Scroll 29: Delayed Time
Shozaku nodded as the two Leaf Jounin, Otou and Genma, joined their group.
"I guess we'll just wait here for a few minutes. Baro's the only one that can call his sister back and he's not done with…whatever it is y-" The gambler's statement faltered as Baro walked back into camp. Shozaku just sighed.
"Every time I think I know what's going on, or speak truth; it changes. Being a leader must be like being with a woman. You're always wrong. Isn't that right Kakashi-san?"
Kakashi grinned slyly as Yukari gave the two men a deadly curious glance with blood-red eyes.
"Hai, that's right, Shozaku-san; women are always right when the man is wrong." Was all the jounin said as he packed his gear and moved away from the Wheel-nin camp.
Baro walked up, noticing his brother Jake had already disappeared. Because the Uzaruki girl hadn't put up a fight, or dragged others into it; Jake wasn't needed. The large man looked around the camp, and turned to walk over to Kakashi.
"Why do the two Uzaruki women have problems with each other?"
"Ah, well, that is because Usagi-san isn't the proclaimed heiress to the Uzaruki Clan. Usagi wishes to inherit the Will of the Uzaruki and manage their finances. She is twice as skilled at financing than Yukari-chan is. Yukari-chan isn't best choice when in charge of the finer points of money. If it wasn't Hibachi-dono's decision, then I would nominate Usagi-san as the heiress. It's not as if there is any bitter hatred of who was born to whom. Usagi-san is the daughter of Hibachi's younger brother, and is older than Yukari, but Hibachi's friendship with the Hyuuga patriarch may be a slight influence on his decisions." Kakashi hadn't taken off like an arrow yet, because he and the other Leaf ninja were waiting on the three children that had began this whole adventure.
"Thus, Usagi bitterly hates Yukari's golden-spoon privileges, and thinks she herself would be better suited for the future role of Uzaruki-sama, or the Clan Head."
"That problem has to work itself out or be left behind; because Usagi-san is going to be traveling with…us." he said after a slight pause, during which a very concerned look passed across his face. The towering giant whistled very loudly, and shouted:
"GET BACK HERE! NOW!"
The black-clad giant normally didn't bring his inner anger out, but it helped his younger sister comply that much faster. And within seconds, the other two children and puppy were standing with Gilligan behind Barokendo.
"Like I was saying, Usagi is coming with us on our travels." He stated again.
"Ah, that would help greatly if you would tell me why. Is it because she placed herself as a political prisoner?" A voice came from behind Kakashi as Okamizu-sensei stepped out of the shadows with a group of three other jounin friends.
Drake had delivered Usagi's parting message to his sensei and the undercover ANBU agent had responded swiftly. Having reported Usagi's return to her parents: Hiago and Kaiko; the tri-eyed man had gathered some of his friends to track down his errant genin student. His lateness was due to the time it took to gain an audience with the Hokage.
"I assume, Hatake-san; that you will watch over my student, eh?" Okamizu nodded professionally to Barokendo. "She can be…a handful for some males."
"Prisoner? She has more freedom with her current company than she's ever had in her life – and more access to power, but only for the next minute or two. And no, I can't tell you why." Barokendo couldn't pinpoint why, but he felt himself getting irritated with the present growing company. Baro smirked at Okamizu's last comment.
"Probably, but not in ways I'm not used to dealing with. By now, your genin has already agreed to come with us. Chances are; she'll even put up with her cousin, though not…happily. But, enough sharing; Sheena, come here and get a good grip on me. Gilligan, get under the coat. Wydra, stay next to them…" he pointed at Kakashi and Okamizu. "Failure to comply will result in immediate retribution."
The three children did as commanded. Sheena passed Reena to Joma before they moved, although they had very confused looks on their faces.
Yukari's face was contorted up like she had just eaten rancid meat: her cute brows were pushed against each other, her lips snarled in an unpleasant manner and her body language showing that she was extremely nervous and upset upon hearing her cousin would be traveling with them. Knowing Usagi's grudge against her would most likely result in her stealing not only Genma's attention, but Shozaku's as well. What rotten luck. The snooty older girl always attracted the cute jounin.
