Heart's Treasure
Chapter 1: Honesty
Please enjoy what might be the last of the Kakuzu and Snow's story. I'd like to thank all the loyal readers who have been there since "Kakuzu's Treasure".
Perspectives: Snow and Eiji
Snow's Perspective
"So will you take us in?" I asked.
I have nowhere else to go. I can't take my children back to the Hidden Rain. Its too dangerous.
"Of course", said Eiji.
I let out a breath of pure relief. He got out of bed.
"Did you really think I would reject you?" asked Eiji.
"I didn't know what to think it's been a long time since we last spoke. And I didn't come alone", I said.
I carried both Saizo and Hazel in my arms. Eiji smiled.
"They are part our family. They rest in here no one will disturb them", said Eiji.
I carefully placed my sleeping children into the bed.
"Are they twins?" asked Eiji.
I nodded my head.
"How old are they?" asked Eiji.
"Four", I said.
"There hasn't been twins in our family since my generation. What are their names?" asked Eiji.
"Hazel and Saizo", I said.
"I want you to tell me everything", said Eiji.
"I will", I said.
"I'm sorry for your loss Snow. I know that pain well", said Eiji.
"Please don't mention him. I'm barely staying together", I said.
"How long ago did he pass?" asked Eiji.
"Two weeks ago", I said.
Sapphires fell from my eyes onto the floor. Eiji wrapped his arms around me pulling me close.
"You're holding up remarkably well", said Eiji.
"I have to for them", I said.
"You are lucky you have them to be strong for. I wasn't so fortunate", said Eiji.
He's right I have them. I'd go crazy if I lost them and Kakuzu. I have no idea how Eiji survived such a horrible loss. I would be both physical and mentally shattered if lost both Kakuzu and my children.
"You'll have to wait for that promise. I can't even stomach the idea of allowing another man close to my heart right now", I said.
"I wouldn't expect you to be. Take as much time as you need. I'm a patient man", said Eiji.
"Thank you",
Eiji's door busted open. I pulled away from Eiji. Mari and Kameko came running in. The twins woke up. Mari and Kameko hugged me hard. I had no idea how they discovered my return.
"Why are you back?" asked Mari.
I didn't let my tears fall in front of my children. She frowned.
"Oh, I'm so sorry sis", said Mari.
"Mommy, who are these people?" asked Saizo.
"I am your Aunt Kameko and this is your Aunt Mari", said Kameko.
"And I am Eiji the elder of this family", said Eiji.
"I thought daddy was the elder of our family", said Saizo.
"He was but your family has grown", said Eiji.
"Where are we?" asked Hazel.
"The Hidden Diamond Village our new home", I said.
"I want our old home", cried Saizo.
"Me too", whined Hazel.
They are too young to truly understand.
"It's too dangerous there", I said.
"If it's so bad there why didn't the others come with us?" asked Hazel.
I sat down in bed with them. They were both so confused. This time has been stressing for them too.
"They are powerful ninjas who can defend themselves. Its too dangerous for them to leave the Hidden Rain Village. They had no choice, but to stay", I said.
They were both exhausted and emotionally drained. Hazel and Saizo have gone through far too much for children of their age.
"Shh, go back to sleep you two", I said.
I sang them a lullaby and they eventually fell asleep.
"We can talk in private in my office", said Eiji.
Doku slid down my arm and onto the floor.
"Watch over them", I said.
"Yes Mistress",
Doku slithered into bed with the twins. Hazel wrapped her arms around Doku's neck. Kameko's eyes went wide.
"Doku is no threat to my children", I said.
She took my word on it. We walked into his office and shut the doors.
"This office is sound proof so it is safe to talk", said Eiji.
"Where should I start?" I asked.
"Start at when you the Hidden Diamond", said Eiji.
"It's a long story so I will all go with the abridged version or else we will be here for hours", I said.
"It would be best if we got this done now in full detail. Take as much time as you want. We aren't going anywhere", said Eiji.
I nodded my head. I told them everything and answered every question not matter how unpleasant. I made sure not to reveal anything that would cause problems for the Akatsuki. Even though I'm a retired member I won't do anything that could hurt them. By the time I finished it was six in the morning and the sun was slowly coming up.
