Scarlet Justice - ep. 85
"Eclipse"
[Venerate, Part 2]

Morning again. And it's cool enough outside that there's snow falling from the sky.

"Mm. Looks like a nice day for tea."

I stretch before getting out of bed. It's time to get ready for the day, and to do some extra investigation before I set out for my meeting. Breakfast will be ready downstairs, and there's a proper dining hall in this hotel...so it's to my advantage this time. I take on my appearance from yesterday, going a bit lighter on the makeup and removing the earrings from the equation for now.

A few hours are devoted to chatting with the women that catch my interest. In bits and pieces, I learn a bit more about my target. The locations he heads to, the times he's present here and there...this is information that would frankly be difficult to pick out if not for my willingness to look out for all of this as much as I could. I suppose he planned for this much, knowing that someone from the Leaf with the necessary information would be arriving. Hiding in plain sight and leaving the most controlled clues in safe locations. Clever...I can see why he was admired so much as a shinobi.

As afternoon comes, I retreat back to my room and decide on what I'm going to do about today's look once I leave. A light bit of experimentation gives me something to work with. Lipstick in blossom pink, makeup kept light, and hair in a rounded, messy bun. A few wavy strands of hair will be at the front to properly frame my face. And I want to sell my look just a bit more, so I've purchased a white skirt that stops at my ankles. My warmers are still visible for that extra bit of trendy mid-life energy. I'll definitely memorize this and keep it in mind for future undercover missions as 'Carrie'.

Evening soon arrives, and I check myself one last time before stepping out, handbag slung over my shoulder. I pull my scarf around my neck before clearing the hotel entrance, with snow continuing to fall lightly. The pleasant and soft crunch of snow reaches my ears as I walk through Tanzaku.

I reach the northern part of town. It's much quieter than the other sections, especially now with the day just beginning to wind down. But visibly, there's a striking contrast as well. The shops are spaced further apart, and the streets are twice as wide compared to further downtown. The gaming establishments, bars, and other entertainment parlours aren't as obvious as everywhere else. In some ways, it's very nearly like another world here. Very refined, some would say strangely so. And commoners are scarce to top it all off. Most of the people that I've passed by have looked to be in the upper classes, even if they're not loudly showing off their wealth.

"..."

It seems that I've reached my destination. A small sweets shop with stained glass windows. As I open the door and step inside, I see that seating is limited. The floors are well cared for, made traditionally out of strong wood. There are three tables, all made of glass. I can smell the various scents of tea leaves, and get a whiff of the treats in the kitchen. Heavenly, all of it.

"Welcome."

It's a gentle voice that calls to me from behind the counter. I see a woman with her dark hair tied up in much the same way as mine, with very fair skin. She wears a silk kimono with soft, wintery colours.

"Thank you. Good evening," I say to her.

"Good evening. How may I serve you today?"

"I would like gyokuro, if you would be so kind."

The woman smiles and nods, looking pleased with my choice. "Please, allow me to prepare a pot for you. Take the time to relax while waiting."

"Thank you." I bow to her politely and choose an empty chair to sit in. They're certainly luxurious looking, with high backs and thick legs that firmly grip the floor. The seat itself is soft and quite comfortable...it seems that no expense has been spared when it comes to this place. From the back to the arm rests...very nice. I could sleep right away and fly off into my dreams.

"It's no wonder everything is so high-priced," I say to myself quietly. "Certainly well worth it."

My hostess, who I surmise is also the owner of this establishment, brings me a small tray of treats to sample.

"Would you like anything else, madam?"

"Yes. Some manjuu and a plate of dango," I reply. She bows to acknowledge me and leaves silently. I close my eyes in the meantime and occupy myself with happy thoughts. Not necessarily wholesome ones, but good and happy nonetheless. Combined with the soft feeling of the chair, it's very relaxing. Mm. I should look into getting something like this for the apartment. Luna and Midori would like it.

The sound of the door opening and a hint of cold air interrupts my thoughts. I can hear the measured steps taken by the other person, and a cursory taste of the air tells me that this person is also a shinobi.

"Welcome, sir."

"Good evening."

My eyes slowly open at the sound of the male voice. It has a deep, rich tone. Intriguing in a way that I can't quite put my finger on. I turn my head to the counter and see that there is indeed a man there, wearing a dark sweater and pants. There's a book in his right hand as he stands at the counter.

"I'm having gyokuro today," I announce. He nods without turning.

"I see. Green tea would be nice in this weather. Should I order us sweets to go along with it?"

