:::{A World Only We Know}:::
"The best-laid schemes of mice and men go often askew and leave us nothing but grief and pain..." - J. Steinback
21 ~ Tools and Vessels
I watched the scene from a faraway place, existing in between the space of memories and dreams. The white painted walls were familiar, something that once belonged to me.
The room, the bed, the posters, and the window scene were all so familiar. A home calling without a home. But my eyes could only watch the two before me. A girl and a boy, filling the room with a soft glow of fleeting happiness. They laid on a familiar bed, covers thrown to the ground as the two curled into each other.
Something in my heart twisted as I finally made out their laughter and words. The boy's laugh came from deep within his chest, a silent rumbling that shook his body. He curled one arm around the midsection of his companion, her laughter breathing light into the room. Her fair hair fell over her face, but he simply tucked the strands away, leaning over her before rolling them so they faced each other. One of his arms cushioned her head as the other one reach forward so his palm could cup her flushed cheeks.
His warmth seeped into me. My vision blurred even as the scene continued.
"Are you done yet," he asked after their laughter quieted, moving closer until their foreheads met. She only laughed at him and scooted away, pushing his arms from her as she sat up. When he attempted to follow, she shook her head. With her right index finger, she poked his chest, forcing him onto his back as she leaned over him. Her hair waterfalled around his face, dark sapphire eyes meeting brown ones.
"No," she answered, breath catching in her throat as she choked back laughter. "Because you're lying to me. You have to be."
"I'm serious," a grin played on his lips as he laid beneath her. "His name really is Thao."
"No it isn't; it's Thor," the reply came with an eye roll as she laid down next to him, pulling him to his side so they faced each other again. "It's been Thor since we were kids, Xen."
At the sound of his name, my vision cleared and I felt as everything disappeared around me, the room focusing solely on them, or more specifically, him. I took in his face, painting into my mind the way his mouth curved when he smiled and the way his eyes crinkled at the side. I hadn't seen his face in so long. I took a step forward, my body suddenly existing when it hadn't before. I blinked, looking down at my hands. They were rough; calloused from training. Kinnara's hands.
Blinking again, I looked up when I heard - my heart twisted once more - his laughter and his soft reply, the sound of his voice comforting amidst the familiar scene.
"Well, what if I told you my name really isn't Xen? At least, not with an x."
The reaction of his companion was quick. She sat up, a frown marring her face as she narrowed her eyes at him. He reached for her, slowly mimicking her as he sat up too so they faced each other. She swatted his hand away and instead, poked his cheek before grabbing his hands.
"What do you mean your name isn't Xen?"
He shrugged, looking down at their hands. "Same thing that happened to Thor. I mean," he shrugged again, "my mom didn't know much English at the time. She didn't know the difference between 'x' and 's' so when she said Ceevn with her Hmong accent, the people recorded an x. My mom didn't know any better so she just accepted it."
It was like a far away memory replaying in front of me.
"So you're really Sen, not Xen?" I watched as her - mine, no. not . no - her eyes were wide now.
The memory tugged at my conscious, my eyes blurring as I took in the scene. I remember this. I remember him. I remember us.
He grinned. "Yup," popping the P as he scooted closer to her. At her frown, he cocked an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
Without answering him, she took a pillow and chucked it at him before grabbing another pillow. She threw herself down, falling face first into it as she turned away from him. Something was mumbled even as his laughter filled the room. He tugged the pillow away from her face and rolled her over so she faced him. She snatched the pillow back, frowning up at him as he leaned over her, arms on either side of her head.
"What was that?"
She brought the pillow up to her face again, dark sapphire eyes looking up at him as her arms squeezed the pillow to her chest. "I said," she breathed out as she lowered the pillow from her mouth, "my life has been a lie. Thor is actually Thao and you're actually Sen... yea, it's a lie. A big fat lie." She emphasized the last three words, her eyes closing as she frowned.
Her reply elicited a laugh from him. I watched, something growing inside of me - jealousy? - as he lowered his body over hers.
"No. Not your life," he whispered before lowering his face and kissing her softly - my lips burned - as he murmured against her lips, "just me." She let go of the pillow, arms circling his neck as she pulled him in for another kiss.
I turned away, hands trembling as I ran fingers through my hair. But I could hear her reply, her voice - my voice - soft and playful as she whispered between kisses, "Just you."
And I reached for them. I wanted to warn them. I took a step forward, stomach lurching as my feet touched air and I plummeted-
I awoke with a start, my body warm as sweat coated my skin. I gasped for air, eyes wide open as I clutched at the covers. I blinked, trying to understand where I was and as my vision returned to me, I took in the stale brown room. It was familiar, but not the familiar from my dream - memories - and there was no glow of fleeting happiness, no sound of laughter nor the rumbling of his laugh. The room left behind only a somber echo.
My lungs burned. Coughing and gasping for breath, I curled against the wall, eyes squeezed shut as I wiped away tears I don't remember crying. My body shook as I called out to someone, anyone. I wanted Gaara.
I wanted-
"Kinnara," came a familiar voice as a shadow fell over me. I cringed back into the wall, hands moving away as I blinked up. The Kazekage. How long has he been here? "The guards called for me when they sensed your distress."
Ah. Everything returned to me then. My punishment. The golden plaque. Shukaku. The world stilled as I stared up at him, breathing softly as my lungs took in the much-needed air. Trembling still, much to my shame, I tried to relax, shoulders slumping as I turned my gaze away to look at the only window in the room. It was still night, opening on dawn as amber lights with blue shadows crept across the horizon. Another shaky breath in, another out. I turned back to the Kazekage.
"I'm fine. Just a ni-dream." It wasn't a nightmare. Just a dream...a sad, sad dream. At the furrowed eyes and frown, I knew he didn't believe me. I quickly changed the subject, inwardly grimacing as I said the name, "are we still meeting Yuura?"
"Councilman Yuura," Rasa emphasized with a slight twitch at the lack of honorifics, but I knew he also saw the obvious conversation shift, "will be here soon at dawn."
I pointed to the window, the sky painted in splashes of dark and gold with the rising sun. "It's dawn. He's late." I talked quickly when I saw another twitch from him, getting my words out before he could speak. "Are you sure someone who lacks respect for time should be my new watcher? I mean, Chiyo-baasan always gets up early even if she's crazy for doing so and I don't blame Yuura. I mean, I could do for another-"
"Kinnara," his stern voice broke through as he rubbed his brow, "the council has made their decision. It is final. Councilman Yuura," he emphasized once more, "was chosen for his objective stance in your punishment. While I agree that he may be young and not as experienced as Chiyo-baasama, he is the chosen candidate by the council."
I looked away, feelings churning inside me as I held back my words. If there was anyone I hated in the Narutoverse, it was Yuura-sleeper-fucking-agent who got Gaara killed. At the thought, my blood ran cold. Shaking, I turned back to him, ready to call Yuura the foulest names. At his stern eyes and pursed lips, I kept my mouth shut.
