Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom – ep. 04
"Homecoming"

"Magnolia House isn't set to open for a few more months...right on schedule, then."

I've found a cafe and started reading the first reputable newspaper I could get my hands on. Not too much happening on the surface as of yet, but that should change as I put myself back into the ecosystem. The construction plans for the orphanage, housing, and business sphere in Carnation Quarter are moving as fluidly as they could be. I'll pay the workers a visit and treat them with a hearty lunch soon. My new home isn't ready, so I've lined something up at the usual hotel until the day arrives.

"Instead of asking around and wasting too much time, I'll go right to her first. I wonder how she looks after so long..."

I leave my payment and a tip on the table before exiting the cafe, and starting across the rooftops at a casual enough pace. Casual meaning that I cross the village at a much faster pace than I used to, of course. It might be slower to use the phone from now on in comparison...

Landing in front of the familiar entrance, I approach the two Hyuuga guards standing at their posts.

"Do you have business with Hyuuga, ma'am?" one asks.

"I do. My name is Lilith Kobayashi."

"Lady Kobayashi, welcome. Please, make your way inside. We have instructions from Lord Hiashi to let you through as needed. Our apologies for any inconvenience we may have caused you."

"No offence taken. Thank you," I say with a nod. The gates are opened to let me through, and I pass by the guards as they bow respectfully. My sunglasses go to the top of my head, and my backpack goes to my right hand as I carry it, walking through the halls and into the courtyard.

"Doesn't seem to have changed any...but there isn't really a need for it, is there. If nothing else, I could always find the Hyuuga sense of aesthetic pleasing."

"Ah...pardon me. Did you have business with us today?"

I stop and turn to the new voice.

"That's...is that you, Hina?" I ask.

"So I wasn't seeing things after all...it is you! Lili!"

I drop my bag and we run to each other. Hina's warm, soft embrace is something that I never knew I missed so badly until now. My heart was right to guide me to her first, as it always is.

"I just had to make sure my eyes weren't tricking me...I could see you right there, but even then I wasn't sure. Oh my goodness, I can't believe you're finally home!"

"I'm so glad to be home, Hina. You're the first one I've talked to in the village...I figured that you would have all the information I needed, and more than that, I was so very curious to see how you grew."

"Well, you can tell me what you think now." She takes a few steps back and presses her hands together, smiling. Goodness, she's a vision. I suppose that regimen of fortified milk did wonders for us both...she's grown from a small, delicate looking thing to a woman as strong and curvy as I am. I think she's just as close as I am to Midori...wow.

Her hair is longer, reaching down to her back now, and still has the same lovely sheen to it – an indication that she's been taking care of it very well. She's gotten herself a new sweater too, long and white with a lavender hood and sleeves. The shoulders have the Hyuuga Clan symbol etched onto them in white, and on the left side of her chest is the Leaf symbol in an emerald colour. Some of the mesh shirt she has is peeking out beneath her collarbone, below the now lavender forehead protector that rests around her neck as it always does. On her lower half, she's gone with dark blue pants that reach down to her calves, combining them with sandals that have low heels and straps wrapped around her ankles for support. The charm from my birthday three years ago is still in place on her right ankle, sparkling in the light.

"You look amazing, Hina. Absolutely lovely," I say to her.

"Nearly as good as you, I hope."

"An understatement. We look the part of sisters for real now, honestly."

"That's too much."

"It's not! You're an absolute goddess. Breasts, hips, thighs, everything. I knew you would grow up to be stunning, but you've definitely worked hard on yourself to go beyond that. I'm proud of you, Hina."

She blushes and gives me a bright smile. "Thank you so much, Lili...I...really wanted to hear that from you, most of all. You always thought I was beautiful, but the way you praise me so sincerely gives me confidence. Um...I did wonder if I was a bit...you know."

I frown. "You don't need to worry about that. You're not fat in any way. You're curvaceous and stunning, like I am. That's the truth. A bunch of rotten bitches jealous of your body won't change that."

"I'll put those bad thoughts out of my head...thank you for that reassurance. Oh, and if you were wondering..." She gives me an impish smile. "He's definitely noticed."

"Ooh. So he's back, and he's a slave to your charms at last. You've certainly become dangerous, Hina. I love to see it."

"If I'm a danger, then that makes you an existential threat. It's shocking how you've become even more beautiful than before, you know. Showing extra skin is unfair to everyone else on top of that."

