I will spend the summer moving this story along! I didn't realize how tricky this arc of her life would be until I started writing it honestly. I want to make sure I don't deviate too far from the cannon's personality traits of these side characters, so if you see any inconsistencies please let me know! Disclaimer: Naruto, etc. belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
The Life of Bri Tsutoni
The end of the year was like the setting of a sun to my childhood and the dawning to my adulthood. It was strange being greeting with respect by The Land of Water's envoy. It was almost surreal, that I didn't belong. Yet, here I was about to embark on an unforgettable journey. That was what I was hoping for at least.
Anko and Gai radiated the same optimism. This should have indicated a pleasant journey, but I could not have been more wrong. The two began to argue before we even made it to the designated meeting place. At this point, the boat ride was not something I was looking forward to.
The Water nation only sent three travelers to accompany us. I was uncertain if this implied that they did not find us as a threat, or if it was more of a show of respect so that we each only had three representatives. Either way seemed politically strategic. The small group consisted of a jōnin leveled youth around my age, his mentor, and an advisor for their feudal lord.
The youngest went by Utakata. He was tall and slim with chin-length brown hair and golden eyes similar to my mother's. He was stoic and barely uttered a word. Even then, he had to be directly spoken to and would disregard any questions or statements that he couldn't charm himself out of answering. He was preferable company for me what with Anko and Gai arguing over every little thing imaginable: currently, they were having a serious disagreement on how high the waves were.
I tried to focus more on what was going on around me instead of my two bickering comrades. When I envisioned the Hidden Mist, I pictured a beautiful, warm landscape with welcoming, shaded-by-delicate-mist beaches. I was met with chilled air and ice instead. The farthest I had ever traveled was the only battle I participated in during the Third Shinobi War and the landscape was nearly identical to home. To my dismay, Konoha was favorable compared to these salt-stinging wisps of the sea that began to blister my face.
The longer I remained on the deck of the decently sized ship, the more I learned of my hatred of the cold. I did not like the ghastly, white glaciers poking their icy peaks from the arctic waters in nearly every direction. I did not like seeing each exhale I made turn into puffs of vapor; they were little reminders of the chill permeating my damp cloak. I did not like the cutting sensation worsening at the back of my throat while my lungs burned as if I had ran for miles. I. Most. Certainly. Do. Not. Like. The. Cold.
Utakata insisted that each island varied and that others were not as bitter as this never ending bubble of cold we were in now, but I won't believe him until I see it for myself. I was sulking miserably when Anko and Gai began a new argument about how icy they believed the air was now. The only solace I had regarding them was that everything was being secretly recorded by my second spirit so that I could remember everything to relay back to those at home for monitoring. They would have to suffer too.
"So…how do you feel about being from a place dubbed the "Bloody Mist"? Anko turned her attention to our new company.
Utakata licked his lips seductively before turning away with a small frown. I followed him as inconspicuously as I could before asking him a question of my own.
"You're not fond of the place, are you?"
"The Mist is something I wish I could forget among many things," he replied before closing his cabin door in my face, albeit politely.
Today, Hokkaidō decided to enlighten me about an ability he hadn't shared previously. He was able to communicate with the tailed beasts. Apparently, this man was a vessel for one and our two spirits were communicating things that were best left unsaid. From what I gathered, he planned on fleeing the village after our visit. All of which I dreaded telling the leaders in Konoha. They would see him as a threat when all he really wanted was freedom. I could relate to that 110%.
I sighed before retiring to my own room. I would need to get thicker clothes if I was going to survive. It was clear that Konoha had very little information about this place. Research was one of my main purposes, so I tried to be forgiving of their lack of adequate assets they provided for travel. The more I contemplated the near destination, the more I realized that all I had ever known about the Land of Water was the kekkei genkai genocide and the notorious graduation exam requirement they had until seven-ish years ago.
The first island on our list was the one that held the Hidden Mist. There was no clear beginning or end to the thick fog cascading the atmosphere. It encompassed each crevice of land and hung onto every pore of air and body of water alike. Upon arrival, my party was directed to small stand to purchase more appropriate attire to make it through this frozen land.
Our leaders nodded in approval of our wardrobe changes before directing us down a snow-banked trail. Frozen flakes started to descend from the greyness above. They branded my skin with their wet residue. Despite my discomfort, the snow fall was beautiful to behold. It was the only redeeming quality for the harsh environment so far.