"Fine, I'll meet him once." I've already come up with a plan anyway...not the best or safest one. It was a bet. But one that could save Gaara in the future. Maybe. I closed my eyes, rubbing my head. Too many changes, too many timelines. Butterfly effect and all that what not. "Please, just leave me alone." I didn't look at him as I curled back into my blanket, turning my back to him as I stared at the bare wall.
I heard him hesitate, his breathing soft as he paused for a minute. When he walked away, I waited until the door clicked shut before I sighed.
Shukaku, I called out as I closed my eyes, fingers clutching at the covers. I reached for him, remorse filling me at the lack response. Ever since I awoke, I haven't been able to talk to Shukaku. Whatever seal Chiyo used, it's closed our connection. I could still use his chakura, but it didn't respond the same. It used to thrum with energy, sometimes a small burn when I called for too much, but it'd always been a potent and lively thing. It held his emotions, from the irritation of being stuck with me, the annoyance of humanity, and the despair of his captivity. But the rush I felt now, was covered in muted colors, silent as it flowed through me.
I waited in vain, only sensing a garble of emotions from within. Sighing, I focused back to the wall. I wish I had Shukaku now. While he's always been a big grump, he's also been a good person...err, bijuu, to bounce ideas with.
It's been lonely. But the isolation was something I could handle. My isolation reminded me of the time I spent among the stars, existing alone in the cosmos until I became Kinnara. But the dreams... without Shukaku, all I've done is dream and remember. And remember and remember and remember.
Breath hitching, I curled into myself as my eyes squeezed shut, tears suddenly seeping through my lashes. The dream. It was from our happier days. The memory achingly familiar even though all I can remember now was just a faint echo.
Since my isolation, the dreams have been getting worse. Maybe it was because of the Chunin Exams, creeping closer and closer. Or maybe it was due to the absence of Shukaku from my mind. Maybe it was both. Turning onto my back, I stared up at the ceiling, my mind whirling.
The Chunin Exams. Sand Invasion. Orochimaru. Naruto and Team Seven. Canon was catching up to me. If there was anything I could trust to be the same, it'll be whatever was happening in Konoha.
Sitting up, I stared at the ground as I threw my feet over the bed. Sighing, I ran a hand through my hair, combing through the long strands. It's reached the bottom of my back now. My 'prisoners' have deemed that I cannot be trusted with anything sharp.
My mind went back to the previous thoughts, though.
I really missed Shukaku, but more than that, I needed someone to talk to. I needed to come up with a plan. I couldn't let the Sand Invasion happen. I couldn't let Rasa die. At the thought of his death, my heart twisted and I slowly stood up. My feet carried me to the hollowed window. The sun was rising steadily, lighting the horizon in flames.
I had a plan. It was risky. It could backfire and I could die. Oddly enough, the thought of death did not scare me. I would welcome it, in fact. Eyes closing, I leaned against the wall, my body taking in whatever sunlight I could. The sun's rays bathed my face in warmth, light pressing against my lids as I kept my eyes closed.
Death wouldn't be so bad... but I knew that was also just me taking the easier path. Eyes opening, I blinked against the light before turning away.
It's been long enough. I've wallowed in my guilt long enough. Chakura rushing to my hand, I waved at the wall around my room. The thin layer of sand I've left behind disappeared and I stared at the uncovered wall of names. Names - names I've memorized and cried into the night when I knew no one would hear me - stared back at me.
"I'm sorry," I whispered as I stepped away from the walls until I could center myself in the room, "but I have to forgive myself now." My stomach rolled, chest suddenly heavy as I felt tears bite their way into my eyes. Breathing out heavily, throat constricting, I swallowed hard. "I will never forget your names... and that I am the one who took you too soon from this world." From those you loved.
Besides the dreams, this had also been the hardest. The guilt and the grief of so many lives lost. Chiyo was right. I had to take responsibility for what I've done wrong. Life wasn't just about how we dealt with what happened to ourselves, but also how we dealt with what we've done to others.
For the first week alone, I spent time writing all of the names. At least the ones I remembered. Then I tallied all of the ones I couldn't. Some days, I got lost in their names. Some days, I cried myself to sleep knowing that the ones they loved would never see them again.
I thought of Xen. I thought of my old life and the life I led now. So many lives to save, so many death that will happen if I just stayed silent, wallowing in my guilt.
Ukeru. I needed to accept this and move on.
I needed to be strong.
Breath shuddering, I took one last look at all of the names, spinning in a circle. With a wave, the names began disappearing as sand danced around the room, sweeping the names into the air. When the last name disappeared, I could only stare at where it used to be.
The memory of it burned into me. I knew it was gone, but I couldn't unsee it... I couldn't unsee them.
I don't know how long I stood there, just staring at the wall. My mind was faraway. Scheming, mourning, and lost somewhere even I couldn't follow. I felt like I was dreaming, my mind existing among layers of fog.
It wasn't until someone called my name, a hand touching my shoulder, that I jerked awake. Breathing out softly, I blinked. Sand danced at my feet and I slowly calmed it with a gentle nudge of chakura.
"Councilman Yuura is here, Kinnara," my father's voice - was that hesitance I heard? - spoke softly to me. There was a silence that followed his words before I could fully comprehend it. With one last look, I turned away from the wall.
"Okay." I didn't say more and he didn't ask. It wasn't his way, after all. Instead, he simply narrowed his eyes, lips pursed together, before nodding.
"I'll bring him in a bit," came his curt response. "Get dressed." Whatever concern he had felt disappeared as he trailed away from me and out the door.
I looked out the window again, the weight of my decision suddenly a bit lighter. After all, I couldn't accept the alternative. Not if I can help it.
Sighing, I made my way to the drawer.
...
Two weeks later...
(Suna)
Kankuro grunted as he shoved the drawer shut, eyes glaring into the mirror. He sighed, studying his face before lifting up the brush and beginning the first stroke under his eyes. The soft bristles caressed his face as he smoothed it across his cheek, following a pattern he knew by heart. Lips pursed, eyes unblinking, he continued. The only sound in the room was the gentle movement of the bristle.
He blinked when he finished. Dipping the brush into the cup of water next to the mirror, Kankuro never looked away from his reflection. Setting the brush aside to dry, he finally broke away from his own gaze, eyes shifting over to his hood. His hitaiate faced him, flashing in the brief sunlight as Kankuro grasped it. Staring down at the hood, Kankuro took in the Sunagakure symbol.
They were leaving Suna. He'd never left the Land of Wind before. Blinking, he slipped on his hood and slowly stood up, packing away the brush and pouring out the red stained water. With meticulous care, Kankuro strapped Karasu onto his back before snapping up the painting case. Producing a sealing scroll, he moved everything he needed in. Packing the scroll away, he walked out.
