A New Leaf
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 5
The human had demonic abilities. He wasn't a half demon though, Sesshomaru was quite certain of that. His scent said as much and yet, his powers were neither demonic, nor divine in nature.
Lord Sesshomaru was growing increasingly puzzled by the minute. They had been traveling for hours with Rin entertaining their 'guest' with talk of flowers and their many adventures when they finally arrived back in the Western Lands.
"Roses are my favorite because they remind me of Lord Sesshomaru." Rin smiles at Sasuke.
His curiosity would be satisfied soon. In more ways than one. He didn't have a damn idea how he reminded the young woman of a flower, but he knew that Rin couldn't keep a secret to save her life. He'd find out soon enough.
Naturally, Jaken decides to be irritating as beautiful white walls of the Western Castle and it's lush gardens come into view. "What a silly child you are!" He waves his staff around in outrage. "Comparing Lord Sesshomaru to a flower!"
It did seem rather absurd, but that didn't meant that he was going to tolerate the imp's behavior towards Rin. "Jaken, be silent." The toad demon should know by now that such treatment of his ward was unacceptable.
"Y-Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." The creature begins to sniffle and whine, but Sesshomaru ignores it. (He had long since grown accustomed to these fits by Jaken and they had ceased affecting him years ago).
"How so?" Sasuke was also ignoring Jaken.
He was smart for a human. Most humans indulged him to a point. Rin had gotten better at ignoring Jaken over the years though.
Rin beams at him, seeming positively delighted by the attention. "Beautiful, elegant, and everyone wants a rose. Though not everyone knows how to avoid the thorns." She pauses and adds. "He's very, very strong."
Sesshomaru wasn't entirely certain that he wanted to be called beautiful. It had such a feminine connotation. He would allow it thought because it was Rin and quite frankly, it was far more dignified than that ridiculous title that Kagura had bestowed upon him.
Lord Fluffy. Utterly and absolutely ridiculous. Where did the woman come up with such nonsense? Did she not realize that he was the Lord of the West and thus worthy of respect? That one didn't give a Lord such an absurd title? Apparently, not.
"Of course." Sasuke smirks and pets A-Un. "He must be to have tamed a dragon." As Sesshomaru had said, he was a smart human.
Though he was also a human who was returning to his own lands soon. Well hopefully. Sesshomaru had never heard of this Leaf Village. What a silly thing to name your village after. Leaves.
It was such a human thing to do though. Most humans had no care for things such as dignity, in his experience. Well certainly not the ones that he had run into anyway.
"Indeed." He stops them in the gardens. "I must confess that I am curious to see more of this Chidori of yours and to learn of your other abilities." No regular human could threaten him, but it seemed that this one was gifted by his species standards. It was an intellectual curiosity, Sesshomaru supposed. Nothing more.
Sasuke glances at him and then at Rin. "I don't mind demonstrating more, if you like." Hmm. So he was worried that Rin might get harmed, if he did demonstrate his abilities. That was interesting. "Though everyone will need to step several feet back."
"That is agreeable." Sesshomaru nods. "Seeing as you will be returning to your home shortly, there is no reason for you to hold back." There was no reason for him not to see what this human was capable of.
Sesshomaru would be lying, if he said he didn't share some of Lady Midori's concerns. Humans were simply growing too numerous and their weapons were growing stronger. If they were to develop magic like demons in greater numbers, that could eventually lead to his own people's demise.
"Alright." Sasuke pauses. "I guess I'll start with explaining the five different basic chakra natures." The chakra natures? Hmm. Interesting.
This should prove most…enlightening.
Midori was preparing to sail for Japan. She looks out towards the island nation that she was heading towards and sighs. It was beautiful, but it was also defiant.
The demons of that place were defiant. Why couldn't they see that by combining their might and resources, together they could drive back the humans? What was it about her homeland that caused people to be so stubborn.
"Are you ready, My Lady?" Tenji dares to look at her.
Most wouldn't dare to look at their Mistress or Master so directly. Tenji was different though. The man had always been outrageously bold and from what she had heard, Tenji was rather similar to Kagura in that regard.
She knew little of the woman. Just that she lived in Sesshomaru's Castle and appeared to be close to him. They weren't Mates, but it was possible they might be courting and keeping their courtship rather discrete.
Either way, Midori would have to thoroughly investigate the matter as soon as possible. "Yes, I am ready." She had been born to do this.
The demoness was quite certain that this was destiny. She would be the one to unite the demons of China and Japan against the humans. Never again would they steal someone's home and be allowed to slaughter demons without retribution. That would end today!
"Good." He smiles at her. "It won't be long until we reach Japan."
