Snap Back To Reality 55
Today was the day. It was a rare moment in history when the Hokage directly talked to his people upon a podium. It wasn't a required summon or a ceremony, but simply a message he felt that the general populace should hear directly from his mouth. He was going to publicly discuss the events that had passed, of the destruction of ROOT, and I didn't want to miss it, even if I knew people would turn their eyes to me part way for my hand in it all.
I just didn't expect that everyone's eyes would be on me from the very start. Their expressions ranged from anger to approval to confusion. Someone even spat on the ground next to me. I didn't falter even slightly. What they thought of me was hardly my concern. It's not like I bought very many things either so they couldn't actually cause me any inconvenience. It did hit me for a moment that people could refuse to sell to Taichi, but I noted that most of the angry citizens were Shinobi. I didn't mind them as I took my place in the crowd.
"She has a lot of nerve showing up here after losing us the war"
"How has she not been executed yet?"
"Ignore them," a more familiar voice said blandly.
I turned to see Kakashi behind me. Not a moment later Guy bounded straight into the both of us, toppling us to the ground. I rubbed my butt gingerly as I got up and sent the Green Beast a raised brow in question. He blushed and scratched his head.
"Sorry about that! It was extremely unyouthful! I should have stopped earlier."
"Yeah, you lost the race," Kakashi pointed out in his normally dry tone.
"It will not be so next time!"
I couldn't help the smile that took my face. "Kakashi replaced me as your rival didn't he?"
Guy looked incredibly flustered by my question, his face turning a deep red and getting a giggle out of me. He had a way of making me want to tease him. He was just too easy to rile up and get all flustered, and after having been on the receiving end of Anko's pranks, it was refreshing to be the one dolling out the jabs.
"N-no! It is b-b-because you're a b-beautiful flower of y-youth that I cannot challenge you," he said progressively getting more and more red until he was practically steaming at the ears.
"Hmm cute," I chuckled.
Guy promptly fainted and Kakashi sent me a 'really look' and I shrugged as if to ask 'could you really blame me?'. Kakashi turned his attention to the podium for a second but he didn't completely zone out like I expected he would.
"You shouldn't tease him like that you know," Kakashi said before he breathed out in exasperation. "He has a… crush on you."
"Oh I didn't know you were so acquainted with matters of the heart," I said playfully.
"I'm being serious. Don't drag him along if you don't mean it," he frowned.
I was a little shocked how defensive Kakashi had suddenly become. I looked down at the fainted boy and smiled. So Guy had managed to worm his way into Kakashi's cold, cold heart huh. Of course he would. If nothing Guy was persistent, and also a genuinely loving soul. No one could resist opening up to him for long. Sooner or later they'd have to give into his youth.
"I'm glad you two became friends," I said with a smile.
Kakashi snorted as if unamused but I smirked knowing the truth. In a few years Guy would break Kakashi out of his shell and soon they'd be continuing their challenges late into their lives like some sort of manic friendship. But it was an incredibly adorable and strong friendship, and I was glad it hadn't changed because of my existence. Kami knew Kakashi needed someone like Guy there for him.
"Citizens of Konoha!"
All the chatter stopped, and heads turned to look up at the Hokage in his full garb. I crossed my arms, ignoring the anticipation clogging up my throat. For so long Danzo had been lauded around as some kind of esteemed elder and war-hero, but to see his legacy get debased in public… to even be able to witness such a thing made me smile, and kami was I smiling. I couldn't stop it, stop the way it gave me no end of glee to know that his actions would be aired for all to see, and by extension the Hokage would be admitting to his dire incompetence. If only they knew the amount of shit I was getting them out of by taking him out of the picture earlier, then they wouldn't be spitting at me but rather be eternally grateful.
"I know you've heard rumours of Councilman Shimura Danzo's death. I'm here today to speak only the truth because that is what you as shinobi deserve to hear. Danzo was found conducting several illegal unsanctioned activities, including that of abducting Konoha citizens to induct them against their will, using illegal cursed seals on his Foundation members, escalating tensions purposefully between Konoha and Rain, and ordering assassinations on innocent civilians within Konoha."
Now that got people looking at each other in shock. I assumed a few of these people who were so mad at me had friends or family within ROOT proper that I had killed and probably didn't know about the illegal aspects of their relatives' work. It was probably more of a shock that something this large scale went unnoticed by the Hokage—which is what was surely going through everyone's minds right now.