Closing the door behind him, Kankuro paused as Gaara exited from his own room. His little brother looked up at him, their eyes meeting.
"Ready to go, Gaara," Kankuro asked as he made his way to his brother.
Slowly, he reached a hand out and grasped Gaara's shoulder. He glanced only once at the gourd on Gaara's back, before meeting his brother's eyes. Gaara ignored the sideways glance and instead, curtly nodded, lips and face expressionless.
"Where is Temari," the younger sibling asked instead as he looked away from Kankuro.
"Here," Temari answered as she appeared around the corner.
Teal eyes skimmed over the hand grasping Gaara's shoulder briefly before moving past the two. "Come. Everyone must be at the gates by now."
Temari moved across the living room, opening the front door. Kankuro squeezed Gaara's shoulder before letting go and followed Temari. The three Sand siblings made their way out of their home and started dashing towards the gate. Within minutes, the three were at the gate. Yashamaru gave them a small smile as he greeted them, Baki simply nodding at them. Kankuro's eyes furrowed as he scanned for his father within the faces of the surrounding ninjas. The group this year was large.
It had to be though, he thought to himself. He tsked underneath his breath, remembering the meeting with their father a week ago...
"Do you understand," their father spoke with a clear voice, eyes stern and face hidden from them as he was wearing his full kage uniform.
Yashamaru stood next to him, his face hidden behind a mask too. Baki stood behind Yashamaru, his face hidden also. The two jounins looked straight ahead as if the news was nothing surprising.
Kankuro was frozen, eyes wide as he stared at his father in shock. Temari was not faring any better next to him, but she at least masked her shock as quickly as it came. Swallowing despite the sudden dryness of his throat, Kankuro quickly glanced at Gaara. His brother was, as always, expressionless. The only sign of his surprise was the slight turn of his lips. It was Gaara who spoke first, his soft voice revealing nothing.
"Do you think it wise to betray a Sanin? And Orochimaru of the three," Gaara blinked as his eyes met their father's. Temari and Kankuro shared a look of surprise. How and when did Gaara study up on the Sanins?
Their father's watched only Gaara when he replied with an even voice. "I've been forewarned about trusting snakes. You should know more than I, Gaara, since," he blinked, "the warning came from the only known seer in Sunagakure."
Seer?! Kankuro jerked, eyes snapping onto his father.
He heard Temari's quick inhale of breath, but he dared not look away from their father. He saw from the corner of his eyes, Gaara's body turning away from their father. Rasa never looked away from Gaara even as his youngest son was suddenly scowling at Yashamaru.
"How could you," Gaara breathed, voice wavering with something Kankuro knew to be the first sign of Gaara's anger.
He quickly reached out, uncaring of the sand for once, and laid a hand on his brother's shoulder, gentling squeezing. He whispered his little brother's name softly, before stepping back as he finally eyed the whirling sand around Gaara.
Yashamaru finally looked at Gaara, but it was Rasa who spoke. "The seer came to me, revealing their identity for the sake of Sunagakure."
The three siblings stiffened, emotions finally unable to be contained. Temari frowned, fist clenching as she looked between Gaara and their father. Kankuro sputtered as he whirled to his father.
Gaara was frowning, eyes creased together. "For the sake of Sunagakure," he repeated slowly, eyes studying his father.
"Yes," Rasa paused, eyes looking past them. "For the sake of Sunagakure."
Temari and Kankuro frowned, eyes watching their father. While their father was strong and they did not doubt his skills, Orochimaru of the Sanin was not someone to be reckoned with.
Gaara took a step forward. "Kinnara," he began but was quickly cut off by Rasa.
"Cannot be pardoned by the seer. Do you understand, Gaara?"
Kankuro frowned at the words. He glanced at Gaara, his little brother's face falling back into an unreadable mask as he stared at their father. Kankuro looked over and met Temari's eyes, his frown matching hers.
What did this have to do with Kinnara?
...Kankuro sighed as he crossed his arms.
A seer, huh.
Seers were rare, if at all possible. They were things of myth, like that of the legendary Rikudou Sennin. They were discussed only through stories and lores. He turned to Gaara, but stiffened as soon as he saw where his brother was looking. Temari came to stand next to him, also studying their brother. Gaara stood with his body facing the gate, but his head was turned, dark cyan eyes staring over at Kinnara's tower.
Kankuro looked past his brother and stared at the dark hollow indent that was supposed to be a window. He grimaced at the thought of his sister, the bright and idiotic brat, barely having any sunlight. Fingers clenched tightly against his side.
"Gaara-sama, Temari-sama, and Kankuro-sama," Baki whispered as he came up to them, frowning, "the group is moving out..." His voice died though as he turned to where the three were looking. "We must go." The last part was a soft whisper.
Kankuro was the first to turn away, his eyes meeting those of their new sensei. He grunted as he turned back to his siblings. Temari stepped forward, both hands moving slowly to Gaara's shoulder as she grasped him with gentle hands. She leaned in, head bowed over Gaara's as she maneuvered around his gourd.
"Remember," she whispered, "Kinnara will follow us there. We will meet her in Konoha."
Kankuro blinked, swallowing whatever words he wanted to say and instead nodded. "Yea, nothing will stop the brat from watching us become chunins, Gaara."
Temari stepped back and Baki moved on, leaving the three alone. Gaara nodded absently before turning forward. His face, right before it was masked, revealed raw emotions that made Kankuro flinch. But like always, especially since Kinnara's punishment, their brother turned off everything and was back to an indifferent doll.
"Let us go," was whispered without any emotion and Gaara passed the two.
Temari quickly followed. Kankuro sighed and with one last look to the tower, ran after his siblings.
...
Rasa's arms were crossed as he stood overlooking the camp. They've only reached the edge of the Land of Wind. Dark eyes looked up at the setting sun, brows furrowing together. The desert nights were cold and he could already smell the earthy scent of smoke and fire in the air as his people set about making camp. Usually, travel between the hidden villages would be short and without breaks, but Rasa needed his people well rested and supplied before they made their way to Konohagakure. They will arrive on time; they just left a week earlier than expected.
He closed his eyes. He made out the different signatures around him. His golden sand had already scouted the area and if needed, would be able to create the first protection for his people in an attack. He listened to the sound around him and it was only when someone approached him, did he tense up.
"Kazekage-sama," came a familiar voice from behind him.
Rasa's eyes slowly opened. He frowned at the sudden blackened sky, the sun already gone except for the few remaining wisp of amber on the horizon. He lowered his head, eyes flashing as they reflected the many flames within the camp. Already, people were settling down, a few still around the bonfires of their camp and conversing. Yashamaru came to stand next to him, studying the camp also.
"Are those on the first watch ready for their post?"
Yashamaru shifted his feet, "yes. The first watch will begin promptly, Kazekage-sama."
There was a moment of silence before Rasa spoke as he checked their surrounding. "How long have you known of her abilities?"
