Flames Of Recollection
Chapter 11
Akiya and Sakura woke up slowly as the first rays of sunlight filled the bedroom. After stretching out, Sakura hugged Akiya gently. " I'm really sorry for being all dramatic yesterday Akiya. "
" It's alright Sakura. Just as long as you know that I will always love you with all my heart. " Akiya smiled before kissing Sakura tenderly. As Akiya broke the kiss, Sakura sighed softly.
" I know... Just... I overthink things... The whole Naruto and Hinata fight just... " Sakura sighed softly but smiled brightly as Akiya ran her fingers through her hair and spoke soothingly.
" I know. Which is why I am not upset about you being dramatic. I know it's easy to have doubts when you see others struggling. But you and I are meant to be together. We can work through anything together. " Akiya smiled as Sakura hugged her tightly.
" I needed to hear that Akiya. Thank you so much. " Sakura smiled and sighed in relief as Akiya hugged her lovingly. After a few moments, Akiya kissed Sakura's forehead before getting up and getting changed. As she was getting dressed, A soft knock on the door startled Akiya and she gasped loudly before Sakura's mother spoke.
" Sorry! Didn't mean to startle you two. I just wanted to let you know that you have visitors. When you are ready come downstairs. " Sakura's mother walked away humming happily as Sakura and Akiya giggled softly at how startled they were before finishing getting dressed. As they walked down the stairs, They heard Tsunade and Kaliya speaking with Sakura's mother.
" She will be so excited about this. She has been wondering where she fits in. " Sakura's mother spoke happily before Kaliya responded.
" It kinda surprised me to be honest. I was expecting to be a Leaf Village Shinobi but it caught me a little off guard. " Kaliya giggled softly before Tsunade spoke.
" It was the only rank that made sense. " Tsunade spoke calmly and smiled as Akiya spoke.
" What rank? " Akiya looked between Tsunade and Kaliya, Who's outfit was different than usual. Whereas Kaliya normally wore a basic ninja garb, She was now wearing a jet black kimono top that had red stitching, Gold floral lines, A black Obi, Dark red armguard's, Black tabi with dark red shinguard's and black ankle high ninja shoes.
" Brace yourself. " Kaliya grinned playfully as Tsunade chuckled and smiled before speaking.
" After careful consideration, The elders and I have decided that both you and Kaliya belong in the village and will be Leaf Village Shinobi of Chuunin rank. Congratulations. " Tsunade smiled happily as Sakura squealed excitedly before speaking.
" A Chuunin Akiya! That's awesome! " Sakura smiled brightly as Kaliya stood and handed Akiya a package.
" Got you a present sis. I hope you like it. It kinda fits our thing now. " Kaliya giggled softly as Akiya looked at her in confusion. " Oh... You haven't heard? The other Shinobi have started calling us the Shadow Sisters. Which is why I got you this. "
Akiya put the package on the table and tore the wrapping away to reveal an outfit that flawlessly matched Kaliya's. After picking up the kimono top and sighing happily, Akiya pulled Kaliya off her chair and hugged her tightly. " It's perfect! Thank you so much Kaliya. "
" Your welcome. I figured if we are gonna have a nickname we might as well look the part. " Kaliya smiled as Akiya excitedly gathered up her outfit and ran upstairs to Sakura's room to get changed as Tsunade spoke.
" In case it wasn't obvious already, I am officially assigning Akiya, Kaliya, Hinata and you, Sakura, As a Shinobi Team. Given that you have two Chuunin in your group, You should expect to start going on harder missions than I would normally give you. Can you handle that? " Tsunade grinned teasingly as Sakura glared at her.
" Ofcourse I can handle it! Just you watch! I'll be a Chuunin in no time! I won't let Akiya and Kaliya outdo me! " Sakura spoke with conviction and determination in her voice, Causing her mother to smile proudly and Tsunade to grin.
" That's what I like to hear. Better up your game then. " Tsunade tilted her head toward the stairs where Akiya was standing, Dressed in her new outfit, Holding the Nightscythe and smiling happily.
" So? How do I look? " Akiya smiled and blushed lightly as Sakura bit her lip and her face flushed bright red.
" It... It really suits you Akiya... " Sakura spoke softly before Kaliya stood up and walked over to Akiya.
