Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom – ep. 14
"Right On"

"Seems like there's still a lot that Jiraiya hasn't talked to Naruto about."

Kakashi and I are walking slightly ahead of the others. Hinata and Naruto are chatting, while Guy and his team are having some sort of lively discussion that exasperates Tenten, as usual. Shino is bringing up the rear. After three days, we've finally hit the main road that leads to the Hidden Leaf.

"He must have his reasons," I say to Kakashi. "Even if I don't think they're adequate explanation at this point."

"Might be a lack of time. Ever since Naruto's come back, he hasn't been around that much. I also wonder about his face."

"His face?"

"He's been wearing some sort of protective mask recently, over one part of his face while it's healing. Said that he ran into some trouble while on the road with Naruto a few months back. Didn't mention what it was about, though."

"I see. Perhaps he's covering up another one of those incidents," I say.

"Heh. That was my first thought, too...but no, that's not it. It's definitely something more serious than that."

"Hm."

"Just a small heads-up. I figure with your clearance, you'll see what's happening in full soon enough."

"Thank you. If anything comes up relating to Naruto, I'll keep you informed."

"Appreciated. Our team is finally coming together...do you remember what I said all that time ago, about being a point of comparison for those three?"

"I do. It has been an age since then," I say with a smile. "So, you require me to play my part again, hm?"

"I might. I have a feeling they're going to want to see how they measure up this time, too."

"I see. Well, I should be free for the most part, once my other business is tended to. A meeting with Lord Hokage is in the cards..."

"Have you gone to see Kurenai yet?"

"Not yet. I was just about to when that call came in, you know. I might just pop in before I take my rest..." I stop walking as I notice something. "That's..."

"Lili? Something wrong?" Kakashi asks.

I know this person. It's really...yes, it's really her!

"It's nothing wrong...I'll be going on ahead, so don't worry!" I say as I take off.

"Yeah..."

I start jogging until I can see the large front gate of the village, growing bigger and bigger with each passing moment.

"Nothing like that, you know? But you learn a lot after going that far!"

This familiar scent...and that familiar voice. It's been so long. Nearly three years away, and even though it was something we both chose, it didn't make me miss her any less.

"Yeah! That's true too, thinking about it...wow!"

I slip my backpack off and start to carry it by the straps as I slow down. I can see her now. She's so different, in a very good way...but at the same time, the familiar person that I fell so madly in love with.

"Yeah yeah yeah. You can use the bands in that kit instead of going out and buying the expensive ones. They work just as good and don't break easy, either."

Ah, I can see it clearly now. This is an interesting approach she's taken. Her hair is about the same as ever from what I can see, long and bound with red scrunchies into bushy tails that rest against her shoulders. She's grown at nearly the same rate I have...I guess her chest isn't the same size as mine, but that's far from a problem. She looks healthy, and that's more than enough.

Her newer outfit is colourful. Instead of the rainbow patterns from before, she's gone with a pink short sleeved shirt that has a white collar and buttons. If I remember correctly, those are the same type that people wear when playing tennis. It's been customized to have the Leaf village symbol on one side in green. Curiously, she's changed her mind about skirts and picked up a pleated one in blue that sits above her knees, paired with tights in the same colour. And she also decided that she needed to wear sandals again, since she has pink ones matching her shirt now. I wonder what those are made of, seeing as she said she used to melt all the others while working.

"Hm. What's this feeling all of a sudden...?" Her smoky grey eyes snap to my position. "Oh my gosh...oh my gosh, really! You're back!"

"I am," I say with a big smile. "I'm so happy to see you, my love."

"Ah! Sorry sorry we can talk later I gotta go hug my girlfriend okay bye!" she says to the confused shinobi while running. I drop my bag and run towards her, where we meet for the most spectacular hug while spinning in place.

"Lili Lili Lili! Oh, honey! I missed you so so so soooo much!"

"I missed you too, Fio. It's so good to finally hold you like this again."

"Yeah...so good." We pull away for a brief moment before our lips come together for a kiss. Lovely...and even sweeter than before. How I've missed this feeling. "God, you're so wonderful. I wanted to do that for so long."

"I did, too."

"Of course...the other new developments are awesome, too. All that milk paid off nicely, eh?"

I wiggle my brows at her. "Excited, are we?"