Yashamaru stiffened, eyes glancing over at Rasa before looking away. His mask covered his face, indigo eyes watching as the sun sank into the earth. "For a while now," he whispered.
Rasa shifted, arms uncrossing as they fell at his side. "How reliable are her predictions?"
"Very," Yashamaru replied with no hesitance. "Do you still doubt her, Kazekage-sama? Even after Yuura?"
The older man briefly squeezed his eyes, rubbing his brow slightly before his arms fell back to his side...
"I don't like him." Rasa paused at the sudden disdain he heard in Kinnara's voice when the door closed, Councilman Yuura leaving the room. He had just introduced his daughter to the younger man. Yuura has been with the council for a few years now. A very loyal shinobi and he was well liked by civilians and ninjas alike.
He studied her, taking in the frown and hard eyes that did not belong on her face. She suddenly looked years beyond her age.
"Your feelings hardly matter with the given circumstances," Rasa replied and fought down the flash of guilt at the sudden hurt that crossed her face. "He will be in charge of your case from now on, Kinnara. The council have found that Chiyo and Ebizo are too attached to truly determine your state of mind—"
"The same council that has allowed you to make deals with a snake?"
Rasa stiffened, eyes sharpening. He turned his body to fully face her. Indigo eyes met his with an unreadable determination, a frown on her lips. There was no question as to who the snake was.
Fingers flexing, Rasa reigned in his surprise. "And how exactly have you come about this information?" He wasn't even aware she knew who the Sanin, much less Orochimaru, were.
"I need Yashamaru here first before I explain," she replied, the air stilling around them even as sand danced across the floors.
Rasa blinked.
It's been months since Kinnara has come into contact with anyone but himself and the two elders. Yuura was the first and that was only because he would be in charge of his daughter's punishment and psychological analysis from here on out.
A frown slipped onto his face once more at her request. "You know that is impossible, Kinnara. Your punishment still holds you to isolation until you have been deemed safe."
There was a moment of silence as she took in his words. He watched as her eyes squeezed closed, her body turning away from him and revealing only her back. He was tempted to walk over, but whether to demand how she knew about Orochimaru or to comfort her, he didn't know.
He studied his daughter's back.
His youngest child; the most troublesome, but if he had to admit, the one he held the dearest. While he did not favor any of his children over the other, the one in front of him reminded him the most of his late wife. Definitely in looks, but also in nature. While his wife had always been quiet, he could see the same fire that his wife had in the daughter in front of him.
Breath catching, Rasa tried to ignore the sudden tightening of his chest. Even to this day, the thought of Karura made him want to tear the room apart and lose himself in its ruins if it would only allow him a brief moment of solace.
His eyes closed briefly as he remembered the moment they realized Karura was carrying twins. The unborn baby girl, troublesome even in the womb, had hidden herself until only a few months before birth. It'd complicate matters, especially with the scramble to make a new seal for Shukaku. She was the unexpected one, but Karura had been happy at the prospect of two babies.
However, that happiness had been eclipsed by fear. She'd been hesitant in turning one child into a jinchuuriki. It'd caused a rift between their relationship, their last few precious moments together spent in silenced tension. It'd made losing her all more painful.
"If you wish to continue making deals with a snake," her voice brought him out of his thoughts and his frown deepened at her next words, "then what about making a deal with a demon?" Kinnara was looking out through the hollowed window as she said this, body tense and there was a slight shake in her shoulders.
Rasa held off his objection at hearing his daughter refer to herself as a demon. It didn't sit well with him. Karura would never—
Fingers clenched, he hid his hands behind his back. He couldn't let these thoughts plague him. It would do no good.
"Kinnara," he began, but flinched at her next words.
"Yes or no, Kazekage-sama?"
Rasa felt his whole body shiver at the tone of her voice. It was the first time he's ever heard her refer to him by title, her tone apathetic and holding none of her familiar antics.
His title sounded more of a mockery instead of an honor. Yet the only one mocking him was himself as he realized that hearing that title from her lips did not leave the satisfaction he thought he would feel.
Instead, he was oddly hollowed.
"Yes." It wouldn't hurt to hear her out. He should have known better, he later mused. But in that moment, he could only stare at her when she began speaking.
"The councilman Yuura is a sleeper agent," Kinnara's voice reached his ears, but her words scrambled in the air, his mind unwilling to actually connect the dots due to its absurdity yet the seriousness of her words contradicted his thoughts, "I am unsure of who exactly he works for except that it involves a red scorpion and blood-stained sand."
Rasa's jaw clenched, eyes furrowed as a sense of dread filled him. But he let Kinnara speak, studying her intently.
"You don't have to believe me now," she whispered, finally turning to face him. Her eyes watched him without any emotion and she didn't seem surprised at whatever she saw on his face (probably disbelief), "but if I am right, you allow Yashamaru to visit me and I will tell you how I know about Yuura and Orochimaru. Deal?"
...and it was a deal he couldn't back out of even if he wanted to.
First, while the idea of Yuura as a sleeper agent was absurd, Rasa could not ignore the vague description of a symbol that any Suna jounin knew by heart: a red scorpion and the trail of blood-stained path left in his wake...it could be no other than Sasori of the Red Sand.
Sasori was one of the most wanted Suna rogue ninja. Arguably, he had the most on his head in the Bingo books under Suna's list. There was a reason for that. Any threat of Sasori was a threat to be taken seriously.
And so, within the hour, he had Yuura detained and examined. This had needed to be done quickly and silently. There were faked records of the councilman needing to travel to the capital for government matters.
When the memory-concealing mark was discovered by some ninjutsu specialists at the end of the week, Rasa had Yuura executed on the spot. It would have been impossible to discover if Rasa hadn't known what to look for.
The council was in an uproar about the execution, but after the revelation of his status as a sleeper agent for Sasori of the Red Sand, all argument ceased even if it was through tight-lipped indignation. The council was more upset at his lack of consultation than the actual execution itself.
He'd refused to name his informant and instead done what Kinnara asked. Yashamaru had not been surprised when he was called upon to visit Kinnara and when everything was out in the open, to say he was shocked was an understatement.
Still surprising him to this day, he mused to himself.
Kinnara as a seer connected the dots for him. Her ability to know things that she shouldn't know and it explained the mask she wore to hide her knowledge. It was agreed upon that only a select few can know about her abilities: Yashamaru, Chiyo, Ebizo, and himself. Even then, only a few more even knew of the seer's existence, those being his children and Baki.
The council had been in an uproar at the hidden secret, but Ebizo had calmed them. Despite having retired, the elder still held much authority. With Yuura gone, Ebizo has suggested a new candidate for the council: Yashamaru.
It was decided that further discussion of a new council member would occur after the Chunin Exams. There were a few other candidates from other council members, but due to the mess Suna has created with Orochimaru and the execution of Yuura, everyone had agreed that choosing a new council member should be held off until after the exams.
