HIDDEN MOON II - CRESCENT MOON

SUPER AWESOME AND IMPORTANT INFO!

There's now art!

Of Team Nine!

It's the new cover image and the code for the Pinterest link is in my bio, since FFN is awkward with links.

The trip itself doesn't take long. The Hidden Moon Village is located in a land directly south of the Land of Fire, meaning they're by far the closest Union member to them. Their travel is not met by any obstacles, difficulties, or roadblocks. They enjoy a very mundane trek through the country.

During one of their last breaks before reaching their destination, Shino makes sure to remind his team of the situation.

"Remember," He stands up to address the Genin, "The Hidden Moon Village doesn't operate on the same rules as other villages you may be familiar with. For one, their borders are open to anyone thanks to their open door policy. They're a neutral zone."

Jiriki raises a brow. "If they're neutral, then why are they joining the Union? Isn't that taking a side?"

Shino nods in acknowledgement of the question. "I can't speak for their reason, not yet at least, but it's possible they recognize the change that's coming to the world. Whether that's the case, it's my mission to find out."

Genzai raises his hand. "What about their ranking system? The mission report left it kinda vague."

"Yeah, I didn't really get it, either." Kashiwama scratches his head.

"It's true that they don't follow the same system that we do. They're somewhat more… loose in their training of young shinobi. However, I don't want to mistakenly paint you the wrong picture, which is why it's best for you to learn how they do things at the village itself."

"So there're things even sensei doesn't know?" Kashiwama asks.

"Of course. Anyone who tells you they know everything is a liar. Now, let's depart; we've only a day's travel ahead."

With that bit of wisdom, Team Five gather up their belongings into their packs and storage scrolls and continue to their destination.

-x-

Hidden Moon Village

When Team Five approach the Hidden Moon, their attention is immediately drawn to the centrepiece of the village- a large tower-like structure, seemingly carved into a very tall tower of stone that looms over the village. From a distance it looks like there're multiple buildings built into the large natural structure, with it most likely serving as the main headquarters of the village. They do tend to be built in the most prominent buildings.

As they make their way down a cliff, they do get a view of the rest of the village, with it being apparently very traditional in appearance. Buildings like these are ones you'd find the old clans living in, as all the clans of Team Five, as opposed to the newer structure in the Hidden Leaf.

They walk the road undisturbed until the front gates of the Hidden Moon finally come into clear view. Even from a distance, they can already see a gathering of people, waiting to greet them into the village.

When they finally reach the foreign village, a single young woman walks out to greet them while the rest stay back. The most noticeable feature is the stark contrast between her darker skin and silver hair, further contrasted by her emerald eyes that go with her turquoise kimono.

She gives a deep bow when her guests arrive. "Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village, it's my pleasure to welcome you to the Hidden Moon Village. I am the village head, Tsukino."

Shino returns the bow. "My name is Shino Aburame, Jounin leader of Team Five." He motions to the three Genin behind him. "These are my charges: Kashiwama Senju, Genzai Sarutobi, and Jiriki Hyūga."

The boys bow.

A warm smile crosses Tsukino's lips. "All names respected and cursed throughout the battlefields of old. The path ahead won't be easy for you, but I hope you walk it with confidence."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Please, come right this way. I hope you find our village as welcome as home." Tsukino ushers them past the gates.

They're immediately greeted by a woman holding out a plate with four small cups of tea, while a man beside her holds a plate with colourful wagashi, all brightly decorated and shaped to resemble flowers.

Kashiwama is immediately drawn to the confection. "Ooh, these look good!" He looks over the plate with an appraising eye. "Are the peach-flavoured?" He looks up to the man.

"Don't forget your manners." Genzai chuckles.

The man holding the plate chuckles. "You've a good nose. These are indeed peach flavoured."

Tsukino motions to the tea and wagashi. "A small sample of our hospitality, as a welcoming gift."

"Thank you kindly." Shino takes a sip of the small cup of the tea and takes a sweet.

The boys do the same.

Kashiwama stuffs the whole wagashi in his mouth. "Oh, this is tasty!" He says with a mouthful of wagashi. "You guys gotta try it."

"We are." Jiriki takes a smaller, more measured bite than his friend.

