Chapter 51: Aftermath
'Inner Thoughts'
°Mind link°
Writing
Age: 17
Morning
・
Haruko's POV
Standing to the side I saw the moment Hagoromo sensed their victory. Hearing this the Hokage went to their places with Yukino going to him. Giving the Sage all of the chakra she had in her reserves she gave him enough to summon the spirits of past Kage to aid him for his summon.
Seeing the slight sway of her body from this distance, I teleported to her. Taking hold of her I quickly teleported us towards the edge of the crater as the Sage of Six Paths began to form the hand seals for the summon.
"It's been so long since I felt this empty…" I heard Yukino sigh as she put her hand to her chest. Hearing the familiar "poof" of a summon I held her close as those summoned returned alongside the tailed beasts.
Hiding from view we inched closer to the large shadow cast by the three tails. Putting Yukino down I watched as she shyly eavesdropped from the shadows to the conversation happening below. Though she had less chakra than before, she suppressed it, using the tailed beast chakra to hide her presence entirely. With a smile, I did the same before those below could notice.
"Hey! Kurama! Were you lonely being separated from me? I missed you!" Hearing the blond boy yell happily Yukino placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Looking over I watched as the Kyūbiargued in response, flipping him off for embarrassing him in front of the others. This was a first for me, seeing someone get along with a creature most fear. 'He really is an idiot.' I thought as a smile formed under my veil as I saw the charm the girl beside me saw.
"I will release the jutsu, free the Five Kage and those under the Edo Tensei." Hearing this the boy, Naruto, jumped to his father.
Exchanging a few words the morning light began to bathe the area signaling the beginning of a new day. As this occurred Yukino's white hair began to return to its red coloring starting from roots. "Happy birthday." I was able to hear the Fourth Hokage say. 'Was he aware of the date before? Or did Yukino's rant from earlier inform him?' With a bright smile, the knuckleheaded shinobi of Konoha began to list various things to his father.
Looking at the girl beside me I watched as she stifled her cries as she heard everything the boy had to say. Looking up the boy's smile began to falter as his true feelings came out. Feeling eyes on us I looked up, catching the two tails' stare. Holding up a finger I asked her to ignore our presence here for a while longer as we were mere observers.
Yukino's POV
With the reanimated Kage gone the Sage of Six Paths remained. Realizing I had been crying I wiped away my tears with my arms. Feeling a sudden jolt in my stomach I winced clutching it. Undoing the suppression I placed on myself I undid the string of my chest armor. Lifting my black shirt I saw the germination seal showing itself. Quickly placing my hands on it I focused on preventing its undoing. Thinking of what has transpired I assumed that it must have been somehow connected to my chakra reserves.
°Yukino, look.° I heard Haruko-sama's old intrigued voice say, °Your assumption was right but you were wrong as to how far his goals would go.°
°What?° Stabilising the seal I looked up suppressing my signature once more. Noticing Kurama frozen mid-movement as if attempting to swipe at Sasuke I noticed something off about the eyes.
"I want to destroy and rebuild. What I am touting is… revolution." I heard Sasuke say as he clapped his hands together. "Catastrophic Planetary Devastation!" At that moment the ground began to rumble and rise. Quickly glancing over at Matatabi I recognized the familiar pattern of the Rinnegan. Unmoving and frozen I knew she along with the others had fallen under Sasuke's control.
In that one moment, I returned my attention to the issue before me. Recognizing the technique both Haruko and I jumped from rock to rock trying to get away from its center of gravity that we were too close to in order to prevent getting trapped in the middle. Although Haruko wore heavy layers of kimono she elegantly teleported from rock to rock whilst keeping her veil on keeping her face underneath hidden.
On the opposite end there I was trying to fix my chest armor while moving as it jumped down with every hop I took. Catching the string mid-jump I didn't let go fixing my armor so it no longer became a bother. Determined to keep my presence hidden I relied on my natural speed and agility to jump from rock to rock.
As this was going on Naruto asked Sasuke to free the tailed beasts to which Sasuke denied. Saying how there's no need for Naruto and the tailed beast chakra inside him if the tailed beasts are in his control. Naruto of course wouldn't allow that and Sasuke knew that. "I guess I'll have to deal with you first, Naruto. Let's move this elsewhere. You know, don't you?"
Before Sasuke could leave Kakashi attempted to follow and when he couldn't Sakura took his place. "I… I know in my heart that there's nothing in my heart I can do! Even though I love you. Even though I care about you so much, Sasuke. And yet… I can't get close to you or exchange blows with you. I can only whine and beg and cry like this again. It's so pitiful, isn't it? But… but Sasuke! If there's even a little corner of your heart that thinks about me, please don't leave again! If we stick together, I know it can be like old times again…" Hearing this I sighed wanting to pull on my hair as I almost reached the bottom. 'This is not the time or place for a confession of love!' I mentally yelled as I desperately tried to find the safest way down as the gravitational pull became weaker ripping out smaller and smaller rocks for me to stand upon. From my peripheral vision, Sasuke turned around looking at Sakura causing her to collapse. 'Genjutsu,' I guessed to which Naruto's outburst confirmed.
Eventually, they both left, leaving Kakashi and the Sage of Six Paths in this mess unable to do anything. Finally landing on solid ground I looked in the direction that they left hearing the Sage of Six Paths talking about love or something in the background. 'I thought he would only go after a couple of people. I didn't think he would start a whole revolution.' Looking up at the hanging cocoon-like things above I wondered if his goal was similar to Pain's. To become the strongest so no wars could ever start, with no one to oppose him. 'What a lonely path… Naruto please get through to him. Like you, he is extremely stubborn.' I had no place to interfere. To them, I was nothing more than an outsider, a stranger.
Feeling a slight nudge I looked over at Haruko-sama as she pointed below to the scene of the Sage leaving. With a bit of hesitation, I exhaled nervously once and stopped hiding. Jumping down I came to a stop before Kakashi. "Yo," I said as casually as I've seen him do many times.
