Onari

by DigiAnimeArtist

A strange girl from a far away land holds the key to forces greater than anyone in Konoha could have ever imagined. Myth and legend come to life in this exciting comical, dramatic, and heart felt story of a girl wanting to belong in a world where she is seen as an abomination. Will she be able to control her secret, much less, her own anger and stubbornness when she learns the true

38. Chapter 38

V 4 ch 7

The Five Wisdom Kings

Shikamaru Nara guided his team through the forest as they trekked upon the location where their mission was to take place. They had been assigned to clean and maintain a temple in regards to the upcoming birthday celebration of Buddha. He stopped for a moment so the kids could catch up. "Gin, you need to walk faster. You're lagging behind," he told the shy, Akimichi girl. She flustered at being called out and lowered her head as she began to speed up. Areku was the strongest out of the group. He was already passing Shikamaru. Kandai was second. "Let's get a move on. It wouldn't be prudent if we failed our first mission. The other teams have already completed theirs."

Areku Inuzuka sniffed the air. He closed his eyes as he started to sift through the scents around him. There were a lot of flowers in this area for some reason. He continued on his way as Shikamaru directed them to cross a fallen log that was over a river. Areku stepped onto the rotting wood, testing it as he bounced. His two team mates were watching him cautiously approach it. "It's stable for the most part. Just don't look down and you'll do fine," he said as he started to cross the log.

Gin grabbed onto Kandai as Kandai started to put his feet on the log. She was afraid that they would fall off of it. It was a bit rotted from the water spraying the underbelly. "I don't think I like crossing this way," she said softly. Gin looked up to see Shikamaru behind her. He was tapping the log with his foot to see if it could hold all of them.

"As long as you keep your balance, you should do fine," Shikamaru said. "It's the only way across, Gin. Sometimes you don't have a choice but to do what you have to. This is one of those lessons in life. Don't look down and keep your footing. It's not wise to hold onto Kandai. If one of you falls, you'll drag the other one down."

Kandai walked slowly across the log. He held his arms out to balance himself. Gin had a right to be afraid. The river looked deep and threatening with the rocks jutting up out of it. He could see Areku on the other side standing where he was, waiting. Kandai kept his balance as he continued to go across. He finally made it to the other side.

Gin was trying to not look down. Falling into the water below did not grasp her as being a goal for herself. She walked extremely slowly, her feet shuffling across the log, feeling it out. Gin was cautious. She dealt with plants. It was her specialty. She knew that wood rotted quicker in a wet environment than what was seen. Even though the water was below them, the mist that drifted into the air at certain times of the day came in contact with the log. She could feel parts of it breaking off as she stepped.

Shikamaru kept right behind Gin. He had no choice. The girl was taking a long time to get across. This is not going to work for her. She needs to have more confidence in herself. If she can't manage to get across this log, how is she going to be able to stand up to a ninja that is stronger than her? He sighed as he shook his head. Once they were across, Shikamaru put his hands in his pockets. He looked at each one of them. "I think we need to choose the team leader now." They had not done so like the other teams. He thought it had been better to wait. He needed to know who was strong and who needed to improve.

Areku looked up at Shikamaru as he sat on the ground cross legged. "Now? Why are we going to choose who it is when we're not back at the village?" He didn't understand why it hadn't been decided already. The leader for Sasuke's team was Ryu. The leader for Lee's team was Eiyu. And the leader for Kiba's team was Idai. All of the leaders were males. Ryu had been chosen because the older genin couldn't handle responsibility well. Eiyu had been chosen because of his training. Idai, he figured, was chosen because underneath it all, he had leadership qualities. Idai used more than his strength – he used his head.

"I honestly didn't have a reason to choose a leader up until now. I have been watching all of you for some time. It is important when making a decision to know the pros and cons of each one. So let's get this over with. As you guys know, the other teams have their leaders. It's not fair for us to not have ours. I think our team leader should be Gin," Shikamaru said as the girl looked up at him in shock. "Do you two agree, or object?"

Kandai looked at Gin. "I think Gin would make a great leader," he said confidently. He assumed the reason Shikamaru was announcing the girl was due to Gin's shyness. She had to over come it, or they weren't going to do well on missions.

Areku looked at Gin. She was scared to death of what it meant. She needs to learn how to handle herself better. I already know what I can and cannot do. I have no problems taking direction from someone. We're not like the other teams. Everything we do is debated. "Gin gets the job," he said as the girl looked at him wide eyed. "Don't be angry, Gin. You need to improve. If not for yourself, then the ones who follow you."

Gin blushed badly. She was responsible for Kandai and Areku on the missions now. It was going to be her job to make sure everyone trained hard and did what they were supposed to. She touched her index fingers together a bit nervous about it all. "But I don't know how to be a leader," she said softly. She looked away.

"Well, there are lessons to learn in life for your own well-being, Gin. The only way to know what will become of yourself is to put your foot in front of the other and keep that pattern. Keep your head up, eyes open, and ears listening. You won't have a problem. Leaders may lead, but if there is no one to follow, than they aren't a leader, correct," Shikamaru said to the girl. "We're behind you all the way."

Gin smiled a little. Shikamaru was really trying to get her to do her best. Kandai and Areku were concerned for her. They didn't want her to fail – they wanted her to do what she could. Gin appreciated her team more now. She was glad she had been placed with Shikamaru. She didn't believe Sasuke would have had the patience for her. Kiba was a bit too rough for her. And Lee seemed to be a bit too optimistic. Gin looked at reality. She laughed a little.

"And since Gin is now the team leader and I am merely your trainer, Gin gets to lead us to the temple," Shikamaru said. He smiled at her a bit devilishly. She looked at him. "I'll give you a hint, Gin. We're on the right path. All you have to do is get us there," he said.

Gin turned around. They were already on the right path. So the temple was in that direction. Alright, I can do this. If we're already pointed in the right direction, than it shouldn't be so bad. I just have to keep everyone from straying, or getting hurt. She smiled as she nodded. "Kandai, don't lag behind," she said as he looked at her surprised. Gin Akimichi, the leader for Team 4, was starting to like this idea of Shikamaru's.