" It's perfect. By the way, I couldn't match our weapons since yours is one of a kind so... " Kaliya smirked as she took two small hilts off the back of her obi. As she held them at her sides, Two long blades extended from the hilts to form two katana that each had a smooth, Sharp blade and a razor like, Serrated edge down the back of the blades. " I had the blacksmith make me something special. Yours might be legendary but mine are just as unique. " Kaliya grinned as she handed one of the katana to Akiya, Who sighed at how weightless it felt.
" It feels so light... " Akiya smiled as she carefully twirled the katana and sighed at how easily it cut through the air.
" Yeah. Blacksmith used a special kind of metal to make them. It's stronger than normal steel but weighs almost nothing. It also collapses into the hilt without sacrificing durability and strength. " Kaliya smiled as Akiya handed the katana back to her and the blades receded into the hilts before Kaliya placed them back onto her obi.
After talking for a few minutes, Akiya, Kaliya and Sakura left to find Hinata. After walking through the village, They found Hinata and Naruto sitting on one of the village walls watching the clouds.
" Hinata! Come here a minute! " Kaliya smirked as Akiya nudged her. After a moment, Hinata jumped off the wall and landed softly before walking over to the group.
" What's up girls? " Hinata spoke with a smile before Akiya spoke.
" Kaliya and I have been given Chuunin rank and the four of us have been assigned as a Shinobi Team! " Akiya smiled brightly as Hinata squealed excitedly.
" Awesome! I was hoping we would be a team. " Hinata smiled radiantly before she noticed Akiya and Kaliya's outfits. " I see you two are dressing the part with the Shadow Sisters tag going around. "
" I kinda like it actually. It fits us pretty well. Sisters that both primarily use Shadow Jutsu. Light Jutsu is kind of our backup. " Kaliya grinned playfully as Akiya spoke.
" Yeah. We favour Shadows and keep Light Jutsu as our fallback. So the tag suits us pretty well. " Akiya smiled as Hinata giggled softly.
" Good to hear. The other Shinobi were worried you wouldn't like it. So, I take it you wanna go train? " Hinata smiled as Akiya grinned and Kaliya nodded.
" Gotta get used to my new weapons. " Kaliya smiled as she showed her katana to Hinata who sighed in admiration.
" Wow. I didn't know blades could collapse like that... I mean I have seen a Fuma Shuriken but this is so cool! " Hinata giggled as Kaliya beamed proudly.
" The blacksmith outdid himself. I am really happy with his work. Although, He wouldn't tell me what kind of metal he used. Family secret. " Kaliya smiled brightly as Hinata nodded.
" Most families in our village have some kind of secret. Technique or some such. Best to not press the issue. " Hinata smiled as Kaliya nodded before Hinata said goodbye to Naruto and the four the girls walked to the training area.
A Few Weeks Later
After the usual day full of training, Akiya, Sakura, Hinata and Kaliya all sat in Ichiraku Ramen and talked amongst themselves happily while eating Ramen. As they talked, Naruto, Shikamaru and Ino walked in and sat down beside them as Ino spoke.
" If it isn't the Shadow Sisters. How are our queens of darkness today? " Ino grinned mischievously as Akiya and Kaliya smiled.
" Hungry. We have been training every day for weeks to get used to being a team. All four of us. " Kaliya spoke softly but blushed as her stomach growled loudly.
" Yeah I noticed the four of you working hard. Good to see you girls working together so well. " Ino smiled as Akiya nodded happily and Hinata spoke as she snuggled against Naruto.
" It really is. Our mission together was so much fun. I was really hoping I would be assigned to a team with them. " Hinata spoke softly and sighed as Naruto put his arm around her.
As they continued to talk, A kunai landed on the bench in front of Kaliya with a small note attached to it. After pulling the kunai out of the bench and Akiya apologised and paid for the damage, Kaliya read the note aloud.
" Come to the arena, Come alone. Hanabi. " Kaliya blushed lightly as Hinata smiled.
" That's so Hanabi. Best not keep her waiting. " Hinata giggled as Kaliya looked at Akiya.
" It's okay. Dinner is on me. Go see Hanabi. " Akiya smiled as Kaliya sighed and kissed her forehead gently before running off. " Wonder what Hanabi has planned. "
" If it has anything to do with how distracted she has been, I think I know. " Hinata giggled softly as she told the group how Hanabi and Kaliya had been sneaking out at night to spar in the forest.
