Sono Tori Ken Sono Konchuu
Chapter 8: Her Unknown Secrets
Kakashi was curious seeing Shino outside his door. He hoped that everything was okay with Mizuki. She was the last of her kind. "Yo, Shino, is something wrong?" The silver haired ninja asked. Shino shook his head.
"At least, not yet. I need to discuss things with you. It's about Mizuki." Kakashi's bored look turned serious.
"Come on in." He replied opening the door wider. Shino stepped inside and followed the silver haired jounin into a sitting area. "What about Mizuki do you want to discuss?" Shino frowned. So far all her knew of her past was:
That she came from a small village that had a few shinobi.
Her father was the one to bring ninjutsu to the region.
Even though she claimed her parents taught her ninjutsu, she learned to master the bow on her own.
The village was ultimately destroyed by some unknown ninja, however Mizuki looks guilty when talking about it.
She hates insects and after finding her knocked out because of one, it's not too surprising.
But the reason for all of these things is still unknown.
"Who is Mizuki, exactly, Kakashi?" Shino watched as the older man sighed.
"I'm not sure I'm the one who should answer your questions. Have you talked to her at all?" Kakashi didn't want to tell the boy anything if it would harm or upset Mizuki. He did have a hunch that telling Shino wouldn't be such a bad thing. She needed someone to protect her, as tough as she is. She's still just trying to get a handle on herself.
Shino's jaw clenched. "Yes, I spoke with her, but she isn't telling me the whole story. During my last mission I was attacked by a group of ninja." Kakashi raised an eyebrow skeptically.
"That does occur quite frequently on missions." Shino scoffed.
"They weren't after me. They could sense Mizuki's chakra in my insects. They were insect users as well, so it was not a shock, but why did they want her to begin with?" Kakashi looked up at the ceiling as if he was seeing a face that wasn't there. I guess there's no choice but to tell him, Matsu. Don't worry, he will help her.
"It all started in a small kingdom. Mizuki's father, Matsu, was the oldest heir to the kingdom. The kingdom went to war against a neighboring power that hired a clan of insect using ninja. Matsu lead the army that destroyed the clan to near oblivion. In return the clan sent plagues of insects calling for Matsu's death. He decided to leave the kingdom and his life of fortune for that of a humble village life. With the prince missing the clan turned away from the kingdom and started to search for him.
Matsu in the meantime married and had a child with his love. He taught the villagers ninjutsu and became their hero who protected them. But as fate would have it he became very ill one day. He decided that he would allow that clan from long ago to have him now, since he would not survive anyway. So one day he left without a word. What he did not know is that his prestigious daughter had followed him. She had known that he was sick and was worried. When he found and fought the clan she watched on but she could not contain herself as they were about to deliver the final blow. She ran out from her hiding place and used…her chakra as a explosive force, similar to the Hyuuga's technique, and incapacitated the attackers. She then crouched beside her dieing father. He gave her his bow at that moment and told her to return to the village and protect it. He died knowing that the clan would now pursue his daughter. They've held this deep grudge ever since."
The two remained silent for a long while after Kakashi's story. Shino was curious about how he came to know this information. "Did Mizuki tell you this?" He asked. Kakashi shook his head.
"Mizuki ran back to the village and tearfully told her mother and grandmother about the incident. They were able to piece together a picture and told me about it when I passed through a few months later. I visited the village periodically because I had been in the war with Matsu. We became close friends very quickly on the battlefield. He was an excellent fighter. Mizuki is just like him, you know." Kakashi smiled fondly behind his mask, eyes crinkling.
"Anyway, it's getting late," he commented as he stood. "You should be getting home now." Shino nodded.
"Thank-you for telling me more about her past. I will not abuse the trust you put in me." Kakashi nodded.
"See to that. And, Shino, protect her. She is fragile, despite her strength."
Shino nodded and left quickly. He walked through the darkened streets with a grim face yet he was relieved in a way. And curious, very curious. It was a very short walk in his haste to get home. He didn't even stop to scold the guard for sleeping.
As he walked through the quiet house he lost himself in thought. Stopping abruptly he found that he had walked right towards Mizuki's room. He placed his palm upon the door and felt the vibrations of her even breath. His own began to quicken as his pulse increased. He slowly opened the door and made his way into the room.
She was a beautiful as ever. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time once again. This feeling always startled Shino. He did not understand why Mizuki was able to invoke these feelings with her mere image.
Silently he stalked across the room and leaned over her sleeping form. Her face was serene, her lashes haloing her lids and her mouth a perfect cupid's bow. Her raven locks felt like silk against his skin as he brushed a few strands from her face.
As he pulled away her small hand gripped his wrist with a fierce strength. His eyes widened in shock. Thankfully she was still asleep. Her unconscious self drew his hand near and snuggled against it.
He smiled. It was a rare and brilliant smile. One filled with tender emotion that he reserved for the most precious of moments. He slowly pulled away wishing that he could bring her ever closer.
Mizuki sighed uncomfortably as she tried to find the warmth that was just lost. Shino left her room and went to his own. As he undressed he couldn't help but look forward to his mission with her in the morning. They would be utterly alone.
AN: Ah, it's soooo short. I'm sorry guys. I just have a ton of stuff to do and I won't bother you with details. I wouldn't expect another chapter anytime soon and I might cut this one off prematurely. I might make a sequel, who knows? But for now please be content with this cliff hanger as I try to fulfill other obligations.