Eyes widening with surprise he looked around. With the Sage of Six Paths gone the only ones who could explain were me and Haruko-sama. Neither of which would answer honestly. "How did you–?"
"How is she?" I asked as I walked up to Sakura to check for myself. 'Ah… her chakra seems to have diminished a considerable amount… and these burn marks… no not burns it's an acid of some type. Just what happened?' Kneeling next to her I began the slow healing process as we were both tired. Gathering some water from the air I put it into her arm and slowly gathered the small droplets of acid that remained to prevent it from continuing to ruin the healthy tissue. Pulling them out I thoroughly mixed them with the water before dumping them on the ground away from us. Returning to her skin I began to heal the tissue under the burns finding it healthier. Knowing that with the skin on top would scab with time protecting the new skin underneath.
Feeling a small wave of fatigue I stopped and closed my eyes. 'With my pregnancy, this is nothing new. But the fact that I just gave all of my chakra reserves…' Luckily I was done doing what I wanted to do so once the feeling of fatigue lessened I opened my eyes looking at her skin. Hopefully, it wouldn't leave any scars. 'Scars are a giveaway to your shinobi profession.' I thought as I remembered the lesson I was taught. Reminiscing for a while I felt the urge to curl up and dream of the past.
"Break the genjutsu," Haruko-sama ordered me, making me flinch a bit as she stood above my shoulder looking down at me. Even though she ordered me there really wasn't a need for it though since I was going to do it, to begin with. °With your eyes.° I heard her tell me in my head.
Ignoring Kakashi's confusion I turned my body so he could only see my back. Taking hold of Sakura's face I activated the Getsugan. I knew it was resistant to genjutsu but I was confused as to what I should do. Remembering how it was possible for Itachi to put someone under a genjutsu without eye contact I focused my chakra to my eyes and directed it to Sakura seeing her visibly flinch. 'I hope that's a good sign.' Glancing at Haruko-sama she nodded in approval with a hint of surprise in the way her body seemed slightly tense. 'I guess that's a thing. Then again the only ones who know anything about these eyes are them.' I thought as I held in a sigh as the image of the foxes of Inari popped into my mind as well as Tsukiyomi. 'They only tell me things when it's relevant.'
°Return your eyes to normal you succeeded now she just needs to rest.° Standing up straight she patted her clothes removing the dust that had fallen on her not long ago. °I hope that you will begin to use the Getsugan to its fullest extent with the peaceful times to come.° She chuckled at the thought of it.
"Is Sakura going to be alright?" Kakashi asked, reminding her that he was still here.
"She will…" She waved her sleeve, "as the saying goes time heals all wounds. For now, though, it is best to wait and recover the chakra you all have lost." Saying that we heard the sound of a small explosion far far away. "At the moment it would be unwise to follow after those two."
Letting out a sigh I sat down, "It might take a while… luckily you guys just fought a goddess so it might end sooner."
"Well, that Naruto boy knows Senjutsu so it might not." Haruko-sama pointed out. Realizing this I groaned, placing my head on my hand as she spoke the truth. 'Well, at least that means that he might last longer.' I raised my head with a bit of hope.
Catching Haruko-sama moving from the corner of my eye I looked up at her as she gave a slight bow. "Once you all return home I want you," she said looking at me specifically through her white veil, "to make a feast for us as repayment for sheltering you," She said hiding the fact that she meant the citizens of Uzushiogakure.
Lowering my head I agreed, finding that request doable. "Thank you. I will. I promise you that." With a slight nod, she turned away teleporting a distance away before transforming back into a white fox with fluffy nine tails. Watching as her tails disappeared from sight I sat down and leaned against the rock next to Sakura feeling as fatigue gripped onto me, tightening its grasp.
Remembering Kakashi I pulled myself away from the rock much to my body's protests. "How are your injuries?" I asked, noticing that his Sharingan was gone but for some odd reason he now had a normal eye. 'I can ask later.' I brushed it off wanting to sleep more than anything right now.
"It's just fatigue from using the Mangekyo Sharingan." He winced as he sat down.
Nodding I pretended to understand the toll from using a dōjutsu that I never gained. Closing my eyes I sensed that I had just enough chakra to share. Reluctantly I got up and walked over, plopping myself down beside him. Extending my hands I began to transfer to him some of the chakra I had and as I did my eyes became heavier until my head fell on his shoulder. "Kakashi-senpai, why does it smell like you went to multiple barbeque parties without meat?" I mumbled.
"It's a long story." He sighed. This was the last thing I heard before my eyes closed and the world around me went silent.
・・・
Gasping awake I found myself leaning against the same rock Sakura was resting on. 'Did I not give Kakashi my chakra?' Confused, I looked up, seeing Kakashi as he leaned against the rocks making sure we wouldn't be blown away by the strong winds that blew away the rocks near us. Reaching out I grabbed onto his bloody shinobi vest hoping that he wouldn't be blown away as well.
Once the blast of wind passed I looked up at him and asked, "Did I give you some of my chakra?"
"You did," Knowing that I was a bit relieved knowing that at least he was recovering although a bit quicker than his usual speed if only for a small moment. Looking up at the sky I saw heavy swirling clouds, looking beyond that I found the sun. With it was the realization that hours had passed since the sunrise.
"I can't believe I slept through my birthday." Standing up I kept my eyes to the sky, the odd shockwave I felt before as well the clouds above us were too odd for it to be normal, clearly. To hear the silence now told me that things were coming to a close. "It will end soon," I whispered as I looked in the direction of the Valley of the End.
"It seems so." I heard Kakashi agree as I absentmindedly placed my hand to my chest. Feeling odd with the emptiness that was left, a feeling I remember that happened after I lost Shakko-kun. 'No, that was never his name… he always went by another.' Sitting down I crossed my legs and placed my hands on my knees. Now was not the time to think of the past and those forced to forget. For my child, the future has to be a peaceful one. Closing my eyes I began to meditate, gathering the chakra I had, and saved it for the trip ahead knowing that it would be needed.
