Reflecting on her past, Akaya noticed a pattern. Although, some battles had been a struggle for her, she had never been truly challenged by her opponents. There had never been a time when she couldn't think of a counter attack or defense against a powerful move. That, or she had someone to back her up. She was never alone to face someone of her equal or even, higher level. This would be the first time that her natural talent meant nothing. It was her skills that would have to be her strongest attributes against the one person she never wanted to face: Himeka Hiromi.

Her private tent as one of Konoha's ambassadors was quiet and calm, and she was immediately thrown back into the loneliness of her house in Konoha. She recoiled at the very thought. It hid her growing impatience towards the mission that awaited her next nightfall. It would end in a triumphant return to a homeland in ruins or a horrible reminder that Konoha could never rebuild.

She sat up in her cot to find Akira's eyes meeting hers with herself. Being honest with herself, Akaya related to the shadow demon's concern. This was Akira's first time seeing Himeka since the shadow demon left her side. "She isn't the same person, is she?"

A soft melodic voice came from Akira, "Do you think I chose you by default?"

Akaya's eyes widened at the question. More so, who asked it. The shadow had never spoken before. Akira had nodded or shook her head for a response, and that had been enough to keep Akaya satisfied. Their lines of communication generally just required a yes or no anyways.

The demon continued, noting the girl's startled reaction, "I can only speak to those who I have a solidified bond with. And although you grew up near me, I never had an opportunity to see you as you were. Therefore, I never decided to acknowledge you at all."

The demon shaped itself into its' snake before reestablishing her speech, "Himeka always carried a major self-preserving side to her. She was never one to help anyone without some sort of personal gain. But she always stayed loyal to Konoha and represented herself well with them so I had no reason to leave her side."

Akaya stayed silent, amazed how she already knew that. Even from a young age, her mother had created her lessons around how to survive and independently thrive in a world built around trust and bonds. She claimed that those very same qualities relied on loyalty that could be broken at any time. Her distrust made Himeka bitter, and her disloyalty lead to Akaya's dilemma. As much as she wanted to deny it, Akaya understood that Himeka was prepping her for this event all along. Although not her intention, Himeka had constructed the thing to would destroy her goal of control.

All of the ignorance. All of the quiet. All of the destruction. All of the betrayal.

All of it was to force Akaya to make a choice between her mother's path of isolation, Shin's path of pure diplomacy and intimidation tactics, or a path that Akaya would have to discover on her own. A path that led to Akaya growing into her own as a Shinobi and as a leader. She never asked for this, but she never like failing, and this objective was no different.

The shadow demon smirked and transformed into her wolf form to grab back Akaya's focus, "You, on the other hand, have never drifted from your morality. Your moral compass has always been for the best outcome for everyone, not just yourself or your interests. You are a true leader and admired by all you come in contact with. You are much stronger than she ever gave you credit for. And for that reason, I will follow you into battle tomorrow with total confidence in your ability to control your shadows."

Akaya smiled timidly. She had always tried to be an example for her village and fellow comrades, but it was still rather Earth-shattering that the one person she looked up in her life ultimately would turn into her biggest adversary. "Thanks, Akira. I guess you finally trust me."

Akira lowered her head in recognition just like she always had. "She hated Shin because she didn't like to be wrong. He challenged her in a way she never thought possible and in a way she disliked. He had a control over her emotions which terrified, and she refused to exhibit those feelings to him. I can tell Shin is going through the same troubles you are. I suggest you speak with him tonight."

She curled back into Akaya's shadow as effortlessly as she had emerged from it. No more need for casual conversation and no need for goodbyes. Their agreement had been sealed the night Akira crept into that dark room. A room similar to the cot they resided in now. Even without words, their bond was growing, and Akaya appreciated Akira's sentiments.

Akaya slid out of bed, slipping on her shoes in the process. Akira was right: if anyone knew what she was feeling, it was Shin. They had both suffered the same loss and were about to face it yet again. Emotions had always been Akaya's biggest strength and weakness. It all depended on the scenario and how she redirected her emotions into her actions. She was beginning to understand that Himeka gave her that, so how did Shin fall for her? How could such a collected and calculated demon love a woman so determined on keeping her distance from everyone?