Meanwhile
Kaliya ran toward the arena quickly and as she entered, She saw Hanabi sitting in the centre of the arena in what looked like a ceremonial kimono. As Kaliya motioned to step forward, She was stopped by Hanabi's father, Hiashi Hyuga, Who spoke calmly.
" This means a lot to Hanabi. I ask that you listen to her and let her follow proper ceremony. " Hiashi had a stern look on his face but smiled warmly as Kaliya nodded silently before Hiashi stepped aside and let Kaliya pass.
As Kaliya sat down, Hanabi spoke softly. " Kaliya, I have decided that I would like to tell you how I feel and ask you something. Will you hear me? " Hanabi smiled as Kaliya nodded silently. " I... " Hanabi paused and looked to her father nervously, Who motioned for her to breathe and relax. After taking a deep breathe, Hanabi spoke again. " I have come to realise over the past few weeks that I have feelings for you. I... I... " Hanabi blushed lightly as she paused and once again looked to her father, Who nodded silently with a smile. " I... I love you Kaliya. You make me feel so special and you always understand when I can't tell you what Jutsu I am using or that I want to be alone, You are so patient with me and you don't try to make me do what you want to do... Which brings me to my question. My father wanted me to just ask you but I want this to be a special occasion. So to mark the occasion I... I made you a gift. " Hanabi blushed lightly as she held up a small handmade ribbon. " I am sorry it took so long. I had to learn how to make them over the last few weeks. Onto my question... I want to ask you to be my... " Hanabi flushed bright red as she spoke nervously. " I want to ask you to be my lover and partner... I know you are part of a shinobi team but I want you to train with me when you can and go on missions with me when I graduate. I have spoken to the Hokage about this and she has given her approval. My father has also told me that you are welcome to stay with me here instead of living at the inn. That is... If... If you accept... " Hanabi fell silent and bit her lip nervously as her cheeks burned.
After a few moments of silence, Kaliya burst into tears as she spoke with relief and joy in her voice. " Ofcourse I accept Hanabi. I love you more than you know and far more than I have let on. I can't express how happy you make me feel or how amazing you really are. I couldn't say no. Yes. With all my heart yes. " Kaliya cried happily as Hanabi smiled brightly and kissed Kaliya gently as she put her arms around her.
After a moment, Hanabi broke the kiss and held Kaliya tightly as she smiled to her father who smiled brightly before standing and walking out of the arena calmly, Leaving Hanabi and Kaliya together to talk.
Ichiraku Ramen
" Oh come on Ino, You really think they wouldn't make the cutest couple? " Akiya spoke teasingly as Ino pouted.
" That's not what I meant! Ofcourse they will make a cute couple. I just mean that maybe they aren't totally ready for it. " Ino spoke calmly but jumped slightly as a man spoke from behind her.
" You would be surprised. " Hiashi's voice filled the small Ramen stall, Making Akiya, Ino and Sakura jump slightly.
" Father! I thought you were with Hanabi? " Hinata had a look of surprise on her but smiled as Hiashi chuckled softly.
" I was but I am no longer needed there. Her and Kaliya can handle themselves perfectly fine without a doting father hovering over them. " Hiashi chuckled softly as Hinata's face lit up.
" So they are... " Hinata smiled brightly as Hiashi nodded before exploding out of her seat. " YES! Who's the best matchmaker in Leaf village?! This girl. " Hinata beamed proudly as Hiashi tousled her hair gently.
" You did very well Hinata. Looking out for your younger sister and making sure she is happy shows loyalty and dedication. Very honourable of you. " Hiashi smiled proudly as Hinata blushed lightly.
" Th... Thank you father... " Hinata smiled and hugged Hiashi tenderly before waving goodbye as he walked home. After Hiashi left, Hinata sighed loudly and sat down with a joyful look on her face. " He sounded so proud of me... I have spent so long trying so hard to make him proud of me... "
" He was always proud of you Hinata. He just pushed you to grow so that you could be proud of yourself. " Tsunade's voice filled the stall as she sat down and ordered a bowl of Ramen.
" How do you know? " Hinata looked toward Tsunade with hope in her eyes as Tsunade chuckled softly.