・・・
Hearing a gasp I snapped out of my meditative state. Turning I looked back seeing that Sakura had finally woken up. "You're finally awake," Kakashi said as he was closest.
"It's already dusk," she pointed out, making me look up at the sky after meditating for quite some time. "Where are Sasuke and Naruto?"
"They're currently fighting their final battle… in order to settle things for good," Kakashi told her.
Seeing how he wasn't mentioning me I talked first. "I healed your wounds a bit. Now that you're awake how do you feel?" I asked as I stood up feeling my leg prickle a bit from sitting for so long.
"Yukino-san?" She asked with clear confusion written all over her face. An expected reaction in my opinion but one I wouldn't answer.
"Let me check that injury of yours once more," I said as I put on a friendly smile. Kneeling next to her I hovered my hand over her arm knowing that this would be the best time to properly see the dimension she had gone to.
As I focused on regenerating the healthy skin, I slipped into her mind. Carefully avoiding her subconscious I found her most recent memories of the war, copying them I brought them with me to make memory marbles out of later. With the amount of memories and thoughts I had to go through, I knew I would have to look over them at my own pace. After finishing the transfer I stopped healing her and I put on a slightly concerned look on my face. "How do you feel?" I asked, making sure to lace my voice with a pinch of worry.
With years of practice that I wasn't proud of, it sounded genuine, producing a small smile on her face. "I feel better, thank you." She said, hovering her hand slightly over the burn. "You're quite skilled."
"That means a lot coming from Tsunade-sama's pupil." Standing up I extended my hand for her to take. "If you can move we can start making our way to the valley." Although tired she took my hand with a firm grasp. Standing on her own two feet I let go turning my attention to the original captain of team 7. "We have a long way to go." I sighed as I lifted his arm over my shoulder to help him.
3rd POV
Leaving the battlefield of the Fourth Shinobi War the three shinobi made their way to the Valley of the End on foot. At first, the three took small breaks throughout the night to not tire themselves out more than they needed to but as they got closer to the valley they slowed down as the topography had drastically changed. Yukino whose memory remained in the past saw the changes and remembered clearly how it looked before. With her memory, they were able to find their way to the valley without straying off course and wasting time.
・・・
As morning approached the sky began to become bluer. Through the trees, the young woman who turned seventeen the day prior noticed this. Before they could even reach the valley the girl came to a stop. "I can't." She told Kakashi who rested on her shoulder.
With a single nod, he came to understand why. "We will take it from here then."
"Thank you," she whispered with relief as she passed the silver-haired man over to Sakura.
"Do you have to go?" The pink-haired girl asked as she accepted the weight of her team captain.
"I have friends I need to check on. But first…" Going up to the pinkette, Yukino placed her hand on Sakura's back, sharing a portion of the chakra she was able to recover throughout the night. Sharing enough for the pink-haired girl to heal without much worry to her own health.
Parting ways with the two members of team 7 she ran going in the opposite direction the two were headed. Once far enough she stopped, her eyes dulled and glowed like the moon giving off a light blue hue. The space before her began to waver forming a small white point that expanded into a ring big enough for her to walk through with her garden as the area of choice.
Entering her garden she closed the portal behind herself. Returning her eyes to normal she yelled hoping that the emerald-eyed girl was still inside. "Emi!"
"Yukino!" She heard the black-haired woman yell from somewhere near the flower fields.
Going to where she was Yukino hugged the young woman with relief. "I'm sorry, for leaving you alone," she apologized. The black-haired woman returned the act but inside she wished to ask about their teammate who pushed them here. Remaining silent she knew that the other would get to it. "The war will end soon, let's go see Ryota." Hearing those words Emi smiled knowing that her friend was safe. Sensing her friend's dry reserves she was surprised at how much she had missed while passed out. Pulling herself from the hug Emi opened a portal to the place where the fight took place.
Elsewhere at the Valley of the End, the pink-haired girl was close to stopping the bleeding from the injuries the two boys sustained to their arms. Looking at them their sensei chose to speak for the girl that had left. In his mind he believed her leave was due to her being unable to see the boy who couldn't remember her.
"You three should thank Yukino once this ends."
"Who?" Sasuke asked as Naruto perked up from hearing that name.
"Kakashi-sensei's friend," Sakura said in an effort to remind him of the kunoichi they briefly met at the age of twelve. "She's the one that took his wallet that one time." Saying that his eyes widened slightly as he remembered that day if only briefly before the young man next to him spoke.
"Why didn't Yukino-chan come?" Naruto asked as he stretched his neck a bit to see if she wasn't just hiding somewhere. When he didn't see her through the one eye that wasn't bruised he pouted a bit.
"She went to check on her teammates." The silver-haired man said as he closed his eyes and smiled at the boy's worry for her.
Hearing this the blond boy was surprised for a moment before a bright smile filled his face, "So she's not alone anymore?"
His sensei gave a nod answering his question, opening his eyes he glanced at the black-haired boy wondering if he remembered a bit of his forgotten past. By the look of his eyes, he knew he still hadn't. 'After all this time your memory hasn't returned.'
From a distance, stood a young red-haired boy who watched their reunion alongside the previous sage of Mount Inari. Putting down the camera he carefully put away the photos he took. After his master's return, he tagged along wanting to witness the end to the conflict hoping to see his young master reunite with two of the people dear to her. Although she left, he still captured the moment for her. Never voicing it he felt saddened knowing there was nothing he could do to help regain those sealed memories. For one who could never forget he thought it cruel to be forgotten like that. 'That's why we keep our most precious memories in orbs… so we can never forget.' He thought absentmindedly as he tapped the bell on his neck causing the small marble inside to roll making a small. Ting. When it hit the bell. Noticing his master move he followed after the old vixen, returning to his home.
