The Butterfly Effect
"My pack? You make it sound like I'm some kind of leader. I am not a leader. I merely know what I value in this world, and to keep it safe I will weather any hurricane, hunt you down, and kill you. Questions?" Continuation of 'Butterflies'. Character death, Anbu operations, gratuitous violence and some adult situations. May change to M rating.
Arc 2: Peace, writ in blood – Chapter 26 – Planning for the future
8-8
"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children." – Sitting Bull
8-8
"You know you might be pregnant as we speak." Chou teases. I don't answer. I don't care to. It takes days for the sperm to reach the place it should find an egg. It's been… well… three hours, two hours, and twenty minutes. Impressive enough, but impressive doesn't make sperm swim faster.
"… Thank you, Chou."
"Hnn? She has a voice left, and still thanks me." He teases again. "What's on your mind, love?"
"You… us… pups… the blades I still have to pick up from Kurata's." I list a few. "But mostly? Just wondering what all the theatrics were about."
"Not my fault. I tried proposing at the table, but you started begging to dance." He teases. He's really in a good mood right now. I can't tell if it's us getting married, or post coital bliss. I'd like to think it's both. "We planned for everyone to have a corner to not have the fly or fall of another couple mess with us."
"We?"
"Hikaru. Naruto. Sasuke. And myself." I smile.
"They got a yes." I tell him, smiling. In fact, if I know my sisters, they are in their beds, with their fiancés or husbands –I'm sure Chou isn't the only one that had the brilliant idea– and enjoying the pillow talk, just like us. Especially Ino-nee. She's… really been trying to jump Hikaru-nii's bones.
"Knowing you'll make it to the other side, doesn't make jumping over a ravine less scary." He points out.
"Someone's feeling philosophical." I tease, cuddling into his embrace. If I thought laying naked with him was freeing… then us laying naked together is heaven. Especially seeing as we're cuddling under the comforter, in our bed, in our room, at the very beginning of our lives together. That last part is the most magical part of all. Our lives. Together.
"You're thinking something." I noise, not caring that he suddenly reads me so well. He should, he's… he's my husband. "Something deep and insightful to boot."
"Stalker." I tease, enjoying the afterglow of finally getting what my body's been craving. "Just… thinking about how… incredibly scary all this is." I half admit. "Knowing that this is our first night as husband and wife, knowing that this is where our forever begins. And not knowing what tomorrow will bring."
"Ah, but you do know." He tries, not liking how heavy the topic just got. "You'll be training Team Aya, training with your husband, and training some more."
"Chou… that's… wonderful, but too simplistic. Things need to be handled. Solid plans need to be made. Backup plans for our backup plans need to be made." I tell him honestly. "But… I know we'll be handling it together." I smile, still enjoying his warmth, and the comfort knowing he'll be there to catch me when I fall gives me.
"How about we start planning tomorrow then? Serious planning. Gather the Namiki clan, get our noses pointing in the same direction." He offers.
"Music to my ears." I coo, loving that he's taking this seriously. "I also want to talk to Masashige about the Hayashis. And Megumi about the Hayabusas. And, Kami-sama, we still need to sort through the class itineraries to make sure everyone is where we need them to be… but that's just too stressful for me to want to deal with…"
"Why don't we talk to the other clan heads about appointing an official school head to oversee that, then?" He suggests. "Or how about we just worry with details like this tomorrow when we start our planning. Tonight, you're mine. Tonight, I am yours."
"Uh uh." I shake my head, no. "Not just tonight."
"Oh?"
"Always."
"Nn. Always then." He holds me a little tighter. "Always." I think he likes the sound of that.
8-8
The next morning, after breakfast, I gather my shadows. Try… gathering my shadows. Tsu is… mysteriously missing, as is Keito. I have a hunch where I can find them, but I'm not saying anything just yet.
"Mama, I'm going into the village to get some shopping done. Did you need anything?" I ask. She blinks, thinking about that, before telling me what she can't think of anything. "Alright, just a heads up, we're having a meeting later. All Namikis, so when you find Keito, let him know for me?"
