a chuckle. "Well, that doesn't sound too bad." You pick up your tea and take a sip as you walk over to the couch. Ritsu looks over your small pile of scrolls and hands you one as you sit. She takes the opportunity to stretch herself sideways over your lap, looking satisfied as she puts one hand behind her head. "You're sure this is what I want to read?"
"I'm sure."
"Heh. Guess that's that. So you wanted to know what I told Tsunade...nothing special, I'd say. I talked about wanting to go back home and fix things. Be with the family, start over...all the good stuff that I've been looking forward to."
"Did she say anything about...home being a place far away?"
"Something like that. I guess more like a place that you might not ever return to. You would know about that much, Ritsu. I thought about your situation a bit. I'm not exactly sure if I'm ready for the worst outcome."
She closes her eyes. "No one ever is. If it comes to that, it will hurt a lot. Something inside of me says that you shouldn't worry about these things. That...maybe it's best if you simply move on. The idea of you being hurt bothers me a lot. I don't think you should give up on your family at all, but...maybe the place you call home is already lost, and has been since you left it. Talking to those two from the Iron...it feels that way. Like it's a place that will reject you no matter what you try. But that's not for me to decide at all."
"How much have you thought about this?"
"Not...all that much, I would say. It comes up every time you talk about your family. You love them so much, I can tell. Decisions on that front aren't easy at all."
"They're not, no. Well..." You spin around the scroll on your finger. "That's only one part of it, anyways."
"Competing dreams?" she asks as she opens her green eyes.
"It sounds like it, yeah. I've been thinking about creating...a global village, you could call it. The kind of place that would welcome people from all over, as long as they wanted a peaceful place they could contribute to. Things according to the needs of the people, innovation, stuff like that. I don't know if utopia is the right word, but something close to it would be nice."
"In a post-shinobi landscape?"
"Eh. Post-war at least."
"Oh, I see. You want us to open a path forward into the future for the shinobi world," Ritsu concludes. "That sounds fair...and maybe it's also a way of granting Shiina's wish. Hashirama's vision was noble, but the execution wasn't good at all. To acknowledge the shinobi and the power of chakra, while creating a new future, and a place for those who were once lost to gather. The global village, advancing peace and prosperity as the world continues to turn."
"You sound like you're all for it."
"I am," she says with a smile. "And not just because it's a place where my skills would be the most useful. As shining beacons, leading the way, we could inspire many other people. We can do so much for the world just by being, you know? While it would be nice to retire and live out in the wilderness somewhere...I think we should do our best to keep the world moving. You already have my support no matter what you choose, but I have an extra bit of enthusiasm for this project if you stick to it."
You nod at that, seeing that she's already thinking of what she could get up to in that new world of yours. If things don't work out at home, it wouldn't be all bad.
Shinobi are people, too...
Shiina's words ring through your head. You wonder what it means to 'save the world', as you don't quite know yet. A journey like this will teach you, you think. After that...
"So you still believe in this world, Master?"
Ritsu's voice brings you out of your thoughts. "I think there are enough people working towards a peaceful future...we should give them a chance to do the right thing. It's worth the effort," you say to her.
"..."
"Your views are a bit dim on that compared to mine, though."
"I try to not think ill of people based on the way they live their lives. I think there are many good individuals, like Haru and Hikari...but at the same time, the shinobi as a whole are arrogant and corrupt, even in casual ways that aren't projections of harm."
You remember the way she looked at the Hokage Rock, the monument that had Hokage of the past and present loom over the Hidden Leaf.
Ritsu takes your hand and sets it on her stomach. "Even so, I believe in you more than I could doubt them. I won't hide my feelings all the time, but I promise to be by your side."
"To choose people over the world, right?" you ask, remembering her voice in your head from the meeting.
"Hm...that sounds like something I would say, yes. People over the world...fierce defenders of mankind, and the hope within them. That sounds good. Protecting the world's possibilities."
She closes her eyes and goes quiet, placing her hand over yours. Changing your mind about reading, you instead set the scroll beside you and enjoy Ritsu's company. Thinking about it for a moment, you realize this is something good for you. A time of uncomplicated thoughts, or maybe no thoughts at all. You're in a safe place with someone you love. You don't have to do any thinking. It's peaceful.
Huh. How much time do you spend wound up like that? You'd have to look into it one day soon.
What feels like a hour passes, though it's possible that it could be two. More, possibly. You're not invested in figuring it out. Ritsu's eyes slide open to look at you, her face radiating calm. She settles back after a while and lets her eyes slide closed as she breathes softly.
"Do you ever worry that...times like this will be hard to come by?" she asks.
You gently pat her stomach. "Not at all."
She smiles at that. "What a lovely answer. Then you can spoil me more like this from now on."
"Deal."
---
You spend more quiet time with Ritsu until she decides to get ready for her outing. It's early evening by now. Haru returns from her errands, leaving Hikari in another part of the village to do surveillance. While that is going on, you decide to start on your work: updating team protocol and security for the near future and upcoming combat situations. If there's time left before it gets too late, you'll also develop extra strategies based on possible future opponents. Most will be for your own use, the rest will be organized for your comrades.
"We'll be off, then. Darling, tell us how stunning we look."
Hannah steps out front and spins before posing for you. She's chosen one of her little black dresses, fabric hugging her curves and feet supported by flashy red heels. Her hair sparkles in the light, much like the diamond necklace that she's chosen as an accessory.
"Very dangerous," you say, halfway joking.
"A seal of approval. Thank you." She flips her hair dramatically and opens her compact mirror. Ritsu appears a moment later, looking relatively more modest with a shimmering dark blue dress that bares her shoulders and stops above her knees. Her hair is let down and she has a pair of soft-looking white gloves on.
"You look great," you say to her.
"Thank you, sir."
"Don't wait up for us too late," Hannah says to you. The sweet scent of perfume reaches you as she leans in to kiss your cheek. "After dinner, we'll want to have some fun around the village. Tomorrow, of course, is your turn with me."
"Looking forward to it."
"Not more than I am, I can guarantee that." She pats your head. "Good night for now, beloved."
"Have a good time."
"I surely will."
Ritsu hugs you next and rubs your back gently. You exchange nods and she heads out with Hannah behind her. Haru bows for you and you nod to acknowledge her before she shuts the door, locking it on the other side.
You scratch at your head and make a fresh pot of tea, and one pot of coffee at the same time. The door opens while you wait.
"Sir. Hikari reporting in, sir." She salutes as soon as she sees you.
"Welcome back. Tea or coffee?"
"Coffee, sir. Thank you, sir."
"Hungry?" you ask. "I can get you a sandwich. Don't think too hard on it."
"Sir. If you could do that, sir...I would like that. I am hungry, sir. Just a bit."
"Coming up." You quickly and easily slice bread and put a pan on the stove, heating up butter and then toasting the bread. From there you raid the fridge for ingredients and get some ribs out of your cache in the back, warm them up, and get them off the bones so you can put the meat to use. The big sandwich is sliced in half and served to your guest.
"Thank you very much, sir."
"No problem. I'll be nearby doing some work. Let me know if you need anything important," you say as you pour a cup of coffee for her. You leave it on the table beside her as she takes off her mask to eat, and then take your tea over to the couch before starting your routines.
For the next few hours, you write. You run simulations in your head and write down the results, then organize them into sections and write notes on top of those. You consider multiple options for each situation, approaches, known strategies, typical resources. It gets to the point where it's more or less automatic as you go on.
"Sir. I wanted to check in, sir."
"Hm." You raise your head to look at the clock on the wall. Half past eleven...pretty late. "Thanks. I'm okay," you say to Hikari.
"I didn't want to disturb you, sir...you seemed very busy."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I get into a zone sometimes when I do this stuff. I'm done, got everything I needed down and was just working on extras." You start to gather up and properly organize your paperwork. "I'll make us something to eat before I go to bed. I'm going to train in the morning and do some other stuff. Are you busy tomorrow?"
"Sir, no sir. I can assist with whatever you need."
"Great," you say as you put your papers into neat stacks on the table. "Then you can come with me to the hospital. I wanted to see how Hisano was doing. Anything you want to snack on?"
"Um...I don't have any preferences, sir. Whatever you feel like is fine," Hikari says after thinking a moment.
"I feel like salmon and rice right now. We have leftovers put away somewhere..." You yawn and head over to the fridge, finding the food in question and reheating it for a little while. You and Hikari quietly eat together, clean up, and drink some tea before you decide to turn in for the night. The girls said not to wait up, so you won't.
"I'm shutting down for the day, Hikari."
"Sir. Understood, sir. Please have a good rest. I'll be available to you in the morning, sir." She gives you her normal salute and you pet her head gently.
"Thanks. Have a good night yourself. See you in the morning."
"Sir."
You head into your room and shut the door behind you, then slide beneath the covers of your bed. You settle in quickly and your eyes close, taking you quickly into your dreams.
---
Today's dream is about Mom. She asked you to help her make a cake for your sister's birthday...the dream ends before you get to leave the kitchen and see anyone else. But it was...pleasant.
---
Morning.
You get up, change into training clothes, and head out to the kitchen. Haru and Hikari have already cooked fresh rice and eggs for breakfast. Hannah and Ritsu aren't up yet, so they must have been out pretty late. That much is fine since you're going to be busy anyways.
"Your usual spot is ready for training," Haru says as she delivers breakfast to you. You nod and quickly start to eat. "Hikari says that you'll be visiting the hospital today?"
"Yeah."
"Then I'll leave you to that, sir. The ladies will be taken care of while you're gone. Happy training."
Hikari takes away your empty dishes and you nod your thanks. A warm cup of tea before you grab your small bag with water and first aid, securing it on your back.
"Alright. See you in a while."