・・・
Standing in the field both women looked up at the hanging cocoons. Briefed on what had happened they both waited with anticipation for the release of their red-haired friend. Eventually, the roots began to lower unraveling once they touched the ground. With extended arms, both women held their friend gently as they helped remove the wrappings on him.
With a jolt, he woke up looking around in confusion. His eyes went from his emerald-eyed friend to his azure-eyed one. Reaching out he touched his friend's red hair and began to cry. "I'm sorry. I dreamt of a future that wasn't mine." Covering his eyes he wiped at the tears unable to wipe them away quick enough before new ones streamed down his face.
Both girls seeing him in tears before them glanced at each other as they knew whose future he dreamt of. With pity and heartbreak, Yukino hugged her friend, pulling his head to her chest. Resting her head on the top of his she rubbed his back gently. "You told me before that we can't undo things. Please stop wallowing on my future and focus on yours."
Inching closer the other woman gently brushed away the red hair that covered his face. "Ryota, he's gone but you can still protect the future. Stop blaming yourself."
Red pink eyes drifted down as he looked down at the stomach of the woman that held him. "I know." He nodded. Sniffing back the tears he began to tremble. "You two could've had more kids."
Hearing this the blue-eyed woman began to tear up as she realized the kind of dream he had. A dream where they were together, one where they were family. "Thank you." She laughed, hugging him tight as tears began to fall from her eyes.
With tears still in their eyes, the trio got up leaving for their village before those around them snapped out of their daze. With the sun high in the sky, the war had finally come to an end and with it the promise of a new age.
Following the end of the Fourth Shinobi War, Uzumaki Yukino has disappeared without a word along with the two shinobi that guarded her. With Kakashi and Sakura's word, she was confirmed to be alive. With the end of the war of more importance, her disappearance went under the radar and thus those that had her on their minds could only wait to see when she would return to Konoha as was her hobby.
Following the end of the war, the demon fox trio returned to Uzushiogakure. With their return, they brought news as they brought back those waiting patiently in Mount Inari.
Yukino's POV
After settling and returning everyone to their towns I felt my body ache with everything I had done. Going to the Uzumaki apartment complex I was running on the fumes of the last bit of energy I had left. Saying hello to the landlord as I entered the building I went to the elevator and got on.
Reaching my apartment I unlocked the door and entered. The moment I closed the door I began to take off my clothes as I made my way to bed. Taking a small detour to the drawer I untied my hair and opened the first drawer within reach. Taking out a simple nightgown I put it on, feeling fresh and a bit clean. Closing my eyes I threw myself on the low bed and passed out.
・・・
After two days straight of sleep, I forced myself awake knowing I had duties to complete. First things first, compensation. With sore muscles, I got out of bed making myself presentable before heading to Mount Inari. For a full six hours, I remained in the fox sage's manor making a variety of dishes from the ingredients I was given making a luxurious banquet fit for nobles. Meeting the foxes' satisfaction, my promise was complete and I was allowed to return to Uzushiogakure.
Days later…
Sitting in my office I stopped with what I was doing feeling the need to take a break. Picking up the scroll I had been working on since I agreed to the deal with the Kage I walked up to the shelves. Sitting on a shelf up to my eye level was a red fox plush someone had gifted me during a festival years ago. Picking up the plush I sealed the scroll in it. Gingerly placing the plush back I went to the window and looked down. 'If I attend that trial they will punish me. I just hope that it works.' Letting out a sigh I stared at the leaves of the tree below. 'I wonder are the trees in the orphanage still bearing fruit?'
Looking up at the sky from my window I guessed it was around two in the night. Looking behind me I checked the clock seeing the actual time, 2:17. Knowing that the kids would be asleep by this time I didn't have to worry about them getting hurt as I tended to the trees.
Grabbing my blue haori I put it on and opened a portal to a spot inside the orphanage. Stepping onto the orphanage grounds I looked around spotting the mikan tree. Walking up to it I noticed the fruit growing from it. 'So they finally began to bear fruit.' Smiling, I looked at it inspecting it carefully for anything wrong. That's when I noticed that one of the branches had been broken. Walking over to the side that was broken I realized how the branch had been leaned against two branches to keep it from completely breaking off. 'Someone must have broken it by accident.' With a small shake of my head, I removed the branch from its rest and placed it back where it belonged. Holding the branch in place I held one hand to the broken part and began to heal it.
Snap!
Looking back I saw the culprit of this tear holding a rag. "It's fine, I finished fixing it," I said letting go of the branch to show them just as the clouds moved to allow the moon's light to illuminate the area.
Their eyes widened as they were able to recognize me. "I-I'm sorry." They quickly bowed.
"You tried to fix it there's no need to apologize," I patted their shoulder telling them to raise their head, "but you should have told an adult. Someone could have gotten hurt if it fell on them." Walking towards the buildings I waved them over. "A kid your age should be asleep by now. Do you know how late it is?"
"Yes…" They admitted.
"Well, at least you know." I shrugged. Walking towards the center building I stopped noticing a couple of new bushes. Kneeling I grabbed the leaves. Activating my Getsugan I was able to see them clearly. 'Blueberry bush.'
Deactivating my Getsugan I looked back at the kid as they spoke. "The Yuki clan gave them as a gift so we planted them here."
"I see," inspecting the soil I found it to be suitable for further growth. "Everything is good, you should see berries next fall." Standing back up I guided the kid to the building. "Don't sneak out again, you will worry someone." Nodding they entered the building as I stood there to make sure they headed to the dorms. Once I heard the door to the bridge crossing close from a distance I headed to the rest of the fruit trees.
Reaching the other side of the orphanage grounds I looked at the small trees I had gifted a year ago apples, cherry, and peach. Fruit that I was sure to grow when another had passed its harvest season. Fruit I hoped the kids liked.