It was one thing for Hiruzen to air out Danzo's dirty laundry, but I wasn't so sure he would. That would be a demoralizing blow to Konoha during a very fickle time. To find out your own Hokage didn't uphold the fundamental values of his village during war time would add dissent and unease within our already weary ranks. So I wasn't surprised that although Hiruzen listed of several more surprisingly shady things Danzo was involved in, that I had no knowledge of, he refrained from speaking a word on himself.
Then finally he addressed the elephant in the room—meaning my involvement in his murder. The smile wiped of my face and was replaced with something more serious and neutral considering all eyes would be on me soon and I didn't want to look like a maniac, but also because this part wasn't funny at all for me.
"As you all know Suzuki Hina stood trial amongst both the elders, the Jounin Council, and the Clan heads due to the nature of Danzo's crimes against the Uchiha. She was found to be innocent by verdict of the majority. Suzuki Hina was a previous member of ROOT and involved in its hidden and deplorable child indoctrination sect. Due to the immoral nature of the tasks she was forced to partake in, and Danzo immediately threatening her life, Suzuki-san took matters into her own hands and ended the conflict as best she could. However make no mistake, what she did was a service to Konoha and it's values and deserves only the highest honour. Would you step up to the podium Suzuki-san?"
I wasn't expecting this to be honest. I stood still in shock for a second before I bobbed my head and body flickered to the podium. I kneeled in front of the Hokage as was customary and when he told me to rise, it was with a flak jacket in hand. I took it slowly, wondering what he hoped to accomplish by giving me a field promotion so publicly.
"Do not betray Konoha Suzuki-san. I put my faith in you for that," he said in a whisper.
I didn't know whether to glare or chuckle. Like hell what anyone else thought mattered in the first place. Even the Hokage himself couldn't stop me from choosing my own path, and a threat or warning from his lips wouldn't get me so easily to step in line. I only supported Konoha because Konoha's interests aligned with mine for now.
"You have nothing to fear Hokage-sama," I replied truthfully.
And he didn't. I would see all of Danzo's dreams demolished. Konoha would not escalate tensions and dominate on the battlefield. Whether we won or not wasn't my concern. I simply wanted the peaceful ideal that he so detested. I wanted to see Konoha flourish outside of battle, outside of underhanded tactics, I wanted to see those people beneath me free to choose their own Shinobi-code and to rid Konoha of the vile ways of control it had over people. No more cursed seals, no more child abduction, no more underhanded illegal missions conducted to prolong the war, and certainly no more children forced to take the lives of their parents.
Itachi would never have to go through what I did under my watch, and Shisui would be free to grow up without having his eyes plucked out like it's a simple accessory, and the Hyuuga—they would have to stop their barbaric cursed seal tradition. To truly spit on Danzo's legacy I would turn Konoha into what our enemies laughed and jeered at us for. They called us tree-huggers. That is what we would become.
Looking down from up here I realised that I had a purpose, one that Danzo had given me. I put on my flak jacket proudly as the crowd clapped mutedly for my supposed achievement. I could see their ambivalence to my actions. They weren't sure whether it was justified or not anymore, but I knew things they didn't. I knew what the future looked like with Danzo's hand in events. I knew what terrible things he would have caused in the future, and if they knew too they would understand the magnitude of a favour I had done for them… what I was going to do for them.
I palmed my Jounin flak jacket with a newfound purpose.
It seemed taking down a whole organisation didn't earn me a break. In fact it was probably the reason I was put back on active duty the moment the ceremony was done. Hiruzen gave me a scroll and only looked mildly apologetic when doing so. I opened it and noted it was a simple one, but the thing that surprised me the most was that it wasn't under Orochimaru. The team lead for the mission was Minato Namikaze. So either Hiruzen was sparing me the pain of having to work with Orochimaru, or he wanted to keep me away from him to stop us from potentially plotting. Either way this didn't bother me. Working with Orochimaru on the field was actually fine. My issue was the things we did in our downtime at Konoha, but even that was indefinitely put-on hold if Orochimaru wanted to keep his secrets under wrap.
I pocketed the scroll just in time to be picked up by a crying Guy who spun me around like a ragdoll in his arms until I was dizzy.
"Oi idiot, why don't you let the vege-senpai breathe a little?" Anko asked karate chopping Guy's head and pulling me towards her like a possessive mother.
