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Bee-uty & the Beast

Kraen

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Chapter Thirteen

Saburo was silent as the guards led him to a wooden gate at the back mansion walls. 'This must be where they do their dirty work,' he thought.

They waited only briefly before Makoto showed up, brandishing a nine-tailed whip.

"Sir!" saluted the guards.

Makoto sighed, "Go on boys. I'll take care of this."

"Sir?" asked one.

"No man should have to watch this," he jerked his head over his shoulder. "Git!"

The guards complied. Soon it was just Makoto and Saburo watching each other silently.

"I had always thought you were a good kid, Makoto," said Saburo with a sad, heavy voice. "I guess if anyone was going to do this, I'd rather it was you."

Makoto gave him a smile, "Then you're a good judge of character." He pulled a dagger from his belt and approached the headmen.

Saburo stepped away, "You would kill me instead?"

Makoto grabbed the man's arm; cutting his bindings.

Saburo rubbed his wrists and eyed Makoto suspiciously. "What is the meaning of this? Are you helping me?"

The captain sheathed his dagger and whistled a small trill through the air.

Saburo jumped as a buxom woman caring a satchel stepped from the bushes.

Makoto took the bag and tossed it to Saburo. "Lay low for a few days. Hakanza's too busy with the war to notice you missing."

Saburo tented his brows in disbelief. He was being let go without punishment? He lifted the bag, "What's this?"

"Bouillon cubes, dried meats, and canned vegetables," said Umeko. "It's not much, but any farm wife knows how to stretch a meal."

Saburo blinked back his tears, "Why?"

"I've never struck a man who didn't deserve it. And I'm not about to start now." Makoto put his arm around his wife and turned them both toward the mansion. He looked over his shoulder and gave Saburo a bright grin, "That and I guess I'm just one hell of a guy."

As the couple walked across the courtyard, Umeko leaned her head against her husband's shoulder. "It's true you know. You really are one hell of a guy."

He chuckled, "Don't say that just yet."

She lifted her head, "Oh?"

He held up the whip, "My shift is over in thirty minutes, and I think I've been a naughty boy."

Umeko laughed, "Have you now? What did you do that was so naughty?"

He grinned at her, "I don't know, but I've got thirty minutes to think of something."

-------------------------------------- // --------------------------------------

Hani shuddered at the cold night air. She was huddled on a stone bench in the mansion's eastern garden. It was beautiful; the nearly full moon illuminated the various plants and fall flowers. The whole place looked like a dream.

She wasn't sure how she ended up here – after running from Gai; she roamed around lost for a few minutes before finding this garden. She had been surprised no one stopped her, but she figured being Hakanza's courtesan allowed her to roam free.

She shook her head. Other people thinking she was a courtesan was one thing, but her partner -- her mission teammate calling her that horrible name was something completely different. She knew he was angry and just trying to vent what steam he could. But, if only he had called her anything – ANYTHING else, it wouldn't have hurt nearly as much.

--- // ---

She thought back to a time, when she had accompanied her mother on a trip to the market; she was no older than ten at the time. It had been a beautiful summer day and the market was fairly busy. Hani had stayed quietly by her mother's side, carrying their food basket.

While her mother haggled with a merchant over the price of some fruit, Hani had caught sight of two boys playing by the market's fountain. It didn't take long before they had noticed her watching them. At first, they exchanged grins and small waves. Hani looked at her mother and seeing the woman to be preoccupied, shyly waved back. The boys had blushed and giggled. Then they gave each other a few elbows and double-dog dared each other to talk to her. They were barely ten feet away when someone stepped in front of the boys, cutting off their path. A large man spoke to them sternly while eyeing Hani and her mother. "I don't want you boys talking to those women. They're nothing, but whores."

Hani was very naïve at the time and had been shocked by the man's statement. What was a whore? She had no idea. She had never heard that word before and her mother was too busy to notice what he had said, or she had just chosen to ignore it.

Later that evening, Hani had gone to her grandmother's house for dinner and music lessons. While her grandmother stirred their meal, Hani sat in the living room, tuning her erhu. "Grandma? What's a 'whore'?" asked Hani in her young voice.

Grandma Bumble froze, "Where did you hear that Hani?"