Team 4 finally got to the temple. It was a lot bigger than they had thought. Shikamaru looked up at the four pillars of water that flowed out of the mouths of lions on the grounds. He signaled for his team to follow him. He walked over to a small wooden well that had water in it. It was customary for them to all wash their hands while they were on the grounds. He washed his hands accordingly. Each one of his students did the same. As they showed their respect to the temple, they walked over to a bell that had a thick rope attached to it. "Alright, before we go to do our jobs, we need to show respect. The monks here keep the temple active all year round for travelers. Gin, since you're the leader for our group, you can direct us what to do."

Gin approached the rope. "Okay, let's all pray for each other's well being and safety," she said rather seriously. She was thinking of everyone that was on the other teams, too. Gin pulled the rope to signal silence and harmony. She put her hands in prayer mode. The others did the same, closing their eyes. Gin said a prayer for each person that she knew. She wished them wellness, respect, harmony, love, and understanding. Gin, Areku, Kandai, and Shikamaru clapped their hands three times.

"Good job, Gin," Shikamaru said. "It was nice of you to direct the prayer at others. They could all use it. Now it's time to meet the guy in charge. We were hired to clean the place, after all. I hope you guys are ready to work your tails off," he said.

Kandai, Areku, and Gin followed Shikamaru up the steps to the entrance of the temple. They were greeted by a monk who bowed low to them. They all bowed low in return. The monk bowed again before signaling for them to wait. "I wonder why we can't go in," Areku said as she watched the monk take off around the corner.

"I would assume they are getting ready for Buddha's birthday," Shikamaru said. "We probably won't be allowed inside. The place is being sanctified." Just as he had finished speaking, the monk came around the corner smiling and pointing to an elderly monk who was walking their way.

"Ah, welcome to our temple, ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village," Heikosen said respectively. "We are glad to have you here. We are in the process of getting ready for the birthday of Buddha. As you can see, there is no one on the grounds. All of the monks are inside preparing. Each year, we celebrate Buddha's birthday by allowing travelers from all around to come and pray at our temple. The water flowing from the lions' mouths will be colored on that special day. We have more work to do than we can handle – that is why I asked for your help. We would like you to scrub the outside walls of the temple, the floors, and make the grounds nice and neat for us. We would greatly appreciate any assistance you could give us."

Shikamaru nodded. "My team is ready and waiting to be at your humble command. They will work hard to make you proud of them." Shikamaru bowed again to the head monk. The man nodded his approval of what Shikamaru said and went back to instructing the other monks. He turned around to face his students. "We must work as hard as we can to make the temple presentable. It would be best to start out by clearing the grounds first, before cleaning the walls and floors of the temple. No sense in tracking dirt everywhere."

Team 4 got to work. They had a job to do. Kandai took up a rake and started to rake the leaves at the foot of the steps. He brushed them away while Areku picked up sticks. Areku was putting them in a pile so the monks could use them for firewood. Gin was cleaning out the water basin where they had washed their hands. She was adding fresh water. After she was done, she started to clean the board where people put up their prayers on wooden tablets. Shikamaru was helping his team too. He didn't believe in letting them do everything by themselves. He was gathering the leaves Kandai raked to put them around the trees. Everyone was working hard.

"I suppose now it's time for us to wash the temple and floors," Areku said as he wiped off his brow. The three students went up the steps. There was a huge bucket of water and rags waiting for them. The monks weren't being modest about any of it.

"They sure expect us to work as hard as Shikamaru sensei told them we would," Kandai said smiling despite his eye twitching at the rags. He picked up a rag and began to ring it out. He started to place his hands on the floor and ran with the rag on the floor, scrubbing the dirt away. Areku and Gin went to cleaning the outside walls of the temple. Shikamaru was using a duster to get the cobwebs out of places where his students couldn't reach.

Areku crouched. He pointed to his back. "See if you can get on my shoulders, Gin. We can't reach that far up the wall. I'll be sure and not drop you."

Gin nodded, blushing some. Areku was her best friend, so it was going to be awkward being on his shoulders. She crawled onto his shoulders slowly. Gin tensed a little as the Inuzuka boy stood up. He handed her the rag and she started to scrub again.

Shikamaru watched Areku and Gin working together. "That's perfect teamwork," he said as he put down the duster. Kandai was getting a bit flustered scrubbing the floor by himself. Shikamaru decided to help him. He grabbed a rag and ran it out. He had to take off his shoes to keep from falling. "I'll help you, Kandai." He started to run down the opposite end.

Kandai puffed as he tried to keep up with Shikamaru. He kept running, his feet padding hard on the wooden flooring. Kandai's hands were aching from holding the rag still as he ran. He gritted his teeth. He swore he was getting splinters in his fingers. Kandai slipped on the floor and fell.

Shikamaru slowed down. "Kandai, are you okay?" His student was sitting up with his eyes closed and hands cupping his nose. Shikamaru kneeled. "Let me see," he said. Kandai took his hands away to reveal a bloody nose. "Tilt your head back," Shikamaru said as he pinched Kandai's nose in an effort to stop the blood.

Gin hopped down from Areku's shoulders. "Is he okay?" She saw the bloody nose and her heart ached for him. That must have hurt. Gin bit her lower lip. She walked over to Areku was ringing out one of the rags they had been using. She held her arm out. "Areku, can you cut some of my kimono off with your claws please?"

Areku stood up. Gin's kimono was given to her by her late grandmother. "Gin, that kimono is important to you. Why do you want me to cut it?"

"I think Kandai broke his nose. He's bleeding badly even though Shikamaru sensei is trying to stop it," she said softly. It wasn't important to her about the material. The kimono would still be a kimono regardless if some of it was missing. "Please, Areku, I don't like the fact that he's hurting."

Areku stood up. "Alright, if you really want me to," he said. "Take your arm out of the sleeve. I don't want to get you." He waited till Gin has removed her arm before he sliced at the kimono with his claw. The material was instantly severed. He handed it to her. He couldn't believe she had wanted to do that.

Gin took the piece of clothe and went to Kandai with it. "Shikamaru sensei, here. This will help," she said offering her kimono piece to him.

Kandai opened his eyes. "Gin, you shouldn't have cut the kimono your grandmother gave you," he said through his gritted teeth. He watched as Gin handed the piece of clothe to their trainer. Shikamaru was wiping the blood off of Kandai.

