Her eyes nearly turned into slits when she glanced at the equipment being handed to her.
Her long fingers followed the etchings neatly traced upon the blade, feeling the intricate curves and lines the weapon possessed. Her fingers moved across the edge, nicking itself in the process. She noted the sharpness, staring at the lone crimson droplet welling on her flesh. The weapon would certainly be of some use to her in certain critical situations.
She then held a different object, a vial, at eye-level, staring at the crimson liquid inside the glass. Poison. What would she use it for? Surely the mission wouldn't call for assassination! Either way, she could never be too sure about the future. Carefully, she clasped the vial, appreciating the small, and somewhat odd, sense of security it brought her.
However, her eyes turned cold as she stared at the woman who handed her such despicable objects. The woman remained absolutely emotionless, appearing completely professional.
Does she expect me to kill outright?
"This weapon is to be used as a last resort. Should the mission fail and you are caught…well…you'll figure out what to do with the blade will you not?" she questioned crudely. The implication was not lost on either party.
Aiko's eyes could only widen at the horrendous thought. Death. The blade was a death sentence should the mission fail…should she fail! She gripped the handle tightly, her knuckles turning white.
Last resort? That's cowardice!
"Furthermore, the vial will be used should your blade be taken away. Either that, or you can figure out another way to make use of the vial. It is, after all, at your absolute disposal." Tsunade said; this time, her voice was devoid of emotion.
Aiko gripped the vial and the crimson liquid sloshed within. Carefully she slipped it into her robes, placing the vial against her bosom. She looked coldly at Tsunade, only to see the older woman look at her in a condescending manner. She felt a surge of anger boiling in her veins and closed her eyes tightly, hoping to calm herself; however, nothing worked.
"This goes against everything you and your people stand for!" she blurted out.
"If the mission fails, we will not be able to recover you. Do you understand that you are a mere amateur in this? Each warrior is taught a code they must uphold at all costs. To risk one's life may result in death. A dead soldier is meaningless. However, to be caught in enemy territory…that is far worse."
"Surely…surely you cannot believe in that! Are those people out there…are those ninjas who fight nothing more than tools?" Aiko questioned in a broken whisper.
Is that what Iruka is to you? A valuable tool to be recovered and used? Is that all?
"A ninja is a tool. One who has perfected the craft of a shinobi is the ultimate weapon in the village. That is the way it has always been." Tsunade answered sadly.
"Then this is the way it must be?" Aiko hissed.
A flicker passed within the Hokage's eyes, but it was too fleeting for Aiko to discern.
"No. Not at all. There are people out there who change the rules and bend it to their will…living life as human beings and not tools to be used." Tsunade said quietly, smiling at the thought of those who could accomplish such feats.
Aiko remained silent at the last statement Tsunade made. She knew she shouldn't take her anger out at the Hokage, but who else could she lay the blame? It sounded petty to want to whine and shout about how unfair the entire system was, but she couldn't help but feel anger well up inside. Each time she pictured Iruka's face, she felt sadness bloom in her chest. Why should he be regarded as nothing more than a mere tool? He was far greater than that!
"Child, there will come a time when the harsh codes will soften. Valiant figures will wrought a new code for future generations. But until that time comes, we must all abide by what the ancestors have set in stone. We are honor-bound the minute we take such an oath."
Aiko nodded silently. She was a mere outside, after all. Who was she to scold the Hokage about ancient codes all ninjas held in high regard for centuries? By doing so, she was being ignorant and arrogant.
"Maybe one day…" Aiko said wistfully.
"Yes. One day…" Tsunade said, understanding what the girl was trying to say.
The two sat in companionable silence, watching the vast cherry blossoms gracing each delicate branch. It was still fertile spring; the winter crone would have to wait before her bitter self could make a grand entrance.
She didn't bother hiding her presence within the dense forest, stomping her way across the damp soil. Gods, she wanted to scream! What had she gotten herself into? Desperation settled onto her heart like a cold rock, weighing her down until she felt completely helpless.
