Broken
"Senju Ai is now the head of her clan. As such, a certain level of decorum must be maintained - even as she learns to rain death on Konoha's enemies. The Elemental Nations will remember the Senju clan was feared with good reason." Continuation of: Cosmic Comedy. WARNINGS: Strong OC, OC-centric, Dark, Gore. Rated M for: Adult situations (limes), language and shinobi business.
Secondary warning: Homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual, asexual and transgender characters will be getting significant screen time. If that isn't your cup of tea, please don't read ^_^
Arc 1 – Sky comes falling down – Chapter 17 – Of Preparations and Princesses
8-8
~Wednesday 8:00 PM, dojo, Kamezuri's Tofu, Paizu District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
To hell with wearing my business suite right now. I want to wear my uniform, my second skin. I want to celebrate my wound healing, my finally getting the extra seals applied, by doing what I do best: training.
So now, everyone is staring at me. From my shinobi sandals, to my form fitting full length black pants, my two leg pouches and my two hip pouches (all of which are black too), my sleeveless and very snug black shirt, my mesh armour shirt sleeves reaching down to my elbows, my black glove reaching up to my elbows, my hair hanging loose and reaching my lower back... but most of all, it's Tenshi strapped horizontally across my hip for a left-handed draw and wearing the black mask that they really keep staring at.
I like the new look. It really plays into the Black Death moniker I still haven't figured out how I picked up. "Yu-yuri-sensei!" I turn to Haruda, wondering what he wants. "You look... dangerous."
"Aww, how sweet." I coo, but I notice how my voice seems a bit malformed from the air filters in the mask – seal based or no, they affect the air flow. I smirk when I see Haruda shiver at how my voice sounds. "Jei. I need you." I call to him.
"I'm stuck wearing this, and you want me to help you train in that?" Jei complains. "Whatever. Where do you want to start?"
"Shin."
"..." He's shocked, but this isn't something he shouldn't have seen coming. "What do you need me to do?" I motion towards the low table, and the items I have arranged there.
"I will start here, making a portal from the coordinates I get from your seal. Once I think I'm doing it right, I will move to my office and try from there. After that I will go to Savana's and try from there." I explain.
"You're going to Savana's dressed like that? You do realize the military have every district locked down?" Jei reminds me.
"Exactly. So going as 'Yuri' makes no difference, they won't let me through. I'll be able to see if they have any means of detecting me, and if they do I can just create a portal and come back to you."
"So you're doing this as a precursor for going into their bases to snoop around?" Jei sums it up nicely. I nod, motioning for him to sit down. He does, but not before rolling his eyes at me.
"Team Delta." I call to Yumi, Kei, Hiroshi and Yuriko. "Because I'll have to shut down my other senses, I'd rather if you four stand guard while I train." They surround me without question or hesitation. One in front, one behind, one to my left, the last to my right, all with their backs to me. I sigh, relieved. At least the paranoid part of me won't complain now. So I do the unthinkable, I cancel my sensory jutsu. To make it worse, I focus on the actuator seal, shutting the 'blinds' so all light is blocked out as well. Other than my sense of hearing and my sense of touch, I've effectively shut the world out.
-Jei, can you hear me?- I think clearly after opening the channel through the seal on my left hand.
-Loud and clear. Are you ready?- He communicates back. It's so weird to hear him in my head, knowing that my ears aren't picking him up.
-Yes.- A moment later, my brain is flooded with real-time data of Jei's surroundings. I don't get colours, just... textures? Like a bunch of lines and curves and dots and squiggles that are supposed to make up the scene I should easily recognize. It takes a moment to orient myself with the oddness of what I'm sensing, but I do eventually identify the apple and the kunai I'd placed there. No good, I need to see the senbon as well, or it might as well be a bust! -Focus, Jei. I need to see every detail.- I instruct.
Everything snaps into focus. The senbon's in plain sight. Good, a bit overwhelming, but good. -Opening portal now.- I unseal Shin and flick her open in my right hand. Focusing on the Space-Time coordinates Jei's seal is providing me; I prep the jutsu using them. I know there's no table in front of me, and I sense Jei has his hand held horizontally in front of him. So theoretically, I should reach into my fan and feel a table in front of me.
Holding Shin vertically in front of me, if slightly diagonal for easier reach, I activate the Space-time Jutsu and reach 'into' my fan. I don't sense the portal, but I do sense my hand appearing out of nothing. I grab the kunai, slice the apple, switch the kunai for the senbon, and stab a piece of the fruit and drag it back through the portal. I let the portal dwindle into nothingness, reactivate my sensory jutsu and take off my mask.
"The results are quite juicy." I tease, taking a bite of the apple that logically shouldn't be in my hand.
8-8
~Wednesday 10:00 PM, dojo, Kamezuri's Tofu, Paizu District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
"You know, Ai, I'm starting to feel a bit ignored." Sakura complains playfully. I've pretty much been going into every room and opening a portal, just to see if efficiency is affected at all by where I do it. Luckily, this isn't that case. But even then, I still try to find time to read up on the reports I've been getting from the gangs – which is what she's currently interrupting, but I don't mind too much. I set the scroll down on the table and meet her gaze as she sits next to me.
"Sorry, Nee-san. You know how I am. I don't have a lot of time and I need to have this down pat before..." I explain, sorrow seeping into my tone. She just places a hand on my arm and tells me that she understands, offering a soft smile for even bringing it up. "I am glad you guys are here though. What do you think of my operation here in Bouyaku?"
"I'm... impressed. We've been mostly camping out in the woods surrounding Ancor Vantian, so this is a major step up for us!" Saku-nee is comparing apples and oranges now – their situation is totally different to ours, so it isn't logical to say one is better than the other. Besides, we run the risk of being scoped out by the military, they don't.
"Sorry I can't offer you and Sasuke a more... private location. Kami-sama knows how hard Jei and I have had it to find any real privacy around here." I offer, my cheeks tinged pink.
"Oh? How do you manage then?" Sakura asks, just barely more than a whisper to make sure no one can hear us.
