Scarlet Justice - ep. 147
"Refresher"
[Ritual, Part 5]

I take a few steps back from the kitchen and look it over. Good. It should be cleaner than the day we first saw it. Luna's diligence in cleaning and maintenance before Fio and I took over cannot be understated.

"Everything's done with?" Fio asks me.

"Yes, finally."

This was the last thing to do after clearing out the apartment. Floors and windows washed, scrubbing everything that needed to be scrubbed, and wiping necessary items to a shine. We've done steam cleaning on the upholstery and appliances such as the various chairs we'll be leaving behind, thrown out the mattresses in both bedrooms and left sealed ones to replace them, and packed up everything we deemed worthy of keeping. Excess items will go to the offices for Magnolia House, since I'm more than sure they can be of use at the orphanage once it is built. I've moved everything off of my large shelf and dismantled the door over the left half – those secret items sit in a locked box now.

I initially wanted to list a price merely as a put-on, but aside from paying the broker...the excess money can be used for plenty of good causes. We can mess around and see just how far above market price some bourgeois simpleton is willing to pay...it doesn't matter much to me. We're leaving this place for good.

"Lots of memories, eh."

I nod to Fio. "Yes. This was the place where I retreated from the world for a while. And of course, the place where Midori and Luna consummated their relationship for the first time."

"You would remember that, wouldn't you."

"They did try to be quiet, at least. Key word being try."

She chuckles a bit at that. "Like I said, lots of memories. I got to make a home with you here. Coming back after a mission for the first time...hard to describe. Other than great, of course. I always wanted something like this, when I was on my own, I mean. Of course, back then I was thinking about a husband and two or three kids. Or trying to, anyways."

"So you awakened from a young age, too."

"Eh. Sorta. It was on my mind. Got put on pause for a bit after...you know. Torture. Experiments. Creepy snake men. Little things like that."

"Ah."

"But...it was more the fact that you were you. If that makes sense."

"It does."

"Cool. I'll miss this place, but I'm excited for what's coming next. Before then, I'll be hitting the dusty trails and everything, sleeping under the stars."

"And before all of that, you have the hotel to go back to."

"Ooh, yeah. Room service galore...looking forward to what's on the menu. And it's open all night, too. Awesome."

"I knew you would enjoy that. Well...time to go."

I put on my slippers and look out from the entrance for the last time.

"Windows secured...entrances sealed. Everything is set," I say quietly. "We're off."

The last of the lights is shut off. Fio takes her travel bag with her and opens the door. I pick mine up from the floor and do the same. The door is closed, locked, and finally sealed with two paper tags, just in case. A final walk down the steps.

"New beginnings..."

I smile and take one last look at my old home.

"Already said my goodbyes to everyone else! Pervy Sage wants us to get going before winter sets in, he said..."

A warm day, close to the beginnings of fall.

Naruto is about to leave the village.

"Sasuke was the same as ever. Hopefully he gets over himself by the time I get back, heh. And Sakura wished me well. Kakashi-sensei is looking a lot better, too! Wasn't looking so hot for a little while, you know? Ah..."

"It's okay to slow down a little, you know," I say to him.

"Yeah, I guess. Lots to say, though. Or at least it seems like it." He adjusts the straps on his backpack, which is loaded with all sorts of things, it seems. I suppose that those two aren't going to live a completely rugged lifestyle...not that Jiraiya would, with all the money he apparently has to spend. He's well ahead of us, talking to Ebisu about something.

"Sorry, I had some things to take care of..."

Hina jogs up behind us.

"It's alright. You made it," I say to her.

"Yes." She moves forward and hugs Naruto tightly. "I'll miss you a lot...remember that I love you."

"I'll miss you too, Hinata," he says as he hugs back. "I love you too! Thanks for looking after me, and everything else. I, uh...hope I can be like, a good boyfriend when I get back, you know?"

"You don't have to worry about any of that. I love you for you, and I always will. Whether you're a good boyfriend or not. Just...do one thing for me, won't you?"