"You're forgetting your manners." Genzai takes a small bite, as well.

Shino looks over the small gathering present to greet them before turning his attention back to the village head. "It's quite the gathering just to greet us."

"You're important guests." Tsukino smiles. "This is also a turning point for our village, so everyone was eager to see who would arrive."

"Although I doubt eagerness is the only thing they feel." Shino says in a quieter voice.

Tsukino's smile becomes strained for only a moment before she regains her composure. "Yes, well, that's something for us to discuss in private, isn't it?"

"Indeed." Shino nods.

"Why don't I show you your quarters?" Tsukino invites them to come with her further into the village.

They pass by the crowd that had gathered and make their way, but not before Kashiwama gives an appreciative bow to the two who presented them with the tea and wagashi.

The Moon itself is definitely much smaller than the Leaf with smaller houses and less apartment complexes, but it seems to be enough for the people here.

They seem to be headed for the large structure that towers over every other.

"Is this where we're going?" Kashiwama asks.

"We are." Tsukino nods. "This is the Moon-Touched Tower. At the very top are the offices, including my own, and at the bottom are special accommodations for important guests. That's where you'll be staying."

"So it serves multiple purposes. Is there no fear of having outsiders so close to these offices? I presume they hold valuable information concerning the village."

Tsukino chuckles at the thought. "Our guests respect our neutrality and don't violate our trust. We've been safe from such incidents since the shinobi villages were first founded, so it's a system that's served us well."

Jiriki and Genzai share a discredulous look. 'Not one incident? Really?'

Kashiwama doesn't seem to have any issues believing that as he strolls along and admires the scenery, which becomes even more impressive as they get closer to the tower. Somehow it feels even more impressive close up.

Tsukino continues her explanation. "Around the tower are some of the most important facilities, such as the school and hospital. It's all kept centralized in this spot."

She leads them up a flight of stairs that lead into the massive Moon-Touched Tower until they reach a particular door to an apartment built into the stone structure.

"This is where you'll stay for the duration of your visit. It's fully equipped and stocked and it has four separate rooms for each of you. If anything's lacking, you can inform my secretary."

"And where might we find your secretary?" Shino asks.

"We'll meet her in a moment."

Rather than checking out the apartment first, Tsukino leads them on a tour of the upper part of the Moon-Touched Tower. They're not shown every single room in and out, but they're informed what's where, or at least the things they're allowed to know about. Offices, messenger falcon room, and Tsukino's personal office.

There, they meet a young woman with short black hair and a more practical kimono for someone who's presumably a shinobi.

"Yozora, these are our guests from the Hidden Leaf. Shino Aburame, Genzai Sarutobi, Jiriki Hyūga, and Kashiwama Senju."

"It's a pleasure." Yozora gives a bow which Team Five return.

"Ours, as well." Shino responds.

"If you have any questions, she has the answers."

Yozora gives a nervous laugh. "I don't know if I'm that capable, but I'll certainly try to answer."

"Yozora, could you call Tambo to the top? We'll meet him there." Tsukino requests.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Meanwhile, why don't we go to the top?" Tsukino leads them out of the room.

While she does, the secretary Yozora takes a radio to summon this Tambo to the Tower.

When Tsukino said 'the top', she did mean the literal top. The highest point of the tower sits behind a door that is sealed with a series of tags and jutsu formulae scattered across the walls. Tsukino forms the necessary hand signs to temporarily loosen the barrier so they can all enter through the door.

Jiriki raises a brow. "What's so important up here that you'd keep it behind a barrier?"

"You'll see in a moment." Tsukino looks back with a mischievous smile before going in through the door.

There, at the very tip of the Moon-Touched Tower, they're met by an unexpected sight. The very top is a garden in its own right, with rows of colourful and beautiful flowers lining the green areas and well kept and trimmed bushes acting as a natural fence.

The centrepiece and really the first thing to catch one's eye in this garden is an oddly mystical pure white tree. The bare base of it is easily several times taller than an average human and has a thick woven rope tied around it, with several bolt-shaped paper strips hanging from it. At around the middle of the tree's massive height, the branches begin forming out and its white colour is almost hidden by its green needle-like leaves.