"Hmhm~. Playing fair is for civilian girls. We're kunoichi, after all." I give her a playful wink.

"I missed your interesting takes on life," she says, giggling.

"We really must thank Tsunade properly for her advice all that time ago. Whoever said that milk did a body good knew what they were on about."

"They must have. You're going to make nearly every man in this village faint from happiness, you know. I think your chest is bigger than mine, now that I'm getting a good look."

"Is it?" I tilt my head. "Hmm...maybe a small bit, yes...though I haven't had any trouble getting things to wear, so it should be fine."

"It's the same experience for me. You've had time to get yourself reacquainted with a few things, then."

"Yes. I did come back to this country over a month earlier," I say as I pick up my bag again. "Some important things to tend to at the mansion, as you know."

"I was wondering if you made enough time for Rose, and it seems like you did. How is she?"

"She's growing so well, Hina. I had a hard time convincing myself to get back here. Look, look." I reach into one of my pockets and take out a photo. "She turned three a little while ago, and I got to stay for the entire party this time. Isn't she precious?"

"So cute...and she looks so much like you now, too."

"Doesn't she? Well, we are sisters by blood, so it only makes sense. But I know that Momma had to have a bit of influence somewhere. Things we can ponder later, I suppose. Oh, bother. I forgot to ask-"

"Even if I didn't have time for you, I would make some right away. You remember, don't you?"

"The Hyuuga Princess once again. Of course," I say with a smile.

"And I have you to thank for that. Come, let's have some tea. Gossip can wait until later at our club meeting, since we should see to some of the village affairs at first. I have scrolls gathered for that purpose."

"Let's away, then."

"Found you! I'm not leaving without a hug!"

"Hm?" I watch as a certain little sister races towards me and attaches herself to my waist.

"Lili-nee! You're home! And you've been working out...whoa. Bigger in more than a few places, eh."

I smile and pat Hanabi's head. "It's lovely to see you, Hanabi. And thank you for the compliments, hmhm."

"You're welcome, as always. So, you saw how smoking hot onee-sama got, right? And you're a full course meal yourself!"

"H-Hanabi...that's a bit much," Hina says with a nervous sigh.

"Mm? It totally isn't! You've both got bodies to die for, that's the truth. No sense in being so modest and junk."

"Listen, it's one thing to give out compliments, but you're bordering on harassment again..."

Hanabi should be...ten years old by now, yes. If Rose does choose to walk in my footsteps, Hanabi will unquestionably be one of the people she can rely on once she comes of age. She's definitely grown a bit as well. She has a lavender shirt on with big, long sleeves, and the Hyuuga crest on the left side of her chest in white. The same type of mesh shirt Hina wears is underneath it. A pink sash is around her waist, and she wears shorts with stockings and the usual sandals for her bottom half. Her hair has grown as well, flowing down her back and formed into two tails at the front, all of them bound by pink scrunchies.

"You don't need to be so stingy," she pouts.

"What part of not wanting you to monopolize my chest is stingy?" Hina says, exasperated.

"It's so soft and comfy!"

"Listen you, I'm not a living pillow or whatever it is you're thinking."

"I see, I see. I understand..."

Hina sighs and nods.

"I wouldn't want to intrude on Naruto-nii's turf, after all."

I snort as Hina's face reddens.

"Lady Hanabi, I don't think we should be winding up our heiress so much at this hour of the day."

"Bah. It's the fun police." Hanabi puts her hands behind her head. "Snooping around as usual."

"Milady, please. Ah, Lady Lilith. Welcome back to the Hidden Leaf. I hope I'm not interrupting your greetings."

"Not at all, Neji. It's good to see you again."

"Likewise." We shake hands and give each other a smile. Neji has grown too, becoming a very handsome fellow. I can only assume that Tenten is quite pleased with this development. His hair is much longer and in the same ponytail as before, and he wears a normal headband now in black. The most interesting thing is his new outfit that's all in white, with those long, loose sleeves.

"The girls have started talking about Neji," Hanabi says. "Too bad for them – he's taken."

"Lady Hanabi, please. Baseless speculation is unbecoming of a Hyuuga woman."

"Heh. Deny it all you want, we know the truth."

"Well, Hanabi is right about one thing...you certainly aren't a slouch when it comes to looks," I say. He coughs and tries to hold back his blushing.