"I've taken care of that already. But I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

"As expected. It seems that I've run into someone quite clever this time."

He leaves his place at the counter and takes the seat directly across from me, setting his book down on the table. The face that I once studied back in the Leaf preparing for this outing is now staring back at me. The long and neat hair that is tied back, leaving him with a low ponytail. Dark eyes, accompanied by deep lines on the face. A very calm and collected expression, stoic and giving nothing away. I don't quite see the intense attractiveness that was spoken of so often. Perhaps my love of the female form above others explains it.

So. This is 'that man'. Itachi Uchiha. The prodigy of a fallen clan. A traitor to his family and to his village. Sasuke's brother, the man he swore on his life to kill.

"..." He studies me for a moment before seeming to relax. "I was surprised for a moment."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"I didn't expect someone so young to embrace the old styles so readily."

"I see."

"It takes a lot of effort to pull off a disguise in that manner. There is the option of transformation. Easier, more convenient, safer overall in most situations. But it's not as organic and can lead to its own share of problems if used incorrectly."

"That much is true," I reply. Our hostess sets down the ordered sweets along with the teapot and two ceramic tea bowls. She bows again and disappears. I pour Itachi's tea first and set the bowl in front of him, then pour my own. "So you're not upset they sent a girl to see you."

"It wouldn't be without reason, even if I somehow felt slighted by the decision. Sarutobi likes to do things in order. But I know enough about you to understand that I'm not being disrespected in any sense. Lilith Kobayashi, if I'm correct."

"Yes. But it's Carrie in public right now," I say before taking a sip of tea. Ah, remarkable. A wonderful flavour...the owner has impeccable skill.

"I see." Itachi sips at his tea and nods. "Very good. Did you know about this shop before?"

"There was gossip, mainly about you. But you knew that much."

"Hm."

He doesn't ask me the expected questions right away. It's more than just being cautious, he seems to be waiting for an opening of some kind. It's as Hiruzen mentioned to me. A reserved and non-confrontational type of person. There are a few things I mean to ask, but he's the one who sent for me. The polite thing is to see what it is that he wants.

It's quiet with only the three of us in this shop, the owner in the kitchen taking care of our treats. Peaceful. There's no tension to speak of and the lighting make everything look and feel comfortable. I glance across the table to see that Itachi is relaxing more, settling in his chair as he drinks his tea.

"..."

It makes me wonder. I feel...a slight pain in my heart. Along with everything I've heard, I can see the man in front of me right now. He really does seem gentle and understanding. I know what happened, I know what it was he did, but...what exactly would push a person like this down such a dark path?

"I suppose we should start our conference," he says.

"Yes. I suppose so." I make sure to keep my focus, even with these feelings swirling about. Being a bit firm with him seems to be the best option. I don't want to let him slide away so easily, but I also don't want to be confrontational for no good reason.

It's a while before either of us speak again.

"What do you know?" he asks.

I take a breath in and start to recite everything that I've learned relevant to him. The massacre of the Uchiha. The continued involvement with the village from afar. Sasuke's mission to kill him in the future. The mercenary organization that calls itself Akatsuki.

"I see. Yes, all of that is accurate. I put an end to the Uchiha Clan." He hesitates a moment.

"..."

"But it was not alone."

"That's an important bit of information, I think. But I'm sure that you will elaborate on this at the appropriate time."

"Yes. The objective was to protect the Leaf. An internal conflict such as a coup would invite disaster on the village."

"So everything was for the Leaf. Or is that the story you hold to after so long?"

"..."

"Your very last request was to have Sasuke protected. If I may be so bold, I believe that your pacifism and your desire to protect ended up at odds, fuelled further by an environment that held up use of force as both the cause of and solution to life's conflicts. More than anything, Sasuke was your most important person."

"That much is true."

"So your reappearance was to make sure that the village and Sasuke were safe. Orochimaru is defeated and Danzo is still at bay. For now, at least. There's another objective in play, I can only assume," I say as I sip my tea.

"Somewhat. As you already know by now, I am currently a member of Akatsuki. Orochimaru was also in the group at one point, but was forced out after we had a minor confrontation."

"I'm sure," I reply in a dry tone, setting down my bowl. "So you brand yourself mercenaries in this group, yes?"

"That and more. To be truthful, my persona is being reinforced with this stint in Akatsuki. I am observing the group from within. Their objective at this time is slowly being refocused to the gathering of the tailed beasts."