Haru and Hikari give you a bow as you leave for the utility grounds, area 25. Today you'll be on your own, and you'll be focusing on ninjutsu. Nothing fancy. After this session, you should be in a good spot.
---
Training goes well. It's small progress, but progress all the same. Now your skill is around the average for shinobi, great for situations where you need to supplement your offensive options or get out of a tight spot. Your new signature move will also get boosts from your increased ninjutsu skill. The possibilities for improved combination attacks also increase, which will please Hannah. This is good all around.
---
The feeling of low chakra tells you that it's time to stop for the day. You take a few moments to cool off and re-hydrate before gathering your things and leaving the utility grounds.
"Good progress," you say to yourself. Checking your watch, there's still plenty of time in the day. You assume it will be around five or six in the evening that Hannah will make you unavailable to everyone else, so with it still being late morning, you should be okay to get other things done before the hospital visit.
For Hisano, though...something comes to mind. You remember when Kushina showed her affection at the exams, and it immediately calmed her down. While a hug might be too far, perhaps a present would be a nice gesture? Then again, she might find it awkward since she doesn't even know you. It's possible she could get the wrong idea altogether.
But you were already visiting this girl you didn't really know, so did it matter?
"Hm." You wonder.
---
Joshua has gained 1 point in ninjutsu (4->5).
---
Friday Afternoon - Meeting Hisano
[] Would you like to get Hisano a present?
-[] Something simple like a stuffed animal.
-[] Candies, those would work. Or chocolates. Both.
-[] Flowers are always nice. And the nurses like them too.
-[] Something else?
-[] No, you won't bother with it.
[] Custom schedule. Any other errands you want to run go here.
---
Friday Evening - Date Suggestions, etc.
[] What kind of mood do you want for the evening? Your date is fine with anything, but you also want her to be comfortable.
-[] Casual, it's simple and fun. You can also do a lot more active things!
-[] Semi-formal, it's balanced and you can show each other a good time with traditional events.
-[] Formal, you want to look great and do fancy things for an evening. Spend all the money - you can make it back on a whim.
-[] Custom option.
[] Do you have particular plans? They'll change a bit depending on the mood for the evening.
-[] Dinner and a motion picture. Light, simple, entertaining.
-[] They have live theater downtown. Depending on how much you want to spend, there will be different arrangements. But the main show will have talented singers and dancers.
-[] There's a baseball game at one of the big stadiums. You can get good seats close to the action or fancy booths to drink wine in while you watch.
-[] There's a cruise down one of the nearby rivers. A carriage will bring you right over to the boat, and then back when the night is through. You'll get to mingle with weird rich people and eat that caviar stuff your mom told you about.
-[] Custom option. Pick whatever you like and we'll try and work with it.
---
Sorry for the wait, it has arrived. Tried not to plow through too much, as the update was delayed by...stuff, I guess. Plus I really wanted to have a scene or two with our ninja girl.
It's Friday shortly before noon. The visit with Hisano shouldn't take more than a few hours so you have time to do other things if you want, aside from training. I added options for your date night, you're free to tweak them however you like and I'll try to keep up.
The next deadline will be
. Hopefully. Thanks for reading.
[X] Would you like to get Hisano a present?
-[X] Something simple like a stuffed animal.
[X] What kind of mood do you want for the evening? Your date is fine with anything, but you also want her to be comfortable.
-[X] Semi-formal, it's balanced and you can show each other a good time with traditional events.
[X] Do you have particular plans? They'll change a bit depending on the mood for the evening.
-[X] They have live theater downtown. Depending on how much you want to spend, there will be different arrangements. But the main show will have talented singers and dancers.
[X] Would you like to get Hisano a present?
-[X] Something simple like a stuffed animal.
-[X] Candies, those would work. Or chocolates. Both.
-[X] Flowers are always nice. And the nurses like them too.
[X] What kind of mood do you want for the evening? Your date is fine with anything, but you also want her to be comfortable.
-[X] Semi-formal, it's balanced and you can show each other a good time with traditional events.
[X] Do you have particular plans? They'll change a bit depending on the mood for the evening.
-[X] They have live theater downtown. Depending on how much you want to spend, there will be different arrangements. But the main show will have talented singers and dancers.
[X] Would you like to get Hisano a present?
-[X] Something simple like a stuffed animal.
[X] What kind of mood do you want for the evening? Your date is fine with anything, but you also want her to be comfortable.
-[X] Semi-formal, it's balanced and you can show each other a good time with traditional events.
[X] Do you have particular plans? They'll change a bit depending on the mood for the evening.
-[X] They have live theater downtown. Depending on how much you want to spend, there will be different arrangements. But the main show will have talented singers and dancers.
Late to the party, so bandwagon ho!
Episode 5.25: New Age of Heroes - Simple Gifts (Second Intermission 12)
You decide on getting a stuffed animal for her. It would be a decent gesture while keeping your distance. You also suspect that she's not likely to get gifts in the first place, so...
The first shop jumps out at you on your left and you step inside, shouldering your backpack and looking around the shelves for a good item. There are different kinds of dolls and figures along with stuffed creatures, in the likenesses of the tailed beasts and famous shinobi around the world. This being the Leaf, some figures are stocked more generously than others.
"Good morning, sir." A thin-looking woman with dark hair and glasses steps out to assist you. "Did you need help finding anything?"
"No, I should be fine. I know what I want to get." You move over to the section with the stuffed animal and reach up to grab your selection: a plush black panther. "This is hand made, right?"
"Yes, sir. We've maintained a section for these types of toys. The prices are above average, but we feel that the increased quality more than makes up for it."
"Hm." This one is about the size of a cat, made from luxurious material...you think it's velvet, though you're not entirely sure. "Not too hard to take care of?"
"No, sir. A wet cloth should do, at most some mild detergent and water. We have a cleaning kit if you're interested."
"Sure am. I'll be taking this one with me." You look at the price tag. "You weren't kidding, this is quite a gift."
"Would you like it wrapped, sir?"
"Nah, just a bag is fine. They'll have to look it over at the hospital anyways." You take your gift up to the counter and hand it to the woman, who places it gently into a lined paper bag as you gather your money. She takes your payment, hands you your change, and puts some fabric over your gift for added protection before handing you the bag over the counter.
"The cleaning kit is compact and easy to use, though it also comes with instructions for the recipient," the woman explains. "It will be at the bottom of the bag. If anything should happen to your gift, make sure to hold onto the receipt that's also at the bottom and we'll do small repairs in-shop for no charge. Any larger repairs will have a small cost attached and a bit of a wait for the special work necessary. Thank you very much for your purchase," she says with a bow.
"Thanks for your help. Take care, yeah?"
"Thank you, sir."
You give her a wave as you leave the shop. Maybe you would come back one day and pick up something for the girls...there was a pretty solid selection from what you could see. But you have your gift for Hisano, so now it's time to take on the rest of the day. You get back to the hotel, where Hikari lets you in and Haru is checking underneath the kitchen sink.
"Yo. Taking a shower, be back soon."
You hear something that sounds like an affirming noise, so you nod and move on. After taking your shower you change into a dark sweater and pants, attempting to be as nondescript as possible. While you'd get permission from Tsunade for your visit, you suspect the Cloud wouldn't be happy if they found out.
"Hikari?"
"Sir, awaiting orders, sir." She appears in front of you immediately.
"Let's head to the hospital. The girls not up yet?"
"They were here for breakfast, sir. Miss Ritsu is in the bath and Miss Hannah has gone back to sleep, I think, sir."
"Hm. That's alright, then. Haru, we'll see you later."
She says something you can't hear while underneath the sink.
"I think she's okay for now, sir."
"Yeah, seems like it." You wonder what she's working on, but it's likely some kind of classified surveillance deal. Nothing to worry yourself over in that case.
Hikari leads you out of the hotel and onto the streets of the Leaf, where you pull the hood of your sweater up as you walk. You reach Leaf Central Hospital in short order and show your face to the nurse working reception. Your minder puts in your request and you wait a few minutes to hear back.
"It's for you, sir."
The nurse gently hands you her phone receiver and you put it to your ear. "Hello?"
"Hey, kiddo. You wanted to see Hisano today, yeah?"
"Yeah, if it's okay," you reply.
"No problem at all. I'll get the area cleared up for you and keep the details sparse in case any of the Cloud's goons come sniffing around. Don't make yourself too obvious, and you'll be fine. Our girl's stable right now, still recovering a bit. Good health all around." A pause. "Nobody's come to see her other than the Raikage, and that was about two days ago. A fresh face will help a lot..."
"I figured. I'll do my best to help her out."
"Yeah. Thanks, Josh. I'll relay the game plan, spend as much time as you need with her. See you around."
"For sure. Thanks, Tsunade." You hand the receiver back to the nurse, who nods and gives Hikari a slip of paper.
"Thank you, ma'am. Sir, we can be on our way," Hikari says to you.
"Got it. Thanks, ma'am," you say to the nurse with a nod. She gives you a smile and nods back before you leave. The corridors of the hospital are long, wide, and look largely the same to the untrained eye. There are various markings and colours to help guide people through the facility, on the walls, floors, and even the ceiling. Signs help people make sense of the symbols that mark hallway corners.
Hikari leads you through the bright, winding path towards your destination without missing a beat, taking light and confident steps forward. The wing of the hospital you're in gets progressively quieter as you move, until you stop in front of a certain room. The wooden door is shut and Hikari knocks twice. A woman with fair skin, long black hair, and features that make her look like a doll appears, closing the door behind her. Her distinctive, featureless white eyes are the same as Hinata's. She wears a short sleeved blouse, a tall velvet sash around her waist, and a very long skirt that almost sweeps the ground, all of it a pure white.
"Sister Ui, good afternoon," Hikari says to the woman.
"Good afternoon, my little wolf. How do you fare today?"
"Very well, ma'am."