Exactly. That's what she was counting on. It was unlikely, but Lady Midori did hope that Lord Sesshomaru and the other Nobles of Japan would be reasonable. If not, well she had other methods to gain or force their compliance.
She wasn't the sort who enjoyed cruelty for the sake of it, but that didn't mean that Midori wasn't capable of it. She'd try the softer measures of persuasion first and if that didn't work, well the demoness would quickly assert her dominance in whatever fashion was necessary.
"Excellent." First things first though.
They had to get there. A short trip was all they would require and they were fortunate that the waters were calm today. The Gods and Goddesses must surely be smiling down at them to gift them with such marvelous weather.
Tenji nods and smiles at her. "Will that be all that you require today, My Lady?" Hmm. Yes.
There was no need to have him play fetch. She had other servants who could fill that role. Tenji was too important for such meager tasks.
"Yes, that will be all." She smiles as they set sail. "Destiny awaits us! This is the beginning of a new era, Tenji."
He boldly places his hand on her shoulder. "Yes, My Lady." The liberties this man would take were sometimes rather astonishing, even to her! "Together, we will make history." Though she'd deal with his arrogance later. For now, she was just content to enjoy their trip towards Japan. Towards their Destiny.
Sasuke knew that the Demon Lord was curious about his abilities and his reasons might not be entirely intellectual in nature, but practical. Still, he didn't mind showing Sesshomaru a taste of his power. That and if Rin got some amusement out of it, all the better. He wouldn't be staying here long anyway.
"The five basic natures are fire, water, earth, lightning, and wind." He pauses and adds. "There are other natures that are rarer and in some cases, a new nature can be produced through a bloodline. Bloodlines are special abilities that are passed on through families."
Rin blinks at that and nods. "So your eyes are a bloodline?" Sasuke was rather surprised that she put the pieces together that quickly, but he finds himself nodding anyway.
"Yes, the Sharingan is a bloodline that is expressed through the eyes." Sesshomaru nods and brushes his bangs out of his other eye.
The demon definitely wasn't shy about indulging in his curiosities. Sasuke got the impression that he was used to getting his way because of his title and power. Rin had said he had thorns and judging by the way he had decapitated that bear, that statement wasn't made without reason.
"You have one red eye and one that is lavender." He raises an eyebrow. "Are those the standard colors of your bloodline?"
Sasuke shakes his head. "I have a Rinnegan and a Sharingan. The latter is red and the former is lavender." This was going to take awhile, but it didn't really matter.
He could spare a few hours, if it meant that someone could point Sasuke back towards home. Back towards the Leaf. He hoped that this wasn't actually a different dimension, world, or time, but it was looking more and more like that was indeed the case.
"I see and what is the difference between those two traits?" Sesshomaru was definitely curious and Rin was looking at him in the same manner. "And I assume that you have a favored chakra type over the others as well? How is such a thing determined?"
Damn. That was a lot of questions. Though Sasuke didn't mind answering them.
"The Sharingan is extremely rare, but it's still far more common than the Rinnegan or at least it used to be." It was probably best to start with the Sharingan. "The Sharingan allows you to copy any Jutus that isn't a bloodline, to see chakra and note differences in its patterns to a degree, recognize Genjutsus faster, and to anticipate your opponent's next move with far more ease with it than you would have without it." Well at least the basics of it.
Rin blinks at all that information. "That sounds like very powerful magic." Yes, that was one way to put it.
"There is another form of the Sharingan that is more evolved. The Mangekyo Sharingan and the Eternal Magnekyo Sharingan." It was probably childish, but Sasuke was enjoying showing off for the woman a bit. "The former allows you to do Jutsus that you might not have been able to otherwise, but it can cause you to go blind if you overuse it."
Sesshomaru tilts his head as if considering that. He knew exactly what the other man was thinking, but he allows the Demon Lord to voice his observation anyway.
"And I take it the eternal version is permanent and has somehow compensated for this side effect?" The demon was far too smart for his own good. "Otherwise, there would very little in preserving a trait that would cause you to go blind."
Sasuke nods at that. "Yes, there is." How could he possibly explain that. "It's not pleasant to get the eternal form, but it can be done." Maybe, it would be better just to explain the Rinnegan next.
Sesshomaru nods encouragingly. Though Rin looks concerned for him. He couldn't blame her. There were times when Sasuke was concerned for himself.
"The Rinnegan is another bloodline, but it isn't one that is naturally possessed anymore." By all rights, it shouldn't exist at all at this point. "Only very special requirements can unlock it, but it is the most powerful eye bloodline in all of existence as far as I know."