"It's only an article of clothing, Kandai. It's still just as special even though some of it is missing. My grandmother is gone, but you aren't. You are hurting and that is what I am concerned about," Gin said softly.

Shikamaru sighed. "Kandai, this is going to hurt. I have to realign your nose." He pinched the top part of the boy's nose. "Areku, you might need to hold him." Areku came over to put his arms around Kandai from behind. "Take a deep breath, Kandai." Shikamaru quickly realigned the Hyuga boy's nose. They all heard it crunch back into place. Kandai practically screamed.

The tears were coming out of his eyes now. It had hurt to break his nose, but it was worse when Shikamaru had to realign it. Areku put his hand on the top of his head to try and comfort him. Gin was watching him sadly. The first mission they had, and he had to go and break his nose so easily. He didn't know what his father was going to say.

"You need to sit here for a while, Kandai. We'll finish cleaning the walls and scrubbing the floor. It's not going to be wise if you move your head around. We'll have to let you see a medic the moment we are back," Shikamaru said.

Kandai felt terrible. Because of him, everyone had to pick up his share of the work. He didn't like that. Gin had to scrub the floors with Shikamaru while Areku picked up on the work she hadn't finished with the walls. Kandai's father had always taught him to do his share. It bothered him really badly. He got up. No one was going to miss him for the time being. If he couldn't help, he sure wasn't going to sit around and watch everyone else work.

Kandai Hyuga walked the ground outside of the temple. Everyone was working so hard to get the place in order. He sighed as he watched the wind move a few leaves on the ground. What is my father going to say? It was careless of me to ignore the pain in my hands. Kandai could see his father giving him a light lecture about how to pay more attention to the signs his body told. The body was a serious indicator when it came to limitations.

Kandai leaned against the temple. Shikamaru had told him not to bend his head down. He stared at the ground. Eiyu would be more disappointed in me than father. He's stronger than me. Father has to spend more time with me because of it. I'm supposed to be on Eiyu's level. He frowned as he closed his eyes.

"How come you're not with your friends," a small voice asked. Kandai turned his head to see a little monk boy about the age of seven watching him. "I'm a failure," Kandai said softly. He was really disappointed in himself.

"You're not a failure. I think you lack confidence in yourself. Even I can see that. I'm Banshin. Who are you?"

"I'm Kandai Hyuga,' he said as he crouched at the boy. "Do you help out around here?" Kandai looked around the area. He thought he saw a monk run across the grounds.

"Yeah, I'm training to be a monk. It's a respectful position," Banshin said. "You have a headband. What village are you from?"

"I'm from the Hidden Leaf Village," Kandai said. "We were hired to help clean the temple for the celebration." He turned his head the other way as he heard a man shouting. "What is going on?" A tall monk came out of the temple hot headed and furious.

"Banshin! You're supposed to be inside cleaning the statues like I ordered you to! If you keep this up, I'll send you back where you came from!" The man walked over to the small boy who was hiding behind a ninja. Osoroshii narrowed his eyes at both of the boys. "Get back to work! Both of you!"

Kandai stood up. "I don't take orders from anyone but Shikamaru sensei. And he doesn't actually order me around. I, also, don't like the way you're talking to my new friend. He was only curious."

"Kandai, Osoroshii, can kick me out of the temple. This is the only home I have. He's really nasty when it comes to getting things done," Banshin whispered. He clung to Kandai when Osoroshii moved closer.

"I won't tolerate insubordination! Banshin, move your feet! You are not allowed to be talking to outsiders!" He moved towards the boy again and Banshin took off running. "As for you," Osoroshii glared at the boy, "Get out of my sight unless you wish to fail your mission!"

"You have no authority over my student, or to boss him around as such," Shikamaru said as he showed himself. "Your students are under your care as mine are in my hands. Kandai hasn't done anything wrong. He was right by standing up to a bully." The monk stood his ground. Shikamaru stood his as well. "Go ahead. Try me. I have no problem defending my students, or myself." The monk snuffed his disgust. He turned around.

"Ninja are despicable. Honestly, what is the head monk thinking to hire such low rats," Osoroshii spit out as he walked away. He had other duties to perform.

Kandai looked up at Shikamaru. "I'm sorry sensei. I wasn't trying to get in trouble." It seemed he was making it difficult for everyone as of late. Kandai wasn't supposed to leave his team like he had. They were responsible for each other.

"You did the right thing by protecting yourself and your new friend. It doesn't matter what position a person holds, or how important they are. Bullies come in all forms. However, you shouldn't have left the group. We didn't know where you were. It's wise to be watchful of all things concerning yourself. You have to know where you are, who is around you, and the area you are in. Attacks happen when a ninja is not mindful, Kandai," Shikamaru said. The boy nodded slowly. "I'll forgive you this one time, but you're supposed to be attentive on my team"

"I'm sorry, Shikamaru sensei," Kandai said again. He felt bad. He had learned these things at a young age. His father wouldn't let him get by with it. Shikamaru knew that. He had known Neji all of his life.

"Sensei, Gin and I are finished cleaning. What other chores do we have to do," Areku asked as he finally found his trainer and Kandai. He noticed the look on Kandai's face. It seemed the Hyuga boy was finding himself in trouble with Shikamaru more frequently now. It wasn't like Kandai to act rashly. Areku wondered if being separated from Eiyu was taking its toll on him. Kandai was used to watching his brother and following his example. Areku had noticed that at the Academy when they would practice outside.

"I think we'll take a break for now. You guys can explore if you like, as long as, you three stay together," Shikamaru said as he looked at Kandai seriously. "I think I'm going to have a few looks myself." He figured there was something going on with the way the monk had approached him and Kandai. He was awfully hostile for a servant of Buddha.

"I'm taking a wild guess that you got in trouble again, Kandai," Areku said as they sat on a bench eating lunch. Areku was concerned about the way Kandai perceived things. "You need to be more alert. Eiyu isn't here to show you. You two are separated and both of you need to learn to lead your own lives."

Gin looked at Areku. "Areku, Kandai might be lost without his brother. He wouldn't intentionally go against what Shikamaru sensei says." She looked at Kandai. He had stopped eating. "Are you finding it difficult to be without Eiyu?"

Kandai shook his head. "No, I'm not as strong as him. Father has to take more time with me because of it. I don't want Shikamaru sensei thinking I'm incapable of thinking for myself. I've just never had any reason to. Father and Eiyu have always told me what direction to take."

