Amaryllis
Chapter 22
"Mother?"
"Yes, dear?"
Kushina looked up from her meal with a smile. It faded when she saw how Naruto hadn't eaten much. Just picked at his plate. Pushed the greens together. Lumped the meats into another pile.
"What is it?" she pressed.
Naruto was silent. He glanced at the empty seat at the head of the table. Kushina followed his gaze.
"Your Father is a bit busy tonight," she explained.
"He's been busy for a while."
"Yes, dear. Just… some… small issues."
"Small issues," Naruto repeated. He scraped his fork a little harder.
"Yes. Just… minor ones."
"Like how I'm not allowed to go to the city? Or to go visit my friends? Or even do anything in this castle without someone telling me I can't? Those kinds of issues," Naruto snapped.
Kushina's smile grew tight. She reached across the table. "You need to understand. It's not safe. It's for your own good, Naruto."
He pulled his hand away. Avoided the wounded expression on his mother's face as he said: "I'm not a child, Mother."
Naruto stared down at his food. He considered getting out of his seat. Walking out in the middle of the meal and letting the doors slam behind him.
But he imagined the look on his mother's face if he did.
So he didn't.
He did, however, think of what Sakura would have done. She would have spoken her mind. Flipped a plate if it got someone to listen better.
Instead, Naruto nibbled at his potatoes and avoided his mother's feeble attempts to revive the conversation.
Naruto was thankful that Sir Sai didn't say anything on the walk back from dinner.
When he arrived at his quarters, he turned to face the knight.
"Good night," Naruto said.
And it was then that Sir Sai decided to open his mouth.
"You want to go outside the castle walls so badly, Prince?"
Naruto bit back the retort he had prepared. Instead, he retorted: "So what if I do?"
Sai rubbed the side of his nose. Jabbed a thumb in the direction of the city.
"I know a way you can go see for yourself."
Naruto's eyes widened. Then they narrowed. "And what's that?"
Sai chuckled. "It's fine if you don't want to hear it. Although I'm hurt that you don't have a little more faith in me. After all these years."
Naruto folded his arms across his chest. "Yamato was with me for years. It's only been a couple with you." And then Naruto stared at Sai as he added: "Besides, since when have you cared about what I'm doing?"
Sai held both hands up.
"I'm just making a suggestion because I'm tired of you sighing and moping all day. It's more for my sake than yours."
Naruto frowned. But he nodded for Sai to continue.
"If your mother won't budge, why not speak to your father?"
Naruto made a noise of exasperation.
"He's busy."
"Alright. Then speak to the advisors who are in his ear. That's just as good," Sai replied.
Naruto squinted as he considered this. He turned the idea over in his head. He did see the dour Duke Hyuuga often for his lessons. And he ran into Marquess Shimura at least a few times a week as he moved around Whiteriver Keep.
"That's a stupid idea," Naruto declared. And he retreated into his room, shutting the door in Sai's smug face.
In the morning, Naruto bundled up in his cloak and gloves. It was early in the spring- cold in the mornings and evenings. He didn't say anything when he opened the door to find Sai waiting there. Brushed past him to begin walking down the corridor.
"Your lessons don't start until later," Sai informed him.
"I know."
"You're not allowed to wander around on your own outside."
Naruto whirled around. Fists tight at his sides. "I know that. Keep your mouth shut! And stay back at least 10 steps- No. 20!" he snapped.
Naruto stormed off. Ignoring the sounds of Sai's snickers bouncing off the stone walls.
By the time he arrived at the temple, he was still fuming. Naruto craned his neck as he heard the bells tolling to announce the time. It was 8, according to the number of chimes. He glanced around.
"Wait here," Naruto ordered without looking back. He slipped into the temple, taking care to close the door softly behind him.
Naruto cleared his throat a little as he turned towards the statue of the Goddess. "The nobles of this city are not religious. But they cannot easily oppose the will of the temple without creating more problems for themselves."
When she faced him again, there was a smile on her lips once more. "It won't be a long excursion. But perhaps it will be the reprieve you need, Your Highness."
Naruto exhaled. "You would do that for me?"
Even past the veil covering the top half of her face, Naruto could see how her face softened.
"How can I not offer some hope to one with such wounds on his heart?"
As the high priestess promised, the temple sent a written request to Whiteriver Keep a few days later. The messenger who arrived was even wearing the official robes of the temple.
Naruto wasn't permitted to enter the room, but he did stand outside the door. Ear pressed against the seam. Straining to make out the garbled words as his father, Marquess Shimura, and Duke Hyuuga argued.
When they emerged several minutes later, none of them seemed happy.
Naruto noticed, with a start, that Marquess Shimura was glowering at him. And while the marquess was often less than pleasant, such obvious animosity was unexpected. It was even more disconcerting when he saw the smug look on Duke Hyuuga's face.
Two weeks later, an unmarked carriage arrived at Whiteriver Keep. To Naruto's displeasure, Sai was expected to escort him the entire way. And, of course, Sai was not shy about supplying his usual snide comments. Naruto tried his best to keep a straight face during the short ride to the temple.
"None of this will matter, you know. Feeding the poor doesn't do anything," Sai pointed out.
And Naruto finally turned his stare to Sai.
"It's better than sitting around making stupid comments about everything," snapped Naruto in return.
Just for a moment, Sai looked surprised.
Naruto was glad for the silence. And even more glad when the carriage came to a stop. He opened the door on his own, startling the footman, who had been reaching for the handle.
Although small, the temple had its own guards. Naruto stopped in front of those men in their white armor. They stood up a little straighter.
"Are you going to escort us?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the man replied.
"Good." Naruto then turned to glare at Sai. "Come back with the carriage to pick me up," he ordered.
Sai laughed. "No can do, Prince. I'm under orders to watch over you," he retorted. But as Sai got out of his seat, Naruto glared at the footman.
"Close the door and take Sir Sai back," ordered Naruto.
"Um…" The footman hesitated. Looking from Naruto to Sai.
"Don't be like that. I'm sorry I put you in a bad mood. Okay? Let's move on," grumbled Sai.
"Didn't you hear me? I'm giving an order," Naruto sharpened his voice.
The footman stepped in front of the door, blocking Sai.
"And I'm giving you an order too, Sir Sai. Go back," added Naruto.