My big mouth always gets me into trouble! Why the devil can't I ever shut up?
She berated herself, pacing the grounds. Her brows furrowed as she lost herself in her troubled thoughts. Now that she was in too deep, she knew she had to do something. It was her fault for being so pig-headed in the first place; she would pay dearly if she didn't prepare herself for the dangers ahead.
"Why? What did I ever do to deserve all of this?" she asked bitterly. The forest answered her question with silence.
As the darling whore of the Black Lotus, she lived a relatively simple life. Behind the cages and locked doors, she made herself glamorous to behold, providing entertainment and comfort for clients during late nights. During bright days, she spoke amicably amongst her fellow brothel sisters or enjoyed the fineries provided by the owner. There was very little action, the day to day activity rarely changing.
And then, her monotonous life changed radically with the appearance of one man. She snorted rather rudely. All it took was one man to bring her down to her knees! She was too surprised and caught up in the man's kindness to be disgusted with herself.
She stopped, not liking where her train of thoughts was headed. She sighed because she knew. It was never Iruka's fault. He was an indirect catalyst setting everything into motion. If they were meant to meet, then so be it. Aiko knew that Iruka was only doing what he felt was right. Who was she to fault him for that?
It's frightening to consider the unknown future. What I had before I ever got myself involved in this was a simple life with a rigid system I followed. Now…now I am a lost girl who cannot find her way back! It's frustrating to think that I can't help…that I'll only get in the way of things! I don't…I don't want to feel so useless…so helpless…
Slowly she crumbled to her knees, not caring if her robes became soiled. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she angrily brushed them with the back of her hands. She knew ever since she was taken into the brothel that crying was useless, that it was an admission of defeat.
Gods…but it's hard. I only wanted to help! He only wanted to help! What did providing aid get us? Absolutely nowhere fast! Can anyone hear our silent cries? Or is this punishment for something neither of us can have?
Despite her thoughts, she knew that the circumstance could not be helped.
Slowly, her hands traveled towards the dagger. And she was bombarded with thoughts. The leather sheath that covered the harsh blade. Blue steel that glinted under any light source. Beautiful carvings signifying the warrior. Then dark thoughts drifted. Blood, so thick and dark that it would not leave the pure edge the blade held. The dagger embedded in a body to the hilt.
Shaking, her hands left the dagger, falling limply to her sides. No matter how much she dreamt of taking the life of the man that brought her hell, no matter how much she desired to bring him to his knees, she knew that she would never be able to use the blade against another. She knew that if she failed, there would be no question as to whom the blade would strike down.
Weary and sick, she struggled to stand up, using the tree trunk for support. Stumbling, she managed to catch herself in time and avoid falling towards the soft earth once more. Using trees for support, she managed to trudge out of the forest.
There was no need to hurry. Though her time was limited, rushing would do her no good. The best thing she could do for now was rest and allow her jumbled thoughts to sort themselves.
Her fate would be decided soon enough.
Apprehension filled him as he walked towards the vast field. He could see two figures waiting and knew they were his teammates. One figure stood stock still, straight-backed and stoic. The other slowly rocked back and forth on the soles of her feet.
Lowering his head to face the ground, he tread softly. It was time to face the music and he winced at the thought of facing his teammates. Each step brought him closer to them and he didn't know if he wanted to continue. Just as he was about to turned, a soft voice broke through.
"You're late, Naruto." Sakura commented lightly. Her body was turned away, but her strong voice carried through. However, her tone held no accusation, but rather, was frank and indifferent.
"Come to join us so soon?" Sasuke asked, though the question had more than one meaning.
Naruto was more irritated by what Sasuke had to say than Sakura. He gritted his teeth, knowing his teammates were teasing him mercilessly. They knew his plans had failed and he was being stupid when he retaliated out of anger. However, they were also, in some sense, forgiving him for speaking out so harshly. Despite those questions, they knew…and that was enough.
"Oh, shut up!"
Sasuke merely lifted a brow in question while Sakura snickered. Team 7 was whole again.
