Chapter 61: Worries

Writing

'Thoughts'

°Telepathic Communication°

3rd POV

On the second day of travel towards the southern part of the land of wind, they stopped at an oasis as the sun had a few hours to set. Setting up camp they all split to do their own things, Gaara created domes of sand for them to sleep in, while Kankurō went to the spring to refill their water supply.

As they had their backs turned, Yukino created a small area of rest gathering wood as she did. When she finished her preparations she pulled out a scroll and summoned some food and snacks she had stored. Carefully placing them on a smooth rock in the shade of the makeshift tent she made with three ocean-green tarps she looked at her setup, criticizing it harshly as if she was someone else she remembered the lessons she was taught when young. Making small adjustments she was happy with the way it looked. Looking back down at another scroll she wondered what else there was, aside from the tarp she set up.

Walking over, Kankurō gawked at her decorations, "Woah! What's with the setup?" he said, wondering how she had set everything up in just a few minutes his eyes then turned to the food, and the thought of asking left his mind. "Not that I'm complaining," he said looking over the dried meat, naan bread, sauces, and rice.

"It is quite elegant." Gaara agreed, with a gesture of his hands, the sand rose slightly and hardened creating stools for them to sit on. "Where did you get this food?" He asked considering they've been away from any settlements in the last few days.

Taking a seat Yukino placed the open scroll on her lap. "Dry foods can last for a while so I saved them for last. After this, we have to start hunting for our food." Taking a bite out of the dried meat she brought she didn't answer the younger brother's question knowing he was smart enough to guess.

Agreeing with her, Kankurō gestured at the setup. "If I didn't know any better I would have thought you were a noble lady." Leaning slightly towards her he jokingly said. "You wouldn't have a palanquin ready would you?" Laughing at what he said he added. "But thank you for preparing ahead like this on such short notice."

Appreciating his compliments, she gave a nod, taking a few more bites of her food before looking back down at the scroll her people gave her. Unrolling it a bit more she tensed up. Looking around in surprise she took a few more bites of food. "Uhm… Kankurō, what would you say if I said I have one?"

"If I could sit in it!" He replied thinking she was going along with his joke. "But it's not like that would ever happen–" Seeing Yukino stand up he was confused. "Hey, where are you going? Your food." He said looking over at her empty plate.

Placing the scroll on the ground she did the simple release seal and watched as the palanquin appeared. Staring in awe she didn't notice as the eldest brother walked up to it first trying to get a glimpse of the inside.

"Can I sit in it?" He asked hoping for the answer he wanted.

In a daze, Yukino snapped out of it and registered his question, walking over to the palanquin and gently opening the sliding door. "Go in, just be careful." She asked caring about the work of art she was sent.

Listening to her he carefully climbed inside finding it more uncomfortable than he expected it to be. "It's… cramped." He said as he tried to adjust himself in the seat. As the two adults were chatting in and near the palanquin they paid no mind to the younger brother who approached.

Pacing around the palanquin the Kazekage's eyes were drawn to the white spiral on the side adorned with chrysanthemums on its side. Looking closer he noticed the faint designs of waves on the wood hidden under the golden decorations of the flowers and vines. Looking even closer he could see among the vines the small spirals resembling her clan crest. 'This symbol… it is even on the clothes she's been wearing recently.' He of course remembered it, it was the same symbol as the crest she currently carried safely in her obi. The same one her friends had gifted her before they left.

"No, no you're sitting wrong." Looking back up he saw his brother and Yukino switch places.

Climbing in gracefully she sat in a seiza position. Placing her hands on her lap she looked up glad at how much roomier it was. 'They planned this well. Whoever made this definitely knew what they were doing.'

"Huh, you really look like a princess right now." Kankurō said impressed by how she was able to go in there so gracefully.

'Well, I am.' Sitting there a realization fell upon her. 'I've been trained, no… taught for this since the beginning.' Looking around at the small space it was no different than living in her old home in that tree. Looking down at her clothes she flattened the flap reminding her of her long dresses. Looking at the painting that decorated the space before her she saw the beautiful flowers and remembered the ones she held as she studied ikebana. Calligraphy. Music. She's been prepared with everything one would expect a princess to learn in her early days.

Outside the palanquin, Kankurō noticed the far-off look in his friend's eyes after his little comment. "Hey, is something wrong?"

Snapping back to their present she looked at him and then away, closing her eyes. "No. It's just… my aunt taught me etiquette as a child. This just reminded me of her for a moment."

Remembering what she said at the trial and how she reacted now. He felt that maybe she wasn't really lying back then. 'So she was being truthful? Her aunt is really gone from this world…' Although he thought that he still couldn't fully believe everything she said.

"I'll sleep here tonight." She said before closing the sliding doors.

"Won't it be uncomfortable for you?" Gaara asked from the other side.