"And there we have it. The Lili Kobayashi seal of approval! You're a certified hottie, Neji!"

"Hanabi, stop teasing Brother Neji like that," Hina says.

"You got your badge too, huh. Whatever you say, Miss Deputy."

"T-thank you, senpai. I...appreciate the compliment," Neji says slowly.

"You're quite welcome. I hope you've been well."

"I have been. As you can hopefully see, I have been able to accomplish my goals of looking after Lady Hinata and Lady Hanabi. Also, I will be able to render enhanced assistance to you in the future as a result of my new ranking."

"Oh? You've been promoted to jounin, then."

"Yes...but how did you guess at that, specifically?"

I shrug. "It only makes sense. You're a genius, aren't you?"

He nods and blushes again. "It seems so. Thank you again, senpai. Your confidence in me won't go to waste."

"No question about that," I say with a smile. "Congratulations, Neji. Continue your good work."

"Of course."

"Brother Neji has been rising to new heights since we parted ways, Lili. He and Father are certainly equals by now."

"Ah, that might be a bit much, Lady Hinata. I can keep up with Lord Hiashi, but to say I'm his equal..."

"As modest as ever. Ladies like that in a man, too," I say. "The Hyuuga Clan is moving in new directions, so...as long as you continue to cultivate your strength, things will be fine. Now, we shall resume our plans so that I can get a proper pulse of the village. Both of you should come with us and share your insights."

"Onee-sama, can we have breakfast?" Hanabi asks Hina.

"We can, yes. I'm a bit hungry myself."

"Once we find a suitable room for our meeting, I will fetch it for us," Neji says. "Senpai, allow me to take your bag for now."

"Thank you, darling." I hand my backpack off to Neji. "One more time, then. Let's away."

We make up quite a bit of ground over a delicious breakfast.

The village has been attempting to track Akatsuki and its assets, running into various barriers along the way. There are problems that run quite deep when it comes to the coverage of shinobi forces in rural regions, and disconnects when it comes to the populace. The organization is embedded in various places and at some points inadvertently gives extra power to criminal groups such as the yakuza. Correcting that problem will not be easy. And outside our borders, we have strong reasons to suspect that it's not only regular denizens of Earth Country giving oxygen to Akatsuki, but the entire government including the Hidden Rock Village. Though that only makes sense with the tenuous balance between peace time wind-downs and constant threats from more powerful nations. The Hokage's velvet glove is a courtesy and not a promise – that much is recognized. And though no harm is meant, it will still cause problems when it comes to diplomacy.

We don't have much else on Akatsuki. Seems that the only other thing to do is wait until they make a move, and thwart their plans. They almost certainly have agents planted in the five largest shinobi villages and are monitoring as much as they can. A solvable problem, but a problem nonetheless.

Naruto, as I heard earlier, returned a month and a half earlier with Jiraiya. Sasuke, a few weeks after that. Fio isn't here yet, but I'm not terribly concerned as she sent another letter while I was at the mansion. They go to the Leaf, specifically Tamaki's desk. Tamaki forwards them to Emi. Emi has then been forwarding them to Luna, so that I could read them while I was away. As usual, there's no return address on them because she loves to run from place to place, but they're more than useful as indicators of her health. She should be back quite soon. Shino is still doing well for himself, and Kurenai...well, if the surprise is what I think it is, then I've lost that bet with Luna for sure. Everyone in our class has been growing splendidly, and so have our friends and comrades within our circle. Nami's reach across the webs of information in the village has grown considerably, for example.

There is a lot to think about, and consider...well, I should be able to manage it well enough. As long as I don't get too lost in one thing or another, it will be fine. But Akatsuki is a big problem that will need to be solved soon, or else we're going to be in trouble. Gathering the tailed beasts...

I bid my Hyuuga sisters farewell, and send my regards to Hiashi. The next stop will be the Academy.

"A familiar place where I got my start..."

I smile while walking through the halls. This place really hasn't changed a bit, and I'm glad that it hasn't. Perhaps a small upgrade in the future would be nice, though...

I venture to the cafeteria and the cook from my time as a student is still there, working away. She recognizes me and gets me some milk and dairy to put away for later.

"So generous. Maybe I should stop by more often, hmhm~."

