Treasures of Time
Chapter 1: Friends and Foe
I hope you enjoy this story. This time I am sure in saying that this will be the last story in this series. If you have any questions please leave me a private message and answer as soon as possible. Please leave a review.
Perspectives: Snow, Saizo, Hazel, and Kakuzu
Snow's Perspective
Six years went by in the blink of an eye. Hazel and Saizo my two oldest were twelve years old. They were both extremely curious to who their assigned teammate would be. My younger two Kotaro and Rose were six years old and practically jumping off the wall this week. They were ready for the summer to be over and there first day the academy to start. The day had finally come.
Kotaro was the first to leave his bedroom and run into the kitchen. His white hair was a mess. It was obvious he had put no effort into brushing it. He's a sweet boy, but has he father's short temper. He looked up at me with his midnight blue eyes.
"Morning Mommy", he said cheerfully.
He took a seat at the table. I placed a plate in front of him. Hazel was next to wake and come out of the room.
"Smells great mom", she said.
Her dark brown hair hung in her face hiding her eyes from view. I sighed why must she always wear it that way. She was dressed in a baggy mint green t-shirt with a black tank top underneath, khaki cargo pants, and black sandals.
"I don't understand why you always wear your hair in your face like that", I said.
She shrugged her shoulders and took a seat at the table next to Kotaro.
"You have such a beautiful face I don't know why you hide it", I said.
She blushed. Hazel tucked a strand of stray hair behind her ear. This gave me a view of her face.
"I'll wear it up if you tell me who my teammates are", said Hazel.
"That would ruin the surprise", I said.
"Where's dad?" asked Hazel.
"I sent your sister to wake him up", I said.
"Why would you do that? Rose only falls asleep next to him", said Hazel.
"They'll wake up soon enough. No reason to rush them", I said.
"Will you and dad take us to the academy?" asked Hazel.
"Yes", I said.
She smiled.
"He's still not up yet. Can I do it?" asked Hazel.
"Yes"
She jumped from the table. Kotaro covered his ears.
"SAIZO!" screamed Hazel on the top of her lungs.
Not only did she succeed waking Saizo, but also her father and sister. Saizo emerged from his bedroom. He wore a black hoody, gray pants, and black sandals. He took his seat at the table.
"Hood off in the house", I said.
He did as told. Kakuzu came out of our bedroom with Rose in his arms. Her red hair was in a tangled mess. He tried putting down Rose, but she clung to him.
"Rose", said Kakuzu.
"Daddy", she whined.
Kakuzu managed to pry Rose off of him. She took the seat next to him.
"Are you excited for your first day at the academy?" I asked Rose.
She smiled exposing her two missing front teeth.
"Yep, I'm happy. I'm also happy that I won't have Saizo's problem", said Rose.
That earned her a horrible glare from Saizo.
"Daddy, make him stop", begged Rose as she tried hiding behind him.
"Saizo, don't glare at your sister like that", said Kakuzu.
He rolled his eyes, but stopped his menacing glare.
"I don't know why you are so mad with me, Saizo. I wasn't talking about your bed wetting problem", she said.
Saizo went red. Hazel and Kotaro started snickering. Saizo hasn't had an accident since he was seven, but even mentioning that he once did always got a reaction from him. And his younger brother loved to take advantage of it.
"Stop you two", I said.
But Rose had gotten my interest. If it wasn't that problem she was speaking of what one was it?
"I'm curious though, Rose", said Kakuzu.
"All the girls have a big crush on him and won't leave him alone", said Rose.
"It's either him or Sterling Yamaguchi. I understand why the girls in class like Sterling. He has the whole bad boy thing going for him. But I don't know why they find you so attractive brother. None of them can see how much of an ass your are", said Hazel.
"Hazel!", growled Kakuzu.
He hated it, when she talked that way.
"Sorry dad", said Hazel.
"Neither do I. I would love to know why so I could find I way to repel them", said Saizo.
"That's impossible. You're my handsome little boy", I said as I pinched his cheek.
"Stop it", whined Saizo.
"Fine", I said.
"I'm going to be teamed up with one of those annoying girls", said Saizo.
"How do you know?" asked Rose.
"The way the math works out. Every team will have one female member", said Saizo.
"Or two", I said.
His eyes went wide.
"You wouldn't do that would you, Mom?" asked Saizo.
"I put each of you on the team best suited for you", I said.