"Shikamaru sensei isn't being mean. He wants you to think for yourself. In the end, when it comes down to it, Kandai, you are all you have," Areku said. "No one else can fight your battles or overcome your obstacles – but you. It's nice to get direction from others, but it's meant to guide you – not lead you."

"I don't want you guys to be disappointed in me," Kandai said. "I want Father to be proud of me. I just don't know what he expects of me, or Eiyu."

Gin touched his shoulder. "Kandai, your father loves you very much. He wants the both of you to do your best and be happy. He doesn't spend as much time with Eiyu because Eiyu doesn't need the same direction. You two are two different people and are not the same. Please don't compare yourself to him. It's not fair to. You have to set a goal for yourself. After all, you're growing up to be Kandai – not Eiyu."

Areku blinked as he looked at Gin. "Where did that burst of empowerment come from? I think you're taking this whole team leader business quite seriously." Gin blushed and shied away. "Gin, I'm only teasing. Don't act like that. Sometimes you can say very powerful things."

"She has a point though. I thought it was all in my head of how I was viewing everything. If you guys notice it outright than I guess I really do have a problem of chasing after Eiyu. I do need to be my own person. Although, I'm not sure of who I am yet," Kandai said.

Team 4 all turned their attention to a bunch of shouting coming from the temple. All three of the students watched as the doors opened. Two monks were forcing another monk to leave. They watched as the man was thrown out of the temple. He rolled down the steps to the ground.

"What is going on," Areku asked. He stood up. He went over to the monk who was getting up. "Are you alright?" The monk ignored him as he stood up to brush his clothes off.

"I didn't take it! I told you before I had nothing to do with it! The last person in the room was Banshin! Ask the boy!" The monk shook his head as he walked away disgustedly.

"Banshin?" Kandai stood up as he joined Areku. "What does he have to do with this? He's just a kid. I don't think he'd cause any problems. He has no home to go to. It wouldn't make sense."

"I didn't take the statue! There's no way I could have! It's too heavy for me! Yes, I was in the room, but I was ordered to clean the five wisdom kings by Osoroshii!" Banshin kicked his legs as he was being escorted to the front of the temple. He saw Kandai watching what was going on. "Kandai, help! I didn't take the statue! They won't believe me!"

Kandai approached the monk who was carrying the small boy. "What has he done?" The monk blinked as Kandai stood in his way. Kandai was going to get to the bottom of this. He had only met Banshin earlier, a few hours ago, but the boy was harmless. "Why are you treating him like that?"

"Someone has stolen one of the five wisdom kings of our temple. They are a sacred and part of our history and culture. Banshin was the last one in the room with the statues. He has something to do with it. The boy may not be able to lift a large, heavy statue like it, but he could have been watching the place for someone to come and take it. We cannot allow him to leave the premise. He is hiding something," the monk said as a matter of fact.

Gin looked around the area. "Statues in temples are rather large and very difficult for one person to make off with. They are valuable and priceless. Who would want to steal from a temple such as this? What would he have to gain from it?"

"That's a good question. Would you mind us looking at the room where the statues are? There has to be clues to the whereabouts of the missing statue," Areku said as he offered his help in the matter. He didn't like the innocent being accused either. The boy was an unlikely suspect. A child was not going to assist someone in robbing a temple; especially one that was in training to be a monk.

The monk looked at Areku for a moment. Banshin was squirming under his arm. "Be still, child! You're already in trouble! Osoroshii has been after you several times a day over small things!" He turned his gaze back to the ninja boy. "I do not mind you going into the room where the five wisdom kings are kept. I do not know what you will find," he told the boy.

"Thank you," Areku said as he walked off with Gin. He was going to get to the bottom of this. "Kandai, are you coming?" He and Gin stopped as they looked at the Hyuga boy.

"What are you going to do with Banshin," Kandai asked the monk who was not letting the boy go.

"He will be taken to the head monk and locked in a room until we find the statue. If he is innocent, he will have no problem with our decision to confine him," the monk said as he looked at the boy sternly. Banshin stopped struggling and gave up. The monk was sure the boy had played a part in stealing their statue.

"Banshin, don't dismay. We'll find out what is going on. For now, do what they tell you and stay out of trouble," Kandai said as he started to walk away. "We won't let them harm you. After all, monks are servants of Buddha, they don't believe in such a thing as violence."

Areku put his arm up to stop Gin and Kandai from entering the room. "The room is empty except for the remaining four wisdom kings. There is no evidence on the floor from what the eyes can see, correct?" He looked at his team mates. He was trying to think like Shikamaru.

"Not from what I can tell. The room is clean. There aren't any foot tracks going in or out. Not even from the boy," Gin said. She blinked. That was it! "The statue was stolen after the boy left the room! If it had been stolen while he was still cleaning, then why would he choose to stick around? There wouldn't be a point to it."

"That is correct. Banshin has no reason to stay behind if he was participating in theft. What could a person do with a statue that large? I don't understand. Something that big is hard to sell out in the open. There has to be another reason why someone would go to that sort of length to steal it," Areku said. He looked over the room again. "Kandai, do you know where Shikamaru sensei put the duster he was using earlier? Go get it please. I have an idea."

Kandai came back with the filthy duster. He handed it to Areku. "What good is this going to do? We're not here to clean the area. It's clean enough as it is." He watched as Areku Inuzuka blew the dust off of the feather duster into the room. Kandai blinked. "Oh, I see. The dust is dancing in the sunlight. The sunlight is showing us what every detail looks like," he said as he finally got it. "I get it! We're supposed to be looking for another way for the statue to be stolen! Even though our eyes can't physically see it, there is something there! A clue!"

Gin smiled as she too started to catch onto what Areku was getting at. "The monks aren't going to like it, but I think we need to grab some dirt and grind it to make it soft like powder. How would we do that, though?"

Areku tried to think. How would you grind dirt to make it into a powder? The grains in the dirt were small, but they were tough. He looked around at the temple. "Do you suppose the monks here make their own bread?"

"I don't know. Why would that be important," Kandai asked. He watched as Areku tried to figure out his train of thought.

"If the monks make their own bread, there is a chance they would have a grinder to break down the wheat," Areku said. "A grinder is a tough machine that is used for that purpose and to push meat through, but most monks are vegetarian."