Counting each one I was relieved to see that they had all survived this long. Activating my Getsugan once more I went up to one of the apple trees. Placing one hand on the trunk of the tree I did half of the tiger and horse seal. 'Celestial Clock.' Accelerating the growth of the apple tree by just a few years I hoped that it would bear fruit by the time summer came. Letting go I watched as the tree's growth slowed down. Taking a step back I looked at its branches and trunk nodding in approval as it thickened a good amount, looking down at the roots I guessed that same thing happened. 'Now, onto the others.'
After finishing I returned to the center building. Stepping foot into the quiet halls I walked around heading to the learning wing. Passing by quiet rooms I remember them clearly as they were the rooms I would come to read stories. Noticing the billboard on the wall I saw various pressed flowers on display in the corner of each was the name of the kid that made it. With a smile, I continued walking coming to a stop by the room with a plaque with the word Therapy on it. Looking inside the open office I saw the room the psychiatrist used. Knowing of the background that these kids came from they needed someone to talk to. Having someone to talk to helps keep my mind whole in a way. Smiling, I remembered everyone I met and became close to.
Noticing a shelf in the room I walked up to it seeing binders with names on their spine. Recognizing the names of the children here, I wondered what they thought of life here on the island. Reaching for one I stopped. Not wanting to meddle in something I wasn't permitted to look at, I backed out of the office and went to my original destination.
Finding the room I unsealed a small key from the wall and unlocked the door. Sliding the door open I looked inside. The room contained a weaving loom and thread for it as well as clothes and materials needed to make them. Entering I walked up to a basket in the room, looking inside I saw a single shirt. 'Only one this time.' Taking it out I put my hand inside looking for the tear. Finding it at the side of the shirt I looked back at the shelf, spotting a small box. Opening it I carefully took out a small needle. Picking a small roll of thread I sat down on the window seat and began to sew up the tear.
・・・
Returning to my office once I finished I sat back down on my chair and sighed. With a quick glance at the clock, I saw the time. 3:54 it said, telling me that I still had time to plan out the day to come. Standing back up I raised my hands and I stretched a bit before creating a small ball of water. 'Hikari-tama.' Lighting up the room I placed the glowing orb inside the empty fishbowl on my desk.
Ready for the day ahead I picked up the paperwork detailing the progress of the academy, for children with chakra, and the school, a building for civilians, an idea I gained during a mission that I couldn't yet point how I came to it. Seeing everything in order from the reports I made a mental note to pass by and see things for myself. Placing down the papers I suddenly felt lightweight as I was removed from my chair.
Poof! Clearing the smoke I found myself in Inari mountain overlooking the small fox village below. "Forgive me for summoning you this way." I heard Haruko-sama say.
Turning around I saw the veiled sage as she sat on the stone bench overlooking the sight below. "I wasn't busy." Noticing her pat the seat beside her I took the offer and sat down.
"Although I showed you my memories of the past, it is not enough to know what truly happened back then. I was young and afraid of that woman to get too close." She admitted. "My knowledge of her is limited with rumors as my base. Of course, even rumors have some basis of truth." Sitting by her side quietly I felt the task she would give me, as to what type I would have to wait patiently. "Just as your Getsugan can see into the past, another wondered just how far one can see into it. Do you have an idea as to who?"
With her mention of the Getsugan, my hand went up to my face as my fingers touched the area around my eye. "Before me, there was only one other who had them. Its Tsukiyomi isn't it…"
'It always went back to her in some way or another…' With a nod, she pulled out a scroll from her obi. "With her hesitation gone, she began to meddle in many things including the capabilities of the Getsugan and how she could improve upon it. Not every technique she developed was a success in her eyes. This here was something she considered a failure." Delicately unrolling the well taken care of scroll I saw the beautifully complex seal before me. "Beautiful is it not? Her talent shows in her works." She whispered before grabbing my face gently with her sleeve. "For her niece to be skilled as well… it makes me wonder… was her skill hereditary or just pure affinity. Tell me… if I were to ask you to sleep for years to learn more about the past would you do it?"
Hearing this my eyes widened as I heard her question and her reason for summoning me here. However, her proposal was an interesting one that I saw use for. Ever since the war ended I had time to look over the memories I copied from Sakura. Some things she heard made me wonder a couple of things about Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. Things that unsettled me. "What are the risks?" I asked her.
"The foxes of Inari are teachers and information gatherers. Shinobi do not use us for this reason but others have. Those who seek knowledge sought us at one point." Letting go of my face she rolled up the scroll with care. "Mimicking the Getsugan's ability to see the past it differs when it traps the mind to an object or place leaving the body as a sleeping husk dreaming of the past. This failure of a technique has claimed many with few returning from their sleeping states. Those who returned came with accurate details of what transpired from conversations to things seen in the past. Those who returned felt at moments their minds begin to slip and forget from where they once came." Letting out a sigh, I felt as she remembered those moments. "Those who forgot would be unable to return their minds to their bodies dying soon after. However, that is not the only thing that prevents its success." She warned. "Once cast it cannot be dispelled or else the sleeping one's mind will be lost. Any interference from the outside to wake them up is highly discouraged leading to the same result. If the sleeping one wakes up on their own the seal becomes undone and they are free with the knowledge of the past at their disposal. Even with those high risks would you attempt this?"
Hearing all this I looked ahead at the fox village below, with morning approaching here as well the place the sky became clearer and so did my thoughts. With the remains of the divine tree left behind this was an opportune moment to find the truth. "Something has been bothering me for a while now." Feeling her curious eyes I continued. "Why would she create an army in a world where she alone had full control. Humans then had no chakra so who was she creating that army for?"
"You are too smart for your own good." She said, patting my head gently. "To protect them, you would make this sacrifice…"
"It's not a sacrifice if I don't die." I forced out a laugh before asking her something important. "How long can my mind be sealed for?"
"Five years. That is the limit." She responded as she tipped her head up. "Any more and the chances of your mind returning become extremely low. Is there anything you wish for us to do for you?"