Hani suddenly felt like she had done something wrong, "I – I heard it in the market today."

The old woman put down her spoon and walked into the living room. "Did someone call you that?"

Hani fidgeted nervously with her instrument, not wanting to look her grandmother in the eye. "I – I think so."

Grandma Bumble sighed heavily. How could someone say something like that in front of a ten year old -- let alone, actually call her that? She walked over and sat on the cushion next to her granddaughter. "Hani, come here," she said, holding out her arms.

Hani complied; gently setting her erhu to the side and leaned into her grandmother's lap.

The old woman stroked her hair lovingly. "Hani that is a mean word – something people say when they don't understand."

Hani blinked in confusion, "But what is a whore?"

Grandma Bumble flinched, "Try not to say that word, Hani."

"B-But what is it?"

Her grandmother sighed again, "Whores are someone who sell themselves for money."

"Like a slave?"

Grandma Bumble grinned, "Not quite -- slaves don't get paid. Whores are compensated for what they do."

"Is that bad, Grandma?" asked Hani with every ounce of childhood innocence.

"Most people think it is." She tucked a strand of hair behind her granddaughter's ear. "But people don't realize there wouldn't even be whores if there weren't people willing to pay for them."

Hani sat in silence a few minutes before speaking, "Grandma, are we whores?"

The old woman swallowed the lump in her throat. "No Hani," she said, trying to choke back her tears. "We are ninja, who use our strengths to take advantage of our enemy's weaknesses. The Hachi Clan is no different than the noble Hyuuga or the mighty Uchiha. We just do things a bit differently. We ARE good people." She lifted the girl's chin, "And never let anyone tell you different."

A year later when Hani was bed ridden after a bad bought of poison exposure, she overheard her mother and grandmother chatting.

"Mother," said Kisaki over her needlework. "I have decided to begin Hani's seduction training."

Grandma Bumble blanched, "But Kisaki, the child is only eleven years old!"

Kisaki scoffed, "Hani has proven to be quite gifted. I think starting her training early would be an excellent idea to take advantage of her talents."

"She is still just a child!" pleaded Grandma Bumble.

"She was able to master control over her zeru-roiyaru in less than a year – which is amazing by our clan's standards. If she was a Hyuuga who showed such promise then no one would think twice about advancing her training."

"She isn't a Hyuuga, Kisaki. She is a Hachi and you know what entails our seduction training – that's why we limit the girl to being no younger than 15!"

Kisaki gave her mother a casual, detached look. "It is my decision, and that is final."

"I forbid it!" shouted Grandma Bumble.

Kisaki grinned as she returned to her needlework, "You are in no position to forbid anything. You are no longer head of this clan and you are no longer a Willow Warrior. I am, therefore I make the decisions."

"We shall see about that!" said Grandma Bumble before storming from her daughter's house.

A few days later, Hani was awoken by the sound of the front door opening. The tone of her mother's voice caught her ear.

"What are you doing here?" asked Kisaki.

"Do not feign ignorance, Kisaki. You know why I am here," came a low, scruff voice.

Hani sneaked out of her bed and crawled soundlessly to the door, peering though the crack.

"I don't have the foggiest idea," lied the woman.

The man grumbled, "Enough with your nonsense, Kisaki. I am here about Hani."

Kisaki feigned surprise, "Oh, you are here to see your daughter?" She gave him a cold look, "How paternal of you."

The man sneered, "I forbid you to begin her seduction training at this age."

"How is our son?" asked Kisaki flatly. "He's strong. I see a lot of promise in him." She looked into the fireplace deeply as she played with the long strands of her ebon colored hair, "I'm happy that I could give you such a healthy boy. It's hard not being allowed to speak with him." She folded her arms and gave the man a look only seen in a viper before it strikes, "Really Hiruzen. How is Asuma doing?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gritted his teeth, "This isn't about Asuma."

"Why not?!" asked Kisaki, slamming her fist on a nearby table. "He is no more your child than Hani! The only difference is their gender!"

Sarutobi set his jaw, "You know it is the Hachi code that a daughter must be produced, regardless of whether or not a son was born first."

