Treasures Of Time
Chapter 11: Generations' Rivals
I'm sorry about the large gaps between my chapter. I've been trying to figure out a new series. Thanks for reading. Please leave a review if you have a chance.
Perspectives: Kakuzu, Saizo, Snow, and Hazel
Kakuzu's Perspective
I finally made it to the prelims. Manzo was already there.
"You're late", he said.
I ignored him. M At the moment the arena was being clean in preparation for the next fight. I was amazed at the damage done to the arena. Did children cause all of this damage? I searched the upper decks for my daughter. I saw my son, but not her. I tensed.
"Where's Hazel?" I asked.
"Hospital", said Manzo.
My hearts raced. My little girl is in the hospital!
"Easy, you look like you're about to have a heart attack", said Manzo.
"How do you expect me to take it easy, when my daughter in the hospital?" I growled.
"A few bruises, maybe a broken rib, over use of chakra, and a seal. Nothing for you to be massively concerned about", said Manzo.
"She's my daughter", I said.
"Yes, and you aren't the only one worried about their daughter", said Manzo.
I looked around Snow was nowhere to be seen.
"You know how much that jutsu take out of her", said Manzo.
I sighed.
"You don't have to feel guilty", said Manzo.
"Why should I not feel that way?" I asked.
"Not noticing she was here. Putting your child first is what my daughter would want. It was the same way with her own mother", said Manzo.
Manzo tensed.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Someone is watching us", said Manzo.
He gestured with head the direction of our watcher. I knew him.
"Shikamaru Nara", I said.
He stood with two members of his squad. My predictions about him were correct. Like his sensei he has large bounty on his head. In the black market bingo book his worth 35 million. I would love another chance at him, but in the life I live now I can't afford such a foolish act. I hold the same feeling toward their Hokage, but there's nothing I can to about the bastard who killed me.
"Do you know him?" asked Manzo.
"Yes, the brat rose through the ranks. Now he's the advisor to the Hokage and has a 35 million dollar bounty on his head", I said.
"Impressive for someone so young", said Manzo.
"Fitting though. I knew the brat would rise", I said.
"From the way you speak of him I can't tell if you hate or respect him", said Manzo.
"Both", I said.
"Can you tell me more?" asked Manzo.
"Another time", I said.
Manzo nodded his head. At that moment a cloud of sparkling white mist appeared next to us. From it Snow appeared. She looked drained. It surprised me that she had enough chakra to transport herself here.
"My treasure", I said.
She gave me a weak smile.
"Our little girl won her match", said Snow.
"I didn't expect any differently. She is our daughter", I said.
Her smile grew proud.
"You should sit my love", I said.
"She's fine Kakuzu. A bit beat up, but fine", said Snow.
"Now its your son's turn", said Manzo.
"Who is he against?" asked Snow.
Her voice was faint.
"Saizo and Mirai Sarutobi please come to ring", said Ryuu.
I tensed. I know that name. I looked down at the child in the arena. She had a slight resemblance to her father. In the back of my mind I knew I should feel some kind of guilt, but there was nothing. I felt nothing for the child and her loss. I felt the pain and regret in my heart of making my children and wife suffer that's all. I hold a special hatred for Leaf. Their ninja cause my family to suffer.
"What is it?" asked Snow.
"I knew the girl's father", I said.
"You can't go into detail", said Snow.
I nodded my head. Especially with enemy near.
"You will tell me later", said Snow.
"I will",
Saizo's Perspective
Both mom and Dad were watching me. Mom looked drained both physically and mentally. But they both looked proud. I hopefully I prove I'm worthy of that pride. I'm glad dad made it in time to see my match. My attention went to my opponent. She looked about elven years old give or take. She had messy black hair and scarlet red eyes.
"Before we begin I'll give you a warming. Give up now or you might not survive", I said.
"You're confidence will be your end. I'm not the one who's injured", said Mirai.
"You may begin", said Ryuu before taking a step back.