"At least give us a hint", pleaded Saizo.
"No",
"Daddy can you tell us?" asked Hazel with her cutest pout.
Kakuzu sipped his coffee and pretended he did hear the question.
"Daad",
He met her gaze.
"That look doesn't work as well as used to Hazel", said Kakuzu before taking another sip of his coffee.
Hazel sighed and her attention returned to her breakfast.
"Then why can mommy give you the same exact look and you'll do anything she says", said Kotaro.
A clever little boy just like his siblings.
"That's different", said Kakuzu.
"How?" asked Kotaro.
"It's just different", said Kakuzu.
"Besides Hazel I've sworn your dad to secrecy. He knows what will happen if he tells you", I said.
"Are going to make him sleep on couch if he tells?" asked Rose.
I laughed.
"No, your mommy would do something much worse", said Kakuzu.
Saizo's Perspective
I wished mom and dad didn't walk us to the academy. We aren't six anymore I don't understand why they do it. She kissed each of us on the forehead.
"Mom stop it", I said as wiped away her kiss.
I heard the other kids laughing. Why does she always have to be so embarrassing.
"You're lucky to have a mom who kisses you goodbye", said Dad.
"I love both of you", said Mom.
"I love you mom", said Hazel.
"Me too", I said.
All of the students ran from the yard of the academy as the bell rang. We filed into the classroom. I stared at the blank chalk board at the front of the room as two girls fought over the seat next to me. While they were fighting, Mika snuck into the seat next me. She has to be the least annoying girl here. She has lavender hair and her eyes are sky blue.
"Hi Saizo", she said in a soft voice.
"Hey",
She wore her normal out fit an extremely oversized green long sleeve shirt with huge pockets, black leggings, and black sandals. Her bangs covered her eyes. As always she had a lollypop in her mouth.
"Want one?" asked Mika as she pulled one from her pocket.
"No thanks",
"Each of you will be assigned to a three man team and will being meeting their jonin today", said Kameko.
"Hurry the fuck up we aren't getting any younger", said Sterling.
As much as I hate Sterling, I do wish she would hurry up.
"What did I say about that mouth!" growled Kameko as she threw a piece of chalk at Sterling.
It hit him square on the forehead. That mouth had landed him in detention multiple times. Sometimes I ended up with him. She regained her composer.
"Sterling Yamaguchi your teammates are Mika Aozora and Saizo", said Kameko.
I banged my head against the desk. Why him? Out of the kids in class why did it have to be him? Was this some kind of horrible joke my mother was playing on me. I rather be on a team with two fan girls than with him.
"You okay?" asked Mika.
At least she seems happy. Mika giggled, when I sat up.
"What?" I asked.
"You have a red mark on your forehead", said Mika.
"That's just great", I said.
"You three go to room 201", said Kameko.
"WHY THE HELL AM I ON HIS TEAM!" screamed Sterling as pointed to me.
"Will you shut up?! I'm not happy with arrangement either", I said.
"Do you really want to know why Lady Minori assigned you to this team?" asked Kameko.
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know", said Sterling.
"You had the worst grades in class, while Saizo had some of top scores in class. Mika was placed on your team because she has to patience of the saint. And she's the only one in this class who could possibly put with your constant bickering", said Kameko.
We went to room 201. I glared at Sterling.
"See anything you like?" he asked.
I rolled my eyes. I don't get him. He has messy dark gray hair and stormy gray eyes. As always he was wearing all black, ripped pants, and a skull t-shirt. His ears were pierced. The door opened. It was Ren. Her long pink hair was down. She wore a light green kimono styled dress, black stocking and sandals. She looked us over.
"Who the hell are you?" asked Sterling.
She was in front of Sterling in a second. Ren flicked him on the forehead sending Sterling backwards. There's no doubting she is my mom's student.
"I won't take that kind of langue", said Ren.
Sterling kept his mouth shut.
"My name is Ren Akiyama. I was trained under both guardians. Now I will pass down that knowledge to you three", said Ren.
"When will we meet you again sensei?" asked Mika.
"Tomorrow at the Grand Disciple Bridge at seven sharp. Those who are late will have a major disadvantage in our training exercise", said Ren.
Sterling and I groaned.
"That fucking early?" asked Sterling.
That earned him another flick on the head.
"Yes, that early. You three are dismissed", said Ren.
Sterling was the first to leave and Ren followed after.