Let's see if he's switched rooms...hmm, nope. This is definitely his chakra signature ahead.

"Sensei, are you busy?"

"I'm finishing up something, but you can come in," he replies. I slide the door open and set my bag down on one of the nearby desks. Iruka looks the same as when I left him, and he's marking papers with the same care that I always remembered. "Sorry about this mess. What can I help you with, ma'am?"

"I had an important question to ask you, Iruka-sensei."

"Go ahead."

"Did you miss me?"

"Eh?" He stops his marking and lifts his head for the first time. "Wait...Lili? Is that really you?"

"It certainly is, Iruka. Could you put down your pen a moment and give me a hug? It would make my day even better."

"Sure, sure." He chuckles and leaves his desk so that we can share a hug. "I can't believe it. You've grown so much, Lili. You look amazing, honestly."

"Ah, so we're finally comfortable enough to flirt openly. That makes me quite happy."

"And I can see that you're the same as ever on the inside."

"Hmhm. You're the fourth person I've met since coming home, you know. I went over to the Hyuuga abode earlier so that I could catch up on everything that's happened while I was gone."

"Yeah? That's good." Iruka sits on his desk, and I take a spot beside him. "As far as national matters go, we've been holding the line mostly. The Hidden Sound, or what used to be called that, is now being occupied by forces from the five great villages jointly, to head off any issues or disputes. It's still a bit tense either way."

"Hina told me, yes. We've also been sweeping for Akatsuki middlemen up there, too."

"Yep. Regular missions back and forth since about a year ago. I've gone about three times, it's pretty tame for the most part. Tomo has been great as my second while I've been busy."

"Tomoko Kosugi, you mean?"

"Mm-hm. I was aware of her problems and she talked to me about everything herself...but she got help, stuck to a plan, and worked with the older kids in lectures instead of hands-on stuff for a while because she was nervous. She's a really good instructor and does her best. That time with Koichi was definitely troubling to learn about, but nothing terrible came out of it, she's apologized, and most importantly, shown that she didn't mean anything predatory through her actions."

"Good for her. I honestly did judge her before knowing everything...for once, I'm happy to know that I was wrong about someone."

"Same here." He sighs. "So I take it you haven't met up with Naruto, then."

"Not yet, but he's next on my list. How is he?"

"Different! That's to say, he's the same energetic guy we remember, but he's definitely picked up a lot on the road. Kind of hard to explain..."

"Something that I have to experience, then? Yes, that sounds like Naruto. Glad to hear that he hasn't changed too drastically. Though I wouldn't guess at such a thing after travelling the world with King Pervert."

Iruka winces. "Ouch. I guess we're not rebuilding that bridge any time soon, then?"

"He's trained with the toads. Jumping back and forth across the remains shouldn't be an issue for him."

He nods sagely. "I guess we can steer away from that subject, for now at least."

I glance behind me at the tests on the desk, and reach back to pick up one. "Hm."

"What's up?" Iruka asks.

"I shouldn't need an answer key for any of this...and there's quite a bit to go through," I say. "No wonder you were so distracted earlier."

"Oh, the papers. I'll be fine-"

"I'm sure you will be, but you know how stubborn I get when it comes to you, Iruka. Hand me half."

"Alright, alright." He sighs and splits the pile in two before handing it to me. I take it and pull one of the desks forward so that it rests against his, then grab one of the pens and take a seat.

"We can talk and mark at a more reasonable pace now."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Oi. You can get fresh with me after we've finished, not before."

"You always say a little too much, you know that?"

"Such is the lamentation of every man in this world. Do not worry, you shall learn better in time."

He chuckles and shakes his head.

"We did quite a bit more than physical training while I was away. Much about the lore around the Warring States Era, things that didn't have to do with the shinobi and their conflicts," I say.

"Much of the records were passed down through means of stories...oral communication and the like," Iruka replies. "Writing ended up getting lost a lot, and was treated as an expendable redundancy. Some of the minor villages are looking for funding to get excavation projects off the ground. They think a good amount of material has been buried in the countryside, for example."

"Have we started on anything like that?" I finish with a test and place it in the designated pile.

"Not yet, though the Hokage has expressed interest in projects like that. You know how Lady Koharu and Lord Homura get, though."

"Yes, unfortunately."

"Well, we've also been looking into more jutsu research. Something like that could help the kids in the future, like with..."