"Ahhh! Forgive me! I was just crying tears of JOY because of Hina-chan's YOUTHFUL PROMOTION and her perseverance against all ODDS!" Guy shouted in literal tears.
"Ah-huh, I can see that" Anko deadpanned.
I turned around and noticed Rui was behind Anko too and he gave me a smile. I turned to Anko giving her a look, and she flushed in embarrassment, holding her face, and turning away. So she remembered the things she said when she was a little too drunk last night. I cleared my throat to turn around to see Kakashi giving me a curious look. This was all getting way too awkward.
"Congratulations on the promotion," Kakashi finally said in his usual 'not too enthused' voice before he made to leave.
"Hey don't leave you hip and cool man! We haven't finished our challenge! Agh you're so beautifully frustrating sometimes!" Guy shouted before running after Kakashi to bother him some more.
"Your friends are weird," Anko snorted.
"You hang out with Genma and Kotetsu," Rui reminded.
"Still not as weird as them," Anko pointed out undeterred.
Rui considered it for a second as if he was weighing who was worse and then to my amusement decided to agree with Anko on this one. Well to be fair not many people were weirder than Guy and Kakashi, especially when Guy and Kakashi were together.
"Anyway congratulations on the promotion," Rui said.
"Thanks," I replied.
"Awww I guess you're still our senpai huh," Anko said poking my forehead. "But you're still our cute little kohai too. No way that's changing even if you become the Hokage at 15 or something equally as ridiculous."
"No way in hell would I ever agree to become Hokage," I huffed as I held my forehead in irritation.
Anko moved to tease me when Rui noted the scroll tucked in-between my haori and belt. Anko noted it too and frowned. The conversation died way too quickly.
"Another one already?" Anko asked in disbelief.
"Considering I killed 350 Shinobi and cut our forces considerably, I feel like this is just karma at this stage," I shrugged helplessly.
"But this is too much. No one else would be expected to go on another mission this quickly," Rui said frowning.
He really did catch on quickly. I nodded, finding no reason to hide this from them. In fact considering they were my team hiding anything felt wrong now.
"You're right about that. I suspect Hokage-sama wishes to keep me occupied by the war to keep me far away from Konoha's affairs," I explained.
"He doesn't trust you?" Anko whispered in worry.
"It's not like that matters to me," I said hesitantly. "Look, I'd rather not discuss this out in public. How about we go relax for once. No booze. No serious talk. Just some sweets and resting by the red bridge river," I said dreamily.
Anko looked conflicted. "Sorry vege-senpai, but I'm actually quite busy."
"With what?" I asked raising a brow.
She frowned and her body became defensive again. "Nothing that's got to do with you two… look I know you two are trying to suddenly do the whole feelings thing now, but I prefer it the old way. Congratulations on your promotion again vege-senpai. Remind me to get you a present later. Ja-ne!"
Anko body flickered away leaving me with a concerned looking Rui. I couldn't blame her for not wanting to open up. To each their own, but for some reason Rui looked like he was determined to change her. I didn't feel comfortable knowing Anko had such deep-rooted insecurities she hid away behind her exuberant personality but admitting that out loud would make me equally a hypocrite considering I normally kept to myself too.
"Well it seems it's just you and me again. Why don't we go out for some dango?" he asked.
I held my wallet away in defence and Rui failed to hide a smile. I glowered at my instinct to hide away my wallet at the mention of dango. These two would bleed me dry of money if we ever went together, and kami knows Anko had a black hole in her stomach.
"I'll pay this time."
"Really?" I asked in suspicion.
"Well we normally extort you for all your worth, but today is your promotion so it would be quite evil of me," he admitted.
To my shock and surprise Rui did in fact pay for dango for the first time in our lives. I nearly cried feeling how still heavy my wallet was. Kami, this feeling was ethereal.
"I can see why you extort me for food now. Kami, it tastes so much better when you don't have to pay," I cried.
"The taste is likely the same, although you're liable to confuse your money skimping elation for the taste," he said as logically as ever.
At this stage, I'd learnt to take Rui's brand of conversation in stride, even if he did take straightforwardness to another level. I was happy to chew on the dango and not say a word, considering he liked to walk in silence, when I heard some girls chuckle our way. I looked down at myself wondering if something was wrong and then I'd noticed that Rui was walking a little too close to me, hand on my back as if he was leading me around.
"Um Rui, why are you steering me like a ship?" I asked.