"I hate to ask this but how did Kakuzu pass?" asked Eiji.
"On a mission he was killed by Leaf ninja. Please don't make me go into anymore detail", I said.
"I won't but one day I want you to tell me", said Eiji.
I nodded my head.
"What was the mission?" asked Mari.
I gave her a glare and she backed away.
"Snow, when your kids wake up maybe they should meet their cousins. It will a great distraction for them. And your students will love to see you", said Kameko before she left.
That sounded like a good idea. It would be welcome distraction for both my children and me. I was about to leave his office when Eiji stopped me.
"We have to go over your cover story", said Eiji.
"Tell me it", I said.
"If anyone asks about your children's father you will say he was a roaming bounty hunter. You can edit your story to fit that?" asked Eiji.
It's close enough to the truth I can do that. I nodded my head.
"What if someone notices the resemblance between Kakuzu and my children?" I asked.
"Say the man you fell in love with was Kakuzu's son. At his age it wouldn't be overly surprising if he a child or two somewhere. If they ask what happened to him you'll say he went missing hunting a bounty", said Eiji.
Missing it sounds so much better than dead.
"Since Kakuzu has past on we will say he died", said Eiji.
"Can we please say he's missing? It's easier for me to say that than he's-
I couldn't say it. My mouth refused to say the word.
"Dead", said Eiji.
I nodded my head.
"Of course Snow I know how painful this is", said Eiji.
"I hoped it wouldn't happen again", I said.
Eiji gave a deep sigh.
"You should rest", said Eiji.
I nodded my head and got into bed with Hazel and Saizo.
"Where will you sleep?" I asked.
"I have work to do, so enjoy my bed and get some rest", said Eiji.
"Thank you", I said.
"There's no need for thanks", said Eiji before shutting the door.
I slept in till one in the afternoon. The twins slowly woke up.
"I'm hungry", said Saizo.
"Me too", said Hazel.
"How about ramen?" I asked.
They both smiled. Both of them have my love for ramen. I got them dressed. The entire town stared at us as we walked to the ramen shop, but there wasn't a huge crowd surrounding us. This must be Eiji's doing. I owe him so much for taking us in.
"Nice to see you again Lady Minori. I was beginning to think I wouldn't one favorite customers again. And who are these two cuties?" asked the shop owner.
"I'm not cute!" growled Saizo.
"Saizo",
"Sorry mommy", said Saizo.
I ordered three bowls of ramen. They happily slurped up noodles.
"I'd thought you'd be here", said Mari as she came into shop.
She tugged me out of the shop before I could pay.
"Don't worry Lady Minori it is on the house", said the shop owner.
"Thank you",
Saizo and Hazel went running after us. Mari stopped at a house.
"Who lives here?" I asked.
"You and your children do", said Mari.
"This is our home?" asked Saizo.
"Yes", I said.
Mari led us to a backyard with a playground. I saw my students. They've grown so much.
"SENSEI!" they yelled as the came rushing toward me.
I was tackled down in a hug.
"You three have grown so much", I said.
Toshi grew at least a foot. He wore brown pants, black sandals, a green shirt. He's sixteen now. Ryuu's grew taller too. Both of them of them were taller then me. Ryuu's hair had grown longer and now went past his shoulders. He a white kimono shirt with a flame design along the sleeves, black pants, and black sandals. Ryuu was sixteen too. Ren bloomed both physically and emotionally. She wore a pink kimono dress, black tights, and black sandals. She's now fourteen years old. All three of them had a Hidden Diamond forehead protector and black flak jacket they had all past the chuunin exams.
"Where have you been Sensei?" asked Toshi.
"With the man I love", I said.
"Why did you return?" asked Ryuu.
"I lost him", I said.
"I'm sorry sensei", said Ryuu.
I felt tears welling in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Thankfully Ren distracted me.
"Who are these two sweeties?" asked Ren.
"I'm Hazel", said Hazel.
"And you?" asked Ren.
Saizo ignored her and tried hiding behind me.
"Don't be rude introduce yourself", I said as gently nudged him forward.
"Saizo", he said.
"Minori",
I turned to see Taro with his arm wrapped around Kameko's was a wedding ring on her finger. Kameko held a baby girl in her arms. She had strawberry blonde hair and emerald green eyes.
