Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom – ep. 22
"Devil Dogs"
Another day where I push myself into the Hokage's workspace. Some would call it enviable, others would say it was a cursed existence. It's neither to me, though things have become more precarious with each visit recently.
My current position is, as it has been for a while, a means to an end. Hiruzen understands that and encourages it. He wants to escape the scourge of everlasting conflict...and this world isn't likely to have an event where everyone decides to come together for the greater good. No matter. I have plans to solve that as well.
"A very good morning to our lovely ladies."
"Good morning, Lili."
"Morning, Lili. Hope you're having a good day so far."
Imari and Tamaki have been hard at work while I was gone. Imari trained with the ANBU and gained new skills, while Tamaki worked on her self-defence techniques. This was all on top of their usual learning and information gathering regarding their jobs. As a result, the Hokage's Office has been able to gain even more independence than before, and restrict the flow of information at its leisure. We can operate with impunity if it is ever needed, and it puts us in an excellent position to enact reforms when the time is right. Of course, if worse comes to worse and I'm not the one next in line, the system will be folded away and the incoming Hokage can stick with the village-approved networks. It's all very good for the home team, as one might say.
They're dressed in matching outfits, as always. The current standard is red blazers over green blouses, with red pencil skirts and dark stockings underneath. The red pumps are a nice touch, too. Imari has put on a bit more muscle since last time, and Tamaki has lost a bit of weight, in the right places of course. They're happy and healthy looking, which is all I could ask for in these times.
"Well, seeing you both has made my day a lot better already."
"Ah, like clockwork. You know how to make an old gal happy," Tamaki says with a smile.
"We should have everything clear for you, so you can take your time and relax for a while. Relatively speaking," Imari says.
"Lovely. In that case, I have just a few more things for you here. Has Tomo gotten back to you yet?"
"She sent mail this morning with another progress update. Should be done by the end of this week, which is much faster than I assumed. She really is a genius."
"Like I told you."
"I didn't think I would ever say this, but I like her. The dumb bimbo look did her negative favours, so I'm glad she's over it," Tamaki says. "Should be good working with her in the future."
"Ah, Lili. Good morning to you."
"Good morning, Lord Hokage. Did you sleep well?" I ask as he enters the room.
"Well enough. I try not to worry too much about things around the village, but...sometimes I get caught up in my reading at night," he says with a chuckle. As he settles in at his desk, Tamaki sets a hot cup of tea in front of him. Imari starts to prepare his pipe in the meantime.
"You need to take care of yourself better. Don't waste the effort these ladies put in to make your life easier, oyaji."
"I promise I will try. Old habits do die hard, as they say."
"Well, I can't scold you too much for that. I'm the same as you," I reply. I reach into my pocket and take out a scroll. "More reading for when you're properly awake and settled. Progress reports."
"Ah, good." Tamaki takes the scroll from me and puts it onto the desk. "Anko is cleared for the upcoming event, and we've prepared the requisite plans for various scenarios that we might encounter. The new profile is up and should be ready to be entered into the bingo books soon."
"I appreciate the speed with which you're moving."
He smiles at that. "I hoped you would."
"There is one more thing...regarding that man," I say seriously.
"Yes. Danzo..."
There's a knocking on the door. A chakra I don't recognize, with a heavy texture to it. And a feeling that irritates me as it pushes against my senses. I can guess who this might be.
"Momma said that if you speak of the devil, he tends to appear nearby. This seems to be one of those times." I give Hiruzen a look. "Let's see what happens next."
"I'm not sure I like this," he says.
"Better now than later."
"Hm." He sighs and gives me a reluctant nod. "My apologies for the wait. You may enter."
"Be careful, Lili," Tamaki says. She and Imari start towards the door as it opens, and I hold my position in front of the old man's desk. The tapping of a cane echoes through the room as the door closes behind me, and the new figure comes to a stop nearby.
"Danzo."
"Sarutobi. I hope I haven't come by too early today."
"Not at all. I was just having a chat about recent matters with Colonel Kobayashi here. She has some recommendations for deployment of our junior soldiers."
"I see. Well, it's finally nice to see the young lady you speak so highly of."
I turn my head towards the other old man. Someone I've known and despised before even seeing his face in person.
Danzo Shimura.
