Scarlet Justice - ep. 136
"Mater Gratiae"

And so, I ascend the platform steps, preparing myself to face the crowd. It's still growing, curiously...the news must have spread quite far. Good advertisement for JPC and its affiliates, if anything. And a bit of extra pressure on my end. But if I can't handle this much, then being Hokage was never in the cards.

Small snacks, water, and temporary rest facilities have been set up for this gathering. It might not be enough, but I don't plan to hold everyone here for too long.

"Do I need to adjust my pace any?" I ask Sana.

"Not at all, Princess. We left room in our calculations in case the crowd swelled, and for other simple reasons. One can never be too prepared for events like these."

"That much is true."

"We will keep an eye on the spectators," Sanae assures me. "If anything happens, we have staff ready to move."

"Thank you for that assurance. Alright...I should be ready to go. I just have to turn the microphone on, yes?"

"Yes, that's right. Good luck, Princess."

"Yes, good luck," Sana follows.

"Thank you both."

There is no large podium to hide behind this time. It's just as well. Being in this position puts me much closer to the crowd, and allows me to connect with them a little more. I'm still high enough above them, but the removal of that barrier is symbolic. On this stage, I am also not alone. I cast a glance at the characters sitting on their chairs behind me. Various magnates, village elders, mid-level military brass, and politicians have attended, and the more important and generous ones get a front row seat to everything. The Fire Daimyo is not here, but has sent a representative in his place. I think briefly about that position and what it means to my future. Of course, my most ardent supporter in the Third Hokage is present, flanked by his two trusted councillors: Homura Mitokado, a greying old man with glasses and a permanent frown, and Koharu Utatane, an old woman who wears a hair needle with many pearls and tassels on it. Both are more militant than the Hokage, and no doubt have connections to Danzo – who used to be among their number on that governing body before he was expelled.

"..."

Tamaki and Imari are not exactly fans. They feel disrespected at every turn by those two, and it's easy to see why. Many hard-line decisions that have been ostensibly for the sake of the village had their support. No doubt they forced the Hokage's hand when it came to Sasuke, and allowed Danzo to insert his cronies into various positions around the village. The Hokage has final say on all matters, but he won't forego the opinions of two of his former teammates from a long gone era. They were also students of the Second Hokage, and present when Hiruzen was named successor. Their influence is powerful...so it means that they would be likely to favour any number of candidates over me when the time came for a replacement. I'm sure Jiraiya, experienced as he is, would not pass up the opportunity to pander to them if he wanted to keep me out of the chair entirely. Danzo would have his cards to play as well.

Still...the old man believes in me, more than anything. Allowing me to reach these high places is proof enough of his belief, that I can do anything I put my mind to. So I will lower my head and continue working until the promised time arrives. Even those fossils won't be able to deny my capabilities in a few years.

"I can plot my ascent later on...I should begin before people get too restless."

I clear my throat and flip the tiny switch on the side of my microphone.

"Good morning to all of you here," I announce. The crowd quickly starts to give me their attention, my voice reaching from the platform outwards. "Thank you for coming to this ceremony. I and all of the people involved appreciate your attendance. I would like to thank the people standing behind me for taking time out of their days to support this event, most notably the Third Hokage himself. I am honoured to have you here."

I turn and give him a deep bow, to which he tips his hat and nods.

"Water and small snacks are available to settle your appetites," I say as I turn back around. "And there are various rest facilities in the area if you should need them. We, however, will try to be brief in this matter."

There is but one small thing remaining to decide...that would be my approach to this subject.

I want to please the Hokage. That old man, Hiruzen...he has been so much to me, and will be so much more still. It feels natural to do so. More than a father and mentor to me, he is the father of this village, so to speak. Giving him proper respect is only right.

But...even in my youth...I am the mother of this home that will be built. The one that will carry this idea, and all of the ideals with it, into this world of ours. I do want to honour him, but it cannot be at my own expense. Then...how should I re-introduce myself to this village? Where should I go from here?

"..." I close my eyes to think.

"The old man and Iruka-sensei...they're the only ones who really look after me. And they never have enough time."

When I think of him...the person that I call my beloved friend...it makes me feel more than a bit frustrated. I know that I can't blame those two, or think ill of them. They were the only ones to try and give him any attention. But...why not more? Why didn't anyone do more? Even if he had the Nine-Tails inside of him, even if he was a troublesome orphan, even if he had a complicated legacy, even then...it wasn't fair at all. None of it was. To be bullied and shamed, to be hurt and deprived of love, to the point where he wanted nothing but attention and acknowledgement. Just a place, any place in this world. It wasn't a home, and it wasn't a family. It was the only place he had, this village. The only place he might ever have.