Opening that door she shook her head. "Nah, I can sleep sitting up. You two know that already." Wishing them good night she closed the palanquin door and the blinds on them. Closing her eyes in the confined space she remembered when Tsukiyomi created the home she lived in while in the forest. 'I know better now to know she just accelerated the tree's growth. By saying those fancy words she made it mystical for a young child who knew no better. Who couldn't see what was really happening.' Wearing a small smile at remembering that moment she opened her eyes.

Looking at the painted wall in front of her she saw the depiction of a sakura tree, petals falling as if blown away gently by the wind. Next to it stood cranes. On the sides of the palanquin, the depictions of Uzushio's waves were painted with so much care she hovered her fingers over the sides tracing the waves. 'I'm actually nobility… back then I would never have thought it would be possible. The stuff of stories always romanticizes this but reality is so… so different…' She couldn't really pinpoint at the time why the realization made her feel so sad but in the back of her mind, she remembered the tale the foxes told her of the past of a ruler's responsibilities and burdens and how much weight each decision carried. The fate of the celestial maiden's lover.

Yukino's POV

"Ohime-sama…" Those words weighed heavy as I verbalized my other duty.

I never put much thought into it but that was my role. One I've known for quite some time now. A princess, the only one remaining of Uzushio's noble line. Being Uzushiogakure's leader I just included its duties as part of that role and never put much thought into it. But now as I was separated from my home and work I had time to think of my duties. Politics with other lands, securing an income, keeping the peace, taking care of civil issues, and the welfare of my citizens. All these things I lumped in with my duties as leader of the shinobi side of the island. 'No wonder my head felt like cracking my first year.' With a sigh, I looked through the small gaps in the palanquin. 'I'm the only one. I'm irreplaceable. I have to pass that trial.'

Sitting in this palanquin I wondered how many of the Uzushio residents called me that. To make this palanquin for me with such care and detail. It was clear that some saw this position as something real and with significance. With those expectations how could I disappoint them? I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing so I keep going back.

Looking back at the waves my fingers hovered over them once more. As I did I sensed something, a small trace of chakra. Shifting closer I placed a finger on it and released what was placed there. In there I found neatly folded notes. Opening the first one I saw handwriting I had never seen before.

Yukino Ohime-sama,

As the maker of this palanquin, I am honored to have been able to make this for you.

In my lifetime I have not been a witness to the noble family's first trial and no one else ever has for it is something the heir is to do alone. I do not doubt your ability to pass and everyone here believes the same. With your family gone I can only guess that you are not aware of the things that will happen once you complete your first trial. In the moment of its completion, you will no longer be our princess but our true ruler from here on as you would have proved yourself to the gods. No one will be able to contest your position if there was any doubt.

We have all heard of the punishment you have accepted to keep us a secret. We are ever grateful for your sacrifice and patiently await your recovery. Many have awaited your awakening from your years of slumber. We knew you would return and have made gifts to welcome you, our future Joou Heika.

The artisan born in this land, Minoru Uzumaki

"Joou Heika…" That's what I would become once I passed the trial. 'Damn you Tsukiyomi… why did I have to be made from your brother's blood? I could have grown up to be a regular clan member without a worry in the world aside from trying to make a living.'

Looking up I saw the white spirals of what looked like thin quartz lodged into the wood above me. Reaching up, my finger traced the white spiral feeling the bumps. It was similar to those of my crest. That brought me some comfort. 'But since I'm the one in charge then that means that I will be able to control how things are governed. I will be able to prevent the suffering I saw.' In it all, I saw the silver lining in the blood I hailed from. Taking in a deep breath I looked back down to read the next letter.

If I may be forward, might I introduce you to my apprentice? He is skilled in his craft much like I was in my prime. Among the available bachelors in our small village, he is quite skilled in chakra control. I believe him to be a good candidate for you. If you do not wish to meet him it is fine, please forget I ever wrote this part ohime-sama.

Nearly choking at what I read I closed the letter and went to the next hoping for some clarification on where this came from.

Yukino-sama,

If you manage to read this I have successfully managed to sneak in a word of my own. I have known of my master's intentions of setting me up with you but I have no interest in forcing someone into an arranged marriage. If my rejection offends you, do not punish my master, he loves this land and only wishes for it to prosper even if his idea of it prospering is to hurry you to have an heir. If you would allow me to ask for a favor please I ask of you to allow my master to attend your coronation. A few of the elders have mentioned in the past that the coronation has been traditionally witnessed by those of high status. That is tradition. One he had lost the chance to witness and had all but given up hope until you appeared. Yukino-sama, although you may not believe this, he was a renowned artisan in his youth. Even so, he never had the privilege of working for the royal bloodline. His master did. He is gone now though, "may the waves and wind bring his soul back home…" That is what my master has always said. I wish for it too but my master grows old and has more than proven his craft in this. Please I beg of you let him be a witness to the moment the crown is placed on your head.

Masami Uzumaki

And more information did I find. 'Ah… Minoru-san. He must be the artisan that Kitaro-kun spoke about. To have lived this long… it must mean he's one of the elders.'