"Sure, baby. What about though?" Mama asks. I can tell papa is more than curious himself.
"The future. What we want to achieve as a clan, and how we're going to achieve it." I explain. Papa and mama share a look. "I'm especially curious about Hoshie and Sakiko's input, and while I'm out I'm going to check on… a patient, alright?"
"Nn." Papa nods, knowing who I'm talking about. Airi. She's been doing better, but she's still in desperate need of care. If your immune system crashes to the point that a common cold will kill you, then even the best doctors in the world need time to build you back up.
"S-sorry we're l-late." Tsu rushes into the family sitting room. I grin. "Wh-what? Something on m-my f-face?" No, not only on your face. Everywhere.
"Not bad, Keito. Not bad at all." I compliment. "You two in any state to head out?" Tsu's hair is dishevelled, Keito looks like he hasn't slept, and they both smell heavily of sex. Good ol' fashioned sex. Of the highest quality, given Tsu's subtle limp and Keito's goofy grin.
"A-ah… well, breakfast would b-be nice." Tsu tries.
"Already cleared and cold. We'll get you something on the road. But… your hair, Imouto-chan." I sit, spreading my legs wide and patting the empty space between them. "Sit. I'm not letting you go anywhere looking like that."
I unseal my comb and a spray bottle. Patting the spot again, to show that I'm not kidding. I've dealt with bed hair often enough in the field. "I will ask Yasu-nee to help me if you keep playing."
"S-sorry."
"Don't be. I get it." I assure her. "And congrats."
While I'm busy getting the knots out of her hair, and making her look less of a mess, Hoshie starts her game of twenty questions. "Aya-nee, what do you mean you're especially curious about what Sakiko and I have to say?"
"Just like how it sounds. You two represent the future of our clan. So your voices should be heard, don't you think?" I offer, finding a particularly large knot. I take my time detangling it little by little, trying not to rip Tsu's hair out. "Besides, I've been keeping an eye on you two. You, Hoshie, are quite the strategist. And Sakiko is very practical in how she approaches things. I… want to make sure the future of the Namiki clan is secure, you know? So I really want to make sure those that will bear the burden of our future have their fair say in it."
Hoshie and Sakiko share a look, obviously happy about that. "Oh, and papa, I want you to start working with Katsuo. Sasa-nee tells me he's ready for Rank Four exams, so once he passes those, I want you to help turn him into a proper doctor."
"Sure thing, princess." Papa assures me, patting Katsuo on the shoulder to show he's proud of him.
"Ah… and Kenshin. Baby, I want you to start the Namiki meditations. You're a long way from being able to be considered for the Okami jutsu, but… Look at Hoshie and Sakiko. If they keep it up, I might have no choice but to start training them in that jutsu in the coming months."
"I'm not a baby." He complains.
"I'm still a baby to mama and papa. Do you see me complaining about that?" I counter. "It's not to make you look small, it's to show you how precious you are to my heart." He rubs the back of his head and grins, obviously feeling a lot better about that. "And besides, you'll be starting at the academy this fall. That certainly isn't something I'd trust a baby to do."
"You can count on me! I'll show those pups just what a Namiki can do!" He winces, not liking how loud his voice sounds. I smile warmly, understanding him perfectly.
"I'm sure you will. And please focus on those chakra exercises I showed you. If you really wow me tonight, then I might just… maybe be tempted to teach you your first earth release jutsu." I tease.
"Really!?" He winces again. "Really?" He asks a lot softer.
"Really." I nod, spraying Tsu's hair with the spray bottle and brushing it through to make sure she looks her usual gorgeous self. Satisfied I've done what I can, I unseal a mirror and hand it to her. She takes the brush and works the front better, but I choose not to comment.
"And Hoshie, Sakiko, when I get back from shopping, I'm going to be checking how you two are coming along with fire release. I want to start you on using both at once sooner rather than later, because that will save you heartache like you wouldn't believe when I start teaching you lava release." I tell them. They share another look. "And mama, in the coming months I want to start focusing on your training as well. Not now, obviously, and not if you plan on getting pregnant again, but…"
"Hnn? Then you might have to put that thought on hold." Mama teases. "Six is a nice number, but seven? Seven's a lucky number."