Gin walked into the room slowly. She was careful not to go around near the other statues in case there was a clue amongst them. Her eyes were drifted to the art depicted upon the walls and overhead. "Don't most monks take in the hobby of art by using colored sand or powder to make pictures in a certain ceremony? What if they have some of that lying around?" She turned around to see Areku and Kandai staring at her as if they were looking at a whole different other person. "What is it?"

"Gin, I do believe you have figured out what we need. Let's go ask them if they have the powder. We can use it to see if there are handprints, or other clues about the room," Areku said. They took off to ask the monks. The monks did in fact have some of the colored powder in jars in a room. The monk who handed the jar to Areku had no idea what he was getting at when he said 'Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder, but also the methods to which the artist uses.'

Kandai blew the soft white powder onto the walls while Gin started to dump powder onto the statues. They were all looking for clues. Areku was going around scanning the area with his eyes and trying hard to find differences in the way the powder laid across a surface. Kandai sneezed a few times. The powder was getting into his nose. She rubbed at his eyes. "I still can't figure out why someone would want a statue that large. It's not like it's the actual statue that was first produced."

"No, but there may be something else hidden within the statue. Appearances are deceiving, Kandai. You can't look at a person and tell what kind of personality they have, or their hopes and dreams. You can only assume; which doesn't do anyone any good. You have to have the facts or everything falls apart," Areku said as he blew the excess powder off of one of the statues. He blinked. "I think I found something. Come here, you two. See where the powder is all bunched up on this raised surface of this particular statue's arm? It looks like wire." He pulled it. As he did so, it caused other wires to pop into view.

Team 4 stiffened as the statues around them jolted a little as the strings popped off of them and into a pyramid type arch heading into the ceiling. "That's how they got the statue out of here without being noticed! They used the remaining Wisdom Kings to balance it was it was lifted into the ceiling. But that only sparks more questions. How did they get it off the room, where did they take it and what is the whole reason behind it all," Kandai said.

"I see you three have learned to take matters into your own hands. That is excellent problem-solving Areku, Gin, and Kandai. I'm proud of you three. You three have used your heads to try and figure out how the statue was lifted, no pun intended," Shikamaru said as he stepped into the room. "Most would have focused their attention on the boy being held in the storage room. I'm glad to know that you guys know how to work as a team without being forced, or given a reason."

"Shikamaru sensei, how did they manage to get the statue off of the roof," Gin said. "These statues are heavy, even if they aren't the real ones. Mere reproductions weigh a few hundred kilograms."

"That's a good question, Gin. Where do you suppose the next place is you need to check? Clues aren't often visible on the large scale. We have to decipher them by giving ourselves other things to look for."

"We go to the roof," Gin said as she looked at her team. "There has to be other clues lying about. We just haven't figured out how to see them yet." She led her team to the roof of the temple. They walked to where the statue was apparently lifted. Gin stood where the statue had been. There were pieces of broken ceramic all over the roof. "The statue was made out of ceramic? But the other statues in the room are bronze. I don't understand. Why was this one statue made out of a different type of material?"

"It looks like we need to ask around," Kandai said. "Something must have been taken from the statue. But what? And also, when was it broken? We would have heard it."

"Not if there was a lot of commotion going on," Areku said as he sniffed the air. "A commotion of any sort can muffle the sounds of plaster breaking apart. The statue wasn't really missing until the monks started to accuse each other. It was only displaced."

"That is right, Areku. It was hiding on top of the roof while the monks were distracted," Shikamaru said. "Good work. I suppose now that we know where the statue is currently, we can tell the head monk. I want you guys to pay attention to his body language. It means a lot to help find out other clues."

"We found the missing statue, but is it in shambles. What I want to ask is do you happen to know why this particular statue was being targeted? It was made of plaster while the other statues are made with bronze. There is no reasoning to it unless the statue was being used to hold something valuable or the previous statue was stolen ahead of time and this one was merely a façade," Areku said as he sat in the room with the head monk. He could tell the man was thinking about what to tell them and how much.

"The previous statue was stolen some time ago. Our temple has not had the funds to get another replaced. Replications cost thousands if they are well crafted. I ordered the monks under my guidance to take what we had of donations and get the ceramic statue. I had no idea it would be targeted from someone and destroyed. I am not fully aware of what could have been in the statue. Whatever it was is long gone now," the man said to the ninja students.

"Whatever was in the statue must have been of great value. Why else go to a temple to steal it? It's sacrilegious," Gin said as she voiced her opinion. "Something must have been put into the statue before it was shipped to this particular temple. Whatever is in there was tracked. How else would the thief have known where it was, much less, what was in it?"

"That's a very good point, my child. Whatever was in that statue is gone, but it must have been of great importance to the thief. I wonder what kind of crooked mind could have plotted such a scam amongst our temple. Such commotion has been brought to this temple days prior to the celebration of Buddha's birth. The timing in itself is very unnerving," he said humbly. "I don't know what the significance is of the object that was in the statue, but if you three would like to find the culprit responsible, I would be most grateful," he said bowing to the ninja.

"I think it was an inside job. When exactly did the ceramic statue arrive," Kandai asked as he smiled at the old man. He believed that one of the monks might be more than he perceived to be.

"Our ceramic statue arrived about three months ago, shortly before the arrival of Banshin. That is one of the reasons we believe the boy to be on it. He was probably sent here to learn the layout of our temple and the way we operate, in order, to time the lifting of our statue. More like the destruction of it," the man said absentmindedly.

"Banshin is only a boy. He wouldn't have been able to lift the statue by himself. There were wires all over the room that linked to the heavy bronze statues. The missing statue was lifted into the ceiling and was actually displaced there when it was discovered to not be in its place," Areku said. He watched as the monk nodded his understanding. "There has to be more than one person on it. One person wouldn't be able to lift something that heavy by themselves. Even if the boy was in on it, he couldn't have aided the real thief. He was being carried away at the time."

"You are very perceptive young man. If Banshin is aware of what is going on, he is simply not helping us. We have no choice but to keep him confined for his own safety as much as ours. If the real thief is still here, then he would try to quiet Banshin from revealing his identity. I may be old, but I am not deaf, and my mind still functions. That is the real reason I have our young monk locked up. I am the only one with the key," he said showing the ninja the key around his neck. "We do not tolerate violence, nor do we believe in it. However, under the circumstances, we must let your team search the temple and reveal the traitor amongst us. You have my permission to question the monks and be mindful of others." He bowed low to the ground.

