Natsumi stood at attention in front of the Hokage, who stood with his back turned to her as he looked out of the large window at Hokage Rock.

"You wanted to see me, Lord Third?"

"Natsumi." He nodded in acknowledgement and turned to face her, blowing tendrils of smoke out of his nostrils as he held his pipe in one hand. "Yes; I have a mission for you."

"A mission?" She repeated quietly. "What kind of mission?"

"Are you acquainted with the woman known as Oto?" The old man asked, watching her carefully.

Natsumi blinked and nodded after a moment.

Why... would he be asking about that?

"Yes, sir, I am."

"I thought so." He nodded to himself again, returning his pipe to his mouth. "In keeping with the customs of her people, she is about to embark on a pilgrimage to one of their sacred shrines. Due to her vast knowledge of this village's secrets, I'm assigning you as her escort."

Natsumi's eyes widened slightly.

Another shrine?

"...Why me, sir?"

"She asked for you specifically." Hiruzen answered after a moment. "More like demanded, actually."

Just what does she have planned?

Natsumi nodded. "I'll do it, sir. It's no trouble."

"Very good." He turned and glanced back out of the window once more. "The journey should take approximately one week, and once you return, I will have another mission lined up for you to take of the upmost importance."

One week alone with Oto-sama? Natsumi pressed her lips together. She's already difficult to be around for one hour. One week with her, and who knows how much of her strangeness will rub off on me?

"Is there a problem, Natsumi?" He raised his brow at her, and she blinked and shook her head quickly.

"No, sir! It won't be a problem at all. I won't let you down."

"Very good." Hiruzen nodded. "You're to meet Oto at the village gates tonight at sunset, then. Prepare accordingly."

Natsumi bowed her head.

Sunset? Leave it to Oto to make even the beginning of a mission seem suspicious.

"One more thing..."

Natsumi looked up at the Hokage, whose expression shifted to serious. "...Yes, sir?"

"While the journey itself should be an easy one, Oto's reputation could cause her to become a target. Strange things happen surrounding that woman, so be on guard should anything arise."

No kidding.

Natsumi nodded again and bowed slightly. "Of course."

"Good luck." He nodded, and Natsumi stepped out of his office and let out a deep breath.

This is my first mission since... She clutched her hands into fists. I've got to redeem myself. I refuse to let anyone down again.

"Wait, so he assigned you to be Oto's bodyguard?" Kiri leaned back from where she had been hunched over the garden bed and wiped her forehead with her forearm.

"Basically." Natsumi nodded and set a wilted stalk into the basket beside her with a shrug.

Kiri let out a slow whistle.

"I can't believe you've got to be alone with her for a whole week. I'd go crazy." She paused. "Are you sure I can't at least tag along? You'll never know what kind of stuff she might pull. She's no ordinary old lady."

I wonder how much she'd freak out if she knew that Oto has had me complete one of her tests before.

"Hey!" Sena looked up from the garden bed on the opposite side of the yard, smiling as she scolded. "You guys could work and talk at the same time, at least!"

Kiri pointed a dried tuber at Sena.

"I've told you before, I'm not good at this gardening thing! Cut me some slack!"

Sena laughed and crossed her arms. "All we're doing today is just pulling up what's dead. That's not hard at all." She rolled her eyes. "And, treat that plant with respect! It may be dead, but it once provided delicious sustenance for you."

"Respect a plant." Kiri muttered. "It's almost like you like plants better than most people."

"In fact, I do." Sena laughed to herself. "Less talking and more working. Tomorrow I want to get everything replanted and hope that there's still enough time left for a decent harvest before winter comes."

Natsumi smiled and sat cross-legged, taking a break as she wiped her brow and smeared dirt there.

"Sena, wouldn't it just be easier to get all of this from the grocery store instead of breaking your back doing all the work yourself?"

Sena's eyes widened slightly. "The... grocery store...?"