"Hey, who wouldn't be?" she says while snuggling closer. "The sun ain't got a thing on you, hon...wow wow wow did you get hot. Dunno what I did to earn this kind of blessing, but you won't hear me complain about it."

"Of course, we've blossomed over here as well. You look dazzling, you know. I love the new outfit."

"I hoped you would! I remembered you said that I shouldn't worry about what other people think and stuff...like whether I was enough of a girl or not. I found out I liked skirts, though. The shorter ones, anyways. Ooh, and check these out." She steps back a bit and pulls the white loops hanging down from her skirt onto her shoulders. Oh, those are suspenders, aren't they? Very chic. "I thought these added to the aesthetic. Nice, huh?"

"Very. I like those, too."

"Oh, and another surprise for you...here, here." She smiles and takes my hand, pushing it up and under her shirt. I let out a small, excited gasp as I feel around her stomach.

"Oh, my."

"Hehe. Not too hard, not too soft. But everyone likes a little bit of detail in their body work, know what I mean?"

"I'll say. Talk about fit..." I move my hand away and readjust her shirt, then brush my fingers over the choker she's wearing. That one from the time we went shopping three years ago...she's taken excellent care of it. "I shouldn't get too carried away, though. Well. Not in public, anyways." I wink at her.

Fio smiles and chuckles. "You haven't changed a bit, eh. That's my Lili."

We share another kiss as the others arrive.

"Fio? Is that you?" I hear Hina ask.

"Sure is, hon! Great to see you again!" I step out of the way so that they can properly hug each other. "And, might I add, you look like a total bombshell. Naruto's almost as lucky as I am, hehe!"

"Thank you, Fio. You look so lovely, too. I'm glad your training went well...welcome home."

"Thanks, Hina. I'm happy to be back, and to get working again for everyone's sake. Can't wait!"

"Yo, Fio!"

"Heya, Blondie." Naruto and Fio bump fists before hugging. "Looks like you've been taking care of yourself, good to see it."

"Same to you. I guess you've been working out, huh?"

"A little." Fio smirks and flicks her thumb across her nose while flexing her other arm. "You know how it is, I lift sometimes...things like that. Light work."

"Pfft. Look at you, you're halfway to being a girl mountain. I bet you were pulling trees out of the ground for fun on the way here."

"Wasn't for fun exactly, but I still had a time of it! Oi, the rest of you need to walk faster! I don't wanna go too far for my hugs! Shino, c'mere!"

She hugs him tightly and slaps him on the back a few times in her usual manner.

"Been a while, my mysterious friend. Love the new threads. Hip, trendy...totally you, babe."

"Thank you, Fio. It's good to see you as well."

"Hehe. Okay, time for more hugs! Gonna get all of you!"

True to her word, she greets everyone else present in the same way: Kakashi and Guy, who she's trained with in the past, then Neji who she's chatted with a few times, and then Tenten and Lee, who she's less familiar with but no less friendly to.

"Awesome! So good to be home! Okay, there's just one more test before I get inside..."

"A test?" I ask.

"Yep. Here she comes."

I notice that familiar scent even before I turn my head towards the village gate. Walking towards us is Tsunade, who looks as blonde and bountiful as ever...perhaps a year or two younger than the last time as well. With that jutsu of hers, it would make sense. I wonder if I could ever be that vain...

"Looks like the final boss herself has arrived."

"Final boss, huh. Your mouth hasn't gotten any better since the last time we spoke," Tsunade says.

"Yeah? And what's the blonde cow gonna do about it?" Fio taunts, dropping her bag before walking towards her.

"She's gonna put you in your place. You know how much I love making rude little piggies like you squeal."

"You mistaking me for Tonton? Guess your eyesight is going too, you old bitch."

They growl and start running towards each other.

Naruto babbles nervously. "W-what the hell's going on-"

Roaring in unison, Fio and Tsunade throw punches at each other, clashing and sending a wave of pressure over our group.

Ah. So this is what she meant by a test.

"Perhaps Shikamaru was right...women are unknowable creatures, in the end," Shino says, pulling down his hood as dirt flies by.

"Shino, you know better than to take advice from that closet misogynist." Hina scolds him while throwing on her own hood. "Using your common sense will give you a perfectly healthy and happy relationship."

"I wonder about that."

"You need to stop being paranoid. Futaba doesn't have chakra enhanced strength, and she wouldn't use it against you even if she did."

"That all you got, you walking leather purse?" Fio yells.

