"Why?"
It's a simple enough phrase. To question things is natural. It shows an interest to learn more. But somehow whenever I ask it, I find myself in trouble. It sets me apart from the other Kitsune in Inari-sama's service. They follow faithfully and without question. I resent the idea that my habit of questioning things is thought to be unfaithful. I respect him just as much, there is no doubt whatsoever in my loyalty. I just wonder why we do some of the things we do. Why do we act as guardians for mortals? Do they really need our help? Why do we watch over several mortals instead of only one? If we come from fox parents why do we look more human-like? And why do we have to wear these ridiculous white robes with stiff collars? There is nothing about this uniform that makes us stand apart from the rest. Or is that supposed to be the point?
I vex my teachers to no end with my questions, but it frustrates me just as much. If they're so smart, they should be able to answer right? But often they either ignore my outbursts or snap at me. The other Kitsune stay away from me, like they're afraid my "rebellious nature" is catching. I try to stay quiet and fit in, but I would always forget myself and blurt out another question, even if it's something stupid like, "I really like your hair this morning Chikae-Sensei. Could you show me how to do that?" I guess that I was born to stand out.
The morning I turned ten was a day I had been waiting for my whole life. It's the day every Kitsune gets his/her guardian assignments. I ran when I received the summons to go to Inari-sama's chambers. I had never met him before now and wanted to make a good impression right from the get go. Once I reached the doors, I quickly smoothed my hair and robes, and pulled some snarls from my busy fox tail. I entered as gracefully as I could, approached the center of the room, and kept my eyes down. Or at least I tried to. Once I caught sight of his elegant robes, I gushed aloud. "Oh wow! How beautiful! I've never seen anything quite so elaborate!"
"Remember your place Miko!" Stern Satoshi-Sensei snapped as he glared down at me from his seat on the pavilion. He acted as secretary to Inari-sama.
Inari-sama chuckled and waved his objection away with a hairy paw. His furry fox face was so kind as he smiled down at me. "Thank you Miko. It's so rare that I get such genuine compliments. Congratulations on your tenth year. As you know it is time for you to serve as my messenger. Do you understand the enormity of your position?"
"I've been told, but I'll admit that it doesn't make much sense," I confessed. "I know we're supposed to help people stay on their destined path, but we can't tell them directly. It has to be through hints. Why is that anyway? How does a hint help? Why can't we-"
I stopped immediately when I noticed Satoshi-Sensei looking ready to burst a blood vessel in his forehead. I lowered my gaze and bowed deeply. "Forgive me Inari-sama. I should not question my role."
He laughed again. "Oh Miko, I wish more were like you."
Instantly I liked him. He didn't seem so preoccupied with all the tedious rules and strict formalities the other adhered to. And he didn't seem to mind my rambling either.
"Yes, there is order and method in what we teach," he said, nodding to Satoshi-Sensei. "But mortals are erratic; they do not seem to realize the precarious balance the world hangs in. One wrong decision and all is lost."
I bit my lip in thought. "But bad things still happen."
He nodded. "Yes, because life has to be balanced. It cannot be too good or too wicked. One cannot exist without the other. We help balance the natural order of things so life can continue on as it should. Do you feel that you are ready for this responsibility?"
Did I ever? I couldn't wait to leave this dreary place! I still wanted to maintain my composure so I simply said yes.
"As you know, you will be guardians to several individuals in the same general geography. Your central area will be in the Country of Fire's Konohagakure, during the shinobi period. I trust you have a knowledge of the shinobi way and technique?"
I nodded. It was all part of physical education and the only class I was quieter in. It's hard to ask questions when you're out of breath.
He looked through some papers before pulling one out from others. "Your first assignment is to watch over young Itachi Uchiha."
Satoshi-Sensei looked startled. "That cannot be! So much rests on his destiny, this requires the work of someone much more experienced! She is not ready for this."
I glared at him. How dare he belittle me in front of Inari-sama! I may not be the best student, but I was hardly the worst one.
Inari-sama's eyes held a flinty look to them and he raised an eyebrow. "You dare question my decisions?"
Satoshi-sama was tongue-tied in his apology.
"I know perfectly well that much rests on Itachi's fate, I am no fool. It is because of its importance that I realize that I can't send just anyone." His gaze rested back on me and he wore a thoughtful smile. "I feel that Miko is the only one who can handle this."
I beamed and my Sensei looked baffled still. "What can she do that the others can't?"
"She can question and think for herself. Sticking by the rules won't help in a situation like this." Then his expression turned grave. "Now Miko, you must understand this principle. Out of all the rules you know, this one must be adhered to: do not connect intimately with your assignments. To do so can have unforeseen complications. We must be neutral in all of our dealings or we compromise our work. Do you understand?"
I nodded. Why did he feel the need to reiterate it? Even I knew this rule was the most important one.
He smiled satisfactorily. "Best of luck to you and enjoy your time on Earth."