"I'm happy to be on your team", said Mika.
"I'm happy about that too. Out of the girls in our class I like you the most. You've never annoyed me", I said.
Her entire face turned pink.
"You okay?" I asked.
I put my hand on her forehead. No, fever. But why is her face a darker shade of red. She fainted. I caught her before she fell to the ground.
"Mika?",
She didn't wake.
"Shit",
I can't take her to the hospital. It would be a waste of time. She'll wake up in a few hours. I don't know where her house is. I guess I'll take her home. How the hell I am I going to explain this to mom?
Hazel's Perspective
A few more teams were called. Then Aunt Kameko focused her attention on me. I swallowed.
"The next team is Kuro Koizumi, Felix Oshiro, and Hazel. Go to room 204", said Aunt Kameko.
We went to the room and waited for our sensei. Kuro is the tallest boy in class at 5'10. No one ever believes he's twelve. He hardly ever spoke. Kuro has long light blue hair and ice blue eyes. His size intimidates people, but he's a gentle giant except, when he's challenged to a fight. Everyone thinks he's an idiot he just doesn't know how to interact with others sometimes. His clothes were always beat up, because they were handy downs from his eight older brothers.
Felix is the opposite of Kuro. He's short, hyper active, and has a hard time shutting up. In class he never seemed to understand the concept of raising his hand. He also has the annoying habit of saying exactly what's on his mind no matter how insulting it could be. Felix has black spiky hair and bright amber orange eyes. He has the wonderful ability always looking on the bright side. Other than that I don't know much about him.
"So big guy who do you think it will be?" asked Felix.
"Don't know", said Kuro.
The door of our room slid open and Toshi came in. He pushed up his heavy circular glasses to get a better look at us.
"My name is Toshi Moto I'll be your sensei. We will start tomorrow at eight. Don't be late or you'll regret it", he said.
That was brief, but that was to be expected from him. Toshi didn't like wasting time on formalities. But he becomes extremely polite, whenever mom is around.
"See ya later", said Felix as he rushed out of the room.
"I wonder where he's going in such a rush", said Kuro.
"Who knows", I said.
"Hazel come here", he said.
I walked closer. He turned me so my back was facing his chest. His large hand easily worked through the tangles in my hair and put it into a bun. I couldn't stop myself from blushing. I was grateful that I wasn't facing him. He tied my hair with a white ribbon.
"I used to do this for my little sister all the time", said Kuro.
"I didn't know you had a sister", I said.
I'd seen many of his brother roaming around the village, but I'd seen a sister.
"She died", said Kuro.
"I'm sorry",
"Don't apologize it was a long ago", said Kuro.
"If you don't mind me asking how", I said.
"She was a sickly child, but she was as sweet as sugar. My sister died of her illness. She dreamed of becoming a ninja. Since she couldn't follow it, I followed it for her. Hazel, you remind me so much of her. I think you and her would be great friends", said Kuro.
"Thanks", I said.
"You should wear your hair up more often. Having it in your face like that give you a disadvantage in battle", said Kuro.
"Oh",
"And your eyes are nice", said Kuro before leaving.
Nice? Normally, when people compliment someone's eyes they are pretty or beautiful, but nice.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I went to pick up Rose and Kotaro from the academy.
"DADDY!" they screamed as they came running toward me.
If only my two oldest were this happy to see me. They were becoming more and more like teenagers.
"How was your first day?" I asked.
"Good", said Rose.
"How would you know? You fell asleep in class", said Kotaro.
"I didn't mean too. Don't be angry", said Rose.
She was on the verge of crying. I have no idea why she's so sensitive. Nagato or Konan never acted like this.
"You're such a cry baby", said Kotaro.
"Am not", said Rose.
"Are too", he said.
"Am not!"
"Stop fighting", I said.
"He started it", said Rose.
"No she did!" growled Kotaro.
"I don't care who started. I'm ending it", I said.
My words went completely ignored. All four of my children have a mastery of ignoring me.
"I said stop it", I said in a lower voice.
Rose started crying and Kotaro went quiet.
"Now what do you say to your sister", I said.
I kneeled down, so I was at eye level with them.
"Sorry", said Kotaro.
"Stop crying", I said as I wipe away her tears.
She sniffled.
"You mustn't let every little thing get to you. Not every moment's problem is worth your tears", I said.
"I'll try daddy", she said in a quiet voice.