"Excellent." Her head turns to you. "This fine gentleman must be Lady Tsunade's charge. You bring a gift for the young one inside."
"Yes, ma'am," you say with a nod. Ui extends a slender, gloved hand and you place the straps of the bag in it. A moment passes and she nods before handing the bag back to you.
"Very kind of you. Please treat her well...she is fragile and lonely, but I have faith that your compassion will lift her spirit from the darkness inside. I will be waiting patiently outside for as long as you need, and will inform milady when your visit is over. The assigned nurse will be coming by to check on the young one at some point. I will instruct her to cooperate with you."
"Thank you, ma'am."
She gives you a smile and pats your cheek once before stepping aside. Slowly, you place your hand on the door handle and push down, gently moving the door open.
The room smells fresh, vibrant almost. There's a window behind the room's bed that lets in a generous amount of light. A sparse set of equipment has been moved towards the back of the room, wires bundled up and away. Flowers sit on the small table to the bed's right.
And sitting on her bed cross-legged, quietly, is the girl with curly pink hair. Her golden eyes scan you, curious and confused. She seems like she can't help but show her emotions in full to you. She has long limbs, thin against the set of pyjamas she has on. Her eyes go down to her hands, and she seems to be reconciling the fact that her skin is the same as your own.
Hikari nods and salutes, letting you close the door behind you. You're alone with Hisano now.
"You're the visitor?" she asks in a soft tone.
"Yeah, I am. My name's Joshua West. It's good to meet you."
"The...Blue Arrow?"
"That's what they call me now, yeah."
"I...see. Lord Raikage mentioned you. I can see why...the Hyuuga lady was quiet about it. It only makes sense. I..." She pauses, then seems to give up on the thought in her head, along with all others. It's quiet again for a while.
You take the opportunity to reach into the bag and remove the cloth from the top of it, then pull out the black panther plush. "Mind if I come closer?"
"It's okay. Yes, it's fine. Thank you for asking," Hisano says. You take a seat on the edge of her bed and hand the plush to her. She slowly takes it, stroking it gently before holding it against her chest.
"Hopefully it's not too much. I wanted to get a present for you."
"Why?"
"It's something people do when they know someone is sick. A card or a gift helps lift their spirits."
"..." Hisano closes her eyes and holds the panther a little tighter. "I didn't know that. I thought it was only for dates of birth and special occasions."
"You can give gifts at any time to show affection. Depends on the person," you explain.
"Affection." She repeats the word, a foreign sort of echo making her think.
"Do you like it?" you ask. Hisano nods and seems to be enjoying the softness of the stuffed animal. You find yourself smiling at that.
"I don't have friends or family. Things like this...I don't understand yet. But I appreciate this. It's warm...a nice feeling. Thank you for this gift to me. It's entirely too much, but I want to enjoy it."
"There's a cleaning kit in the bottom of the bag."
"It sounds luxurious. Cleaning. How much was this animal?" she asks.
"Well, I can't tell you that."
"Why?"
"'Cause it's a present. You don't need to know," you say with a smirk. She tilts her head to one side, trying to figure you out.
"I also do not understand this...but you are being nice, I think."
"I try."
"You are very good at trying." A beat. "I want to understand more. I want to understand so that I can accept it. This gift, and this kindness to me. Even now, I feel guilt inside of myself. I feel like I am stealing. Like I am taking away. I feel as if I am unworthy. But I do not understand why. My function means that I should reject all of this...even so."
Hisano looks at you, again searching for something within your eyes.
"Is it okay if I ask?"
"It is," you reply.
"Then...please. Why did you come?" she asks. "Why is that you...felt something for me? Just like Lady Kushina did, and Naruto Uzumaki did...what makes you care? Why is it...that you feel?"
She squeezes the stuffed panther tight as she looks at you.
"Will you...can you tell me why?"
---
[] Because it was the right thing.
[] Because you saw yourself in her.
[] Because you felt her pain.
[] Because...you don't really know why.
[] Custom option.
---
It's here. Lots of things happening irl this week, but we get to spend time with Hisano at this part of the story.
Next scheduled update will be 3/27/2020, hopefully sooner. Thanks for reading. Stay safe out there.
"When I saw you there, on the ground...it hurt a lot. I felt pain, even if it wasn't the same as yours," you say to Hisano.
"Pain...you felt it? I don't understand. Why did you hurt from...seeing me hurt?" she asks, confused.
"It's called empathy. To understand and share the feelings of others. I imagined myself where you were, hurt and alone. My loved ones felt the same way. They were hurt and angry because you were hurt. I felt all of those things."
"Where I was...you put yourself in my place? Why? Why wouldn't you turn away instead of hurting like that?"
"Because caring for other people is the right thing to do."
"I'm not a person."
You look at Hisano. "You are to me. That's why it hurt so much."
"..." She pauses and has her head down for a while. The room is quiet. It's difficult in some ways to explain this all from the ground up. These were things that you simply learned and observed throughout your life. Hannah did so too, even when she was alone. She's grown up to be a kind and loving person in the midst of the blood and darkness she lived in for so long.
Hisano...everything was ripped away from her. Feelings, emotions, thoughts. She was turned into a weapon, and even if it helped to save her life, it still...wasn't right to do all of this to her. Isolating and discarding her like this. You realize just how badly she's been treated.
"Is that what Lady Kushina did? Em...pathize? Feel for me?"
"Yes. And she also has a son that she cares for. She thought about you as a child, like he was. She saw you hurt and alone, and decided to try and calm you down like you would calm down a normal person."
"She held me close until I passed out. Even though it hurt her. I...hear all of it. But I don't really understand what it all means. To feel for another person and be angry for them instead of to them."
"..."
"You didn't hurt exactly like I hurt. You don't have the System inside of you. Right?"
"That's true, yes."
"But you saw me in pain and imagined it. Even if we aren't comrades. Even though we're not family or friends. Even though we didn't know each other at all. You felt sorry for me. Why? Is it because these things are not right?"
"Yes."
"Because I am a human after all, and I deserve life?"
"Yes."
"Because I should have a chance to live?"
"Yes."
"You are very kind."
You feel yourself come to an abrupt stop. "Hisano, listen-"
"Please. You need to hear that. You are a very kind person. I know what you will say. That this is how I should normally be treated. That this is supposed to be a right and not a privilege. But we are not in that world, Joshua West. To my country and leader, I am among their mightiest weapons. But to you, I am a girl who has been hurt too many times. You have given me a cup of kindness worth ten thousand more."
"I...I'm kind of surprised, but I..." You try to compose yourself. "You're eloquent, really."
"Eloquent. Articulate?" she asks.
"Yeah. Synonyms, and all. It's like you know what to say when you grab hold of the concepts. Does that make sense?"
"It does." She looks at you curiously. "You looked distressed a moment ago."
"I felt like...maybe I was going to cry, or something."
"Cry? Why? Was it for me again?"
"Yeah."
"How come?"
You think for a moment. "You've been through a lot already. To not only have a sense of self, but to recognize kindness and be so appreciative, it's pretty overwhelming to be honest. So that's why I was a little emotional. Things like this are complicated."
"They are," Hisano says. "Thank you for coming to see me. And for being so kind to me. Even if it's just this one visit, I will remember it for my entire life. I learned about myself. That I am a person. And that I am strong, even if I don't feel like it right now." She pauses. "I am also scared. I don't want to be the same person I was before. But I might have to be, and it will be painful."
"Yeah."
"I understand somewhat, why people will sometimes reject hope. It is a difficult kind of life to live as I am right now."
Hisano reaches over and takes your hand.
"Even so. I would like to try." She smiles. "Because you are kind and I want to make you happy, like you made me feel warm and safe."
"That's good, Hisano. I'm really happy that I could help. Even if it's just a little."
"You are also very modest."
"I get that a lot."
"If Lady Tsunade allows another visit, will you bring your life partner?"
"Heh. What makes you think I have one of those?"
"You are noted as a handsome person by those engaging in casual conversation. The chance that you're single has a low percentage."
You sigh. "Yeah, well...you're right in that I'm taken, in a way."
"I see." She squeezes the plush panther tightly, curly pink hair swaying back and forth. "It's just a thought. How long can you stay with me?"
"For a few more hours. Said life partner is waiting to have a date later in the evening."
"Thank you. I want to talk about more things. And hear about them. I want to learn about the world. But I don't want to talk about the past. It's very hazy and makes my head hot."
"That's fine with me. We won't talk about that."
"Thank you. Please tell me about the fruits. About the green fruits that are shaped like the moon."
"You mean the sliced melon."
"Melon. They are sweet. The large room had them but I didn't eat any before the fight. I was too nervous. What colours do they come in, Joshua?"
---
You talk with Hisano for a while longer, mostly about food. Her diet was apparently only the finest of artificial foods and supplements, to keep her body consistently fuelled and adjusted. She had to be 'balanced' after more non-essential meals, such as those for ceremonies. She really is treated like a machine; the Cloud would make her drink gasoline if it were possible, to save themselves some effort. The nurse mentioned earlier comes to check her vitals and asks questions to gauge how she's feeling for the day. She looks at the plush in Hisano's hands and gives you a friendly smile before leaving.
As it nears the magic hour, you decide to part ways with your new friend.
"Thank you again for coming to see me."
"No problem at all. I'll do it again if I have time."
"Yes. I hope that you do."
You hand Hisano a small scroll and she looks at it. "Just in case the plush is contraband."
"Thank you again. I will make use of this. Though I can always use the art of deception."
"You don't seem too great at it," you say with an apologetic shrug. "Just an observation."
"I won't be able to hide my improved demeanor either."
"Probably not. Worth a shot, though."
"Yes. Perhaps many shots."
You smile and reach over to Hisano, then stop as you realize what you were doing.
"Are you alright?"
You shake your head. "Yeah, sorry. I was just...having a reflex thing. Happens."