He looks the part of a distinguished veteran, at least. A frail-looking old man, the same age as Hiruzen. His hair is black and shaggy like it's been barely taken care of, spilling over the top of the bandage that goes around his head and his right eye. It's obviously concealing the Sharingan that he stole from Shisui Uchiha. There's a scar in the shape of an X on his chin, and he wears a black robe over a white shirt. The right arm that hides more Sharingan as Itachi mentioned is being hidden under the robe as well.
Just looking at him makes my blood boil. This ugly, decrepit slab of human garbage.
"It's an honour to finally meet you in person, Lord Shimura." I keep my tone level and turn so that I can give him a proper bow.
"Thank you, Miss Kobayashi."
I raise my head and silently return to my previous position. Arrogant fuck.
He clears his throat. "There has been some movement about the village...strange rumblings about unwelcome visitors, and the like."
"I am aware, Danzo. I should be able to handle these matters on my own, with some adjustment. Things are being taken care of as we speak."
"Good, good. And as far as the Nine-Tails-"
"Naruto, you mean," Hiruzen says quickly, glancing towards me.
"Yes...Naruto Uzumaki, I meant to say. Were you able to find a distinguished operative to monitor his current cell?"
"An exemplary soldier has been selected. He has great synergy with Kakashi already, and a good understanding of the assignment he has been given."
"I see. Someone you're personally acquainted with. I do hope that he's not as...pliable as you tend to be, Sarutobi. We need rigidity in these times. Much like the roots beneath the earth that help to hold the great tree aloft."
"I am aware of this as well, Danzo. Your fears have been assuaged," Hiruzen says pointedly.
"Good. As much as I respect your rule, you should understand that we must have more stability in these times, especially with the rise of radical elements and the continuing encroachment of other nations. I'm sure that you would agree, Miss Kobayashi."
"I do understand the need for an aggressive posture," I answer. "Of course, there are many ways to go about that. A healthy approach is best."
"And what would you consider a healthy approach, Miss Kobayashi?"
Hiruzen isn't trying to slow me, so I might as well.
"It would be best to consider the movements of the other nations, both in terms of things they need and things they can do without. I believe that it's part and parcel with putting the village first. If we have no knowledge of the enemy, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to fight them. Now, there are different ways to neutralize an enemy...though some of these are radical methods, and thus not agreeable to most. Saying more without properly gathering my thoughts would be a disservice to you, so I apologize for not answering further."
He raises a brow slightly. "Would you think yourself good enough for that job?"
"I would have a different approach altogether, possibly making that position obsolete quickly. Again, this idea isn't yet fleshed out, so I cannot elaborate on it at this point in time. Perhaps at some point in the future, Lord Shimura."
"I see. You've raised yourself an interesting student, Sarutobi. Much more dynamic than I initially thought."
"Yes. The village has a bright future, and will be in great hands even if anything should happen to both of us," Hiruzen says.
"I am glad to see you think so. You've worried over a successor for a long while."
"I have, yes." He leans back in his chair and smokes away at his pipe. "Now, we are spoiled for good candidates."
"It's good to hear. Too many in this profession of ours wander through life, and end up with divided loyalties as a result," he says with a deliberate look towards me. "To see things like that happen is tragic, and only places a burden on others. I'm grateful that you will continue to trust me with tending to the roots of this village that is so close to all of our hearts." He taps his cane and starts to leave.
"Hm."
"Rest assured, you won't have to continue your hard work for too much longer, Lord Shimura," I say clearly.
I hear him stop, and turn to face him squarely.
"There are many of us waiting in the wings to properly release you from that burden. One shouldn't spend the entirety of their life in service...not when there is so much more to experience in this world."
He forces out an amused chuckle. "Your compassion for the elderly is...well noted, Miss Kobayashi. Of course, some of us simply enjoy keeping busy in our old age. A long life of service sometimes leaves one unfulfilled if they are taken out of their usual routines. That aside, there often is no substitute for experience in certain matters."
"That much is true, and I would not attempt to say otherwise. What I would say is that fresh perspectives are indeed useful when it comes to growth. Roots that constantly have to deal with contaminated soil become weak and inefficient...it means that the trees don't grow in the ways they should."
"Indeed. Well, I suspect that I will be carrying on for a while yet, Miss Kobayashi."
"I do not doubt your confidence, since you have been at work for this long. Though it is also said that time is a mysterious thing, Lord Shimura."
"I know it well. Hiruzen...Miss Kobayashi. Farewell for now."
"Yes, goodbye for now, Danzo."