Kiri rolled her eyes. "Oh, now you've done it."

Natsumi blinked. "Done what?"

"I... can't buy stuff from the grocery store, Natsumi!" Sena shook her head quickly and paled. "I'd have no idea if my food was grown lovingly or not! It changes the flavor!"

"Oh, boy..." Kiri sighed and crossed her arms.

"Also, I wouldn't know if they used harsh pesticides or not, or if they sprayed on any wax to fake how vibrant and fresh the produce was!"

"Yeah, yeah." Kiri muttered. "I know. You wouldn't know what kind of fertilizer they used or not either."

"Hmph." Sena turned her nose up, still smiling faintly. "Exactly. I only use my own special compost. It's superior than all the rest. Way better than that garbage at the grocery store was grown in."

"She's a food snob." Kiri held up her hand to whisper to Natsumi, laughing to herself. "She won't even eat at restaurants. She says that other people just don't know how to cook properly, either."

"Well, it's true." Sena laughed. "Everything is too salty or too sweet. Food should be a journey for the palate- an exciting adventure chock full of temptation, shyness, bliss, warmth, and love. Food isn't just for eating, you know."

"Sure," Kiri rolled her eyes with a slight smirk. "And air isn't just for breathing."

"Speaking of air..." Sena crossed her arms. "You know who makes the oxygen for the air you breathe?" She paused and grinned. "Plants. Respect them."

Kiri smiled faintly, shaking her head as she continued to work.

Spending time together like this... it's almost as if it never happened.

Natsumi smiled as she looked at Sena

It's even harder to believe when she smiles so brightly like that.

Her eyes fell to Sena's neck, where a wide ribbon was tied around it. Her smile faded and her stomach twisted at the sight.

Except... for that ugly scar.

Sena caught her staring from the corner of her eye, raising a hand to cover the ribbon with a faint smile before she continued to work.

"You just got released from the hospital yesterday." Natsumi said softly. "You should be resting."

Sena glanced up at her with a smile and shrugged.

"I feel fine. I have tons of energy, and my Chakra is fully restored. I can't just sit around and do nothing on such a nice day." Sena closed her eyes as her smile grew. "Besides, nothing is more relaxing than getting my hands dirty in the garden."

"How'd your brother take it, hearing that you'll be gone for a week when he's just gotten back?"

Natsumi shrugged. "I haven't told him yet. I'm sure he'll be busy training, anyway, and not have time to miss me."

"You should be spending some time with him, then, instead of helping out here." Sena set a handful of rotten vines down. "Kiri and I can handle it here."

"I was going to tell him later..." Natsumi scratched her head and laughed sheepishly. "And I don't mind helping out. I wanted to spend time with you, too."

Especially since I almost lost you just a few days ago...

"Natsumi's just stalling because Naruto's still with the rest of his team." Kiri winked and chuckled as she looked up at Sena. "After all, Kakashi's there, and she's avoiding him."

Natsumi's face flushed deeply and she shook her head quickly. "I-I'm not!"

"Oh?" Sena glanced toward Natsumi, then back at Kiri. "Why?"

"Oh, something about having fallen asleep while cradled gently in his warm arms." Kiri chuckled again, holding her hands up to shrug as she teased.

"D-Don't say it like that!" Natsumi's flush deepened and she looked away. "...you make everything sound so lewd..."

"Oh, I see now." Sena giggled.

"The whole situation was just embarrassing." Natsumi crossed her arms, mumbling. "I cried like a baby in front of him, after all... and then, falling asleep like it..." She buried her hands in her face. "I acted like a little kid!"

"Well, you are a kid." Sena smiled and shrugged slightly. "But, I do understand how you feel. You don't need to feel embarrassed."

"Easy for you to say..."

"If you're really that worried about it, I could go with you." Kiri put a hand on her hip.

Natsumi laughed under her breath and shook her head.

"And let you make it even more awkward?"