"Finally, something to enjoy in this dismal place," I smiled, took Anko by her outstretched arms, and twirled in the frozen rain.
The Land of Water's entourage reacted oddly at our glee. It was clear that they were not accustomed to outsider interpretation of snow. Gai attempted to catch the shavings with his tongue while Anko and I continued to warm ourselves by dancing around.
Our trail began to liven as markets, homes, and people became visible. I watched in interest as several children lay in the snow as they waved their arms and legs around to create angel-like patterns in the white blanket. Anko looked deviously on at others who were rolling the strange participation into balls and chunking them at one another.
The village itself wasn't very large. It was a good thing that it was surrounded by large and numerous mountain ranges for heavy defense. There were a few frozen lakes decorating the outskirts that the natives seemed to glide on using just thin slices of metal. How did it not break into the ice? Was it that thick and impenetrable?
I returned my attention to whatever formalities Utakata's mentor was reminding us of once we reached the heart of the village where the Mizukage's building was stationed.
"This, Princess Tsutoni, is where we will leave you. We are staying at the aforementioned inn if you have any requests, questions, or need whatever," Utakata advised before bowing briefly in dismissal with a quick wink.
We returned the bow and were directed to the second level of the structure.
"You scared yet?" Anko teased. I sighed irritably.
I had yet to discuss the whole Shisui thing with her and wasn't in the mood to deal with her hecklings until it was off my chest. I would have to bring it up tonight. There was no sense in torturing myself especially when my focus should be on the mission.
The door we were waiting patiently in front of opened before I could respond. I blinked in obvious surprise at the Mizukage. He was smaller than me and I wasn't sure how to handle it. Was this how others felt about me? He wouldn't have been promoted to his position if his nation didn't find him worthy of it. Or was it out of fear? If the Leaf felt uncertain about me as I did for this little man, than I doubt I would receive the same token of authority even when I'm old as hell.
Obviously, Konoha viewed me as a pawn. Something in me quivered in irritation. I was more than that. Yes, I was much, much more than that. I am more than a mouthpiece. I reminded myself and to refocus on the figure before me.
The young Kage was cheerful to an extent; at least he was verbal enough to give off this impression. I had falsely assumed that he would be a gloomy reflection of the island he led. He fired so many questions, that he didn't appear to notice my staring.
His curiosity was on par with mine, but I knew not to lower my guard. On the way here, Hokkaidō picked up several conversations from the villagers about how they felt that he was being manipulated, even controlled by an unseen force. His pleasant banter may have only been a cover-up for all I knew. I smiled pleasantly as he introduced the others in the room. Two stood out more than the others.
Both were larger than average and didn't feel… human. Utakata-san and the Mizukage were holders for powerful beasts and yet they felt safer than the two standing beside the leader in front of me.
The first to catch my attention was the largest man-thing I had ever seen or could ever imagine existing. He had pale-blue skin, fish-like eyes, and a boastful, broad smile similar to a shark. In fact, a shark is what he embodied. He introduced himself as Hoshigaki Kisame. Despite these obviously eerie characteristics, he was slightly less threatening than the second man.
The other stood to the left of the Mizukage and reeked of evil. I shivered uncertainly under his piercing gaze. Every time I looked up at him, his attention was fixated on me. Yagura-san introduced him as Momochi Zabuza since he was too unfriendly to speak for himself. I wasn't sure if my unnatural feeing of dread was in result to the fact that he was the one responsible for ending an entire generation of ninja, or the fact that his mouth was completely wrapped in a way that made his face unreadable. Either way, Hokkaidō had to soothe my worries.
My gut told me that this wouldn't be the last time we would meet.
Every word, action, or flicker of the eye was under scrutiny of both parties present. It was evident that they wanted to maintain the peace they held with the Land of Fire as much as we did. The several hours it took to discuss all that was detailed from the scrolls the Hokage provided flew by. Before I knew it, the Mizukage was saying his farewells.
Gai and Anko were already outside the door when Kisame blocked my exit.
"I like the way you smell," he snickered. He was bent forward enough to have my bun tickle is flat nostrils. I felt samehada squirm.
"Do you mean that in an edible way?" I played along. What else was I supposed to do in such an unfamiliar setting with people I didn't know?