I got to my feet. She reached up for me. I picked her up. We walked down the main road of the village. I stopped when I saw him, the blonde haired brat who killed me.
"Daddy?"
His eye went wide. He was charging at me with same attack that killed me.
"NARUTO!"
Fast. I grabbed my children and pulled them close. My skin hardened. I braced myself for impact, but it never came. When I looked, I saw Snow. Her skin was diamond. She had a death grip on the brat's wrist. His attack deflated. Her chakra was powerful enough to overwhelm his draining the attack of its power.
"No one threatens my family", her voice had a chilling coolness to it.
She threw him out of the village. Then went chasing after him. I have to take care of the two children clinging to me. I'll let her take care of the brat. Snow chased after him. Both the children were to shaken to talk.
Snow's Perspective
I chased the idiot who attacked my family in the middle village. My hand wrapped around his throat holding him the air. His pathetic attacks were useless against my skin. Snakes slithered down my arms tying his wrists together. More of them followed draining away the boy's chakra. I wanted to squeeze the life out of him for what he did.
"How dare you hurt my family!" I growled.
I heard footsteps from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Eiji and Kakashi. Both looked stressed.
"Minori, you have to let him go", said Eiji.
He didn't let the stress in the situation seep into his voice.
"He should die for what he did", I said as I tightened my grip around his throat.
"I don't disagree, but now isn't the right time to kill him", said Eiji.
"I think it's the perfect time to kill him", I said.
"Mommy don't!" screamed Rose.
My eyes widen, when I saw my daughter. Why is she here?! This isn't a safe place for her. How did she get away from Kakuzu?
"Why aren't you with your father?"
A few seconds later Kakuzu appeared behind her and scooped her up in his arms. She struggled against him and managed to free herself from his embrace.
"Let him go please. He's horrible man yes. So let him live with that. He will always be known as the man who tried killing two children and their daddy. Everyone will consider him a monster", said Rose.
Is this a six year old talking? I dropped the boy. He landed on the ground gasping for breath. When I looked at Rose, she was terrified out of her mind. Kotaro was clinging to him. He was crying. I picked her up. She wrapped her arms tightly around my neck and hid her face against my neck. They are going to have nightmares tonight. I glared at the boy and then his sensei.
"I thought the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village would have better disciplined students. Attacking innocent children in the middle of a busy village. How stupid can you get? I can't believe you are actually considering this idiotic irresponsible boy for Hokage, Kakashi. You know his actions are cause enough for war", I said.
"I apologize for my student's actions, but please there's no need for threats", said Kakashi.
"Look, lady I wasn't attacking your kids. I was after that man", said Naruto as he pointed to Kakuzu.
My body tensed.
"That attack could have killed not only my husband and children, but villagers too. I'll make sure every village knows what you did. I could destroy the Hidden Leaf Village if I wanted to", I said.
"Where do you get off threatening my village like that?!" growled Naruto.
"Naruto be quiet. The two of them do have that power. We are still in millions of dollars of debt to them", said Kakashi.
"Our allies will support us", said Naruto.
"Yes, the key word is our allies'", I said.
He glared at me with those bright blue eyes.
"Clueless. Where do you think must of the funding for the war came from?" said Kakuzu.
"All of our allies are indebted to the Hidden Diamond. They will turn against the Leaf if war were to breakout between our villages", said Eiji.
"You don't know them. They are my friends and would help us protect the Leaf", said Naruto.
"Even the most powerful friendship can be bought out with money", said Kakuzu.
"Then you have no idea what friendship is!" spat Naruto.
"Yes, what you say is true, Naruto. There's no denying the bonds you've formed with the other villages. Every village leader would do what's best for their village, even if it means going against a friend. Siding against the Diamond would put want they strive to protect at risk", said Eiji.
"You're wrong", said Naruto.
"Brave and stupid is a dangerous combination", said Eiji.
"What did you call me?!" yelled Naruto.
"Was he not clear you're a fool", said Kakuzu.
Rare a moment of agreement between Eiji and Kakuzu. Two of them share a love the village and family. Both them would fight like hell to protect them.
"Must I explain it to you?" asked Eiji.
Naruto's dumb expression answered his question. Eiji sighed.
"Let me give you an example of what this village could if we pleased. If you asked the Hidden Sand for support and they agreed. I would dam the river supporting them. They would last two weeks at the most before surrendering. I hope now you realize just how weak of a position you're in", said Eiji.