Placing the letters before me I pulled out the scroll from my pouch. Taking out the map I looked at the island. Contrary to what the map made one believe it was much smaller and a bit further out in the ocean. This decision might have been due to the whirlpools around it preventing the cartographer from making an accurate depiction.

'Prevent anyone from visiting…'

Staring at the map I looked at the surrounding countries. 'Quite a while has passed they must've already tried to check it. If anyone is likely to visit it… I would guess Kirigakure would. I hope they planned something to steer them away. I should be there… No, my presence here is perfect. I need to lie, to cover up where we really are. Sooner or later Gaara will relay his findings to the other Kage. They must have asked that of him. He must give something. It should buy us time until the Kage put down their hats. Their successors will have no interest in us and then the searches will finally cease.' Closing the map and putting it away I looked above at the white spirals. 'I just have to wait for the next time the topic steers to home.' As I finished that thought my mind was able to return to the issue I was currently facing.

'Princess… to be queen. That's right. That role was never meant to be mine. It would have gone to her… she was the first to be created. To be married to the real heir. I was the substitute in case something came to happen to her.'

If that were going to be the case our upbringing would not be any different. Raised together in the same building… interacting with tutors and the curious foxes who came by. We would have been spoiled with all kinds of foods and toys as young kids before our training to become proper noble ladies. We would wear elegant clothes made of fine materials to mark our status. Go through training and probably fight each other the same way Hinata and Hanabi did. At the end of it, we would probably laugh since we didn't do it to prove something. I wonder if you would have the same rush of adrenaline I feel when I fight. Would we compete with each other often to see what the other could come up with?

Aside from fighting and living together, we would have to eventually meet the noble family. We would even meet the future heir and you two would fall in love… Ah… but how would your personality be? Would you be elegant and demure like Hinata or outspoken and brash like Ino? Depending on that changes things. Would we live quietly with each other or would I have to frantically chase after you to cover your mistakes?

Thinking of all this I let out a quiet sigh. Such a life I had conjured. Seemed quiet, peaceful, and loud at the same time. However, it was nothing more than a silly fantasy. 'Natsuko…' That name came to mind as the summer date on the old torn research papers came to mind. The season in which she was planned for. To me, Natsuko seemed like a name that would fit someone who would eventually become nobility.

In a side palace, the sound of two girls could be heard as they ran barefoot on the engawa of their residence. Their footsteps were quiet with their laughs giving them away. As the eldest ran ahead all the youngest could see was the red flowing hair that nearly tickled her face.

"Natsuko slow down!" The youngest yelled her long white gown slowing her down.

"Hurry Yukino or we will miss it!" The eldest yelled her white gown reaching her knees as she ran barefooted to the entrance of their secluded enclosure.

"Please… wait!"

Snapping awake that dream played in my mind as it was the first one I had since I'd woken up. "You aren't even here and yet I still wish to push this all on you… it was going to be your responsibility to begin with…" Those cruel thoughts filled my mind. Making me feel worse than I was before I fell asleep. Leaning forward to lay down in this cramped space, I wished for things to go back to when I was small. To when I was free. 'I want this gone… but there is no one who can take it. It's too much power… who can I trust that would be willing? The seals only react to my bloodline, can I even change it?' Clutching my head I could only whine within my head.

Hearing the crumpling of paper I quickly sat up and opened the blinds, letting the moonlight filter through allowing me to check the extent of the damage I caused. As I flipped through the letters individually I carefully straightened them out. As I did I saw the last letter I had yet to read.

In that slightly crumpled note, I found steps to a dance and a small note without any signature.

When the ocean's still, the whirlpools become tamer, come night the sky will be clearer so even the faintest stars can be seen. Under the earth, the glowflies absorb the leyline's chakra and when they reach their next stage in life they emerge from their pupas and fly away every 5 years. It is a special time. As they fly the shrine focuses their attention from the barrier to the festivity to collect the chakra the glowflies absorbed. As the ceremony nears its end a noblewoman of the highest ranking takes part. On her own she performs the Kagura dance. This dance brings the ceremony and the Spirit festival to its end.

Latching onto this distraction I looked at each step and pose. It was as I was doing this that I heard wood snap.

The sudden crack of a log caught my attention as I turned to look at the other side of the palanquin and its closed blinds. Taking a peek I saw the eldest brother's silhouette. Glancing at the notes I sealed them away before getting out.

3rd POV

Approaching the campfire the bored shinobi glanced back already knowing who it was from the footsteps. "Couldn't sleep?" He asked, letting out a quiet chuckle. 'There's no way she would have been comfortable sleeping in that thing.'

"You could say that…" Looking at him the words in the letters spilled out but slightly different to not give away her situation. "So… Kankurō, I heard of your sneaky move to avoid marrying." Putting on a playful smile she sat near the puppeteer.

Raising his eyebrows he looked at her and then at the fire wondering where this came from. Instead of asking, something bigger stuck out to him. "You even heard of that? I thought word of it would've died by now."

