La Verità Dolce
Sonnie
-O-
"I love how the Sabaku and the Hyuuga families view this incident as a competition, not a tragedy."
Sai shot Tenten a look before returning to his painting. "I think someone's bitter that they were pulled from the commission."
Tenten crossed her arms over her chest, which was still wrapped in bandages but otherwise bare. "That's not the case at all. I'm furious because Neji wouldn't admit to being present during the attack but the gracious and benevolent Hyuuga family can afford to be highly visible benefactors in the wake of a disaster. It's likely their influence is the reason why Akatsuki wasn't even mentioned in the newspapers."
"Tenten, no one wants to finger Akatsuki for anything," Sai reminded her. "We have to accept—"
"—accept that it will happen again because no one in Rome is brave enough to stand up to them?" Tenten forced her hands back down when Sai motioned exasperatingly to her waving arms. He was trying to draw her, after all. She was fuming but he was just happy her ire wasn't being directed at him for once.
"It very well might," Sai said tightly.
"Doesn't that bother you? This is our home!"
"Of course it bothers me, but I can't take on the Akatsuki by myself and neither can you."
"You sound just like Sakura. I never thought I'd say that."
I never thought I'd hear that, Sai thought, but Tenten needs to understand. "Sakura is right to urge caution. She's cleaning up the mess Akatsuki left. We got off lucky. Shikamaru stood up to Akatsuki and nearly got everyone killed."
"Why didn't they target the apprentices?"
"We weren't around. I don't think Akatsuki could have known they were absent until they got here and noticed the empty stables. Truthfully, I'm not certain about the intended targets."
"So then they went after the servants as a consolation prize?" Tenten was skeptical.
"They've blacklisted Shikamaru from accepting religious commissions; you can't really attack anyone professionally any more than they already have. I hate to say this, but apprentices are disposable. Your charity case likely jumped to the front of a massive waiting list. Even if we all perished, in a few months he could find replacements for everyone except me, since I teach some of his classes. An attack on his personal life was much more unexpected. He tries very hard to keep his private life separate from his professional one. Shikamaru's particularly upset because they peripherally got Lady Ino involved."
Tenten blinked. "Why would he care if Lady Ino got involved? He doesn't even like her."
Sai looked hesitant. "It's not quite that simple. They don't get along, true, but he doesn't want to see her hurt. Akatsuki could take action against her life if they're willing to act so publically. It would be another personal failure for Shikamaru."
"Because he's such a great person and all," Tenten said dryly. "The man can paint, but not a whole lot else. His personal life consists of taking naps and playing chess with Chouji. "
"You sound very disillusioned," Sai observed.
"I just thought there would be a lot more freedom or excitement in this field," Tenten admitted. "Shikamaru's practically a slave to the whims of whoever holds the purse strings."
"I think your tenure has been plenty exciting." Tenten raised a brow at such an oblique reference to the Akatsuki attack and her issues with Lord Hyuuga. "And the restrictions are due to Akatsuki's meddling. Only the wealthiest, most powerful families have the confidence to seek Shikamaru out. He would be flooded with commissions if it weren't for them. He should cave to their demands. We'd all be safer."
"After what they just did, on top of what they'd already done? How could he even think to?"
"He should if he likes being alive," Sai said quietly. Tenten searched his face for sarcasm and found none. "The guilds have been around of centuries. Shikamaru managed to find one arcane loophole that allows him to operate outside of their influence—as an incredibly lazy man, I've learned to never underestimate how much work he'll do to avoid more work—and Akatsuki's legal representatives have been working hard to shut him down. No one is supposed to conduct business unless they're a guild member, and since the only guild in Rome is the Akatsuki, you can see why Shikamaru would never join."
"I just wish things could be different," Tenten sighed. "I shouldn't have to live in fear just because Shikamaru has selectively grown a backbone. It's a shame there aren't any clockmakers operating out of Akatsuki's control. I think I would have preferred that occupation."
Sai made a face and his brush froze midair. "Why would you want to study that?"
"I like figuring out how things work," Tenten confessed. She was standing in front of Sai with her chest wrapped in bandages and was just now starting to get embarrassed. "I realize that's somewhat odd but that's why so many people do dissections." She paused. "Shikamaru doesn't do them, does he?"