"Well." I intone dryly. "At least we won't have to worry about the Namiki bloodline dying out."
"Heh. Baby, you still have to get started." She teases. "But, when I hit menopause, I'm all yours." I roll my eyes.
8-8
Out in the village, I… find myself getting annoyed. Everyone that recognizes us –i.e. everyone– stops, bows and calls my 'Aya-hime' or 'Namiki-dono'. I… don't have a clue how to feel about that. Our pack calls me 'princess' often enough, but they're just as likely to call my 'sis' or 'imouto-chan' or 'baby'. A few –the Hayashis and Hayabusas– call me Aya-dono, but that's the exception not the rule.
Still, I try to enjoy the company I keep. Now that Tsu's been sorted out, she's acting much more herself. And Keito's still grinning for no reason. So is Chou, so I won't hold it against either of them. Sumi, Ryouma and Rieko are pretty much as they always are – composed. Unflappably really.
Still, I really like seeing them in their outfits. Professional and streamlined for high velocity travel. Perfect for what we need of them.
Our first stop is a café so that Tsu and Keito can get something to eat. Deciding that I could snack on something, I order dango with green tea and a riceball. Chou seems to like my idea and orders the same. The Hayashis are mostly amused – still not quite used to how much Chou and I can eat without a problem.
Once we've had our fill, pay the bill and Chou complains that the riceball was a little dry –it really was, so I don't say anything– we head out. We head straight for Kurata's. And once the Hayashis notice, I see them getting a little… antsy. Not Ryouma so much, but Sumi and Rieko, definitely.
I pay for everything in one shot, and Sengo-san places the weapons on the counter for me, explaining what belongs to whom. I offer Sumi her blades, tessens, Namiki shuriken and custom kunai, and Chou offers the same to Rieko. Then I strap my new blades in for safe keeping. Finally a matching set. And I love that these really are just as pretty as the mine-turned-Sango's wakizashis. The violet butterflies over the cotton candy pink backdrop, and the bubble gum pink blades – apparently the natural alloy comes out red, but a little titanium and it turns this gorgeous pink.
I make sure to seal away all the extra Namiki shuriken, simply because I'm not going to need them right now. And I also seal Sumi's and Rieko's practice weapons – they won't need them anymore, but someone else might.
After that, Sengo-san and I end up in a conversation –I'm not really sure how it started, something about how much money he makes off our clan, I guess– but we end up talking about this family of tailors that's really down on their luck. It's gotten so bad that they've had to take a loan from loan sharks – not even Konoha is free from the scum of the earth.
I ask about how things got so bad, but Sengo-san can't claim to know. He has a theory that the 'new direction' they chose didn't pan out as well as they'd hoped. "New direction?"
"They come from a long line of kimono makers. Then, the idiot decides that modern suits are the better option. Invested every Ryou he had in opening a store, because his family wouldn't help." Sengo-san explains.
"Hnn." I think about that. "Where did you say this store was?"
"Three streets down. Called Shinbuza's." Sengo said offers. "Thinking of investing?"
"No idea. But I won't know until I see what the store offers, will I?" I offer with a wave and we head out.
8-8
We don't go to the clothier, not yet. First I want to see how Airi is doing. The last time I saw her, she was sleeping eighteen hours a day; her body was really worn down. We enter her hospital room, seeing the collection of drawings from her pups hanging on every surface. It… feels so weird to have a member of our pack in Konoha General Hospital, but auntie says she needs more specialized care than we can offer.
"Hey, sleepyhead." I tease, finding her awake for once. "How are we feeling?" I ask, already picking up her charts and going over everything since my last visit. She seems to be doing exceptionally well, but there's still a lingering lung problem that just won't leave her be.
"I am well, milady." She says, a smile in her voice. "Hiroko-chan speaks of your deeds when she comes to visit."
"I'm more interested in you than myself." I counter, rolling my eyes and smiling. "Are you still having trouble breathing? Weight on your chest?"