"The single women in Sunagakure still lament it." She let out a sigh and leaned back to look at the sky, avoiding the brunet's eyes. "As the Kazekage, Gaara should marry first." She quoted the elder brother's argument that convinced the council.

Letting out a sigh he tossed in some more kindling. "Is it wrong for me to want to marry because I choose to?"

"..."

"You know Ryota always kept saying he wanted to find his special someone. His other half." Looking at the man beside her she let out a sigh. He was always looking for the right girl and that girl was in his team for a long time. Do you… have the same opinion as him? Or do you not want to marry at all?"

Staring at the fire he didn't respond and carefully thought of her words. Noticing this shift she let out a groan as she stretched. "Whew! Hey, when's the next shift change I'll take over."

"Huh?" Looking up at the sky he made a guess. "Five hours should have passed already… sure fine." Without thinking of it much he headed to one of the huts, his mind thinking of the question. 'What about Gaara? What did he want? Because of what I said he no longer has a choice.' As he thought of that he left the woman alone as he went to sleep.

Alone, Yukino waited a few minutes before pulling out the scroll from her pouch. Looking for the letters she sealed she saw the outfit she had in her trial.

・・・

Walking towards the small spring a little bit of water rose and froze forming platforms for her to step on. As she reached the middle of the platform Yukino stood straight and raised her arms. Around her, the platform grew big enough to be a stage like those she had seen the miko dance on at the shrine. As the moon reflected on the ice the moonstone at her hip glowed.

"Alright." Pulling out her tanto from her waist she used it as a placeholder for the kagura suzu she had to hold. Slowly she practiced each step doing it as accurately as she could until the end before repeating and going faster. But even as she did the steps as shown she felt awkward as there was no music to set the rhythm of her movements. All she knew was that every step had to be smooth and precise, and that was why she stood on ice. She couldn't afford the slightest slip, or step too hard.

'It's hard to tell with pants on if my legs are moving right.' As that thought popped into her head her ankle gave way and she nearly slipped, sending her leg up to find balance she found that to be difficult as the pants she wore only stretched to an extent. Falling onto the ice it cracked but remained in place as she forced it to stay.

Breathing heavily as she tried to recover she knew that pants like these were of no use in a mission. 'I'll have to buy a different one if I want to keep this top.' Taking that fall as a cue to change her pants she switched to a long skirt and started the dance from the very beginning.

・・・

Standing to the side Gaara watched in silence as Yukino danced. He had woken up a while ago to switch with Kankurō only to see that his brother had gone to sleep leaving their camp abandoned. Remembering that Yukino was alone on the other side of the camp he began to make his way to it when he spotted some movement coming from the spring.

・・・

As she nearly finished Yukino noticed the quiet spectator, distracted the platform she stood on cracked and broke. Hands outstretched she pulled them to her forming a sphere around her to protect her from the ice and to hold herself up above the water.

Slowly moving to the shore the sphere opened up similar to a peeled orange and she stepped out. "Gaara… how long were you watching?"

"I just woke up." He asked, watching as the water returned to the spring. "What were you doing?"

"Eh… just this dance I remembered. I thought it would help test my flexibility." Walking to the campfire she waved it off. "Seriously I'm still so surprised at how stiff I've become." Plopping herself down by the campfire she opened the scroll looking for anything to change the conversation.

"Alright…" Taking a seat across from her Gaara kept an eye on the surroundings as she buried her head in her scroll. As the minutes passed and the scroll unrolled more and more he heard her mumbling the contents of the seals. Reaching the end she rolled it back up and just threw her body back to look at the sky.

"..." Glancing at the sky and their surroundings Gaara didn't see any dangers so he asked. "May I join you?"

Without saying anything Yukino patted the spot next to her. Laying on the sand staring at the sky the fire burned behind both adults as they spent the next few hours like that in silence.

Remembering the recent topics that have been brought up he spoke first. "I am a bit curious but your lover… How much did you love him?" He wanted to ask if she had moved on or was still grieving but he couldn't find the way to word it, for fear that it may sound cruel.

"Did I love him? Who knows maybe we were both pining for a warmth neither could get from anyone else." Trying to be dismissive with her answer Yukino felt bile begin to rise from the lie she told. "No… I'm sorry that was a lie. I did love him, even though he was suffering he spent the time he had left and shared with me the love he had. He treated me kindly and with patience even if the times we had to share were few and scarce. He taught me a love that was different from the one I was used to and because of that he set my standards rather high. Though… I wish we had been able to go on an actual date but considering my circumstances… I wasn't able to. At least he was able to see my town before he died." Holding her hands she looked at the nail polish as she admitted something she found now nothing more than an old dream. "You know… I hoped that one day he would live there when things had stabilized… but that never came to be."

"...I'm sorry." He replied quietly feeling that he had said the wrong thing once again.