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lord Shimura." I give him another practiced bow, then hold his gaze for a few seconds longer than I need to. He stares back at me with his one eye before turning and pushing the door open to leave. It closes soon after under my watch.
"What a fortunate son he is. I would love nothing more than to catch him alone and render his abominable form into bloody cubes."
"One thing can be said as a result of this...he is certainly aware of you now," Hiruzen says. "That could have gone worse."
"I'm never going to treat him with that level of respect again."
"Please reconsider that."
"..." I really don't want to...but I know better than to put people in bad positions. "Fine. I'll restrain myself in front of you and those fossils you call council members."
"A perilous, but acceptable compromise."
"I'm sorry." I turn to face him. "I hope you can continue trusting me to be restrained after that."
"After everything that you have seen and heard, I can understand why you are angry. And I will have a talk with Danzo later about his lack of respect. The issue, simply, is that we cannot switch tracks so soon without catastrophe occurring. I know that he has moved to make himself invaluable in the eyes of this village's conservative faction. That said..." He puffs out smoke. "Even those supporting me are a little anxious recently."
"Is that so..."
"The various advancements you have made with regards to Carnation Quarter and its associated facilities...along with the popular status you enjoy as a result of your known actions in service to the village. These are not only a worry for Danzo's faction, but for those who would wish to see the current world preserved."
"They think I'm too radical, is that it?"
"It might be so. That, and they worry about a shift in the village's power structure. As long as you are kept under my hand, they will be appeased."
"That goes against what you want. What will you do?"
"Manage the ship, as always. There's little I can do without risking my current position, and I need to remain in this seat until the current threats are gone. It means until the end of Akatsuki...and the end of Danzo's ambition, at the least."
"..." I suppose that erases the last traces of guilt I had earlier. Eventually, elements of the village itself will move to keep me down. Undermining them before that can happen is the correct move.
"I trust that you have things in place for your ascent. Things that you are keeping from even me at this time."
"I do."
He nods. "Good. Danzo is right about one thing, at the least. You are an excellent student, Lili."
"..."
The door opens again.
"Are you two alright?" Tamaki asks. Imari follows after her and shuts the door.
"Fine, fine. Danzo was his usual self, prickly and antagonistic. Just another attempt to shake the confidence of his rivals," Hiruzen answers.
"You didn't drink any of your tea."
"Ah, I did not. My apologies, Tamaki."
"It's fine. I'll have it warmed up again in a bit. Just make sure to drink it afterwards."
"Did you have dreams bigger than this?" I ask Hiruzen. "Did you see beyond a more peaceful world, and the end of conflict?"
"Hm." He folds his hands in thought. "From the beginning...all I wanted to do was protect the people that I called family. This village is, and always has been, my home. The place where was I born and raised, the place that I spilled and shed blood for. I was part of the first generation of Hidden Leaf shinobi, soldiers who were born of this village that came out of Lord Hashirama's dream. Seeking out peace was a means to protect this family that I loved so much. It was my responsibility as this village's leader."
"..."
"I did what I could. I tried to be kind to others, even as they would cause me harm. Whether it was rivals within the village or from outside of it. I used the wisdom gained from my time in the world, and the guidance that was learned from my masters. It has meant something, in the end. The others of the Five Kage are appreciative of my approach for the most part, and we have been able to maintain these peaceful times. But...nothing lasts forever. And there is something I must admit."
"What is it?"
"In spite of my belief in the Will of Fire, I was not able to make the most difficult decisions at the right times. Danzo has risen to power as a result of this. Orochimaru furthered his goals in the village's shadow, the Uchiha became disgruntled and then furious, leading to their attempted coup. With two new wars engulfing the world, I could only stand and try to defend my own territory. Especially in the case of the last war, which caused an unprecedented amount of torment and tragedy in every shinobi nation. We were so low on manpower that we ended up promoting children and sending them out onto the battlefield, something that went against everything Lord Hashirama fought for. Because of that, and many other things, I decided the only thing I could do was take matters into my own hands, no matter what happened next."
"That was what led you to step down as Hokage," I say.
"Yes. And then, despite all that we did...our security was defeated, and the Nine-Tails was released to attack the village. I lost Biwako, and Minato sacrificed himself along with Kushina to not only save the village physically, but politically as well. I stepped back into the spotlight, but it was for a different reason. I wanted to try and hold everything together. However, by that point...I didn't have the control that I used to. I was left managing the wants of different factions, and had to delegate responsibility after responsibility, continuing to leave people like Danzo to their devices, not keeping a proper watch on Orochimaru, and so on. I was weak. My hand was never firm enough when it needed to be. If it had been, so much tragedy would have been averted. I know it for sure."