"You're the diamond genin who single handily took down one of the other Leaf squads", said Mirai.
"Impressed?" I asked.
"Not really", said Mirai.
"Than what do you think of me?" I asked.
"I think you're one of the most dangerous genin participating in this exam. And that temper isn't a rumor. It could be consider a weakness of a strength if used in the right way. What I find funny is you lost your cool over that weakling girl", said Mirai.
My jaw locked in rage. How dare she insult Mika?! She tried her best.
"Leave her out of this", I growled.
"Oh you have a soft spot for her", said Mirai.
I couldn't stop myself from blushing.
"I won't lose this match your family has caused has cause mine enough suffering", said Mirai.
"What the hell are you talking about?" I asked.
I seriously have no idea what she's talking about did a screw go loose in her head or something.
"You must be the idiot of the team. You're accusing my family of such a thing", I said.
"Your mother and father never told you of your family's criminal past", said Mirai.
I threw a kunai. She deflected it with her trench knife.
"Careful, remember what you said about my temper", I said.
"Aren't you the least bit curious about your grandfather", said Miria.
"Grandpa?"
My confusion only grew. He told me of his past, but he was vague about. I don't think he has anything to Miria or the Leaf.
"He's over two hundred years you can't expect me to know everything about him", I said.
I glanced up at him and he shrugged his shoulders.
"Not him. His name was Kakuzu. A traitor to his village and cold blooded killer. Him and his partner Hidan murdered my father for money. And you're that monster's grandson", said Miria.
I cringed. Deep breathes don't let her take advantage of my temper.
"Your sister even has his eyes", said Miria.
My skin turned to diamond. I charged at her, but stopped a few yards away. The blades of her trench knives were a glow with chakra. I smirked. My diamond skin returned to its normal state. This just got a bit more interesting. Now its my time to use the anger card and the truth. She doesn't get away with insulting my family!
"It wasn't my fault your father was the lesser ninja. My grandfather was the better shinobi", I said.
A woman on the upper deck started crying. She had the same black hair and scarlet eyes as Miria. It must be her mother. A Leaf ninja with a goatee and ponytail comforted her.
"You made mother cry!" she yelled.
"Its your own fucking fault for bringing family into this. Now you've made an enemy. And you might not make it through this battle", I said.
"I was just about to say the same thing", said Miria.
She drew both her trench knives. A dim glow of chakra surrounded them. This will be interesting. Chakra blades are the only things capable of cutting through diamond skin. Two kunai appeared in my hands. We were both close combat fighters. Then something odd happened. Trees appeared in the arena. The cement floor became grass. In the tree I saw little monkeys. Genjutsu. I have to get out here. I tried breaking her flow of charka with mine, but had no success. Long pieces of grass started wrapping around my body. Pain is my only option now. I bit my lip as hard as I could. Blood dripped from my lip. The genjutsu broke, but I didn't move a muscle. I need her closer. I kept my head down as saw her footsteps grow nearer. The sound of chakra running through her blades made me tense. Just a bit closer that's all I need.
"A bit of genjutsu is all it takes to bring down the Saizo of the Diamond", said Miria.
"Come on fuck face snap out of it!" yelled Sterling from above.
I gritted my teeth and forced myself not to react to my teammate. She was finally close enough. I punched her lower jaw with my full strength. Diamond blades jutted out of the ground forming a tight cage around. Miria crashed into them. She got her feet.
"What the hell? You were caught in my genjutsu", said Miria.
"A little pain goes a long way, while dealing with wielders of genjutsu", I said.
She rubbed her jaw. It was already starting to swell. She touched the wall.
"Close combat fine", said Miria.
I smiled just what I wanted. This girl went too far she insult my family and my friend.
Kakuzu's Perspective
A feeling of uneasiness struck me, when I saw the cool anger in my son's eyes. It will be a miracle if this girls survives the battle. But its her own doing for angering him.
"What is it?" asked Snow.
"The look in his eyes", I said.