"It's fine, I understand that curiosity. Time has passed since he left this world and I realized crying myself to sleep about it won't benefit anyone. I have the future of my people– the people in my clan to think about." She quickly corrected herself to keep the assumed numbers low. 'My clan… if I do end up in an arranged marriage I may fall in love again…' Speaking she repeated Kitaro's words for him. "With my punishment confining me to my town… I think there is a chance for me to find love again… and if I don't… then I'll be fine. I still have my love for those I care about."

"Love… What type of love?"

For a moment she thought it was an absurd question but then she remembered that he wasn't exposed to much love in his youth. So taking in a deep breath she thought it would be best to explain. "Let's see… There are so many different types. Let's see when I think of affectionate love I think of Hinata. The love I hold for her is one of deep friendship. We have known each other since our youth, she is someone who I will always cherish. If she were to be in any danger… I would not hesitate to help her. I care for her." Letting out a small chuckle she wondered how the woman in question was faring before moving on to the next love. "Now for something simpler. Familial love. As the name says you should get what it is. The foxes… Ryota… and Emi. I feel that type of love toward them. The foxes because they raised me and Ryota and Emi because… well it just happened that's the odd thing about it. Ryota attached himself to me at first out of duty but at one point he became more than just my teammate. As for Emi… well even though I'm older I felt what it must've been like to have a younger sister when I'm with her. Now I will admit she has grown so much more than while I was asleep… I… is it weird to feel like I've been left behind?"

Feeling choked up she quickly cleared her throat and moved on to a different type. "As for my lover… well… it was romantic, not enduring love considering how short-lived it was." Saying that stung a bit but not as much as the idea of being left behind by those she loved. 'I don't think I learned much more than I could have from Sakura's memories. Most of the information overlaps… was that three-year sleep a waste?'

"What type of love do you have for us?" Gaara asked, suddenly pulling her out of her thoughts.

Without missing a beat she let out a small laugh. "Affectionate love of course." With a small smile, she turned to her side to look at the man. "We lived under the same roof a couple of times. We shared meals, we even went to festivals. You know although I was from a different village I still tried to keep tabs on how you three were doing. Now let me tell you it was hard doing that while simultaneously trying to not get caught."

"Is that so?" Letting out a small chuckle he shook his head. "Forgive me if I don't believe you but how did you ever escape my notice?" Eyes looking to the side he smiled, finding it silly that she would escape the notice of his sand.

"Oh? If I didn't know any better that sounded like a little challenge. When I get all better it's on." Lightly punching his arm she giggled excitedly at the challenge. "I'll be by your side when you least expect it and you'll never even know it."

A few days later…

Arriving at the port town south of the land of wind the trio took in the sight of the ocean ahead as well as the surrounding green land. However, before they could properly enjoy the sights the Yukino was dragged to a hotel for a proper bath, one they all deserved after their trek. After spending the night there and a private message was sent to the daimyo, they heard knocking at their door come noon the next day.

It was a messenger with a formal invitation from the daimyo allowing them access to the manor. With no time to waste they headed to the largest estate in the town. In the same clothes that she left Sunagakure Yukino added her tanto to her back making sure to look the part of a guard.

・・・

With the Kazekage standing in front, Kankurō and Yukino stood behind him. "Bow for Kotone-hime sama." Dressed in a thin light dress the delicate-looking woman stepped out from the manor to greet the Kazekage.

"Greetings Kazekage. My brother has been waiting for you."

'Brother?' Brows raised Yukino tried to take a peek at the lady who spoke. 'So that's the girl we saved that day.' She guessed spotting familiar features in the woman's face that had become sharper with age.

As she looked up the princess looked to the side at the Kazekage's companions, seeing a familiar pair of eyes. "My… the heat must be getting to me…" She said.

"Is something wrong?" Gaara asked.

"No, for a moment I might have mistaken your guard for my savior all those years ago."

Wondering if she was talking about her, Yukino took the opportunity and spoke. "Forgive me for speaking out of turn but if you speak of a young fox-masked woman I may be the one who you speak of."

"Then my eyes did not deceive me." With a small but vibrant smile on her face, she remembered where she was and let out a small cough, returning her face to its neutral expression. "Kazekage, my brother has excellent security so I'm certain that your right-hand man will suffice. You would not mind if I took this guard from you for a couple of hours? …Would you?" She asked on the surface but they all knew that it was more of an order.

Reluctantly the Kazekage gave his permission. "You may have her as protection while we speak to your brother hime-sama."

・・・

On the princess's orders, she took Yukino outside of the estate without any word of where they were headed. Following them of course were a few of the princess's personal guards who kept enough of a distance to give her privacy and protect her.

All giddy, the young woman had a bounce to her step as she looked ahead and then back to the red-haired woman. A small smile was on her face each time she did. "Are you really my savior? Your appearance has changed so drastically from what I remembered…"

"If you are speaking of the person who ran into a large manor and fought the scoundrels who took you captive… then yes it is me. I was quite young back then so my body still hadn't fully developed into what it is now." Speaking as formally as possible Yukino put on a small smile to make her happy.