Kiri scoffed and placed a hand on her chest. "What? Me? Would I do that?"

"Yes."

"Absolutely." Sena laughed and answered in unison with Natsumi.

"Yeesh." Kiri pouted and crossed her arms. "You guys really have no faith in me at all."

"We just know you well." Sena smiled, then looked up at the sky briefly. "We should take a break for now. I can whip up something for us to eat."

"Ah!" Kiri grinned and wiped her hands on her pants. "I've missed your cooking! I'm starving!"

Sena stood and wiped her hands together.

"Are you going to stay and eat with us, Natsumi? I'm thinking about making parfaits."

Natsumi shook her head slightly. "Thanks, but I really should go see Naruto. I can't put it off too long or he'll be upset."

She nodded and gave Natsumi a gentle hug. "Thank you, then, for helping out. And, have fun with your brother while you can."

"I will." Natsumi smiled and returned the hug, and Kiri looped her arms around the both of them.

"Group hug." Kiri loosened her grip and mussed Natsumi's hair. "Be careful on your mission, yeah? There's no telling what that old bitty's getting you into."

"I'm sure it will be fine." Natsumi smoothed her hair down. "But I'll be careful anyway."

"Good." Sena gently nudged her toward the gate. "See you later."

"See you." Natsumi gave a short wave and gave them a final, long look.

Who knows how much will change in just one week?

Natsumi drew in a deep breath and clutched the bag in her hands as she walked.

I know I said that I was fine before... but the closer I get, the more I feel embarrassed. How can things be anything but awkward now that I've cried hard like that, snot and all?

She sighed again and slowed her pace as the forest opened and the third training grounds sprawled out before her.

It's been a long time since I was last here...

Natsumi looked around and pressed her lips together.

Where are they, anyway?

"Gaaah!"

Natsumi turned her head towards the river and ran towards the sound, stopping to laugh under her breath as she approached and saw Naruto climbing out of the water.

"Sasuke!" Naruto stood on the bank, his clothes soaked entirely, and pointed at the Uchiha with a glare. "Don't think you've won yet! I'm not done!"

"Just quit already." Sasuke stuck his hands into his pockets on the bank, turning to face away from the blond. "You're an embarrassment."

Kakashi turned to look over his shoulder from where he and Sakura stood, watching the match and he lifted his hand in a wave. "Ah, Natsumi. Hello!"

Natsumi's cheeks warmed slightly and clutched the bag tighter in her hands.

Don't be awkward. Don't be awkward.

"Huh?" Naruto blinked and looked up at his sister with a grin. "Natsumi!"

Natsumi let out a breath and returned his smile, and he ran over to her.

"What're you doing here?"

"I brought a snack." Natsumi lifted the bag up for him to see. "I hope I'm not interrupting, though."

"You brought me food?!"

Naruto's eyes widened and he reached out for the bag, only for Natsumi to pull it away.

"It's not just for you, ya know!" She laughed. "I got a little for everyone."

"How thoughtful." Kakashi smiled, and the rest of Team Seven approached her. "Right now is a good time for a break, anyway."

"So what's in there?" Naruto kept his eyes on her bag with a glint of greed in his eyes as they sat around the posts and started to eat the boxed lunches they had brought.

"Something good." Natsumi smiled and pulled out the box and opened it.

"Dango!" Naruto quickly ate one and Natsumi laughed.

"You're not supposed to have your dessert first." Natsumi held the box away from him. "Eat your lunch first."

"Geez. You're such a nag." Naruto muttered and opened his lunch to take a bite.

"Well, I am your older sister." Natsumi stuck out her tongue. "It's kind of my job."

"Not that again!" He narrowed his eyes at her. "We're twins! We're the same age!"

"I was still born first."

"Hmph." Naruto crossed his arms as he ate. After a while, Natsumi held out the box to him with a giggle.

"Oh, fine. Here."