"That's right; I gave you a healthy son! More than that wife of yours could produce – a weak child who can't even be a ninja." She slinked closer, "And what am I left with?" She pointed in the direction of the bedrooms, "HER. While Asuma gets all of the glory as the son of the Hokage, I'm left with the girl who must be tucked away like a dirty little secret."

"The only reason either one of them are here is because of the contract between the Hachi Clan and the village of Konoha."

"Tell me, Hiruzen. Why was that contract made?"

Sarutobi squinted at her; she knew the answer. "Because the Hachi Clan was one of the first to join Senju Hashirama in forming Konoha."

"And why do you think Senju wanted us around?"

"Because of your skills and abilities."

Kisaki smiled – she had won, "Exactly. Hani shows a great deal of promise and I am starting her training early to take advantage of it." She smiled innocently, "It's for the good of the village."

Sarutobi wasn't buying it, "I forbid it. If you begin her seduction training before she is old enough then I will have you arrested, then strip you of your title, rank and station."

Kisaki bawked, "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!"

Sarutobi slammed his foot in frustration and gave the woman a look that made Hani shudder, "I am your HOKAGE! My word is LAW!"

Less than a week later, Hani and her mother had gone on a day trip to one of the small outlying villages. Initially, Kisaki had told Hani she was taking her to learn a new tea ceremony, but it soon became clear to the girl that story wasn't true.

Hani shuddered amidst the darkness of a small inn room as she watched her mother stand in the doorway. The woman was looking about the village anxiously, for what, Hani didn't know.

After a few minutes, a large man dressed in commoner's clothing approached Kisaki. They spoke a few silent words before the man handed over a small bag. Then Kisaki directed the man into the room with Hani and they both stood before the girl.

Hani shuffled her feet nervously and clung at the sides of her silken kimono.

"Is this the girl?" asked the man, eyeing Hani.

Kisaki gave her daughter an almost sinister grin, "Yes. Please go easy on her. This will be her first time."

The man chuckled.

"Mama?" asked Hani, barely able to speak. "What's going on?"

Kisaki's face was emotionless, "Why -- this is your training Hani. Today you become a woman." She lifted her finger as she commanded her daughter, "Now, you be a good girl and do everything that this man tells you to do."

Hani shook harder, "But Mama, I'm not a slave … am I?"

Kisaki lifted her eyebrows, "Why no child … you're now a whore."

Hani's eyes doubled in size as the realization sunk it.

Kisaki looked to the man, "Try not to leave any marks." Then turned to leave.

"Mama!" cried Hani as she cowered from the man. "Mama, PLEASE! I'm not ready!" She back away from the man as far as she could.

He grinned at her; this was going to be fun.

"MAMA, PLEASE!" screamed Hani.

Just as Kisaki reached for the door, it burst open; nearly taking the woman out with it. An instant later, a half dozen ninja in uniforms and masks spilled into the room; detaining the man and restraining Kisaki against the wall. Behind them was Hokage Sarutobi who had donned his fighting gear. He stood in the door for a moment, taking in the scene before him – not wanting to believe what he was seeing.

He gave Kisaki a disappointed look before speaking. "Kisaki Hachi, you have disobeyed a direct order by your Hokage. And this crime …" he struggled with his words. "Is unforgivable for any parent to put their child through." He straightened his shoulders and stared Kisaki in the eye, "As Hokage of Konoha, I hereby strip you of your rights and put you under arrest."

Kisaki fought against her detainees. "You bastard!" she screamed. "She is my daughter, I have the right to train her how I see fit!"

Sarutobi growled at her, "This isn't training! What on earth would make you want to do this to your own daughter? You've cancelled all of your missions … you are refusing any new work … Kisaki, there is more going on here than Hani's training –"

Kisaki's head whipped towards Sarutobi, "I don't want to pretend anymore! I don't want to be someone's little secret!" She struggled in the grip of the ANBU Agents. "I want to be a real noblewoman – not a fake one!"

Sarutobi blinked in surprise, Kisaki was normally emotionless.