"Sometimes I kick everyone out of my office, but the Usagi are too focussed to follow that order. If you don't mind a different species in the same room, you can try that. Otherwise I wait until after everyone's washed up, or Jei'd wake me up before everyone else and we sneak into the bathroom. You have a lot more room in there. And make sure to cast a privacy jutsu, you guys know a good one, right?" I say just as softly.
"I'm sure Sasuke does." She smiles, finally having a plan in place to get some alone time with her husband.
"If he doesn't, just send him to me. If he activates his Sharingan I can show him a few." I offer.
She nods, smiling in thanks. But her eyes quickly show more... of a naughty side. "So, you and Jei finally did it, huh? I can't say I'm surprised. How was it?" How did this end up as sexually charged girl talk? Oh well, at least it's with my sister.
"As good as I'd hoped. Luckily I tore my hymen during a flying roundhouse kick a long time ago, so it wasn't painful. And if I rile him up enough beforehand..." I fan myself, showing how hot it makes me just thinking about the things that boys can do to me.
She giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. "Sasuke's the same. I swear, I'll never understand how civilians can enjoy it with men that only last a few minutes."
"I know, right! Not a problem we're likely to have. Is Sasuke more gentle or rough? I mean, he looks like he'd just be a plank you have to ride from how he carries himself." I roll my eyes. That boy just irks me sometimes, but he's proven himself to be a good husband and father, so I try to cut him some slack.
"Oh no. He's aggressive, and dominant." She blushes hotly, thinking about her husband. She rubs her lip with her index finger, thinking about his kiss maybe? "But sometimes, he's so soft and gentle with me. I can never tell just what to expect, but I love that about him."
"Must be a shinobi thing. Jei's the same. It all depends on what you tell him beforehand. I mean, I've told him that I wanted to 'show my appreciation', and that night I got ravaged. I mean, if it wasn't for the privacy jutsu, I think you guys would have heard me for sure. But other times, he would just walk up to me for no reason at all and just kiss me. If we make love after that, it's so... tender." We're both blushing up a storm, talking about something so private. But we know we can trust each other with this.
"You love him." Saku-nee points out.
"We are engaged, you know." I remind her, but I know that's not what she means.
"People who hate each other get engaged. People who don't know each other get married. You love him." She insists. I smile, thinking about Jei, about all he is for me, does for me... does to me.
"So much it scares me." I admit, my eyes fixed on my fidgeting hands in my lap.
"Is that why you won't marry him just yet? Waiting to see if some hidden monster is going to pop up?"
"This again? What is everyone's fixation with us getting married?" I complain, unable to meet her gaze.
"Don't deflect, Ai. Can't you trust your Nee-san with the real reason?" She prods gently.
"Reasons." I correct, still not looking in her direction.
"Come again?"
"Reasons." I repeat. "I mean, there's wanting Ka-san to be there. There's being scared I'll want to start a family too soon. Worrying if I know him as well as I hope I do... wondering if..." Kami-damn it! I didn't want that put any of this into words! Stop prodding in the jumbled heap of my fears, Sakura!
"If..." She encourages, hooking her right around my shoulder and pulling me to her. "It's okay, sweetie. You don't have to be scared to tell me."
That damn dream comes back to haunt me. "Am I enough...?" My voice is so soft that I barely hear my own words, I wonder if she can. Putting that particular fear into words is almost too much for me. Silent tears fall. And seeing as my face is buried in the nape of her neck, I know she can tell.
"Of course you are." She assures me, but we both know I'm not convinced. "Ai, you care for everyone around you. You guide everyone that asks for your help. You try to save everyone you can."
I'm gently pushed back, her green eyes holding all the love she can muster. "And that's besides your legendary beauty." I snort, not buying that for a second. That just makes her smile wider. "Your humility. Your dedication to those you love, to your clan, and to your village. Ai, if you aren't worth being loved... no one is." She wipes away my tears, begging me with her eyes to believe every word she's said.
"And if anyone ever makes you doubt that, then you just leave them to me. Your Nee-san will make them regret they were ever born." She hugs me when she notices I'm getting a bit teary eyed again. "And if somehow I can't... I'll tell Naruto-kun." Even as I cry, I can't help but laugh about that. Yeah, Nii-san can be scary when it comes to me.
"Ai, you okay?" I hear Jei behind me. Shit, I didn't block the emotions' transmitter in my seal.
"I'm fine." I turn to him, not wiping away the fresh tears. "I just needed a good cry, I guess." And it's true, I do feel a lot better. It's just not something I'm likely to ever understand about myself.
"Sorry to steal her away, Sakura-san. Ai needs her rest. If you'll excuse us?" Jei scoops me up, bridal style. "Thanks. For being there when she needs you." Jei bows his head in thanks, before taking me to bed. And I mean just that: I entice him into making love to me. Right here, surrounded by the Hatsuhana ladies.
"Show me how you love me." I ask. I don't remember him ever being as gentle, as tender, but I know I'll never forget how he bathes me in his kisses, in his warmth. And the look in his eyes, just before he climaxes inside me... I don't need my sensory skills to feel the depths of his love.
8-8
~Thursday 6:00 AM, dojo, Kamezuri's Tofu, Paizu District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
"Good morning." I announce once everyone has finished their breakfast. "Today is going to be a bit different. I won't be here, so Jei will be taking over everyone's training." I flex my left hand, trying to get a feel for any danger of it acting up on me. Nothing, so I should be fine.
"I trust everyone knows by now that Jei's expectations are no lower than my own. Treat him the same respect." I instruct seriously. I turn to Kono, who's also in his uniform, his mask already on to show he's good to go. I idly go through all my pouches, as a last minute check that everything is where I expect it to be. That includes the six scroll pockets of my flak jacket. Everything is as I expect it to be. "Do not falter. And do not let me down." I don my mask, fading into the background and out of everyone's sight. Kono is quick to do the same.
"Ai-sensei's really intense this morning. Yo, Jei-sensei. She's in some kind of mission zone, isn't she?" Aki wonders out loud, not realizing that I'm still here.