She stopped dreaming of knowing her family history long before she met the people who shaped and molded her into who she was now. As soon as she accepted it, Akaya learned the truth, and all of the mysteries started to unfold in front of her. Things began to make sense, but for every answer she found, a question replaced it. If she was entering a life-or-death battle, Akaya wanted some closure to this current predicament she was entangled in.

She exited her tent to see the fire blazing in the middle of the troop site. Normally, she would be upset that it had potentially given away positioning, but Akaya resisted the urge to avoid stressing out the troops any more than they already were. They all knew what was at stake, and they all felt the same growing anxiety.

Akaya crossed over the area, listening to cracking fire over the wood. It had a calming and serene effect on her. Fire had always comforted her and most of her jutsus centered around the element for that exact reason. The flames created a control in her mind and had an overwhelmingly powerful impact on her confidence. She stopped briefly to admire the scene. Sometimes, she had to take a breather and relax. Now seemed as good a time as any.

"Your mother always liked fire, ya know."

Akaya looked beside her to find Shin. He stood much taller than she had ever noticed, and to the untrained eye, he was bathed in confidence. But she realized they all had to be that way. If not, the people who followed them blindly who have a difficult time keeping morale and spirits high.

Shin had always observed Akaya from a distance. Sure, he trained her over the last six months extensively, but he understood that in order to be effective, he had to be objective. Akaya had a natural talent in everything from leadership to the marksmanship. And in that way, she was the perfect image of Himeka. The way she presented herself was awe-inspiring. The way she looked like a true dignitary was so similar to what Shin wanted to remember his former lover as. Even though after all this time and all the distance, he wanted Himeka. It seemed as though anything Shin wanted was out of his reach. The true oxymoron of life, he supposed.

Akaya kept her gaze fixed on the flames that were so unpredictable and yet, so in sync with one another. Her voice was even as she spoke. Her curiosity overcame her. She wanted nothing but the truth, and Shin was the only way to get that information. "I am sure she did. And I noticed you like abilities that favor control. It's as if I was the perfect blend of you and her. I know I was never meant to come into existence. I refuse to live in denial of that."

For the first time in centuries, Shin couldn't come up with a seasoned response. He had gone over what to say in his head before because Akaya was smart. She would have eventually discovered her heritage on her own. He still was taken back by her calm demeanor about the whole ordeal. Anger was her normal response to tension. "I guess a life of denial has it's advantages though."

He smirked at his inquisitive daughter, "I would know."

"What happened to make her hate you so much when she loved you enough to give you all of her?"

Shin motioned toward his tent and lifted its flap to invite Akaya in. She felt no need for words as she followed. Whenever someone was invited into his office or private quarters, it was to reveal information to them. She didn't have to ask him details; he was going to give them freely.

Inside the tent, there were two cots. Sesoni and Shin shared quarters as kages out of respect to their nations, but also shared them because of their long and rich friendship. Even though they both rarely slept as it was, the privacy they received gave them a chance to let down their guards and talk openly to each other. There was a comradery that was so extensive Akaya would never dare question it.

Akaya sat down on Sesoni's as Shin sat down on his own. Sitting across from one another, they both acknowledged the similar mannerisms they shared. For as much as she resembled Himeka, she reacted like Shin. It was odd to look at his daughter now because he couldn't guarantee her safety. And as much as he wanted to shelter and coddle her, he knew that she wouldn't accept that as the truth. After all, she was his daughter, and she wanted the truth over everything else.

"First off, let me say that you are a lot stronger emotionally than she was. A lot more open and understanding to the changing world around you."
Shin looked up at the top of the tent and relaxed his shoulders before continuing, "You can get upset about things, but you don't let them destroy you."

Akaya pulled her hair behind her ears. It had grown out below her shoulders again, and she preferred it pulled back. Hair in her face got annoying after awhile and she wanted to get rid of. But the hair was a sense of comfort now that she couldn't cut off. It brought her back to a time before the craziness of this reality hit. "You are dancing around the answer, Shin."

Shin chuckled, "I know. I can't make up for lost time. It should never have been lost to begin with," Shin rubbed the back of his neck as he recommenced his words, "Her mother was, is, truly one of a kind. She had a defiant streak and a true love for fighting and the ninja way of life. I fell for that flare and fiery electricity she exuded in everything she did."