Slowly, the three formed a triangle, one waiting patiently while the others complained bitterly of the absence of their sensei.
It was hours after Naruto's arrival that Kakashi decided to present himself. Of course, Naruto and Sakura were the first to blame him for his rather pitiful excuse as to why he showed up so late; Sasuke preferred to glare at his sensei instead. Kakashi merely regarded his students with a smile, knowing everything had righted itself.
"The second chuunin exams are coming up. Now that I'm here, why don't we begin training?" Kakashi said, cleverly diverting the subject away from his tardiness.
And, as always, Naruto emitted the loudest response. Sasuke tolerated the blonde's enthusiastic responses to a certain extent while Sakura tried her best to shush her loud teammate. Not willing to waste any more time due to his late arrival, Kakashi began walking, knowing his students would follow.
Kakashi merely led his students deep into the forest. The walk was not quite so long and he enjoyed the somewhat peaceful hike. However, his attention was quickly taken in by the surroundings. He knew there was someone lurking within the forest. Cautious, but careful not to show his tension, he treaded carefully.
Sasuke and Naruto noticed the miniscule change in Kakashi; they too tread the forest with caution. Sakura, blessed with talent within the art of chakra control, noticed a faint presence within the forest that she was not familiar with. It seemed the team would encounter something more than mere training.
Ahead, Kakashi sighted a woman appearing out of the thicket of trees. His eyes widened as he recognized who she was. He noted her soiled clothes and red eyes; he let it slide, knowing answers were coming soon enough. However, he was not prepared for what his student had to blurt out next.
"Oi! It's the crying woman!" Naruto exclaimed, rudely pointing at her.
Everyone froze at Naruto's declaration. The woman regarded the blonde before her. She could feel the beginnings of a migraine, but was somewhat happy for the distraction the boy provided. Kakashi stared at Naruto for quite some time, wondering just when the boy had met the woman. His teammates stared at him similarly, both wondering exactly what was going on.
"I want you all to train individually. I'm afraid I have some affairs to attend to."
The chuunin exams are coming up. But more pressing matters are at hand.
Kakashi sighed, knowing he would have to place the woman and Iruka above his students for now. Team 7 shrugged, knowing something serious was unraveling before their very eyes.
Of course, no one knew how serious the situation was becoming.
Tsunade stared at the scraps of paper before her, eyes narrowing when she read one of the reports. She knew there was a certain degree of unrest among those selected for the mission. After all, why was there such a large team selected to recover a mere chuunin? If she didn't answer soon, the team would erupt. However, they did not realize that this mission involved more than just Iruka. If the reports were true, unethical practices had been rampant in the Black Lotus.
The reports revealed rather disturbing news about the brothel and its connection with the Underworld. She had always known that Konoha had harbored its dark secrets somewhere. And now was the chance to expose them.
Konoha had a dirty, perverse secret. Though it wasn't much of a secret, but more of a speculated myth, conjured up by scraps of sightings, experiences, and escapes. The Black Lotus had engaged in dirty trades, practicing the art of kidnapping and selling. Such practices would explain the sudden, mysterious disappearances of many local village girls and few boys.
The sex trade was never a popular topic, especially concerning politics of Fire Country. The Council preferred to ignore the black stain the illegal trade provided, turning their attention to brighter topics. What self-respecting Council member would denounce their own country and reveal such shame? No, it was better to keep the information. Such shame would be too much to bear!
Unfortunately, the Council's reluctance to even touch upon the taboo topic made the Council ignorant to the underground practices rapidly spreading throughout the world.
The sex trade was a booming business. Fire, Earth, and Wind were three of the largest nations within the Five Great Shinobi Countries. Consequently, the three countries made up the Triangle Sex Trade. The Wind sent in rogues to take away stray girls and boys of the Fire before shipping them away to the Earth to be sold at auctions.
Fire was truly the spark in the operation. Feudal lords even allowed rogues to kidnap their tenant farmers' daughters and sons. Furthermore, many feudal lords were integral patrons for Council members. Dirty money bought the votes of the Council!