"This is our Sacred Tree, the Goshinboku." Tsukino motions to the large evergreen.

Upon seeing it, Jiriki's immediate first instinct is to focus his chakra to his eyes and look to the edge of the platform.

[Byakugan]

He sees nothing. It's like the world ends at the edge of the roof.

"You're quick to grasp." Shino notes. "Your instinct is correct, we saw no trace of this tree when we looked at the tower from the outside."

"Oh..." Kashiwama looks around. "Now that you mention it…"

"It's true. Even if the tower is tall, a tree this big would've been visible."

Tsukino nods. "That's one of the functions of the barrier we passed. It serves to protect the tree that my clan has been tasked with protecting for centuries."

"This tree?" Genzai cocks his head. "Why's it special?"

Kashiwama takes slow steps forward, burning his eyes into the tree with a focus he doesn't always show. He analyzes and studies the Goshinboku.

"It's not going to steal our chakra, is it?" Jiriki makes a grim joke in reference to the last special tree the shinobi world encountered.

"Jiriki." Shino reminds the boy to behave in a stern voice.

"I'm sorry, sensei." Jiriki bows his head.

"What is it?" Kashiwama finally asks, his furrow brow still pointed at the tree. "It looks like a pine tree, but looking at it… Its branches are more like an ash tree and its leaves are more like a yew's. It's not like any tree I've ever heard of."

"You've sharp eyes." Tsukino notes.

"I'm the heir of the Senju clan of the Forest, this is the least I should know."

"You are correct that it's unlike any tree we know of. Whatever it is, it holds many mystical properties, and holds many more that we're yet to learn. That is partly why we agreed to negotiate with the Shinobi Union."

"I've heard tales of the Hidden Moon," Shino steps closer, "You produce a special perfume that's said to be able to negate even the most powerful genjutsu. I presume the source of that is this Goshinboku?"

"That's correct. Its sap carries a very strong smell that we've tried to utilize as best as we can. It even has mild restorative properties. Whatever we cut from it, it grows back much faster than normal trees."

"I can see…" Jiriki cocks his head in confusion. "I think I see something like chakra running through it?"

Shino looks back at his student. "Can you not see it clearly?"

"No, it's a little… muddled. I need to really focus to see it."

'Muddled?' Shino ponders. 'For chakra to be hidden to the Byakugan, that means there's something else at play. Hinata mentioned something I believe…' He tries to recall. 'During her travels to the Land of Wind, she saw chakra muddled when it was mixed with a strong source of natural energy.'

"Yes, that is part of why it holds special power. We wish the aid of the Union but we don't want to see the tree exploited beyond what it can handle. It's not just a resource to us. I hope you can understand that, Shino Aburame." She looks at him with a sterner gaze than he has until now.

He's learned to read people fairly well over the years and there's one thing he can tell from Tsukino's gaze- there's something she isn't telling just yet. There's something more to her tale than she's saying right now, something that will require privacy.

Shino nods. "I do."

"Excellent." She smiles. "And I do believe we've more guests." She looks behind Team Five, to the entrance of the uppermost platform.

From there, two people enter the garden, an older man and a young girl seemingly not older than the Genin of Team Five. They both wear kimono fit for battle with dark armour over it; their appearance not too dissimilar to Tsukino's. This might just be the standard uniform for the Hidden Moon Village.

"These are…?" Shino wonders.

"While you and I discuss matters, Shino Aburame, your pupils will be left in the care of this man to perform missions together."

The two newcomers walk up to them and both give a light bow.

"My name is Tambo Sugibashi, and this is my niece and pupil, Hifumi Sugibashi."

"It's nice to meet you." Hifumi adds.

"I'm Shino Aburame, Jōnin leader of Team Five."

"I'm Kashiwama!" He strikes a pose of energetically pointing to himself with a thumb.

"Genzai Sarutobi." He bows.

"Jiriki Hyūga."

"Tambo is an experienced shinobi, an equivalent to your Jōnin." Tsukino says. "Your team will be in good hands."

Jiriki and Genzai give a confused look at the strange wording.

Kashiwama smacks his fist into his open palm, full of excitement. "So are we gonna have our first mission today? What're we doing?"