Akaya admired Shin for how strong he was. How unapologetic he was. However when it came to Himeka, his whole body seemed to exhibit cowardice and misery. He was a broken being, and the parallels between his story and hers were uncanny. "Was she the first human you ever loved?"

Shin looked solemnly up to her as if that was the last thing he wanted to answer. "Yes. Until recently, people wouldn't accept what they didn't know. Hence, that's why I formed bonds with only the most powerful ones who had a better understanding of the world around them."

Shin recalled when she walked into his village all those years ago. She radiated with beauty from her confidence alone, but Shin didn't deny that she was a pretty girl to begin with. It had been the first time that he had truly been nervous. And when she looked up at him from the entrance, his heart had dropped at her smile. "I fell for a strong woman who was unafraid to confront me and unapologetic about who she was. She was headstrong and stubborn, and I loved her for it. She was the first woman determined enough to look past the demon exterior."

Akaya's question got trapped within her thoughts. She had to swallow hard and when she got the words to form her question, the voice that came out was just shy of nonexistent. "What happened, Shin?"

"Something happened to her, Akaya," Shin looked down at the floor, "the last time we spoke, she was angry and scorned. It was as if I had hurt her in some way I was unaware of."

Akaya's eyes widened and suddenly began to water, "She hated you because of me."

"It wasn't until years later, when her file landed in my files of interest on my desk, that I saw it. I saw the year break. I saw the reports of your supposed adoption. I saw her filing to become a true ANBU. It was the one thing she swore she'd never do. She was trying to change her life to avoid me, and in the process, she tore us apart."

Shin's eyes were filled with hurt, and examining him now, Akaya finally saw how broken emotionally Shin was. Both of her parents went through the same hurt together but would never dare admit it. They were too prideful and stubborn to see the intensive impact they had in each other's lives. Her mother took that position to avoid her feelings for Shin. More importantly, it was to escape the reality she was trapped inside.

Shin continued earnestly, "When I finally pieced everything together properly, I wanted to be in your life. I wanted to mentor you and teach you all of the demon tricks I had acquired throughout the years. I wanted to see you off to the academy and watch you go through the ranks. I never want you to think I was staying out of your life on purpose. I had Danter and Sesoni always tell me how you were doing and if I needed to intervene."

Shin smiled the best he could manage,"You made me extremely proud, kid."

Akaya stood up and sat beside Shin on his cot. She put her hand over his, making sure to squeeze it tightly as she spoke, "I learned how to be independent from an early age, so when you did teach me demon tricks, I could handle them with ease. I walked to the academy as confident as any child could be, and I aced every test they threw at me. I was even promoted without taking the finals. I became a genin by myself, motivated with just competing to catch up with Tajek."

She smiled softly, "Himeka was always distant, but I never could blame my father for not being there; she never let you. And the fact that Sesoni gave you insight makes me happy. It means you cared, but I never needed you then," Akaya continued as bravely as she could. She never admitted that she needed help, "But I need you tomorrow. I am scared to go up against her, and I need your backup and support. I need you now more than ever, Dad."

Shin's eyes lit up with pride. He never considered that he could repair the image of a father in her mind. After all, he hadn't been in her life growing up. It was a marvelous feeling that they had come such a long way from their first interaction with each other. This weight on his soul was a burden he never realized that he carried until it was gone. Akaya had many characteristics of her mother, but the way she presented herself was different. Her best quality was how she could calm anyone with the inner fire that was unique to her. She took the calming feeling she felt from fire and applied that to her ninja life and in every interaction she had with others. She brought people to find their inner peace.

"You should rest up," Shin rubbed the top of her head to play with her hair, "we need you to be well-rested."

Akaya nodded and silently complied with his request by standing up and walking out of his tent. As she exited, she saw Sesoni and Aicirret patrolling the parameters. Aicirret waved eagerly at Akaya and she waved back. The best thing about traveling with demons was that she never had to worry about a night patrol. They liked that shift the best.

()

After Akaya waved back at her, Aicirret returned her attention to the patrol. The promise of a true battle always filled her with excitement. She didn't get much of a chance to face anyone of her equal skills. She looked at her uncle, noting the intense concentration that he was exhibiting. "So, time for another lesson?"

Sesoni smirked, "Not tonight. I've taught you all the essentials you'll need for tomorrow."