Team 4 walked out of the head monk's room. They glanced around. The temple seemed to be hiding something inside of it. Not just the thief, though. Areku had his suspicions about the place. Normally, a small temple like this one wouldn't go to these sorts of lengths and preparations to get ready for the celebration of Buddha's birthday. They were not a grand temple, or one of the popular ones in Japan. He sniffed the air. A scent drifted to his nose. "I know you're there. I have caught onto your scent. I wouldn't try running either. We may not look it, but we are just as fast as you, if not faster," Areku threatened. "Who are you? And what reason do you have to be eavesdropping on the head monk's conversation?"

A frail monk showed himself as he stood up from the bushes where he had been hiding. He eyed the three young ninja in front of him. It wasn't in his nature to be nosey. Hadidjaru nodded slowly to the three children. "I was only curious to what you had found. I am sorry if that makes me more of a suspicious character to you three. Our head monk is wise and noble, but sometimes even the wisest do not see what is happening. In order to catch the one you seek, use your heads, young ones. The real search is not for the thief, but what he posses. And the real artifact here is not the statue." Hadidjaru smiled slightly to the children before he turned around to walk off slowly.

"The real artifact is not the statue? What does that mean," Gin asked as she watched the old man leave them in his wake. He was giving them clue to look for, or basically, a direction to go in. Their search was not for the thief, but what the thief carried. The thing most valuable is the item possessed, not the statue it was in. "We're looking for something very valuable you guys. Whatever was in the statue is more precious to the temple than what they are letting on. I think there is more to it than just a stolen statue and one that was replaced."

"I think I'm starting to understand. In a few days is the birthday of Buddha. It is a celebration like no other with the large, grand temples, but this one particular temple is having festivities as if it were one of the famous temples in Japan. Could the item they possess be related to the celebration," Kandai asked. He looked at his team mates. They were pondering over what the monk had said.

"Or more importantly, could it be related to Buddha? A thief would not bode well to steal an item from a small temple, no matter what it was – unless the thing he held in his hands was something of rare and unbelievable value. The head monk has given us permission to question the other monks, but why would we have to question everyone? If he will not tell us outright what is going on, than it most be too important for him to keep secret. An ordinary monk won't go against the head monk. They respect each others too much for that. Banshin has to know something. We cannot let him out of the room he is kept in, but we can ask him questions through the door. The boy is still in training and may tell us something the others wouldn't. Let's take that direction for now," Areku said.

"You know, this is kind of fun. I like figuring out puzzles and things, Areku," Kandai said as he smiled. They walked to where Banshin was being kept in a storage room in the temple. He knocked on the door. Kandai could hear Banshin moving around as if he were expecting someone to break the door down. "Banshin, it's me, Kandai. Can we ask you a few questions? We're trying to figure out what is going on. The statue was found, but it was broken into pieces. It looked like something was taken from it. Do you know what was taken?"

Banshin moved closer to the door. He slid out a piece of paper where he had written on it. "I can't tell you what I don't know ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village! I am only in training under the monks of the temple! I didn't take the statue! I couldn't have. It's too big for me to lift or carry. I'm being wrongfully accused," he shouted as loudly as he could so anyone who was eavesdropping could hear it. He didn't want someone to try to come after him while Kandai and his friends tracked down the culprit responsible. "If you aren't going to free me from this room, leave! Ninja are despicable characters! They are untrustworthy! A monk has no right to be associating with a ninja!"

Gin picked up the piece of paper. She put it in her pocket. "Can't you tell us anything at all? You have to know what is going on," she said rather playing along once she figured out what Banshin was doing.

"No, I'm sorry! I'm only a boy who is training to be a monk! Please leave me alone! I don't know anything! I was only cleaning the statues in the room and then I left! I had nothing to do with it," Banshin said rather loudly. He heard the team walk away from the room. Good luck, Kandai. I hope you can figure out who is behind it. If I voice what I know to you three, they'll be aware that I know. I want to be a monk and serve Buddha. I don't uphold violence, but you can use your head to stop it.

"Well, he wasn't very helpful, was he," Areku said as they walked outside. He noticed Gin was leading them some distance away from the temple. She walked down the steps to the lower part where they had been cleaning and picking up limbs earlier. He watched as she went to the water basin to wash her hands. For a moment, Gin was confusing him with her actions. Areku watched as she pulled the cord on the bell and did a quick prayer.

Gin turned around to face her team. "Sorry, you guys. I was trying to throw off whoever might be watching us. Did I do a good job," she asked as she smiled. Gin took out the piece of paper Banshin had written on. "I believe our young friend knew he was going to be asked what he knew, so he wrote down his answer on this piece of paper." She held it up so that Kandai and Areku could see. "It says, 'The thing most valuable is a symbol of Buddha's enlightenment.' What do you two suppose it means?"

"A symbol of Buddha's enlightenment? Well, Buddha is often depicted as a chubby man who is walking, or sitting with his hand up in a friendly 'hello'. He sometimes carries food, or gifts. Buddha reached enlightenment by meditating for several years. I don't understand the symbolism aspect," Kandai said as he leaned against the water basin. He looked up to see a monk walk across the grounds. The man paid them no mind.

"Symbolism is usually reflected in art, Kandai. Such as a drawing, picture, poetry, literature, etc. I think a symbolism of Buddha would be in an art form, don't you," Gin said as she smiled at him. "What are some of the things that we see in those forms that reflect Buddha and his divinity?"

"Hmm. He is usually depicted with light around the back of his head," Areku said. "I have also seen him surrounded by children, or sitting by a tree."

"You're getting warmer," Gin said as she smiled at the boys. "What are some of the things that have been included with Buddha that are important in art form?" She wanted them to think. She was thinking like Shikamaru.

"I know that there has been mentioned a cup that belonged to Buddha that he drank out of," Kandai said. He watched as Gin shook her head. "So the cup isn't important?"

"No, the cup is important, but after thousands of years, it would have been lost, Kandai. What is something that is seen in art that can maintain it self after hundreds or thousands of years? I know you can figure it out. We are surrounded by them," Gin said as she watched him catch on.