Tambo chuckles. "Not quite yet, although I like the enthusiasm!"

"You'll head out as a five-man cell tomorrow. I just wanted you to meet today." Tsukino clarifies.

"Can't we go now?" Hifumi pleads as she looks between her uncle and the village head. "There's so much we can do!"

Tambo chuckles and pats her on the head. "We have plenty of time."

Hifumi pouts and brushes her hair back to its original state. "Not in front of everyone…" She mumbles.

Tambo gives the Genin an appraising look. "I've been told you're some of the best of your generation, the cream of the crop. I'm looking forward to what you can do."

"You won't be disappointed, trust me!" Kashiwama grins.

Shino bows his head to his fellow sensei. "They're indeed capable, but they've still much to learn. I hope they measure up to your standards."

"I resent that." Jiriki looks up to his sensei.

"I'm sure they will." Tambo smiles at Shino. "We have a few requests that need fulfilling, so they'll have plenty to do, don't you worry."

Hifumi taps her chin with her finger. "Then if we're not doing anything today, how about a tour?" She asks with a heightened excitement at the end. "You just got here, right? There's plenty of cool stuff to see!"

"Yeah, I'm game!" Kashiwama jumps at the opportunity. "Whatcha say, guys?" He looks back to his friends.

Jiriki waves off the offer. "I think I'll pass."

Genzai stretches. "We'll have plenty of time to look around after we rest."

"Aw, you guys are no fun." Kashiwama pouts. "And rude."

"How are you not tired from the trip?" Jiriki asks.

"Because there's so much to see! No time to be tired." Kashiwama hops forward toward Hifumi. "Don't mind them, they're just grumpy."

"That's fine." Hifumi puts on a smile. She wonders if she'd done or said something in their minimal encounter to upset the other two. It wouldn't look good if they're not on good terms barely ten minutes in.

"I'll tell your mom and dad you might be a while." Tambo says before turning to Tsukino and Shino. "If there's anything else, I'm always available."

"Thank you, Tambo." Tsukino nods her head, signaling him he's free to take his leave.

"Come on, I wanna see everything!" Kashiwama runs ahead.

"There's… not much to see, though. I wouldn't get your hopes up." Hifumi warns him.

Shino turns to his remaining two students. "You two be sure to rest well."

"You're not coming with, Shino-sensei?" Genzai asks.

"Not yet. I'd like to see more of this Sacred Tree." He looks back to the tree, although his eyes wander to Tsukino herself- the actual reason he wants to stay. Although no one actually sees that because of his sunglasses.

With Tambo going home, Genzai and Jiriki going to their apartment, and Kashiwama and Hifumi going to explore, Shino and Tsukino remain alone at the garden in front of the Goshinboku.

After a slightly awkward pause, Shino speaks up. "I don't like beating around the bush unless absolutely necessary. That's because… if we're going to be allies, we need to know where we stand."

"I agree."

"So then, what didn't you tell us about the tree?"

"Was I that easy to read?" She sighs and hangs her head.

"It's no fault of your own." Shino reassures her. "I've just made it a habit to study people. It's a useful tool."

"Well, your skills haven't led you astray. You're right; there's more to it." Tsukino turns around to look at the Sacred Tree in all its glory. "I suppose I don't need to tell you what happened six years ago, when those roots emerged from the ground."

Shino nods. "We were at ground zero when it happened. The Divine Tree threatened to steal the chakra from every person on the planet."

"Yes, well, except that didn't happen here."

Shino takes a moment to process the unbelievable sentence he just heard. "I'll need an explanation to believe something like that. There wasn't a single populated place that wasn't overturned by the Divine Tree's roots."

"The Hidden Moon wasn't." Tsukino walks over to the Sacred Tree and runs her hand across the trunk. "When those roots appeared, the Goshinboku… reacted in some way. Its trunk glew with a white light and the roots just… withered away before they could do anything to us."

"This tree… was able to completely overpower the Divine Tree? This very tree?" Shino demands confirmation. "Why have we not heard of this?"

"My father wanted to keep it a secret. He feared what the Great Nations would do if they find out our tree is of a level comparable to something that nearly ended the world. Best case scenario, the Goshinboku would be destroyed or taken away. Worst case scenario, we'd be attacked and slaughtered."