His eyes lit up and he grabbed a dumpling, popping it into his mouth enthusiastically.

Natsumi watched as Naruto chewed happily for a moment, then swallowed.

"Naruto?"

"Hm?" He stuffed another bite into his mouth, turning to her. "What?"

"Actually, I came to visit so that I could tell you I've been assigned a mission."

"Really?" He swallowed and grinned. "That's great!"

"And... well, I have to leave tonight."

His expression fell slightly. "What?! Tonight?"

She nodded. "I'll be gone for a week."

"Hmph." He made a face and crossed his arms. "That's not fair. We haven't had a lot of time together since we got back, ya know."

"I know. I'm sorry." Natsumi scratched her head and smiled sheepishly. "Lord Third already said that he'd have another mission for me once I get back, so I think I'll be really busy for a while."

"Hmph." Naruto took another bite, chewing in frustration. "Darn that old man..."

"Well, we'll be busy with our own missions, too, Naruto. Don't forget that." Kakashi waved his hand and looked at his student. "You're a fully-fledged Ninja now. You can't expect to have all the free time you used to."

"I know that!" Naruto snapped and made a face again. "I just don't see why she can't be assigned to do a mission with us sometimes."

"Heh..." Natsumi blinked. "Well, as nice as that sounds..."

He has no idea that I'm ANBU, or what kind of missions that we have to do...

"He doesn't realize what he's asking..." Kakashi chuckled and shrugged. "Well, perhaps in the future."

"Here." Natsumi held out the box to Sakura, who smiled and waved her hand.

"Thanks, but..." Sakura paused. "I can't just say I'm on a diet in front of Sasuke!" She rubbed her head. "Oh... alright."

She took one and ate it slowly. "Oh, but it's so good though... I guess having a few can't hurt."

Natsumi smiled and ate one herself, holding out the box to Kakashi, who took one, and then to Sasuke.

He narrowed his eyes at the sweets for a moment and then looked away. "I don't want any."

Natsumi put a hand on her hip. "What? Why not?"

"I hate sweets."

"Hate sweets...?" Natsumi set the box down in front of her and crossed her arms. "No one hates sweets. That's like saying you hate breathing."

She held out the box to him again. "Have one."

"No."

Natsumi narrowed her eyes, leaning closer as she waved the sweets in his face. "Eat it."

"No." He shoved the box away with a scowl. "You're annoying."

"You're the one who's annoying." Natsumi brought the box closer to his face, leaning even closer as she narrowed her eyes. "I took the time to get desserts for everyone and you're just being ungrateful. At least have one."

"Leave me alone."

"You're so irritating." Natsumi picked up a dumpling with a small skewer and lunged forward, sitting on his chest suddenly to pin him down as his eyes widened and he struggled.

"Get off!"

"Eat it!" Natsumi stuck the dessert into this mouth as he protested then clamped her hands over his mouth and nose, forcing him to swallow before he shoved her off and took a gasp of a breath.

"Hah." Natsumi sat up with a smirk and crossed her arms. "Gotcha."

Sasuke coughed slightly and scowled deeply, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "You're so annoying."

"Right back at you." Natsumi laughed and skewered a dumpling for herself, chewing triumphantly.

Sakura's eyes widened and she froze in place as she watched, her face paling slightly. "D-did she just...?! She was on...?! S-She..." Her eyes fell on Natsumi. "H-How dare she touch Sasuke!"

Naruto laughed loudly and pointed. "Sasuke, I didn't know you were so weak that a girl could pin you down."

"Shut up, idiot."

Natsumi laughed, returning to sit next to her brother as she nudged him. "It was like taking candy from a baby." She covered her mouth to muffle a laugh. "Or, well, kind of the reverse of that, actually."

"And she's acting so casually about it!" Sakura blushed slightly. "How could she just...?! She really doesn't think of him like every other girl our age, then?!"