"It is you," letting out a small gasp, she covered her mouth and turned away. "That Kazekage, how dare he hide such information from me." She hissed under her breath.

"I'm sorry but please don't blame him. I'm not a suna-nin so he has no authority over me."

"No authority? Why then are you here with him today?"

"Eh… I got into some trouble and he's responsible for watching me for a while. But if I may be honest I came here because I heard you were the one I saved that day."

Her eyes widened and her face flushed as she looked around unable to respond for a moment before smiling brightly. "Then I will make your time here worth it. Come. I have something I have wished to show you."

Yukino's POV

Before I knew it we arrived at someplace that I never visited before but knew what it was immediately from the laughter of children. Arriving at what appeared to be an orphanage I counted a total of ten children still in their preteens running out to greet the princess. Some of the older ones stood to the side watching this happen, going over to greet her being slightly wary of me.

Noticing I gave a small smile and wave as I did I tried to sense if any of them belonged to the clans back home. Sensing none I took a closer look at them noticing the good state they were in. 'The quality of the clothes is good and they don't look too skinny either… even their teeth look healthy…' The kids smiling made it so much easier to tell.

Seeing an opening I got closer saying my piece. "They seem to be fond of you."

Amid her laughter, she greeted the children first letting them run off to do their own thing when she finished she turned to look at me. "I'm a patron of this orphanage. So we've become acquainted." Turning to one of the kids that lingered around she continued her conversation with them.

Forgotten I stood to the side, observing, looking for anything that would tell me she was faking it but as much as I wanted to be suspicious, kids were too honest to be able to fake it. Watching for a while in silence I saw her approach. "They grow up fast don't they?"

"They do…" Glancing at her guards she mumbled. "If I was daimyo I could do so much more…"

Hearing her I countered. "If you were, you wouldn't be able to give your full attention. Or even leave like you are doing now." I pointed out knowing a bit of how things worked.

"That is true." Still in her mulling, she let out a bitter sigh.

Noticing I probed trying to be as formal as I could. "If I may ask, what is bothering you?"

"It may seem silly to you but no matter what I do, what projects I take I do them because I feel they are right, but the other noble ladies think I'm doing it to support my brother politically to compensate for my father's greediness."

Putting a side note for later about what happened with her father I instead chose to ask something else. "Then, if I may ask, why are you doing this?"

Taken aback she looked at the place and then at me as if it wasn't obvious why. That or her expression told me that no one had ever bothered to ask her that question. "They are so vulnerable… they need to be protected."

"From who?"

"Who else? This world." Noticing her guards she motioned for me to follow as we walked around the guarded grounds. "I looked into it, had people look into it. There has been a trend over the years and there has been a number of children who have disappeared without a trace. All from various lands. The numbers are small but they are noticeable if you care to pay attention. Even more worrying is how if you look further back the trend was even higher with those same children later turning up dead. Though the numbers have decreased I fear that the children taken are being used for experimentation. Although I have brought up my worries to my brother he keeps dismissing it as a mere story." Coming to a stop she turned around and motioned for her guards to turn around. Dropping her princess persona she hunched slightly and let out a sigh. "I… I was lucky that day when you saved me… I know however that it was because of my status that that was possible. If it hadn't been for that my fate would have been like theirs."

Letting out a sigh she stood straight back up. "Thank you. Thank you so much for saving me. Since I was not able to say it then I've been coming up with other ways to return the favor." Calmly walking ahead like a princess she made sure to keep a small distance between us, one just enough for me to still hear her. "I am proud to admit that I have created places like these in a few towns in the land of wind. Using my own funds and my brother's… I've made private donations that even the public is not aware of."

As she kept listing her efforts to decrease human trade in her land I listened surprised that that choice that day would lead to this. At the same time, I was wondering whether I should make her my ally. It wasn't really one I had to think about for too long though. With a smile, I told her "I believe you. What you've done is quite admirable and something not many would do after such a thing." Trusting her enough I chose to spill this. "You know… That same night I went there to save a friend. A shrine maiden."

"What?" Hearing this for the first time her face turned to look at me in utter shock. "They dared to take a woman who serves the gods?"

"As long as it makes them money some people don't care." Seeing how she wasn't upset over the fact that I wasn't there to save her I saw my risks decrease. "You see that woman… She's of my clan and she and a couple of others have been living in hiding since the time she was born. That day I permitted her to explore the outside world for a while… we promised to meet up after she saw a couple of towns."

"Oh my… then…"

"That's right… A day before we were supposed to meet up I received word that she had been taken. Although she lacks my red hair, her uniquely colored eyes, her bloodline, and her beauty were worth enough for them to take even a shrine maiden." Closing my mouth I spoke to her. °So if there comes a time when the people you saved have no place to return to. I would like for you to tell me. I own land of my own for them to settle and live the rest of their lives without fear of being found.°

Caught by surprise her eyes showed it but her face remained emotionless, catching on quickly she spoke but not using her mouth. °Why are you telling me this?°

°Like the people you saved, I know the fear of being captured and caged for a long time. Like you said you want to do something just because you can and you have the power to but even you know you can't protect and watch every place to make sure they follow your words to the letter.°

°You are right about that.° Reaching the orphanage's land property entrance she turned around and waved one last goodbye before we left. Leaving, the guards followed, keeping their distance as ordered.