"Why does it happen?"
"You get reminded of people you really like, and your body moves on its own sometimes."
"..." She stares at you for a while before moving closer to you on the bed, tilting her head forward. "If I remind you of a person you really like, then it should be okay."
You hesitate before reaching out to touch her head, giving her hair soft and strokes. She's warm, in a good way, and doesn't move under your touch.
"It's nice. What is it called, this sort of action?"
"It's a head pat," you explain. "It's, uh...it can kind of an intimate thing, depending on who you do it to. You know how people do it to pets? That's different and sometimes the two get conflated, so..."
"It seems like a difficult thing, but rewarding with the right person. Do you get head pats from your life partner?"
"Yeah. I do."
"Do you like them?"
"I like them. She's very gentle and warm. And her hands are soft, which is pretty great."
"That's good to know. I'm glad you're treated well, Joshua. I suppose I have kept you long enough. You're going to see theater."
"Yeah. Should be nice."
"I hope that it is. Before you go, I have a small request."
"Sure," you say as you stand up. Hisano lets herself down from the bed and stands in front of you.
"Is it okay if you give me a voluntary hug? Similar to what Lady Kushina did?"
"Yeah, I can do that."
"Thank you. I don't know a lot about the world, but I remember that consent and politeness are important things. Thank you for respecting my autonomy and intelligence."
"No problem," you say with a smile. "You're a bright young lady."
"Thank you." She shuffles a bit in place before raising her hands upwards. You chuckle lightly before stepping forward and giving her a hug. Her arms slowly come down and wrap around your back, fingers pressing down lightly as she tries to figure things out. As she does, you feel her squeeze you tightly.
"It's very nice. I don't want to let go at all."
"It's like that sometimes, yeah."
Hisano eventually does let go, looking at you fondly. "It felt good. I feel very warm and light. Hugs are good. This one was different. Lady Kushina felt smothering. This was less heavy. I like both, but this was better. It's very interesting." She nods and waves. "Thank you very much, Joshua. You have given me many gifts today. Enjoy your date, please."
"I will. Thanks, Hisano. If I don't see you around for a while, stay safe."
"Yes. I will try."
You move to open the door but Ui steps inside first. "Hands, please."
"Yes'm." You give her your hands and she pauses for a moment before nodding.
"Good. The child looks very radiant now. I knew that I could count on you," she says with a smile. "Please enjoy the rest of your day, Blue Arrow."
"Thank you, ma'am. Same to you." You note there's an object in your left hand. A few, actually. Mint candies, individually wrapped.
Ui gives you a wink. "For after dinner. Women appreciate a sweet or two."
Resisting the urge to sweat a bit, you nod to acknowledge her and go on your way. Hikari is waiting for you and gives her customary salute.
"Let's head home."
"Sir."
"Women really are scary."
"Nothing too troublesome, sir?"
"Nothing more than usual." You pocket the candies and silently thank Ui. "Though it makes sense, anyways. Men have an unnatural attraction to dangerous things."
"Sister Haru said something similar once."
You put your hands in your pockets as you walk. "Yeah, well...she tends to be on the ball, that woman."
---
You get back to the hotel in good time and Hikari opens the door for you.
"Sister Haru is out for the time being," she says after closing the door. "I will be on standby until she returns. Please call me if anything is needed."
"Sure. Thanks, Hikari."
"Sir."
"Hikari, is that you?" Ritsu calls out.
"Ma'am. Miss Ritsu, awaiting your orders," she says with another salute.
"Perfect timing. I have a few things I need to pick up. Could you escort me? We can stop for a few bites along the way since I know you've been out all day."
"Ma'am. It's no trouble, ma'am."
"We can share some of the fancy ice cream they have near the western mall."
Hikari perks up a bit at that. "If you insist, ma'am. We can make as many stops as necessary."
"Excellent." Ritsu shakes out her hair and flips it over her shoulder, then grabs her purse nearby. "Then we will be off. Sir, ma'am...enjoy your well deserved night together. Stay out late and have fun." She gives you a wink before opening the door and heading out. Hikari crisply salutes you again before following Ritsu out, closing the door behind you.
"I suppose this is where I'm off limits to the entire planet," you say as you turn to Hannah, sitting on the couch. She seems to have been taking it easy for the day, wearing a long shirt and fluffy slippers on her feet.
"If the heavenly host feel the need to intervene, they can explain themselves promptly," she says. "Everyone else should be on their way. We won't be going out for a while yet. Come."
You do as she says and make your way to the couch, then sit beside her.
"Is this all you wanted?" you ask.
"Little more than this. Time with you."
"Hm."
She slides next to you and takes your hand, meshing her fingers with yours.
"I'm sure," she repeats, before you can say anything. "We have all night. And I want to have a proper date with you."
"Alright. You don't want to hear anything?"
"No."
"Okay." You glance at her. "But you're lying."
"Slightly." She pauses. "What kind of gift was it?"
"Stuffed animal. Black panther."
"Cute."
"Which one do you want?"
"I haven't decided yet. It won't be the same store, I'll look for something downtown. It will be expensive."
"I know."
"You should care, you know."
"I know."
"If you spoil me too often, I'll become unbearable."
"I'm sure."
You look at each other for a moment.
"I think this is the part where I consider bearing your children. Openly, I mean. No, I meant...openly and aggressively. Yes, that's it."
"So why not?"
"Because I respect your agency. Also, children would not be ideal at this moment in time. The future is also uncertain until we...well, put an end to this nonsense, I would call it."
"Very kind of you."
"You're welcome."
You sigh at the same time and let yourselves sink into the couch a bit more.
"We are highly compatible, aren't we? That was a pretty prescient choice of words back then," you say.
"I wouldn't think that such a simple observation was worthy of praise."
"Maybe I like praising you."
"Mm. Your verbal ministrations are quite lovely. I do love it when you stir up my mind with those deft, intellectual tones of yours."
"It's what I do. We've got compatible kinks, too. How about that," you say, laughing quietly.
"Indeed. How was she?"
"She's..." You try to find the words. "She's a very strong person. I think she'll be alright."
"I'm happy to hear that. She deserves much better than what she has now. Perhaps once this conflict is over..."
"Yeah."
You wonder if it would be fine just sitting like this quietly. She wouldn't mind, but she doesn't mind much. No, you should head out soon.
Another hour. That would be okay.
---
It ends up being two hours before you both get up and get yourselves ready for your outing. Nothing too formal, but not too casual either. Hannah wants your destination to be a surprise, so you decide to oblige her.
"Let's see."
You muse a bit over what you want to wear before deciding. A crisp, dark red sweater and plain black pants. Simple and effective, you think. Actually, you want to look a little more dignified. You put on a light shirt and tie and then wear the sweater over them. Good. You're ready.
After brushing your hair, you straighten your tie in the mirror and head out to wait for your companion. She doesn't take too much longer to come out, and you give her two thumbs up once you see her.
"You look as handsome as ever. The tie is a nice touch," she says to you.
"Right? It was a last minute thing. You were thinking red, too. Looks great on you."
"Well. As you always say, I try." Hannah checks her compact mirror one last time, and takes a tube of lip gloss from her purse. She's gone with something reasonable, a white blouse that you assume is silk and bares her shoulders, and a red skirt that goes to her knees and has folds in it. Your mom told you about this...pleated. That's it.
You secure your watch and make sure you're good and ready. "Shouldn't be cold tonight, eh?"
"It shouldn't be. But I have a big, strong man to serve as my heater should I need it." She gives you a smile. "Preparation is key."
You roll your eyes at her. "I'll bet. Let's head out on the town, shall we?"
"We shall."
You move around the hotel room and secure all the openings, then leave with Hannah and lock the door behind you. Haru and Hikari have access no matter what, so this is more for uninvited guests of all types. Down the hall, to the first floor, and out of the lobby.
Nice warm night, typical for the Leaf. The weather is good too, with only thin clouds in the evening skies. You hold out your arm and Hannah finishes slipping on a pair of fancy gloves before linking her arm with yours. A few looks are thrown your way as you head down the main street with your date, you assume they're meant for her more than you. Hm. Maybe people are right and you are too modest sometimes.
"Are you enjoying the attention?" Hannah asks you.
"Hard to say. I'm not sure how much I'm getting," you answer.
"One of your precious quirks. More than a few women have been checking you out, you know."
"Probably."
"Definitely," she corrects. "You're a handsome man, and you know it."
You shrug. "I have some manly features, yeah. Easy on the eyes."
"Are you afraid of coming off as arrogant?"
"A little."
"When we have time, I'll teach you how to own that attractiveness of yours. Of course, this cute side of you is one that I'll always like."
"I dunno about lessons of that type. Perfectly fine with being an unremarkable gentleman."
"Are you taking yourself off the market?"
"I never wanted to be on it," you say as you look at Hannah. She playfully scoffs at you. "Getting back to our date thing, what did you want to do first? We've got plenty of time for both."
"My options?"
"Dinner and your surprise. Then dessert after that, probably. I know a place that's open all night."
"Mm. I don't want you spending too much."
"Don't worry about that. Whatever your heart desires, you'll get."
"My, my. You can be assertive when you choose to be. Very manly of you," she teases. "Hmm...what do I want to do first?"
---
[] So, first...
-[] You end up going to the show, then dinner afterwards.
-[] You have dinner and then catch the late show. Sounds good.
[] The kind of show you see is...
-[] Bunraku. A show with man-sized puppets controlled by multiple people. Entertaining stuff.
-[] Noh. Pretty high class, often spiritual dramas. It has comedic bits in between acts.
-[] Kabuki. Wild and flashy with intense action on stage. People seem to like it.
-[] Musical. Has a lot of song and dance numbers, and is a new style to the region.
-[] Other type of show.
[] How will dinner work?
-[] You're dressed sort of fancy so you end up at one of those high class places.