" Because he told me himself. He has always been proud of both of you. You and Hanabi are his greatest treasures and his greatest achievement. He has always been immensely proud of you both and loves you very dearly. He was only stern with you for so long so that you could grow and become stronger. " Tsunade smiled happily as Hinata burst into tears and cried softly.
" He... He has always been proud... I have wanted to hear that since I was little... " Hinata cried softly but had a bright smile on her face as Akiya spoke softly.
" I used to be the same. I spent all my time when I was little trying to make Grandma proud of me. But it took me a long time to realise that she always was. It feels like everything you have done has led to that one moment when you finally hear the words. " Akiya smiled as Hinata nodded.
" It feels so good to hear it. It makes all my training and everything I have been through so worth it. " Hinata smiled brightly as tears of joy continued falling down her cheeks. After a moment, Hinata gasped loudly before running out of Ichiraku Ramen and down the street as a look of shock appeared on everyone's faces before Tsunade giggled softly.
After a few minutes, Hinata caught up to Hiashi as he turned a corner that led to the street his house was on. As he heard Hinata call to him, Hiashi stopped and turned around as Hinata panted slightly before taking a deep breathe.
" I know father... I know... But please let me hear you say it... " Hinata looked up at Hiashi with hope in her eyes as he smiled.
" I am and always have been so very proud of you Hinata. You have always tried your hardest in everything you do and always watched over Hanabi as you two grew up. You have become a very capable young woman and it makes me proud beyond words that I am able to call you my daughter. " Hiashi smiled happily as Hinata's lip trembled and she burst into tears as she hugged Hiashi tightly.
" I have worked so hard for so long to hear you say that... " Hinata cried softly as Hiashi stroked her hair gently.
" I know you have. I have watched every step you have ever taken. I watched as my greatest treasures grew strong and became shinobi. I watched as my two precious daughters became formidable warriors. I watched as my two sweet girls did everything they could to make me proud even though I have been proud of them since the moment they first opened their eyes. From the first moment I heard their soft cries as infants. " Hiashi smiled as he put his arms around Hinata and held her lovingly. " I could never be disappointed with either of you. There are moments when I question your sanity but I could never be disappointed. " Hiashi chuckled as Hinata shoved him playfully.
" My sanity is fine thank you very much! I am just... Outgoing! I am outgoing! " Hinata pouted but sighed happily as Hiashi petted her head gently.
" You are special and wonderful is what you are Hinata. You and Hanabi both. Now run along. That Naruto boy will be completely hopeless without you. " Hiashi grinned teasingly as Hinata pouted again but smiled as she hugged him tightly before running off again. " My darling daughters are growing up so fast. " Hiashi smiled warmly before continuing home.
As Hinata returned to Ichiraku Ramen, She saw Kaliya sitting beside Akiya with Hanabi wrapped in her arms. As she sat down, Hinata turned to Hanabi and smiled teasingly. " Go on... Say it. "
" No. " Hanabi pouted and looked away as Hinata giggled and poked her cheek gently.
" Say it Hanabi. " Hinata had a mischievous look on her face as Hanabi sighed loudly and turned to face her.
" Fine. You, Hinata are the best big sister in the world and the best matchmaker in Leaf Village. Satisfied? " Hanabi pouted again as she turned away in a huff but sighed as Hinata petted her head and kissed her forehead gently.
" Very. I am glad you are happy little sister. " Hinata smiled happily as Hanabi snuggled against Kaliya as she blushed lightly.
" I am glad father finally told you how proud he is. You have no idea how many times I heard him talking to Hokage about it and how sad he sounded when he said we weren't ready to hear it. " Hanabi smiled as Hinata smiled happily.
" It feels so good, Knowing he is proud of us. " Hinata spoke softly and smiled as Hanabi nodded.
" You should have seen him when I told him that I love Kaliya. He was fussing over me for hours. Making sure my kimono was clean and that my hair was brushed, Making sure I knew the proper ceremony and everything I wanted to say and making sure I knew he would be there with me in case I was nervous. It was horrifying... But... It was fun too. And it made me feel special. Having father go out of his way for my happiness. " Hanabi smiled joyfully before resting her head against Kaliya's shoulder.