I noted in growing horror that the reasons the girls were laughing was because we looked like we were on a date. I groaned into my hands. Dammit, we were at that age now. Life was going to get unnecessarily complicated… and to think I had been teasing Guy like it didn't matter just a moment ago.
Oh god a child was actually crushing on me
Suddenly it didn't seem so cute or endearing, but rather unnatural in fact. I was 35 when I died, and now I was 46 if adding my eleven years here counted. I was old enough to be their parents, but at the same time even I had to admit I had the mental functions of a child, with increasing emotional outbursts, a need to be held every once in a while, and the frustrating desire to be cared for and listen to adults. But I still had the mind of someone who'd lived 46 years long too. What even was I at this stage? A child or an adult?
"Hina you look sick. Are you alright?" Rui asked.
"Hmm fine," I replied dismissively.
It was best to not think about my situation too deeply. It just made me confused and sick. I told myself to stop worrying before I put on a smile to ease Rui's worry.
"I was explaining before you zoned out, that I thought you'd want to try some nicer food," he repeated.
"Um, yeah sure. An Akimichi barbeque joint like the usual?" I asked.
Rui shook his head. "Home cooking is much better wouldn't you say?"
"Home?" I asked in surprise.
"My kaasan and tousan have accepted the team's need for an astounding amount of privacy, but they've also been eager to meet with you. I insisted that both of you preferred to keep work and life separate, although I didn't quite understand it myself, I just went along with it," Rui said.
"Wait, you mean to tell me this entire time you actually didn't want to hide your past?" I asked in disbelief.
He gave me an infuriating smile and then nodded. I sighed in exasperation. Of course Rui would find himself getting the wrong idea. The boy had the emotional awareness of a walrus… although he did show some understanding recently at the Hokage mountain, but that was probably from no small amount of thought on his part. I could imagine him lying awake at night thinking logically about the reasons our team was the way we were so we could improve our efficiency.
"You know you didn't have to hide it," I said.
"That was unclear to me before. I didn't feel the need to open up or hide away so it was fine either way, but I realise now that it might be unhealthy as friends for us to keep such matters a secret. So ask me anything."
"I've always wanted to know. Are you a Hyuuga?" I asked curiously.
"Well not by name," he admitted. "My birth mother is a Hyuuga. She married outside of the Clan against their will and had me. Fortunately for me I was born without the Byakugan. However my younger brother was born with quite a strong Byakugan, and the Clan demanded him back under their name. Mother had to take him back despite her insistence against it."
To think a Clan could force family back into its fold like some sort of demented slave system. I had no doubt they'd put the branch family curse seal on the poor kid, and the mother had no choice but to play along or risk a punishment. I felt indignation at their treatment but calmed myself down. It hit too close to home. It felt too much like ROOT.
"Disgusting," I said despite myself.
"I assumed you would be angry after your ordeal with the Foundation," Rui said with a hint of sympathy.
"I'm sorry Rui. I shouldn't be the one losing my composure," I apologised.
"It's not an issue. I find I occasionally lose control myself, but it's hard to stay angry at them every waking moment of the day. It comes and goes in waves instead," he admitted.
"So your brother—is he okay?" I asked softly.
Rui shook his head. "No one is truly okay in that cursed Clan. Kaasan tried her best to be independent, but now she is tied behind its walls and the Clan claimed that she was too promiscuous to meet with tousan any further and risk further children. Because of this we're not allowed to see them anymore, although I do make it a habit to discreetly send some sweets time to time."
I scratched at my neck in agitation. Hearing about this had made me so mad, and I could begin to feel the dredges of hatred creep up behind me with its familiar scraping claws. To be treated like nothing but a breeding stock, to be fenced in away from your family—that was too much.
"You said we were going to meet both your parents today, didn't you? How does that work?" I asked.
"Tousan remarried. The woman you'll be meeting today is my stepmother," he explained as we walked further and further into the rich part of town.
"Is she an evil stepmom or the nice doting kind?" I asked feeling incredibly protective of Rui.
"She's neither. A fair woman. Shrewd and heartless as the other ladies call her, but to me she is simply strong. She isn't a Shinobi just like my tousan, but they have considerable power within Konoha as they own mines and silk farms."
Merchants and businesspeople then. I wasn't too surprised. One of Rui's dreams was establishing a better trade route with Wave for quicker seafood exports. He had many goals to accomplish in life, all seemingly unrelated to each other, but still things he would find fulfilling. How an aspiring musician became a Shinobi was quite odd, but I wouldn't question it if he kept giving me free flute lessons like he did.