-[] Dinner is somewhere less formal, but comfortable and classy.
-[] Whatever. Noodles are good and Ichiraku isn't out of the way.
-[] Custom option.
---
Lots of things happening outside. Hope you all enjoy this update.
Next update is scheduled for
. Thanks for reading.
[X] So, first...
-[X] You end up going to the show, then dinner afterwards.
[X] The kind of show you see is...
-[X] Kabuki. Wild and flashy with intense action on stage. People seem to like it.
[X] How will dinner work?
-[X] You're dressed sort of fancy so you end up at one of those high class places.
Episode 5.27: New Age of Heroes - At Her Majesty's Pleasure (Second Intermission 14)
"Shall we head to the show first? Dinner can come afterwards, since I intend to eat quite a bit. I hope those words don't come back to haunt you," Hannah says with a sly smile.
"Heh. Don't underestimate me, Blondie. I know you and your appetite well enough. Like I said, you can go as far as you want, even if the snobs look at you funny later."
She nods at that, satisfied. "I am quite pleased right now. Can you tell?"
You smirk back. "Hard to miss."
"Then we can advance. I can't wait to see what you have planned for us."
You nod and start on your way towards the theatre, a large building made of carefully polished wood. People of all sorts are filing in, and you head towards the nearby ticket booth. There are a few seats left up front and you take them for a reasonable price, then head inside and show your tickets where they're stamped and handed back to you. Another person bows and hands you a pamphlet, explaining the tradition of kabuki drama and the type of show you'll be seeing.
"Oh! Kabuki theatre!" Hannah says excitedly. "I've never been to one of these before..."
"Really?"
"It must be a shock, yes? Someone you considered so cultured, never attending a show like this. I've heard much about this kind of thing, but missed opportunities to see it. I've heard it's quite lively."
"It is. You'll really enjoy it, trust me."
"I've never stopped," she says with a bright smile. "Come, let's find our seats and settle in. I really am excited now." She tugs on your arm and you let her take you inside the hall, where the large wooden stage awaits. A feature unfamiliar to those who haven't seen this type of stage play are the long walkways that sit on both sides of the stage and run through the audience seating. One is center-left, the other on the right and half the width of the main walkway.
"Is this also part of the stage? I've never seen this before," Hannah comments as she takes her seat. It's on the left and closest to what's called hanamichi.
"Yeah. They make pretty good use of it during the show. You've got a good seat, so just sit back and enjoy," you say to her.
"I certainly will. Oh, I simply cannot wait! Let's see...this one is a period play, from what I am able to gather...the tale certainly looks whimsical and engaging from the description. Based on a true story...hmhm, we know what that means, don't we?"
You chuckle. "Artistic license. You love to see it."
"Indeed. Ah..." She sighs happily and takes your left hand in her right, squeezing it gently. "Thank you for indulging me, beloved."
"It's no trouble at all."
"It must be, and you're choosing not to admit as much. I know that I can come off as demanding sometimes."
You reach over to pat her hand. "There's a reason I call you Princess, you know. Don't worry about it, it's what I want to do for you. And we're highly compatible life partners, right? Sorta like husband and wife, in a way, just without the other details."
"Wonderfully freeing."
"Exactly. So don't worry about a thing, yeah?" You give her a grin. "What makes you happy is what makes me happy."
"Thank you again, my love. I will do as you say and enjoy myself as much as I can."
The lights start to dim and people shuffle into their seats nearby. It's a packed house from what you can make out, plenty of people. A few are really decked out for the night, while some others are as casual as can be. In the modern era, the theater is definitely for everyone who wants to come, provided they want to pay up a bit for a long show.
As the lights dim further, the colourful curtain is pulled back and the show begins. It's a heroic story taking place during the era of Warring States, where shinobi, samurai, and many other types of warriors clashed. This tale follows a man known as Miyamoto of the Five Winds, who fell in battle defending his comrades. The atmosphere is set by music, lively and with great momentum. You're introduced to the characters slowly; Miyamoto, his parents and young lover, his siblings of blood and of bond, his comrades and allies, rivals, and adversaries. It's a large and colourful cast, built up carefully. The costumes are bright and vivid, bombastic in every way. The actors, both male and female for this production, wear kumadori to distinguish themselves and give life to their roles; each colour and style mean something. Dramatic, sweeping red lines go across the white foundation of the actor playing the lead character, representing power and righteous fury. His style of dress is big, with shoulder pads and flowing fabric, sending a loud message of confidence with each polished, vigorous movement.
The actors move around the stage and on occasion strike poses heavy with emotion and meaning. Members of the audience call out words of praise either just before or after the pose is cut, making things more dramatic. Hannah looks at everything with wide eyes, clapping joyfully along with everyone else, and following the actors as they move on and off the hanamichi. She ends up part of the interplay between the audience and the actors, as a few of them note her excitement and give her some extra attention.
The beautiful sounds of the shamisen combine with the energy of the songs and dance numbers that fly across the stage. Miyamoto is embroiled in a minor war with a large gang of bandits; his lover tries to convince him to give up and run away from the conflict, and Miyamoto searches for guidance in nature. One of the kami appears to help him, giving him words of wisdom that he contemplates, represented through song and dance.
As the drama increases, the intensity of the play ramps up. The audience, yourself and Hannah included, are really into it, and the actors are giving it their all each moment. You have to admit, you haven't been this invested in entertainment in a while. This is good stuff.
"This is incredible," Hannah says to herself. "So wonderful..."
Tragedy strikes as Miyamoto's father and siblings are murdered, and his lover kidnapped. He and his comrades decide to take the fight to the enemy, and he leaves an offering for the kami that helped him find his courage once more. The great, dramatic battle is accompanied by sweeping music, driving percussion, and violent yet beautiful dance. Actors appear through trap doors on the stage, emerge dramatically from the walkways, and even fly through the air on wires - the last is definitely stunning for your friend, who is captivated by everything around her and is literally on the edge of her seat trying to take it all in.
Miyamoto makes his last stand, and with a dramatic finish, defeats his enemies before starting to succumb to his wounds. But all is not lost: his lover has given birth to a healthy child, and his siblings-in-arms, all safe because of his noble sacrifice, promise to take care of the family in his place. Miyamoto of the Five Winds is guided to the Pure Land by the kami he conversed with, and the son he left behind inherited his father's great title. With the power of bonds, the legend would never die.
And with that, the play comes to a close, wrapping up with a lively dance number that dries the tears of the audience. The curtain closes to thunderous applause, and as the actors reemerge, roses are thrown towards them and at their feet.
"That was amazing! Amazing!" Hannah shouts happily while clapping. "Bravo! Wonderful, wonderful!"
The lead actor makes his way down the hanamichi, accepting roses and praise, before taking one of them and handing it to Hannah gently. She smiles and mouths a thank you, which he acknowledges before returning his attention to the rest of the crowd.
You leave the theatre a while later, Hannah looking at the program in her hands that was signed by the lead actor. She smiles and wraps it gently in cloth along with her rose, before putting them carefully into her purse.
"That was fun, eh?" you ask her.
"More than that. It was a beautiful experience. I'm so very glad you kept it a surprise." She kisses you on the cheek. "Thank you so much. Tonight was wonderful."
"You're welcome," you say as you take her hand. "It's not too late yet, so we should eat. Three hours is pretty short for that type of play."
"Is it?"
"Yeah. I imagine they tailored it for the urban audience and all, which makes sense. These things used to regularly span the whole day, and in places they still do. Some people would pick which acts they wanted to go to, and left when they wanted," you explain. "If they decided to stay the whole day, there would be meals served in between acts. But even the nominally condensed ones would be about four or five hours. They really streamlined this one, but without losing any of the passion that goes into these productions."
"I see. You do know a lot about this. Have you gone to see many?"
"Not too many, but enough. I've read about it some. Noriko and I used to go with Cadence and her family, since they're high class and all that. They go to kabuki shows to keep up appearances with the samurai class, and Cadence would convince them to get extra tickets. My parents were more into instrumental concerts, the symphony and big bands and all that."
"A rich history. Very interesting to know. Mm...we should do this again, but not too soon. I think these memories will be enough for now...I have wondered about the puppet shows, though. The glimpses of them seem entertaining enough."
"I'll take you to one of those some time."
"Please do. I know that I would have just as much fun as I did tonight. But I am quite hungry, and you promised that I could eat as much as I desired. Shall we go?"
"Yep." You head further up the road, hand in hand. There are a fair number of restaurants and shops still open at this time of night, no doubt due to the regular schedule of the theater nearby which had quite a few patrons.
The place you've chosen has a minimalist front entrance, the front of the building made of plain, smooth stone. A doorman opens the glass doors ahead of you, and you hand him a tip while nodding. The reception area is neatly lit, not too bright and not too dark. It's a sleek black space, with clean leather chairs to sit in. You approach the front desk with Hannah at your side. The man at reception is balding and has made an attempt to dress crisply. He gives you a dismissive look, and you nod to Hannah before she says anything. With an understanding, she nods back and pulls out her compact mirror to occupy herself.
"We've been expecting you, sir." A mature woman in a crisp black shirt and skirt soon appears, her diamond earrings sparkling in the light. She has silky black hair that is bound and resting on her left shoulder. "Did you enjoy the show earlier?"
"I did. Thank you."
"Very good. Madam, I will be serving you both tonight. We've prepared for both of you, since I've been informed you both enjoy cuisine immensely."
"To say the least," you reply with a laugh. "I came prepared to spend a a bit, so it's fine. Thanks again for having us."
"Yes, many thanks for your hospitality. It is much appreciated," Hannah says politely.
"Of course. Friends of Lady Kushina and Madam Haru are always welcome at our establishment. If you would follow me, I'll have you seated. We have chilled beverages waiting as I speak."