She gave nodded.
"I know", said Snow.
"Be careful my boy. Your opponent might not be what you expect", I said.
The two clashed against each other. Every time Saizo's made impact his skin would turn to diamond. The girl crashed into the diamond wall. It was obvious multiple bones of Miria's were broken.
"Yield you won't last much longer", said Saizo.
"Never", said Miria.
Whatever happens to the girl now is her own doing. Saizo gave her plenty of opportunities to yield. A smoke bomb exploded in the arena. When it cleared Saizo had disappeared and the cage of diamond blades head enclosed further.
"Where are you hiding you coward?!" she yelled.
Both Snow and I were agitated at that comment. We didn't raise a coward. The idiot girl is mistaking being smart for cowardice. Shadow clones of my son burst from the diamond blades. As she attacked they turned to smoke. She was sent flying in the air as my son burst from the ground. Saizo jumped above her. He grabbed her wrists and put his knee on her back. They started spinning at a rapid speed. The diamond blades vanished. They crashed into the ground. Dust and fragments of rock flew into the air. When it cleared, the girl lay motionless.
"The winner is Saizo. That put an end to the prelims", said Ryuu.
Medics came running into the arena. They rushed the girl out of the arena. I looked at Saizo. It was obvious the battle took a lot of him. Something must have happened in Blood Canyon. I glanced at Snow. She knows something. I'm not the only one who has something to tell.
"Now can rest of winners please come to the arena", said Ryuu.
Children filed into the arena. Four from the Diamond, two were from the Sand, two from the Leaf, and one from the Snow.
"What an interesting group", said Manzo.
"I bet you've seen many", I said.
"So have you my friend", said Manzo.
The kid lined up facing Ryuu.
"Minori", said Eiji.
Snow regained her strength for the moment, but I didn't want her to press herself.
"I'll be fine", she said.
Her and Eiji jumped gracefully. She smiled at the finalist. It was she'd become known for.
"Let me congratulate all of you on making it this far", said Snow.
"The finals will take place in a month. The same trick you've used in this match won't due in the finals. This time will give you a chance to prepare against your opponent and learn some new moves of your own", said Eiji.
"Each of you will drawl a piece of paper from the box", said Ryuu.
Each of the children took did as he told.
"Please start reading your numbers aloud one at a time", said Ryuu.
"One", said Dawn.
"Three", said Sterling.
"Five", said Ritan.
"Four", said Karasu.
"Six", said Snow ninja.
"Eight", said Max.
"Nine", said Saizo
"Seven", said Thorn.
"Ten", said Kuro.
"That means Hazel is two", said Ryuu.
"A reminder children don't waste this time. You'll be surprised how quickly it goes by", said Eiji.
"You may go", said Ryuu.
Saizo's Perspective
The other candidates filed out of the arena. Mom hugged me tightly.
"You did wonderfully Saizo", she said.
When she pulled away it showed how tired she was.
"Mom, are you okay?" I asked.
"Just tired sweetie. I'll be back to my normal self in a few days. Dad can you do me a favor?" asked Mom.
Grandpa nodded his head.
"Can you take me to the hospital?" asked Mom.
"Are you alright my child?" asked Grandpa.
"I'm fine there's no need to worry over me. I want to be near my daughter", said Mom.
"Hazel in the hospital", I said.
"She'll be fine", said Mom.
The two of them disappeared in cloud of sparking mist.
"Is she alright?" I asked.
"You're mom will fine she's stronger than she looks", he said.
We walked out the arena and to he path home, I noticed that dad seem off. He was on edge for some reason and walked close to as he were afraid someone might attack us.
"Dad?"
I didn't get a response from him. I tugged on his sleeve.
"What is it, Saizo?" he asked.
"Is something wrong? I've never seen you this tense before", I said.
He sighed.
"Saizo, I'm fine. I'm the one who should be asking you that", said Dad.
Dad shoved me behind him. He threw several shuriken into the trees.