"You wouldn't be that cruel", said Naruto.
A coolness took over Eiji's expression. I've only seen that expression once or twice in my life.
"I'm an immortal boy you have no idea what cruelties I've inflicted over the years to ensure the continued survival of my village. I've made villages rise and fall by my hand. If you continue these foolish actions the Hidden Leaf Village will join the list of the fallen. With your actions today you've marked yourself has the most hated village amongst those of the Hidden Diamond. I'm sure the Hidden Stone Village will be happy to be relieved of that title", said Eiji.
"Naruto",
He made the mistake of looking me the eyes. The image of his death flashed before his eyes. He went to his knees and started shaking. The boy threw up because he was in such fear.
"That and much worse will happen if you ever threaten my village or family again. I would be very careful if I were you. Remember I have an eternity to make your life a living hell", I said.
My words didn't seem to faze him in the least. Does he not think my threat is real?
"You died", said Naruto as he pointed to Kakuzu.
"You're confusing me for my father Kakuzu. My name is Kazuki. You should have used your head before endangering my family", said Kakuzu.
"You look too much like him", said Naruto.
"Many children resemble their parents", said Kakuzu.
Rose squirmed out of my arms.
"Leave my daddy alone!" she screamed.
"Can't you tell he's not your dad kid? You don't look like either of your parents", said Naruto.
Rose broke into tears. A large diamond hit Naruto in head making a massive lump appear.
"Don't ever make fun of my sister you big butt head!" screamed Kotaro.
He tried charging at Naruto, but Kakuzu stopped him. He picked up Kotaro. He struggled madly in father's grasp.
"Shh, little one. I'm alright", said Kakuzu.
Kotaro sniffled and calmed down.
"Kazuki",
Kakuzu responded to his fake name.
"Call in Lady Tsunade's debt with interest", said Eiji.
"It would be my pleasure", said Kakuzu.
"Can we go home, Mommy?" asked Kotaro.
"Of course", I said.
We went back home. Rose and Kotaro had fallen asleep. The stress of the day tired them out. I opened the front door and was shocked to see Mika lying on my couch. Saizo sat on the armrest watching her.
"Saizo?"
"I swear I didn't do anything. She just fainted", he said.
I gave Rose to Kakuzu. He put them in our bedroom.
"Tell me what happened", I said.
"I told her I liked her the most out of the girls in class. Then she just fainted. I really didn't see the big deal", said Saizo.
So smart yet so clueless at the same time.
"She'll be fine. Give her twenty or thirty minutes then she'll wake", I said.
"You can't tell a girl like Mika someone like that", said Hazel as she came in through the window.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?" I asked.
She gave an annoyed sigh and ignored me. Her hair was tied into a messy bun with a white ribbon.
"Your hair looks nice that way Hazel. Who did it?" I asked.
"My teammate did it", said Hazel.
"Was it the hyper active jitter bug or the block head?" asked Saizo.
"Don't call him that! He's really smart and sweet, when you get to know him. Kuro used to do this for his little sister's hair", said Hazel.
I knew they wanted to talk about their teammates. It would be a nice change from the focus of I know Saizo will have many complaints about being partnered with Sterling.
"What happened to those two? I've never seen them so scared before", said Hazel.
"An idiotic brat named Naruto tried attacking me and your siblings", said Kakuzu.
"Isn't he going to be the next hokage", said Hazel.
"Yes", I said.
"By why would he attack you?" asked Saizo.
"He's an idiot", muttered Kakuzu.
"Is he still going to be the next hokage?" asked Hazel.
"Sadly yes", I said.
Saizo punched a hole in the wall. I couldn't get angry with him. He was scared and worried, which in turn made him angry. Saizo doesn't understand. I hugged my son.
"It's alright. I won't allow anyone to harm you. All of you are safe", I said.
When I looked over at Hazel, she was crying. I released my embrace around Saizo and pulled Hazel close.
"Are you sure you're okay, Mom?" asked Hazel.
"Yes, I'm fine and so are your younger siblings. It takes a lot more than that to kill me", I said.
I wiped away her tears. They need a distraction.
"Now tell me about your day", I said.
"Why did you team me with Sterling?" asked Saizo.
"You need to control your temper", I said.
"No, your mother and I agreed to this teaming. You must learn control it. Trust me boy having a temper can be a deadly flaw. You can lose everything you love if you aren't careful", said Kakuzu.