She gives the man at the desk one of those 'lips only' smiles, and he tries to hide his cowering as you leave. The interior of the restaurant is lovingly crafted, with precise seating arrangements and high end materials for the seats and tables.
"Tonight's selection of beverages are chilled sparkling juices, for our youthful guests," your hostess says.
"What flavours are they?" you ask her.
"We have two exotic flavours at the table here," she says as you reach the table. She seats Hannah and then you before nodding. "Mango is one of our more popular flavours, followed by papaya."
"Oh, that's pretty nifty."
"Papaya? I've never tried it," Hannah says.
"I'm sure it will be highly enjoyable for you, madam. Please remember, call me for whatever you might need. My name is Saeko, and I will be serving you for the duration of your stay," your hostess says with a friendly smile. "Your menus are in front of you, and I will be nearby at all times. I will be back shortly to check for your orders. Please enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you, ma'am," you say with a nod.
"Thank you very much," Hannah follows.
Saeko nods back and leaves both of you alone. Hannah starts to scan the menu and seems to know what she wants.
"We'll get two or three of whatever you order," you tell her.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Might as well, right? And we eat pretty much the same things, it looks like."
"Mm. I might pick something off the beaten path...but sushi is a must. We'll have a delicious platter for ourselves. I see that they also have torikatsu, so we will order that...soba, too..."
Man. If it were anyone else they'd be sweating on account of their wallet. You simply chuckle quietly and look ahead at the dessert menu, reasoning that there's something new you might want to try. Saeko comes by to check on you and pours you both glasses of the papaya drink. Hannah tries it out and is very pleased.
"What a wonderful drink. It reminds me very much of the summer months, but with a very crisp flavour..." She takes another long sip and nods to herself. "Very good. I've noticed something, though."
"What is it?"
"The way you keep looking at me."
"Oh. I'm just thinking...you're really cute like this, I think," you admit with a sheepish smile. "Seeing you enjoy yourself so much makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside."
She blushes and smiles back at you. "Is that so...well, then. You can expect many more days of this. Because we'll be together, won't we?"
"We will be."
"Madam...there's something that's arrived for you," Saeko says as she appears at the table. Her expression is neutral as she holds a gold bottle in her hands.
"For me? Where did it come from?" Hannah asks.
"A pair of gentlemen some distance away. If you turn to your left, it would be the table nearest the windows."
Hannah sips from her glass again and tilts her head slightly. You subtly follow her gaze to see two young-looking, sharply dressed men enjoying appetizers.
You understand pretty clearly: Saeko would tell them to jump through the window if she could, but she's only a hostess. And you suspect that these guys aren't civilians in the slightest. Personally, at the moment you only feel slightly annoyed that they're trying it.
"As I said earlier, I can fulfill any requests of yours," Saeko says to you. You look over to Hannah, who seems annoyed, but is willing to leave it up to you from her body language. You sigh lightly and resist the urge to shake your head.
---
[] Well, it's wine. You're not going to engage in underage drinking, not in public anyways.
-[] Accept the bottle. It's not a terrible slight and you can give it to Haru later.
-[] Send it back. They might not like it, but who cares, you have no use for it.
[] It's pretty bold to proposition your totally-not-girlfriend while you're sitting at the table with her. Your move.
-[] Say nothing. You just want to eat dinner.
-[] Send a message back with Saeko.
--[] Polite. You're bothered.
--[] Firm. You're not amused.
--[] Aggressive. You're not happy.
-[] Get up and go to the table yourself. It might cause a scene, though.
-[] Let Hannah take care of it herself. This is a terrible option, but potentially highly entertaining.
[X] It's pretty bold to proposition your totally-not-girlfriend while you're sitting at the table with her. Your move.
-[X] Send a message back with Saeko.
--[X] Firm. You're not amused.
[X] It's pretty bold to proposition your totally-not-girlfriend while you're sitting at the table with her. Your move.
-[X] Send a message back with Saeko.
--[X] Firm. You're not amused.
Who are these scrubs? This will prove highly entertaining.
Episode 5.28: New Age of Heroes - At Her Majesty's Pleasure 2 (Second Intermission 15)
It's a little too much to send a bottle of wine to your table for your date, while ignoring you completely. You might be a little annoyed. Maybe.
"Are things alright, darling?" Hannah asks.
"They're fine. I'm gonna send a message back."
Saeko sets the bottle down on the table and takes out a small notepad. "When you're ready, sir." She seems eager to deliver your message, and you're aware enough to guess why. Solidarity is always good. You give her a short message that she jots down.
"Shall I take the bottle back with me, sir?" she asks.
"What do you think?" you ask Hannah.
"Mm. I think our Haru will appreciate it as a gift. The bottle looks exquisite."
"Alright. We'll keep the gift," you announce.
"Very good. I will be back shortly." Saeko walks back to the other table and you wait, sipping at your drink while Hannah continues to look through the menu. Your hostess returns a few minutes later and flips through her notepad before speaking.
"Suffice it to say, the two gentlemen are not particularly appreciative of your response, sir. They wish to air out their grievances with you in person, as soon as possible. I feel that they will make less pleasant arrangements if we let this linger for too long."
"That's unfortunate," you say as you get up.
"Darling, must you go?" Hannah asks, frowning. "I feel that I could take care of the situation quickly enough."
"Maybe, but I've got a stake in this too. It's not about being macho, it's about these guys butting on my time with you. I think I need to take care of it this time. I'll be back shortly."
"Shall I tell the two gentlemen to meet you out front?" Saeko asks.
"Please do. In the meantime, I'll be having whatever my date orders, so you can go ahead with that while I'm out."
"Yes, sir."
"I really feel that I should be at your side, but...it is as you said. There are things you need to take care of alone. Don't be long, Joshua," Hannah says to you.
"Right. I won't be."
Saeko goes to relay your message again, and you head out past the front desk towards the entrance of the restaurant. A few minutes pass and you finally see the two men emerge with Saeko trailing them. You exchange nods before she heads back inside, leaving the three of you alone.
The two in front of you aren't anything terribly special; both wear dark suits and jackets with shirts that are unbuttoned at the top. They have differing shades of brown hair, the taller one with short and dark brown hair, the slightly shorter one with shoulder length light brown hair. And to anyone else, their muscular builds would look intimidating.
There's also the small, but notable enough tell that these are both trained shinobi.
They stare at you for what seems like a long enough time before you get annoyed. "So, do you want to talk or not? Do you have names? Anything?"
"We just wanted to know why you were so bothered back there," the one with dark brown hair says.
"Do you have a name?" you ask again.
"What's it to you?"
"A lot. You know...since you said you wanted to talk in the first place. I'd like to get back inside and eat."
"Your name first."
You resist the urge to grumble at them. "Zeke," you say easily.
"Zeke? The fuck kind of name is that?"
"Mine. Now, do you mind?"
"Kon Narita."
"Juntaro Hori," the longer haired one says.
"Fine. What do you want?"
"We simply wanted to know what your issue was, and why you had to send such a hostile message to our table," Kon says.
"My issue is that you made a pass at my date. I didn't think that was something that needed to be explained. I have no idea what your endgame is."
"We wanted to show our appreciation for natural beauty," Juntaro says smugly. "Do you have a problem with that, Zeke?"
"You should have sent two bottles, then. As she tells me, we both look pretty good."
"Well, we'd like the opportunity to ask the lady what she thinks of our gestures. That's why we sent that expensive bottle over in the first place. I'm assuming she wants to keep it?"
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean she has to put up with your attempts at flirting. She's not interested."
Kon chuckles. "That's rich. You sound chivalrous and all, but-"
"What reason do you have to doubt me?" you say with a brow raised. "Like I said, she's my date. We've been out the whole night together. If she were interested, you would have gotten a message back."
"Listen, it's nice that you want to play bodyguard, but I think you'd be better served if you stepped aside and let a real man take care of her."
"Uh-huh," you say, ignoring Kon's weak bait. "Did you call me out here so that I could convince her to get drunk and go home with you? Or is there something else you want?"
"We want you to step aside voluntarily, at least for the night."
"Yeah, I bet."
"If you choose not to, we'll have to use a bit of persuasion," Juntaro says unsubtly.
"I highly suggest you reconsider," you warn.
"And if we don't?" The two take a step forward and stare you down.
"Then you won't like what comes next. I really suggest you not do this." You rub the back of your neck. "This thing where you go around intimidating guys so you can pry their dates from underneath them? Really gross. Especially since you're shinobi of the Leaf."
"I guess we'll have to get unpleasant," Kon says. "Regrettable."
"No. No, you won't be doing anything like that." You let out an annoyed sigh. "Observe."
---
Saeko ran a hand over her blouse to smooth it out before returning to the dining room and her guest's table. Lady Kuiper had sent her orders off, and she was ambitious when it came to portion size. The restaurant could easily accommodate, but...she wondered where all of that food went.
"..."
A strange thing, but nothing to worry about for the time being. Not every one of nature's mysteries was meant to be solved, after all.
"Are you doing well, madam?"
"Certainly. Oh, might we have some more of that papaya drink? It's simply sublime...we might have to carry a few bottles home," Hannah said with a light laugh.
"Of course. I'll bring two more bottles in a moment."
"Thank you very much."
Saeko nodded, turned...and she felt it suddenly.
"What is...?"
A violent chill that made her move back towards the table to catch herself, shaking her from head to toe and making her heart beat fast. A terrible sensation...but somewhat familiar, somehow.
"Goodness. So those two were shinobi after all." Hannah left her seat and gently rubbed Saeko's back. "Breathe, and things will be alright. Focus on the sound of my voice."
The older woman nodded and took deep, calming breaths. Hannah watched over her, giving her hand reassuring squeezes as she slowly calmed down. With a nod, Hannah released her to stand on her own.
"My apologies."
"There's no need for that. Are you alright, Miss Saeko?"