"There's no need to attack", said a voice hiding amongst the trees.
I didn't even sense a presence.
"I don't trust those who lurk in the shadows", said Dad.
"Fair enough", said the voice.
A man dressed in black with the exception of his yellow jacket walked from his hiding place in the trees. He had dark hair tied in a ponytail and goatee. He put out his cigarette. Dad refused to let me out from behind him.
"I am Shikamaru Nara advisor to the Hokage", he said.
"I am Kazuki keeper of the funds. But you already know that", said Dad.
The man nodded his head. The energy between the two of them was something I've never felt before. They were both ready to kill each other at moments notice. The both of them were only waiting for an excuse. Why are they acting this way toward each other? They hardly know each other yet they're willing to kill each other. We are allies with the Leaf.
"Your son showed no mercy to my student", said Shikamaru.
"It neither my son's or my fault that your student was the weaker opponent. She had an opportunity to yield and she was foolish enough not to take it", said Dad.
"He didn't have the right to say what he did about Asuma. I want him to apologize Kurenai and Miria for the lies he spoke", said Shikamaru.
It was like I wasn't even here. The only acknowledgement Dad made to me being here was making sure I stayed behind him. I didn't make myself known this seemed like a personal matter between the two jonin. I had no idea who this Asuma person was.
"My son spoke no lies. Your sensei was the weaker opponent in the battle between him and my father. And its your student's own fault that her mother cried. She ran her mouth. You should have taught her better", said Dad.
His voice was ice cold and held an edge of anger to it. The dangerous atmosphere broke, when Grandpa appeared.
"Kazuki, its time leave you can finish whatever this was later", said Grandpa.
"Yes, another time", said Dad.
Shikamaru disappeared. We walked in silence. I still couldn't believe the interaction. Never had I seen Dad act like that before.
"How are they?" asked Dad.
"Minori and Hazel are just fine. Both are just exhausted. They should be back home by tomorrow", said Grandpa.
"What about Mika?" I asked.
Both Grandpa and Dad smirked. I rolled my eyes.
"It isn't like that. I swear you two are just as bad a mom", I said.
"There's one difference though. Your mother pry any bit of information out of you that she wants", said Grandpa.
"Can you just answer the question?" I said.
"Your girlfriend will be fine. A few broken bones and an over exhaustion of chakra", said Grandpa.
"She not my girlfriend!" I growled.
Grandpa and even Dad gave quiet chuckle.
"I'll be leaving you", said Grandpa before disappearing in cloud of sparkling mist.
"Dad, are you going to tell me what that was all about?" I asked.
"Another time Saizo", he said.
If I asked anymore it would only annoy him. When he opened the door Kotaro and Rose came rushing to the door. They shot a million questions at me at once. I ignored them. I was tired and all I wanted to do was sleep.
"Shower than I'll take a look at your wounds", said Dad.
I nodded my head. I stepped into the bathroom and turned on the hot water. I washed away the blood and dirt that had built up over the days. When I was done I went into my room and put on a pair of sweat pants. I was so tempted to collapse in my comfy bed. Copper was sleeping at the end of it. I petted his head. Then went into the kitchen where dad was waiting for me. I took the seat in front of Dad. I tensed as his rough hand touched my back. I might not be talking, but I knew he was thinking.
"Dad?"
"These wound are nothing to be concerned about. I want you tell me exactly what caused them", he said.
"It must have happened while I was in Blood Canyon", I said.
Dad gave a deep sigh.
"Look at me Saizo", he said.
I turned to face him, but couldn't meet his gaze.
"I'm not blind Saizo. I know these injuries were caused by snake", said Dad.
"So what if they were caused by a snake. I don't see the big deal its not like I'm going to die from them", I said.
"The blood that runs through your veins prevents almost every snake from attacking you. This wouldn't have happened unless a snake sage sent an attack after you", said Dad.
"I wasn't their target", I said.
"Hazel", said Dad.
I nodded my head.
"You protected her", said Dad.