"We would never." Shino immediately answers.

Tsukino looks back with a saddened smile. "There's a long history of that happening."

"History. Things are different now."

"For now."

"Yet you're still choosing to trust us with this information after six years of hiding it. Why?"

"My father was adamant about keeping this to ourselves. We would still welcome outsiders with open arms but this was to be kept top secret; he didn't want any ills to befall us. I tried to carry on these beliefs after he passed but… I've had doubts if that's the best course of action."

"So you're willing to trust us?"

"I trust that this knowledge could potentially save the world, as it saved us. All that's left is to see if I've made the right choice." She turns her entire body to firmly look him in the… well, sunglasses.

"I'll see to it that you have."

"Are you going to report this to your Hokage?"

Shino shakes his head. "Not yet. As incredible a discovery as this is, I still need to verify it and determine the extent of this Goshinboku's abilities. That's because… I'd prefer to offer an informed opinion rather than speculation."

"You're certainly thorough."

"It's my assignment, after all, but it can wait until tomorrow. Thank you for your honesty. I'll ensure it's not misplaced."

"Thank you."

-x-

Later in the evening

It doesn't really take long for Hifumi to show Kashiwama the points of interest in the Hidden Moon Village. A few shops and stalls, a couple parks, and a temple on the outskirts really make up most of it.

Hifumi tried her best to extend the tour and make it seem more interesting but she really couldn't. They end their walk around the village by getting some sweets and hopping atop the roof of one of the higher towers around the village, a seemingly common practice for shinobi. There's just something about being on a high place that really puts a nice finish to one's day.

"Sorry there's not much to see." Hifumi gives a nervous chuckle.

"You kidding?" Kashiwama stuffs his face with some dango. "It's really cool! There's a lot of spirit and personality here that we don't really have in the Leaf."

"Yeah, but I bet you have more things to do." Hifumi sighs wistfully and rests her chin in her palms. "You probably get to go on actual missions, too."

"You don't?" He cocks his head.

She shrugs. "They're all just chores, really. I'm not trusted with doing bigger missions when we get them. I just want to go on real missions, you know? Prove my worth and be a real shinobi."

"I'm sure they'll realize you can handle it soon enough!"

"Sorry… I didn't mean to ramble. You didn't come all the way here to hear me whine." She shrinks back in her seat a little, her cheeks slightly red from embarrassment.

"No, but we came here so we can work together, and that means becoming friends, and friends share."

"You have anything to share? What kind of shinobi do you want to be?" She asks.

"The greatest!" He declares as he jumps to his feet to strike a pose. "I got a lot to live up as the great-grandson of the First Hokage but I don't plan on giving up! I'll be the strongest and the fastest and have all the jutsu!"

Hifumi chuckles at his enthusiasm. "That sure is a lot. But… are you really the grandson of the Hokage? That Hashirama Senju?"

"Sure am!"

"Wow, I didn't know someone like that was visiting our village."

"Just let me warn you in advance- my heart's already taken." He says in full seriousness.

Hifumi blinks twice before bursting into laughter. "I wasn't thinking of that, but I'll try to keep it in mind."

"I should probably head back soon. See what Genzai and Jiriki have been up to."

"Say, I didn't… offend them or anything, right?"

"Nah, don't worry. Jiriki's kinda rude and Genzai goes with his own flow, but they're good friends. I'm sure they'll warm up soon enough."

"That's good to know. Well, good night, Mr. Greatest Shinobi. Until tomorrow." Hifumi stands up to prepare to leave.

"Until tomorrow!"

Name meanings

Yozora (ヨゾラ, Yozora) - 'night sky'

Tambo Sugibashi (杉箸 タンボ, Sugibashi Tambo) - 'tambo' = 'tambo rugby' played in rice fields ; 'sugibashi' = cedar chopsticks

Hifumi Sugibashi (杉箸 一二三, Sugibashi Hifumi) - Old Japanese for 'one, two, three', which the French would take to name their version of rock-paper-scissors- Chifoumi.

Goshinboku (ご神木) - Sacred Tree of Ages