I can feel heat rising up in me. This is only right. This is the anger that I'm supposed to feel, on behalf of all those discarded children. So many that never got their second chance, or...even a first one.

"I wonder why it turned out that way. I wonder about their reasons. But...I accept it. I accept that I died a long time ago, as the only daughter of the Mutou family. I accept that they want to move on."

Fionne...my Fio. My irreplaceable friend. My beloved, the most beautiful flower I've ever known. The person who I dance happily in my dreams with, and, heaven willing, my future wife.

I remember those words. I remember how tears spilled down her cheeks when she spoke them to me. Her parents didn't have...no. That's wrong. They refused to gather the strength necessary to take their daughter back. They abandoned her. They left her for dead. And just as it made me angry then, it fills me with stinging heat now. But I don't want to cry this time. I will burn instead.

I will reach out into the world, and make sure that nobody within my grasp has to suffer like that.

"I was right...you are a mistake, Lilith."

That memory remains inside of me. It always will.

I know it is a lie.

But how many times has that very thing been stamped onto a child's soul, the words unsaid?

The heat continues to flow through me, and I slowly start to feel numb to it. This is what I need...this impassable mask to deliver my message properly. I cannot be a child at this moment. I am a woman of distinction. An elite in this world.

This place is my home. And I am the mother that will take care of these children. I will give them the love and attention that they never had, directly and indirectly. Love, care, discipline, trust, and truth. I will give them everything. The things hidden away from Naruto, the things Fio was denied, everything that was ripped away from me.

My eyes open.

"This land will be part of a great vision, and has been acquired and developed to that end. What lies barren ahead of you will soon become something vibrant, and a great part of our village. That vision is something I wanted to bring to life, no matter what the cost might have been. I have seen much in this world, and experienced even more. Not only in service to this village, but as a child outside of it. Let me introduce myself to you once more. My name is Lilith Caroline Kobayashi. I am the heiress of the Kobayashi Family, and subsequently Kobayashi Rice Corporation along with its subsidiaries. I am a proud jounin of the Hidden Leaf, in service to Lord Hokage first, and next to all of you who live here. I am an elite in every aspect. And I am the mother who will do what the elites of this village could not."

There's a notable amount of muttering now. The gallery at the back is shuffling in their seats. Good. Be angry. I'll stir you up until I'm satisfied.

"This place you stand in now will be called Carnation Quarter. Within it will be several different sections, each built for the express purpose of improving lives within this great and prosperous village of ours. In this direction," I say as I stretch out my right hand, "is Petunia Square. There will be tall buildings, a mix of apartments and suites. All well furnished, of course. Each space will have a subsidy attached, so arranged by me, dependent on need of each family, or individuals who might be staying there. With the help of the Hokage's Office, I have identified the families most in need, for reasons such as illness, loss of family, physical and psychological struggles, and so on. Some are even dealing with multiple problems at once. There will be large spaces, such as parks, to traverse and play in. And with the help of certain benefactors, we will be setting up many a business. From food and drink to utilities, education, information, technology, medical care, daily necessities, and yes, luxuries too. Everything will be here. Everything one would need...I suppose anything a body would desire. We've provided in every possible way before this ground has been tilled, and we can do more – you simply need to ask."

I lower my right hand and stretch out my left.

"Here, on this side...we will have a neighbourhood. Built last, so as not to take away attention and resources from everything else. This batch of homes will create a community. Some of them have been generously paid for by anonymous donors, but not for their sakes: these are for some lucky professionals who have already agreed to work nearby in a few years' time. Some of course are paid for by yet more professionals, such as shinobi, and still more are paid for by civilians in hopes of a more casual, peaceful life. This place will have its own lovely name, which is Gerbera Park. Of course, I have already paid for one of these future homes myself. In full, like everyone else has. Far be it for me to turn this into a grift. The money collected for these homes will be pooled into a certain fund, to be used at a later date."

I sigh and lower my hand.

"And finally...the real reason I stand in front of you. The real reason that we are all here. Magnolia House is the place that will be directly behind me. A place for those children who are orphaned, abused, and damaged by the world. A place for children who have been thrown away, and have nowhere they can turn to. A place that I saw fit to build. My house. The one that will be behind me...and in front of you."