"Yes, you made me promise I always would. I would have done it anyway", I said.
"Saizo rest, but we are going to talk about this later", said Dad.
"I know",
Hazel's Perspective
When I woke, I saw Mom lying in the bed across from me. My whole body ached.
"Mom",
Her eyes instantly opened. The sleep seemed to her wonders. She sat on the side of bed.
"How are you feeling honey?" she asked.
"Sore",
"That's to be expected", said Mom.
"What are the matches ups?!" I asked.
"You'll be going against Dawn Oshiro in the first round", said Mom.
I frowned.
"I thought you we be happy about going against her", said Mom.
"I am but its just reminds me of Felix. How is he?" I asked.
Mom bit her bottom lip. That wasn't a good sign.
"I can take you to see", said Mom.
She pulled a wheelchair in front of my bed.
"Do I really have to use that?" I asked.
"He's in the ICU and that's on the other side of the hospital. I'm not at full strength yet. This it the best option for the both of us", said Mom.
I nodded my head. My wheeled me to ICU. He was in glass room. Wires were connected to him and there was a tube down his throat. His family surrounded him.
"Do want to go in?" asked Mom.
I nodded my head. She knocked quietly on the door. Nine glowing orange eyes peered at us, when the realized that we weren't a threat they returned to their normal color.
"Lady Minori",
They bowed their heads.
"Please there no need for the formalities. I hope he recover swiftly", said Mom.
"The doctors say he should be out in a few weeks", said Shinsetsu.
"That's good", I said.
"Will he still be able to fight again?" asked Mom.
"Thankfully yes", said Shinsetsu.
Felix's mom was close to his bed. Her long black hair was separated into braids. Four girls with ebony hair dressed in black surrounded the bed. They all wore glossy red lipstick. Each of them had similar features. Those must be his older sisters.
"You must be Hazel", she said.
I nodded my head.
"These are my daughters Valentine, Bliss, Mary, and Joy", she said.
These were all member of the Hidden Diamond interrogation squad and they have names like that. There was something unsettling about that.
"So you're the other sister", said Valentine.
"Other sister?" I asked.
"He thinks of you as a sister and Kuro as the older brother he never had", said Bliss.
"Lady Minori may I make a request of you", said Shinsetsu.
"You may", she said.
"Let me train your with daughter this month", said Shinsetsu.
"It's her choice to make not mine", said Mom.
"Yes", I said.
"But must leave her time to learn from me", said Mom.
"Of course my lady", said Shinsetsu.
The next morning we left for home. I couldn't help looking at Mom she seemed tense and overly edgy.
"What is it honey?" asked Mom.
"Why are you still dressed like that?" I asked.
"Like what?" she asked.
"Like a shinobi", I said.
She frowned.
"I change, when I get home", said Mom.
There was soft sadness to her voice. The rest of the day went smoothly. Mom changed into her normal clothes. She wore a light blue shirt, small yellow sweater, black pants, and a frilly white apron. Her hair was tied in a messy bun. Whatever she was cooking smelled great.
Snow's Perspective
Kakuzu and I settled to a peacefully in our bedroom. We brought the bottle of whine with us. I sipped at my glass of wine. This was one of the occasions, when Kakuzu joined me in drinking.
"Why did you change?" he asked before
"Our children seem to only think of me as their mom not as shinobi too", I said.
"That isn't what's bothering you", said Kakuzu.
"I need to speak with about I saw in Blood Canyon", I said.
Kakuzu gave a heavy sigh.
"I'm no going to like this am I", he said.
I nodded my head, but I have to tell.
"I discovered what Kabuto did with my egg", I said.
Kakuzu took a heavy swig from glass of wine finishing it off.
"What did he do with it?" asked Kakuzu.
"He turned it into some kind of clone. She looked almost exactly like me with the exception of her eyes. They were diamond and slit pupils. She had an encounter with our children", I said.