"It's something you regret."
"Yes." He raises his head to look at me. "You've seen my mistakes, and learned from them already."
"I have. I understand your pain, and your regret. The desire to bring forth peace has failed time and time again, even as society moves forward. To be in a better place than before is worthy of praise, but to rest on that success is undesirable. The three lords who have brought the Leaf to this age understood that, and made positive efforts towards the village's growth. Lord Hashirama's optimism brought in a new age of cooperation, Lord Tobirama's pragmatism brought the clans from disparate entities to parts of a greater community, and you encouraged the growth of that community into a family, where everyone in the village would help each other, and subsequently the next generation to come. Each of you had your own indulgences, your strengths, and your weaknesses."
"..."
"I have my own desires, and a thirst for justice that is unsurpassed in this world. This age is bound by too many heavy chains, and I will not ignore them in the same way the other lords of this world have. I intend to break them into pieces. It must start with this village, and it must end outside of it. None of these things can be done alone, but...there must be one who will take on the heaviest responsibility, without hesitation. Something that, as you note, you failed to do repeatedly."
He nods.
"Lili...it sounds like you're speaking of something above the station of Hokage," Imari says.
"What I seek is something beyond even Lord Hashirama's goal of unity among nations and clans. And with that said, I must also reveal a thought to you all. I think that the Founder made too many wrong decisions, and made them too quickly to be fixed. It's the reason why, when he died, his half-finished dreams ended up reading like the scribbles of a madman."
"Is that to say...you think his philosophy was a failure?" Tamaki asks.
"No. I believe in the same thing he did...that love is one of the keys to peace. But unlike him...I do not believe that love and unconditional faith are one in the same. To love one's brother or sister does not mean you must accept their ideals, estranged as they are from yours. To want peace, one must be prepared to fight for it, and to use the power that they have been given. Not just to stop the world's violence, but to truly foster understanding between peoples. Erasing the boundaries between different groups of people takes more than unification beneath one banner or side. It is the most important thing that has failed to be understood in these past decades."
"You believe that Lord Hashirama was naive in his approach," Hiruzen says.
"Dangerously so. He gave away the tailed beasts on the promises of faith in other people. He put the world's destiny in the hands of others instead of controlling it himself. Why? Because he didn't want to be seen as a tyrant? Because he wanted to respect the feelings of the other village heads, so that there would be no more war? Was he so focused on his desire for peace that he was willing to sacrifice everything else to achieve it?" I ask. "If the village is family, and he was the father with the strength to protect his children, then why would he give it all away for the sake of a potential order? For the sake of a possibility that could be destroyed in a single moment?"
"Hm. That, I cannot answer."
"And it's nothing that I would pressure you to. You know what you know, and you took your understanding of his vision into a new age. Perhaps it was flawed, but what else could you do as you were? And Lord Tobirama must have felt the same way, trying to balance himself between furthering his brother's dream and protecting and nurturing a village that would continue to be embroiled in conflict...because simply bringing together people under banners doesn't change their spiritual and material conditions."
"What can anyone do about that?" Tamaki asks.
"It's as I said, my love. The chains that bind this world will be broken. More than the chains that pull our world into different nations and factions, I will sever the chains of war, the chains of knowledge, the chains of economy and ideology and discrimination, just to name a handful of things. It should be fine if we take care of them one by one, but there are ways that we can sever many of them at once if the timing is right. I don't intend to do something as simple as changing the world. I am going to revolutionize it. And it will start with my reign as Hokage in the future. Oyaji, you understand how Danzo came to be...you understand just what he is, in the end."
"I do. His belief in the Will of Fire...in the end, it may be no less valid than mine. It is just as when Lord Hashirama battled Madara Uchiha at the Valley of the End, and killed him once before. The choice between those who are part of the village, and those who are not. In a world that is steeped in darkness, harsh decisions must be made."
"I love this village, just as you do...but I will not be bound to it like everyone else. Not as I am now, and not as Hokage in the future. I don't want to just balance light and shadow for the rest of my existence. I want to erase that boundary entirely. I don't want to just make this world better for innocent children. I want to make it better for everyone, including their parents. Because it is those who raise our children that pass on their love, their hopes and their dreams. A broken, traumatized society of adults cannot raise children that will ascend beyond them. More than that...I don't want to live in a world where we're just reaching constantly towards a dream of peace. I want us each to be free to chase our own possibilities one day."