"Whatever." Was her reply to Barokendo's announcement. "Wydra, let's go stand over there…" 'Over-there' was three tall oak trees that whispered as the twilight wind caressed the leaves.
XXX
"Ah, so your…" Kentarou began to look like he was straining against something. "Team-mates do know. Oh well, I would have left…" Anybody in the area could feel a large amount of chakra being used, though nothing was visible yet. "…whether or not to tell anyone up to you; and yes…Baro and Skiminachi…I can trust to protect you…no matter…what happens…"
Kentarou was straining against a pulling, invisible force, speaking through clenched teeth as he fought against its reins.
"If you would…please go back to the…wheel camp now, I can't…hold it off…much longer. Remember…I love you…"
"Aishiteru, Kentarou-chan." Usagi hugged him close as she whispered. She quickly removed her nin headband and placed it on Kentarou's arm. "To remember me by, Kentarou-chan, and the two nights we had together!"
She watched as Kentarou struggled against the pulling force; her heart leaping clear into her throat. It would seem that she had found her soul-mate in this man, and never wanted it to change.
"I'll be waiting for you, always."
Kentarou smiled, then straightened up and a large burst of chakra seemed to be let out. All around the area; crackling as though thunder claps ran rampant through the forest were heard.
For a moment, a wave of darkness passed across the surrounding land, the world itself fell into vertigo; and nothing was right. Two voices could be heard, one screaming the word: 'ASSEMBLE' in a long and stretched out angry tone that sounded like an older version of Barokendo. The other just whispered incoherently. Kentarou's body seemed to shift, fading out slowly, as he continuously did hand signs; until at one point his body stretched and contorted until it was in the shape of a wheel.
As the wheel began to spin, all the darkness; the whisperings of insanity, were drawn back into him. Moments later, he too, disappeared. After that, it was as though nothing had happened at all.
XXX
Back within Konohagakure, it had been two hours since Yukari had left Team Gai, Team Konohamaru and Mai behind. Team Gai had shaken off the effects of the sparkling genjutsu that Yukari had placed them under, and went their own ways; eventually forgetting that they had interrupted the Gambler's fun.
Mai and Konohamaru, along with Moegi and Udon had run after the grips of the Gambler's insanity – namely the floating paper money and tickling hands. The four kids had gathered all the floating money only to discover the currency were green leaves under a genjutsu. Being bummed out, the trio escorted Mai home before going home themselves.
Meiko had finally returned home to receive the punishment that she had put off all day. Her father, Hibachi, added another five minutes to the sentence because she had shirked her responsibility. So it was the close of day that found Meiko scrubbing both her sisters' bedroom floors.
Kensuke, having been completely involved with the care-taking of the newest batch of bird eggs – sixty in total – missed giving his unusual farewell to his sister, Yukari. It mattered not, however, since the birthing of the newest generation of messenger hawks counted more in importance.
Meko, having been asleep since betraying the Akashingan secret to the inquiring Eyeball, woke up with the decision of taking his own journey. He would return to his birthplace to pester his honorable grandmother and mother. The Secret Land of the Ninja Cats was a place that humans rarely went. Like all Animal Villages, summoned or not, the lands were located on its own continent.
Toads, Slugs, Snakes, Dogs, Insects, Hawks, Eagles, Weasels, Ravens, Fish, Turtles, Horses, Foxes, Wolves, Birds, Cats, Crows and several other species of animals resided all on this extremely large continent. Many of the Animals allowed, however, ninjas who met certain requirements, to travel to their respective lands to forge contracts and mutual deals. Meko would go there to investigate and relay his experiences with the Wheel and Darkness ninjas – a type of offspring mission that mirrored the one that Yukari had been assigned to. The black and white cat would report the threat of the Darkness and Twisted Ninja to the Animal Villages. The act would earn him favors that he would horde for years to come.
Curitsu, Shizune, the Hokage and other Medical Staff closed their day, making preparations to release the newly healed, once-terminally ill, patients to the outside world.