Rin smiles at him. "What does the Rinnegan do that makes it so powerful?" That was as good question.
"The Rinnegan can see through chakra, copy any Jutsu and use all five chakra types, read the Uchiha Stone Tablet, and negate the effects of the Infinite Tsukuyomi." He wasn't going to mention the Outer Path. That would be too dangerous, but he could tell them about the other paths. "It also grants you the ability to use the Six Paths." He pauses. "It's quite the wide range of abilities." He'd probably be here all night explaining that to them. "And Rinnegan abilities do vary somewhat from individual to individual."
Sesshomaru was staring at him in such a calculating way now, that Sasuke was beginning to feel a little uneasy. He was intelligent enough to realize how such abilities could be used and well, the last Uchiha wasn't in the mood to be recruited or kidnapped. He was definitely going to have to leave them shortly.
"Wow." Rin smiles at him. "You can use all five of the chakra natures? Earth, fire, water, lightning, and wind?" Thankfully, Rin was willing to provide a very much needed distraction.
Sasuke nods at that. "Yes. Fire is my Primary and lightning is my Secondary though." He smirks and produces a fireball in his hand. "My Clan was closely associated with fire. So my primary wasn't really a surprise."
Sesshomaru eyes the fire curiously. "Well we have demons who can wield and create fire." Was he thinking about the genetic implications of such a thing? "Was that what your Chidori was? Lightning?"
This demon was dangerous. He was figuring things out far too quickly for Sasuke's liking. Though Sesshomaru didn't really have a reason to fight him yet. Besides, he still had plenty of tricks up his sleeve, if worse came to worst.
"Yes, it was." Sasuke forms a Chidori. "I can modify this into many forms. I can even conduct it into a current around my body for defensive purposes." Sasuke smirks at that. "My enemies are always shocked when they discover that particular adaptation."
Sesshomaru nods at that. "Does using this attack require a great deal of energy for you to use?" Clever bastard.
"Not nearly as much as the Amaterasu and Susanoo do, but a fair amount." Sasuke shrugs. "It's second nature now."
He probably shouldn't have said that. Rin was looking rather excited at the prospect of seeing more magic and well, it was almost impossible to say no to those eyes of her. Saying no to Rin almost felt like a crime of some kind.
"What's the Susanoo and Amaterasu?" She smiles at him. "And can you show us?"
Damn it. He really needed to learn to watch his mouth. It was going to get him into trouble one of these days.
"I can show you the Amateasu." He nods at her. "The Susanoo might frighten whoever lives in the castle though." The last thing that Sasuke wanted to do was to cause a panic!
Sesshomaru gestures for him to do so. "Show us. Provided it is safe for Rin, of course." He was a bit arrogant.
Clearly, the demon thought himself capable of surviving far more traumatic conditions than Rin could. Though there might be some merit to that. Sasuke knew nothing of the differences between humans and demons, after all.
"Alright." He sighs as he gets ready to wield the strongest Fire Jutsu known to man. "It's a Fire Jutsu that can only be wielded by someone with two Mangekyo Sharingans or in my case an Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and a Rinnegan." He quickly casts it allowing a few small black flames to emerge.
"They're black as night!" Rin gasps at their color.
Sesshomaru was more skeptical though. "I assume the color differentiation is not merely for its aesthetic appeal." He was damn right about that much.
How could he possibly explain this. "It's said that they burn hotter than the flames of Hell themselves." Sasuke watches them entranced. "For seven days and nights, unless the owner puts them out."
"I presume you could have made more fire, had you wished it?" Sesshomaru glances at Sasuke.
Sasuke nods in confirmation. "Yes, I could have." He didn't see it as necessary though.
After another hour or so, the three of them make their way inside the castle. Rin had never seen Lord Sesshomaru take that much of an interest in a human before besides herself and Inuyasha's Pack. She idly wondered, if Sasuke knew that.
He might. The man did seem intelligent, but then again…Sasuke didn't really know Sesshomaru. That and she didn't really feel it would be polite to ask.
"The hour has grown late." Sesshomaru nods. "We shall dine and I will have Jaken find you quarters for the night." That made Rin far more happy than it should have. "In the morning, I will do what I can to help you return to your home."
Sasuke nods at that. "Thank you." He then smiles at the demon as they quickly stride towards the Dinning Hall. "I will likely forever be in your debt. You've been far more generous towards me than I ever had a right to expect."
The words were sincere, but they felt a bit awkward. Despite their smooth delivery, Rin sensed that Sasuke wasn't used to being this polite. It was in his body language. The way he was so stiff while he said it.