"Here, Sakura. Have some more, since mister grumpy isn't going to have his share." Natsumi held out the box to her with a slight giggle as Sasuke glared again at her and turned his face away.

Sakura reached out for one, hesitating. "Or... what if she secretly does like Sasuke, too?! And she's offering me sweets so I'll eat them and get fat so that she can have all of Sasuke's attention to herself?!"

She drew back her hand after a moment and laughed, rubbing her head. "A-Actually, I'll pass. I'm starting to feel full."

"If that's what she's doing... then I won't fall for it!"

"Hm? Alright." Natsumi set the box down and took another for herself. "If you're sure."

"More for us!" Naruto stuck several into his mouth at a time, swelling his cheeks with them as he laughed to himself. "But you're missing out."

"You know," Natsumi glanced back at Sasuke. "Sena says 'a person who doesn't like sweets is one whose heart is only capable of bitterness.'" She shrugged and looked away. "I guess she was right."

Kakashi sighed and looked over the Genin. "Who would have thought that she would antagonize Sasuke the same as her brother?" He looked at Sakura and sighed again. "Although, it seems like she may have accidentally made an enemy out of Sakura..."

Natsumi let out a short sigh and glanced at her brother from the corner of her eye. "Unfortunately, I should probably go home and start packing for my mission. I don't know exactly where we're going yet, so I need to make sure I'm prepared."

"Aw, already?" Naruto made an exaggerated pout.

"Sorry." Natsumi smiled and hugged him. "I'll be back as soon as I can, okay? And then I'll treat you to Ichiraku's when I get back, I swear."

"Deal!" Naruto chuckled. "Good luck on your mission!"

"Thanks." She stood and wiped her hands on her pants, then waved to the group before she ran off. "See you guys later!"

Natsumi stood at the gate in silence, clutching the straps of her pack as she waited.

I hope I haven't forgotten anything. I don't even know what to expect of this trip.

Her eyes lifted to watch the crimson and violet sky darken as the sun sunk lower on the horizon.

All I do know is that things are never as they seem around Oto, and that I need to be wary. I just wish I knew what to be on the lookout for.

"Oho... you're as punctual as ever, Natsumi."

Natsumi turned to smile faintly at the familiar wrinkled face.

"And you look just as elegant as ever, Oto-sama."

The old woman chuckled and blew a small ring of smoke out of her mouth and stood beside Natsumi.

"Are you ready, miss Uzumaki?" Her eyes narrowed slightly and glinted mischievously. "This is going to be quite the trip."

Natsumi nodded shortly and followed Oto as she began to walk beyond the gates, which closed behind them. After a while of walking, Natsumi glanced over at the woman.

Her movements aren't making a sound at all... it's almost as if she's gliding instead of walking.

"You have questions." Oto chuckled and looked over at the girl from the corner of her eye.

Around you? Always.

Natsumi smiled faintly. "Why did you ask for me as your escort specifically?"

Oto chuckled. "My dear, there are few in the world that an old woman such as myself trusts. Few know anything of my clan or our traditions, and the only one I trust to keep those secret is one who has already passed the beginner's trial and proven herself."

I knew it. It's because she sent me to that ruin, three years ago.

"Besides, I do enjoy your company. Few Shinobi are willing to speak with me at all, much less enter my company willingly or frequently. I enjoy your visits and your thirst for power. Quite a Hebihime trait."

"Does this journey have anything to do with that trial from before?"

Oto chuckled and blew long tendrils of smoke from her nostrils. "You might assume that, however, this time, it's just a pilgrimage."

Huh. Weird.

"So..." Natsumi lifted the ANBU mask off of her face and set it to the side of her head. "What's the purpose of the pilgrimage, anyway?"

"It's a Hebihime tradition." Oto explained. "For those who left the Caves to live away from the clan, it is our duty to return to one of the shrines periodically to prove our loyalty and restore our gifts."