"Yeah, what is it?" he asks eagerly.

"Don't absorb too much of what Lord Jiraiya says...or does, for that matter."

Naruto folds his arms and nods. "Yeah, yeah. I get you. He's kind of a hypocrite, you know. Talked about the shinobi vices...breaks 'em all, every time I see the old loser. Speaking of that...I'm gonna work on something that'll really knock his socks off, hehe..."

Hina sighs. "I don't think you've...never mind. Just be good, okay?"

"Got it! Oh, Lili...I'm gonna work on some cool new jutsu for you to see. So you'd better watch out!"

"Of course. Looking forward to what you end up creating," I say with a wink. He smiles and winks back.

"Awesome. So...take care, yeah? Don't work yourself too hard, and have fun with your big sisters!" He walks forward and gives me a warm hug. "Thank you for everything, Lili. I love you."

"I love you too, Naruto. Thank you for coming into my life. You've done more for me than you know."

"That makes me happy to hear."

We separate and I pat his shoulders. "Remember to eat your veggies, along with your daily bowl of ramen. Work hard, and believe in yourself. You'll grow into a strong, handsome man. Hina and I will be praying for your safe return."

Hina nods and adjusts his headband. "Good luck, Naruto. Be strong."

"Hey, kid. You said you wanted to grab a bowl before we headed out," Jiraiya says as he approaches. "Let's go ahead and do that before it gets too late."

"Roger!"

"Ladies."

"Jiraiya," I say flatly.

"Lord Jiraiya, good morning." Hina bows towards him.

"You won't have to worry about a thing. Practically my son, this one," he says as he rubs Naruto's head. "Keeping him on the move will also benefit the village, in a few ways. He'll be new and improved in a few years time. I dunno about smarter, but..."

"That should be fine enough, Lord Jiraiya. As long as he's safe," Hina says.

"Got the info from the old man," he says to me.

"Yes."

"I'll see what I can scrounge up while on the road."

"Nothing that I'll be immediately concerned with. I have my own places to be," I reply.

"Right. Well...then you can read up when you get back. I'll see you two around. Come on, kid. Let's get fuelled up before we blow the joint."

"Yup! Hinata, Lili! See you around!"

We wave to him as he and Jiraiya start down the road.

"Are you worried about his influence?" Hina asks me.

"Nothing like that. Jiraiya won't do anything too bad...and we both hold the greatest space in Naruto's heart," I say to her. "Anything that is done can be undone, once we put our minds to it."

"I was thinking the same thing."

"Good. Are you busy, by chance?"

"Nothing that can't be pushed back a few hours. Did you need something?" she asks.

"I wanted to do something together that we haven't in a long while." I nod towards one of the bakeries nearby. "Probably been a while since you had a fresh cinnamon roll."

She giggles behind her hand. "You spoil me way too much, Lili."

"I do, yes."

"Thank you. Let's be off, then...I won't be able to think of much else until I get a bite in me."

I smile and put my arm over her shoulder as we walk.

I walk into the Hokage's office space, and he waves to me before starting to rummage through his desk drawers.

"This contains the information we will need for our upcoming meeting."

I reach his desk and take the scroll from him.

"Thank you. So it's really happening," I say to Hiruzen.

"Yes. I never did think I would see the day...but your mysterious strength has worked many wonders before. This time should be no different."

"I wouldn't go that far yet. He wanted this for himself the entire time. I just was forceful enough to make him rethink his entire strategy."

"A man who resolved himself to be a villain for the rest of his existence doesn't turn back so easily."

"I suppose not."

He nods and starts to light his pipe. "We will be distributing the information we now have on Akatsuki...towards the relevant villages first. The Hidden Sand should be especially vigilant at this time. From what I'm hearing, Gaara is doing exceptionally well as part of the regular forces. His strength is already formidable, and so we should expect him to become Kazekage in the next few years."

"That child has done well for himself. Having a doting sister doesn't hurt either."

"Yes, that much is true. Something that you would know about first hand," he says with a smile.