Oh Kakuzu. I hugged close.
"I love you", I whispered in his ear.
"But it isn't fair", whined Saizo.
"You are a smart boy aren't you, Saizo? At least your father and I raised you that way", I said.
He glared a me, but I saw spark of thankfulness in his eyes.
"Yes, I'm smart. I have the best grades in class", said Saizo.
"Hey, are grades were the same", said Hazel.
He rolled his eyes.
"You got a B in math", said Saizo.
"And you got a B in Ninja History. So I think we are even", said Hazel.
This was the verge of a fight between the two of them.
"You're both smart. I trust the both of you are intelligent enough to use the genin in your squad to your advantage", I said.
"A challenge", said Saizo.
"Yes, you can see in that light", I said.
He started fiddling with the necklace Itachi gave him. Saizo always does that, when he thinks of the past.
"He reminds me of Hidan", said Saizo.
I sighed. He knows never to mention that name outside this house.
"That's part of the reason I paired you with him. Your father and his partner hated each other, but they fought perfectly together", I said.
I could see Kakuzu was edgy from the attack. The reminder of his own death was never an easy topic for him. Kakuzu had only managed to stay this calm for the sake of our children. He got up from the kitchen table. I sighed as he left the door house. The slammed loudly. It fell to the floor.
"Where's daddy going?" asked Rose.
"You should be in bed", I said.
Instead of listening to me she climbed into my lap.
"Felix reminded you of Uncle Tobi. But what about Kuro?" asked Hazel.
"Kisame", I said.
"Mommy, whose Kisame? Is it another name for Hazel's toy shark?" asked Rose.
"Yes", I said.
Both of my older children understand the reasoning for this. Neither Rose or Kotaro know nothing of my adoptive family. They're still too young to understand their mommy's past and for now I want it to stay that way. I do miss my friends. Rose sat in my lap.
"Saizo?"
He looked into the living room and smiled, when he saw his teammate woke up.
"Nice to see you're up Mika", said Saizo.
"Oh dear. I'm sorry Lady Minori. I didn't mean to faint", said Mika.
"It's okay my dear. Why don't you take her home Saizo", I said.
He nodded his head and left with his teammate. The day went on.
"When is dad coming home?" asked Hazel.
"I'll get him he should have had enough time to calm down by now. Watch your sister and brother", I said.
"Sure, how much are you going to pay", she said.
I flinched sometimes she can be too much like her father.
"They're your sibling and your over worked mother is asking you for a favor", I said.
"Fine", sighed Hazel.
I knew exactly where Kakuzu was. I appeared in the old quarry. He sat on the large square limestone.
"Feel better?" I asked.
He gave a slight nod of his head. His knuckles were covered in limestone dust. I sat down next to him.
"Kakuzu",
He didn't respond. The man was so deep in thought he didn't even notice I was there. I sighed maybe I can shock him out of it.
"I'm pregnant",
No response what so ever.
"I've been having an affair with Eiji. I'm not sure if it belongs to you or him", I said.
What the hell?! Normally, that would get a response from anyone's husband especially mine. I pulled down his mask and kissed him. He pulled away.
"Are you actually pregnant?" asked Kakuzu.
His voice seemed clouded.
"I'm not. I only wanted to shock you out of the state you were in. Please tell me what's wrong", I said.
"I was put in a position where I couldn't protect my family. This body isn't what used to be", said Kakuzu.
"A little more scared, but just as handsome as always", I said.
"Snow, this isn't even truly my body", said Kakuzu.
"Yes, I know but you are still my Kuzu. I will always love you", I said.
"I'm their father", said Kakuzu.
"Yes, and nothing will ever change that. You protected them from attack that they couldn't avoid", I said.
"I know that pain of that attack. It rips away the flesh and destroys the body to the cellular level. Kotaro would have been okay, but Rose even with earth spear protecting her she would have suffered", said Kakuzu.
His large hands were fisted.
"Rose, isn't mine. But the girl has grown on me. I want to rip that brat apart for harming our family", said Kakuzu.
"They are safe my love. Our children are safe and so is our village. They want to see their dad and I want my husband back at home", I said.
He smiled.
"I love you", I said.
"I love you too my treasure. Let's go home", said Kakuzu.
When we got home, all our children were there and awake. Rose ran to Kakuzu. He picked her up and held her close.