Kakuzu hands fisted. No, please not this fight again. He must have seen in it my expression. One his threads moved away a stray strand of hair that hid my face. It wound gently around my fingers.
"What did she say?" he asked.
"Her name was Hope", I said.
"I haven't heard that name in years", said Kakuzu.
"Kabuto named her after me", I said.
Kakuzu's arms wrapped around me pulling into his lap. It's been too long, since he last held me like this. He kissed me on the forehead.
"I don't think she was after our children. She was using them as bait to drawl me out. Hope could have done much worse if she wanted to. She told me she wanted to meet her base. I think Kabuto was disappointed at how she turned out", I said.
"What make you think that?" asked Kakuzu.
"She told me herself", I said.
"You'll know they'll have question about her. How are we going to explain this to them?" asked Kakuzu.
I put my head in my hands
"They're so young", I said.
"Saizo and Hazel are all enough hear more of the truth", said Kakuzu.
"You still haven't told me", I said.
"What?" asked Kakuzu.
"How you know that girl?" I asked.
He left the bed. Kakuzu took a brush the desk and painted seal on. It was a muted seal. He placed in door and channeled his chakra into it. Now one would be able to hear what was said in this room no matter how close they were. Why does he just to use it now?
"How do you know her, Kakuzu?" I asked.
"What girl said in the arena wasn't untrue", he said.
"You killed her father", I said.
"Technically it was Hidan, but yes Asuma's blood is on my hands. I don't regret my actions", said Kakuzu.
He looked at me as if he expected me to be upset. Is that why he place the seal on the door?
"I'm not angry with you", I said as ran my hand down his back.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because the death of a Leaf ninja doesn't concern me. That village has taken away far too much from the both of us", I said.
"Even if it leaves a child without a father?" asked Kakuzu.
"They did that to my children without a care. Why should I care if the same is done to their children?" I said.
"That's unlike you, Snow", said Kakuzu.
"And unlike you to feel guilty about such a thing", I said.
He took a breath. I gave him my glass of wine. He finished it off.
"Its Asuma student Shikamaru Nara might be a problem", said Kakuzu.
Shikamaru Nara the only ninja to successfully 'kill' Hidan. His actions also lead to me losing my husband and my children losing their father.
"How much of a problem is he?" I asked.
"Someone we have to keep an eye on. He's dangerous, Snow. The brat isn't like Naruto he's actually smart. He tried to talk with after Saizo's match", said Kakuzu.
"About what?" I asked.
"How Saizo needed to apologize for what he said during the match", said Kakuzu.
"That isn't going to happen", I said.
"Even if we wanted to he's too damn stubborn. Just like his mother", said Kakuzu.
I rolled my eyes. I rubbed my temples. I was on verge of the headache. Tomorrow night I would have to figure out how much to tell my children about Hope. I was brought out of my thought, when Kakuzu started kissing my neck. I moaned softly. What brought this on?
"Our children are safe for the time being. Let our minds off things", said Kakuzu.
He started trail down my body. I was heaven. It has been too long. Our lips met. His tongue traced my lip asking for permission to my mouth. I let it. Our tongues entangled. My arms wrapped around his neck pulling him closer.
"Mistress",
I groaned, when I heard Doku's voice.
"This better be important!" growled Kakuzu in a low voice.
"A stranger from the Leaf is lurking in the shadows", said Doku.
"Who?" I asked.
"The advisor to the Hokage. I don't understand what he would doing here though", said Doku.
Kakuzu got up from bed.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"I have to handle this", he said before leaving the house.
"Doku", I said.
"Yes, Mistress", said Doku.
"Keep an eye on him", I said.
She nodded her head before leaving.
"Don't do anything foolish my love", I said.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I didn't take long for me to find him. He was leaning against a tree smoking a cigarette. The look in his eyes was calm in cool.
"Naruto, was right you look almost exactly like him. It's unnatural", said Shikamaru.
"Boy, what do you want from me?" I asked.
"I'm no boy", he said.
I sighed. He sent a hateful glare in my direction.