She threw her head back and gritted her teeth in anger, "For once, I would like to get some glory for what I do – but NO! Hachi women are supposed to blend into the background. I can't so much as get a pat on the back for our son! No, all of that fame goes to that bitch of a wife of yours!" She cocked her head towards Hani, "And that child is a constant reminder of that damn contract which binds my life to Konoha!" She laughed hysterically, "I can't escape it – and neither will Hani! As soon as she was conceived, her life was forfeit to that accursed pact."

"Kisaki, your hatred towards being a ninja for Konoha is no excuse for doing this to your own child!"

"I am not a ninja! I am a slave to Konoha!" She spat at the grown before Sarutobi. "And I would rather die that be used as a tool for that village again!"

Sarutobi sighed heavily.

"What are your orders Hokage-sama?" asked an ANBU Agent.

Sarutobi jerked his head towards the door, "Take her away."

Just as the ANBU Agents moved to get a better grip on her, Kisaki planted her feet and closed her eyes in focus.

"Hokage-sama!" called one of the ANBU.

"Hold her steady!" he commanded, pulling a small paper seal from his sleeve and quickly slapping it against her forehead.

Kisaki blanched as she felt her chakra fade. She snarled; it would take more than that to fully suppress her.

"Don't bother using your zeru-roiyaru, Kisaki," commanded Sarutobi. "There is no one here to help you," he tilted his head towards the ANBU, indicating the unit was entirely female.

Without opening her eyes, Kisaki grinned.

"Shit!" called Sarutobi as he held his breath and then reached into his pouch, pulling out a small scroll. He opened it quickly, summoning a small breathing apparatus often worn by rain ninja.

At this point, the ANBU Agents holding Kisaki had pulled their swords and brought it to her neck. Once the blade touched dangerously against her skin, she lifted her hands in surrender; but the grin never left her face.

There was a short pause before a low, throaty moan filled the room. Sarutobi jerked around to see the villager lift his head slowly and glare towards the Hokage.

"Take him out!" called one of the ANBU Agents. But the man quickly grasped the hand of one Agent and threw her into the other, leaving him unguarded.

"His strength!" said one of Kisaki's guards in surprise.

"It's the zeru-roiyaru," shouted Sarutobi through his mask. "It's put him into a rage!"

The man quickly turned to Sarutobi and charged, crying an eerie battle cry.

Sarutobi stole a look at Kisaki – the woman was still grinning. She knew this commoner would be no match for the Hokage, but she was beyond caring.

Sarutobi sighed before stretching out his arm and pointing two fingers. "Kanashibari no Jutsu," he said, the instant his finger touched the man's chest. He then side-stepped the man's body as it collapsed to the ground, disabled. He was silent another moment, looking at the two ANBU Agents who had been thrown, picking themselves up and then back at Kisaki who stared back, expressionless.

"I am grateful for our son, Kisaki. But this," he indicated the man and Hani. "This is unforgivable." He jerked his head towards the door, "Take her away."

Kisaki didn't say another word – not even a backwards glance to her daughter. Instead, she held her head high, defiantly as she was forced from the room.

Sarutobi removed his mask and turned his attention to the man's crumbled form.

"Hokage-sama? What are your orders?" asked one of the ANBU agents.

He eyed the man who had, only a few minutes earlier, paid to rape his daughter. He said what any father would say when put in that situation, "Castrate him."

The female ANBU couldn't help but grin behind their masks as they dragged the limp man from the room.

All that was left in the room was Sarutobi and Hani. He placed his hands on his hips as he observed her. She had been through a lot that night – more than any child should. He walked up to her slowly, then reached his hand out to her.

Hani looked at his hand and then back at his face. She didn't know if she could trust this man – who could she really trust anymore?

He gave her a reassuring smile, "It's alright, Hani." She took his hand, hesitantly; but felt somewhat comforted when he squeezed it back. "Come on, your Grandmother is waiting for you."

The next day, Hiruzen Sarutobi had appointed Minato Namikaze as the Fourth Hokage, stating he wanted to retire and spend more time with his family. Only Grandma Bumble and Hani truly knew what he had meant by that statement.

A few weeks later, Hani overheard a ninja reporting to her grandmother that Kisaki, a proud woman and one of the greatest Willow Warriors the Hachi Clan had ever seen, had hung herself in her prison cell. Apparently she couldn't accept her new lifestyle.