Abisu and Crystania had all but become fast friends, relating their life-stories to each other; laughing, mourning, crying and joking over the rocky information digested. Yuro, having been cleared to walk around the halls, had entered their room and joined in their escapades. The trio swelled with positive energy as friendships began to bloom.
Hana Inuzuka had been enraged that one of their puppies had been stolen; having the greatest urge to go out and steal it back. It was extreme luck that the stolen puppy wasn't born of one of the Inuzuka Clan dogs…it would have resulted in a terrible clash of villages. But when Yukari's messenger bird delivered its message, explaining the situation, the Inuzuka woman still was angry. But when the puppy had been paid for twice over, Kiba's older sister couldn't do much but brood and snap at Kiba. Poor Kiba.
That same stolen puppy, now named Reena, was sleeping like a rock, curled up in Sheena's arms. Being safely put under the ownership of three people; Yukari, Naruto and Sheena, the four-month old dog was going to be very active in the days to come. Yukari had used her and Naruto's money to pay for and cover any hard feelings that might have come from Hana. The Uzaruki kunoichi just hoped it would be enough.
Drake had no trouble in reviving the idiotic Kabamaru genin and told Yusuki of Usagi's actions. Yusuki, having been brushed off by his Usagi, stood in rage and vowed most loud to rescue his kunoichi. Drake, having knocked the jackass out again, ended up leaving Yusuki's sleeping form on the step of the Kabamaru Household. The Inikaze genin then went to tell his sensei about Usagi's problem.
Jin, having fled the scene far earlier, had returned to the Uzaruki Usagi apartment and…enjoyed the porno magazine, which had not really been printed for humans - nor did it have female human nudity – it was a catalog for buying rabbits. Jin had enjoyed himself quite thoroughly when he gazed at all those lovely female rabbits. The night found the rabbit zonked out and asleep.
XXX
Further away from the fated meeting of Kentarou and Usagi; Barokendo struggled against something, although his cause was different. His coat seemed to flow around Sheena, holding her still, and within it he held Gilligan in place. When the evil voice began to scream: 'ASSEMBLE' Sheena let go and turned, as though going towards the source of the voice. Gilligan, likewise, was drawn by the incoherent rambling whispers. Sheena herself was unable to control her own body, whereas Gilligan's voice could be heard screaming:
"LET ME GO! HE'S ALIVE! MY DADDY'S ALIVE! YOU LIED TO ME!"
Wydra looked confused, panicked even, for a few seconds before her back lit up and she fell forward off her unicycle, into Yukari. Her arms immediately wrapped around the soon-to-be-chuunin, squeezing tightly as she tried not to scream from pain. Her body began to get a little translucent, fade out even, and was almost gone up until the point it all went away. After everything was said and done, Gilligan stumbled out from under Baro's coat, crying, and walked into somebody. Sheena just looked scared, and Wydra was passed out, her arms locked around Yukari.
Yukari hissed into the sky as the thunderclaps echoed through out the foresty glade. She held onto Wydra as her back tattoo flared with light. The other leaf ninja: Kakashi, Okamizu and his group of backup instantly went on alert, the jounin group bristling with sharp, shiny, pointy things. Yukari, however, had her hands full with the troubled, troubled girl and held her close as the true echoes of the thunderous noise via Kentarou tapered off.
"Ok, I'm official creeped out now: thunder at night…" Wydra suddenly found herself squished between Yukari and Kakashi. She pressed herself up against Kakashi as the red-eyed Uzaruki girl trembled with frightened, frayed nerves. Had the scene been less tense – the tension so thick it would take the Hokage to cut – Yukari's little secret of fright would be laughable.
Minutes later Usagi would trudge into the glade and glare acidly at Yukari's lame attempt of flirting with Kakashi. The namesake-rabbit kunoichi slid instantly – perfectly and instinctually – into her high-and mighty mask of confidence.
"Oh, hello there Wolf-water-sensei." The girl would say evenly to Okamizu. "Were we expecting a lightning storm or something?"
She would walk by Barokendo, sparing a knowledgeable glance and move towards Okamizu. "I've been given a mission, sensei, and I need to return home and pack."