"I'm not who you want me to be Shikamaru Nara. I might look like him, but I'm not him", I said.
"That's a lie", said Shikamaru.
I smirked.
"Let's make this hypothetical and what you say were true. What could you possibly do?" I asked.
He couldn't give answer.
"Brat I'll give you this you're clever. You're smart enough to know what powers I hold as Keeper of the Funds. You know the dangers of pursuing this theory", I said.
He nodded his head.
"There's nothing you can do. Now leave", I said.
"Do your children know their father's life is a lie?" asked Shikamaru.
"There's no weight on my shoulders. Now I suggest you leave before I come up with a threat of my own", I said.
"And what would that be?" he asked.
"I'll bankrupt your village. It would take decades for it to get out of the red. Now leave my home", I said.
He left without a word. As he walked away the shadows seemed to surround him.
"Doku, you can come out of hiding now", I said.
She slithered down the tree onto the grass.
"You handled that well", said Doku.
"You say that as if you were expecting differently", I said.
"You have a tendency of losing your temper", said Doku.
I left and returned home. I shut the door silently behind me.
"Daddy?"
Rose was standing in front of me with her blanky in her arms.
"What are you doing up?" I asked.
"I had to go pee, but then I heard the front door open and wanted to see who it was", said Rose.
I took her small hand and led her to the bathroom. I returned to my room. Snow hugged me tightly.
"Did it go well?" she asked.
"As well as it could go", I said.
We both got into bed and let sleep over take us. I woke late in the morning. Today was Sunday so no work.
Snow's Perspective
Hazel, Kotaro, Rose and I were the only ones awake. Hazel was on the couch reading a book. Kotaro was playing chess against himself and Rose was making origami birds.
"Should I wake them up?" asked Hazel as she peaked up from her book.
"No let them sleep. Your brother and father get their rest. They were both under a lot of stress to day", I said.
"What has dad stressed? I would hate for the old man to have a heart attack", said Hazel.
"Will Daddy have a heart attack?" asked Rose.
Tears welled in her eyes.
"I'm not going to have heart attack", said Kakuzu as he came out of our bedroom.
"Are you sure?" asked Rose.
"Yes, I'm sure. That was your sister's attempt at joke", said Kakuzu.
"Sheesh dad would it hurt you to have a bit more sense humor. It isn't like you only have one heart", said Hazel.
I handed him a plate with two blueberry pancakes. He gave me tired smile. I sighed he tossed and turned all night.
"I'm fine", said Kakuzu.
Saizo came trudging out of his room. He wave good morning and took a plate of pancakes before returning to his bedroom.
"Were you like that, when you were his age?" I asked.
"When I had the chance yes", said Kakuzu.
"Hey, mom what were you like, when you were our age?" asked Hazel.
Such an innocent question, but such a terrible answer. I can't tell her that her age Master was thinking of breeding me, so he could curse my children to the same fate.
"Oh sorry mom. I forgot", said Hazel.
"It's okay", I said.
My children make this innocent mistake constantly. They forget I wasn't raised like they were. I'm far from the average mom. I was brought out of my thought, when Hazel hugged me.
"I'm sorry mom", she said.
"I know honey, but it was only simple mistake", I said.
The day went by smoothly. When the little ones went to bed, Kakuzu and I settled in the living room with out two eldest children.
"I know you two met Hope in Blood Canyon. There's no point in trying to deny it", I said.
"Who was she?" asked Saizo.
"And why did she look exactly like you?" asked Hazel.
"Both of those question have complicate answer. I can only give you a fraction of the information you want", I said.
"Why?" they boy asked.
"For you own safety. You two don't know the length your mother and I have gone to keep you from danger", said Kakuzu.
"Tell us we are old enough to handle it", said Saizo.
"You aren't", I said.
The harshness in myself shocked me. I sighed and glanced at Kakuzu. He squeezed my hand giving me the comfort I needed at the moment.
"There will come a time when will tell you everything", I said.