Sai stood flabbergasted as the footman slammed the carriage door shut in his face. The coachman snapped his reins and yelled a command. The horses began moving, driving the carriage down the road, back in the direction of Whiteriver Keep.
Naruto stared after the carriage, only feeling now that his hands were shaking. He tried to keep a straight face as he turned and walked up the steps to the temple. The guards on duty pulled the heavy double doors open for him.
He knew Sir Sai would complain to his parents. They would scold him. Maybe even lock him back up in the castle for even longer. But for the moment, the consequences were far away. And all that mattered was how good it had felt to send Sir Sai away. To speak his mind. Naruto could almost imagine the look on Prince Sasuke's face if he told him the story. He would snort. And Sakura would have laughed too, probably.
Those thoughts were pushed to the side when he walked down the aisle of the temple. The high priestess stood waiting for him. The long robes she usually wore were gone. Instead, she wore a plain beige dress under a cloak. Two attendants fussed over her, fixing her skirt and her hair. Their heads turned toward the door.
"It's Prince Naruto, Your Holiness," one of them announced.
Hinata smiled at him. She lowered her arms to her sides.
"I offer the blessings of the Goddess to you," she uttered.
"Hi. You look… great…" Naruto trailed off, turning a little red. But Hinata dipped her head.
"Thank you. I trust my attendants to see to my appearance, but it's reassuring to hear you say so, Your Highness," she replied.
They chatted about nothing much as they walked out to the carriage. It was small and rather plain. Naruto hesitated. And then he offered Hinata his hand to help her enter the carriage. She rewarded him wither another one of her blinding smiles.
The ride from the temple to their destination was longer than Naruto and expected. And bumpier. Hinata was explaining procedures for the almsgiving ceremony, but Naruto couldn't tear his eyes from the window.
Everyone had warned him that the slums were an unpleasant place. From a young age, his tutors had warned him that that was where he would end up if he didn't obey his parents. Rumors of the crime than flooded the infested streets flitted through Whiteriver Keep. Maids would whisper about the criminals who stalked the alleys at all times of the day. Abducted children. Monsters who would do anything for a bit of gold.
What surprised Naruto was that he didn't really see any of the monsters he had been warned about.
Instead, what he saw was children. Slumped in the alleys. Fighting over a scrap of bread. Chasing stray dogs with sticks.
"There are so many children…" Naruto gasped, almost by accident.
"Yes. War orphans. There are too many who didn't see their fathers return from war," Hinata supplied.
"What about their mothers?"
"Working, sometimes. Others cannot raise all of their children, so they abandon the weakest ones," replied Hinata.
"That's awful," Naruto whispered.
"Truly," Hinata agreed, nodding. "It is my prayer that this almsgiving will ease some of their suffering."
The carriage navigated the winding back streets of the slums. The vehicle drew stares wherever it went. It was rare for anyone to be able to afford something like a carriage in this part of the city. And it usually wasn't for good reasons if one did show up here. But as soon as the door opened and they glimpsed the passengers, a gasp rose from the people.
"It's the High Priestess."
"The High Priestess is here!"
The same murmurs of surprise rippled through the people. Traveling down the alleys. Up the streets. Children went running barefoot over the cold cobblestone.
"It's almsgiving!" they shouted.
Naruto clenched his hand on the armrest inside the carriage. He had heard the stories from the people around him. The violence of the people living in the slums. The stories of parents who slaughtered their own children. Killed their neighbors for a scrap of food.
His eyes flickered back to Hinata, who sat quite calmly despite all the noise outside. As the carriage came to a stop, Naruto's shoulders tensed. The footman opened the door and Naruto almost threw his arm across the threshold to stop her from moving. But the easy smile on Hinata's lips made him stop.
"Why, it's Her Holiness! Welcome!" a woman's voice greeted her.
"Thank you for all your help," said Hinata. Naruto poked his head out to watch Hinata descend the steps of the carriage. The footman grasped her left hand to assist her. But holding her other hand was a rugged woman with a baby slung across her chest.
"Of course, Your Holiness. We have the stands all set up. Hope it's all to your liking," the woman replied, beaming. She was missing some teeth, but there was kindness in her expression.
"I've brought along a friend to help. I hope you'll be able to guide him," Hinata then added.
The woman looked back at the carriage. She met Naruto's gaze. And without a moment's hesitation, she beamed at him.
"Looks hale and hearty! Come down here, young man! We can always use an extra pair of hands!" she called, beckoning in great sweeps.
Naruto hesitated. And then he stepped out of the carriage.
They were in a quiet corner of the city. The buildings were clustered close together. They almost looked like crates stacked together. Obviously built in a rush. There were signs posted above some of the doors, usually with drawings or symbols. Some people hung out the windows, staring at the commotion below.
Although there was a lot to look at, the stench was what occupied most of Naruto's attention. It smelled distinctly of feces- a smell Naruto had become used to as he visited the castle's stables. When he looked down at the cobblestone, he began to suspect that the dirty water stuck between the cracks in the stone might not be water after all.
Naruto had little time to focus on these things as they put him to work.
There was a stand arranged where people were given a small sack of grain. The stand beside it distributed loaves of bread to each family. The third stand distributed a tiny pouch of coins to each family. Then Hinata blessed them with a prayer, taking requests and offering words of comfort before sending each person on their way.
Naruto lugged crates of the bread and grain to the stands as stocks ran low. The number of people who flooded the streets to receive from the temple made his jaw drop. Just as it seemed that there were no more people to serve, another flood of grasping hands and bony wrists came staggering down the street.
Many wore clothes that hung in tatters from their shoulders. Some appeared to be drunk, staggering and cursing as they knocked into people. The few who grew too noisy were dragged away by the temple guard. But otherwise, the citizens who stood in line were not the wretched creatures Naruto had expected. In fact, most were downright pleasant. Some even thanked him for his kindness as he walked past with his arms full.
"This will keep us going until Dad can work again."
"The kids won't go to bed hungry tonight."
"Now we can buy that medicine for Gran."
Naruto hefted one of the coin pouches in his hand as he took a break. The meager clink of the money inside sounded like it couldn't have been much. Naruto thought to the piles of gold that sat in the castle treasury. He thought of the mink-lined coat his mother had ordered not many months ago.
"What'd we do without the temple?" one old man sighed, shaking his head.
"If not for Her Holiness, we'd be starving. Those nobles only look at us when it's time to collect taxes," a woman growled, shooting a glare in the direction of Whiteriver Keep. Whose towers and flags were visible even from the heart of the slums.