The trade began with the Wind before ending with the Earth, and the Fire provided the essential fodder - the slaves. Unfortunately, this practice had continued on for decades, and despite honest efforts, it was never stamped out completely.
The chance to bring somewhat of an end to the Triangle was what prompted Tsunade to become involved. She knew if the situation was carefully rectified, Fire's involvement with the Triangle could be minimized significantly. With less slaves taken and shipped away, the trade would slowly die out.
Of course, it was an idealistic thought. For no matter how much she fought for the end of such atrocious practices, she knew the evil hearts of men would allow the practice to continue. However, if it meant the trade could end, even for a little while, she was willing to take the chance.
And the chance was sparked by the daring of one man. She didn't know if it was a blessing or a curse. For one, it would mean destroying one of the most respectful figures within the village. Of course, it would also mean the liberation of slaves. Such hard choices in this delicate matter! It was a double-edged sword, surely.
She sighed, piling the reports into a neat stack. The meeting would begin soon and she would have to explain everything.
She knew she had to be strong in the face of such stubborn a Council. And she was Hokage! She would not lose face to them, and she would not heed the pleas of such corrupt figures.
Standing proud and tall, she wore her ceremonial robes and donned the hat signifying her status in society. With graceful steps, she glided into the lion's den. The Council and Team were awaiting her presence. It would not bode well if she disappointed them with her absence. With a wry smile, she stepped into the grand halls. It was time to show the Council what they desperately wanted to deny.
She would make them hear the dirty secret loud and clear. And they would not denounce. They wouldn't dare! It would be a moment forever ingrained in the minds of the higher powers of Konoha.
It was time to show the Truth.
A sense of déjà vu hit her when she kneeled down on the tatami mats provided, tucking her feet beneath her. With determination, she gazed at the man who asked for her. Curiosity overtook her when she examined his face. With a slight sense of disappointment, she discovered that she could not imagine what face lay behind the mask cloth.
Similarly, the man was studying her as well. With a growing sense of self-conscience, she felt herself blush under such scrutiny. He seemed amused by her antics, but was unable to decipher his emotions. Frustrated, she resolved to study the table and the glossy reflections.
A comfortable sense of silence reigned between the odd pair. Both parties were unwilling to break the silence that settled between the two. Fortunately, a server came by, dispensing two cups and a hot pot of tea.
Kakashi insisted on doing the honors. With great ceremony, he poured Aiko tea first before pouring some for himself.
"You must be wondering why I asked you to accompany me." Kakashi said without preamble.
"Of course. However, I have a sense as to why you would ask for me specifically. I'm going to assume it has something to do with Iruka and the impending mission." Aiko said lightly.
Kakashi sighed in relief, thankful the woman was not like many coquettish whores. "You assumed correctly. For you to venture into the forest, then emerge disheveled and miserable…why?" he asked, deeply curious.
"Why do you ask? You should already know. Or has she not told you?"
Kakashi knew that Aiko meant Tsunade, but chose to play dumb. He needed answers if he was ever going to join the mission.
"Unfortunately, I do not understand what you're trying to tell me. I am not part of the mission, and consequently, I am not allowed access to confidential information. Would you care to enlighten me?" Kakashi asked lightly, trying to soften the serious question.
Aiko remained silent, unsure of her next course of action. "If it's confidential, what makes you think I'm going to tell you?"
Kakashi had waited for that question, that opening. He took a sip, hoping to raise the level of tension. Completely at ease, he settled the cup down softly before answering her.
"I was offered a chance to join. You see, the man we are discussing is a sort of surrogate father for one of my students. As such, the man is greatly important to our team. If I am to join, it would be best to know what is going on. And who better to ask than the woman who sparked this?"
It was now her turn, and she still hadn't a clue as to what she should say. She pursed her lips, knowing that if she chose wrong, the consequences could be deadly. Sighing, she took a small sip of tea, hoping it would calm her nerves to a small degree.