"No, milady. I've not felt this alive in years." She tells me. "I… look forward to serving you and yours."
"I look forward to seeing you up and about." I stopped fighting her months ago. She feels it's her 'moral obligation' to serve the Namiki clan… and nothing anyone tells her seems to change her mind. "Well, let's have a look, shall we?" I activate the Mystic Palm jutsu, starting my scan at her feet and making my way up. Sure the problem is in her lungs, but I'd rather leave no stone unturned.
"You've been walking more." I don't ask. I can tell just from how her muscles and bones are growing stronger to accommodate the weight. "And you're still eating far too little. Really, Airi, you're recovering. Your body needs the nutrients. Stop being stubborn about this."
"Apologies, milady." She says – for the thousandth time. She apologizes, but she never eats more. I think she overheard that we're being charged for her food and chooses to eat less to make sure we don't have to pay as much – or something stupid like that.
"I swear, once you get out of here, the first thing I'm doing is talking to mom about seeing to your diet." I tell her plainly. Moving on, and up, I reach her abdomen. Nothing spectacular, just complaints about the lack of nutrients. Then up to her heart and lungs. Her heart is doing much better, her pulse is strong and steady. Her lungs are…
"Wow. You are doing much better." I praise. "Liquids are cleared, the infection is all but gone, and the wheezing has all but disappeared. Tsu?" I move out of the way, letting Tsu check to be sure. A second opinion is never a bad thing.
"Nn. Much better. Much better." She thinks about that. "We're not out of the woods yet, but with you doing so well, I'm sure Shizune-san will agree that releasing you into our care isn't a big deal."
"Speaking of which, she and Haruno-san should be on their rounds about now. You mind discussing this with them?" I ask. Tsu nods, heading out with Keito – they know I hate it when a packmate goes anywhere alone, and they also know that Chou and the Hayashis will keep an eye on me for them. Not that I need it, but… it'd be more than a little hypocritical if I ask them to go everyone with someone, then demand I go anywhere alone. "If you get released, you aren't allowed to do any chores whatsoever, you hear me?"
"Not until I am well again. I… hope to help with the children, if I may." She offers.
"Even that will have to wait until you are well." I say, knowing she'll try anyway. "But, yes. We can always use a hand minding the pups. Hiroko-chan's been… amazing with the pups. You raised her well."
"She's a credit to her mother." Airi says, smiling warmly.
Shizune-san comes in soon enough. She does the same scans, as does Haruno-san. In the meantime, I study Airi. I study how she smiles easily, how she patiently answers the same questions I just asked her, how her skin –once a collection of boils and rashes– is now smooth and a milky white. I study the joy in her eyes, knowing that she's in good hands with us. I study how she holds her hands still, even as she's tempted to jump up and dance as Shizune-san agrees that she can leave whenever she's ready.
"Good." I say, already going over the options in my head. We could buy her a new kimono, but… "Tsu, Keito. I want you to go home, select one of my best kimonos. Make sure it'll be warm enough for her, and a matching obi of course. I'm sure you know the smaller details she'll also need. And please inform Hiroko-chan if you see her." With a nod, the pair vanish.
"M-milady n-need not go through so much trouble." Airi tries.
"You're worth it." I tell her, broking no argument.
8-8
It's barely a half hour later that we have Airi prepared to leave. They didn't find Hiroko-chan in the den, but mama assured Imouto-chan that she was out with mom doing some shopping – under the usual full guard. It's really confusing calling both my mom and Chou's mom 'mom', but I have no idea what else to call her.
The dads are easier. There's papa, daddy and dad. Simple. Clear cut. But mama, mom and mom? Maybe I can call one of them 'mumsie'? Yes, let's stick with that. Daddy and mumsie, just so it's easier for me to remember.
Anyway! Airi's wearing one of my irotomesode kimonos, looking ready to meet a daimyo, and a nice pair of earrings to go with it too – ruby studs, to offset the cyan kimono and to match her hair a little.