"What are your thoughts," Rasa asked softly, "of your recommendation to the council?"
Yashamaru was silent at first, brows furrowed together. "I am honored to have been Ebizo-sama's candidate."
Rasa nodded, taking in the young man's words and noting the tension that lined his shoulders. His brother-in-law had spent the past years of his life dedicated to the protection of Gaara and Kinnara. He was a formidable shinobi, loyal to the fault, but Gaara would become a chunin soon and Kinnara... Rasa sighed.
Having Yashamaru on the council would help Kinnara's case and favor her within future decisions. With her abilities revealed, Rasa now needed to ensure her safety and well-being. She was too important; not as a kunoichi, but as a seer. As his daughter, but the thought was quickly thrown away.
Her seer status needed to be secured so the less who knew, the better. It also meant that she couldn't suddenly be redeemed of her 'punishment'. It would look too suspicious. So, instead, Rasa made the decision to continue as if all was the same and that Yuura's sleeper-agent status was discovered accidentally.
But he needed to take further measures. Before they had left for Konoha, all Suna ninja had undergone evaluations to avoid more sleeper agents. They were walking into a snake's den, after all. Rasa knew that Orochimaru was now suspicious of him, but only him. He needed to keep all eyes on him.
For now, he could only act and wait for the reaction of all around him. He'd brought his village into a disastrous situation. While he had not betrayed anyone but Orochimaru, he'd conspired against Konoha. It brought not just one, but two powerful potential enemies against his village. He also faced the economic crisis that opened him to Orochimaru in the first place. Sighing, Rasa rubbed his brow.
As soon as he could, and when he believed his village will not be punished, he will seek out the Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was a fair man, Rasa remembered. It was he who extended an alliance to Suna. While Suna's decline was an issue Rasa needed to solve, it was not something he was willing to entrust to a snake. Not now. Not with Kinnara's warnings.
Whatever happened in Konoha, Rasa needed to ensure the safety of his people first. Rasa dismissed Yashamaru with a wave of his hand.
Kinnara would come with the second wave, led by Chiyo. The second wave contained Suna ninjas disguised as eager civilians who wished to watch the exams. Ebizo will remain in Suna. The elder will ready the ones at home for a war while Rasa prepared the ones with him for battle.
But first, they must await the arrival of their secret weapon and when she arrived, they will decide what to do from then.
Rasa watched as the stars began appearing, the land falling into darkness.
: : : The Next Day : : :
(Konoha)
Hiashi kept his face clear of emotions as his son entered the room. Blank pale eyes studied the young jounin heir. Haru turned to him, face splitting into a wide grin. The Hyuuga head only blinked in acknowledgment as his son came to sit in front of him.
"Father," Haru began, eyes meeting his, "the Hokage has agreed with my request to put Ko in charge of selecting which member would be joining him with border control."
"You would trust a branch member to do such an important task," came the short reply.
Haru's face did not fall at the apathetic voice of Hiashi. Instead, the boy only grinned wider. "Of course. If you can trust him to protect my sisters, why wouldn't I trust him to protect Konoha?"
Hiashi fought back his frown. He studied his son's face and instead of usually reprimanding his son for using informal speech, Hiashi continued as if Haru hadn't spoken. He brought his son here for a reason, after all.
"If you wish for Ko, then so be it," Hiashi muttered as he reopened his eyes. "Haru, I requested you here to discuss future changes for our clan."
Haru blinked in surprise, elbow resting on his knees. Hiashi's eyes narrowed a little at his son's disgraceful pose, but after so many years of trying to teach the boy, he's given up. Especially, Hiashi glanced sparingly at the boy's hair, when the boy chopped off his hair. Hiashi had been too shocked to even say anything.
It was...it was dishonorable for the Hyuuga heir to wear his hair in such a manner similar to that of civilians and branch members such as Hyuuga Ko. Mentally shaking himself, he pushed forward and ignored his son's body posture.
"Haru," Hiashi began, voice low and filled with nothing but calmness, "many members of the council have raised concerns about your behavior and even your status as heir. The elders proposed—"
"Is this about the Hokage monument," Haru cut in, eyes widening as he suddenly flipped himself into a kneeling position. At the increasing tension in the room, it was finally dawning on Haru that this meeting was not as laid back as he thought it would be. "Because I swear, it was Naruto's idea and as the older one, I only wanted to make sure he didn't go too far—"
"Haru!" Silence followed the stern outburst, Haru frowning as he swallowed hard, head bowing. Hiashi clenched his jaw before breathing out slowly. At the bowed head of his only son, Hiashi paused. He studied the teen, eyes furrowing together as he allowed the silence to stretch.
His son has always behaved radically different from the rest of the house. Hiashi tried in vain to install the core values of a Hyuuga into the boy, but it has failed. He'd allowed the friendship between the Uchiha and his son in the hopes that the stoic younger boy would rub off on his son, but much to his dissatisfaction, Haru has only gotten worse. Eyes closing, Hiashi took another breath in before breathing out softly.
"Haru," he reopened his eyes, "the elders and I can no longer allow for your behavior." He watched as his son stiffened, but the boy's head stayed down. "After the Chunin exams, we will visit the Hyuuga nakōdo and begin your miai-kekkon."
Hiashi almost—almost—felt guilty at the sudden paling of his son's skin, the boy finally looking up in shock. Instead, the Hyuuga head slipped his hands into his sleeves and stood up. The branch member behind him quickly slid open the door. Hiashi stepped out and as he was walking away, heard the sudden footsteps of his son and a crash.
"W-wait! Father!" Haru almost slipped as he ran after his father. "WHAT?!"
Hiashi stopped, Haru almost running into him. Turning around, Hiashi masked his face with a stern frown. "For the sake of our clan, your behavior cannot continue. You are heir, Haru, and you are of age and ready for a wife. I was already betrothed to your mother by the time I was your age. We have decided that marriage and a good woman at your side, will calm your wild ways."
"B-but," Haru gaped, eyes wide and still shocked.
Hiashi shook his head. "It has been decided, Haru."
Lips pursed, Hiashi walked away and this time, he ignored Haru calling after him. Haru was the future clan head. Hiashi could not excuse the teen's behavior anymore.
Shaking his head, he continued even as Haru's voice echoed throughout the compound.
...
Asuma smiled, eyes softening as Kurenai laughed. It was something she rarely did so he took it in and simply bathed in this rare moment.
The two were at a random spot in Konoha, leaning against a bench. Civilians walked around them with the sound of laughter drifting occasionally around them. They were in the more civilian side of Konoha, not exactly at the center, but close enough for activity, gossip, and noise.
The two were garbed in their usual attire. Today, the Sarutobi man had replaced his cigarette with a toothpick. Asuma's arms were crossed as he leaned his hip against the bench, Kurenai's palms holding the back of the bench as she leaned into it. His eyes took in her dark hair. Usually, her hair covered her ear, but after a few minutes into their conversation, she'd tucked the left side in, but the strand that caught his gaze had wondered loose.