"That's not true."
Naruto whipped his head around at the sound of Hinata's voice. She offered a a gentle smile to the people who had grumbled.
"The Lord Regent and his wife are the ones who have donated to this almsgiving. Their generosity is what allows the temple to serve you," Hinata corrected them.
"Your Holiness…" A murmur rippled through the crowd as they took in her words.
But rather than feel pride, Naruto began to wonder. He stewed on his thoughts as he continued to work. And even when the donations ran out and the stand was dismantled, Naruto thought long and hard. He wasn't as good as piecing things together as some people, but there was something bothering him about this picture.
And that sense of unease only increased when one of the children tugged on his shirt as he passed. Naruto paused, looking down at the girl.
"Will you come back next time?" she wondered.
"Next time?"
"Next almsgiving! Will you be back then?" she clarified.
Naruto didn't know what to say. He grasped her little hand, watching a little smile appear on her face.
"I'll be back," he promised.
Naruto helped Hinata back into the carriage. He stepped inside and settled across from her. The footman closed the door behind them. As the horses began cantering forward, Naruto found himself staring at Hinata.
"…how often do you do this?" he asked.
"As often as we can. Monthly, when possible."
Naruto frowned. "And the same people come every month?"
"I cannot be sure. But I do recognize many of their voices," answered Hinata.
"Oh."
Naruto couldn't think of any other way to respond. He couldn't quite put his finger on what was bothering him. He wished there was someone he could unpack these things together with. It seemed like everyone had advisors or confidantes around them. All Naruto had was Sai, who was seldom anything more than antagonistic.
It would have been nice, during a moment like this, to write to someone for their input.
Sakura hadn't responded to his last letter. And it was growing more and more discouraging to write when all he received was silence. But as Naruto's eyes found Hinata again, he thought back on her advice. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try one more time. And even if that ended in the same failure, surely Hinata would be there with some words of comfort.
When they returned to the temple, there was a large carriage waiting for them. It dwarfed the nondescript vehicle they had taken into the slums. Sai sat inside, one arm hanging out the open window. As he spotted Naruto, Sai sneered. Naruto glared right back. That only made Sai laugh, shaking his head as he turned away.
Naruto helped Hinata out the carriage. He made sure that her attendants were there to greet her before he released her hand.
"Prince Naruto?" Hinata was already turning back, hand reaching for him.
"Thank you for today. I need to get going," Naruto said. He bowed.
"Oh… of course. Go in the presence of the goddess, Prince Naruto," Hinata blessed him with a smile. Naruto couldn't even pretend to return the expression before he turned to walk up to the carriage that would take him back to Whiteriver Keep.
As he expected, his parents scolded him for not staying under Sir Sai's watch. It didn't seem to matter to them that he hadn't felt secure under his retainer's watch in years. It didn't matter that the temple's own guards had been with them every step of the way. Duke Hyuuga was even there to supply a remark or two.
"Naruto, it's wonderful that you've shown an interest in these sorts of events, but this poor judgment has shown us that you aren't ready for these sorts of excursions," Minato said. He glanced in Duke Hyuuga's direction. The Duke gave a single nod.
Naruto rolled his tongue against the inside of his cheek. He took a deep breath.
"How am I supposed to be ready if you never let me try?" he grumbled.
Minato arched an eyebrow. "What was that?"
Naruto clenched his hands into fists. He lifted his chin, eyes defiant. "How am I supposed to be ready if you never let me try?" he repeated. "And how am I supposed to learn about people if you never let me meet anyone? Why does everything have to be supervised? Why don't you trust me?"
Minato sputtered. He looked over at Kushina, who was staring at him too. Her arms folded across her chest. They had had this argument many times before. And now Kushina said nothing, waiting for her husband's answer.
Minato rubbed a hand over his face. He heaved a sigh. "Naruto, you don't understand how dangerous it can be."
"What could be so dangerous? There are always people looking to hurt people with money or power," spat Naruto in return.
"I-"
"And since when do people hate our family? What have you done to make them hate us?" Naruto pressed.
Minato blinked. This was so unlike his son. Who was usually all grins and oblivious glee. He had wanted to protect that innocence. To keep that bliss on his boy's face for as long as possible. But the misery that had settled into Naruto's expression made him suddenly look so old.
"I just…" Minato looked down at his hands. At the signet ring that always felt too loose on his fingers. "I just wanted to protect you… There's… there's so much you shouldn't have to worry about, Naruto."
Naruto ripped his cape off his shoulders. The precious furs tumbled to the floor, along with the broken buckle. "What's the point of all of this? What have we been doing for all this time? I'm so tired of everyone telling me not to worry. What am I supposed to be doing if I'm not worrying!"
Naruto stared down at the ground. Feeling the anger rising in the back of his neck, crawling up into the back of his skull.
"You know, don't you? How everyone says I'm just a kid. That I'm dumb. That I don't know anything. Did you raise me like this on purpose? So everyone could laugh at me?"
Naruto could hear his parents calling after him as he stormed out of the room. For a moment, when he heard footsteps chasing after him, he peeked back. Hoping that it might be his mother. Maybe even his father.
His heart sank when he recognized Sir Sai's boots instead.
"Oh. It's just you. Stay-"
"20 steps back. Yes, yes," drawled Sai in return.
Naruto heaved a sigh as he continued down the corridor. His head still throbbing in time to his anger.
As he walked, Naruto decided that he would try to write to Sakura. Just one more time. Because if anything would get through to her, it would be anger. She would know what to do.
Naruto dismissed Sai when he got to his chambers. There were his family's personal guards on this side of the palace who would keep an eye out for him. And Sai departed with little fuss.
That gave Naruto the time to find some clean paper and a pen.
He remembered her warning him once not to reveal too much in letters. There was a chance someone else could read the contents too. So he kept it brief. He summarized his experience with almsgiving. His odd feeling as he worked. His parents' overreaction.
I need your help. I want to know how to do better.
-Naruto
He signed and stamped his ring onto the bottom of the page. He then sealed the envelope with wax as his father had taught him many years ago.
But when he poked his head out of his room to find a servant, there was no one. Just the two guards who normally stood outside his door. They asked him whether he needed anything. Naruto hesitated. Then he shook his head.
Instead, he informed them that he was going for a short walk. And that there was no need for an escort as he would be back shortly.