"In the fourth year… if I haven't woken up by then undo the Germination Seal."
Tensing up momentarily she understood my request. "I see… we will."
"Thank you."
In a moment of silence, she spoke up standing up. "There is something else you must know…"
・・・
Returning to my office around six in the morning I sighed as heavy feelings weighed my heart. Walking towards my window closing my eyes. There was another reason why I wished to use the Seal of the Learned. One I didn't want anyone to know for it would cause guilt. 'Without me around Emi and Ryota will be able to grow as people. Just like when I left Ryota alone for those six months.'
With a heavy sigh, I shook my head and looked around my office for any empty binders. Finding a few I grabbed blank sheets of paper and brought them to my desk. 'The clan heads and Anbu forces… I'll have to inform them of what I will do. Haruko will take care of the shrine keepers for the seal… but still… it has to come from me.' Holding my head I quickly thought of everything I still needed to do. 'No, not just things that I need to do. Things that could happen. I need to leave everything for them.' Grabbing a blank piece of paper I began to write down how I would organize all the work I would have to do.
Even though I had just started I already had two people in mind to take over my work. Emi and Kichi. Emi to oversee that things are run and with her prior education she would be able to manage the paperwork that came with the job.
Kichi, who knew more about this island and how it worked. I would have considered Nori but his specialty lied in public projects. With the puppeteering techniques, I taught him along with what he found in the library his manipulation of the ley line was necessary for Uzushio's development.
Opening my drawer I pulled out the copy of Nori's current project. A large structure with heavy wind chimes that only rung with strong enough winds. 'The sounds such a creation would make would be quite somber… but I guess it is fitting for its purpose.'
Yesterday...
3rd POV
In his apartment, Ryota was doing stretches in peace when he heard the doorbell ring. Wondering who it was he opened the door to see Emi. "Morning." He said as he opened the door for her to enter.
Closing the door behind herself she explained her reason for being there. "Yukino received word that one of the masks from the Uzumaki Temple in Konoha was used."
"So we're going to pick it up?"
"No," Emi said, crossing her arms. "During the war, the foxes retreated to Inari so there wasn't anyone watching over the shrine. Everyone is trying to settle after the war so no one knows of the mask's whereabouts. Yukino probably knows… but I think she will go retrieve it on her own when she finds the time."
Hearing this his head tilted to the side with curiosity as he sensed the feeling of courage from within her. "For some reason, I don't think we are going to look for the mask…"
"We are going to check up on Sasuke." Hearing this the young man remained in stunned silence unable to believe what he heard. "Yukino may not be saying it but I'm certain that she is wondering as to his fate."
With a sigh, he closed his eyes. "Seeing how we haven't heard any news from the outside… I'm guessing that he's been arrested." He hummed knowing for sure that someone with his notoriety would have word of his death spread around. Just like his brother. "He must be held in Konoha then… The problem is getting to where he's being held."
"It's fine," Emi said as she took out a small marble from the pocket of her kimono shirt. "Remember, Yukino was once part of the Torture and Interrogation force." With that revelation, both of them lowered their voices as they looked over the memory and came up with the place's layout.
・・・
Opening two portals two gloved hands reached for the heads of two guards. Mind blank the black-haired woman did it by nature hiding her ill intent as she was taught. Making contact with the two shinobi, their eyes rolled back as they fell asleep. Holding onto their heads she carefully placed them on the desk preventing their premature awakening.
Pulling her hands back in, the portal was closed as another was opened, one big enough for the two shinobi to step out.
"We are glad you are safe Uchiha Sasuke," Ryota said as he stepped through the portal while making his voice sound deeper and mysterious for effect. When he stepped out Emi scanned the room looking for anything that could pose a danger to them.
Ryota looked at the black-haired, feeling no hostility from him. All he could feel was cool silence. "Who are you," Sasuke asked, unable to see them due to the blindfold he wore that prevented him from using his dōjutsu.
Hearing that question both Uzushio shinobi remained silent, choosing to not answer. It was then that Emi noticed something off with the other boy's straight jacket.
"What happened to your arm?" She asked catching Ryota by surprise as he looked closer, spotting the odd shape one of the sleeves was in. With the Uchiha remaining silent, they both shrugged, feeling it was well deserved for not answering his question a moment ago.
Sensing a change in the guards' chakra Emi pulled on Ryota's sleeve. "Your guards will wake up soon so we'll get going," Emi said as her eyes glowed with that familiar moonlight glow.
"Just know that Yukino was worried about your wellbeing," Ryota told him in his normal voice as he and Emi slipped into the portal and to the other side. Just as they left the young man registered the name and the person. The girl who he met for the first time at the cemetery. The one he never got proper answers from. Sitting in the dark cell he wondered just who she was and the people who visited him. But that thought soon disappeared as the guards woke up focusing their thoughts on something else.
・・・
Returning to Ryota's apartment both young adults laid down on the futon bed in thought. "If Sasuke lost an arm does that mean Naruto lost one too?" Ryota asked, holding his hands up he realized that there was a chance of him losing an arm as a shinobi if not that then breaking a hand. 'I'll need to learn how to do one-handed jutsu like Yukino and Emi.'
"Most likely," Emi said as she stared at the ceiling above her. "What do we do now?"
"Eh… I guess we could train. I was going to do that in the beginning."
Seeing that as a good option the black-haired woman sat up feeling her lack of combative skills during the war. "Can… can you teach me Kenjutsu once more?"
Yukino's POV
Hearing of the ceremony that would be held in Konoha for those lost during the war I spent that day in my office. Wearing black funeral attire I sat in my office's chair the whole day. Once the sky began to turn orange I got up picking the white chrysanthemum on my desk. Creating a portal to Konoha I quietly made my way to the cemetery.
Arriving by the time a majority of people had left I looked around for a specific grave. Arriving at the headstone I sought I sighed heavily. No matter how many times I've been through this routine it never seemed to get easier.
Neji Hyūga.