" Yeah... He has done so much for us. So much more than I ever realised. " Hinata smiled brightly as Hanabi nodded before Kaliya tilted Hanabi's head up gently and kissed her softly, Causing Hanabi to flush bright red as the other girls giggled softly.
" Kaliya! That's... " Hanabi attempted to protest but fell silent as Kaliya kissed her deeply. After a moment, Kaliya broke the kiss and spoke softly.
" The most wonderful and amazing feeling I could ever experience... " Kaliya leant forward and pressed her lips to Hanabi's softly once more as Hanabi whimpered adorably.
" I knew they would be a perfect match. " Hinata beamed proudly as Akiya giggled softly.
" It is good to see you finally find what you have been looking for since we were little Kaliya. " Akiya smiled proudly as Kaliya held Hanabi close after breaking the heated kiss she had given Hanabi, Leaving Hanabi out of breathe and blushing brightly. After a few moments, Hanabi took a sharp breathe and spoke softly.
" Wow... " Hanabi sighed happily and nuzzled against Kaliya gently.
" Was I right or was I right? " Hinata spoke teasingly before Hanabi pouted and turned away.
" Shut up! " Hanabi spoke sternly but whimpered softly as Kaliya tilted her head and nibbled her ear playfully. " Ka... Kaliya... "
" Yes Hanabi? " Kaliya let go of Hanabi's ear for a moment and smiled before continuing to nibble Hanabi's ear again, Causing her to whimper softly.
" Th... Ah... That's... " Hanabi blushed brightly as she whimpered as Akiya, Sakura, Ino and Hinata all blushed as Kaliya giggled.
" But you are just so delicious Hanabi. " Kaliya giggled playfully as Hanabi squirmed.
" I am not food! " Hanabi nudged Kaliya gently but sighed as Kaliya sighed softly. After a moment, Hanabi sighed softly and smiled before caressing Kaliya's cheek gently. " Oh alright. "
Kaliya smiled happily before going back to nibbling Hanabi's ear gently as Hanabi whimpered softly. " It feels a little weird but feels so good at the same time... " Hanabi gasped softly as Kaliya licked her neck playfully.
" Officially the cutest couple in the village. " Akiya giggled happily before ordering a bowl of Ramen for herself and Sakura. After eating, Everyone went home to bed.
The Next Day
Kaliya woke up slowly and smiled as she realised that her arms and legs were entwined with Hanabi's. After carefully getting out of bed, Kaliya got changed and walked out of Hanabi's room. As she walked toward the front door of the house, Hinata seized her arm and pulled her back gently.
" Hinata? What's wrong? " Kaliya had a confused look on her face as Hinata giggled and continued dragging her along.
" You can't leave without breakfast! It's the most important meal of the day! Plus, Father makes the best pancakes! " Hinata smiled happily as Kaliya's eyes went wide with excitement as Hinata dragged her into the kitchen. As they sat down, Hanabi wandered in and sat at the table beside Kaliya before yawning sleepily as Kaliya brushed stray strands of hair out of her face before kissing Hanabi's cheek tenderly as Hiashi placed a plate of pancakes in front of them.
" I assume you two will share breakfast? " Hiashi smiled as Hanabi blushed brightly and Kaliya held up a fork with a piece of pancake on it for Hanabi.
" I can feed myself! " Hanabi motioned to take the fork but Kaliya quickly moved it out of her reach before smiling and moving the fork within Hanabi's reach as she blushed furiously before opening her mouth and eating the piece of pancake as Kaliya giggled happily.
" Such an adorable pair. " Hiashi chuckled happily as Hanabi continued blushing uncontrollably.
" This is so embarrassing... " Hanabi blushed as Kaliya held up another piece of pancake.
" And yet you love it don't you? I don't see you trying to avoid it. " Kaliya smiled happily as Hanabi ate the piece of pancake before turning and biting Kaliya's neck gently, Causing Kaliya to gasp and drop the fork. As Hiashi and Hinata looked at Hanabi with a look of shock, Kaliya blushed brightly and whimpered as Hanabi let go and spoke softly.
" Maybe I want something else for breakfast. " Hanabi pulled Kaliya closer and bit down onto her neck again, Forcing another soft whimper out of Kaliya as she blushed brighter and bit her lip as Hiashi chuckled and Hinata blushed brightly.