I take a step forward, towards the edge of the platform. That heat inside of me has not faded away. I look down on the crowd, at everyone standing in front of me. Even if my friends and loved ones are there, it doesn't matter. Everyone needs to hear this. Everyone needs to feel it come from me, with all of the force I can put behind it.

"This place will stand here as hope for those lost souls," I say. "But it also has another role entirely. It is a symbol of your failure to these little ones."

At that, the mutterings get louder. But nobody dares to make themselves audible to me.

"I stand here to give these children light. That light that has been denied and ripped away from them. I stand here so that all of you know there's more than just a future of loneliness and pain. I understand that some have tried their best to look after those who are called the discarded, but that hasn't been enough. What life is left for them now? What paths have you given them? Either they're forced to work gruelling, mediocre jobs with their limited skills...or, as is often the case, they become shinobi. Because there is nothing else for them, and never has been as far as you all are concerned. What else is there for them to do? But you and I know the truth. If their hearts are not in it, they end up spinning out, feeling worthless. They become crippled, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. They die in battles they aren't prepared for. Worse, when left alone with only their tormented thoughts, they can take their own lives. If even the most well trained soldiers can succumb to suicidal thoughts, what chance does a hurt child have? I know that there is more than this for them. All of us do. Being a warrior should be a choice, not a last resort. That is why I will give these children the power to choose, the power to become anything they dream...at the least, the power to take flight on their own, and see how high they want to soar."

I place a hand over my heart.

"I will take responsibility."

I can see the crowd quiet down.

"I will take responsibility. For every cry of pain. For every tear. For the pangs of hunger, for the miserable days and nights. I will take responsibility, because I am no coward. Like any real mother would, I will look after the children I've taken in as best as I can. I will pour time and resources into getting them the best care, whether I am present or not. But I don't intend to leave them to teachers and caretakers for the entirety of their existence. Every child that comes through those doors, even if it is just for a single moment, will know my warmth and hear my voice. And if one should need a lap to lie on, a shoulder to cry on, someone simply to speak to...I will do everything I can to be there, even if it's just for one person. And every failure of mine will be marked in my heart, so that I can make sure it's never repeated. I will not let them be failed again. I will not let them be tossed to the winds, to fight for themselves in a world that never cared for them. I will not be like any of you. I will no longer stand by and watch living beings reduced to trash, not in front of these eyes."

I stomp the platform once and turn, facing the startled spectators behind me. Most of them look on in confusion and fear, while the Hokage removes his hat, looking at me.

"Do you know who I am? I will tell you. I am she, the envoy of heaven. Chosen of Almighty God. And I swear on my soul that these angels will be given their wings. If not in my presence, by my hand, then I will give them the chance to find another who will fill them to bursting with love, just as they have always deserved. In these hands, I hold the essence of the cosmos. The power to turn the world, and to heal those broken souls from their suffering."

I stomp again and turn to face the agitated crowd once more.

"This is my will made manifest. At last, the suffering families of this village will know peace. The children will be loved. All will be safe...and within that safety, nay, because of it...they will grow splendidly, and become greatness itself."

"For this absurdity to take place...!" A voice calls out feebly and indignantly from behind me, the poor facsimile of a roar.

"My lord, you must-"

"No! I will not sit and allow this insolence any longer!"

I turn again to the gallery behind me. An old man, large and with a thick white beard, stands up and adjusts the gold sash on his expensive robes. His gold plated cane taps loudly on the platform as he lumbers a few steps towards me. I lift my hand to indicate that I don't want any interference, and the fossil's assistant, a nervous little man, seems keen on preventing any major incidents. It wouldn't be very good if this so called community pillar struck a small girl, would it. I can see from the veins in his neck that he desperately wants to. A common thing for old men these days, it seems. Do they not know better, or is spanking just a popular fetish among them?

"You speak..."

"..."

"You speak with arrogance, little girl."

"Do I, now. Some might say it is a mark of arrogance to speak before introducing yourself. Even if the other party is, to you, a little girl," I retort. But of course I know who this old windbag is already. A construction baron named Ryuji Kotaro, who is using the project to try and build his profile. Just a bit player who can be replaced at any time I choose. Whatever formal rules he's thinking of don't apply to me, and he'll learn that quickly enough.

"You speak as if you have a thousand years of experience, when you know nothing at all. You, who cannot even claim to be a third of my age! Not even halfway to adulthood, but you speak of being a mother? You insult the women of this nation."

"I do speak of motherhood," I say calmly, staring up into his wrinkled face. "I speak with authority. Many things have been revealed to me, and much more will be, through the pain of mortality. Who are you to speak on what I know?"