"I'm gonna snap you in two like an old pencil! Keep talking, I'll fuck you up proper!" Tsunade yells back.

"Fuck off! I'll beat you back to the stone age where you belong!"

"Come and try it, stupid brat!"

They switch to locking hands, chakra flaring up and around and between them. The earth resists for a few seconds, but soon buckles under their combined pressure, sending them down further and further with each moment.

It hasn't been that long for me...clashing with Midori was just like this. Intense pressure, murderous intent...those vivid, energizing feelings that drove each battle to its climax. Seeing these two go at it is getting me a little hot under the collar...mm. Kakashi did say that his team was looking for a challenge, so hopefully they keep to that thought. It would be nice to scratch that little itch later on in the week. Fighting Sasori was exciting enough, but not in all the ways I wanted. The delight of a flesh and blood duel is unmatched in this world.

"So? How about it?!" Fio yells.

"You...alright, that's it."

"Okay!"

They suddenly stop, throwing us all into silence for a moment. Then they jump out of the crater they created, landing side by side.

"How'd I do, Auntie Tsuna?"

Tsunade gives her a thumbs up. "Perfect! You're in tip-top shape, sweetie."

"Awesome! Thanks so much!" They share a warm hug. "I couldn't have gotten to this point without you. Thank you so so much for everything."

"You're welcome, kiddo. I'm just glad that you're happy and healthy. Keep up the good work."

"Yep!"

Guy nods along as if this is normal, while Lee is furiously taking notes. Everyone else is confused or frightened. Except for Kakashi of course, who is reading...wait. Is that a new Icha-Icha novel?

"Where did you get that?" I ask him.

"Oh, this? Naruto gave me an advance copy."

"I got another one at home," Naruto says. "I'll hook you up, Lili. My bad, I totally forgot you followed it."

"The spin-off novel series is finished, too. Three new books came out while you were gone," Kakashi continues. "Ending was decent. A lot of ladies who were fans said that it was obvious a man was writing the whole thing for the last third of the series...and honestly, they were right. Got a bit too indulgent, unlike with the main series."

"Mm. Unfortunate. I'll give them a read myself either way."

"Oh! Between all the hugs and excitement, I forgot to ask something important. What's with the all-star cast out here?" Fio asks. "I figure they wouldn't need most of you for a mission, unless it was something really big."

"There was an emergency in the Sand," Tsunade explains. "The Kazekage got nabbed by Akatsuki."

"Kazekage...eh. It's that Gaara fellow now, right? So I guess you guys worked together to bring him back home."

"Well, we didn't do much of anything," Kakashi says. Everyone points towards me.

"I had help," I say.

"By the time we got there, the mission was over and done with. Gaara's safe, and one of those Akatsuki guys is dead. I think. He was a puppet or something like that," Naruto says.

"Ooh, I see. Another one, huh...seems you haven't lost your touch, Lili," Fio replies.

"I suppose not. Again, I can't take all the credit for it."

"Just most of it."

"Yes."

"You're a peach, you know."

"I know."

"Guess that solves my curiosity for now. I can get all the juicier details later. Gonna check in at the hospital with Auntie Tsuna, see exactly where I'm at and everything."

I go through my pockets and hand Fio a card. "We're in the usual place at the hotel. It might be a while before I get to leave."

"Got it. Alright, let's get ourselves home. I'm sure all of us have something we want to take care of."

"I see someone's been doing more than a little bit of growing on her side," Tsunade says to me as we walk.

"She has, yes. Hina and I were talking the other day about your excellent advice and encouragement," I say with a smile.

"Heh. Keep this up and you'll give me a run for my money in a few years. You look like you stepped right out of one of those glamour magazines, seriously."

"Oh, stop."

"Whatever you're doing, it's working out pretty well. Just invest in several large sticks for when the boys take notice of you. And keep an eye out when you're taking baths at the springs. I had to teach a certain someone a lesson long ago...too bad his head was so hollow that he didn't learn anything from it," she mutters. Not that she needs to say who that person was. I suppose he's always been awful like that, then.

"I'll keep that in mind, Tsunade. Thank you for the compliments, and you look rather radiant yourself. Like you've turned back the clock a few years, even."

"You noticed, huh." She laughs softly. "Every girl's got her secrets, Lili."

"Without question. And what the masses don't know won't hurt them a bit."