"Mm."

"Naruto has already left, yes?"

"We saw him off a few hours ago. Jiraiya should teach him well, but...I have my misgivings about him handling his inner strength at a high level so soon."

"I see."

"If you have information on sealing jutsu and the like, I would appreciate that. And in addition...I want something else that's riskier. Intelligence on that man."

"Hmm..."

"It's not like I can go to Intelligence and search the shelves for this specific information. And I don't want to involve Ibiki or Inoichi in this, not more than they would have to be. Danzo is mine...and whether or not you fully approve, I will put my strength into stopping him."

Hiruzen sighs and puffs out a cloud of smoke.

"You will have to give me time to compile the data properly, Lili."

"Fine. Don't leave anything out, either. I'll have more than enough free time to read and absorb every detail."

"Yes, of course."

"I intend to free you from the burden you've placed on yourself," I say.

"There is only so much you can do in that regard, Lili. Not every problem can be solved, and in like manner, not every sin can be absolved."

"I see. I don't intend to control the darkness on my own. That was the mistake that you Hokage have made time and time again, leading to the current era. Peace balanced on a razor's edge."

"You would welcome chaos?"

"Hmph. You remain limited by the rules of this shinobi world. But you can be forgiven for that much," I say while tossing back my hair. "The distance between order and chaos is vast, oyaji. I will prove it to you upon my return."

He nods sagely. "Even as an old man, there is still much I do not understand."

I walk around the desk to kiss him gently on the forehead.

"Good afternoon, Lord Hokage," I say with a smile.

He smiles back at me. "Good afternoon, Lili."

"I appreciate you checking in like this."

"Think little of it."

Ruki serves us tea before sitting next to Kakashi on the couch.

"Are you both well?" I ask.

"As well as I could be," Kakashi says. Ruki gently rubs his shoulder.

"I'm okay, too. We're looking after each other."

"Good. No need to rush back, remember that."

"You'd probably find a way to put me in a hospital bed. Better not to risk it," he says with a dry tone.

"You're learning. Well done."

"Threats of bodily harm aside," Ruki says wryly, "have you been well, Lili? I know that you've been buzzing around the village lately."

"Tying up some loose ends. Not everything, but enough things so that I don't have to worry about them until I get back. I believe in my friends, and their abilities. I don't have any intention of doing this all by myself, and burning out...or worse, turning into a useless dictator."

"You don't seem the type of person to do that."

"I suppose not. But..." I close my eyes. "That man's blood runs through me. He was cold himself, and worried about his lack of control, however small. I've inherited that terrifying drive. It must be tempered. And it will be, in this upcoming gap in time."

"You have to wonder if the world will stand still for that long..."

"It's all dependent on what you're seeking," Kakashi says to Ruki. "For us...we're waiting for the other side to move first. That's when everything will begin."

"That's right," I say. "Until then, we will build ourselves up properly. The questions that remain are how and when to strike. Gathering intelligence will help with that...and the alliances that Ane-ue has formed as a result of her ascension will be invaluable to the cause."

"Not to mention you have the ear of the lords Enma and Gamabunta, among others," Kakashi points out.

"You sound like a big deal already," Ruki says with a smile.

"Possibly. But the endgame I'm reaching for...it only exists in my mind's eye right now." I sip at my tea. "That world, once it is created...it will allow you to raise your many descendants in peace."

"That sounds nice."

"Does it?" Kakashi asks Ruki.

"I'm interested in children. Even if we just adopt a few, you know?"

"I wouldn't choose that route first off."

"Really, now." She smirks. "And who was the one worrying about misunderstandings the other day?"

"Nothing here to misunderstand, Ruki."

He looks at her squarely and she blinks a few times. Then her face slowly starts to redden as she looks downwards.

"Sheesh. You know that we've got a kid right here..."

"I don't see any kids in front of us. Someone bold enough to flirt with you couldn't be called one one of those," he says as he picks up his cup of tea.