Once I'm satisfied that everything is perfect – down to the 'wolf' kanji being displayed exactly right – we make our way to 'billing' to pay the 'outstanding' bill. I don't really want Airi to know how much this costs, so I ask her to wait outside with the others, and Chou and I deal with this alone. Nearly a million Ryou, which is ridiculous beyond compare, but… that's life for you. We're offered a payment plan, but I wave it off and we arrange a transfer from the Namiki account to the hospital's.
With that handled, we head out into the village again. This time we do head to the clothier's, to see what the deal is there, seeing as it's on the way, but we run into mom and Hiroko en route. Hiroko recognizes Airi instantly and comes running, calling 'Auntie! Auntie!' excitedly. I smile, glad to see the normal stoic Hiroko so worked up about something.
Then… I notice three guys 'happening' into Hiroko's path. One of them trips her. I body flicker to Hiroko-chan, catching her before she falls and hurts herself, already glaring daggers into the 'tough guys'.
"Nice catch. You should really teach the brat not to run in the street. She could fall and hurt herself, you catch my drift?" One of them tries, his tone dark and threatening, while still somehow light and airy.
"Are you alright, Hiroko-chan?" I ask, not taking my eyes off the three walking corpses.
"I-I'm f-fine, Aya-dono." She assures me.
"Good. Go on, your aunt is waiting for her hug." I shoo her towards Airi and the three Hayashis. "Listen, you little shit. Next time you touch someone from my pack, you might just fall and land face first on my blade, you catch my drift?"
"Ooh, temper, temper. What's a little girl like you gonna do?" He challenges.
"You're new here, aren't you." I don't ask. "You'd have to be. So, let's try this." I punch one in the stomach so hard that he flies towards mom, who catches him effortlessly. I knew she would. The next one I kick out his leg and break his nose. The last I kick right in the 'banana hammock', sending his lower body half flying up in the air. I grab him by the throat and tug him back down to earth, none to gently.
"If you think I would have any problem ripping you little sissy-boys apart limb from limb, then you really don't know who the fuck I am. You're in Konoha now, dumbshit. This village teems with people strong enough to take you and your little group of friends. So let me make this perfectly clear. Next time you see someone you think might be fun to pick on? You might want to reconsider."
"U-u-understood, boss-lady, sir!" He tries. "M-m-m-m-may I know your name, boss-lady, sir?"
"Namiki Aya. But don't worry, just remember the glasses and the scar on my eye, everyone recognizes me that way." I explain seriously. These three are going to shit kittens when they realise just who they're messing with. And that's not an ego thing, that's plain fact. I scare countries, and three little no talent having shits think they can survive in a fight with me?
"OI! What's going on here!?" Ah, the boss-idiot.
"B-b-b-boss, I-I-I d-d-d-"
"Shut it, Bazu!" Aww! I had a bear named that! You need to give him another name! "You, shrimp, what the hell did you do to my men!?"
"Hnn? Well, let's see. I punched that one. Kicked out that one's knee then punched and broke his nose. And I this one might have trouble procreating. Why do you ask?" I offer in a completely neutral tone, pointing them off with my free hand as I go.
"Who the fuck do you think you are, harassing my men like that!"
"I know yakuza when I see them. That you're here picking a fight with me shows you're not even the smart kind." I tell him point blank. "But, I'll give you one chance to walk away. Take it, and run. Because normally people don't even get that."
"You must think you shit sunshine and piss gold." I blink. That sounds… uncomfortable.
"Look, jackass. The name Namiki Aya mean anything to you?" I offer, honestly trying to save his life. Because really, Kenshin could take him. In fact, if Setsuko actually takes the fight seriously, I'm sure she could, too. And she's two… almost three. Not the point!
"Why would…" It clicks. His eyes study my scar. "Boys. You're dumber than I thought! Who the fuck picks a fight with Aya the Butcher!?" Ah, logic didn't die.
"Um. Hold up." I say. "What are you doing in Konoha?"
"We're just businessmen, trying to feed our families." He claims with a shrug, still standing a little too tall for my liking.