We stopped upfront a large traditional manor with an old-fashioned Konoha style gate lined with blue terracotta tiles. It reminded me of Kakashi's home if it was maintained by servants. The courtyard as we entered was certainly maintained, with curved maple trees all vibrant reds, and a large bare sakura tree by the corner framing the large Japanese style home.
I wasn't surprised to see a young female maid come out to greet Rui, although he certainly did look odd amongst this rich backdrop. Having slept with him out in the forest floor, bathed with him in the occasional river to get of crusty old mud and coagulated blood, it almost felt alien to think of him in any decadent setting. Why give up these comforts to live the life of a Shinobi?
"Master Rui, would you require anything for your friend here?" she asked.
"Is tousan and kaasan around?" he asked.
"Yes, I will see if they are free. Would you like to meet in the guest room?"
"The living room would be better."
"Of course Master Rui."
I watched awed as the servant bowed to someone younger than her before rushing of to fulfill his every request. This was definitely something I wasn't used to, so I let Rui guide me along with his hand on my back. Sometimes he would put on his big-brother mode just like Taichi did. It was quite endearing, but right now I was just glad he didn't let me gawk on one spot like an awestruck idiot.
The inside of his house was full of intricate furniture and traditional paintings that cost a fortune. In fact the whole place just looked straight out of some kind of some old Japanese castles that I watched in my previous life. Of course there was modern technology here and there, but beyond that it really stuck to that Edo vibe.
"I can't believe you used to extort my wallet to buy dango with Anko, when you had all this lying around," I sniffed in betrayal.
"Hmmm, I apologise. I never thought about it that way. I just found your expressions of distress amusing."
I punched him in the arm and glared, but it only served to make him laugh and to irritate me further. I regretted it a moment later because his parents had apparently witnessed the exchange. They looked amused which just made my face warm in embarrassment. Kami they probably thought I was some immature child…
"Who's this young lady? Finally realised your one true love Rui-chan?" the woman asked.
Rui blinked in surprise but was unfairly not flustered like I was. "No, this is Suzuki Hina, my teammate."
I studied the man and woman in front of me. The man definitely resembled Rui with his eyes, but beyond that Rui's face wasn't as rugged, and the woman obviously bore no resemblance to him either. They both had a sharpness to their eyes, and even the deliberate movements that I'd come to associate with Shinobi, although theirs was much different. While a Shinobi would move silently and angle their bodies subtly to the side to minimise the surface area of their front leaning space, these two stood almost in perfect posture and moved fluidly like people confident in every step they took. It reminded me of the men and women working higher up than me in my previous life, in positions that didn't require as much scientific knowledge as it did some knowledge on how to deal with people and assets. It was intimidating its own unique way.
"Ah Hina-chan, forgive me for not knowing much. Our son has been tight lipped about his team. We assumed it may be because of a sour relationship, but it seems we were wrong," the man said as he shook my hand.
"Hina, this is my father Chinsei Hofu, and my mother Chinsei Tomi," he introduced.
"Pleasure to meet you all," I said as formally as I could with a slight bow.
"Is that a Jounin flak jacket," Hofu noted.
"Yes, I brought Hina today because she was recently promoted," Rui explained.
I was met with scrutiny by both parents, and I had no doubt they had connected the dots to my identity and my recent actions against the Foundation. I really had no idea where they stood with the Council, although I did know that the Council delt with civilian matters as well so maybe there was some correspondence between the two parties at some point. I didn't want to become suspicious of Rui's parents, but it was a little hard to do without any information.
"My so young too. It's almost unheard of to be promoted at 14," Tomi praised.
"Hina is actually 11," Rui corrected.
I was met with genuine surprise. I almost sighed. I should probably get used to this reaction like I'm sure Kakashi already had to.
"Well for such a feat we certainly have to prepare something special. I'll get the servants to it," Hofu said in genuine wonder.
"No tousan, I would prefer if we could taste your dishes today. It's always more special that way," Rui interjected.
"What do you say Hina-chan?" Hofu asked me.
I shrugged. "Cooking is something that brings the family together. If you wish for that to remain personal, I don't mind, but I would love to be accepted in if it's not an issue," I said, trying not to impose.