"Whether she is or isn't, is irrelevant." Jei answers, speaking in much the same tone I used. "What matters is that while on duty, she's the highest ranking officer of my team. Her orders will be obeyed."
"Duh!" Maki announces that she wouldn't think about doing otherwise. "What Aki-kun is trying to ask is if she suddenly turns into another person, or something." No, that's not what he means at all, but nice way to project your question onto him. I'm half tempted to stay a while longer to see what other 'revelations' come up with me 'not here'.
"She is exactly the same. Her focus is the same, her goal is the same. She's just more serious and demanding about it. Don't worry, Maki, she loves all of you no less. She just hides it better while in that state of mind." I focus on the butterflies in my tummy, purposely letting the feeling linger longer than I should given the situation. I know he can feel it through his seal, and he'll know I fully intend for him to feel it. Kono and I shunshin out of the building once Jei's cocky confidence registers through the seal – he knows what he does to me, and he enjoys it.
8-8
~Thursday 8:00 AM, Military checkpoint, Paizu District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
-Matte, six military checkpoints are set up on the boarder of the Paizu District. Six present. Two Chuunin, four Genin. They rotate every hour. Chuunins carry the radios, Genin carry kunai-launchers. No one is being let through without papers.- I give her the rundown, monitoring these fuckwads from a nearby rooftop.
-What about rooftop patrols?-
-None yet. They don't seem to expect any shinobi, or they simply haven't planned for them. I'm beginning to wonder if they even know how to walk up walls.- I offer. Then the Chuunin turns right towards me. I know he can't see me, but I'm curious why he's looking at me. -Mark that Chuunin on duty. He may be a sensor.-
-Did he spot you?-
-Yes, but he doesn't realize it. I'm moving to the next district before he does.- Kono and I start moving immediately, but so slowly that there's no risk of our camouflage getting ruffled.
-Good idea. He's marked. Keep me posted.-
-Will do. Ai out.-
The further away we get from the Paizu Pistrict, the more I notice that they really consider it a slum. All six entrances are blocked off to control who gets in and out, but there are no teams patrolling the streets within. Once in the next district, I immediately notice six teams of four making their rounds. There are still no rooftop patrols, but it does show they care more for these people than those in Paizu.
-You marking down their routes?- I ask Matte.
-Working on it. They switch them up at random times, so it's hard to really pinpoint where they'll be and when.- She responds. Well, that actually shows some intellect on their part. Good on them. It makes it harder for us, but not terribly so. -You'll need to take out one of the teams. We need their radio and the uniforms will help too. It might not be of any use to us, but the other teams might find it useful.-
-Good point. Will keep you posted.-
-Jei, what gang irked you the most? I'll need a scapegoat for a few missing Sky patrols.-
-Just those guys in the Royal District.- He responds. -Think you can pin it on them and not make Savana's gang suffer?-
-Shouldn't be too hard. And we're going there anyway to deliver the food.- I start thinking about the best way to go about doing just that.
-Kana says we're running low, by the way. You may want to stock up while you're out.-
-Will do.-
8-8
~Thursday 9:45 AM, outside Savana's gang's hideout, Royal District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
"Open up! I know you're in there! Don't make me bash this door down!" This is just my lucky day. Two teams of Sky 'shinobi' are trying to get into Savana's place. All Chuunin I might add. It would seem that the Royal District is simply worth so much more than other districts.
-Jei. Tell Aoba that we've got Sky Chuunin incoming for him to interrogate. Be ready for me to make a portal to you in five minutes or less.-
-Will do. Should we expect resistance?-
-They'll be comatose.- I scan around as far as I can. No one else is remotely near us. Good. I make seven shadow clones and without even thinking about it, we each pick a target and they drop like flies. -Need that portal to hide the evidence.-
The information I receive shows Jei is in the room with Aoba and the Fuji brothers. I make a portal as wide as I can – twice as wide as any other portal I'd make so far – and my clones start dropping them head first into it. In less than a minute, all eight Sky shinobi are gone.
-Aoba is really starting to freak out with how fast you're growing.-
-Fast? I'm just showing more now.-
-He doesn't need to know that. I'm stripping them of their uniforms and weapons. Did you want me to seal those handheld kunai launchers-
-Naturally. Keep at least one for uncle Manabu. He'll love having something new to tinker with.-
-Will do. Aoba's running low on sterile saline water bags and liquid foods.- What, is everyone running low on something!?
-I'll handle it.- That means I'll need to pay the hospital a visit and cover my tracks in their administration as well.
-I've got it, Ai. I'll get the food too. You handle Savana's and the other thing.- Kono hands me the scroll of bentos and retreats in the direction of Royal District's General Hospital.
With no reason not to, I unseal the entrance and enter, resealing it from the inside. I receive a somewhat frosty welcome – mostly because they don't recognize who I am and are slightly fearful of me not showing my face. I take off my mask, smirking at their lack of faith.
"Good morning. Anyone hungry?" I wave the now familiar scroll we always unseal their bentos from.
"Yuri-sama!?" They are shocked to see me. I do look somewhat different, I suppose. "How are Savana-sama and Sahara-san?" One of the women asks.
"They are training, getting ready for something troublesome. Savana asks that I tell you to stop worrying so damn much, by the way. Her exact words." I tell them honestly.
"That's our leader for ya!" Torku boasts, rubbing the back of his head. "By the way, Yuri. The patrols have been coming more and more often." He's the only one here that doesn't care for honorifics.
"I know. We're working on it." I tell him. Honestly, I want to wait until after that meeting tomorrow with all the teams before sending Jei out. I'll probably end up sending Kono with him, just to make sure he gets there safely. Or maybe Matte? But I'll need her sorting through all the data we'll be getting in, so no... Kono.
"Please... Could you at least take the girls and the kids?" Torku asks. "I don't know how you keep doing what you do, but if you could take them somewhere safe... the boys and I can hold out until whatever else you've planned is ready."
"Give me a second." -Jei, do you think we have enough space for Savana's girls?-
-We'll make space if it's important. But I think we should have room for all of them, if they don't mind sleeping in the dojo.- Jei makes sense.
"Pack your shit. You leave in ten minutes."