The aviary was housed in a tower on the eastern side of the castle. Naruto passed a few servants on his way. They always smiled and bowed, skirting to the side. Naruto just smiled in return. It was nice, at least, that they never expected him to say anything important in moments like these.
When he arrived at the aviary, there were no people inside. He paused to try to pet one of the birds. Most of them were pigeons- grey with black and white speckles dotting their wings. The ones that flew to foreign lands were different species. Crows for the Mountain Kingdom. Doves for the Tea Isles.
Naruto liked the doves. They usually accepted his pets the most.
Naruto chose one of the bigger doves. He secured the message to its ankle. And then he slipped a red and gold crest over its head. It was to show that it belonged to a member of the royal family. Hunters would know not to target these birds. And if anyone found the letter, they would know where to send it back.
He lifted the dove onto his arm, scratching it around the beak. The dove cooed and fluttered its wings.
"Please fly carefully. This is an important letter," he whispered to the bird. It cocked its head. When Naruto poked his arm out the window, the dove opened its snowy wings. It took off into the air, dipping a little before it climbed higher in the sky.
Naruto turned away from the window. Hesitated. He turned back to watch the bird. Just to make sure it flew outside the city limits safely.
The windows in the aviary were narrow. They were meant for letting messenger birds in and out, but not much else. Still, Naruto managed to wedge his shoulder into the narrow window enough for him to peek outside. He could still see the white bird soaring above the city. The red and gold emblem glinted in the sunlight.
Naruto wondered what that journey must look like to a bird. It would pass over the dense forests that filled the country. Towards the ocean, where the tea isles floated atop the blue waves.
And then something glinted in the distance. Just as he squinted at it, Naruto heard a horrible screech. The bird plummeted to the ground in a flutter of red-stained feathers.
For a moment, all Naruto could do was stare. A noise rose up his throat, but he cut it short. Suddenly realizing that an arrow couldn't have come from nowhere. Heart hammering against his ribs, Naruto fled from the aviary. His panic making his footsteps clumsy.
He only made it a little ways away before he ducked into a dark corner to vomit. One of the servants found him heaving and coughing, one hand braced against the wall. She called for help. More servants arrived to help him to his feet, murmuring words of comfort as they guided him back to his room.
Naruto was glad no one asked him questions. Glad that they still saw him as a child who only needed to be coddled. He let them baby him and smother him with attention as he tried to sort all his thoughts out in his swirling head.
As the rainy season continued on the Southern Tea Isle, Itachi found it easier and easier to adjust. When dark clouds began to sweep in from the horizon, he knew to duck under the eaves of the nearest building. If there were servants near him, they were always happy to pull him into their hiding spot with them. The servants, he'd found, always knew the ins and outs of the palace best. Some of the older ones scolded him about not wearing a cloak. That the duchess would never let it go if he fell sick under their watch from running around in the rain. And Itachi would nod and smiling, laughing as he listened to the servants chat about their chores and the comings and goings of the island.
As the gentle rain began to sprinkle down that day, Itachi wasn't in the palace. He was in the city, on his way from sending a letter to his younger brother. There were plenty of servants who would deliver it to the messenger's office by the docks. But there was something nice about slipping an extra coin into the messenger's hand and asking him to take care. Those letters always seemed to receive replies a little faster.
He felt a tap on his arm. Chojuro motioned towards a nearby tavern. They hurried across the street to slip into the building.
"Howzit, Prince?" bounced around the room as people noticed him. Itachi smiled in return, shaking his head when they tried to offer him their seats. But as he glanced around, he caught sight of an unexpected face.
"Count Maito?"
The Count rose to his feet, chair legs scraping against the floor. He crossed the room in big strides, laughter booming ahead of him. He reached one hand out. Itachi grasped it. They shook hands as Count Maito patted him on the other arm.
"Look who it is. You look well, Your Highness," Gai exclaimed, as if to announce it to the whole room.
"Thank you, Count Maito. You look energetic as well," answered Itachi. The Count beamed at him. Patting him on the arm again. He gestured to someone behind him, who rose to his feet, lowering his hood.
There stood a man with the same shining black hair as the Count. He bowed from the waist. As proper as could be. When he finally lifted his head, Itachi realized who he was.
"Young Lord Lee. I wondered when I would have the chance to greet you," Itachi said. Count Maito's son grinned.
"It's an honor to finally make your acquaintance, Your Highness. I've heard wonderful things. It's such a pleasure to meet you," Lee boomed with the same energy as his father. Gai, arms folded across his chest, smiled as he watched them exchange niceties. Eyes narrowing just a little.
"Your Highness, if you're not too busy today, I'd like to ask for your help on something," Gai requested.
Itachi's eyes widened. He looked to Lee, who also smiled at him. Itachi nodded.
It didn't take long for the rain to let up. They exited the tavern, despite people's protests to stay for a proper meal. Itachi promised to return another day to a chorus of approval. Gai and Lee exchanged a look behind Itachi's back. And then they froze when they caught Chojuro scrutinizing them.
They mounted horses and moved to the north, in the direction of Count Maito's lands. As they left the bustling city behind, Itachi could see the huge green hills that filled the horizon.
"Are those all tea plants?" asked Itachi, pointing.
"Yes! That's the first flush moon tea. They should be ready for harvest in a week or so," Lee reported. And then he looked to his father, who thumped him on the back several times, grinning.
A mist still hung over the tops of the hills. As if the rain was still clinging to the foliage there. Itachi took a deep breath as he looked around. On all sides of the roads were dense forests, filled with the chattering sounds of animals. Birds shot out of trees in explosions of white and black feathers. The brush rustled as they moved past, curious snouts and eyes poking out past the leaves.
"I haven't had much of a chance to explore this part of the island. It's beautiful. So different from the south shore," Itachi remarked.
"I've wanted to extend an invitation to you, Prince. For quite some time. But with your weak constitution, I was unsure whether you could handle such a trip," confessed Gai in return.
The corner of Itachi's mouth pulled up. Count Maito had been there when they had realized the cause of that "weak constitution". Count Maito had also made it a point to send over the best combat instructors in his employ. Along with health supplements and fresh fruit to ensure a swift recovery.
And to answer the Count's unvoiced question, Itachi said: "I'm glad that I've come to a point in my recovery where I can finally admire your lands, Count Maito."