He was so tempted to—
"Rei?" The name broke his train of thought. Blinking and masking his sudden lack of focus on what she had been saying, Asuma quickly followed her gaze. "Rei-chan," Kurenai called out once more as she left the bench, her eyes lighting up with sudden concern.
Asuma straightened, arms uncrossing. The kunoichi made her way to the small raven-haired child who had paused at the familiar voice. His eyes sharpened onto Uchiha Rei or as the jounin crowd has begun calling her, baby Uchiha. This would be the second time he's met her now. He studied Kurenai when she crouched down to speak with Rei, the kunoichi's voice soft, filled with a motherly kindness and concern he'd only heard directed to this particular little girl.
In the years he had been gone, he knew Kurenai and Minori have gotten close. It was only said in brief passing, but Kurenai was the girl's godmother. The thought of Kurenai as a godmother or a mother brought images to mind that he knew were best left alone. For now.
He sighed and, instead, turned his attention to the two in front of him. "Hi Rei-chan," he greeted as he made his way to them.
The little girl blinked up at him with gray eyes, her cheeks suddenly reddening as she looked down at her hands. "Hello, Sarutobi-san."
He ignored the quick smirk Kurenai threw at him. He coughed a little and nodded at her. Since their first meeting, the girl had been shy around him, blushing and hiding away, and Kurenai, when he had told her this, simply laughed and muttered something about a crush and stupid good looks.
"Ne, Rei-chan," Kurenai straightened and cocked an eyebrow at her goddaughter, "where is your mother? Did you leave without telling her again?"
Again? Asuma blinked in surprise. Ah, he closed his eyes briefly, he remembered now what Kurenai was telling him earlier. Something about Minori's concern about Rei disappearing to play with Hanabi or Konohamaru. He glanced down at the Uchiha girl who was no longer blushing and was suddenly very blanked face.
For a five-year-old, she had a good poker face. He watched her as she said, "of course not, Kurenai-oba-chan."
Kurenai shook her head and reached to tuck the little girl's hair behind her ear with a tender caress that made Asuma blink in surprise. He was seeing new sides of Kurenai around baby Uchiha.
"Rei-chan, remember what your mother and I told you about not telling anyone where you go," the kunoichi whispered as she crouched down again, one hand on Rei's head.
The girl nodded slowly, frown appearing as she looked at Kurenai. "That it's dangerous."
"And why is that," Kurenai pressed on, eyes studying the five-year-old closely as her hand fell away.
Rei looked down. "Because there might be bad people who want to take me."
Asuma didn't blink at the answer. Clan kidnapping can occur even here in Konoha. Usually, Academy clan children no longer required guards after they've reached a certain skill level. He thought back to Rei. He was still unsure of what her skills were or if she was even going to be enlisted at the Academy. Which meant she was very vulnerable. Kurenai stood up, one hand reaching down for Rei's hand.
"Yes," Kurenai affirmed the answer, "and you're mother must be very concerned." She paused, looking over her shoulder at Asuma.
He spoke up without missing a beat. "Let's go home, ne, Rei-chan," he asked as he threw the toothpick between his lips away.
Kurenai flashed him a smile as she nodded before turning back to Rei. He smirked a little as he heard Rei whisper to Kurenai, "I think Sarutobi-san likes you, Kurenai-oba-chan."
Much to his displeasure, Kurenai was unable to answer baby Uchiha as Ryuu suddenly appeared next to them, onyx eyes glancing once at the two jounins before moving onto Rei. Damn. Asuma scoffed at the poor timing before quickly composing himself and nodded at Ryuu.
"Yo," he greeted as Ryuu made his way to Rei.
Kurenai tensed. It was only a split second, something that Asuma wouldn't have caught if he wasn't so observant of this particular kunoichi. At Ryuu's lack of response, Asuma could only assume the Uchiha boy hadn't notice. He frowned, but quickly masked it away.
"Rei, you shouldn't walk away like that," Ryuu whispered as he laid a hand over Rei's head, smoothing the girl's hair. He turned to them. "Thank you for finding her."
Kurenai nodded, eyes warm as she looked down at Rei, "it's no problem. Asuma and I were just about to return her home."
"There's no need to end your date," Ryuu stated simply even as Asuma choked and Kurenai shook her head. The two opened their mouth to object, but Ryuu was already turning back to Rei. "We should head home now, ne?"
Rei muttered softly, Asuma and Kurenai barely catching the thank you before she bowed her head to them. Ryuu bowed his head in farewell also, before taking Rei's hand. Asuma and Kurenai watched as they walked towards the direction Ryuu had appeared from.
Asuma glanced sideways at Kurenai. "So," he began casually, "about this date—"
"It's not a date," came her curt response even as she laughed softly, eyes still focused on where the two disappeared.
Asuma let the matter fall, knowing she was still on the fence about their relationship...if one could call what they had a relationship. They've flirted around before he left. The flirting has continued. They've slept together several times before he left. Casual flings between friends, really. Now, though, he wasn't sure if he wanted to stay casual.
His time away from Konoha—from her—has made him realize much...like how he suddenly couldn't think of a future without the woman in front of him even as she rejected his pursuits. He knew that his leaving had hurt her. Eyes clouding, he remembered leaving her with only a letter. He knew it had been a jackass move, but he couldn't face her at the time.
He studied her, looking her up and down. Since he's been gone, she's certainly become only much more womanly with curves at all the right places. He quickly looked away before she caught his gaze lingering on her well-endowed chest.
Fumbling, he asked the first thing that came to his head and regretted it almost instantly. "Did something happen between you and Ryuu?" At her sudden stiffening, he cursed himself silently. "I just...before I left, the two of you seemed...what I mean is—"
"It's nothing, Asuma," Kurenai interrupted his poor attempt to get out of the situation.
But it clearly wasn't nothing, Asuma thought as she turned away from him and began walking away.
He dropped the subject, though, quickly following her.
:::Several Miles Away:::
Danzo's eyes studied the man in front of him. Well, he mused thoughtfully, if one can call Orochimaru human. The Sanin was smiling at him, lips turned upwards, but Danzo knew it to be only a fake smile. Unlike the missing-nin, Danzo could care less about faking any form of emotion.
"Does our deal still stand," Danzo repeated once more, fingers twitching as Orochimaru only continued grinning.
A pink tongue slipped past pale lips as Orochimaru blinked. Yellow slits watched Danzo closely as the Sanin cocked his head a little, hair slithering downwards over his shoulder. Danzo fought his frown at the responding silence, fingers clenching over his cane.
The two stood in one of Danzo's Root bases along the outskirts of Konoha. It was too far away for detection, but close enough for infiltration. The room was one of Danzo's many offices. It was bare except for a large mahogany desk with two matching chairs while a large window overlooked the single arena outside. They were seated with Orochimaru sitting on the window side. Danzo wasn't stupid. The man in front of him was not one to be trusted. Placing Orochimaru in front of the window allowed for the Sanin to be in plain sight if he needed to be taken down and it gave Danzo room to escape should he be required to do so.