"Thank you." Torku bows low to me, before he tells the girls to pack their things.
"No. All of you." I correct. "If it isn't safe here for them, it isn't safe for any of you. Ten minutes, so step on it!"
-Savana and Sahara're with me in the Dojo. Everyone else is cleared out for now. She's pissed that they have so little faith in you.- Jei brings me up to speed.
-Tell her not to worry about it. Torku is right to worry. The two teams I sent through were outside their door. When they find out two or more teams don't report in, they'll start bashing down doors for real. Getting them out of here makes the most sense.-
Everyone around me are grabbing things, rolling up futons –sheets and all– and pretty much just grabbing everything they can carry.
-Shit. I just remembered the other teams are coming in today or tomorrow. And they won't be able to reach us with the city on lockdown. I'll need to head out of the city to welcome them.- I announce, wondering why something that important would slip my mind.
-Good point. They're probably already outside waiting for some opportunity to get in.- Matte points out, but seems occupied with something else. She'll tell me when she's ready.
-I've already got a Shadow Clone heading for the exit. If he sneaks out, he'll let you know.- Kono is beautiful sometimes! And he certainly is stealthy enough to get past some Chuunins at the security checkpoint leading out the city. That should work out just fine – that it's a clone, and therefore far more expendable, helps too.
"Time's up! Let's go!" -Jei?- When I sense his surroundings, I unseal Shin and make the portal. "Children first. Women after. Let's go!" I grab the first child in reach, easing her through the portal – and ignoring her slight panic as I do. I feel Jei taking her from me, so I reach for the next – who are all suddenly very much out of my reach.
-Have Savana pop her head through.- A second later, I see the familiar form of Savana walk through the portal. Hmm, well, she does have to duck her head a little, but she walks through just fine.
"Alright people! Let's go. No pussyfooting!" She announces. No one hesitates this time, not even the kid that screamed when the girl disappeared. In short order, everyone's through.
"You too, Savana. I've got plenty of shit to handle, and they'll need their leader to help them get settled in." I hand her the scroll with the bentos. "Jei will know what to do with that. Can't let good food go to waste."
"Thank you, Ai. We-"
"Yeah, yeah. You're forever in my debt." I drone, trying to tell her to knock it off and just go already – damn portal isn't exactly easy on my chakra reserves! I wave her through, wondering why everyone seems so damn wordy these days.
After closing the portal, I start heading out. I still have another few patrol teams to make disappear. Although, not offering proof of who's doing it might actually be proof enough that one of the gangs in this district HAS to be the culprit! I mean, they don't know about us, and even if they do we're based in the Paizu District, which is on the other side of the city! We'll never get any kind of backlash from this. Ever. Yup. Just making them disappear will do.
8-8
~Thursday 2:15 PM, dojo, Kamezuri's Tofu, Paizu District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
"Fuck! That took much longer than planned!" I complain loudly, enjoying that the kids are all upstairs playing and therefore can't hear me.
"Calm down, Ai. It worked out." Jei placates.
"Yeah, but I'm hungry."
-I'm out of the city. Zabuza's here. No one else.- That would be Kono's clone. Fuck! I make a portal and let Zabuza and his team through. I'm curious why Nene comes through first, but I don't care enough to ask. When all four are through I close the portal.
-I'll come relieve you after I eat. If I have to eat a rations bar when I know there's food, I WILL hurt someone.- I offer, trying not to sound as irritated as I truly feel.
"What's... Yuri, what the hell is going on?" Zabuza demands, looking at all the new faces, most of whom are training under Savana.
"Military lock down? I incited chaos in their district, so it wasn't safe for them there." Sahara brings a large bowl of piping hot food – vegan friendly too! "Sahara-chan! I love you!" I damn near kiss her, grabbing the bowl out of her hands and start to chow down.
"A-a-ai-sama!" She stutters, blushing and covering her reddening cheeks like I just proposed to her or something.
"She means that as a VERY heartfelt thank you. Don't worry too much about it." Jei translates. I love that boy!
"I see." She calms down quickly, now that she knows there won't be an uncomfortable love triangle or something like that. "In that case, you are most welcome, Ai-sama." Sahara bows low to me. What's with the low bowing? I mean, shit! I just thanked her for the food!
"And they know your real name?" Zabuza quips. What is he, my mother? Fuck it, not interrupting a good meal for him. I sit down to the table and ignore him.
"Ai's been busy." Jei shrugs it off, but doesn't turn his back to Zabuza. Nene and Haku couldn't care less, so they just join me at the table and graciously accepting the bowls Sahara offers them. They're less vocal with their thanks, and Sahara just smiles. Hmm, it must be just me then.
"Busy?" Zaza sounds sarcastic and unimpressed. His problem.
"Senju clan matters. Nothing you need to worry with." Jei shrugs. That's all Utakata needs, so he joins us at the table.
"She's taking these people back with you? Training them in Kenjutsu, Iaidou from the looks of it. The woman there's Savana, one of the gangleaders Ai marked off my list. Waitress there's Sahara, her second in command. And judging by the numbers, her whole gang's here too." Zaza breaks it down. I smirk, even as I'm chewing the yummy local tofu.
"Seems like nothing gets past you." Jei teases, but still doesn't stand down. He's dealing with this so I don't have to. That's so sweet!
"What I don't get is why she thinks none of these people will squeal on her the first chance they get." Oh yeah, Zaza went there. And he's talking loud enough for everyone to hear him too. This'll be fun. I turn towards the swordsmen in training, and Sahara, enjoying that they are about to pop. I don't let people in with my precious people without testing them first! Sure, some are tested less than others, but they are all tested.
The Hatsuhana are loyal to me. They are pissed that it's being questioned. Savana isn't loyal to me, not yet, but she has faith that I'll do right by her and her people. And her people are without a doubt loyal to her – they walked through a portal, literally into the unknown, simply because she said it was alright. If that isn't loyalty, I don't know what is!