Luckily, my response was met with a full-bellied laugh. The shark-man stepped aside so that I could rejoin my friends. He followed and suggested a nearby restaurant.
"Will they have 'unicorn nectar' there? I heard some of the passersby arguing about some earlier and I wanted to give it a try," Anko perked up.
"Of course. You'll be able to find that anywhere," Kisame smiled eagerly as we followed.
"What are your intentions, Kisame?" A deep, melancholy voice spoke up.
To my dismay, Zabuza had tagged along. His question hinted at our possible endangerment. I was wrong…to an extent.
The so called restaurant was more similar to a brothel than an eatery. Kisame's dull eyes glowed at Gai's blush while Anko and I did our best to keep a low profile. We wanted to appear unimpressed at his attempts of embarrassing us, and we seemed to be doing an okay job with it.
The "waitress" assigned to our table looked flabbergasted at my formal apparel and was obviously afraid at offending me. I smiled encouragingly at her. I didn't want to make her feel as uncomfortable as me. Poor girl…poor me. I just wanted food and she just wanted to serve.
"I'd like to wager a bet. Whoever eats the most shrimp wins and the loser must pay," Kisame suggested, breaking the silence.
"I accept," I smiled up at our server.
Zabuza allowed a chuckle to escape his covered mouth which made me feel even iffier about him than his silent brooding. I looked on curiously has he lowered the wrappings to eat. His teeth were sharpened in a way that I was finding common to the natives here. Honestly, it was more unusual to see normal teeth than fangs in the region.
The first eight dishes provided to me and Kisame were devoured easily. Anko, Gai, and Zabuza tapped out after six. I was surprised to see the cornflower-blue giant slow down. I was still hungry and the iced, fried, and grilled shrimp platters did not seem to be hitting the spot. Twenty three dishes later, the shark collapsed to the floor with a stomach as large as he was tall. I, however, asked for another plate to go before searching his pockets for the money due.
Gai, Anko, and I were laughing as we made our way to the inn we had reservations with. Before we could make it, Zabuza pulled me to the side. Kisame was still passed out in the bar.
"The Mizukage has no tolerance for traitors. He loathes them. It is unfortunate that I smell one following your trail. A fight cannot be avoided. How familiar are you with the Seven Swordsman?"
"Only the names of the current members…I vaguely remember the names of the weapons," I admitted sheepishly.
"Does the name Biwā Jūzo ring a bell?"
"Oh…he's in a bingo book back home. I know about his physical traits. He has facial painting over his mouth. Kind of psycho looking, but all the swordsmen are…" I trailed, regretting my loose tongue. Anything I said could be taken as an offense.
Zabuza released a sharp laugh at my expense. Perhaps the Hokage's stress at being as respectful as possible was an oversight. The people here didn't seem to care for formalities nor did they seem to be offended easily.
Gai was by my side with his palms raised next to Momochi. He had felt the sense of doom and overheard our conversation. Anko bounced on the balls of her feet in confusion. Instantly, I recalled more than the significance of his face paint.
How could I forget Gai's father's sacrifice against that swordsman? What was Zabuza suggesting? A small gasp found its way from my opened lips at the realization of what may happen.
"Easy little demon. You don't need to worry. It won't be long until he shows himself," Zabuza cooed in a taunting manner.
"Do you think we should hide? Are we his target? Where…" Anko's worries were interrupted by Utakata.
His silent approached was unsettling, but not as much as his boldness to throw me and her over his shoulders. Why males tended to treat women as fragile sacks of potatoes is something way over my head, but I didn't have a chance to complain.
He was headed towards the nearest mountain range where there were infinite places of seclusion. He could have placed Anko and I down at any time, but insisted on flopping us around like fish out of water. I could have puked at any moment. All I could think about was the endless shrimp shaking around in my belly.
"Ooof" we mirrored moans when he suddenly stopped and forced us to slam into his backside.
We were hidden by the steep, rock-made cliffs. He motioned for us to remain silent before returning his attention to a scene happening nearby. Gai and Zabuza were already in the process of confronting the chaser.
"Why now, Jūzo?" Zabuza spoke out darkly.
I poked my head around to see the action much to Utakata's dismay. What did the Mizukage's second-in-command mean? Was this man's return foreseeable? Had the Mist been waiting for him to show up this whole time? If so, for how long?