"Your tongue might be sharp, but that will not save you from reality, brat. Do you think you'll be able to pay for all of this? This little pet project of yours? Taking care of children that come off of the streets and from broken homes, subsidizing buildings, educating scores of people all at once...all of that costs money, more than you could possibly understand at your age!"

"Is that so. You assume the daughter of Kobayashi House would be so clueless?"

"You have not existed in this world long enough to tell me that you have an intimate knowledge of things such as this," Kotaro bellows. "The people of this village will not-"

"Your pardon, sir. Princess, with your permission."

Sana speaks as she and Sanae move to my sides. I give her an affirming nod, and she continues.

"We do not require the help of the common villager. We have merely organized this presentation to gather their support, as the structures and subsequent programs will be integrated into their village. All of this has been planned extensively, and is under our control."

"You should understand our position," Sanae says, her voice firm. "Jakari Programming Corporation is one of the proud sponsors of this little...pet project, as you so lightly put it. And we can assure you that Kobayashi House has done all of its homework in regards to this matter. Not only do we have the funds to sustain this ourselves for an extended period of time, but even without our direct involvement, the operation would run steadily with an adequate surplus for at least the next decade, barring acts of heaven or catastrophic incidents. In each of those unlikely scenarios, we have action plans ready."

Kotaro flushes and stammers to try and get words out. "Y-you...no, you boast of things that cannot be!"

"Although Mister Kotaro has said it more forcefully than one would want, he does have a point." Koharu stands up and approaches, though I can't immediately tell if she's looking to defuse the situation or take advantage of it to expose me.

"And what might that be, Lady Utatane?" I ask, though insincerely.

"While you have gained the approval of a significant amount of donors, I do not believe that your mother's-"

"Allow me to stop you there, madam," I say while gently raising a hand. "You have this interesting idea of how this all came together, and I know that Lord Hokage mentioned to you how this idea came about in the first place. But since you've come up here, allow me to repeat myself for the benefit of you and the audience, so we can put this matter to bed entirely. My esteemed mother, Emi Kobayashi, Chief Executive and Operating Officer of Kobayashi Rice Corporation, has not involved herself or her business in the project financially. Although," I say with a look towards Kotaro, "she very well might once news of this gets back to her, just to spite a doddering old man like you."

"You little twerp! Do you not-"

"All of this," I say to interrupt him, "is my doing. I drafted and redrafted the initial proposal. I hired the initial staff. I arranged for construction and permits, which involves your little tinpot company and their contract. I petitioned the Hokage, and members of the village's civilian council. I contacted businesses. I secured every dollar of additional funding that was needed. Every act, every movement, every moment that has brought us here to this point...with you, looking down on me," I say to Koharu, "and you, sneering and wheezing," I say to Kotaro. "All of it...was orchestrated by me. Don't you ever forget that."

I turn my attention back to the crowd.

"Now that you understand, godspeed to you. May your days be bright. As you leave this place, I want you to remember one thing, if nothing else. No living being is a mistake. I promise that I will prove it to every one of you."

I switch my microphone off, unclipping it and handing it to Sanae. With a flip of my hair, I walk off ahead of the twins and down the platform steps.

The crowd backs away, parting at my very presence. I raise my head high, pleased that they at least know their place. If this wakes up the village, and allows it to reach its true potential, then that will be the ultimate satisfaction.

"Was all of this part of your plan?" Sana asks me as we walk back to the carriage.

"I didn't think on it to that extent, no."

"I see...hearing that much makes it more amazing. I've never wanted to follow behind a human so eagerly, not until I met you, Princess. I know Sanae feels the same."

Sanae nods. "I do. If it's for the sake of your dream, I'm willing to go just as far as I would for our Empress."

"Thank you...it's an honour to hear that. If I could become just a fraction of the woman Ane-ue is, that would make me supremely happy," I say with a smile.

"Being able to say such a thing is the real honour, for both of us." Sanae sniffs once at the air. "It seems some pesky humans have followed us. The one leading them is one of the elites that didn't cower under your gaze, Princess."

"I see. Intriguing. I should reward such courage and curiosity."

I stop along with the ladies and turn to meet the incoming visitors. A very dashing man of middle age, his hair just starting to grey gracefully. He removes his hat and hands it to one of the bodyguards standing by, revealing that his hair is smoothly slicked backwards. A goatee, neat sideburns, and small dot earrings. The crisp black suit is a nice touch, too, along with the walking cane. He must have been a treat in his youth.

"I could go for that type as well, I suppose."