A crack appears in the bowl in front of me. Itachi pauses and regards me with a curious look.

"It was something I said."

"Quite," I reply calmly. I shove down the heat in my chest and compose myself before speaking. "If you're observing the Leaf...that means you're after a particular target."

"The Nine-Tailed Fox. I understand that the current host is Naruto Uzumaki."

Another crack splits out from the previous one in the bowl. Our hostess appears and silently takes it away, presumably to replace it. Itachi again looks at me with curiosity.

"Your reaction to this news is well-noted. If I might ask...what is that child to you?"

"He is someone that I love dearly, without restraint," I reply.

"I see." He sips from his bowl slowly and takes another moment to gather his thoughts. "The group has not yet moved on these particular plans. It will take some time before we actively begin our hunt for the tailed beasts, collecting them from their hosts."

"And that time...how far away is it?"

"A few years from now at the least. Between three and five. Our financial and social bases have not yet solidified." Another deliberate pause. "The Hokage...Sarutobi. He will be training Sasuke in the future, from what I now know."

"Does that fall outside of your calculations?"

"Somewhat. But...it's almost for the best."

"But you want to repent for your sins. Isn't that why you groomed your little brother to lust for power?"

"Yes. But it's also because I..."

"Value him more than life itself," I finish for him. "You desired peace and struggled with finding it in such a cruel world. But Sasuke, he was even more important than that. He was more important that the village. More important than the entire world. Many would call that a foolish, twisted kind of love. But it is love nonetheless."

"..."

"You've called me out here, but you have had little reason to tell me these things in particular. You could have easily left it as simple business." I pause as our hostess delivers a new bowl for me, and nod gratefully to her. She sets down a wooden tray with our ordered sweets from earlier before leaving us alone once more. "You must see something in me. Is this part of the conversation for Sasuke's sake, or do you have more that you want?"

"It depends. What is your intention when it comes to Sasuke?" he asks.

"It is not merely my will that drives the current relationship we have. I follow Naruto, who calls Sasuke a brother."

There's a brief flicker in his expression. "Brother..."

"Yes. It was he that begged me to bring Sasuke home after he betrayed the village, in an attempt to complete his life's goal of avenging the Uchiha Clan. Of course you know that I succeeded."

"Yes."

"I cannot say for sure what I will do without guidance, but at the least...I would not hastily try to serve him the pain that was served to me."

"By that...what do you mean?"

"He has tried to kill me twice."

Itachi closes his eyes. "I see. And you still persist."

"Yes. I persist."

He opens his eyes to look at me. "If there is anything that I can do for you..."

"What I want is out of your grasp," I say firmly.

He nods. "I understand."

"Do you...I wonder." I grab hold of a sweet and bite into it, chewing slowly while I look at Itachi.

So...things that I know now. Akatsuki is a group that will eventually start chasing the tailed beasts and their hosts, including Naruto. Sasuke is set to receive training from the Hokage, and offer he is unlikely to turn down. This will as a result keep him occupied and within the confines of the village until a certain time.

It's becoming very clear right now that Itachi wants far more from me than a simple conversation. Just what does he want me to commit to? Maybe...at this stage, I can be a bit more passive and trusting. He's been far from hostile. In fact, it seems like my initial assessment of him was correct...he's not a bad person.

I watch him tap a finger lightly on the table. He's thinking deeply on something, certainly.

"I mean to place a burden on you."

"Oh? How bold of you. The one who killed his family and tormented his younger brother to the brink of insanity, asking a heavy favour of me. Do you know who it is you are speaking to?" I ask haughtily.

"Yes. The woman who has overcome fate itself, and brought ruin to men who thought themselves as gods. It is because I know of your strength that I ask for your benevolence."

I run a hand through my hair and try to hide my blushing. "I see. Well then, proceed."

"Thank you."

"Does this request involve Sasuke, by chance?"

"No."

I nod and sip my tea before answering. "Very well. Then I will hear whatever requests that you might have of me."

"Rather shrewd of you, Carrie."

I toss another haughty look his way, and he smiles in response.

"The world is undergoing change and upheaval. It's possible that it might all be for the worse. Akatsuki is a part of this, but...there is something else. Something far worse than just that organization. And that is why I ask this of you, who has already delivered the will of heaven into mortal hands."

"..."

"Madara Uchiha...lives."

My eyes widen. "Hold a moment. That...isn't possible. Madara Uchiha is long-"

"He was the one who helped me carry that grim task out."