°There's something else you should have noticed in your research but let me ask you this. What makes a captor take one child over another?°

°Bloodlines.° She said repeating the answer I gave her a while back.

°Correct and for those in the system, it means that they don't have a supporting clan to watch over them or that they have been rejected by them. In those situations, they are put in the care of a system that sees them as a normal kid. In doing so they are left vulnerable to those who see their worth and are open to being taken.° Looking up at my bangs I played with a red stand, my pride and my reason for my torture. °This is the truth for those of us with special bloodlines. If you read Konoha's history you can see that fact repeat itself over and over again. Not even the heiress of the Hyuga was spared.° By how shocked she was by this little tidbit I nearly scoffed. 'Konoha did a good job keeping this under wraps.' Hiding my displeasure for the nation I was finally freed from, I laid out my offer. °So if you ever encounter any children with such bloodlines and history I want you to pass them on to me. They will be safe in my land, a place where people like Orochimaru can't get to them.°

°So you want to make a deal?° She thought coming to a stop. Her eyes set on the horizon before us.

°I thought I was obvious enough about it hime-sama.°

°What will I get out of it?°

°Well, the safety of mind that they will be safe and that someone believes you. I will even take you to said land to show you what our collaboration has done.° With a smile, I changed the conversation. "If I may be so rude, hime-sama, what was the thing about your father? He hasn't passed away has he?" Caught completely off guard I gestured to her guards behind us with my eyes.

"Oh. You don't know?" As she said that she glanced back and continued walking.

"Well… I wasn't able to say this before but I guess the time has come. After the war, I ended in an accident leaving me comatose. I only woke up a couple of weeks ago. So I apologize if I seem ignorant."

"WHAT!" Her yelling caught me and her guards by surprise, making us flinch. Remembering her position she covered her mouth and cleared her throat. "I… I am quite surprised that you still came here even though you only woke up so recently."

Letting out a chuckle I hummed. "Well, hime-sama, I wasn't sure when another chance to see you would present itself so I came here."

Taking out a fan she covered her mouth before she did however I caught the glimpse of a small smile. "My, you know how to flatter someone… ah… oh this is very bad manners on my behalf but what is your name?"

"Uzumaki." The mention of that surname immediately revealed that she recognized it. Something that wasn't much of a surprise considering who saved everyone a few years ago… or a year ago. She didn't know how to feel about it. That their name was only associated with a single individual while the rest of her clan was forgotten about. Maybe that was a good thing. "Uzumaki Yukino. That is my name."

"Ah, I see then I will make a monument and etch your name on it as thanks."

"Y-you don't have to. You doing all this is thanks enough."

Chuckling she leaned a bit closer to whisper. "Oh, I know I am just joking." Winking, she dug her hand into a hidden pocket in the side of her dress and pulled out a thin rectangular device. "As hime, I'm sure you can't say no to a simple picture."

"I don't mind, but how is that thin device supposed to take a picture?"

"You do not know what a phone is? Well, no worries, it is simple. Come." Picking up the pace she almost ran to the railing that faced the sea. I, of course, followed right after her, along with her guards. Turning on the screen she clicked on a few things before raising the small device. Seeing my image on the device it appeared like it was a mirror. "Okay smile and pose!" With one hand holding the phone she made a peace sign. Seeing myself reflected in her device I copied her.

Hearing the sound of a camera shutter I waited for the sound of the picture coming out but heard none. Glancing at her phone, as she called it, I saw the picture she spoke of. "Huh, what an interesting device…"

"It is really incredible. I can store so many pictures in this little thing."

Handing me the little device I held it in my hands in awe as I carefully tilted it in my hands to inspect. "It looks like a mini television."

"Oh, but it can do so much more than that." Taking back her phone, she held it up proudly. "You see I heard this little thing is being developed to send emails and make long-distance calls. Imagine making a call anywhere without being restricted by a cord."

Although unbelievable, the warning that the shrine maiden gave me when I woke up made sense more and more. "How much does this thing cost?"

"Well, it only costs -."

Hearing a number but not really hearing a number I leaned against the railing for support. 'It can't be worth that much, right? Then again she is a princess. She has that much money. Wow. this is worth as much as the most expensive C-rank mission there can be.' In my own mind, I looked up at her. "Where did you buy it?" Before I could get an answer I heard the guards.

3rd POV

"Hime-sama!" Quickly turning to see what was up, both women noticed the man approaching them from the other side. Reacting quickly, Yukino took out the tanto behind her waist and blocked the attack. "Run to your guards!" She quickly ordered the princess. Sensing that she was about to argue, Yukino shouted. "Now!" Flinching the princess obeyed.