The paths they followed were winding, but well-maintained. It took a little under two hours until they could see the edges of the Count's estate. It was tiny in comparison to the duchess' palace. There was a larger building in the center of the land, surrounded by smaller buildings. As they passed the fields, the farmers straightened, wiping the sweat from their brows. Some fo them waved in greeting. Others nodded.
As they neared the main building, they passed under an archway. There were bells tied to the top post on a blue ribbon. Itachi craned his neck to stare at them.
"Is there a special meaning to that?" he queried.
Gai and Lee exchanged a look. Gai cleared his throat.
"We recently lost a dear friend… It was simply his time," he explained. And then Gai glanced back at the bells too. "It's been several days, so he's likely moved on. But just in case he needs guidance, those sounds of those bells will lead him down the right path."
Itachi stole one last look at the hanging bells. Watched the way they swayed and knocked against each other in the breeze.
The tour of Count Maito's home didn't take long. It was less of an estate and more like a village of its own. The smaller buildings, Itachi realized, were homes for those who worked and lived on the Count's lands. All over the property, there were people chopping wood and hauling crates filled with spiky pineapples.
More than anything, what caught Itachi's attention was the expression on people's faces. They were sweating. The ones carrying shovels were covered in dirt. But they were smiling. Laughing, even.
And when they spotted the Count, their laughter swelled. Arms opened wide, they greeted him warmly. In return, Gai grasped their hands, grinning and easing into their conversations as if he had been there from the start.
As Itachi watched, Gai went around to speak with several different groups. He lingered in one group, his smile fading. Forehead creasing as he exchanged words with people who appeared to be farmers.
Lee hesitated. He grimaced in apology to Itachi before he dismounted his horse to join his father. As they explained the situation to him, Lee's face also darkened. When Itachi left his horse as well, no one seemed to mind his presence. A few of the farmers took a step back to widen the circle for him to join.
"No can, Chief. No moa hands for the harvest. It's not enough with just us," one of the farmers insisted.
Gai sighed, rubbing his forehead. "We'll have to make do this season. By the time we hire migrant workers and bring them here, it will be too late anyway."
"The weather's been too warm, Chief. The tea leaves are growing early. They'll taste bad if we don't pluck fast enough," one of the men pleaded.
Gai rubbed his forehead harder. Scowling now.
"I'll ask Count Hatake if he can spare some people. And I'll send out word. Maybe there are some idle hands in Plumeria," Gai decided. The farmers grumbled among themselves, nodding and sighing. They weren't completely satisfied, but it was better than nothing.
"But there are more laborers right here on the island."
Heads turned toward Itachi.
"What do you mean?" one of the farmers asked. The man beside him elbowed him, muttering about watching his tone. But Itachi didn't mind.
"When is the next silk harvest?" questioned Itachi in return.
The farmers glanced around at each other. One of them shook his head. "Not for a few more weeks."
"Well, then, the dyers are probably waiting for work right now. Why not ask them to help with the tea- just on a temporary basis? I'm sure they would like the extra pay."
A murmur rippled through the gathered farmers. They exchanged looks, whispering back and forth as they debated the idea.
"They wouldn't know what to do."
"They can learn while they work. You learned on the job too, brother."
"Can they handle this sort of labor?"
"I've seen those women carry tons of bolts. They're strong."
One of the farmers turned to Itachi and smiled. "I think might work. Good thinking," he commended. Itachi smiled, nodding in turn.
The conversation turned towards more pleasant things. Itachi was obviously a foreigner. But when they realized that he was the Duchess' guest of honor, their eyes bulged. They apologized for their rudeness, laughing even harder when Itachi responded with kindness.
Gai's hand found Lee's shoulder.
"That prince is…" Gai mused.
"Smart," Lee finished the thought for him.
They watched as Itachi gestured toward the bracelet one of the farmers wore. He nodded every once in a while as he listened to the explanation of what the beads symbolized. And then the farmer was the one nodding after he pointed to the silver necklace Itachi wore and Itachi explained its significance in turn.
Itachi sent word to Sami that he would be spending the night at Count Maito's residence. The Count set the place of honor for him. They drank wine and traded stories about their homes long into the night.
Gai had a way of laughing from his stomach until his whole body shook. When he smiled, there was no sharpness to it. And he was happy to share about himself in their conversations.
Gai had lost his wife many years ago. He had raised his son with the help of the many people who lived in his territory. And though Lee was a little clumsy, he was just as kind as his father.
The Maito family, Itachi learned, was descended from the last chiefs of the island. Many people had protested when these indigenous people had been gifted a noble title. But the king at the time had ignored all criticism. And the Maito family had served the ducal family for many generations.
As the moon rose high in the sky, Gai raised his cup, signaling for more wine. He leaned back on one hand with a sigh. Then he cast Itachi a sidelong glance.
"How have things been in the palace?" Gai queried.
Itachi knew exactly what he was asking about.
It had been a little over a week since blood spilled in Lady Kurenai's residence. Lady Kurenai had returned to Sami. Sasori, who was normally close to his mother, now refused to leave her side.
"Things have been quiet. The Admiral is still investigating the details of the incident," Itachi replied.
He left out that while Lady Kurenai seemed to be handling things well, Lady Ino was still shaken. Lady Kurenai invited her to share breakfast each day. The servants took extra care to prepare the meals Lady Ino liked best. Day by day, color seemed to be returning to her face. But sometimes she would stare down at her hands. As if she could still see the blood on them. And no one knew what to say in those moments to comfort her.
"Of course this would happen when Her Grace isn't here," grumbled Gai, glancing in to his cup. His expression brightened when a servant appeared with a carafe of wine.
Holding his cup up, Gai then said: "Speaking of which, Her Grace is keeping us busy even when she's not home. Have you had a chance to visit the construction yet?"
Itachi shook his head.
Word had arrived from the Arids that Sakura would need housing for about 5000 soldiers. Sasori had nearly pulled his hair out when he had received the news. After some complaining, he had put together a team of the island's most skilled carpenters to begin planning. Proposals to clear land on the Southern Tea Isle had been shot down fairly quickly. Instead, they had turned their attention to a smaller isle that sat a little further south of Plumeria. It could be reached by a short boat ride. It was too small to house a full city on its own. But it was a good size to begin building barracks for a small army.
"Not yet. I thought I might be a hindrance," Itachi confessed.
Gai considered things. He shrugged. "You may be right," Gai agreed. But then he tilted his head to one side. "Or you may be wrong. There's only one way to find out."