"Nonsense, you hold the life of my son in your hands in every mission," Hofu waved away. "If I didn't consider you family already, then I'd be cursed with bad luck."
I was surprised by how jovial the man was, and although Tomi looked more reserved, she didn't voice her displeasure. I watched as the richly dressed adults strode away from the room. Rui took my hand as if to help lead a child and I couldn't even find it in myself to protest. Maybe something about being inside his home invoked some natural brotherly instinct, and I would be remiss to discourage that. Plus it felt like Taichi, and that always made me feel better.
We entered the large kitchen, and I was glad the word 'ramen' wasn't even mentioned. Having to explain my fear for something as inane as noodle soup would be incredibly embarrassing. I shuddered at the memory of Kushina forcing it down my throat.
Never again!
After watching them discuss what to make, we ended up agreeing to make some grilled eel Unagi with a side dish of pickled radish and yakitori. I had never actually cut eel before in my life, so I assumed I'd be staying away from the whole process, but apparently Hofu had other ideas.
"I've never done it before," I said unsurely.
"Then it's more reason for you to try isn't it. Don't worry I'll show you how to fillet it," Hofu explained.
I watched him do a part of the eel, and then he handed over the knife. I'd always been an adept cook. Flavours came to me naturally, but technique often didn't, and Japanese style food was all about the technique. It didn't help that Rui was practically breathing down my back while I was doing it. It didn't come out as neat but judging from the look on Hofu's face it wasn't too bad.
"That's good, that's very good! Cooking is an essential life skill no matter the gender or class. That's what my father used to say. I think it's because my mother was a terrible cook and he missed his favourite katsudon, but that ruins the magic of the saying so I pretend it's not the reason," he chuckled, which made me laugh too.
I was surprised when Rui showed me better cutting methods and even when Tomi instructed me on how to best grill eel and to lock in the flavours of meat so the juices wouldn't escape. I was beginning to relax around this odd family. It felt like I was back with Gaku and Nami in their kitchen. For some reason kitchens just were the most wholesome place on the planet, and so I found it hard to get mopey like I had been the past few days.
"So Hina-chan, when did you become a Shinobi?" Tomi asked.
"I was 6 at the time," I admitted sheepishly.
"Really Genin at 6? You must be a prodigy among prodigies then," Hofu said impressed.
"In some ways, but I've always been beaten by Hatake Kakashi. He's always one step ahead," I said with a proud smile at the thought of my friend.
"Well you don't seem so ambitious if that doesn't bother you. What made you want to become a Shinobi so young?" Tomi asked with intense curiosity.
Hofu looked at his wife as if to tell her to tone down on the personal questions, and even Rui was giving her a disapproving look, but I didn't mind. It's not something you'd ask someone you'd just met. For a lot of Shinobi this question wasn't that personal, but for some it was incredibly so, so it had always been a general rule to not ask until you knew the person enough to gauge if it was appropriate to ask.
"It's not an issue," I said to Rui. "I actually originally did it for the money. Not model I know, but I wanted to help my family's financial burden and possibly do research in the future, apprentice under a scientist later down in life, and being a Shinobi was the only way I would have afforded it. I did intend to graduate at 11 like everyone else, but then the war hit, and my family was already in debt, so I decided to progress quicker."
"You just decided. At 5?" Hofu asked astonished.
When he put it that way, I did sound like some kind of freak of nature. I smiled and nodded my head. Not much of an interesting origin story, but it was the truth.
"That's rather admirable. To care for your family in such a way."
We ate with more mild chatter about less personal things. I was beginning to learn even more about merchants and how they worked. I'd learnt quite a bit from Rengoku, but he was a vendor. This was from the perspective of a supplier. It seemed maintaining assets was a lot more complicated than owning a simple mine or a silk farm.
Rui was enjoying the eel the entire time. I knew his love for seafood was a thing, but apparently the reason why he wanted to establish a better trade route from wave was because the price was too high for normal everyday families, and he thought it was unfortunate that they couldn't afford such 'divine meat'. It was such a ridiculously wholesome goal that I had nothing to criticize about it.
"Shall I take the plates for you?" the maid asked.
"No, it's quite alright. I'll be taking Hina-chan to help me clean them now. It's time for some girl talk," Tomi said dismissing the maid.
Rui sent me a look and I shrugged. It was odd that she wanted to talk to me in private, but she wasn't a Shinobi and if she wanted to try something, she'd be unable to do so. I waved away his silent concern and took his plate to the kitchen sink in another room.