With her out of the way of danger and to safety Yukino was able to focus on the shinobi before her. "Ha. I didn't think someone was foolish enough to go after her in broad daylight." Yukino chided the man doing her best to not show how much strain she was putting in to just block his move. Her muscles did their best to not tremble at the effort but she knew she couldn't hold it up for long.

"We didn't come here for her." The man said for only her ears to hear.

'We?' She focused on her surroundings quickly enough to sense the faint signatures near her. 'Two. No three.' Quickly backing away she got into her fighting stance and observed her surroundings. Glancing over at the princess she saw her guards surround her, protecting her just as the others that were in hiding came out. 'Asking them for help is going to be pointless. If only I had something longer to fight with…'

Before she could observe her surroundings for anything she could use the shinobi moved towards her to close the gap. Taken by surprise she went to take a step back bumping into the railing and falling back.

For that split moment as she fell back she saw the guards engage in combat with the other three who served as distractions while the person who was fighting her instead of attacking dropped their weapon and attempted to reach out to her. Seeing their hand reach towards her she pulled her hands away and spread them to her sides.

Letting gravity take her, she entered a free fall.

At that moment her mind couldn't be any clearer. With the adrenaline running through her body, her mind processed things faster than it had for a while. With a flick of her wrist, most of the water in her canteen burst out from it launching it towards the person falling towards her blocking their view long enough for her to turn her body towards the ground. With some water let she made a small foothold and used it to push herself off to the side.

Rolling safely to the ground she quickly turned to face her enemy. Crouched low to the ground she raised her arms and gripped the air with both fingers tightening the water's grip on the enemy.

"Now. What did you mean that she wasn't the target?"

Kotone-hime's POV

As much as I wanted to stay by her side I knew I would only be a hindrance to her. When she yelled at me I forgot my position and obeyed, running to safety to be able to get help. The moment I reached my guards I was breathless but even so I was able to let out my order. "Hurry you must aid her–"

As that order was let out more of my attackers came out from the shadows forcing my guards to surround and protect me. Me. "Quickly dispose of these lowlives do not hesitate to kill, you must save the woman who saved my life above all else!" Surrounded by my guards my vision was blocked. I couldn't see her no matter how much I tried to look over my guard's shoulders. And as I kept trying, eventually I saw her. I saw the moment she fell.

It all happened so quickly. One moment she was there and the other she was gone. No screams. No noise. Nothing from her. Before I could say anything I was pushed back by one of my guards preventing my head from becoming the target of a kunai.

・・・

Stepping on the blood at my feet I only lifted my skirt to avoid getting more on it. It wasn't a rare sight for me since a few attempts have been made on me and my brother and before. Looking at my attackers I turned away there was only one person I could care about at this moment.

"Hime-sama! Where is the young woman you wished for us to aid?"

"She fell off the side of the road." Just as I finished saying that she appeared walking on air as if it was something solid. Behind her was the conscious figure of a man wrapped around in ice with a thin golden chain wrapped around their neck. Spotting us she grabbed the man from their hair and dragged him to me.

°He was going after me specifically. I did my best to restrain him but I won't be able to keep it up for long.° Her voice echoed in my head once more as she put him at my feet.

Hearing this I walked over and placed the tip of my fan under their chin making them look me in the eye. "You targeted my savior… Execute him." As I gave that order one of my men raised their weapons but before they could obey Yukino stepped in front of them.

"He was hired, hime-sama, the question is who sent them. It's pointless to kill him since he can be replaced by another."

Raising my hand I thought about it. 'She said that man was targeting her specifically. If that is true then were the others a distraction? She just woke up so who knows she is here?' Looking at my guards I changed my order. "Quickly restrain him so he isn't able to use ninjutsu. Then make sure to send for one of Sunagakure's torture and interrogation team. I will not risk his escape in transfer."

"Understood my lady!" Quickly taking action they took the man from Yukino's grasp while another ran back to the manor to inform the others of what had occurred. As they were distracted Yukino came closer.

"Thank you hime-sama." She said in a soft voice, bowing her head quickly.

"Do not thank me. Just keep your end of the deal and that will be enough." Seeing the surprise in her eyes I smiled. "You saved me once and I will do the same."

A/N: I know I promised a chapter every two months so I'm sorry for the delay. Recently I've had some personal problems and dealing with them really affected me emotionally and I couldn't get into the right headspace to write what I had planned for this chapter.

For those curious enough, continue reading. Some people I considered friends suddenly started treating me badly when this semester started and it even got to the point where they started saying things about me behind my back to acquaintances to push me out. I tried to get answers to see why this was happening but I never did get one. So I recently gave up and just stopped trying to be their friend. This frustrates me because it feels like they got what they wanted. Anyways sorry for the rant. Be careful of some people just as there are good people out there there are just as many that are rotten.

On a lighter note, I would like to inform those who may not know that there was a Naruto PV released called Road of Naruto to celebrate Naruto's 20th anime anniversary.