"Daddy, where were you?" asked Rose.
"I just need time to cool down", said Kakuzu.
He put her down. The day went by smoothly, until the night came. Screaming woke the whole house.
"You get Rose. I get Kotaro", I said.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Saizo peaked out of his room to see what was going on.
"Dad?" he asked.
"Most likely a nightmare. Go back to bed", I said.
I went to my daughter's room. She was crying. I turned on the light and saw she wet the bed.
"I'm sorry", she said.
"It's alright Rose", I said.
She wiped away her tears.
"I didn't mean to cry. I'm trying to be tough like you told me to", said Rose.
"Times like this it safe to cry. Now go to the bathroom I'll met you there", I said.
She got out of the bed.
I stripped the bed and shoved the sheets in the washing machine. I bathed and dressed her. I picked her up and placed in my bed. Kotaro and Snow were already sleeping. Soon Rose fell asleep, but I couldn't. I went out on the deck. Manzo was smoking. He put it out, when he saw me.
"You didn't have to put it out", I said.
"I can tell you don't like it. None of my family will enjoy it, but they are worried about my health. For you its another reason", said Manzo.
"Brings back unwanted memories", I said.
My biological mother used to burn me with them, when she thought I did something wrong. Thankfully, the mother of my children is a treasure amongst women.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" I asked.
"I could as you the same question", said Manzo.
"You know my reason", I said.
"Screams like that bring back very unwanted memories. Attempting to sleep would be a waste of time. You should at least try you have work in the morning", said Manzo.
"So do you", I said.
"Heh sometimes babysitter and guard to my daughter who is perfectly capable of protecting herself", said Manzo.
"We both know you love it too much for you ever to consider it a job", I said.
"I would lying if I said otherwise. What do you think of your children's teammates?" asked Manzo.
"The Sterling boy will bother Saizo, but Snow was right in putting them together", I said.
"I feel bad for that poor girl. Having to balance those two personalities will be a constant job. I'm thinking Snow saw a great bit of herself in Mika", said Manzo.
"Yes, they are similar in away. She reminds of Snow, when she was younger, but she grew out of that phase", I said.
"Yes, with those two as her partners she'll grow into a strong woman. What do you think of your daughter's teammates", asked Manzo.
"I trust my daughter she's an intelligent girl, but I don't trust them", I said.
"Give the boys a chance", said Manzo.
"What if it were a young Snow in her place? Would you trust them with your daughter?" I asked.
"I see your point, but I trust you with mine", said Manzo.
"You weren't there for most of it", I said.
"Do you think I lost track of my daughter, when you accidentally grabbed the bag where my daughter was resting", said Manzo.
How did he know about that? Snow isn't one to tell that part of our story so easily.
"Why would you let her join a criminal organization? I would do never allow Hazel to do such a thing", I said.
"It was a better life than I could provide her with. I didn't have the strength to protect her. When I saw the way you gazed at her, it remind me of the way I looked at my beloved. At that moment I know she was in safe hands", said Manzo.
"Daddy?"
We both turned to see Kotaro. His midnight blue eye were hazy with sleep.
"Go back to bed", I said.
"I heard voices", said Kotaro.
"It was only me and your father", said Manzo.
"Grandpa, I thought old people were suppose to sleep a lot more", said Kotaro.
"Got back to bed", I said.
"Why can't I stay out here with you and Grandpa?" asked Kotaro.
He'll fall asleep soon enough no point in arguing. I nodded my head. The front door opened again.
"What are you three doing out here?" asked Snow.
She was tapping her foot against the floor.
"You two bed now", said Snow.
I picked up Kotaro.
"Why does grandpa get to stay up?" whined Kotaro.
"Because grandpa is my dad and can't tell him what to do", said Snow.
"You do that all the time though", said Kotaro.
"Bed now",
Snow settled Kotaro in our bed. His eyes slowly shut in sleep. I got into bed with them. Snow pulled Rose close to her. She ran her finger through Rose's red hair.
"When do you think she'll figure it out?" asked Snow.
"Her differences are obvious. I think she'll figure it out soon enough", I said.
She sighed.
"I don't think she'll care. You raised her well and your the only mother she's ever known", I said.
"I love her", said Snow.
"I know and importantly she knows", I said.
"Before forget you have a meeting with Eiji tomorrow morning", said Snow.
I didn't feel like arguing about this. I closed my eyes and waited for sleep.