"Someone's saucy today," I say with a smile. "I see that I don't have to worry too much about your recovery, then."

"You shouldn't. I'll be working hard to surpass my limits...for Obito's sake, and for the future you're going to build, Lili. Might as well do my best before I get to retire."

"Well said."

The three of us tap our cups together before drinking.

"I think that's the last of them. You really intend to read all of these before leaving?"

"Seeing as there isn't much I have left to do, yes. All of these will be read. There's still other material to collect."

Shizune nods and places the books into my duffel bag before zipping it up. I put the strap over my shoulder and start out of the satellite office – one of many that Tsunade has set up through the village. They're used for various things, such as treatment and research. This was one of the conditions asked for so that she would be part of the village on a more permanent basis. Other obvious material goods came into play, but the freedom to practice like this within the village was paramount.

"I'll have them back before week's end."

"Are you reading those for fun?" she asks, confused.

"No, I told you I was doing serious study. I'll take notes and then refer to them later. Ane-ue also has material for me to read, so I can make references to that as well."

Shizune sighs. "Poison studies can get pretty intense. Please don't burn yourself out, Lili."

"I promise I won't. Say hello to our lovable drunk for me, yes?"

"Just the hello part. She'll kill us both otherwise."

I wave over my shoulder and start out to my next destination, which is Intelligence. A few documents with interesting observations to pick up, and I'll be good to go for the rest of this week. I have two missions on the agenda, both B-Ranks and coming up back to back. Very light work, considering I have a strong ranged jutsu.

"It's the village champion, back at it again." Ibiki pats me on the back as I enter the building. "Heading out on your adventure already?"

"Collecting data," I say to him. "Still things to wrap up."

"Always on the go. I'm sure you've been told more than once to look out for yourself, so I'll spare you the lectures. I have something that you should be interested in, based on things going around. Safer if I hand it off just before you go for your training."

"Ah. Thank you for that."

"No problem. Speaking of being on the go, I'm on my way to kick someone's ass again. Busy month, lots of stuff related to that Akatsuki outfit lately. So I'll see you soon. We'll have a bite together at Mai's."

"That sounds lovely. Take care, Ibiki."

"Yep." He gives me a quick salute before leaving.

"Been a long while, Miss Genius."

"It has been. I hope you've been well, Miss Uzuki."

Yugao gives me a warm smile as she approaches. Her mask sits on the side of her head, violet hair pulled back into a ponytail. "Pretty well, yeah."

"How has your other half been?" I ask as we walk together.

"Same as ever. Toughed out a summer cold pretty recently and got himself back to work. Hayate's always been diligent. We talked about him taking on extra missions for a time. You know, so that we can eventually settle down somewhere together."

"I see."

"Thinking about kids. Both of us, I mean."

"That seems to be a bit of a theme lately," I say.

"Makes sense. We're in a pretty peaceful period right now, right? So I can see why it would be appealing. Anything on that front from your sensei?"

"She's her usual tsundere self about it."

Yugao nods. "That's about right."

"Though...I think that Luna-nee's prediction will come true. We'll see if she has her baby bump by the time I make it back."

"As close as you two are, I hope you're ready to have someone call you Auntie in the near future."

"You must have heard my speech the other day. I'll be more than prepared, between raising my lovely Rose and making sure the little ones at the orphanage have enough to eat."

"Hehe. A busy life, then."

"Just the beginning, Yugao." We reach the archives and I sigh. "Well. I have documents to collect, and I'm sure you have a lover to go home to."

"Something like that. Always nice talking with you, Miss Genius. Remember not to study too hard, and reward yourself for a job well done."

"Ten steps ahead of you. Tonight's treat will be cake and ice cream, courtesy of luxury hotel staff."

She laughs and waves me goodbye. I start my trip between the shelves and pull down what I think I will need.

This will only be for the week, so...I'll take everyone's advice, and keep things at a reasonable level.

"I suppose I can leave the advanced theory out this time, and stick to practical matters."

I nod to myself while pulling down the first book. An acceptable compromise.