So that was what he meant. "That man is still alive? Are you sure?"

"Yes, somehow. Now you see what I meant earlier. He wears a mask to hide his face, but his knowledge of everything was so detailed and intimate that I can only take him at his word. Perhaps by dark arts, or some jutsu that has never been heard of...but I know that it is Madara. It has to be him."

"And you want me to...deal with that."

"I want your help, more than anything. More than that...I have a desperate dream. I want to ask you to help facilitate peace."

I frown. "That much is impossible. I am not that type of person. This body of mine is meant to devour and destroy. Nothing more. I am no saviour."

"I realize it."

I look into his eyes and start to understand. "Ah. A pacifist through and through. You mean to use me as your sword, then. Is that it? Hmph."

"If it is possible. It may make me seem weak in your eyes."

"That is not a failing. Stop your foolishness, Itachi."

"You are much kinder than you let on, Carrie."

"Yes, yes. I have been told that in the past. I'm not sure I can believe that, even now," I say to him honestly. "However, the elimination of Akatsuki is a mutual goal, it seems. Madara has ties to this organization as well?"

"I have suspected as much."

"Mm. I'll have to crush them if they come after the village, especially if they approach Naruto. And I'll kill you too if you get near him for that sick plan."

"I understand."

"Be sure that you do. As for Sasuke...you still intend to continue with that absurd plan to have him avenge the Uchiha?"

"..."

I shrug and cross one leg over the other. "Do as you please. But I make no promises that he will survive if he crosses me again. Doubly so as far as Erika is concerned. Be careful with further handling of him, if you have plans to that end."

"Right."

"So, to summarize everything...you want me to hunt down and eliminate Akatsuki at some point, stop Madara from enacting whatever plan he has for the world at large, continue to protect the Leaf, and finally help create peace across this world of ours. Is all of that correct?"

"Yes. It seems to be so."

"You've asked a lot of me, you know."

"I have work to do on my end as well. But having one more reliable person on the outside, especially someone so capable...it would mean a lot."

"Mm." He's being very honest. There's the question of how I'm going to go about all of this, but I have the essence of it. That should do for now.

"I also sense that you are contemplating on what to do about Danzo Shimura and his organization ROOT," Itachi says.

"Possibly."

"The best you can do is let him come to you, then strike when the time is right. Thanks to your influence on Sarutobi, that time will come sooner rather than later. Taking action on your own will not end well for anyone, even if you managed to kill him and physically dismantle his organization."

"The shadows are dangerous, then."

"Yes."

"I thank you for your concern, Itachi."

"Carrie...or should I say Lilith at this time. The following years will be among the most important for the development of the village and the world."

I cross my arms and give him my full attention.

"This world of ours is held up by ever thinning strings. These strings have names like 'policy', 'diplomacy', 'military doctrine', and so on. What you see in front of you, this peace that the world clings to like it has for decades since Hashirama's ascent...it is in many ways an illusion. Shinobi are asked to do horrible, impossible things to maintain this false sense of order, the flimsy tolerance that currently exists between the world's guardians, called the Five Shinobi Powers. The choices we make, along with the things we do..."

"...they are essential to progress and the status quo. So that we might never go back to a time before this," I finish. "Things like having to choose between your beloved family and the village that you were born in, that you come to love so dearly. Choosing between comrades and mission that you swore never to run from. Between your life and that of a precious friends. Between the children you have loved and raised, and your own future."

"Yes. You understand, then."

"I understand, and have understood for a long while now. That is why I loathe humanity so much, Itachi."

"That I understand as well."

"But you do not share those sentiments," I say to him.

"No."

"You are strong."

"Am I?"

"Yes," I say sincerely. "You have come such a long way, and yet you hold to that ideal. You are a beautiful soul."

"This world as it is...it cannot last in the current state, nor should it."

"Then what do you propose? How do we achieve peace in this world of ours?" I ask.

"I do not truly know. All I can tell you is that...it will begin with understanding. Connecting with each other in some way."

"..." I see. My mind brings me back to that conversation with Naruto, from so long ago. I remember it well.

"I wanna change the shinobi world one day. I don't know how I'm gonna do it, but I will. And maybe...maybe people like Zabuza and Haku don't have to be bad guys anymore."

"Do you think...it were possible to reach someone's heart, to feel what they felt...would something like that bring us closer to peace?" I ask.

"I think so, yes."

"So it's possible. Perhaps one day soon. Maybe not in our lifetimes...but one day."