"Uh huh, and I'm a helpless ballerina." I drone sarcastically. "How about I make you a deal. You and your whole gang will report to T&I today. You will tell them everything you've done, legal and illegal. And you will accept the punishment that comes with it." I sniff the air, memorizing their scents.
"Tempting, tempting. But I think I'll pass anyway."
"I thought you'd say that. So here's the what-if-you-don't you should be asking about." I fix him with a glare that would wilt a small woodland. "Because if I check tomorrow morning and find that you haven't, then I'm coming after you personally. And believe me, I'm bringing our pack with me. And we'll see just how tough you and your little shit-for-brains gang thinks they are. You catch my drift?"
"You little-"
Click-click-click-click.
"You hear that?" I ask him. "That's the sound of four samurais clicking their blades out of their sheaths. The next move is dropping their shoulder slightly. After that, blink and you won't even see how fast your head rolls off your shoulders." I lay it out for him. "Oh, but don't worry, they aren't the scariest of our pack. They're too honourable to be scary. You see, if you're smart enough to walk away, I suggest you ask around about me. About our pack. About the kind of people we roll with." I smirk.
"L-l-l-l-like wh-wh-wh-who?" Oh, now you're scared? Puh-lease! If you had half a brain you'd have walked away when you had the chance.
"Hatake Kakashi. Uchiha Itachi. Uchiha Sasuke. Momochi Zabuza. Uzumaki Naruto. Mitarashi Anko. Uzuki Yuugao. Imamura Ikoku. The Tachibana. The Hayashi. The Taira. The Minamoto. The Satsuma. The Hayabusa. Oh… and let's not forget our dearest friends and allies. The Nara clan. The Akimichi clan. The Yamanaka clan. The Sarutobi clan. The Inuzuka clan."
He swallows painfully. "You have until the sun sets." I tell him flatly. "And if you try to leave the village, I'll hunt you down. Ever seen a man get eaten by wolves? It's fun."
"Love, we both know Anko's going to want in. So that means snakes as well." Chou adds.
"True." I admit. "Oh. And before I forget. If you try shaking anyone down before checking into T&I, then even in prison you won't be safe from me. Is that understood?"
8-8
With that stupid scene dealt with, we finally make it to the clothier. And… guess who we run into. "Wow. You guys are dumber than I thought."
"Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-namiki-do-do-do-do-do-dono… th-th-th-this-"
"Isn't what I think. Of course not." I drone, unimpressed. I walk up to the counter, sniffing the air. "The little boy with you. Is this man's son. I trust that you are here to return him."
"W-w-w-w-w-w-"
"Please don't try to tell me you didn't take him. And please don't try to explain that you're just 'here for a friendly little chat'." I say, annoyed.
They don't try talking again. They just run. I shake my head.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
"Well, that was fun." I intone. I walk outside, flare my chakra, and predictably an Anbu team comes to investigate. Familiar 'faces' too. Deer, Mouse, Sheep and Lizard. "Hey guys. Got some yakuzas that kidnapped a kid. You may want to track down the rest of their gang, but they should be reporting to T&I on their own before the day's out."
Deer –obviously a Nara– shakes his head. "You don't know how to take time off, do you."
"What? It's not my fault if they bring themselves to my attention." I defend. "Come on." I shoo them inside. "Stop using me as an excuse. Move. Work. And don't make me tell your wife about smelling sake on you during your rounds, Deer."
"Troublesome."
8-8
"Love, what are we doing for your birthday?" Chou asks, just as we get into the District. "We can't do nothing, you know."
"I have no idea. And I really don't care. Something simple though. I'm in no mood for complicating things." I tell him. "Besides, I already got my birthday present." I smile.
"Uh uh. None of that. Valentine's Day, and anniversary, and birthday. Three separate occasions. And you're getting-"
"Chou. Really. How about a nice little picnic with the family. That sounds divine."
Sniff.
"No can do. You know everyone's… Love, really, are you okay? You seem tense."
"I… If not with the whole family… how about just us? Here in the District? Just go for a nice walk?"