"Momochi Zabuza. Of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist." Damn, Savana knows her shit. Gotta give her that. "I'll just go out on a limb and assume you're one of the captains working with Ai-sama?" I smile around the food in my mouth. If he's smart, he'll realize that she's too smart to toy with. Sure, he could easily take her in a fight, but he can't hold a candle to her intellectually.
"What's it to you?" He asks, his entire body showing he couldn't care less what her answer is.
"I'll take that as a yes. The Hatsuhana don't seem impressed with you, but they seem to recognize you. I'll assume that means you are also stationed here. That means you work alongside Ai-sama, and should know how she is. You know that her protecting others isn't out of character. And you know without a doubt that she will not take unnecessary risks. That means, if you actually try to think about it, that our being here is not a risk. We're a boon. And I will not tolerate you speaking of my people any other way!" I love that woman! I seriously just love that woman! How in the hell does she figure all that out so quickly? Damn!
Most of her gang are in tears, so moved by their leader's faith in them and willingness to stand up to anyone. I mean, shit, she stood up to me when she thought I was a homicidal maniac! Now she's standing up to a very reputable homicidal maniac, if a sometimes sweet one that can be taught to heel. She's got a cast iron spine, no doubt about that.
"I swear, if you were into guys, I'd give anything to sweep you off your feet." Zaza compliments her, I think. He'd only just gotten used to me standing up to him, not he's got Savana too. Poor guy.
"..." She has no clue how to respond to that.
"Zaza-cha~aaaaan! Did you bring me back presents?" I tease, having finally emptied my bowl. I nod to Sahara in thanks, accepting the tea she poured for me. She's really good at this. Maybe she can run a cafe or something when we get back to Konoha.
Sipping my tea, I try not to cackle like a maniac when he plucks the clearly half dead Fuji from off his shoulder and drops him in a heap in front of him. "Osamu, Aki, please bring him here." They sheathe their swords and dash towards the battered and bruised little man. I won't lie, I'm really happy that they grab him like he's a sack of rice. I meet the wary gaze of the man, beaming that he's barely holding on to consciousness. I welcome him to my home, and place him in a coma. After all, we can't be rude to our guests.
"Boys, please escort Fuji to Aoba-san. I'm sure we'll have some more fun with him soon." When they're halfway up the stairs, I hear a loud clang. Aki apologizes –for the noise, not the giving the man a concussion– and they carry on like nothing happened. Hmm, there might be some bad blood between them and the brothers Fuji. Maybe.
#Really not sorry.# Osamu signs, letting Fuji's leg bang against the railing again – that was definitely on purpose.
"Now, I can't let such a wonderful present go unrewarded. So, I'll let you in on a little secret. There's about to be some 'issues' in the Royal district. Once that gang is dealt with, there will need to be a new 'incident' to keep the military busy. So, pending Jiraiya's approval, there might be some fun awaiting you in the near future." I explain. Yes, I'm so much nicer when I'm not hungry.
"I don't get you. You save one gang, and doom another." Zabuza really doesn't get me. At least he's honest though.
"Not the same thing. Savana's gang tried to mostly keep legit, only dealing in back alley business when the front dipped too low. Those others are mostly side-business, and only put in enough effort to make their front passable. Worlds apart." I break it down.
"So how long before this city is unliveable?" He just moves on like my words don't faze him. I sigh, actually thinking about that.
"Zaza, we've got another mission that's going to make this place pretty much like enemy territory by next week Friday. I'm going to give details during the meeting. And yes, Savana, I already have plans to have you all out of here before that happens." I cover that base before it even comes up.
"I don't doubt you do." Savana says, bowing low in thanks. I can't help but notice how Savana's gang, and the Hatsuhana, all bow along with her.
"Alright, alright. Ai's everyone's saviour." I wave it off. "Jei, I'm heading out. You want to tag along?"
-Kono, you mind coming into the dojo to make sure Zabuza doesn't say something really stupid without us knowing about it.- Jei asks, sort of.
-On my way.- I'll just assume that's the original Kono, who's been keeping Matte company – not that she asked or even needed it, but it's nice that he offered.
"Alright." Jei nods to me.
-Kono, I need an out. We're coming to relieve you.- When I get the info showing trees and rocks, I make the portal and Jei and I jump through.
8-8
~Thursday 3:00 PM, outside of Bouyaku~
Closing the portal behind me, I sigh in relief. "Happy to be out of there?" Kono asks.
"Everyone was getting clingy with her. You know how she feels about that." Jei explains. Yeah, they were all kinds of clingy back there.
"Yup, I know how it goes. Listen, the boss said to head to Kuju once you arrive. That way we won't lose any time after the meeting tomorrow." Kono's clone informs us.
"That's brilliant! Good thinking, Kono!" I compliment him.
-Matte, Kono's clone is heading to Kuju Port. That should solve the time problem, and give us some more breathing room.- I pass the message on. -Good thinking Kono!-
-Thank Kami-sama! Cause this place is going to hell and fast! What'd you do in the Royal district exactly?-
-I kidnapped those first two teams, slaughtered the other patrols. Then I stashed their uniforms and headbands in the gang's main office.- I update her. -I of course kept their weapons for myself, but they could have just as easily been stashed elsewhere or sold. I may or may not have updated their books to make it look like there've been some major cash deposits today.-
Kono's clone and Jei look at me; both are impressed with my plan. The evidence would be circumstantial at best, but the military won't care. That entire gang will either be tried, or simply executed. Even if there is a trial, their records will be held against them and they'll be found guilty for that alone. They're fucked. Unless the military never find their hideout, in which case those asshats are inept. It's a good way to test their intel of their own city.
Kono's clone says his farewells and starts his trek to Kuju. That mostly just leaves Jei and I to wait on the other teams. Seeing that it's mid afternoon, and we expect them to be here for nine tomorrow... This is going to be a long ass day.
8-8
~Thursday 8:00 PM, outside of Bouyaku~
-We've got incoming. Temari's team. Sending a clone to intercept, Kono in the dojo please.- I giggle at that a little. Kono in the dojo.
-Ha ha, ha.- Kono retorts. Oops, I guess he felt my amusement. Can't say I'm sorry though.