Sesshomaru had sought to her education in all manner of areas. That included in politics and culture. Sasuke was tense for some reason. Though that was probably just because he was about to dine with an extremely powerful Demon Lord. That would make almost anyone tense!
"You moved to save Rin." Sesshomaru shakes his head. "You are not in my debt."
A soft laugh was heard and Rin notices a woman waving a fan. "Believe me, you have no idea how much such a thing means to him." Kagura. The young human woman beams at the Wind Demoness as the raven haired beauty comes closer. "Rin is very dear to him."
Sasuke nods at that. "I can understand why." Though he was understandably wary of Kagura. Sasuke must have sensed that she was also a demon.
Sesshomaru probably would have rolled his eyes, if it wasn't beneath his dignity. Well at least that's what Rin thought as she watched her Lord. Kagura was lucky that the Inu favored her as much as he did. Otherwise she would be in a lot of trouble for telling a stranger how Lord Sesshomaru felt about anything.
The man's compliment makes Rin blush though. It was a subtle one, but she still heard it. Was he flirting with her while Lord Sesshomaru was watching?!
"I like this one." Kagura smiles at Sesshomaru. "Though what is he doing here?"
Jaken wasn't particularly happy about Kagura addressing the other demon so informally. "You're so disrespectful!" The imp was now flailing about in something almost akin to a blind rage. "You can't just make demands of Lord Sesshomaru like that!"
Sesshomaru glances at Jaken and the imp immediately quiets down. It was like magic, Rin thinks to herself. She had never seen anyone who could silence Jaken with only one look like that before. Well with the exception of Lord Sesshomaru's mother. (Though to be fair, she could be positively terrifying).
"Jaken, quiet down." His gaze turns to Kagura. "His point is a valid one, but as you're going to find out anyway…this is Sasuke." A few seconds tick by before the Demon Lord decides to elaborate. "He will be spending the night and in the morning, will likely be on his way."
Kagura nods at that. The woman didn't seem all that chastised. Rin was quite certain she was used to such mild rebukes. Well mild by Sesshomaru Standards anyway.
She often found herself uncertain as to the nature of their relationship. Rin spent most of her time in Kaede's Village. So she only occasionally saw Kagura and Sesshomaru didn't mention her to him, unless Rin inquired about her welfare.
Obviously, she must have meant something to him though or else, Lord Sesshomaru wouldn't keep her around. "Well I do hope you enjoy your brief stay in our home then. The food is amazing." Kagura smiles at him as Rin continues her internal musings.
She honestly didn't know. Kagura could be an advisor. She could be a friend or even his lover. All Rin knew for certain was that Sesshomaru hadn't taken her as his Mate. Well at least not yet.
If he had, all of Japan would have been talking about it. "I will." Sasuke smiles at her as he begins eating.
Sasuke did have a nice smile. It was a shame that he was going to leave them so soon. Rin was rather interested in learning more about his strange magic and he didn't seem to mind listening to her talk about flowers. He even seemed interested in her adventures with Sesshomaru.
Most humans were either disgusted or horrified that she had traveled with a demon for so long. Rin wasn't though. Sesshomaru was the closest thing to a living father that she had. Though neither of them referred to each other as father and daughter, she knew that in his heart he felt the same about her.
Sesshomaru just wasn't someone who was prone to long declarations was all. "Good." Was Sasuke? She didn't know.
He seemed to be the quiet type, but he certainly spoke when spoken to. Maybe, he was more romantic than her Lord?
She mentally chides herself for wondering about such things. It was truly irrelevant. Sasuke was going to leave in the morning anyway. There was no need to dwell on it.
"Lord Sesshomaru, what is Lady Midori doing?" She had more pressing matters to focus on as her Lord would say. "Why did you bring me to the castle?"
She was always happy to be with Lord Sesshomaru, but Rin wasn't as naïve as she once was. She knew more than enough of demonic politics to realize that this is very serious business.
Sesshomaru sighs after finishing another bite of his meal. "Nothing yet, but we suspect she'll try to conqueror the demons of Japan." Rin's eyes widen in horror. "She believes if we present a united front, we can reclaim the ground that has been lost to us by the humans." She couldn't believe it. The woman wanted a war. "She is a fool of course."
Sasuke was listening to every word. He really was foreign, Rin observes. It was as if he had never heard of any of this before. He seemed surprised that demons even existed, really.
There was so much that she could teach him. Not only about flowers, but about demons and this land. Once again, Rin caught herself. She needed to stop thinking things like that. Sasuke was leaving in the morning.
Well at least that's what she thought was going to happening. Things didn't quite go according to plan…