"I am. Thank you...it was just a shock." She looked around at the confused patrons who were settling back into their seats. The other hosts, hostesses, and various staff returned to their places.
"Quite shocking for me as well...but in a different manner. That kind of anger...so sharp coming from him. He must have been quite incensed."
"He...? You couldn't mean..." Saeko watched as the three young men returned from outside, the two shinobi gentlemen looking slightly paler than earlier as they silently went back to their seats.
And trailing behind them was Joshua, carrying a neutral expression as he reached the table and took his seat. "Sorry about all that...the wait, and everything else."
"I hope it wasn't too much trouble," Hannah said to him. He waved it off and finished the remaining drink in his glass.
"I handled it. Let's...just leave it alone for now."
"I understand."
Saeko swallowed the lump in her throat before speaking. "Um...your food should be ready shortly. Is there anything else you would like, sir?"
Joshua drummed his fingers on the table before answering. "Yeah, maybe some tea. Whatever you recommend."
"Understood. I will be back in a moment."
It was...almost perplexing. Saeko walked off to start brewing her guest's tea, glancing over her shoulder to see him casually talking with his date. That intense burst of anger...she had served shinobi as part of her work, even dated a few men in the service years ago. When trained warriors were angry, it was always different. You could at times feel it in the atmosphere.
But this was on another level entirely.
She wondered if that was the reason Haru and Kushina spoke the way they did. A boy...rather, a man with the strength to change the world's flow. Or perhaps she was simply aging and couldn't handle the excitement. Saeko chose to believe in the former.
"Kishin, then..."
The word left as quickly as it came to her. Still...it seemed to fit, somehow. She didn't know why.
In any case, the water had finished boiling. She set to work.
---
"Yeah, we can take home as many bottles as you want. I'm buying, anyways."
"We really should split the bill."
You frown at Hannah. "No."
"You're too much."
You sip at your tea, waiting on your food to arrive. "Yeah, you would say that."
"I mean it, at least a little. Though I'm sure Haru will be comforted by your nature."
"Speaking of her, you think she'll really go for it? I expect some kind of resistance. Maybe more than we're assuming, anyways."
Hannah shrugs. "A test of strength, perhaps? She seems the type. If I had to model her briefly, it makes a lot of sense. Though it wouldn't simply be a test of your convictions, but hers as well."
"Guess it makes sense to look forward to that."
"As one of Kushina's favourites, you should prepare for some interesting maneuvers from her."
"Hm."
"But...that's a subject for another time and place. Consider the woman in front of you for a moment. Although...she would fall under that category, too..."
"She? Category? Who?" you ask.
"Your harem, I mean."
You grumble, realizing she's talking about your hostess. "Never ends with you, does it..."
She grins. "Would you expect less?"
"I shouldn't."
"I know that you don't want to talk about it...but...I want to say thank you. I appreciate what you did for me tonight."
"I appreciate you saying that," you reply. "Just doing my best...protecting someone that I care for a whole lot. More than anyone else."
She gives you a nod as the first part of your food arrives. Really big sushi platters, packed end to end with various shapes and varieties of fish.
"Ah, lovely." Hannah sniffs lightly at the air. "The freshness is evident. And the sauces are made in-house, correct?"
"That is correct, madam. Please enjoy," Saeko says.
"Oh, I certainly will."
Saeko leaves two more bottles of the sparkling papaya juice at your table and takes away the empty one. You sip your tea as Hannah breaks apart her chopsticks and goes for the tuna first.
---
"We simply must come here again," Hannah says as your meal ends. You were more hungry than you thought and ended up matching her pace; Saeko seemed to be somewhere between impressed and worried each time she came back to clear the table.
"We should. Maybe bring the other girls around too. We can afford it, anyways."
"Yes. And we'll be sure to ask for Miss Saeko again. She was absolutely wonderful to us tonight."
"Yep." You push your chair back and reach for your wallet. Saeko arrives with the bill and you glance at it briefly. "Hm. This isn't bad. Those are the regular prices, right?"
"Yes, sir. Madam Haru mentioned that you're quite insistent on paying your fair share, and being generous."
"Yeah, she'd know. But that's all pretty reasonable for an upscale place like this, and with all the food we ate. We'll probably be back before we leave town."
"Excellent. I hope you do get the chance to come by again."
You nod and count the money to pay the bill with, then make sure to add something on top for your hostess. She seems confused by it.
"Sir...we are in an upscale establishment, I understand. But...but this amount for a gratuity, it's far, far too-"
"I think you should leave it be," Hannah says. "He can be very stubborn about these things."
"I'm not," you protest. "Just trying to help out."
"As I said, stubborn. Please accept this gift of ours...you are more than deserving of it."
"Thank you...please, no matter what you might do in the future, be safe," Saeko says. "The world has too few good people as it is."
"We will be," you assure her. "Besides, you'll probably be hearing about us soon enough...we're going to stir up some trouble."
"A hard living, but necessary for the sake of all mortals in this world," Hannah follows. "Whatever faith you put in us will be returned a thousandfold."
"Then I will pray continually for your safety. Have a lovely night, both of you."
"Thanks. You too."
Saeko bows deeply and leaves for the back of the restaurant. You get up and move to Hannah's seat, taking her hand and gently helping her to her feet. She gives you a smile before nodding towards the two punks from earlier.
You and Hannah give them a not-so-friendly wave, and they reluctantly wave back, visibly paling at the sight of you both. Satisfied, you and Hannah leave with your bottles, arm in arm.
---
[] For the last part of the night, dessert. You know a good place for...
-[] Traditional desserts. Simple, no surprises.
-[] Western-style desserts. Decadent, if at times a bit heavy.
-[] There's a shop that serves cake and ice cream. Maybe that would work.
-[] Custom option.
--
[] Was there anything else you wanted to do afterwards? You have permission to stay out late, after all.
-[] Custom option.
-[] No...that should be enough. It's been a wonderful night as it is.
---
Neat. On our way, hopefully everyone's enjoying it.
[X] For the last part of the night, dessert. You know a good place for...
-[X] Western-style desserts. Decadent, if at times a bit heavy.
[X] Was there anything else you wanted to do afterwards? You have permission to stay out late, after all.
-[X] Find a good spot to stargaze together. Shouldn't be too hard to find a high, dark place.
Gave this some thought. The few people who vote here, or lurk even are at home because of turbo virus EX®.
So the floor is open for sidestory/omake ideas that people might have been thinking of. Providing some extra entertainment while everyone is inside. If there's nothing, then I'll see you guys next update.
Sounds good. I'm currently thinking of (and have written one already) some short vignettes with the kids from the final eight with that idea in mind, but if you want anything specific just say so and I can do "episodes" and junk.
Friday afternoon, days after the second round of the tournament finals. Shiori had healed up well enough to go outside, and Junko had picked up some extra spending money from Mei. They went to a sandwich shop and bought two very big sandwiches for lunch, along with potato chips and cola. The day was nice enough for them to sit on the front patio of the shop and relax a while.
"It was a great experience overall. I learned a lot about myself, and about the world," Shiori answered before taking a bite out of her sandwich. "The final round was the best one, personally. I know you enjoyed the second one."
"Heh, yeah. It was pretty nice. Relaxing, almost. You know, even with all the people and things trying to kill you every five minutes."
"You seemed to be in your element there."
"Mm-hm. But you have a point there, sis." Junko took a bite of her sandwich, chewed quickly, and swallowed. "About the tournament being a great experience. I had fun myself. And there were soooooo many incredible fighters! Eh...it's too bad."
"What is?" Shiori asked.
"I was thinking about getting a spar in with Josh...you know, see how much heat he's really packing. Speaking of him, you didn't get your reward."
"My...huh?"
Junko raised a brow. "You forgot? Free ticket to the gun show, yeah?"
Shiori flipped through her memories before coming to a stop, blushing brightly.
"Ah, there it is."
"Listen, you. I'm not...not interested in seeing what's underneath his shirt! It's unbecoming, especially for someone who has new responsibilities."
"Ya sure?"
"I'm sure! Stop trying to corrupt me."
"Mm? I don't think you need any help with that. 'Sides, you're close in age..."
"..." Shiori bit into her sandwich silently and considered Junko's words.
"Then again, I am too. Eh...but the Gold Reaper is hanging off his arm. Sweet mercy, she's sculpted outta marble or something," Junko said. "Her body's ridiculous. And that's sayin' somethin', considering we hang around Lady Mei all day."
"That much is true," Shiori admitted. "She draws the eye to her immediately..."
"Yeah. This world's filled with pretty interesting people, gotta say."
"Then we'll grow strong enough to explore it safely," Shiori said with a smile.
"Yup! Together!" Junko said, smiling back. The sisters touched their sandwich halves together, and continued to enjoy their light lunch.
---
Temari cracked one eye open from her chair as she heard footsteps. Gaara had just stepped down from his bed and was slowly making his way towards the hospital room door.
"Oi. It's not safe for you to go outside."
"..."
Gaara turned in his hospital gown and tried to give his older sister a murderous glare. She passively looked back at him, leaving the two to stare at each other until he finally backed down and returned to his bed.
It wasn't lost on the blonde girl that a week ago, challenging Gaara on any matter was suicidal.
"Kankuro is bringing food for us, so take it easy a while longer."
"I want to go outside. This place annoys me."
"We can go for a walk after eating. Is that okay?"
He grunted at that, which Temari took as a simple yes. She nodded and reached for a magazine on the table beside her.
"Yo, food's up." Kankuro entered the room and threw back his hood, setting his bag with paper take out boxes on the table.
"That was quick," Temari said as she reached for a box and opened it. "Gaara was getting hungry. Where'd you go anyways?"
"Oh, the lady with the blank eyes-"
"The Hyuuga woman who shows up sometimes, yeah."