--- // ---

Hani tried to tighten her overcoat, but the light material did nothing to ward off the cold night air; she wouldn't be able to tolerate this chill for much longer.

She wiped at her eyes; trying to remove any evidence of her emotional distress. All she wanted right now was to walk to her room – no questions asked, then crawl into her bed and sleep till this damn mission was over.

Just as she stood, a voice halted her movements.

"Well, well … what 'ave we got here?" it chuckled.

Hani's eyes were the only thing that moved as she looked to her side.

"Looks like we got a lost little kitten," said another voice.

"We should give her a new home!" came another.

She looked over her shoulder, "Yamada, Sugi and Kazuo." She bowed slightly, "You will have to excuse me, but I am needed somewhere else."

The imposter monks grinned at each other. "I would say so," said Yamada. "I can only imagine how angry Toki is not having you by his side right now."

"She lacks respect," said Sugi.

"I think we should teach her some manners," grinned Kazuo.

Hani didn't like where this was going. She cinched the collar of her overcoat and set off towards the door, being sure to give the men a wide girth. "You're right. I think Lord Hakanza needs my presence."

The men were determined to detain her and quickly put themselves between her and the door. "Now, now …" said Yamada. "I don't think you being a little late would do any harm. Would it?"

Hani stepped away from him, and scanned the surroundings. She needed a quick exit route.

"You know, we still haven't received a proper welcome yet," chimed Sugi.

Hani eyed the man, "I'm sure if you spoke with Oda, he will be able to give you any accommodations you might need."

Yamada laughed, "Oh … what we need –" He stepped into Hani's personal space, "We can't get from Oda."

That was her cue to go. She quickly dashed around Yamada as fast as she could, but the other two men were ready for her; putting themselves between her and the doorway. She tried to shoulder through them, but her slight frame was no match for them both.

"Let go of me!" she commanded as they grabbed her roughly.

Yamada chuckled as he grabbed the back of her collar and yanked her backwards towards the garden wall. She tried to spin out of his grip, but this only made him throw her into the wall.

"Oof!" she said as some of her breath got knocked out.

Yamada grabbed her coat at the shoulders, pinning her against the wall.

"Lord Hakanza won't like this!" she snarled.

"Ha!" laughed Yamada. "Do you think this is the first time we've enjoyed one of Toki's women?"

Hani furrowed her brows at him.

"What? You don't believe me?" He pointed to the mansion walls and indicated the house guard. "See for yourself."

Hani looked to where he had pointed and watched in dread as a guard looked towards them and then silently turned his back on them. Yamada was telling the truth.

Hani gritted her teeth; she was in no mood for this nonsense. And unfortunately, since she was undercover, she wouldn't be able to attack these men with all of her skills. She was suppose to be a courtesan, and if she beat back three mercenaries, then suspicions would be raised.

She gasped as Yamada leaned heavily against her and forced his face against her neck.

"Such an appetite you have, Yamada!" laughed Sugi.

Hani sneered, picking up her foot and jamming her heel as hard as she could against his toes.

"Oww!" he cried.

Hani quickly brought her knee up and slammed it directly into his crouch.

He doubled over, grabbing his pained groin, "Gwah!"

"Ohhhhh!" said Sugi and Kazuo at the same time.

"Right in the cash and prizes!" laughed Kazuo.

Just as Hani saw an opening to run, Yamada jerked up, pulling something out of his jacket and brought it less than an inch to Hani's face.

Hani froze as she stared down the blade of a tanto, the glint of the blade glaring in her eyes.

He spoke through heavy, pained breaths, "Strike me again, bitch – and I will cut that pretty face right off!"

She starred defiantly back at him. This was past the point of innocent self defense. Disarming a battle hardened man would definitely be suspicious. She would just have to endure their little game.

They wouldn't try to kill her – that would be more trouble than it was worth. They probably just wanted to get their jollies, and then move on.

Once he was sure his message had hit home, Yamada spun the dagger in his hand till the blade was pointed downwards. Then he jabbed it between her cleavage and pulled it towards him; ripping her top open and exposing her to the cold night air.

She gasped in surprise. Partly because of the chill and partly that he hadn't actually cut her in the process.

Sugi whistled, "Damn – them tits are huge!"