"Trees. No! Plants! I get it! Some trees are hundreds or thousands of years old. They can survive the weather and harsh environments they are thrust into," Kandai said as he pounded his hand into his fist. "The thing that is both depicted in art and that has special meaning to Buddha is the blue lotus flower!"

Areku congratulated Kandai by patting him on the back. "Good work, Kandai. You're finally using your head! Even though it took a little pushing from Gin, you managed to figure it out the rest of the way. The thing we are looking for is something related to the blue lotus flower. It is what grew after Buddha rose to enlightenment. But just because it grew, doesn't mean it died and there aren't anymore like it. Plants do spawn and cast spores out into the earth."

"You are correct and somewhat incorrect, my fine young friend," Hidadjaru said as he startled the young ones. "I didn't mean to startle you. I was only coming to put prayer slips on the trees. You three are very perceptive. The thing that is most important and significance of Buddhism is the blue lotus flower. It isn't something that is related to it. You are looking for the seeds of the flower that were hidden in the statue."

"But if you knew what was there in the first place, why didn't you tell us what it was," Areku said angrily. He crossed his arms like his father and scowled. Honestly, old people and the way they took their time at explaining things.

"If I had told you what I had known at the time, instead of letting you decipher it for yourselves, and you wouldn't have gained the knowledge through your own trails. By doing so, you three are now aware of how to overcome similar obstacles. You three also gained teamwork, patience, and even followed the clues out to the end without giving away your position in the chase," Hadidjaru said proudly. "Sometimes the rewards we receive are not in the forms of material wealth, young man."

"Yeah, Areku," Kandai said as he put his hand on his shoulder shaking his team mate. "Wait. So we're looking for the blue lotus flower?" He took his hand away from Areku's shoulder. The Inuzuka boy was still scowling with his annoyance.

"I don't fully understand and I know I'm supposed to, but why would an ordinary thief want the flower of Buddha? Nothing can be gained by it," Gin said as she put her hand on her chin, trying to go back in her mind. She was thinking of everything that she had seen and heard.

"Well, if someone can breed the blue lotus flower, what does one gain from it? Think outside of the box, young lady. If you can take something that is grand and make it seem less grand, what do you gain from it," Hadidjaru said as he started to tie the prayer slips onto the small trees surrounding the water basin. "It is more serious than it seems to young eyes."

"If you take something that is seen as great value and look at it for an extended amount of time, it loses its importance. Not only that, but it soon loses its meaning and becomes… ordinary. If the thief breeds the blue lotus flower, than he is bringing about the downfall of Buddhism," Gin says. "It wouldn't be any different if it was another artifact with any other religion. Once it loses its significance to its followers, the faith in the people is broken and the religion crumbles."

"Exactly," Hadidjaru said as he turned around. "Now what is it you three are going to do in order to find where the seeds are?" He watched the three of them stand before him slightly confused. They were at a roadblock again. "The thief only had help in destroying the reproduced statue. If his accomplice had known what was contained in the statue, do you think the original mastermind would have been able to make off with it? Do you think the accomplice would like to be responsible for the downfall of a religion, of a faith?"

"I know that if it was something that important and I knew about it, I would want to leave it where it was. There is no point in getting millions of followers angry at you. It shames you and your family for your entire existence. The responsibility would be more shameful than the actual act itself," Areku said as he turned around. "I believe we know who to question, don't we, Kandai?" Kandai nodded slowly.

"Who are we questioning," Gin said.

"A person who would possibly love for Banshin to be the scapegoat in his plans of getting his hands on the blue lotus seeds," Kandai said. "Earlier before Shikamaru sensei found me, I had met Banshin and spoken with him. A monk by the name of Osoroshii came after me and Banshin. He seemed to be angrier at the fact that the boy was talking to me than doing his work. It's highly suspicious."

"Yes, it is," Areku agreed. "Alright, so this is an angry monk that we're going after. He could possibly be the actual thief. Our guards need to be up and we need a plan. Remember, Shikamaru sensei says that we can't go in blindly. Only fools do that."

Oh, I don't like being the guinea pig. I know I agreed to it, but why me? We're supposed to be a team. I know I was the one that met the guy first, but he doesn't like me and he's probably going to be more hostile towards me than Gin, or Areku. Kandai sighed as he walked through the temple. He acted like he was searching for something. Kandai was checking the walls and even appearing to be listening in on certain conversations before he moved on. The trick was he knew he was being watched. He was pretty sure Osoroshii was mildly watching him to make sure he knew nothing.

Kandai turned a corner slowly, cautiously. One could never be too careful in these surroundings. The real monks wouldn't hurt him, but the one pretending to be a servant of Buddha would. He walked slowly with his hands in his pockets like Areku had told him to do. Carefully he took his hand out to make sure he brushed the slip of paper Banshin had given Gin. He scratched his head as he padded down the hall. Sure enough, the paper fell out of his pocket and into the hall.

Kandai turned another corner. He stopped. He took a deep breath and waited. Kandai could hear someone approaching the piece of paper cautiously. He could feel the shift in the air. Whoever had been following him was close. He withdrew a kunai as he took out wire from his ninja tools pack. Kandai strung the wire through a loop and set it on the floor before looping it over a large knot in the construction of the temple. Areku and Gin were hiding in the two rooms near him.

Kandai let the wire drift on the windowsill before he stuck his head around the corner. His eyes befell upon a large figure that was glaring at him. The man crumpled the piece of paper in his hands before he started to move towards Kandai. Kandai moved back slowly being mindful of where the wire had been placed. He was doing a perfect job of being scared. Fact was he was scared. Osoroshii was a lot bigger and taller than he was. The look on the man's face was enough to make a newborn baby cry.

"It seems you have discovered the real item that was in the statue. Pity though. It also seems you have not accustomed yourself to listening to your trainer," Osoroshii said as he moved towards the boy. "I don't know which is worse: a nosey ninja, or a loudmouth brat."

"Banshin is not a brat," Kandai said as he stopped. Osoroshii stopped right into the wired trap. "And it seems just because you pretend to be a wise monk, doesn't make you humble or wise! Now you guys!" Kandai leapt for the other end of the wire as Areku and Gin busted out of the rooms. They all grabbed onto the wire as Osoroshii started to move towards them.