"Do a lot of your people choose to live on the outside?" Natsumi watched her as they traveled, and the last traces of light vanished from the sky and the first stars twinkled amidst the darkness.

"Not many did. It was seen as a taboo, to turn from the Great Snakes in that way and live a life centered around anything but their divine existence." Oto's expression shifted slightly and became unreadable. "However, a select few were granted the privilege of living on the outside, when the Great White Mother had need of them to gather information for a longer period or for other purposes. That is why the pilgrimage came about."

"Oh." Natsumi listened quietly.

I want to ask how her clan disappeared, but I don't want to bring up a sore subject.

"Why did some people choose to live on the outside? If it was taboo?"

Oto scoffed under her breath. "Weakness."

Natsumi blinked. "I don't understand..."

"As time passed and new generations came about, there were those who were weak and full of fear— lacking the most important qualities of our clan. They began to grow fearful of becoming one with the Serpent's flesh, or of the consequences of failing the trials. The Hebihime grew fewer in number, and some girls fled before they came of age for the first of the trials. Some cowardly mothers even fled during their pregnancies, to avoid the Great Snakes entirely. It was a shameful time."

Oto shook her head and scowled to herself as she thought.

"Many of the mothers who fled took their sons with them. It wasn't a terrible loss, since the Great White Mother preferred the girls, who were better suited by nature for her gifts, however the boys were useful in other ways... caring for the Great Serpents and becoming one with their flesh."

Natsumi shuddered slightly.

So, matriarchal society that uses the male members as human sacrifices and servants. That's not creepy at all.

"However," Oto smirked faintly and blinked her dark, slitted eyes. "Quite some time ago... there was a boy born with extraordinary potential. He was only the third male to be born with sacred markings. I expected great things from him."

"Sacred markings?"

Oto lifted a hand and traced from the outer corner of her eyes, over her lid, and down to her inner eye and the bridge of her nose.

"Periodically, a child— typically a female— would be born with colored markings around the eyes. That child was always exceptionally gifted and was held in favor by the Great White Mother."

"Gifted how?"

"Excellent stealth, and of suppression of any... pesky unnecessary emotions. Unafraid... collected, intelligent, cold..." Oto chuckled again. "The ideal weapons to be used by the Great White Mother."

Creepy.

"...It sounds as if they were born snakes trapped inside human bodies." Natsumi murmured.

Oto laughed and nodded, blowing smoke around them that seemed to softly through the night air. "Yes... that's quite the accurate description. Snakes in human form... to be born that way was the greatest honor."

"Well... what about that boy? The one born with the markings?"

"Oh, he was such a cute child." Oto chuckled to herself. "I trained him myself for a time, and taught him his first Jutsu. He excelled at it, even as a toddler. He was quite the prodigy. He fancied calling me 'Granny Oto' for some time, too." She let out a breath. "There was a time when I almost wished he was my own child."

That's right... she does have family. She's never talked about them much, though. I know she was married, and had children of her own. Did they have a falling out?

"What happened to that boy? Did he become as powerful as you thought he would?"

Oto's expression darkened faintly. "...His parents became increasingly fearful of my involvement, particularly once I suggested that he take the beginner's trial early. They forbid me from training him any further. It was such a shame, considering how little else remains of our people..."

Natsumi swallowed and looked at the ground in silence.

Even if they were creepy cultists, I don't think anyone deserves to be wiped out like that.

"But..." Oto continued, quietly. "Yes. That boy did become an exceptional Shinobi. He may not have been chosen by the Great White Mother to receive all of her blessings in full, though I suppose it could be said that he is the pride and joy of our people. At least of what remains."

She's never talked so openly with me before about her past... I wonder if this trip is making her nostalgic?

"Of course..." Oto chuckled. "He's also a male, and a disgrace in many ways. To say that he is the pride of our clan is also an insult. It's a pity that the truth is also an insult"

Yikes. The cult of misandry strikes again.