"Who's the cutie?" I asked.
"This is Marigold your niece and her older sister should be here somewhere", said Kameko.
"I thought you couldn't have children", I said.
"I don't know how to explain it. They're my little miracles", said Kameko.
"I'm so happy for you two", I said.
"This couldn't have happened without you", said Taro.
"He's right", said Kameko.
"Who are you?" asked a strawberry blonde girl with silver eyes.
"I'm your Aunt Minori. And who are you?" I asked.
"Hana", said the girl.
She couldn't be more than five years old.
"Who are you?" asked Hana to Hazel.
"Hazel",
"Do you wanna play?" asked Hana.
Hazel look up me. The silent gesture ask if she could.
"Go ahead have fun", I said.
She went running toward the playground. The two of them instantly became best friends. I couldn't help noticing how lonely Saizo looked. He sat alone on a swing. I walked over to him.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I miss daddy", said Saizo.
"I know so do I", I said.
"I never thought you didn't. Mommy you cry yourself to asleep every night it's because you miss him?" asked Saizo.
How does he know that? I'll have to be more careful about that.
"Yes Saizo", I said.
"Maybe if I tried hard enough to get him stay he wouldn't have died. It's my fault", said Saizo.
How could he think this was any way his fault?
"What happened to your father isn't your fault. Never blame yourself for your father's death", I said.
"Are you sure it wasn't my fault?" asked Saizo.
"I promise you it isn't your fault Saizo", I said.
Each of the twins are dealing with their father's death in different ways. Hazel has nightmares and sometime cried for hours. When I told her dad would want her to be happy. She tried being happy not letting sadness pin her down, but she still had nightmares from time to time. She loves to talk about the she spent with her dad. Saizo has a bed-wetting problem ever since Kakuzu past. I never allowed the twins to see much pain I'm really in. I want Saizo to have fun and interact with other children.
"Ryuu, Toshi come here", I said.
They came over.
"Saizo, why don't you spar with these two?" I asked.
Saizo eyes went alight and he smiled. This first time I've seen him smile, since Kakuzu passed. Saizo loves to sparring. Saizo went off with Ryuu.
"Toshi watch them. I trust you won't let things go too far", I said.
He nodded his head.
"Will you be our sensei now that you have returned?" asked Toshi.
"My circumstances have changed Toshi I'm a mother. I can train with you three and teach you what I have learned over the years. You can't ask me to go on missions anymore. If you still want to call me sensei that's fine with me", I said.
"I understand sensei", said Toshi.
"Maybe my temporary students can show you what they have learned in the six years they've spent with. A sparring between you and three would be interesting", said Eiji.
"I would love to, but I want to get my children settled in. This is a big change for them", I said.
An hour later Toshi and Ryuu came back. Toshi was carrying a tired Saizo.
"He's impressive. At four he has the experience of academy student in there last year", said Toshi.
I took Saizo from Toshi arms.
"Did you have fun with Toshi and Ryuu?" I asked.
"Toshi was really fun. Ryuu is noisy", said Saizo.
Toshi smirked. It's nice seeing Saizo making a new friend. I tucked both twins into bed. They were both happy to have their own bedrooms.
"Mommy can you put in the nightlight?" asked Saizo.
"Of course", I said.
"Where's Teddy?" asked Saizo.
"Right here", I said.
He hugged the bear closely to his chest.
"Will Uncle Itachi ever come to visit?" asked Saizo.
Saizo was very close with Itachi. I feel horrible for taking them away from that. If we stayed any longer there would be a high chance of Saizo and Hazel losing more of their adoptive family. I don't think they could handle much more loss.
"He can't come here sweetheart. It's too dangerous for him", I said.
"I thought so", said Saizo.
I kissed him gently on the forehead.
"Goodnight", I said.
Eiji was waiting outside with Kameko.
"I need to show you something. Kameko will watch over your children", said Eiji.
I followed him to a graveyard. We reached the white, which slowly opened. Graves were scattered through the grass. He led me to a white marble tombstone, which read:
A loving father and husband
"I thought this would help. It will give you somewhere to visit. It will serve as a memorial to him", said Eiji.