Staring at the name on the grave I carefully placed down the white flower I held. "May you find peace where you're going. If our paths cross again may we be friends once more?" I said those few words with a small smile. Standing there for a while I looked up seeing a bird fly by. 'You're now free of the curse you were born into. It's just cruel for it to have happened this way.' Looking back down I felt that familiar tight feeling around my neck as my eyes began to burn.
"Yukino?"
Hearing that familiar voice I turned around to see one of my oldest friends. Her eyes were puffy and the tears stains along her face caused a pang deep within me. "I heard what happened…"
That was all I could say as I was caught here. Running over she pulled me into a tight hug catching me by surprise. "I thought something had happened to you as well…"
Realizing this I felt bad for not telling her before I retreated to my island. "I'm sorry."
Feeling her let go she asked. "Were you at that place? The one special to you?"
"I was… Once the war had ended I promised to show you, didn't I. If you feel up to it I can take you there." I said glancing at the grave beside us.
"I would love to." She smiled as her sadness began to lift just a bit. Turning to the grave she spoke. "Neji nii-san, Yukino is going to show me a place similar to her garden. I will be back so don't worry about me." After she finished saying that she remained in that spot hesitating to leave. Eventually, she spoke again. "Neji nii-san, do you want to come with us?" She asked.
Receiving no response her body trembled as she tried to suppress her emotions as a shinobi should. A rule I frequently broke. Kneeling beside her I held her shoulder firmly knowing that for her I would try to follow that rule.
"Neji… I'll protect Hinata so don't worry."
Standing there for a while I comforted my friend until she was ready. "Yukino… please distract me." She said as she tried to prevent a sob from slipping out.
"I'll do my best." Standing up I pulled her up with me wrapping an arm around her shoulder as we left the cemetery. The further we got from the cemetery the better hold she gained on her emotions as she pushed them down. Leading her to a quiet area I did the hand seals for the seal necessary to pass through the barrier and placed it on her wrist.
Activating the Getsugan I felt her eyes stare at mine as I opened a portal before us to the garden that began our friendship. Stepping inside I pulled her along with me watching as her eyes remembered the good moments spent here. Holding her hand I led her to a certain place in this vast garden before I could show her my home.
Coming to a stop before a certain sakura tree in full bloom I noticed her smile fade. "This is…" She said unable to finish the sentence and place it to just one specific moment as this place held many.
"The same area where we gathered materials for our project." I finished for her. "The same place where we had a picnic with Neji." Turning to look at her, her eyes read, 'You remembered…' With a smile, I looked back at the trees. "This is also the spot where I want to show you my new home… the one I rebuilt from ruins. Uzushiogakure."
Opening a portal to the plaza I let go of her hand wanting her to take the first steps out of her own choice. Standing in front of the large tree I stood among the dried falling leaves watching as she carefully crossed through. Upon her exit, I closed the portal behind her watching as she looked up at the giant tree and streets that branched from the plaza. "You made this?" She asked.
I grabbed her hand with a nod leading her to the tree's shadow where it was quieter. "Do you like the tree?" I asked, trying to distract her mind if just for a while. Extending my hands I grabbed a couple of the falling leaves to show her. "I grafted together different trees, see? I made it myself. It took a couple of tries to perfect it but I did it."
"It must look beautiful in spring." She said looking up at the tree with sad eyes. Looking away I leaned back staring at the building I worked at. At that moment the street lights began to turn on illuminating the area with a soft glow.
Activating the Getsugan once more I reached into my storage space and took out a box. With a soft smile, I handed it to my friend. With a bit of confusion, she opened it gasping quietly at many pictures inside.
Looking over the pictures I had taken over the years we both laughed and teared up as old memories resurfaced. Letting herself show her true emotions I held her hand. "We're no longer in Konohagakure. No one knows you're a shinobi. You can break that rule. Then again… both of us never really followed it well." Feeling the tears I suppressed resurface once more my body began to tremble as it began to sink in that I had lost yet another friend. Doing my best to put on a smile I looked at Hinata as she trembled as well trying to not break down and be strong for both of us. Realizing this fact I broke into sobs as she did as well.
With the pictures of my memories placed to the side, we both wept under the falling autumn leaves. Once the tears had dried up I bought for us some sweats and we indulged in the comfort it brought.
Finishing the food I had bought I looked up at my office knowing that I would have to tell her what I would do. "Hinata… I want you to be the first to know this. I don't want you to believe that I'm ignoring you." I sighed knowing that I would have to put what I was going to do in the simplest terms. "I'm going to be placed in a long sleep. I may not wake up for a couple of years… but still… it is something I need to do. I want this village to thrive and to do that I need to make sure its future safety comes first."
Remaining quiet she looked up at the building I have been staring at and nodded. "I also have something to ask of you… no, it's more like a request." She said quietly, looking down she fiddled with her hands nervously. Wondering what it was I waited for her hearing as she uttered the following words. "Can you place the memory suppression technique on me?" Surprised by her request I froze wondering why. "We will always be friends. That's why… I'm certain I will remember. I want you to know that they will remember you as well." Looking up at me her eyes showed determination in the choice she had come up with.
I was tempted to ask for how long she had thought of this for but it was an answer I didn't want to hear. 'If she never remembers my last true connection to Konoha will be gone.' That single thought brought conflicting emotions. A part deep inside me wished to be free of the past that tormented me so. Yet another side wished to hold onto tightly to that very connection and never let go. "Ok…" I agreed, feeling as the tears began to sting my eyes once more. "You better remember me alright?"
"I promise to remember you by the time you wake up." She smiled using a promise to show me that she meant to complete it.
Covering my eyes pushed back in the tears before slapping my face with both hands. With a small exhale I began to form the hand seals necessary. "Then I'll see you again… my dear friend." Placing a hand on her head the seal expanded covering only the top part of her head. Eyes closing she fell forward in deep sleep. Catching her in my arms I looked over at the box spotting the picture we took together the day she joined team 8. Doing half the sign for a shadow clone I directed them to put the pictures away as I lifted Hinata on my arms.