"Oto-sama... how many...?" Natsumi stopped and closed her mouth. I shouldn't ask something like that.

"How many of my people have survived?" She glanced over with a wink and a smirk. "Perhaps as many as yours."

Natsumi's eyes widened slightly.

That's right! That book from before...

"How many is that?"

"There's no way to know." Oto chuckled.

Natsumi opened her mouth again, then closed it.

"You want to ask what happened to my clan."

Natsumi nodded slowly, and Oto's pace slowed.

"Since I am in a good mood... I'll tell you a bit more." Oto glanced from Natsumi back to the moonlit road again.

"I was... out of sorts when it happened." She exhaled and a large cloud of smoke surrounded them. "I was in hibernation, recovering from one of the final trials. Hidden away in a deep chamber, I was left in isolation for one month. When I awoke once more, I found everything was simply... gone."

The old woman paused and pressed her lips together.

"Bodies were strewn around and blood covered everything. I searched every tunnel and hall for any survivors, but found nothing. Even the Great Snakes were absent from the cave at the time, and so I left."

Natsumi's eyes widened slightly and Oto let out a breath and another cloud of smoke.

"It wasn't long after that and I had become well-known amongst the black market. My knack for assassination was in high demand, of course, but what piqued the most interest was my skill for intelligence gathering." She laughed loudly to herself. "I could have made a fortune, playing those Senju and Uchiha for fools for all eternity, fueling both sides of the feud and making a profit from both, giving them only a little tip here and there. Oh, it was splendid, to have them in the palms of my hands."

Oto sighed and brought the pipe back to her lips.

"Though, as with all things, it came to an end eventually, and that Tobirama wizened up and took me on as an adviser of sorts. For a price, of course. Since then, I've been living far simpler than I'd imagined initially, oh, but all of the things I have learned..." She chuckled. "Have more than made up for it."

"Wait..." Natsumi slowed, then stared at the woman. "That means... you've been alive... since the founding of the Leaf Village?"

The corners of the woman's mouth twitched in a slight smirk. "You wouldn't dare ask a lady her age, would you?"

Natsumi blinked and swallowed.

I wonder how many people in the village actually know any of this about her?

They walked along in silence before Natsumi spoke again.

"...Oto-sama?"

"Yes, child?"

Natsumi looked at her sideways, noticing how the old woman's skin reflected the spotted moonlight, glinting almost with the translucence of scales.

"Why tell me all of this? Why have me complete that trial before? What's the point of it?" Natsumi paused, speaking softly. "Why me?"

Oto smiled, patting her head before she sucked deeply on her pipe.

"Several years after I joined the Leaf, I made my first pilgrimage. On the return trip, I met a quiet man, who fancied himself a scholar. He was captured by my beauty immediately, and I admired his docile nature. It wasn't more than a few months and we married. He was happy enough just to stay at home and take care of our children while I did as I pleased, working both for the Hokage and through underhanded dealings with my connections on the black market. It was a good marriage."

She tapped the pipe to her lips as she walked.

"We had a son first, and then two daughters. The boy, he had his father's nature, and was too gentle to become a Shinobi. He took an interest in carpentry and woodcarving instead. The girls were strong-willed, but were born with too little Chakra to be of much use. The oldest became a seamstress, and the other, a teacher." She paused and a tendril of smoke swirled from between her lips. "And then, our fourth was born."

"She was a beauty like me, but with her father's collected, obedient nature. And, she had a passion for knowledge. She found no greater pleasure than learning new Jutsu or following my every command. She was the strongest, and so I decided to bring her up in the Hebihime ways, as much as I could outside of the caves."

"Mio was her name." Oto took in a short breath and smiled. "Ah, what a good girl. Completely obedient, and she was desperate to please me. She learned the ways of a blade quickly, and was fascinated by each new recipe for poison I introduced to her. My husband disapproved, though he remained quiet as always... At least, until I determined that she was ready for the first trial."