"Thank you",
Sapphires and tiny gold balls fell from my eye. I'm happy I have somewhere to visit. I kneeled down and dug a small hole at the grave. I placed Kakuzu's forehead protector and Akatsuki ring in it. I covered up the hole and stood back up. I started shaking. Eiji wrapped his arms around me.
"I reserved two places in the kindergarten for Hazel and Saizo. And I suspect later on they will want to go to the ninja academy", said Eiji.
I nodded my head. The idea of my children becoming shinobi made me feel sick. I don't want them to have the same fate as their farther. Both of them wanted to be a ninjas and if truly wanted they would reach their goal. I will support them.
"You don't have to be strong in front of me Snow. I'm not a child", said Eiji.
I wrapped my around around him. He hugged me back. It's so nice to have this comfort . After awhile I pulled away.
"Why is it odd that I had twins?" I asked.
"Like I said there haven't been twins in our family since Hiro and I", said Eiji.
"Did he have long messy silver hair and gold eyes?" I asked.
"Yes, how did you know?" asked Eiji.
"He came to my house right before the twins were born. He said Hazel and Saizo were going to be powerful. He scared me he knew everything about me", I said.
"That doesn't surprise me. He's most likely had an eye on you since you were a child. Did you notice a barn owl or green bird following you?" asked Eiji.
"When I was a slave a barn owl seemed to keep a constant watch over me, but I never thought anything of it till now. That green bird kept a watch over me. It nearly blinded one of my snakes", I said.
"What else did he say?" asked Eiji.
"He wanted me to be on his side. Do you know what he meant by that?" I asked.
"He wants to starts another civil war", said Eiji.
"Why would he want to do that?" I asked.
"He wants to take control over the Hidden Diamond. He's still upset over me being chosen before him. I offered to share the responsibility of ruling the Diamond. It's accustomed for the Hidden Diamond to have two leaders at once. I want you by side watching over this village", said Eiji.
"Why two?" I asked.
"To keep each other reasonable and balanced. It stops the weight of running a country on one person's shoulders", said Eiji.
"I will help you carry that weight if you want me to. How long have you held it on your own?" I asked.
"Seventy seven years give or take", said Eiji.
"How am I related to Hiro?" I asked.
"He's your great, great, great grandfather", said Eiji.
"That makes you my distant uncle", I said.
Eiji nodded his head. He looked stressed.
"Will he do anything to harm my children?" I asked.
"No, he wouldn't dare hurt a member of his family especially twins", said Eiji.
"He wants to start a civil war, but he doesn't want to kill members of the family. How is that possible? I know there aren't many of us, but there's still a chance of some distant relative of ours getting hurt", I said.
"He won't kill his family unless given a very powerful reason. That's a part of what makes him so dangerous", said Eiji.
"How?" I asked.
"Hiro has no qualms about killing those who aren't of the family bloodline. He believes strongly in that the family abilities should stay within the bloodline. Our family been doing this for years", said Eiji.
"Wouldn't that cause a high amount of birth defects?" I asked.
"Our ancestors took that into account. To bring new blood into family half the cousins would marry the out of the family and the other half would marry within. The children that came from parents of the same would be strongly encouraged to marry cousins with a parent that was from outside of the family", said Eiji.
"That's horrible", I said.
"I know but its tradition that been going since before I was born. I want our family to break from it. We need an injection of new blood into this family", said Eiji.
"Yet you married me", I said.
"I guess I am being a bit hypocritical", said Eiji.
"Can you tell me more about the war?" I asked.
"Let's talk somewhere more private", said Eiji.
I followed him into the tomb. It was larger than I thought it would be. Each of the walls held bodies that were incased in diamond, so they would stay forever beautiful. He sat down on a stone bench in the middle of the room and I joined him.
"Why aren't all the bodies in here? Isn't this a family tomb?" I asked.
"This our family's graveyard. Only are kin and the grave keeper is allowed to enter. Some of the stones are only memorials and other times the bodies were too mangled to be encased in diamond", said Eiji.
"Is my mother in here?" I asked.
"Putting her in tomb was the right thing to do. I can take you to her if you want", said Eiji.
"No, I don't think I could handle that right now", I said.
"Where was I?" asked Eiji.
"The civil war and your brother", I said.
"Most of our family supported my brother Hiro. The local shinobi and ones from the Hidden Star, Hidden Sand, and Hidden Leaf supported me. And you know the rest", said Eiji.