Opening a portal to the Hyūga manor I headed to her room. "We'll meet again," I told her as I gently placed her down on her futon. Tucking her in I left returning to my village without another word. There was no backing out now. I had to go through with the choice I made.
Days later...
Finishing the last of my paperwork I leaned against my chair relieved. Spinning my chair I looked outside seeing the morning light come from the east. Looking down below I could see some early birds jogging and some mailmen walking to their destinations. Spinning my chair back to its place my eyes drifted to the cat statue that had been sitting in my office for a while now. 'I am almost done… I should be able to send it to the Land of Iron in a month or two.' With a sigh, I looked at the fox plush. 'I almost perfected it. I just need to test it out more.'
・・・
Finishing the plans for the island's schooling system I sighed. Not only did I have to plan out the academy's future curriculum and requirements and the civilian's school. 'But what after that?' My mind thought as I had to make a program to help them figure out the careers the growing kids would have to enter once they graduated. There were apprenticeships on the island but it would be better if they could have some idea before leaving the academy. 'I hope this works… if not I'll have to scrap it and think of something else.'
Planning for the future was breaking my head in two. "Gah!" I yelled as I stood up from my desk. Unable to deal with this properly at the moment I sighed.
Tap… Tap… tap…
Hearing tapping noise I looked outside seeing the falling rain on my window. 'Amegakure…' Reminded of the raining village I opened a portal to my room. With the privacy needed I changed my outfit to the one that I was recognized by.
Dressed in white I wore the same dress that left my shoulders exposed, flat shoes, as well as a veiled hat that covered my face and shoulders. Ready with my appearance I opened another portal to Amegakure. Crossing through quietly I manipulated the water that fell making it avoid touching me. Without the need to look around I knew there was construction happening somewhere from the sounds of construction that I could hear. Holding my hands in front of myself I made my way to the tower where I last saw Konan.
Making it to the tower I stopped and looked up sensing no activity from within. Distracted momentarily I heard footsteps drawing my attention to the one approaching me. Recognizing one of the shinobi in the same meeting room that day, I fully turned my body to greet them. "Greetings," I said.
"Tsuki-hime." They said bowing before me.
"Raise your head," I told them, as I looked back to the tower. Getting to a topic of question I asked them about the state of Amegakure. Informed briefly of their reconstruction after Pain's fight with Jiraiya I remained silent on the outside while surprised that it hadn't been fixed already. Hearing more I tilted my head slightly to the side interested in knowing that although things were happening slowly things were settling down and working.
Finding relief that this place was in good hands I turned to leave. "Tsuki-hime." They said forcing me to freeze in my steps. "When we searched the tower we found something left for you. It appears to be a gift from Angel-sama."
"Show me."
Entering the tower and out of the rain, I followed close behind them recognizing certain areas of the tower. Being led to an area I was never privy to poke around in a door was opened for me revealing a simple bedroom. From the entrance, a box could be seen on the table. "I will give you privacy." The person said as they left closing the door once I entered.
Leaving the room I was left alone to see for myself what Konan had left behind. Seeing a white box wrapped with a blue ribbon neatly on the table, I wondered what it contained. Removing my veiled hat, I placed it on the table beside myself if I needed to put it on quickly.
Pulling gently on the ribbon it came undone. Neatly putting it to the side I placed my hands on both sides of the box and lifted the cover to see a familiar navy blue outfit. From the corner of my eye, the slight fluttering of something white caught my attention.
Looking down from the box I saw the small piece of paper that had fallen from the cover I held. Placing the cover next to the box I knelt to pick up the small slip of paper. Blank on one side it contained a message on the other written with small and neat handwriting.
For your effort to aid my plan I leave you this. Whenever I wore this you had a sparkle to your eyes so I could tell you liked it. I leave one for you. Although it may not fit you now you still have time to grow. If you don't you will be able to adjust it to your liking.
Unknowingly I smiled as I read the card. Standing up I walked over to the box and took out the outfit noticing that it was a deeper blue than the one she wore. 'The chest size is too big. What is this, a size E?" Looking down at my own I was reminded of my current size. 'I am just a C-cup at least. Still… no complaints, I have more skin to place seals on.' With a smile, Hinata came to mind. 'If she wore this it will still be a bit big.' Thinking of the kunoichi I sighed and lifted the outfit higher. Hearing the sound of rustling paper I took out the top completely and saw a paper rose inside.
Picking it up, I smiled, finding this gift beautiful for it had not fallen apart. A gift made with care and by hand. Taking out the paper rose I opened a portal to my storage space. Carefully I placed the flower next to my other mementos. The perfect place for a gift I would never take out for it was an irreplaceable gift from an ally long gone.
Seeing how things were going well with those in charge, my time here had come to an end. Storing away the gift she had given me I put my veiled straw hat once more and walked out of the room.
Walking past the person that led me here I signaled for them to follow me along with the others that they have gathered during my time in the room as I made my way to the roof. The place where I would end things.
Upon reaching the roof I let the rain fall on me letting the water run along my clothes. Going up to the edge of the tower I stopped turning to look at those gathered as they reached the rooftop. "I have seen how in Angel-sama's passing you all have worked hard to take care of this village. This act warms my heart greatly." I said loud enough for those present to hear. As the sky cleared I activated my jutsu. 'Beast Soul: Swan.' White wings spread out from my back as I extended my arms. "Amegakure's future is now in your hands. This sad land shall weep no more as long as you work on stopping the bloodshed as they had wished for. Like them, I must leave this to you." Stepping off the edge of the roof I let myself fall. Twisting my body around I let the wind catch my wings before quickly opening a portal before me and disappearing from their sight entirely. Eventually, I hoped to become nothing more than a story that children made up just like how it was in the beginning.
・
Reference: Naruto Shippuden Episode 475