Natsumi blinked and pressed her lips together as Oto spoke.

"What happened?"

Oto's expression darkened slightly. "...She was weak. She failed the trial, and disappointed me. I'd hoped at least one of my children would have inherited the aptitude, however, I was unlucky."

Natsumi's eyes widened.

Failing the trial... that means...

Natsumi gulped, whispering. "She... died?"

"Tch." Oto blew a large cloud of smoke again. "She was weak. She didn't even make it through the fifth room. After all the training I'd given her, my favorite child... But my husband, he could never forgive me for it. It was the first and last time I'd ever seen him angry."

"What happened?" Natsumi murmured as a chill settled into her.

"He decided that it would be best to break all ties with me, and he packed up, taking our remaining children with him, and left the village. He returned to live with his mother and his sister's family. That was one of the last times that I saw my children."

"That's... horrible." Natsumi bit her lip and balled her hand into a fist inside of the pocket of her cloak.

Although... she was responsible for the death of her own child... and she's not even remorseful in the slightest about it.

"I suppose that's why I spoil you so much, my dear." Oto reached out and stroked Natsumi's cheek with one of her slender fingers. "You remind me of my Mio in so many ways..."

Natsumi stared at her, unable to speak, and Oto lowered her hand once more.

"...At least... you remind me of how I wish Mio had been. If only she'd had your strength and will..."

So... I'm the replacement for her daughter? The one that she... killed?

Oto met Natsumi's eyes and laughed. "Oh, don't make that expression, child. You know as well as I do that there is only one way to succeed in the trials. If you're lacking in what it takes, you'll never reach the end."

"But she was your own daughter..." Natsumi mumbled.

"She made her choice." Oto blew a small puff of smoke that formed the image of a young girl's face. "I gave her the choice to take the trial or not, giving her warning of what would happen should she fail. She insisted that she do it, and that she would succeed."

Oto quieted for a minute and the face in the smoke dissipated.

"Mio made her choice. Even if I had objected, once she drank from the fountain and entered the first room, I could not have intervened."

Then... what happened to her body?

"I'm certain that the Matron took care of her. She always had the habit of giving the failures who had impressed her most a nice resting place." Oto spoke quietly. "I'm sure she earned that rite, at least."

Natsumi softened slightly and she looked away.

Maybe I misjudged her... it seems like she misses her daughter.

They continued in silence for another hour and Natsumi looked back to the woman.

"When should we get to the temple?"

"Hm? Oh, as soon as the clouds clear up." Oto glanced up at the black sky, and Natsumi's gaze followed hers.

"The clouds?"

After a moment, the thick sheet of clouds that had been blocking out much of the moonlight shifted and revealed a deep, vast darkness covered in brilliant stars. Natsumi smiled in awe at them and Oto chuckled.

"Now, child, which stars should we follow?"

Stars?

She thought for a moment, and then nodded to herself.

"The serpent, of course."

"Of course."

Oto's mouth twitched in a smirk and she drew out the constellation in the dirt with the end of her cane. Then, she twisted its handle to reveal a hidden blade, and cut her palm with it. She traced the shape of the constellation in blood, squeezing it from her hand until it dripped and pooled into the outline.

"Hold onto my robes, dear."

Natsumi nodded again, reaching out to clutch the long sleeve of her dress as Oto spoke, each word a guttural hiss. The blood on the ground became red smoke that enveloped them, and, when it faded, Natsumi blinked and realized that they were standing in front of the mouth of a cave, carved masterfully to look like the open jaw of a serpent.

We're here?! Just like that?

"H-How...?"

Oto chuckled and patted Natsumi's head. "There's still so much you have yet to see, little Uzumaki."

A twig snapped in the woods behind them, and Oto smirked slightly without turning around.

"I never expected that you would be here... though I can't say I'm surprised."

Natsumi shuddered as a cold chuckle approached from behind.

"And I expected you'd have died decades ago, Granny."