"I was to play a minor role in this mission. Though I've resided and worked at the Black Lotus for years, I am no ninja. And if I went in without any skill, my chances of dying would be higher than others. Yet I chose to join in. Though I will play a more active part in this, I have no definite role. Furthermore, I was not clearly informed by the Hokage as to what I would be doing. But I do know that we will infiltrate the brothel."
That was all Kakashi needed to know. However, he was not ready for her last words.
"And we will get Iruka out." she said softly, her voice laced with unknown emotion.
He knew they would do some sort of rescue mission. However, he was unprepared for the complete conviction and affection within her words.
"Now I must ask you a question. Why do you want to know?"
"Because I must understand the gravity of this situation."
Without another word, he was gone. Aiko blinked, but to no avail, the tatami mat before her was empty. Sighing, she continued to sip her tea, having a sense as to where the ninja could have gone. She had answered a part of his question, but the rest he would have to look elsewhere. It was time she left to.
Preparations were at hand, and it would not do to dawdle about!
Cold. That was the first thing he noticed. Then he saw the darkness, and how it swallowed up the light until he could see no more. Unsure, a growing sense of panic began settling in him. His heart beat faster and his shallow breaths grew more ragged.
Then a presence. He saw the presence before he felt the warmth. And the coldness melted away. His heart stopped beating rapidly and his breaths deepened. So safe he felt that he walked towards the presence and the source of warmth.
And such beauty it was. For it was a woman who glowed brilliantly. So blindingly bright was her presence that he shielded his eyes as he continued his progression. His eyes adjusted to her brightness and his body absorbed her warmth. But his heart quickened once more, skipping beats, and his breath was taken away. For what he saw was more than enough to keep him enraptured.
The more he stared at her, the more he fell in love. For who could not love this being who made everything warm again? She had brought him back, away from the darkness, allowing him to bask in her warmth!
But a terrible feeling settled in him. And a cold stone sank to the pits of his stomach. There was danger. But he was frozen, taken away by her presence to move. While he stayed immobile, his terror grew.
He wanted her to run away, leave him in the cold. For if she stayed any longer, her warmth would be taken away, frozen. Alas, only tears came to his eyes, his vision blurred so that he could only see her brightness.
Through the blurred vision, he could see darkness consuming the light. Such anguish ripped through him as the light was extinguished. The cold began to settle in, sucking the warmth from his body.
And when he was released from his rapture, he fell to his knees, sobbing in the darkness.
In his mourning, the darkness came for him as well. His wounds too raw, he gave no fight as the darkness consumed him and-
Iruka woke up, shivering in the darkness. He noticed the sheet was rumpled on the floor and his robe was the only stitch of cloth covering him from the cold. Sighing, he sat up, unable to sleep anymore. Unwilling to disturb the others, he walked towards the cages and looked up into the night sky. The stars shining feebly against the black sky reminded him of his nightmare and he turned away.
The dream was like a premonition. Who else could the beautiful warmth be other than Aiko? There was no doubt that she would be coming for him. If anything, she would be in Konoha now, trying to persuade Hokage-sama and other shinobi. Should they not agree to aid her, she would go off alone. Hardened by years of abuse and use, she would not hesitate to go off on her own.
The confirmation was a blessing in that he craved to see her again. He wanted to tell her why he freed her. He wanted to reveal his heart to her before sealing it away completely.
However, fear weighed heavily on his heart. For if she came, she would not be able to get out. And the last vestiges of her heart and soul would shatter completely.
But what could he do? For he was nothing more than caged whore for the public. What powers did he have? The contract was his undoing, and he was paying dearly for it. But it was worth it, to know that she was free. It would be for naught if she was caught in the devastating claws of the brothel. He would not stand for it!
The Dream will not come true. I will see to it that it does not come to pass!
Author's Notes: I know, I know. I haven't written in months. But I was trying to think up of a good reason as to why Tsunade would want to rescue a "mere chuunin." I would like to thank all of you for reviewing this fic thus far. Without your continued support, I don't know where this fic would be! So this is for you. AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is my new year present for you all!