"Possibilities...what does that mean, exactly?" Imari asks. "Are they different from a dream, or a goal?"
"Yes. Dreams are things we carry in our hearts. Wishes. They are sufficient to start a journey, but they are not enough by themselves to survive on. In this world, the death of a dream is the death of a human being. I want to create a world where dreams can open the door to possibility...and where our hope need not be gathered in one person or thing, but can be used by each person, with their own strength, to carve open their own path to the future. Where the choice need not be between ourselves and others, but rather how high and far we can fly together."
"It sounds so beautiful."
"It does, yes. We are not there yet, but we will be there soon. All I have to do is...bring an end to this world we currently suffer in. It's what I am meant to do."
"And what if you should fail?" Hiruzen asks me.
"Then the hunger I have for this world's end will become a curse...and the dream of shinobi will become a nightmare beyond comprehension. The spark of rebellion will be lit, without question. With each passing day, and each person charmed to my will, that influence will continue growing. It rests inside of you three, just as it does many others. Would you stand idle as someone so brilliant disappeared into the aether?"
"Mm...I realize your point."
"And as you said, there are those away from the sight of yourself and many others that are working to further my will. One with a less nuanced understanding of the world would say that Danzo and I are the same in that respect. But there is a reason we don't listen to commoners when it comes to these matters."
"Indeed. It seems you have thought long and hard about this."
"It was part of my training, in my time away. I didn't want to come back here without a clear understanding of how to change things. But I...also have more selfish reasons for wanting to see all of this come to pass."
"What might those be?"
"You have suffered long in this world. Watching your mentors pass on, your students disappear on the battlefield...living through all of the wars that engulfed this continent. Having to see the endless amount of caskets, and the many urns filled with ash, not just from adults, but from children who would never know another sunrise. Agonizing over decisions, trying to decide whether the crimes of another village are worth going to war for. You've done so much, perhaps everything you could, and you still do more while yearning for peace. I want to be your hope. I want to be the proof that your kindness was not a mistake, that everything you put into this village and its people meant something, and will always mean something."
"Lili..."
"From the moment we met, you have treated me with kindness and warmth," I say with a hand over my heart. "When I made a discovery, you trusted me. When I fought for you, you were willing to sacrifice yourself for me. When I was hurt, you promised vengeance for me. When I was overcome with rage, you listened to me. When I was in the throes of despair, you comforted me. You have given me so, so much. You have taught me so well, and guided me in ways I never thought possible. It's because of you that I've become more than just a fine shinobi...I'm a leader now. Someone who will hopefully succeed you in the future. Someone who will love this village and everyone in it just as you have, in her own way. I don't want you to leave this world without seeing your dream become reality. I want you to see a peaceful world. I want you to see those five nations, and so many others, finally brought together. I want you to receive your rightful reward in this world, and not just the next. For everything you've done, for all that you have sacrificed, you deserve that much and no less."
He gives me a tender smile. "I would be more than happy just seeing you become Hokage, Lili. But...even as an old man, I dare to dream of bigger things. I do want to see the new world that you will create."
"I will bring it to you. On my life...I promise, oyaji."
"I have always believed in you, my child."
"We believe in you, too," Tamaki says. "You gave me a second chance, when I thought everything was lost."
"And you freed me from my shackles," Imari says. "I could believe for the first time that I was born for more than servitude. Soon, the rest of Hyuuga will taste freedom as well. You've made Lady Hinata into a bright, shining star. Her benevolence is shining down on everyone...she's healing the clan, day by day."
"We will work to ensure that the rest of this world gets to experience what you have given all of us," Hiruzen says. "The path is yet long, but its end is in sight. Our march towards the horizon continues."
"Yes." I bow deeply for him. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. Please excuse me for now..."
"Of course, of course. Until our next meeting, Lady Kobayashi."
"Let's get your tea warmed," Tamaki says. "Imari, would you gather up today's paperwork for Lord Hokage?"
"Yes, senpai."
I head out after Imari does, and find the phone at the front desk.
"Good morning. If you would connect me to the Intelligence Department, please. This is Colonel Lilith Kobayashi, with an information request. Yes, I can hold a moment."
The world that I envision...no matter what, I will make it a reality.
If only for those I love.