"How long did it last?" I asked.
"Four gruesome years", said Eiji.
"How much of the first family is left?" I asked.
"Not many most asked to rejoin under my rule. The extremists and immortals sided with Hiro", said Eiji.
"How did he become immortal?" I asked.
"He killed our sister, but it was a mercy killing. Our sister was deathly ill and didn't want to suffer any longer. I wasn't strong enough to do it. That's when tension started building between my brother and me", said Eiji.
The pain was very present in his voice.
"I should have killed him when I had the chance, but I couldn't even after what he's done to me", said Eiji.
"Why didn't you?" I asked.
"For the same reason I couldn't kill my sister", said Eiji.
After a few weeks everything settled down. The twins had their fifth birthday. The weather was starting to cool. The twins both started kindergarten. They've grown closer to their new family and have settled into a routine. Eiji became a surrogate father to Hazel and Saizo. They miss their dad especially Saizo. Today is Saturday and I finally had the opportunity to fight my students. My children begged me to let them watch and I eventually gave in. They were both excited to see their mommy fight. We went to a clear field away from anything we could cause any real damage to. Eiji sat down with the twins. For some reason he held an umbrella. I tied three bells to my belt.
"Alright you three give me your best", I said.
"We will", said Ryuu.
"Mommy you can beat them", said Saizo.
"Ya mommy!" screamed Hazel.
"Before we get started let's make the rules clear. Ryuu, Ren, Toshi you'll treat Minori as if she were your enemy. You three have until dark to get the bells from her", said Eiji.
I won't be able to be carefree when fight them now. They are more experienced and the three of them have been under Eiji's training for six years. Ren made the first move.
"Black Rain"
Oil started falling from the sky. She's taking a risk by using this move. Ren knows one of my specialties is fire nature. This move would also empower Ryuu's attack. A giant fireball came in my direction. I felt a slight rumbling underneath my feet. My skin turned to diamond as I let the fireball hit me. I pulled Toshi out of the ground.
"Hello Toshi", I said.
Ten clones jumped out ground they wrapped wires around me. There were paper bombs connected to the wire.
"Now Ryuu!" yelled Toshi.
"Dragon's breath"
Fire spewed from Ryuu's mouth. The wires went alight and the paper bombs went off.
"Very smart you three. That ambush could have worked", I said from a tree.
"If you're there?" asked Toshi.
The clone they captured turned into crows.
"A summing jutsu and a substitution jutsu. But how did you have the time?" asked Toshi.
"What fun would it be if I told you my secrets? My turn now", I said.
"Ten thousand snakes",
White snakes came out of the ground and from my sleeves. I made sure they weren't venomous.
"Fuck, where did all these things come from?" asked Ryuu.
"You know I don't like that kind of langue Ryuu", I said.
"Isn't it obvious it's a mass summoning technique of some kind", said Toshi.
The snakes opened their mouths and blades came out of them. Ryuu made the first move, which wasn't unexpected.
"Suffocating smoke"
Smoke came out of his mouth. It was thick and black smoke, which made me cough. It was difficult to breath. A sudden pain took over me. There was a horrible cramping in my abdomen. This isn't from the jutsu. I screamed.
"MOMMY!" yelled the twins.
Eiji's Perspective
Something is wrong. A battle with someone of Minori's experience this shouldn't be a challenge. I ran into the smoke and grabbed Minori.
"What happened?" asked Ryuu.
"I don't think this is your fault Ryuu", I said.
"You hurt her you big butt head!" yelled Saizo before he kicked Ryuu in the shin.
"Aw, fuck that hurts", growled Ryuu.
"Quiet all of you and let her speak", I said.
"Cramping. Horrible cramping", groaned Minori groaned through gritted teeth.
"I'm going to take you to the hospital. Ren take Saizo and Hazel home. Keep watch over them", I said.
"I want to go with mommy", said Saizo.
"Saizo, you have to go home", I said.
"Daddy told me to watch over mommy and Hazel. You not letting me come with you will make me break my promise", said Saizo.
"Your sister needs you", I said.
Hazel was crying uncontrollably.
"I'll watch over your mother and makes sure nothing happens to her", I said.