The rebellious sword-handler was cloaked in a red cloud patterned black robe. It was oddly specific and felt like a type of uniform. The man turned his head slowly like an owl to lock eyes with mine before I could conceal myself.
"How interesting. I knew I smelled Tsutoni, but I never imagined I'd see that purple gaze again. It's unfortunate that she isn't what I'm after. As much as I would love to spend my time licking her scarlet blood from my blade, I won't get that luxury today. No, no. Today I get him!" He snarled before whipping the massive weapon towards Utakata.
It was only a slight relief that my party was not the intended victim. The Mist nations were well known for their civil disputes and this seemed to be just another of those. However, there was the way Jūzo referred to Utakata that seemed off. The only thing that set the youth apart from everyone else was what he had.
A tailed beast.
It was lack of luck for this assailant that Gai had a personal vendetta against him. Out of all the taijutsu users to combat a swordsman, he would be the best the Leaf could offer. I regretted my silent brooding about being stuck with him. Perhaps the Hokage did know what he was doing sometimes.
"Step aside Konohagakure nin. There is no need to be involved," Zabuza warned.
"On the contrary—" Gai began before Anko and I stood by his side.
"Gai-san, it is best if we stay out of the way. It's clear that we will not be needed. Let us not make any unnecessary trouble," Anko spoke up in my place.
I scowled at her. Her speaking before me was a reminder of the cold possibility that she had done other things before me too. In the midst of a political issue, I was thinking about a boy. Hokkaidō was not pleased.
"Have I missed any fun?" Kisame teased.
His arrival was not calculated by our aggressor. The enemy was not only outnumbered, but was surrounded by those that could go head-to-head with him on their own.
It wasn't long before he avoided attacks from his own people and fled the scene. The moment was a bit anticlimactic, but welcomed.
We arrived at our original destination and were met with Utakata's sensei and the feudal lord's representative. They advised that it would be best to continue our journey to the next island now instead of in the morning thanks to our stalker's visit. This meant another grueling night at sea.
That night, I paced around my cabin before convincing myself to confront Anko. She's my friend and this was silly to stress about.
I knocked hesitantly on her door. She used her snakes to open it and met my raised eyebrow with a smirk.
"I was wondering when you'd show up," she stated dryly.
I blinked at her bluntness and looked around the room. She sat cross-legged atop her single-sized bunk and motioned for me to join. She held up a bottle of alcohol which I gladly accepted a shot of.
"You don't think I haven't noticed your attitude change towards me? I'm not oblivious Bri-Bri. So, let me in on what Dao told you."
I blinked again. She had known that she has been caught and even who the witness was.
"You and Shisui…" I trailed. Any confidence I had was melting away.
"I think deep down you know that anything she said was far from the truth, but continue."
"What did you two do?" I blurted. There wasn't any need to beat around the bush.
"At first, we had a talk."
"About?"
Anko fidgeted and sighed. She acted as if she had a dark secret that she was ashamed to admit. If I did inappropriate things with my best friend's love, I'd act like that too.
"He confronted me about the way…about the way I look at you." She hesitated as I creased my brows in a confused frown.
"He said that it reminds him of how Kaka-senpai pretends to not check you out whenever he's around."
I continued to frown in confusion.
"In other words, he called me out about liking you…you know…in the way girls are supposed to like boys…"
At last, her confession finally hit me. I felt horrible for not knowing, for dismissing any signs she may have shown before now. How can a best friend be so negligent?
"…oh. I see. I can't believe I never noticed that before… I'm so sorry for not acknowledging it before. You must have been so alone and I should have been there for you."
"I don't think you would have known until I said something. You can be clueless! But, that's not the part that I'm anxious about."
"No? There's more?"
"Shisui wanted to confirm his suspicions. That idiot kissed me to see if I would react positively and ended up with multiple snake bites. Please don't be upset with him. He was only trying to prove that he was right like any typical guy. It just so happened to be the time that Dao popped up."
At once, my worries turned into laughter. Of course Shisui would throw himself at a supposed lesbian. Those Uchiha thinking that they are kami's gift to all. My laughter soothed her panic and at last I felt peace.
Tomorrow was going to be a good day. I had my dear friend back and Shisui didn't do anything other than act like the biggest bull's shit in existence. I smiled at the idea of a bull poo sporting his silky, black hair and fell asleep without a care in the world.