Making a Shadow Clone, I send her towards the cautiously approaching Sand team, plus Fuu. The team slows when they approach my clone, and there's a... I don't know, a conversation, I suppose. My clone disperses a minute later – her memories reveal that they understand it's me and that I can approach without incident. I nod to Jei and we make our way over. I can't help but chuckle that Temari didn't recognize me, and that my clone teased her with Hayama-sensei's words when the situation was reversed. 'To think you did not recognize my signature... even after all these years...' I love the embarrassed blush she tried to hide.
"Good evening. Sorry I cannot greet you properly." I say, my eyes meeting Gaara-nii. "The city is currently in lock down. I'll get you in, but hurry, there've been patrols and I'd rather there isn't a scene to alert them." I take Shin and, once I get the data from Kono, I make a portal.
"Everyone through." I instruct. "We'll follow once the last teams arrive." Gaara doesn't even hesitate, he walks through. The others are less trusting of the unknown, but in under thirty seconds I safely close the portal. Jei and I take to the trees again, knowing that another patrol is nearby. Well, a hundred and fifty metres away, but close enough that I feel we should be careful.
-What do you think about Savana?- I ask, not blocking the other channels. It doesn't bother me that Kono and Matte can hear what we're discussing.
-Hmm. She's shrewd, calculating, and will do anything for her precious people. I think she's too much like you for you to not respect her.- Jei's amused with his analysis. I just offer him a dull glare. -But you're more talking about if I think she's loyal to you. And yes, she is.-
I don't bother denying it, that's exactly what I want to know. -What makes you think she's loyal to me?-
-Because you've saved her people. Think if it was you, and someone saved not just my life, but the entire Senju clan.- He offers. If he thinks we're so alike, then thinking about what I'd do in her shoes makes sense.
So let's see. I encounter someone that could easily kill everyone I hold dear. Instead of killing them, that person saves them, feeds them, protects them... and offers us a chance at a better life. -She's going to end up being just as fanatic as the Hatsuhana, isn't she.-
-Probably.- Jei motions for me to come closer to him. Aww, snuggle time to pass the time. I like it. I sit between his thighs and lean back into his warm embrace. My head rests against his chest. I hear his heartbeat loud and steady – he's still wearing his business suit. It's another half hour before Tou-san's team and Jiraiya arrive, and I'm just as careful to send a clone to them first. We're all in Kamezuri's Tofu before the next patrols swings through.
8-8
~Thursday 9:15 PM, dojo, Kamezuri's Tofu, Paizu District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
Predictably, Jiraiya has a meltdown seeing more new faces in the dojo. I glare at him before he says anything stupid though. "I don't want to hear it, Jiraiya. Everyone is likely tired from their journey and we're all here well on time for the meeting. I suggest we give everyone the chance to unwind."
The old fart glares at me, but wisely chooses to leave it be for now. "Is anyone hungry? It's a bit late, but I'm sure my ladies won't mind whipping something up for you." I offer the teams. Everyone seems open to the idea. Especially me; I'd missed another meal because of something taking much longer than was hoped for.
"We'll get right on it, Ai-sama." Sahara informs me, smiling brightly. She bows low to me, again, and nods to a few of the Hatsuhana ladies – motioning for them to follow her.
"Thank you, Sahara-chan. And please make some chamomile tea to go with it." She assures me that she'll see to it. I sit to the table, knowing that there is nothing I need to worry about just yet. Ah... not quite 'nothing'. "Aki, Osamu, while we're waiting, perhaps you can show the others where they'll be spending the night, and the bathroom if they wish to wash up before dinner is served. I'm sure we have at least a half hour before then."
"Should we show your commander to Aoba-san's office?" Aki asks. Hmm, good point.
"Yes, that would be acceptable. So long as he understands that they are all mine." I lock eyes with Jiraiya to show that I mean business. I've been idly thinking about all the ways I can kill the Fuji – each one deserves a unique and painful and gruesome death, and they're worth the planning I put into just that.
"If you all would follow me? Please do not confuse my buddy's silence for rudeness. An old injury damaged his voice box. He's been learning to use Konoha battle signs, if you are fluent enough in that, he'll gladly answer any questions you might have for him. His hearing is just fine though, so please bear that in mind." Aki is... he's just too much sometimes. He's being polite, amicable, welcoming and protective of his best friend all in one go. I notice how Jiraiya stays behind though. He sits across from me, his arms crossed and his gaze never wavering from mine.
"Something to say, commander." I intone. I know what his issue is, I just don't know why he thinks his disapproval would sway me.
"You are aware that Savana and Sahara are rogues from Tsuki." He says, knowing me well enough to have figured out as much. Jei sits next to me, to my right. Savana sits to my left. I just smile.
"Your point?"
"I promised your mother I'd look out for you, Ai. Please stop making this harder than it has to be." His tone is mostly pleasant, but I sense an undercurrent of a debt that can never truly be paid – what is his history with Ka-san, exactly?
"I can loo-"
"This isn't about that." He interrupts. "I know you can handle yourself, or you would not be on this mission. I know you can look after yourself, or there'd be frogs in every room to monitor you." I just really do collect overprotective people. There's no other explanation.
"I'm tired, hungry and aggravated from too many long days back to back. Speak plainly, Jiraiya." I demand. If he has a point, he'd better make it.
"I got my hands on this. Maybe you should take a look." He pulls a book out of nowhere. If I didn't know any better, I'd think it's a Bingo Book, but it looks slightly different to Konoha's version. "Turn to page one-oh-seven."
I roll my eyes, but do as he asks. Turning to page one-hundred and seven, I see a familiar face staring at me. A larger picture of my face, a smaller picture of a side profile and one from the back. "What have we here? Our Ai-chan's famous." Jei announces. That just sends everyone around us into a scramble trying to see what this is about.
Name: Senju Ai
Age: 13
Monikers: Princess Ai, Konoha's Rabbit Goddess, Black Death, Mournful Blade.
Rank: A or higher
Known Skills: Can summon thousands of C-rank level rabbit samurai (confirmed to be at least 3000), B-rank skills with snake sword, unknown elemental skills (Wind is only known element), unknown skill with Sealing, suspected skill in Healing.