"Yeah, that's her. She said there was a shop pretty close by that the hospital director likes to stop at."
"Lady Tsunade? Huh. Here, give this one to Gaara."
"Alright." Kankuro passed the box and a pair of chopsticks to Gaara, who hesitantly reached across and took them from him. "Fried noodles. Hope you enjoy."
Gaara nodded and opened the box to eat as his siblings looked on.
"It's been a wild few days," Kankuro said as he took a seat beside Temari.
"Yeah. For sure."
"This...it's nice, though. All the stuff that's gone on...you know what I mean?"
"I know. He's changed, but we have, too."
"Wonder what the old man will make of it." Kankuro took in a mouthful of noodles.
"What he thinks doesn't matter anymore."
Kankuro gave Temari a look.
"I want to move forward with Gaara. That last fight with Haruno knocked something loose in him. He's making his own choices for the first time in a very long time. I'm going to help Gaara. Even if it means I die in the process." She took up noodles with her chopsticks and ate, leaving the words to float through the air.
Gaara slowly ate and considered those words as they reached him.
---
"I'm feeling much better, actually. The first few days were a little troublesome, but nothing terrible."
Rin nodded, looking pleased as she walked along the village streets with Sakura at her side. With the younger girl feeling better, they would get up to some light requests on behalf of Lady Tsunade.
They stopped at one of their frequented herb shops and greeted the elderly woman as they walked in.
"Sasuke is pretty amazing," Sakura said as she looked over a few plants. "Once he turned it on, it was over. I knew that much."
"But...?"
"But it was still a lot of fun to be there. And it was good that I could make you two proud."
"I could tell. It was exciting to see you take out one of the tournament favourites, you know."
"I hope he's doing okay. I mean, not that I like him, or anything...just sucks that he has to go through all of that, with his father and all. Losing his mom, too..."
Rin picked up a plant and indicated to the owner that it was one she wanted. At the same time, she mused over Sakura. Kindness and empathy like that...even after her parents...
"..."
It was a good thing, wasn't it? That she had a heart like his. Even long gone, Obito's spirit was still flowing through the Leaf, bringing out the best in everyone. Or...had she done that herself? She was Sakura's mentor, after all. If it were possible to bring out those qualities in others...a better world wasn't too far away.
"But the power being thrown around is scary. And the technique, too," Sakura said as she turned to the owner, indicating she found a plant she wanted. "If I hadn't drawn Gaara that first round? I'd probably be in a hospital bed right now."
"A little much, no?"
"Oh, come on. Naruto and Sasuke and Hisano aside, what would I do against Hinata, or those Mist girls? Those two are the scariest. Junko going head to head with Sasuke, Shiori just willing herself to move...sheesh."
Rin chuckled lightly as they brought their plants to the counter. "You get down on yourself sometimes."
"I'm being a realist."
"Lady Tsunade got to you, huh."
"She made good arguments..."
"Hey."
"Hm?"
Rin smiled brightly. "I'm proud of you, Sakura. Don't forget that...no matter what happens."
Sakura smiled back, nodding. "Yes, sensei. I will. I promise."
---
"Looks like ramen again today. Well, I don't hate it."
Naruto reached into the kitchen cupboard and stopped when he felt a warm hand over his own.
"Hey, honey."
"Mom!" He hugged her tightly. "Thought you were gonna be gone the whole day."
"Pulled some strings. I wanted to get out of a few of those boring meetings so I could eat a proper lunch for once. You look pretty hungry," Kushina said with a smile. "Stir fry okay?"
"Yup! Though anything you make is good, Mom."
"Yeah, right. Pour it on too much and I'll make it a veggie stir fry."
"Okay, okay. I'm still not into spinach yet, honestly. I'm trying, though..." Naruto let out a sigh as he sat at the table, cross legged on top of his chair.
"I know you are, sweetie. Alright, let me whip something up and then we'll eat together. I have a meeting that I actually can't miss later since your dad's gonna be there."
"Something important?"
"Details to iron out. Serious things...hopefully not too serious," Kushina said as she went through her fridge. After finding the ingredients she needed, she set to work, putting on an apron and pulling the strings tight around her waist. "How have you been, with the tournament and all?"
"Oh, pretty excited! I mean, Shiori was amazing and I'm really glad I got to fight her. Looking forward to beating Sasuke, too! Hehe, he won't know what hit him!" Naruto said with a laugh.
"I'll be rooting for you, like I always do."
"Thanks, Mom. The whole thing's been great, you know? Having to find my way through all those obstacles, fighting to the top, it's been fun and I guess...educational, too. Shiori definitely taught me a lot. And...so did Hisano. Is she okay?"
"She's fine, from what I've heard. Stablizing and just getting back to whatever her normal is." The iron pan sizzled as Kushina placed chicken breasts into the oil. "There's not much that I could do, though...I wish it were different."
"I know. One day, we can change all that. I know we will, Mom."
Kushina looked back at her son, seeing the determination shine bright in his eyes. It was nothing new, but it still made her heart flutter.
Just like Minato, then.
Yes. The future would be in safe hands. And the present...
"..."
Perhaps those children meant to take the world on their shoulders, but they wouldn't be alone. She would make sure of that.
"I would say to you, Naruto..."
"Hm?"
"Be ready to fight for what you believe in. You're still young, but I think that your conviction will be made clear soon. For now, remember that you have everyone's support. Mine especially," Kushina said.
"I'll remember, Mom. Gotta make you proud, right?" Naruto said, flashing a big grin.
Kushina sighed happily. "You already make me proud...every single day. Dummy."
"Hehe!"
---
Hisano sat in one of Leaf Central Hospital's many recreation rooms, watching the television in front of her on Friday evening. It was playing a recording of the previous final round matches, including her own.
That had taken a lot to get through.
But now, holding her stuffed panther, she watched along with Ui Hyuuga as the fights progressed further.
"What beautiful technique," Hisano said as she watched Shiori fight. "So graceful."
"Yes. I agree," Ui said.
"Shiori...Ishikawa. Hm." Hisano squeezed the stuffed animal. "Scary..."
"Is she?"
"Yes. A fearsome warrior."
"Some would say the same about you."
The younger girl looked at her guardian. "But you know better. With the all seeing eyes."
"Of course."
"..."
"You will probably develop an interest in training after this, but curb those desires. Be patient, and follow what is in your heart."
"Because I am human."
"Yes. The boy has given you many gifts. Cherish them."
Hisano returned her attention to the screen, where she watched Shiori battle through her pain valiantly.
In the violent bursts of lightning that came from the Mist girl's form, Hisano found understanding.
---
Targets placed in trees, pierced dead center by multiple shuriken at once. Sasuke wiped sweat away from his forehead as he assessed his work.
Itachi had business to take care of. He usually did. It was fine, as long as it cut into their outings too often.
Sasuke spun to catch the bottle thrown at him. It was filled with juice. "You managed to get off work."
"I skipped a few breaks."
"Mom and that fox woman will kill you." Sasuke took a seat in the grass and Itachi followed, drinking slowly from his bottle.
"They've said as much. You've done good work, I see."
"Not as good as you."
"You're still young."
"Ha. But older than you were." Sasuke took a sip of juice and sighed. "I don't think I'll ever catch up to you. But the chase...it always makes me better as a shinobi."
"And as a person?" Itachi asked.
"You're within arms' reach. And it'll stay that way, or I'll make you regret it. There's a lot I have to learn from you."
"I see."
"But...I don't want any tips on beating Naruto. That's gotta be my own work."
"I couldn't give you something I don't have."
Sasuke thought for a moment. "So that title of number one unpredictable shinobi...not just a goofy boast after all, huh."
"No. Sasuke..."
"Yeah?"
"I'll be proud of you, no matter the result."
Sasuke snorted and laid back on the grass beneath him. "Why tell me something I already know..."
Itachi shook his head, smiling as he looked up at the trees.
---
Neji entered the courtyard and stopped for a while, watching his cousin go through her Gentle Fist forms. Smooth and graceful, as always.
When did she get so strong? He must have blinked at some point and missed it entirely.
"Brother Neji. What brings you here?"
"I came to see how you were doing, Lady Hinata." He produced a towel, which she took gratefully to wipe her face with.
"You know that you can be less formal when we're alone, Brother Neji."
"You first."
"Really." She sighed playfully. "You're my elder brother. That's the way I'm supposed to address you, silly."
"And you are the clan heiress."
"I'm not going to win with you, it seems. How have you been doing?"
"Alright," he said as they walked towards a bench on the far side of the yard. The shade was refreshing and the two siblings basked in it for a while.
"Just alright?"
"Perhaps my pride was wounded, but the pain didn't last too long. That girl was...formidable, to say the least."
"There's no shame in losing to that kind of opponent. Father said the same."
"Yes. Even so, I would have liked to fight for Hyuuga on the main stage. Lady Hinata, you were brilliant. I've watched your match several times, painful as it is to see the ending."
"I would expect nothing less." She gave Neji a smile. "You do dote on me."
"I've wanted to protect you since the day we met," he said.
"Yes. And I will do the same for you, Brother Neji. The future of our clan has already changed, but there's still a long way to go."
He nodded and looked out into the distance. "Then I will be at your side, Lady Hinata."
"Of course. I'll be counting on you."
"Big sis! Neji! I've got cold drinks!" Hanabi called out as she crossed the yard. "Stay right where you are!"
A light breeze rustled the leaves in the trees, shaking one loose. It rode the currents out of the Hyuuga estate, high into the air, and through the village. It spiraled forward, rising, then falling like a feather.
A strong, wrinkled hand let the leaf fall into his palm. He observed it with a smile, lifting his hand and letting another breeze take it away. Smoke wafted upwards from his pipe, and he looked at the village from atop the Hokage Monument.
"Another good day," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile. "The future of this world looks bright indeed...and we will get there together."