Beaming, Gai held his cup out to Itachi. Itachi stared at it. Then at his own cup. When Gai gave a little nod, Itachi held his cup out. Gai clinked it against his, smiling even wider.
"You're alright, Your Highness," Gai declared before he took a swig of his drink.
And as Count Maito and Prince Itachi drank their wine together, Kisame plopped down in a creaky wooden chair.
"Busy?" he asked.
Zabuza grunted. "Just finishing supper." He rubbed the back of his hand across his mouth.
"Weird seeing you apart from the kid," observed Kisame, his eyes narrowing.
Zabuza sniffed. He stuffed the rest of his bread into his mouth. Shoveled the last dregs of stew in after the bread.
"You're an idiot," Zabuza declared.
Kisame grinned. Cheek in his hand, he leaned his elbow on the table.
It was crowded in The Sailor's Rest. The rain had pushed people indoors where they found a hot meal and a tankard of something that would get them drunk. By now, people knew not to take this table- the one where the mercenaries always sat. That didn't stop them from chatting and singing loudly all around them as more alcohol flowed into their tankards.
Kisame glanced around the room. So did Zabuza. No one was paying attention to their conversation.
Still, Zabuza's eyes narrowed as he spoke in a softer voice. "Are you seriously telling me that you don't see the resemblance?" he demanded.
Kisame's expression didn't shift as he responded: "Nah, I see it. Doesn't mean shit though."
Zabuza glared. "This is what I mean. You're an idiot. Anyone could see it. And you know what that means," he snapped.
Kisame rolled his eyes. He waved a hand around. "So what? If you're right, what are you going to do about it?"
Zabuza met his eyes. His hand tightened into a fist. And then it relaxed.
"What do you want?" Zabuza demanded.
Kisame jerked his head in the direction of the door.
"Little Lady Ino is out for a stroll. Keep an eye on her for me, will you?" Kisame mimed a cutting motion with two of his fingers.
And Zabuza scowled, like he was prepared to complain. But then, sighing, he nodded.
Zabuza generally disliked everyone. And he was the first person to complain that he hadn't signed onto this mercenary band to babysit some spoiled little noble. But Ino's kindness to Haku, as well as her overall cheerfulness made it difficult for even Zabuza to fully hate her.
"She doing alright?" he asked.
Kisame rolled his eyes. "Do you think she'd be alright?"
Zabuza scoffed. And then he shrugged one shoulder. "Guess not… for a kid like her… probably tough," he then conceded.
Since the day of the incident at Lady Kurenai's residence, Ino had grown quiet.
Her laughter no longer ran out in the halls of Sami. She didn't play card games at the taverns near the port. Nor did she roam the markets with a handful of coins to argue with the merchants with words and hand gestures whenever the words weren't enough.
Ino was just quiet now.
And though Lady Kurenai made an effort to comfort her, her words meant little.
A man was dead because of her.
It didn't matter that he had frightened her. Or that he might have hurt her if she hadn't done something.
He was dead. She wasn't. Nothing could change that.
No one blamed her. The servants were kind as always. Kinder, actually. They piled extra cookies on her plate at tea time. They made sure to fill her room with more flowers.
Lady Kurenai insisted on eating breakfast with her. And she invited Sasori to join as often as he could. Their conversations were light-hearted and simple. Just noise to fill the silences between cutlery clinking against the plates. Ino appreciated their efforts at normalcy. And hated it at the same time.
That everyone expected her to eventually become alright. As if she hadn't done something wretched.
She liked sitting with Kisame. Who didn't ask silly questions or try to fill the quiet with nervous conversation. He would nod at her and then go back to sharpening his knife or writing his letter. He never asked her why she was there or whether she needed something. It was nice to not have to answer such questions.
The other place where Ino had found solace during all of this was the tailor's shop located in the market.
When Ino slipped into the tailor's shop that afternoon, the rain had begun to pepper down on the island in earnest. She could hear the tap of the water against the tiled roof as she closed the door behind her. The bells on the latch jangled together.
The lanterns around the room were lit. And the shutters on the windows were wide open to let in the grey light from outside. But as Ino looked around the workshop, she couldn't the tailor himself. She lowered the hood of her cloak with both hands.
"Be just a minute," a voice called from above.
Ino turned around, tilting her head back. Finally, she spotted him sitting on top of the ladder angled against one of the shelves. A scrap of fabric lay in his lap as he dug through the bolts crammed into one of the spaces. When he glanced down at her, Deidara nodded.
Ino pushed the beaded curtain aside, walking into the back room without asking. Past the curtain was a modest little kitchen with a stove and a wooden table. Logs crackled in the flames that warmed the stove. Ino waved her hand over it once, just to feel the warmth. Two brown, rock-like objects sat on the counter. She had learned some time ago that it was called taro by the locals. It tingled the inside of her mouth, but the flavor itself was sweet. Next to the taro sat a couple fruits, along with an oblong loaf of bread.
"Are you hungry?"
Ino turned to find Deidara in the doorway, pushing the curtain to one side. Under his other arm was a bundle of fabric, shimmery and light brown.
Ino shook her head.
Deidara frowned. He stepped into the kitchen. Moved past her to pick up a kettle. He shook it, heard the water sloshing around inside, and placed it on the stove.
Ino looked around the room as he began pulling out cups and his old, faded teapot. She settled on one of the creaky chairs at the table. Her eyes drifted shut as she listened to the rattle of tea leaves as he measure them out.
They drank their tea in silence. It was moon tea- floral and a little smoky.
And then, it was time for Deidara to go back to work.
Patterns made of paper sat stacked on his workbench. He laid them on top of the fabric, cutting out the shapes and matching them up at the edges. He pinned and gathered, tucking and folding with such ease that it was as if he could do all this with his eyes closed.
When the shapes began to come together, he pinned them onto a mannequin. And with fluid motions, he draped the fabric over the lifeless doll. Like a choreographed dance, he measured and cut. Scissors singing as he sliced through the fabric. Needle dipping in and out until, with a tug, he brought the thread together.
"How do you know this will fit her?" Ino wondered. She sat in the corner, leaning against the edge of the workbench. Just out of the way, but close enough to see.
"I remember," answered Deidara.
"But how?" Ino insisted.
Deidara glanced up at her. Smiled just a little as he plucked a pin from the corner of his mouth.