Caution Level: Do Not Engage.
Note: Head of Senju clan, daughter to Senju Tsunade of the Sannin, father unknown. See note on page 108.
"Holy shit, I'm 'Do Not Engage'? Fucking hell! That's just a step down from 'Flee On Sight'!" I boast. "You see that, Jei? I'm feared around here."
"Turn the page." Jiraiya instructs. When I do, I see Naruto-nii. Why am I not surprised? And yes, as I figured, he's registered as 'Flee On Sight'.
Name: Uzumaki Naruto
Age: 16
Monikers: Konoha's Second Yellow Flash, Konoha's Guardian.
Rank: S
Known Skills: Flying Thunder God jutsu, Jinchuuriki (can control up to seven tails of Kyuubi's chakra), Off the charts Sealing knowledge.
Caution Level: Flee On Sight.
Note: Head of Uzumaki clan. Suspected son of Namekaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina. Swore to hunt down and kill anyone that hurts Senju Ai (see page 107)
I groan at that. Even in the Bingo Book people are shown to be protective of me. I mean, seriously! And since when can Naruto-nii use seven of the nine tails? How would these people even know that!?
"P-princess Ku-kushina!" Minako sounds shocked, interrupting my mental rant. No, she is shocked. I can't say the name means much to me, but obviously she must be well known. "He's Princess Kushina's son?" I blink. Princess? Well, people seem to be calling me a princess too... what's that about?
"What's it to you?" Jiraiya asks, eyeing her dangerously closely.
"My father was one of her sworn guards before she was sent to Konoha and never returned." She explains. "When Whirlpool fell, he smuggled my mother and two others out. He'd petitioned Konoha for years to let us move there, but some stuck up bureaucrat, something Danzo, has been turning us down."
"Where are the others now?" I ask, curious that she's suddenly so open. And I'm also more than curious about Shimura Danzo's hand in this.
"Dead, or might as well be." She says coldly. Zanma tries to comfort her; it's hard to miss the pain in her chakra.
"Minako, I need to know." I press, hoping to get more info out of her.
"It's okay, Mina, I'll tell them you go upstairs." Zanma speaks up. Minako is gone before I can even ask what's wrong. Not that I'm worried – she runs into Naruto on en route. "The two others were my mother and my aunt, Paizu's mother. Minako's father killed them almost a year ago."
Silence ensues, as uncomfortable as having to dance naked in front of drunken men that would like nothing more than to grope you.
"We don't know for sure why, but we know that he's under the influence of at least opium. And we know that he now works for the Fuji brothers here in Bouyaku." Zanma offers after collecting himself a bit.
"Good. He's mine." I grind out, trying my best not to leak any killing intent.
Jiraiya isn't pleased. "Ai-chan, please he's-"
"Mine." I finish for him. "Fuji is already on my hit list, so I'm not even going out of my way."
"Ai, this is exactly what I'm talking about!" Jiraiya brings us back to his earlier point. "The two of you are becoming too well known, and you're still out for blood!"
"Tell me something, old man." I meet his gaze easily. "We need Fuji. That man works for Fuji. What are the odds of me not meeting him in combat?"
"Everyone out." Jiraiya orders, but only Zanma and Paizu leave. I smirk, knowing for certain that he holds no power over my people. "OUT!" He bellows, but still no one else budges.
"It's alright, guys. Go on." I wave them out, not in the least surprised when everyone starts making their way upstairs. Only Team Delta stay behind, and Jei.
Jiraiya waits for everyone to leave, before casting a privacy jutsu. Whatever he has to say, it's obviously personal. "You and the brat are the closest thing I have to children." He says, his tone just as crisp as it ever is, his eyes just as sharp. It's his chakra that tells me there's a depth to his words he wishes he could deny. "So please, stop fighting me."
I sigh, rubbing my forehead in frustration. Since when does the super pervert have bonds with people other than Naruto and Ka-san? I would love to ask him why me, but the fact is that my being Ka-san's daughter already answered that. I would also love to know why not Sakura or Shizune, but he'll never answer me.
"What do you want from me?" Is the next best thing to ask.
"For you to be safe." Is his only response.
"I'm surrounded by people that want that as much or more than you do. Each more protective than the last. My ability to protect myself should also play a role in this. What makes you question my safety?" I wonder about that, really wonder. I'd love to just brush his concerns off, but something tells me there's more to this than he's willing to say.
"Your people are loyal, but too weak to make a difference. You're picking fights with at least B-ranks, Ai." He warns. There's something about his tone, how it's slowly softening, how he's slowly showing something I've never seen from him. "..." He mutters something I can't quite hear, but his chakra shows that he's scared of something. Jiraiya of the Sannin is scared?
"Come again?"
"I said, you are too much like your mother." He repeats, his voice wavering and cracking to show he's becoming emotional. What could possibly affect this man so much that would make him emotional? "Always making me worry, always making me wonder if you're up to something... please, Ai... I lost her... don't make me... I can't..." He turns away, unwilling to show his face any longer. Jei and I share a look, but he just nods me towards Jiraiya.
What do I say to him? What can I say? Words will offer him no comfort, just as they do not console me, nor fill the hole in my heart Ka-san left behind. So I guess all there is, is a hug. I make my way to him, keeping my footsteps light but audible. When I find myself in front of him, I see, for the first time, that even someone like Jiraiya has a breaking point. Ka-san's death was that point, and it seems like the fear of something happening to me...
His face is kept stoic, his body carefully controlled, but he makes no effort to hide the flowing tears. I briefly wonder if he'd even shed a tear since Ka-san's death. I raise my arms, like a toddler would when asking someone to pick them up. When he hesitates I beckon with both hands. "I need a hug." I tell him simply.
If he was shorter, I would just glomp him. But frankly the man is damn nearly twice my height! I could also just jump higher, or I could just climb up him like he's some sort of mountain – compared to me, he kind of is. No, I want him to put in the effort.