"They're illegal; he wouldn't risk being found out," Sai replied. "Besides, Shikamaru's knowledge is sound. He has no need to. There are rumors that Kakuzu, that Akatsuki member you fought, helps secure bodies for Deidara."
"The famous sculptor is Akatsuki too?" Tenten groaned.
"I told you, Shikamaru is the only noteworthy artist in Rome currently unaffiliated." Sai muttered impatiently, motioning for her to straighten up. Normally models weren't supposed to converse, but he found Tenten was much more relaxed if he permitted her to talk. She was an animated speaker but once she was lost in conversation, she was fun for him to draw.
"But it's Deidara."
"Master Sasori's sculptures are superior."
"I prefer his watches."
"The man carves sublime human forms out of marble and you like his watches?" Sai looked like he was in physical pain. "You're very strange, Tenten."
Tenten rolled her eyes, "Says the man who's currently blackmailing me into posing half-naked."
"Nude," Sai corrected, "half nude."
"In addition to all of his artistic training, learning about watches had to take years," Tenten's voice was reverent. "Watches are expensive and meant to last for a long time. You can see that in his craftsmanship. The designs are so timeless, so perfect. I love those tiny etched details and delicate filigree. He shows the same dedication to his marble work. That level of craft is superb."
"How can you be a fan of traditional art and still like Deidara's work?" Sai was puzzled. "Deidara's sculptures are flamboyant and incomplete; if he just finished something it would be fine, but he just carves faces and leaves this raw, unsightly slab of stone behind. It's scandalous and improper."
"It's incredible," Tenten corrected. "They have this wonderful kinetic quality. They have energy and life and style."
"But they're so different."
"Why can't you appreciate both artists for what they have to offer? Sasori's work is honored as a touchstone of artistic merit for this time period, but Deidara's work will influence the next generation of artists and create new standards for what makes good art."
Sai gave her an odd look that she couldn't quite interpret. She studied the crease in his brow and realized that he and Naruto were similar in the way Sasori and Deidara were. Sai perfectly embodied the ideals of the Renaissance a few decades prior. He always focused on a figure right before they acted, as if attempting to capture the thoughts that led to it. He was very cerebral and required an expert eye to appreciate all the planning that went into his compositions. But Naruto's work focused on the act itself, always trying to depict something fleeting and temporary. His drawings were accessible and easy for even the untrained eye to admire. Sai was a good painter; that was fact. But Naruto had the potential to be truly great, once his style matured and his skill improved.
"Can I see how it's going?" Tenten asked timidly. Wordlessly, he flipped the canvas over to show her briefly before flipping it back.
"Hey, why are you drawing my chest bare?" Tenten demanded.
"I have seen it like that once," Sai reminded her. "I'm going by memory. Am I doing a poor job?"
Tenten opened her mouth to protest before closing it. She'd never given her breasts that much thought before, but apparently Sai had been thinking of them a great deal. Tenten was relieved he was so detached because it made the idea of him depicting her in such a way somehow more acceptable. He handled her nudity as a doctor would, without passion.
"They look fine, I guess," Tenten mumbled. "It's just weird, that's all. They look so much more detailed than the nude paintings I've seen."
"Most of them don't have models like I do," Sai informed her. "Polite society insists that nude female figures be fictional characters of some kind instead of real women. Artists disguise their models as goddesses and distort their features so they're not recognizable as actual people. I don't have to worry about hiding your identity because I'm not going to show anyone these paintings. But maybe one day I'll have a client request a female nude and with a few modifications I can adapt one of these studies."
Tenten bit her lip. "So you're going to make me into a Roman goddess?"
Sai smirked. "Perhaps you should be Diana, goddess of the hunt. You're certainly not a Venus."
"You're such an ass," Tenten grumbled. She knew she wasn't a beautiful blonde deity, but it still annoyed her to hear Sai say it, if only because of his disparaging tone.
"Most of the goddesses are virgins, and if they're not, then they tend to be cruel or promiscuous. You should be glad you're not Venus or worse, Juno. She was not a woman to cross. There are definitely some terrifying women out there, Tenten."
"How do you know I'm not one of them?" Tenten eyed him carefully.
"You're not that smart," Sai returned evenly, smirking. His tone lacked the edge it usually did, and she realized his barb was more out of habit than malice.
Tenten gave him a lopsided grin. "You know, something's different about you."