" At last. Finally expressing yourself freely with no concern for what others think of it. Being yourself is a good thing Hanabi. " Hiashi chuckled softly before sitting down with a plate of his own and eating his breakfast as Hanabi continued nibbling Kaliya's neck for a few minutes before returning to her plate of pancakes as Kaliya trembled and blushed.
" You are so bad Hanabi... " Kaliya spoke breathlessly as Hanabi held up a piece of pancake for her.
" You love it. Now eat your breakfast so we can go and train. " Hanabi smiled playfully as Kaliya ate the piece of pancake and blushed brightly.
After eating breakfast, Hanabi and Kaliya walked to the training arena to spar and practice Jutsu. As they sparred, Akiya, Sakura and Hinata arrived and sat nearby to watch. As they watched, Akiya noticed Kaliya doing hand signs with her free hand as she blocked Hanabi's attacks. As Akiya was about to speak, Kaliya spoke as her free hand erupted into black flames.
" Art Of The Shadow Soul: Darkfire Fist! " Kaliya spun and threw a punch with the flame engulfed fist as Hanabi gasped and dodged backward before speaking.
" Eight Trigrams: Sixty Four Palms! " Hanabi darted forward quickly and started striking small points on Kaliya's body, Leaving small red dots on her skin. As Hanabi counted her strikes up to sixty four, Kaliya groaned painfully. As Hanabi finished, Kaliya stepped back and groaned softly as the small red marks on her body stung as Hanabi spoke. " I have sealed your chakra points. You can't us... "
Hanabi fell silent as a ripple of energy erupted from Kaliya and her eyes changed into her Rinnegan. As Kaliya looked at Hanabi, She lunged forward with a look on her face as if she were in a trance. As she was about to hit Hanabi, Akiya stepped in front of her and caught Kaliya's punch as she spoke. " Kaliya stop! "
Kaliya's gaze shifted to Akiya, But her eyes were glazed and empty, As if Kaliya's body were merely a puppet. As Akiya pushed her backwards forcefully, Kaliya pointed her arm forward and a ball of black chakra fired forward and slammed into Akiya, Sending her rocketing across the area and slamming into the ground. As Kaliya motioned to move again, Hanabi ran forward and tackled her before pressing a gentle kiss to Kaliya's lips. After a moment, Kaliya's eyes returned to normal and she looked into Hanabi's eyes with shock and sadness. " Hanabi.. I... I am so sorry... "
" It's okay. I'm not hurt and it is technically my fault. " Hanabi smiled soothingly as she helped Kaliya to her feet and held her gently.
" I still can't control it... " Kaliya bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes. After a moment, Kaliya noticed Akiya laying on the ground nearby, Clutching her stomach and struggling to breathe. As Kaliya ran over, Akiya groaned loudly and tried to take a breath, Resulting in a loud gasping sound but little else as a look of horror etched onto Kaliya's face.
" No... Not again... " Kaliya fell to her knees and burst into tears as Sakura knelt beside Akiya and started using healing chakra. After a few minutes, Akiya was breathing normally and the pain in her stomach had all but stopped as Kaliya spoke. " Again... I hurt you AGAIN... Akiya I... "
" It's alright Kaliya. You didn't mean to. " Akiya held Kaliya lovingly as she cried softly. " Kaliya what was that? It's like you weren't even there... "
" I... I... " Kaliya bit her lip before sighing softly. " As you know I developed my Rinnegan on my own. Because of that... When I use it I... I lose control. It's like I am sleeping. I don't have any control over what I do. It's why I try not to use it and when I do it is only active for a few seconds. It gets worse when I get injured or when I can't use chakra. My Rinnegan pushes my chakra network into overdrive, Often breaking through things like chakra blocking techniques. No matter how hard I try I just can't get control. " Kaliya looked away sheepishly before Akiya stepped back and Hanabi pulled Kaliya into a gentle hug.
" I know a thing or two about not having control. I still can't get most of my family Jutsu to work. But... I do know someone who can help us both. Come with me. " Hanabi took Kaliya's hand and pulled her away gently as Akiya, Sakura and Hinata began training.
Kaliya reveals why she doesn't use her Rinnegan.
Who is the person that can help her gain control?
Read on to find out!
Read and Review