Yamada didn't waste any time. He threw the dagger into the soft soil then dove into Hani. Grabbing her roughly and biting at her ear.

Hani couldn't just stand there and do nothing. She instinctually grabbed at his jacket trying to pull him off. She tucked her arm between them and pushed against his neck trying to pry him off.

He took one of his hands and grabbed at her thigh, trying to pull up her clothing. His other hand groped her violently. "Ah!" she cried out in pain. She brought her hand to his face, raking her claws down his cheek.

He pulled back, cradling his wound. "Bitch!" he spat. He used his other hand to backhand her with all of his strength.

"Oh Yamada," laughed Kazuo. "You're such a gentleman."

Hani winced in pain; the taste of blood filling her mouth. But any other sounds she made were quickly silenced as Yamada seized her throat and squeezed.

She grabbed at his wrist, digging her nails into his flesh.

"Hey Yamada," said Sugi. "Don't kill her, man. You know that pisses Toki off."

"I'm not going to kill her," said Yamada.

Kazuo scratched the back of his head, "Man, what is your thing with strangling women?"

Hani blinked back the white spots in her vision and gapped for air.

Yamada sneered, "There's something satisfying … about seeing a snobbish woman go from acting … like she is better than you, to looking at you with pleading eyes. You hold her life in your hands … it makes you feel like a god!" He gave Hani a manic grin, "It's invigorating."

Hani gritted her teeth. She had to do something – she couldn't let these men kill her. But, if she defended herself, then she would be committing the greatest crime in the Hachi Clan, blowing her cover.

A cloud moved over the moon; throwing the garden into darkness. Yamada brought his face closer to hers, looking deep into her eyes; waiting for the expression that gives him so much thrill.

Sugi laughed, "Yeah, I guess I can see where you're coming fro –" Sugi was cut short -- his voice trailing off into the night.

Kazuo furrowed his brows and looked around. "Sugi? … Sugi, what happened? … Where are you? I can't see yo—"

Yamada was too preoccupied to notice the absence of his associates. Hani's willpower was about to break, he could feel it. And he would be damned if he were to miss her expression of submission. "That's it sweetheart," he said, licking his lips. "Beg me for it and I'll release my hold."

Hani blinked back her tears, was this how she was going to die? Was her mother right? Was she really just a slave to the code of the Hachi Clan and the contract to Konoha? Were missions more valuable than her life?

The darkness made it hard for either Yamada or Hani to see, but when two forms came flying through the air, crashing violently against the wall on either side of them, they were just close enough to get a good look at the faces of Sugi and Kazuo before the two men fell to the ground unconscious.

Yamada's eyes doubled in size, who had attacked his friends? He released Hani and spun around in place; peering through the darkness of the night.

Hani grabbed her throat, gasping for air. She had been so close to blacking out. Her legs were shaking and she had to use the wall to keep from falling over.

"Who's there?!" called Yamada, his own fear building. He knew his friend's abilities and what it would take to beat them. For Sugi and Kazuo to be thrown aside so easily …

As the clouds shifted, the garden slowly became illuminated again. Yamada squinted as he caught sight of a dark form on the other side of the garden. "Who are you?!" he shouted.

Just as the clouds released the last of the moons light, Yamada's eyes widened. He could now see their attacker clearly. Black hakama pants, dark purple kimono and jet black hair. Yamada could even swear the man's eyes burned red. "Toki?" squeaked Yamada.

In a flash, Gai disappeared from sight. Yamada blinked in surprise – where had he go--? He jumped as Gai reappeared less than a foot away from him. He took a step back, staring wide-eyed into a man who now resembled a beast more than a human.

Gai glared back at Yamada, then quickly reached out and grabbed the collar of the monk imposter; lifting him into the air effortlessly. With his face just inches from Yamada, he spoke in a deep, merciless voice -- one that would even make the gods cower, "Touch her again … and I will kill you."

Yamada could only stare back at the man in terror.

Then, with all of his strength, Gai side-stepped and flung the man over his shoulder, sending him soaring through the air.

Yamada cried out as he hung in the air for a couple seconds before bouncing roughly on the ground; tumbling end over end.

Hani watched in shock as Gai disappeared before her.