He's slow to act, I can't say I understand why, but eventually he does scoop me up into his arms. Sure to keep my movements slow and nonthreatening, I wrap my arms around him, letting him bury his tearstained face in the nape of my neck. He hooks an arm under my legs to stabilize me, while the other wraps around my middle protectively – just like how Ka-san used to hold me. I don't fight the tears, letting them fall as they please.
"I miss her too." I murmur. "I think about her every day. Wondering if she's proud of the person I've become." His shoulders shudder for the first time, betraying the intensity of his emotions.
"I get so mad sometimes. I just don't understand why she would leave me." Ai, you need to shut up. You need to stop talking and just leave this as it is. "She promised me she'd always be here for me. She was supposed to be at my wedding. She was supposed to hold my child and tell me who they remind her off."
"That's why I hate it when people baby me... only Ka-san is allowed to do that. But she's... Ka-san, she's..."
"Gone." Jiraiya finishes for me. I grab two fistfuls of his red haori jacket, praying to whatever Kami is listening that I won't lose anyone else. "But we're still here, Ai. Please, help me keep you here." He all but begs me.
I push myself back a little, wiping away his tears with my palms. Noticing that his tears just won't stop, I hug him again. "I'm not going anywhere. I promise, Tou-san." I whisper into his ear, holding him just a little tighter.
His grip tightens, almost becoming painful. He sniffles a little, chuckling and too shocked to stop himself. "I'll hold you to that, princess."
"This means I'm going to have another S-rank shinobi threatening me. Fuck my life." Jei says drily. I'm so shocked that I can't help but laugh. Jiraiya's much the same I think.
"Sorry, kid. I'm triple-S. You're moving up in the world." He teases, but Jei doesn't look impressed.
"Wonderful."
8-8
~Friday 9:00 AM, dojo, Kamezuri's Tofu, Paizu District, Royal City of Bouyaku~
Sitting to the table are the captains, with Jiraiya taking the 'most important' seat. I roll my eyes, wondering at the need for superficial protocol at a time like this. The others are standing around us, trying to watch all the information currently on display. Maps of Bouyaku, Ancor Vantian, Mima City and Seki litter the table, each with notes scribbled all over them.
"Alright, listen up." Jiraiya officially starts the meeting. No one else but our teams are allowed in the dojo, not even the Usagi. "Ai tells me that she's been given an additional mission. Once she tells us the details, we'll move on and start planning how this affects everything else."
"Thank you." I bow my head a little to him, showing more respect that anyone is used to me giving him. "We've gathered intelligence on their shinobi forces here. Particularly, where they 'recruit' said forces from." I pull the map of Bouyaku towards me, noticing that this is the one Jei marked all fifteen of the nurseries. "It turns out that they have a human farming facility here in Bouyaku. What you see here are the known locations where they house the children they've been farming."
"I of course passed the intelligence onto Jiraiya, but I'd also brought Hokage-sama up to speed. I have since received an S-rank mission from villages of Konoha, Cloud, Mist, Sand, Snow, Vegetables, Artisan and Star to kidnap each of these children and have them in Kuju Port by next week Friday night." I let that simmer for a moment, letting them come to the conclusion that I am not fucking up a mission given to me by that many concurring villages.
"You, as in you personally?" Kankurou asks. I can't say if he's impressed that they'd give me an S-rank mission, or if he's worried what would happen to me if I fail.
"Yes. The mission scroll states my name as the only pledged mission executioner. So this is my mission. However, the military backlash from my mission will have a major effect on our main mission. It may be necessary to move up the execution date."
"What do you suggest?" Jiraiya asks.
"Next week Friday at midnight."
"That's impossible. There's no way we can find the remaining targets and plan blowing up four cities in a week." Temari points out, glaring at me. She knows me well enough, but she has little faith in this coming to fruition.
"I already have plans for Bouyaku in place. I have a team making all the tags I'll need. If Naruto were to stay here with me another three days, we could have enough of each type of tag for all four cities. I'm sure Jiraiya has found his targets in Ancor Vantian. He could go aid your team, Temari. Sasuke can go help Tou-san's team locating theirs. Once we're done with the tags, Naruto can send clones to deliver them to each of you and then all you have to do is acquire your targets before setting the fuse."
"That leaves too much room for error. We'd need to communicate to ensure everyone is on schedule." Jiraiya points out.
"Easily arranged." I peel off my left glove and showing the back of my hand to everyone. "This seal allows me and my team to communicate real-time over any distance. Naruto could make temporary seals like it for all of you and we hook them up to a communications hub seal. If Shikamaru were to stay here to act as central intelligence, he could keep everyone on schedule and ensure that everyone is up to date."
"Hmm. That might work." Jiraiya seems to still be thinking though. "What do you think, Shikamaru?"
"That nothing good ever comes from rushing." The Nara heir drones. "But at least we have a solid plan to work with. Naruto, are you sure you can get this done?"
"Positive. I've already worked with that seal, so I know what I'm doing. And me and Ai have already perfected those new explosive notes. We're good to go!" Naruto-nii enthuses.
"Ai, that seal is more than just a communication seal. What else can it do?" Shikamaru just can't cope with unknowns, can he.
"A lot. I'll explain that in private." Everyone eyes me suspiciously, but no one has a right to say anything.
-I'm in Kuju Port, near the docks. Whenever you guys are ready.- Kono's clone updates us. I smile, knowing that this means that everything is coming to a head.
"Guys, I've got a million things going on at once. Is this a plan we can live with?" I say, my smile still not going anywhere.
"It's a plan that'll have to do. Everyone is dismissed. Naruto, Ai, Shikamaru. I'll need to talk to you three privately in Ai's office." Jiraiya just can't offer a compliment, can he. "Matsuri, you too. No, Nara Matsuri."
"Just call her Matte. It's simpler." I wave it off, already walking towards my office. As I reach the border of the privacy jutsu, I realize Jiraiya isn't taking it down. I focus on the disruptor seals decorating my left hand and just flick the barrier jutsu with one finger. I can't help but smile when it shatters. So many new and exciting uses for the seals I have. "You guys coming, or what?"
8-8
End Chapter 17
8-8
A/N: Updated October 12th, 2015.