"Even if you loathe humanity?"

"Yes. Even then. Because even I have people that I want to protect."

"We...have similarities in that respect."

"Yes. I can see that much."

We quietly finish our tea together before getting up. The hostess puts the rest of the sweets into two bags, and I pay the fixed amount for everything together.

"Thank you for your generosity. May the heavens favour you, and your journeys be successful," she says to us.

"Thank you. Please live well. Good evening," I reply.

"Good evening," Itachi says.

"Good evening to you both. And farewell," she says with a smile. I will make sure to come back here one day as well. This is a very good shop, for many reasons.

We step outside to see the snow falling lightly. I hand Itachi one of the sweet bags and he takes it from me.

"I heard that you had a sweet tooth."

"Something like that. Thank you for your generosity once more."

"Think little of it. You know, if it were another time and place, I might have courted someone like you. A fine bloodline and good looks to match. Shame about you being a criminal."

He chuckles at that. It feels like a rare moment, seeming him so amused.

"You really are an interesting woman."

"Surely. But my tastes are far away from men like you. They are more aligned with those of the female persuasion."

"I figured. There was talk of a woman with red hair charming the local ladies."

"News spreads quickly, I see. Well, it only makes sense. This is me we're talking about."

"It's little wonder that Sarutobi has changed. I was right to petition you for guidance."

"..." I look up at him. "Itachi."

"Yes?"

"I...really do like you. To someone on the outside, looking in at us, it would be outrageous. We have only just met, and your hands have been stained with blood from before my arrival. Surely this intimacy is not enough to erase those layers, yet it has come to pass. I see a person. I see someone that I want to care about and care for. And because of that, I wish that we could have met in another time as comrades, two people who loved and cared for the Leaf while living each day among its branches."

"Please take care of Sasuke as best you can. Even if it's indirectly."

"I will try."

"Thank you for the company, and more than that, for hearing me out."

"I...I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you had to go through all of this," I say suddenly.

"Lilith-"

"Please. Lili. It's Lili."

"Lili."

"I only wish that I had been born sooner, to see that sort of tragedy undone."

"It's alright. I chose this path, after all."

"Did you?"

"Yes. In the end, I could have chosen to stand by the Uchiha, and disappeared into the sea of blood along with them. But I did not. This...it was ultimately my choice. Giving Sasuke the life he has now, uniting with Madara...all of it is my fault. I cannot run from that truth, Lili."

As much as I want to protest, I cannot open my mouth. He is right, in the most depressing sort of way. He could have let it all go. But...something like that...

I find myself quietly grieving what could have been. Perhaps what should have been.

"Can you come closer?" I ask.

He blinks before doing so, coming closer to my level. "What is it?"

I am spurred within myself. I raise my head upwards and kiss him gently on the cheek.

"..."

He pulls away and looks at me, searching for reason.

"You are more than what the people have called you. Thank you for your sacrifice, Itachi Uchiha."

Finally, he nods in acknowledgement, giving me a small smile.

"Good evening," I say to him.

"Good evening, Lili." He turns his back to me and walks away. I watch him go a while before pulling my scarf tight and walking back towards the hotel. I make it to my room, enter the bathroom and wash the makeup from my skin. My hand reaches up to loosen my hair from its bun, and it falls down onto my shoulders.

There is an overwhelming feeling of sadness.

I place my hands onto the sides of the sink and let out a breath, heavy and long. And...the feeling slowly starts to flow out of me. It forms tears that fall from my eyes, dripping slowly into the sink and flowing downwards.

"Save...the world."

It hurts...to think about.

"Save...this world. You ask too much. You ask too much of a world that...did all of this to you. Even now, in your heart...Itachi."

Because it hurts, I will nestle this pain into my heart. I will etch the warmth I felt from him into my memories. I will never forget the truth of this world.

If not for his sake, then...for my own.

It is in the morning that I bid Tanzaku Quarter farewell. Soon enough, I will return. There is much to do. It might always be the case. For many reasons, it is a place to be remembered.

The snow is starting to fall harder than before. It is a sign that winter has arrived in earnest. I store my items and leave town in the exact appearance I entered it - a young kunoichi visiting from the Hidden Leaf.

"If you believe in me so strongly...if you would call on me as your sword of justice as well..."

I speak into the wind as I make my way through the trees, back towards my home.

"Then, if the heavens permit it...I can change your fate as well. The world would say otherwise, but you...are also worth fighting for."

I smile to myself.

"Something for the next time we meet, then..."