It was two weeks until the Chunin exams. Things were falling into place. Danzo's thoughts were broken as Orochimaru chuckled softly. Danzo's eyes narrowed. The Sanin leaned into his chair, looking relaxed despite the sudden spiking tension in the room.
"Something has changed," Danzo stiffened, but Orochimaru continued, "it seems that the Kazekage doesn't fully trust me. I was unable to get the required body to infiltrate the exams."
The old warhawk frowned. "Finding you a body won't be a problem. I—"
"Danzo," Orochimaru's smile widened, eyes closing, "a body replacement isn't the problem." Eyes opening, "it's that I do not fully trust the Kazekage either. Sunagakure is no longer a viable factor in this invasion, hence our meeting today to make some internal changes, and I, well," Orochimaru straightened, "I hope I can leave Suna to your hands should they decide to turn a new leaf."
Danzo blinked. He took in Orochimaru's words before replying. "I will place the Kazekage under watch and should anything happen, I will set my men on it. Is that all?"
When the Sanin only shook his head, Danzo's teeth clenched briefly before he breathed through his nose. Making deals with Orochimaru was something he needed to tread upon with care. When the Sanin extended an invitation to get rid of Hiruzen, it was with the full backing of Suna. But now it seems relying on Suna was not a for sure promise anymore and their deal...Danzo froze. Their deal—
"The girl belongs to me," Danzo cut in harshly, eyes fully glaring at Orochimaru now, "I will push Uchiha Sasuke through the Chunin exams and during the second challenge, you will have access to the boy at the Forest of Death."
Orochimaru's lips parted, revealing fanged teeth as his grin widened. "I wonder still at your insistence on the child. She doesn't fit your usual taste for recruitment."
Controlling his irritation, Danzo quelled in his former outburst and slowed down his heart rate. Fingers flexing, he inclined his head. "She is young," he answered gruffly, "malleable." Otherwise, he thought to himself, a perfect weapon in the making.
Plus, Danzo glowered, Ryuu was very attached to the child.
The thought of the Crimson Dragon burned Danzo's veins, hot anger flashing through his body. He breathed out heavily through his nostrils. The boy and his audacity to challenge Danzo, again and again, at every turn. What truly frustrated him was Ryuu's involvement in stealing his chance at the Sharingans by sealing off the Uchiha compound. He would feel the satisfaction of taking something precious from the boy and turning it into his own personal tool.
While Hiruzen has saved Ryuu, he will not save the child. Danzo had already implemented a plan. During an invasion, a child—even one of the last Uchiha—would not be missed if she was considered a causality. No search warrant would be passed easily, if at all, for a missing child who "perished" during a battle or an invasion. If push came to pull, Danzo could blame Suna or any of the other villages.
"Why not use Sasuke instead," Orochimaru snaked through his thoughts, Danzo's whole body freezing as the Sannin's words reached him. "You are right, after all, a child is much more malleable than a boy. Ah, to start young," Orochimaru mused, a chuckle escaping his lips, "it would make for the perfect vessel."
Danzo controlled himself, eyes studying the Sanin. While the words were said with a hint of sarcasm and playfulness, Danzo heard the underlining challenge. The two of them wanted similar things for different reasons: a tool or a vessel. Both required someone young; impressionable and easily manipulated.
Uchiha Sasuke fitted the requirements of both reasons, but it would require one to rely on Sasuke's greed for power, his vengeance against Itachi, and harvesting that into something useful. The second option had been Ryuu. But...
Danzo frowned. Uchiha Ryuu definitely wasn't malleable. Too strong and too influential with his ties to the Hyuuga (and the Hyuuga heir had his friendship with the Nara which in turn meant he also had the backing of the Yamanaka and Akimichi). Ryuu was also allied with even more powerful jounins such as Hatake Kakashi, Maito Gai, Yuuhi Kurenai, and maybe even Sarutobi Asuma. It made the boy impossible to touch. He would not, and could not, simply disappear.
Danzo also knew that Hiruzen kept a close eye on his youngest jounin, nephew to Uchiha Kagami. Despite whatever Hiruzen felt about the boy's obvious dislike towards him, the fact that the boy was family of their old nakama made the boy treasured by Hiruzen more than others. It was the same reason why Hiruzen felt so strongly for the jinchuuriki, the remaining legacy of the Yondaime.
Then the third option was the fatherless Uchiha child. Young, fresh, and impressionable. Out of the three, the child was the best option.
"The deal—"
Orochimaru shook his head, cutting Danzo off. "The deal was that I receive access to the best vessel for my new host. At the time," he paused eyes watching Danzo without revealing any of his thoughts, "it was indeed Sasuke. But after," he cocked his head once more, "receiving some new information, I think I would like the child instead."
Danzo slammed his palm onto the wooden desk, shaking the whole frame. His cane crashed against the floor. Danzo's glare intensified as his frown turned into a scowl. Thoughts whirled around his head, the old warhawk trying to understand the Sanin's sudden change of heart when the Chunin exams were but only weeks away. Danzo studied the man across from him. He was sure that the Sanin would want Sasuke as a way to torment Itachi, just as he desired the child to torment Ryuu.
What has changed?!
"What new information," Danzo bit out, fingers curling into a fist.
Orochimaru smirked. A genuine emotion. Danzo wanted to shift uneasily in his seat, but only straightened his back.
"Finding information on the child was quite a tedious challenge," Orochimaru mused as he reached one hand out, drumming his slim fingers on the surface of the wooden desk—tap, tap—and said, "it took me a while. After all," a frown—tap, tap—flashed across his face, "you kept the child's existence from me until only several months ago. Records from her birth certificate to where she lives and even what she eats, all hidden under such a tight lock."
The tapping stopped, slim fingers stilling across the mahogany surface. A smirk gracefully appeared.
"Ryuu-kun truly is a formidable foe, as you once called him...but not even he could keep this from me." Danzo had the sudden urge to wipe the smirk off of Orochimaru's face and demand what this was. He opened his mouth to argue, but paused as Orochimaru continued. "How about a redeal, Danzo," the Sanin leaned in, "I have information you've been curious about since the child was born. After all, the father's name is blank on the birth certificate," Orochimaru paused slightly, eyes taking in Danzo, "I will fill in the blank for you if—and only if—you allow us to swap our desired Uchiha."
Body jerking in surprise, Danzo stared in shock at the Sanin, his single eye opening. The emotion, though, was quickly contained. Eye closing once more, Danzo sat quietly, taking in the Sanin's words.
How did Orochimaru discover the identity of the father?
Danzo reopened his eye to study Orochimaru once more. The child's records were almost nonexistent. She didn't even have any blood or DNA sample in the hospital, the family always keeping it under lock or destroying unnecessary samples.