"A lot has happened in the past few weeks," Sai said cryptically, not bothering to inquire about her statement. "I'm trying to cut down on all the complications in my life."
"Your life has complications?"
Sai was indignant. "It isn't easy doing most of your instructor's work and not getting the credit for it. I can look at the Hyuuga-Sabaku commission painting and point out which parts I did and which ones Shikamaru did. I completed the majority of the under painting in the background and painted nearly all the details on everyone's clothes. I also buy his supplies, schedule his meetings, run his errands, proofread his contracts, and teach his classes when he's feeling particularly lazy which is unfortunately almost always."
"Well, you could be a woman pretending to be a man," Tenten pointed stated, drumming her fingers against her hip.
"That's just stupidity," Sai remarked, and this time he meant it.
Tenten scowled. "You're not very nice sometimes, Sai. If you weren't so cruel and ruthless, we could actually be friends instead of reluctant business partners. We'd learn a lot more that way."
There it is again, 'friend.' I have no friends.
Tenten looked hopefully at Sai but he didn't speak.
-O-
Ino felt her back begin to bruise where it hit the wall of her greenhouse. She held a small spade in her hand as if it were a knife, but knew it would provide no protection against Zetsu. The Akatsuki member circled her warily. He had snuck in very late and was wise enough to leave the showy cloak at home, but was no less dangerous because he didn't wear the Akatsuki colors.
"I told you, Kakuzu attacked your home without telling me. I had nothing to do with it. The idiot could have damaged my opium crop. He's trying to make waves before his partner Hidan returns in two weeks. Personally I don't think Hidan is worth the trouble."
"I know he killed Asuma and so does everyone else. Why wasn't he punished?"
"He was exiled."
"If anyone but Akatsuki killed someone so prominent they would have been executed. Hidan didn't even serve time in jail."
"I suggest you stop worrying about such things. I plan to use my influence to spare you and your husband so you can continue to grow poppies for me."
"My home nearly burned; I've seen how influential you are," Ino spat angrily, knowing it was foolish.
Zetsu slapped her, not caring that his hasty action might leave a highly visible mark. To her horror and his dismay, he realized his ring had split her lip. If the metal had fallen on her cheek, he likely would have left an imprint. He swore at his carelessness and his foot lashed out, knocking her down. She tried to shrink away but he grabbed her wrist and hauled her to her feet, showering their shoes with dirt.
"Ino, I'll get away with this as long as I like," Zetsu said confidently. "One stray cut isn't going to alert your husband or make him believe you. It wouldn't be hard to bust your own lip or run into a table and hit your leg. Addicts have done far more shocking things to further their habit, and he'll only think you're crazy and have you committed. It would solve a lot of his problems, locking you up."
Ino went limp in Zetsu's grasp, as if something heavier than his boot had knocked her feet out from under her. She knew Shikamaru wed her for her money in the end, but the law had transferred everything into his name when they married. A divorce was unheard of (and unlikely to be granted) but having her committed would remove her from his life and free him to carry on with Temari. She knew he'd never do such a thing maliciously but if he truly thought she was addicted to opium again…
"Why are you coming to me for this?" Ino wailed. "There are greenhouses all over Rome."
"You have one of the largest private greenhouses in the city, don't be modest. You, yourself, are also talented at growing things, unlike the rich and lazy twits who tend to most of them. And maybe I just wanted to do this out of spite?"
"You won't get away with this forever," Ino said bravely. She pulled the hem of her sleeve down to cover the bruise forming on her wrist. It was a simple gesture but it gave her the small semblance of power over an uncontrollable situation.
"I don't need to get away with it forever, just for the next few weeks. I'm sending some workers to harvest the crop shortly; I'll leave a letter with instructions closer to the date."
"Why is it so important they be ready in time for Hidan's arrival? You said you don't even like him."
"Ino, my dear, that's none of your business. Just keep doing as I ask or maybe you'll be the one locked in a pantry and set aflame."
Color was high in her cheeks but Ino said nothing. She knew he would do it if he really wanted to. Zetsu brushed past her, knocking her aside. She heard the door open and shut behind her but couldn't bring herself to move. Minutes passed before she slid slowly to the ground without a word.