"Of course I remember," was all he said.
Ino started when, a while later, Deidara held his hand out without looking at her. She blinked at his hand. And when it gave an insistent little shake, she stared around the tabletop.
Her eyes fell on a pair of black scissors. She placed them in his waiting hand. And Deidara grunted before he used it to trim an uneven edge off what looked like a sleeve.
Ino loved it here. Loved wandering around staring at all the different types of fabrics and threads. She marveled at how there were dozens of spools of black thread. And then marveled more when Deidara scoffed and insisted that each of the shades was different.
What was even more incredible was how confidently Deidara orchestrated each garment. All the pieces came together into one dress or one blouse. And as Ino watched him ironing his latest creation, she couldn't help but let out a little sigh. There was something magical about all the attention that went into each work of his.
She felt a twinge of envy at how he smiled at each of his works. When he turned his gaze to her, found her staring, she felt a rush of embarrassment. He stared at her. And then pointed to a spot by her arm.
Ino looked down. She handed him the pincushion. Marveling at the length of his fingers as they moved.
"You should eat something," Deidara suddenly said.
He glanced up at her through thick, gold eyelashes. A pin was clamped between his lips. He plucked it from his mouth and stuck it into the fabric. Eyes returning to his work.
"Let me finish this. We'll go eat after. I know a good spot."
Ino looked down at the fabric. She focused on a stray piece of thread.
"Okay," she answered.
All that answered was the snip of scissors.
Sakura lifted her head as she heard doors opening and closing somewhere in the distance. It didn't take long for footsteps to clack down the hallway. Meno hurried up to her, huffing and puffing.
"General… it's-"
Meno didn't even get to finish her thought. Sakura was already on her feet. She pulled at her robes as they caught on the arm of the chair. Azra and Esma rushed to help her. And then their soft-slippered feet trailed after Sakura as she crossed the courtyard. The double doors slammed open as she pushed her way through them.
Sakura stopped short as she saw Shijima sitting on the floor. Just inside the doors that led into the northern wing of the palace.
"Consort Hoki!" the twins gasped. They ran, falling to their knees on either side of Shijima.
Sakura crouched in front of Shijima. She reached out, hand smoothing over Shijima's cheek. Her fingers came away wet with tears.
"Talk to me," Sakura said.
The only thing that answered was Shijima's whimper. She sucked in a shuddering breath before she burst into silent tears that shook her shoulders. Azra and Esma's eyes welled up. They threw their arms around Shijima.
It was much later. After Shijima had collected herself. And after she had a cup of tea that she was able to speak at all.
"I found…" Shijima hesitated. Shifted her hands on her cup. "I found maggots in my wardrobe… All over the dresses… in my new shoes… I…" Shijima turned a little green.
"Enough. I understand," Sakura interrupted her before Shijima could make herself sick.
Sakura stared hard at Shijima, tapping her finger against the arm of her chair.
Over the last few weeks, Shijima had made some progress with matters of the harem. With some well-placed bribes, she had managed to turn some of the servants onto her side. She had also managed to recruit one of the lower-level concubines to spy for her. But in exchange, the remaining concubines had turned even more vicious to Shijima. They took every opportunity to sabotage her. Some had run to Prince Baki with accusations that ranged from laughable to treasonous. Prince Baki was no fool, however, and he was quick to quash these little plots.
Sakura watched Shijima sniffle. Esma produced a handkerchief and handed it to the consort.
Sakura sighed.
She needed to leave soon if they were going to make it to the next city.
But it didn't feel right to abandon Shijima in this hopeless state. And it made her stomach churn as she watched Shijima fight so hard against people who were so determined to see her wither into nothing.
It was impossible to see Shijima and to not think of her own past. Enrolled in a military academy where the teachers and students alike thought a girl would be a hindrance. The nobles circling her like vultures over a dying body. And the silent tears Sakura held until she had a moment of solitude. Terrified that someone would see and strike in that moment of weakness.
"Maybe I can't do this. Maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut," Shijima lamented before blowing her nose.
Sakura felt something in her snap.
Everyone turned to look at her as Sakura got out of her seat. She disappeared into the back room. Temari glanced around at her siblings. She followed after Sakura.
Sakura returned several minutes later with a piece of green fabric clenched in her hand. She tossed it into Shijima's lap.
"Is it true that Concubine Deba is violent?" Sakura queried.
Looks of confusion flickered around the room. It was Meno that replied.
"Sometimes, General."
"And is she ever violent with people's property?" Sakura then inquired.
"Often, General," Azra confirmed. "Once Prince Baki had a dress made for another concubine. Concubine Deba was so jealous that she had it torn to shreds and burned."
"I tire of this woman. The next time Concubine Deba is out for one of her walks, wear that and cross paths with her," Sakura ordered. Shijima looked down at the green fabric in her lap. She ran her hands over the simple stitching. And then she nodded.
Once Shijima had calmed herself a little more, Sakura had Suigetsu and the twins escort the consort back to her quarters.
"What does that green thing have to do with your plan, Lady Sakura?" questioned Kankuro.
"It's bait," answered Sakura. "I will have Concubine Deba declawed. It will take much too long for Shijima to dismantle the hierarchy otherwise."
"If this goes poorly, it will be quite the mess. And if it goes well, it will still be a mess," Gaara pointed out.
"Well, if we fail, we'll simply bring Shijima with us. She can marry into our family. Or perhaps she could marry Lieutenant Colonel Hyuuga. He would treat her well," Sakura suggested.
"Or Countess Inuzuka's son. I like him," added Temari, looking a little smug. When Kankuro met her eyes, her secretive smile only widened.
Over the next few days, Sakura instructed the servants to keep a close eye on Concubine Deba's schedule. They noticed that the concubine liked to walk from the harem, located in the southern wing of the palace, to Prince Baki's garden in the eastern wing. She would take the same path each day after afternoon tea, when the worst heat of the day had already passed. Her entourage was usually with her, fawning and simpering as they moved.
The plan would be for Concubine Deba to lash out at Shijima. And then a servant would run to Sakura. Sakura would witness the abuse and see how Concubine Deba had damaged the clothing that she had lent Shijima. The potential ramifications of souring relations with the Haruno family would likely force Baki to punish Concubine Deba. And even if it wasn't a permanent sentence, it would buy Shijima enough time to make some changes to the dynamic of the harem.