"Hi there, Usagi-chan." A black-haired male, one of the three assisting jounin, spoke up and waved gaily at her.
"Piss off, Okozaki, I told you, I'm a girl." The offending jounin exhaled sadly and muttered to his friends.
"He lies you know, Usagi-chan is always like that…"
"You Baka, Okozaki, you need your eyes checked again, that genjutsu is back." A female jounin hissed at the gay jounin. "She's always been a female, and not a male for you to chase after."
"…"
"Ooook, Sensei, escort me back home now." Usagi had sweat-dropped when Okozaki had flirted with her based on all the wrong reasons.
Okozaki Hnyy was gay, and always thought her name was masculine. It didn't help that one of her enemies had permanently sealed a genjutsu tag to Okozaki's head with the effect of casting her visually in a boy's body. She, Drake and Yusuki had made that Rock-ninja their first-ever kill because of it. It was that act that was one of the numerously minor things that the Village hidden in the Rock begrudged Konoha. (Presumably the Team Wolf killing a Rock Ninja was on the bottom of the list.)
"Very well, Hatake-san, we shall be returning shortly, as I must inform the Hokage of this development." Okamizu smiled nicely at Usagi and placed a teacherly arm around Usagi's shoulder to lead her back to the village to pack.
Yukari finally looked back to Hani-sensei and Kakashi-sensei as the Water-Wolf and his gang left.
"I say we go now, and let them worry about joining the other group." Yukari muttered unhappily.
Barokendo stepped up behind Usagi. "All of you go ahead, I will catch up later. This one will be suffering my personal protection for awhile, and right now it's very necessary that she doesn't leave my sight." He looked down at Usagi, the look saying: 'don't bother making an issue of this.'
The giant continued over his shoulder, talking to Yukari. "Much to your disappointment; your cousin is coming with us. You two will either learn to co-exist, or you can suffer. I'm told she's already agreed not to kill you."
Kakashi was tackled from the side by a crying Gilligan, who was talking incoherently and had her face plastered into his side, his arms wrapped around the copy-cat nin. Wydra's eyes slowly opened, and Yukari could hear the barely audible. "What happened?"
Yukari, having extracted herself off of Kakashi, smirked as Gilligan tackled the dual-eyed jounin. Outside, her physical demeanor was snickering, while inside, she was mentally banging her head against the nearby oak tree in utter frustration that Usagi had once again butted into her business.
"Fine, I'll manage to survive, Barokendo-sama, but it's more Usagi-san that I would be worried about. She's the one with the death grudge…I just am on the receiving end." Then, turning to Wydra: "Your back, I think, made its own thunderstorm…which ranks number one on my bizarre-o-meter."
"Your face ranks first on my freak-o-meter, dear cousin." A soft voice was heard from the other red-eyed female in presence.
"Your mother…" Yukari muttered back.
"Better than yours, bird-turd."
XXX
Okamizu would get the feeling that he was being watched. He and the other jounin had left Usagi at the camp while they went in her stead, one going to inform her teammates of the situation, another going to her home to pack and inform her parents, and Okamizu reporting to the Hokage, back in her building.
"You're such a moron, Okozaki, Usagi is and always has been a kunoichi." The tri-eyed jounin muttered as the gay man accompanied him to the Hokage's office.
"The name 'Usagi' in my book, is male." The black-haired shinobi muttered back. "It doesn't help that the genjutsu makes Usagi out to be such a gorgeous male."
"Just…stay away from her…and my two other genin. I would prefer to have a restraining order against you, but you've proved to be a great comrade to fight along side with. Don't spoil it." Okamizu's hackles bristled as he drew upon the 'being-watched' sensation. "Be alert too, the Hokage might decide to throw things at us when we report this." With its double meaning, Okizaki's head nodded as he expanded his awareness in the dark streets. Being Jounin, Okozaki did not have a kekkai genkai to his name; he was just known to be gay.
Tonight was going to be a very long night for Okamizu. He sighed and twilight-dreamed of his bed – the one place he wanted to be at the moment, sleeping.