"Alright." I really don't want to know why the family is busy – probably some new surprise I'm not supposed to know about. Or maybe Chou's more aware than I usually give him credit for. "Keito, if you want to spend some private time with Tsu, it's fine. It's not like we're going to get into trouble in the District anyway."
"A nice long walk is just the ticket." Tsu announces. "Don't you think so, Toto-chan?"
"I couldn't agree more." Keito says with a solemn nod.
Sniff.
"Sounds good. Hey, listen. Sumi, I have an idea you might like?"
"Milady?"
"Come on. I'll show you." Chou and I take the lead, walking out into the District proper.
Sniff.
We hail the people out for walks, we don't engage in small talk though. I focus on my sensory jutsu, tripling my sense of smell.
Sniff.
Further out into the farmlands. Away from everything, everyone.
Sniff.
#Seven. Low to mid jounin.# I sign, behind my back. Tsu and Keito will pick up on it.
"It's amazing weather today. Not a Cloud to be seen." Subtle Chou, real subtle. This isn't against chuunins that would miss the reference. I follow their scent. Farther and farther. These idiots meant to make camp in our own fucking back yard.
Once we're close, I step in front of Chou. I unsheathe one of my new kodachis. I really wish I could have done some katas to get used to the slightly shorter blade, or the slightly heavier alloy. But, that's life for you.
"You know. I've just about had it with Cloud and their bullshit." I announce plainly. "Seven jounins this time. You're upping the ante, but judging from the fact that you're out here, I'm guessing this isn't your whole team yet. Am I right?"
No answer. Fine.
Snap!
The first drops from their perch in the tree, wrapped in the Devouring Shackles. Their camouflage drops instantly. "Anyone else wants to play possum? I can do this all day." They drop their camouflage, all six remaining asshats. "What are you doing in our District?"
"Well, it's just so peaceful out here." One tries. I make the seal of confrontation. The one I'd already captured, the Shackles turn an angry red and he starts to scream and writhe. Soon the screaming stops and chunks of him vaporize. The snow around him melts as well, showing just how 'hot' the jutsu is.
"Try again."
"We're here to investigate."
Snap!
Another falls to the ground in shackles. "Investigate what?" I demand.
"Your people. Your power. The threat you pose." He says evenly. I make the seal of confrontation and the writhing and screaming starts again.
Snap!
A third one is shackled. "Why leave the scent trail? You should know that Namikis could easily track you that way."
"Maybe we wanted you here." He says evenly. I flick my kodachi up in the air.
Clap!
I make the rat handsign and watch the last of them vaporise, then catch my kodachi and sheathe it. "If so much as one of our people is harmed. Cloud will burn."
We body flicker back to our people, to our homes. Just in time to see Ichi-nii and Sasu-nii finishing off the last one. "Any more?" I demand.
"Hnn? The Uzumakis were dealing with another group. How'd they get in?" Sasu-nii answers.
"That's what I'd like to know." I murmur. "They're acting up again. Trying to make us feel unsafe. Our group didn't even put up a fight. Like they knew they were going to die and accepted that."
"They don't act like Cloud shinobi." Ichi-nii tries. "Their taijutsu is too varied. They learned from different sources."
Sniff.
"Rain." I point out. "This group came from Hidden Rain."
Sniff.
"Naru-nii. Your group? Where'd they come from?" I demand, just as he, Mashai, Shinichi and Haruki arrive.
"Grass." I nod.
"I see. So… we're basically looking at what?" I wonder out loud.
"Your group?" Naru-nii asks.
"Smelled of Cloud. Chou, Tsu and Keito can confirm that. They sent the group we were meant to follow by scent, smelling of Cloud. Seven in my group. You guys?"
"Same." They answer as one.
"Someone is toying with us." I grouse. "They want to use my temper to force us to attack Cloud. Ichi-nii, odds of this being Akatsuki?" I ask.
"None. Akatsuki would simply kill you and take what they want. If they could get… in… here… THE DAIMYOS!"
8-8
End Chapter 26
8-8
A/N: And here we have the Arc Intro. As promised, the rest of the Arc will be in third person PoV. The next chapter will reveal why this is needed.