"Then what's with the face?" She mimicked his expression and crossed her arms while smiling brightly, "What's got you so down?"

"Did you listen in on their talk as well, Aicirret?" He kept his serious tone, "It's intriguing how easily she can put others at ease, including demons. Akaya can talk her way out of most predicaments, so I was just pondering if she was planning on using that gift to save her mother."

Aicirret's gleeful outlook immediately shifted into a somber one. After listening to Akaya speak with Shin, she had been hopeful and optimistic about the day ahead of them. Whereas, Sesoni was filled with questions and worry. He was always trying to figure out others while she just wanted to be around them.

"Akaya's gift is not a talent or skill, although she has unknowingly perfected the art. You know, like I do, that it is a product of her half-demon nature. She inherited her parents' traits, and her DNA forged it into an ability all of its' own."

Aicirret uncrossed her arms and looked back to see Akaya returning into her tent, "But I have known her almost as long as you have. Although she knows how to use her words, history shows that she enjoys fighting. Her actions are what makes her words as effective as they are. Because she doesn't rely on them as much as you're assuming she does."

Sesoni was proud of Aicirret. She was still just a small child when her mother died in labor for a still-born brother she could never know or love. When Sesoni found her days later, the poor girl was huddled over his sister. Since then, her spirit remained wild and untamed, so it was refreshing to see her stay grounded for the last year. She had grown into a beautiful young demon in her own right. Although so young, in human and especially in demon years, she was wise and insightful. Sesoni liked to think he played a role in that development. "Unlike you, I have to explore every option I can so when a problem arises, I know how to appropriately respond."

Aicirret smiled slyly, "From the stories Shin shared with me, you weren't always like that."

Sesoni sighed. Of course Shin would tell her about their old days of being on the Bingo Book together. "You're right. I was ruthless and reckless. We both were."

Sesoni fondly recalled those years as he continued, " But times were different then. Humans and demons never coincided with each other. If we lived, we needed to die. If we died, we were showcased as an example of how powerful mortals were," Sesoni grinned, showing his sharp teeth in the process, "And Shin and I were the ultimate prize."

His words sparked her curiosity. "With such a background of discontent and anger, how was Danter able to change the narrative?"

"Simply put," Sesoni replied, " he learned how to become the narrative. He put demons in positions that had only been controlled by mortals. He befriended us when no one else dared. When he came across our path of destruction, he listened to our side even though we had a kunai to his throat."

"So he was different," Aicirret looked up at the sky filled with twinkling stars, and hope overwhelmed her. "So is Tajek. They both make a difference by just being in the room."

Sesoni continued, "Maybe there is a way for Tajek to make an impact in this battle too. I'd like to keep a Montair in the Hokage's office if possible. He certainly won't have a difficult time claiming it."

He chuckled and turned to Aicirret. "I remember seeing Tajek try to defy his father once in his entire lifetime. He was denying his feelings for Akaya, and Danter wouldn't allow him to. When he told him to assist as a Sensei on the mission, I asked why it was so important for Tajek to be with this particular girl."

Aicirret retorted sarcastically, "And why was it? No, let me guess: they were destined to be together."

"Destiny isn't exactly the word I would use," Sesoni said, "and Danter wouldn't either. But his son was his life. He was trying to prepare him for after he was gone. He told me that Akaya was a good choice, and they should discover feelings early on and to accept the emotions they felt, regardless of how awkward or scary they are. It would make them more empathetic to those around them. That was essential in the world they resided in."

Sesoni smiled, "I wish there was some grand scheme he had planned for them because he would have been impressed by their progress, both as a couple and as Shinobi. They were forced to face things that no ordinary genin would be equipped to handle. But hand-in-hand, they took the opportunities to improve and master their skills. I'd like to think Danter brought them together so they could rise with each other."

Aicirret laughed, " So, like I said, in the end, it was destiny for them to be together. Chance brought them to be on the same team, Danter forced their fate, but destiny has allowed them to grow together as a unit."

Sesoni turned toward the tent assigned to him and replied before walking away, " Well since you seem to know it all, I'll trust you to handle the rest of this lookout by yourself."

Aicirret nodded, "By the way, every conversation with you is a lesson, no matter what you intend it to be."

The demon shrugged as he retired for the night, "Some things can't be helped."