Osoroshii swore under his breath. "You stupid brats won't stop me from making the world know what it ought to!" He reached forward instantly, trying to grab one of the children as he felt a tug on his leg. He looked down to see wire wrapped around his leg. Osoroshii's legs went out from under him as he was hoisted into the air. He swung his body around. "You idiotic kids! Let me down! I'll have all three of you floating in the river!"

Shikamaru appeared from the shadows. He grabbed the wire with his students, pulling with all of his strength. "Oh, don't be so surprised. A good trainer keeps an eye on his students, but lets them learn. I don't quite think you're a very good monk. You're heavier than you look. Kandai, you can do the honors of shutting him up while Gin and Areku tie him up. I think the head monk would gladly like to know who you are working for."

Team 4 gagged and bonded the fake monk, much to his disliking of the situation. They had succeeded in catching the thief. They had even worked together and managed to save Banshin. They looked at each other proudly. "I am the luckiest trainer in Konoha to have the sort of team that listens to each other, doesn't argue, and gets the job done," Shikamaru said. "If you want to find the artifact, I'm pretty sure it would be on his person. He wouldn't have left it in the room where he stays because he would be too afraid of it getting discovered. Here's a rule of thought," Shikamaru said as he crouched in front of the gagged man. "Children may not always be wise, but they always listen to what an adult says – even if it is cruel, or helpful. Whatever you have let slip, didn't happen in your words, though. It was in your actions. Banshin picked up on it. He knew something was going on. I suggest you be more mindful next time," he said smirking at the angry man.

Gin searched the angry man. She found a small pouch inside of one of his pockets that he was keeping close to his chest. She opened the pouch to see small white seeds inside. "Shikamaru sensei, I found the seeds! What do we do with them?"

"I believe we can let this guy hang around for a while. He isn't going anywhere. After all, he wasn't wise enough to tell his accomplice what he was after. So there is no one here to help him now. We take the seeds to the head monk. I'm sure he will be relieved and they can get on with their preparations," Shikamaru said as they left the angry man tied upside-down. The man was flipping around trying to get free. It wasn't going to do any good though.

"Kandai," Banshin called as he ran down the hallway. He grabbed onto Kandai's hands as he looked up at the older boy. "They said I was free to go and they said they knew I didn't have anything to do with it at the beginning! I now understand what they were doing! They locked me away so Osoroshii couldn't get a hold of me! I'm not angry at them anymore," he said rather happily.

Gin crouched to the boy who had befriended Kandai Hyuga. "Would you like to see what all of the fuss is about? Osoroshii was after something very grand and precious." She opened her hands to reveal the small pouch that contained the seeds. Gin opened the pouch so that Banshin could see.

Banshin's eyes went wide as his fingers touched the seeds with an awed nature. "These are seeds that are from the blue lotus flower? Osoroshii was wrong in what he was doing. These seeds don't discourage our belief and faith, but make it stronger. Now that I know it existed, I am more encouraged and proud to be a monk of this temple," he said standing up as straight as he could.

Kandai smiled at Banshin. "We have to turn these over to the head monk. What he decides to do with them is his choosing. I think the original statue was stolen for these seeds, too. It was just by chance that the actual thief decided to time his arrival around the ceramic statue. I'm sure once they track down Osoroshii's employer, the real statue of the five wisdom kings will be found."

The head monk looked at the pouch of seeds in front of him. The three ninja and their trainer were also in front of him awaiting their dismissal. "You three did a very good deed. More so than you think. I will take these seeds and put them in a small bronze box. I will have them buried on the grounds somewhere. It is important that these seeds be kept safe and sound. I hear that the one who figured out what the artifact was was you, Gin Akimichi. You are a very bright girl and a wonderful team leader. Would you come here please?"

Gin blushed as she stood up. She approached the head monk then sat down in front of him. She didn't think what she had done was all that spectacular. She was only doing her job. She didn't want the thief to gain anything from his wrong train of though, or his actions. It was also important to clear the boy's name. It was what anyone would have done.

"These are seeds of the blue lotus flower that grew after Buddha reached enlightenment. These seeds are precious to us and everyone who practices Buddhism. Normally, these would be destroyed, or kept locked away so that no one could get their hands on them. But I believe, that if one seed is missing from the group, than it could have fallen out of the pouch by mistake," the head monk said as he smiled at the girl. "Hold out your hand, Gin. You are about to be blessed by Buddha." The monk put the small white seed into Gin's hand. "Take care of the seed. It should be kept in a place where you find it necessary to gain truth from the darkness that surrounds all of mankind."

"What are you going to do with the seed, Gin," Kandai asked as they walked back to Konoha. The cloud above them began to darken and bustle with thunder. He watched her cling to the seed in the small pouch she wore around her neck.

"I will be the best herbologist that Konoha has ever seen," Gin said faithfully. "I now have a reason to continue my training and making sure I keep everyone safe. I'll keep the seed around my heart where it needs to be. I wouldn't want it to accidentally grow and make more seedlings. That would go against what the head monk wanted."

"That is a wise decision," Shikamaru said as he smoked his cigarette slowly. It had been a tiring day. "Say did you three ever get around to cleaning up the mess you made in the room with the five wisdom kings?"

Areku, Kandai, and Gin both stopped in their tracks. Shikamaru stopped and turned around. "Uh, oh," they said in unison. They had left the room in an entire mess of white chalk powder. The monks were still in the works of getting the temple back in order.

"What in the world happened in here? Why is there white powder all over this room?! We have to clean the entire temple, put everything back in order, and now there is powder everywhere! Banshin! I know it was you," the monk yelled.

Banshin came into the room slowly. "I didn't do that! I wasn't in here at the time. You all had me locked away in a storage room! It must have been Kandai and his friends when they were trying to figure out how the statue was lifted!"

"Well since he was your friend, he was your responsibility and you can clean up his mess," the monk said pointing to the statues covered in powder. "I want the four wisdom kings cleaned to perfection! Do not let one speck of powder ruin the shine of the bronze!"

Banshin sulked as he watched the monk leave the room. He sighed. "He's about as bad as Osoroshii. I wish Kandai and his friends had cleaned up the mess they made. I have enough to do," he said sulking as she started to sweep the room.