Shijima was understandably nervous. She nibbled on her meals and tried to smile over tea. But when Sakura searched her eyes, she was unworried. Because underneath the fear, there was desperation.
Shijima would not fail.
A few days later, Meno ran with her skirts in her hands, nearly stumbling as she burst into the room.
"General! Please! It's Consort Shijima!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, Meno. Calm yourself. You knew this would happen," Sakura chastised her. With a sigh, she got to her feet. She rubbed a hand through her hair.
But Meno's panic didn't seem to ease as Sakura motioned for her outer robe and her slippers. She fluttered about, wringing her hands.
"Please hurry, General. It's… rather urgent," Meno pressed.
It was unlike gentle Meno to be so insistent about anything. Sakura knew this. She paused to stare at Meno as Azra helped her into her robe.
"What are you saying?"
"Concubine Deba beat one of the servants quite badly. She's in a fierce temper today. I fear for Consort Hoki's safety," Meno whispered, her hands trembling now.
"General! You aren't finished dressing!" Azra yelped as Sakura swept past her.
Shijima stood in front of Deba, her hands clenched at her sides. A servant cowered behind Shijima's skirts, blood trickling from both her nostrils.
"Stand aside, girl. Clearly this wench needs to be disciplined," Deba ordered. She held an ornate fan in front of her mouth, gilded and feathery.
Shijima extended an arm to shield the servant.
"How dare you touch one of my people? She only spoke the truth," snapped Shijima in return.
Deba's eyes narrowed above her fan.
"How dare I?" Deba repeated. Some of the other concubines tittered. They leaned in towards each other, hissing comments that traveled like the sounds of many snakes tangled together.
"That's right. She only said that you should stand aside and greet me in the corridor, Concubine Deba. Tell me where in that statement lies even a hint of falsehood," insisted Shijima. She flinched a little as Deba took a step forward. The giggles rose in pitch as they sensed Shijima's fear. Shijima gave a nervous look back at the servant, then faced Deba again. She trembled, but she stood her ground.
"You can try to intimidate me, but between the two of us, only one is Prince Baki's legal wife," Shijima stated.
Deba's fan drooped. She wasn't smiling. She took another step toward Shijima, tossing her fan to the side. It clattered against the hard floor. She lunged forward, grabbing Shijima's face.
"Let's fix that ugly little mouth of yours, once and for all," Deba snarled. Shijima shrieked as Deba's long nails dug into her skin. And then Deba grabbed her hair with her other hand, pulling at the painstaking braids and curls that must have taken hours to arrange in the morning.
The servant girl screamed. She threw herself at them, trying to pull Deba away from Shijima. Deba's elbow caught her in the jaw, sending her sprawling.
"I'll tear up that face. We'll see if His Highness wants to ever look at you ever again. Know your place, you filthy little insect!"
A few days ago, Sakura and Shijima had visited the public baths together. Sakura leaned back on her palm, head resting on her shoulder. Temari lounged on her back behind them, her eyes closed and a warm towel draped over her face.
Shijima peeked at Sakura. Looked away. Peeked again.
"Which one are you looking at?" asked Sakura. She opened her eyes to smile. Shijima gave a sheepish look in response.
"I know I'm being rude. But…the big one on your back. What happened?"
Sakura's eyes closed again. "Ah. That one. I stopped an assassin from killing my cousin."
Temari let out a sigh.
Smiling, Sakura reached back to squeeze Temari's shoulder. "From the other side of my family. Not this one," Sakura then clarified. Temari grumbled something that sounded satisfied. It was likely something rude about the Namikaze family. But Sakura was fine with that. it would be lost in all the clamor and conversation that echoed around the room.
"Although, now that I think about it, perhaps that assassin meant for me to shield my cousin," added Sakura, laughing a little now.
"It's not funny, Lady Sakura," Temari said. And this time, she sat up, towel sliding down on her face and landing on her lap.
"What are you talking about? It's hilarious," Sakura insisted with a flap of her hand. And then her smile sharpened. "It's hilarious how once I am able, I'll find out who sent that assassin. And all the other ones. And I'll make sure to tear their flesh from their bones and bleed them dry."
Shijima looked down. She rubbed her hand over her ankle. "That's a frightening thing to imagine," she remarked. And then she considered it. "Although…"
"Although?" Sakura repeated.
Shijima looked at her. "I wonder what they've done to make someone like you so angry. You're so kind, General."
"You don't know that."
Shijima shook her head. "You are. You're one of the kindest people I've ever met," she insisted.
Sakura stared at Shijima for a while. Sighing, she placed a hand on Shijima's arm.
"Listen to me, little bird. I am not kind. Not without reason. You must know that everything people like us do must be calculated," Sakura warned. When Shijima's wide eyes fell on her again, Sakura smiled.
"Always remember this. Women like us must never act on our emotions. We must always remain in control. And we must be patient," Sakura warned. She waited until Shijima nodded at her. And then her expression warmed.
"Good girl."
"Look. Over there."
"It's the General."
The whispers traveled among the servants and the concubines.
Heads turned to glimpse Sakura rushing down the corridor towards them. Her hair was in a loose mess. The robes hadn't been fastened, billowing behind her instead. Sakura gathered the fabric in her hands, pulling the edges against her chest to keep them in place. And while she wasn't quite running, there was urgency to her steps as she moved. Meno hurried after her.
Some of the concubines cast nervous glances at Concubine Deba, who hadn't noticed. She was too busy raining slaps down on Consort Hoki. And all Shijima could do was wrap her arms around her head to try to shield herself from the worst of the blows. She cried out as Concubine Deba's foot connected with her stomach.
Finally, one of the concubines took a nervous step forward, her fan angled to cover her mouth.
"Concubine Deba. Look."
Concubine Deba finally turned her attention to the new arrival. And so did Shijima.
Shijima managed to croak one word through her tears:
"Abla."
Older sister.
Concubine Deba's red mouth twisted in a sneer. But she didn't get a chance to make some sort of snide mark.
Because Sakura didn't come to a stop in front of her to rebuke her.
She marched straight up to Concubine Deba and grabbed her by the hair. Tangled her fingers into the dark strands. She pulled hard, listening to the concubine's shriek of pain. Sakura ignored Concubine Deba clawing at her wrists. Instead, she gave another sharp tug. Concubine Deba screamed again.
"Oh. It appears that I've caught a rather large rat," remarked Sakura.