-O-
Sasuke was seething. Sai, his only real link to the outside world, had suddenly quit without giving him any notice. He'd cited a new commission as the reason for leaving. Somehow, money had been replaced by something else in the painter's heart, and it was no longer enough to ensure his loyalty. And without Sai's reconnaissance, he had absolutely nothing to offer Kabuto. The silver-haired man was irritated that Jou had slipped through his grasp and blamed Sasuke for chasing her off.
The meeting he'd eagerly plotted for weeks with Kabuto was disappointing. The man had barely told him anything he didn't already know or hadn't previously deduced. The meeting was only a few minutes long, as his brother had interrupted inopportunely, but not accidentally. Itachi was just as watchful as ever; Sasuke realized scaring Jou away hadn't been a good idea, since she'd likely alerted his brother. But thinking about consequences wasn't something Sasuke could ever profess to be good at.
Itachi can't just keep me prisoner forever. He allows me to visit the city sometimes but I never go because everyone stares. What do they know that I don't? I need to find someone else who can help me, and I'll only find someone in Rome. The servants in this place are hired and discarded too quickly to ever be of use to me. Itachi had taken a liking to Jou but she wouldn't have helped me and I practically forced her to leave. I have to arrange another meeting, but if I asked to send a letter he'd immediately be suspicious…
"Tell my brother I'll be out for the afternoon," Sasuke told one of his brother's servants. She likely didn't know her employment would only last a few weeks but he had stopped feeling sorry for them long ago. She nodded politely, unaware that Itachi wasn't too keen on Sasuke's little daytrips.
Sasuke felt crisp, autumn air hit his face and relished the unfamiliar feeling. He headed with purpose to where he thought the merchant's district was located, though he didn't truthfully know where anything was in Rome. He tried to ignore the stares and realized that he could very easily be robbed if he picked the wrong part of the city to reconnoiter. He didn't have anything of value, but prospective bandits had no way of knowing that. He only hoped they would see the rapier at his belt and be deterred like good little peasants.
-O-
Haku stared out the window of the tiny apartment he rented, looking down on the unsuspecting pedestrians below. They had no idea they were being watched by one of the richest men in Europe, whose tastes were not as extravagant as he attempted to project. The Hyuuga family would be horrified to find him living so modestly, but truthfully it was the only way he felt comfortable. The time he'd spent in the care of Tenten's impoverished family was the best part of his childhood, as disjointed and brief as it was. Haku's father was near death but he was still deeply afraid of him, even when a continent separated them.
Tenten never had much growing up and she's far more confident than me. She's running around Rome pretending to be a man, pursuing what she loves, and not spending her time fearing the uncertainty she must be facing. She's a strong woman, much like the lady traveling with Captain Zabuza…
Haku's trip across the Mediterranean had been exhilarating. He'd sworn his servants to secrecy, because the fact that they'd sailed to Italy on a pirate ship would surely scandalize such a proper family as the Hyuugas. After some initial conflict, Captain Zabuza had overseen a swift journey and had been the first person outside his aunt and her family to treat him like a human being, not a noble. He'd insisted that Haku learn as much as he could about sailing while on the voyage, because he claimed he didn't want the Turkish navy breathing down his neck in case Haku died at sea. He spent a great deal of time teaching him nautical terms and methods when he realized Haku had the intellect and desire to learn more.
It's a shame I'll never see him again. It was the happiest I've been in ages. Father told me to secure my own transportation and I chose a pirate ship, thinking it might not be so bad to perish on the journey to Italy instead of dragging a strange girl into a miserable life with me. Captain Zabuza might have just robbed me and dumped me overboard in the beginning had his first officer not intervened; she said she would have had a son close to my age and persuaded him to take me as a passenger. Perhaps Tenten is not quite as brazen as she was, but they are both incredibly strong.
Haku's quill paused over parchment as he considered the similarities between the two women. He was struck suddenly by heartache, having regained his cousin after assuming her lost. When his aunt died, the letters stopped entirely. Fujimoto was not keen on Yukarin's family, for reasons that Haku didn't fully understand. He knew the blacksmith was no longer alive and nothing now stood in the way of a proper reunion with his cousin, a reunion that had been impossible at the Hyuuga estate. With that in mind, he began the letter he'd waited weeks to write. Her instructor likely knew her ruse but the less he knew of her affairs, the better. Haku was a highly visible diplomat and knew it was risky to see her, but before he knew it his letter had been finished and sealed. He stared at the envelope a moment before rising briskly.