"It's nice to have a girl in the house for once. Rui must be blessed to have two," she said smiling as she worked to put the dishes into the sink.
"You looked into us," I noted.
"Of course I did. It was odd for a team to not introduce itself to a member's family. I knew something was wrong and so my network kept me informed. Of course there were things about you that were hard to put together, but it's cleared up now that information about Councilman Danzo has been released," Tomi admitted.
"I'm not insulted or hurt if you're worried," I said.
"I'm not," she said straightforwardly, as if she didn't care what I thought, and that was definitely the truth of the matter.
"Rui is to inherit our assets in the future unless I'm to have another child, and so I'm simply protecting my interests. Nothing more," she explained.
I ignored the fact that she probably didn't have any emotional ties to her own adopted son, which was incredibly wrong in so many ways, because honestly, I didn't think Rui cared too much for her either way. I was more interested in what she had said earlier.
"It's impressive that you've managed to keep a network within a Shinobi village," I said changing the subject as I put away the dishes.
Tomi looked at me in a critical light suddenly as if homing in on my change in tone. She looked ready for business, and I found myself emulating her stance.
"You have need of that service?" Tomi asked.
I did need this service. I just never thought it would be handed to me on a silver platter like this. I was planning to maybe spread it by word of mouth, but it would be dangerous if it was somehow tied back to me. Orochimaru would not take kindly to my scheming, and for now he did hold a certain amount of power over my actions, even if I did often ignore them.
"I have a rumour I intend to spread that's been stifled by larger powers," I said cryptically.
"Are these powers dangerous?"
"Not so much anymore," I admitted. "But the damage as already been done. Name a fair price and let me use your network."
"It's not a price you'd be able to pay in money," Tomi said with a knowing smile. "How about you tell me what it is you seek to spread first before I name a price. Then we can agree on something reasonable."
I thought it over for a bit. In some ways she was speaking kindly only because I still very much resembled a child barely entering their teens. I was glad for my age once again. It was okay if people underestimated me for now.
"I want Uchiha Fugaku to get the recognition he deserves within Konoha's walls. His title of Wicked Eye Fugaku, I want that spread to our people."
"You've served under him?"
I shook my head. "No I simply think the Council is bias against the Uchiha, and Fugaku is the best candidate for Hokage."
Tomi stared down at me as if trying to piece my intentions together. She looked like she was itching to ask a million questions but needed to keep it down to a few handfuls.
"Why do you not want your Jounin sensei, a Sannin, to be the Hokage?" she asked.
"He's a brilliant mind, and a scary Shinobi, but not Hokage material. I don't want the other two loser Sannin to get the seat either."
"There's more to it than that. Tell me the full truth and I might agree," she said sternly.
I huffed in defeat. She wasn't going to accept my request without a good enough reason. For some reason she came of as the discreet type. I didn't think she would be running her mouth to anyone about me soon. I felt mildly safe in telling her the truth.
"I'm sure you know the Uchiha Clan is being discriminated against. I didn't care in the past, but that was a mistake. I've learned that if I live somewhere, everyone else's problem eventually becomes mine. I won't let it affect the people I protect anymore," I admitted determinedly.
"I'm sure what happened to your parents opened your eyes. Thank you for the truth Hina-chan. I have faith that you'll solve my son's issues one day too with this amount of determination," she smiled.
She knew about my parents… and she was also talking about the Hyuuga debacle. Tomi did a little more than 'some' basic research. I focused back on the topic at hand. I needed this to happen. I needed Shisui to be safe in the future, for there to be no Uchiha massacre, for Obito to be caught and reasoned with before he made a grave mistake. Before the world was dragged into another troublesome war.
"Name your price," I asked.
"A favour," she replied.
"A favour?" I asked.
"You likely don't have enough money to be worth a trade, and you're my son's teammate. A favour will suffice. I'll take you up on it at any time."
"How dangerous," I chuckled.
She could ask for anything, from a simple run to grab something or for me to do something incredibly dangerous or illegal. It was a lot worse than giving up some money I didn't have, but right now I needed Konoha to stop discriminating against the Uchiha. It was important enough for me to agree. I just had to hope that Tomi was a fair woman.
"It's a deal then."
A/N
Hina be doing some shady back dealings XD Whether or not Tomi can be trusted is up in the air, but hopefully this chapter explains a bit about Rui's backstory.