The child was never seen without her mother or the other two Uchiha boys. At night, Ryuu kept constant watch over the child and the home was carefully sealed (another favor from Hiruzen to the Uchiha). The child was an anonymity. People whisper of the 'hidden princess of the Uchiha' and her mysterious existence within the village.
Danzo's teeth clenched. So the fact that Orochimaru might have an inkling—an inkling—of who the father was...tempted him, but he won't lose the child. He couldn't lose his tool against Ryuu. No matter what.
He calmed himself. If the child came to his possession, he will find out for himself. He had most of the DNA sample of Konoha. Even if it took him years, he will find out the truth...if he even cared for it.
"There will be no redeal, Orochimaru," Danzo sternly answered after the long moment of silence. "You have asked for Uchiha Sasuke. It is him that will be yours. The child, Uchiha Rei, will join Root to serve Konoha."
Orochimaru pulled his hand back. "Oh? Not curious, are you?"
"It matters not who her father is," Danzo waved it away with a single swipe of his hand. "If it comes down to knowing the paternal relations of the child, I will find the answer for myself when she is within my grasp."
The Sanin raised one brow at him. "And if I refuse?"
There was only a split second, a breath of a warning, before the whole room shook. Then Root guards appeared besides Danzo and, behind Orochimaru, the arena filled with dark bodies. The Konoha councilman leaned forward, the hand on the desk pulling back as his cane was returned to him by a dark body that broke from position.
Fingers grasping the wooden handle, he hefted himself up to his full height. His single eye opened and with great calmness, Danzo whispered, "Then the ending deal will not be to your liking."
The air was chocked with killer intents, both from Orochimaru and Danzo. Some Root guards were on their knees, but many—much to Danzo's pride—withstood the two powerful ninjas in front of them. Gone was the fake smile. Orochimaru's face held a glare, yellow slits narrowed at Danzo as a scowl played on his face.
It was a minute, seeming like an eternity, before Orochimaru's killer intent disappeared and suddenly his face was masked with a smile, eyes closed with a dry chuckle escaping his lips. The sound reverberated against the surrounding bodies and the tension was suddenly gone.
"The original deal thus stands," the Sanin announced as he reopened his eyes.
By then, the whole room and arena had cleared. The elder remained standing though. As if he had all the time in the world, Orochimaru also stood. He inclined his head to Danzo, teeth flashing. "To a successful invasion, Danzo-sama."
The soft reply, "to a successful invasion," caused the Sanin to laugh once more.
:::Back in Konoha, later that night:::
Nobukio was a simple civilian; retired after years of sketching for the Uchiha Military-Police Force and painting portraits. Nobukio had been, and still arguably, one of the best composite sketch artist of Konoha.
He was old now, much older than he would like to accept. Through his children alone, he had at least thirty grandchildren and half a dozen great-grandchildren, but Nobukio was just a simple man from Konoha now.
His family has always lived in the village. His grandfather, who taught Nobukio the way of the brush, claimed that his grandfather had been one of the first civilians to live in Konoha. Nobukio's paternal family were the ones who have sculpted the Hokage Monument and would probably continue to do so long after he was gone.
Nobukio, though, was more of a master of the brush and charcoal. The art of stone sculpting belonged to his uncle and his children now. The elderly man (even older than Nobukio) claimed he was clinging to the last remnants of his life so he could carve the next hokage's face. His uncle was very similar to that of his wife, the elder Kayashi.
The old artisan of the Embroidery House claimed she would defy death just so she could make sure the next hokage's cape was perfect. Something about the younger generation not truly understanding the art of needle and thread.
Nobukio ran a hand over his face, setting aside the brush as he stared at the completed portrait in front of him. While his uncle and old Kayashi wished to live for the future hokage, Nobukio would rather spend his last remaining days with his many grandchildren. He'd set down his brush for over a decade now.
The last portrait he drew was that of his late wife and when she passed away a month after he finished what would be her last portrait, he'd set aside his brush. The Uchiha Military-Police Force had not been happy with him, but when his son took his position, they'd relented and he'd turned away from all forms of his previous art.
Until now that is because one did not simply say no to a jounin ninja. Esepecially not when said ninja came to you directly and even more so when that ninja was Hyuuga Haru. Nobukio could not refuse. The old artist held Hyuuga Haru with great fondness. The boy had been one of the few genin willing to take babysitting missions for his children and even after becoming a jounin, the Hyuuga heir still came around to spend some time with the little ones.
He looked off to the side at his wife's portrait and smiled, gnarled fingers clasping together. He blinked old brown eyes and turned back to the completed set of portraits.
It's taken him five years, but he was finally finished. The most difficult part of the project came from the vague and impossible task of drawing everything from scratch. And the constant rework.
Sometimes Nobukio would not be able to capture what Haru wanted and he would have to start from all over again. Each portrait, five each, had required all of Nobukio's time and he'd redone them all at least ten to twenty times before Haru was satisfied. He'd also promised to keep silent about the project. Haru said something about it being a gift.
Sighing, he unclasped his fingers and observed the portrait before him. Nobukio wondered if he had been able to capture the woman in front of him. Out of the five, she looked the most different. Paler, fairer, and she shared none of the familial resemblances the other four portraits had. It was why he chose to do her last.
She looked like none he has seen before, pearly skin with dark sapphire eyes and fair hair. At first, he had thought Hyuuga Haru had asked him to draw a Yamanaka, but it had peaked his curiosity when Haru simply denied the claim.
Nodding to himself, Nobukio stood to turn off the lights of his studio. He will send word tomorrow to the Hyuuga heir of the project's completion. Haru would most likely wish to look this last portrait over and Nobukio could only guess that it would take another couple of months if Haru disagreed with his creation.
The old man, though, paused at one of the other portraits he had finished first. It had been the easiest of the set. A frown crossed his face, wrinkles appearing. Grunting, he leaned over and took the portrait, the same size as the portrait of the woman (the two were the largest pieces of the collection), and set it next to each other.
He was a private man and understood the desire for privacy. So Nobukio, when he was able to visualize the portrait, made no comment on the similarity of the people in the portraits to certain Uchihas.
It was an interesting portrait too, with nine figures in total. The obvious mother and father figure stood behind seven children, the oldest looking exactly like Uchiha Ryuu at his current age of twelve (except for the unruly hair that reminded Nobukio very much of Uchiha Shisui). That's what made this portrait easy. Despite the lack of models, Nobukio simply followed Uchiha facial features to draw the rest of the children and the parents.
Nobukio stared at the two portraits a bit longer before sighing once more. Turning off the lights, he locked the door behind him.
Tomorrow, he will battle with Hyuuga Haru over the last portrait.
:::{AWOWK}:::
A/N: The best laid plans...hmm. And the story behind Xen's name is based on a true story that happened to someone I know. I'm pretty sure this is a common immigration story.