"When will that be?" asked Hazel.
"Probably never", said Saizo.
"Saizo!" scolded Kakuzu.
"Sorry", he said.
"I understand being curious. I really do, but something are best kept hidden for the moment", I said.
I knew they didn't believe that, but this was for their own good. I don't think they are ready to hear the full extent of their parents' past. Especially mine. They have vague idea, but they don't the full story of what I suffered through.
"I'll as many of your questions as can", I said.
"Can you start off with the one we first asked?" said Hazel.
"To who she is she's a creation of a foe from my past. Why she looks like is a somewhat simpler question. Her creator took one of my eggs to use as the base for his experiment", I said.
From their expressions I knew my answer had left them with only more questions.
"Who is this creator?" asked Saizo.
"A bastard who hurt your mother", said Kakuzu.
"Will he hurt us?" asked Hazel.
If Kabuto even tries I will kill him. Or maybe Kakuzu and I would finish him off together. I shook my head. I'm giving more attention than I want.
"Mom?"
"Oh sorry. No he won't harm you if he values his life", I said.
"I can't believe he's alive. If he hurt you I thought dad would have killed him", said Saizo.
"Sadly I haven't gotten the chance. If I ever set eyes on the low life bastard again it will surely end in his death", said Kakuzu.
I kissed him gently on the cheek. He calmed some. Even after all this time he's still holds a grudge. I found that grudge very attractive. There's something nice about knowing someone would kill for you. Kakuzu has proven that already.
"Did she have any effect on you two?" I asked.
"She had an effect on Saizo's seal", said Hazel.
I went tense. She shouldn't have such an ability. My hands fisted this is risk. If she has the power to release the seal it could unleash power that could kill me children.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Snow's body went rigid. Her hair had fallen in her face hiding the change in her eyes.
"My treasure",
"I have to go. We will continue this conversation at another time", said Snow before disappearing cloud of sparkling mist.
"Where did she go?" asked Hazel.
"I can honestly say I don't know", I said.
"How can you not know? You are married to her", said Saizo.
"And she gave birth to you shouldn't know", I said.
He put his hands over his ears.
"I didn't need to hear that", he muttered.
A few hours later Hazel got up from the couch.
"Night", she said before leaving.
Saizo was playing nervously with his fingers.
"What do you want to ask Saizo", I said.
"Is anything she said true?" he asked.
"I helped in her father's death. But every time a ninja leaves their home pose the risk of death. We were opponent. One of us would die and we both knew that", I said.
"I know that, but about you being traitor", said Saizo.
"Yes, I was one, but you have to understanding my reasoning for my actions. I risked my life on assassination mission to kill the first hokage. When I failed in my mission, my village rejected. My village was going to sentence me to death, but your actual grandfather lowered my sentence to life. I escaped and stole the forbidden jutsu of the village and murdered the four elder stealing their hearts to increase my own power", I said.
"That doesn't make any sense", said Saizo.
"At that time failure wasn't option especially in an s-ranked mission", I said.
I got up from the couch.
"You should go to bed", I said.
"Dad, why are you so willing to talk about your past?" asked Saizo.
"Even though I'm decades older than your mother. She has more of a past than I", I said.
"Goodnight", said Saizo.
"Goodnight son", I said.
I waited for Snow to return from wherever she went to. At two in the morning the door to our bedroom opened.
"I thought you would be asleep", Snow as she closed the door.
"I can't sleep, when you're gone", I said.
"Sorry I didn't know", said Snow.
"Where were you?" I asked.
"Out", said Snow.
"Tell me. I'm not going to be upset", I said.
"I went to visit someone", said Snow.
"Vagueness doesn't suit you, Snow", I said.
"The White Snake Sage", she said.
I didn't want to pry further into it than that.
Author's Notes
Match Ups
Dawn vs. Hazel
Sterling vs. Karasu
Max vs. Thorn
Ritan vs. Snow ninja
Kuro vs. Saizo