"Sana, hush."

"I'm just saying what we're both thinking, sister of mine."

"Yes, well. Not so loud, though."

Midori really has corrupted the whole lot of us, hasn't she. Ah, well. Such is life.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of meeting with such a distinguished fellow?" I ask. "Surely you haven't come to tell me off in private like the others wished to?"

"Far from it, Lady Kobayashi."

"Mm. It's rare to meet with such a gentleman in this day and age. Please, allow us to exchange introductions properly, then." I lower my head and grip the edges of my skirt, doing a curtsy for him. "Lilith Kobayashi."

"Ikkyu Madoka," he says with a bow. "And the pleasure is mine, madam. Feel free to call me by name."

"My, my. Very bold of you. I do like a humble man as well. If you would indulge me, then. Lili is perfectly fine for our interactions from now on."

"Ah, so noted."

"Very good. Now, did you just want to exchange greetings, or was there a request you wanted to make of me?" I ask.

"To hail you properly seemed like the right thing to do, but I was also interested in a brief exchange. Mostly to inquire about increasing the size of my investment in Magnolia House. I also have connections that I believe you can make use of, since communications will be important when it comes to ensuring the safety of your children, as an example."

"Benevolence on your part?"

"Of course."

"My lovely associates within the Hokage's Office can help you towards that end. We can mix and match contracts as needed, especially if one is keen on spending more money to give those children a fighting chance," I say to Ikkyu knowingly.

"So the same contacts as before. Understood. I'll get in touch with them over the next few weeks or so. I also did want to ask something, if it's not too intrusive for such a setting."

"Nothing of the sort. Please, what is it?"

"You seem to have an exceedingly strong vision for this world of ours. And I noticed what most didn't...the reverence that Lord Hokage has for you. That, combined with the resonance of your words, makes me think that you are meant to achieve a great many things, not just as a shinobi, but beyond that."

"Is there a shape to this world that you desire?" I ask, looking into his dark eyes.

"I have a vision of sorts...though it's not as complex as yours. A family. A country with peace, and prosperity for all. And perhaps...a world where we can all casually talk as equals, just as we are now. It is something ambitious, isn't it?"

"Perhaps so. But it is more than possible. You did hear my declaration earlier, no?"

"Hm. The strength of the cosmos...it is bold, and something that would irritate many, considering your appearance. But wiser men than I have said that the measure of a person is not in their height, but in their stature."

"Something I have heard in the same way. I do believe we will get along splendidly, Ikkyu."

He smiles and takes up his hat and cane once more. "That makes me quite happy to hear, Lili. I must return to the day for now, but I have been enlightened by this far too short meeting. Perhaps one day soon, we can make time for tea together."

"Of course. When we can both properly escape the pull of daily work. Until then, be sure to take care. I rather like you already, you know."

He chuckles and politely tilts his hat towards me. "Good day, Lili."

"Good day, Ikkyu," I say with a light nod. He starts off with his entourage in tow, and eventually disappears down the road.

"He's not bad...for a human, anyways."

"Sana, behave."

"You were thinking it, Sanae."

"You're too loud. And besides...he's a little more than not bad."

"Shall I set up a date for the three of you?" I tease. We have a short laugh before continuing on our way to the carriage.

"Hm." Sana frowns. "More humans...but it's the type I really don't like."

Another small crowd approaches us, but it's made up of people that I recognize. Of course Sana would be bothered by them...members of the Hyuuga Clan. But there's one person in particular who catches my attention.

It's taking a bit to make my blood simmer down, even now.

"Princess..."

"It's fine, Sanae. I'm okay. I just...need a bit of time."

I take a few paces forward before stopping, and put on a neutral face. The man I recognize steps out from within his protective circle and meets me halfway. Long black hair, white robes, and a black haori over top of it. And of course, those pure, featureless white eyes that are characteristic of his clan.

The head of the Hyuuga Clan, who calls themselves the strongest in the Leaf.

And Hinata's father. The one who once abandoned her because she wasn't good enough. The man who once left her to crumble in the wind and disappear.

I steady myself before him and speak.

"What might you need of me, Hiashi Hyuuga?"

"You need to show-"

Hiashi raises his hand, and his clansman goes silent.

"There is something I would like to ask of you, Lilith Kobayashi. But first...I believe we should have a proper talk, in a more suitable place."

I turn my head towards Sana and Sanae. They nod their okays, and I nod back.

"As you wish. Lead the way."

Hiashi nods, and we start our walk side by side. Our entourages, at a distance, and at odds, follow silently.