"A woman after my own heart." She smiles and pats my back. "Welcome home, sweetie."

Fio gives me another kiss as soon as we cross the entrance, leaving for the central hospital with Tsunade. The rest of us head to the Mission Assignment Desk, where Hiruzen and a few other officials are waiting for us. We get our debriefing, confirm the details on the ground, and go over the necessary classifications for the information that we've gathered. After that, we are given our mission rewards and dismissed.

"Ah, Lili. If you have a spare moment..."

"Of course, my lord," I say to Hiruzen. "What might you need of me?"

"I wanted to have a talk about..." He pauses, and I turn my head to see what has grabbed his attention. "Koharu. Good morning to you."

"Good morning, Lord Hokage. I was looking to speak with Major Kobayashi here in private...it involves some recent business that we should clear up before it becomes too late."

"I see." He gives me a look and I return it, signalling that things are okay. "Then I will leave you two to it. I have work that I should clear away in the meantime. We will speak at a later time, Madam Kobayashi."

"Of course, my lord. Lady Utatane, did you have a place in mind for us to speak freely?" I ask politely.

"I did. If you would follow me. Lord Hokage, another time."

"Another time, Koharu."

I quietly follow the old woman as she walks down the hall, a slight sound coming from the pearls that hang down from the needle in her grey hair. We reach an empty room and she locks the door before sealing it, then motions for me to sit in one of two chairs.

"I wanted us to have a small chat...from one woman to another."

"One woman to another. A very interesting choice of words," I say as I sit down and cross my legs. My hands flow through my hair, and I toss it dramatically over my shoulders before settling in. "Was that public needling a while back your acknowledgement of my womanhood, then?"

She bristles a bit before taking her seat across from me, annoyance flickering briefly across her square face. "That...was a good while ago. Nevertheless, it was an error on my part. I will not repeat it, especially since I now understand your intentions with regards to the village."

A weak answer, but probably as good as I'll get from the likes of her. At least she knows her place now. "Understood. Shall we begin with why you have called for me, milady?"

"Yes. It is in relation to the recent mission you undertook. I would like to thank you for your efforts in bringing the Kazekage back home, and alive...and I would also like you to recognize the current situation. The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, is a jinchuuriki. The same as Naruto Uzumaki."

So that's what this is about, then.

"You want me to use my influence on him and others. To what end?"

"Lord Mitokado and I would like for him to avoid as much contact with Akatsuki as possible. We want him protected as much as possible. Further, we would like for him to take on less missions and reduce his profile..."

"And you haven't spoken to his master about this?"

Koharu pauses and tries to choose her next set of words carefully.

"I feel that it would be more effective if someone...with a certain amount of influence were to appeal to the Hokage directly."

Jiraiya obviously wouldn't go for it. Why else would he have taken Naruto on that training trip in the first place, aside from the usual indoctrination? And Hiruzen is leaving it in his hands, seeing as he's busy trying to keep tabs on Sasuke. Trying to play Jiraiya and I off of each other because of the friction, eh...clever little fox. Perhaps she's never been much of a talent as a kunoichi, but there's definitely a reason for her long tenure on the council, one that goes beyond simple nepotism. Koharu and Homura certainly know how to play the game.

But you know...I'm something of a gamer myself.

"There is something to be said about Naruto's safety...I specifically didn't call for him at first because I was also concerned about what Akatsuki would do. That said, I also understand Jiraiya's position and support it. If Naruto is consistently kept in the village, it may present a whole host of problems. The Akatsuki could easily come in force, or suss out weaknesses in our defensive structure from constant surveillance. Keeping him moving is one of the better things that we can do. Also, since you've sought me out already...I dare say that it is a fool's errand to keep that boy contained in any fashion. He is impatient and simple at times, but he is far from stupid. He will know when he is being caged."

"I see."

"Now, with that said as well...I am sympathetic to the wishes of you councillors. If you want to keep an eye on Naruto for the next while, then I can speak to Lord Hokage about a plan to that effect. Tightening the belt by a loop, maybe two...enough so that he isn't bothered by it. However, I do have another set of solutions that would be more optimal. If I might go on?"

She nods.