With Yamada still flying through the air, Gai reappeared just a few yards away; delivering a flawless spin kick directly to the man's chest. As Gai's shin impacted the man, there was a short pause as if time stood still, before Yamada went rocketing back towards the direction he had come.

Hani gasped and dove to the ground just in time to dodge Yamada's form before it crashed forcefully into the wall.

Once the dust had settled, Hani looked to where Yamada had landed and watched the man collapse to the ground. She eyed him in shock for a few seconds – she couldn't believe he was still breathing.

The sound of footsteps caught her attention. She looked up to Gai's towering form. His face was dark; she couldn't see his expression. When he reached out to her, she instinctually flinched.

Gai recoiled at her reaction. There was a hesitation before he quickly removed his kimono and draped it over Hani's shoulders. He bent down and pulled his coat around her tightly; covering her exposed top. He then silently wrapped one arm around her shoulders and used the other to hold her legs. He lifted her easily and held her tightly to his chest.

Hani still didn't know how to react – it seemed her tongue had forgotten how to work. She looked up into his face. It was still dark, and unreadable.

Without saying a word, Gai carried Hani through the garden and into the mansion. Oda came running down the hallway, "Sir! I just caught word of a scuffle in the garden." He looked at Hani, "What has happened?"

Gai didn't slow his pace, "Yamada, Sugi and Kazuo are not welcome here tonight. Have the guards throw them out."

Oda paused, watching Gai carry Hani down the hallway. The servant couldn't help but grin, "Yes sir!"

The trip to their quarters was in complete silence. Hani tucked her arms in close and brought her fists to her chin. She was speechless. Gai was so powerful, so strong. She had never seen a demonstration like that before. In one way, it was amazing, astonishing and even arousing, but on the other hand, it was downright terrifying. He had more strength in his pinky finger than she had in her whole body – she was lucky that all he had done to her before was yell at her. She shuddered in his grip.

Gai mistaken her action for being cold and held her even tighter. Hani let her head rest against his chest. His body was so warm and strong; even his heartbeat was steady, thumping nearly half as fast as hers.

Once Gai had reached her door, she half expected for him to drop her off there. But to her surprise, he used the arm that held her legs to open her door and carried her inside. He took her to her bed and gently laid her down; like he was cradling a baby bird. Once she was safely on the bed, he went about stroking the embers in her fire pit and threw on a few logs. Once he was satisfied with the flames, he returned his attention Hani.

Hani looked into his face, now illuminated by the fire. She couldn't help but tent her eyebrows at his pained expression. They sat in silence for a moment before Gai reached up to her face, gently taking her jaw in his hand. Hani froze, still intimidated by his strength.

Gai inspected the small bruise on the side of her face where Yamada had struck her. There wasn't any serious damage.

He then slid his hand down her neck. His touch was so soft, Hani's body instinctually quaked. He used the back of his hand to brush away the free strands of her hair while he examined her neck. She winced slightly as he touched the vital parts, making sure no internal damage had been done. There would be bruises, but nothing more.

After he was done with his inspection, he took the collar of the purple kimono and pulled it even tighter around her. He hesitated before letting go.

"Hani, I'm –" he sighed, unable to look her in the eye. "There is no excuse, for what I said – regardless of my emotions at the time." He blinked a few times, silently cursing himself for always coming to tears so easily. "I don't deserve your forgiveness – and I won't ask it of you. But please know I am sorry for what I had said." He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. "If I hadn't said it, then none of this would have happened." He took a deep breath, "If this was Konoha, I would run a million laps around the village with all of my weights strapped to my back and a cactus taped to each foot." He stood, "I will come up with a fitting punishment for my actions."

Hani opened her mouth to speak.

Gai held up his hand, "Please, unless you are going to chastise me, then I don't deserve to hear your voice."

Hani held her silence.

He bowed to her, "Please get some rest tonight. I promise to keep you safe." With that, he walked to the door. He paused for a moment, half looking over his shoulder. He took a long breath, then opened her door, closed it behind him and then sat down right at her bedroom's entrance. He would stand guard at her door the rest of the night, with no food, water or rest. This would be the start of his self imposed punishment.

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Thank you, for reading!