"Thank you kindly. I would not mind being tethered to Naruto whenever the need arose, and you could also alleviate some issues by placing him with Hinata and Neji of the Hyuuga Clan. This will be combined with his already strong bond with the members of Team Seven, who I assume form a four person cell at this moment. I have other contacts that could be scheduled to work with Naruto whenever needed, with a suitable heads-up. Naruto is not a beast to be caged, or a tool on someone's belt. He is a citizen of the Leaf, and will some day be one of its greatest assets. You must approach anything to do with him with that understanding. Otherwise, you will fail miserably in your quest."

She nods again. "I see now. Thank you, Major Kobayashi. If you could-"

"I could, but I won't. Haha-ue loves to repeat this saying from her youth...'if you're good at something, never do it for free'. Lady Utatane...the only charity I provide within this village is for children and the homeless."

"I would like for you to choose your words more carefully, Miss Kobayashi."

"You would." I sit up straight, putting my hands on my crossed legs. "Anko Mitarashi."

"What do you require with her?" Koharu asks, confused.

"I want her file."

Her brow furrows. "For what purpose?"

"Nothing you need to know."

"Then I refuse."

"I see. I suppose we're done, then?"

"Miss Kobayashi. The reason I called for you is so that we could best discuss how to help the village together. I do not want to see that boy mistreated as a soldier, but I also understand that he is a visible, and now a very high value target. If not Akatsuki, there may be people willing to capture him for sale to Akatsuki at a later date. Having that happen would cause the village to crumble, no matter how many strong shinobi we might have behind these walls."

"Why do you assume that I'm not interested in the same thing? I simply told you that what I wanted with Anko was none of your business."

"You should realize your position."

"And you should realize yours. Do you understand why I asked you to put Anko under my care? Or do you think that I'm the type of person who wiggles her hips on the Hokage's lap for the privilege of snapping up dog treats?"

Koharu holds her tongue for a moment. "You do not need to stoop to...vulgarities such as that."

"Oh, I am well aware, madam." I let my eyes float upwards a bit in thought, before returning them to the old woman. "Fine. Let's give you something sweet to take home with you. I'm not entirely heartless, after all. I will go to the Hokage and talk to him about making mission modifications to help Naruto traverse the world safely...and I will take on an upcoming mission of your choice. You must have something you want me to clean up, yes?"

I watch as Koharu starts to consider it.

"I will have to consult with Lord Mitokado, but yes. There is something that I believe should be taken care of very soon."

"Then we have an agreement."

She sighs and nods slowly. "We do."

I smile. "Excellent. Please let me know if the mission is long, or particularly unsavoury...I will do my best to accommodate you in as many situations as possible otherwise. For village and country, right?"

"Yes. I am glad you understand, Major Kobayashi. Lord Mitokado and I will speak to Commander Nara about Captain Mitarashi's new arrangements. Her dossier will be available at Intelligence by tomorrow morning."

"Ah, lovely. That will work just fine for me. Is there anything else you needed of me, Lady Utatane?"

"Nothing. Thank you for your time."

"Of course." I stand up and shake out my hair, then wait for Koharu as she unseals the door.

"Ah, one more thing before we leave. It's regarding that man...the masked one," I say.

"We do know of his doujutsu, and the troublesome ability he has," she says as she turns around. "Still...the connection he may have to this village is tenuous, imitation of one of its founders aside."

That's an intriguing answer. "You wouldn't say that there's anything deeper, between us?" I ask.

"Do you have your own thoughts?"

I shake my head. "Unless I was mistaken about Itachi's abilities..."

"It would be something if it were him...but we know enough to say that it isn't the case."

"I see. That was all, milady. My apologies for holding you up."

She nods stiffly at that. "Not a problem. Goodbye for now, Major Kobayashi." Koharu unseals the door before letting us out. Without another word she walks away, and I put my hands on my hips.

Out of the loop. Hiruzen kept that important detail from her...why, then? Ah, I actually do know why.

Danzo.

"So he thinks they're too close, then. No mention of ANBU for that reason. Very conspicuous." Well, at least I know where to go from now on. But then, there might be even closer loops between myself and the Hokage, with even Jiraiya out of those parts. Confusing if you don't know what you're doing...fortunately, I am quite competent in these matters. Updating Tamaki and Imari will be one of the first things I do once I get back to my room.

Koharu shouldn't get too far with her little plan. I will talk about it with the old man, but I also know that he won't push too much at all. That said...I need to work on a few things with Naruto once I get the free time.

"Mm. Always something to do, isn't there."

Today is today, and tomorrow is something else entirely. So it goes.