Heart's Treasure
Chapter 7: Acting Out
Thanks for the review Chico. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. Please leave a review telling me what you think.
Perspectives: Eiji, Snow, Kakuzu, and Saizo
Eiji's Perspective
Early the next morning Kotori entered my office.
"How was your first day on your new post?" I asked.
"Interesting", said Kotori.
"How so?" I asked.
"It was something I've never experience", said Kotori.
"What was that?" I asked.
"A family dinner", said Kotori.
"What did you think?" I asked.
"It was nice", said Kotori.
"Did anything out of the ordinary happen?" I asked.
"Yes",
I looked up from the paper on my desk.
"What happened?" I asked
"The grounds keeper came to the house", said Kotori.
"Goemon Fuma, yes he's friends with Minori. What do you think of him?" I asked.
"I don't trust him", said Kotori.
"You don't trust a lot of people, but tell me your reasoning for this distrust", I said.
"I'm aware of that, but how did you come upon this discovery?" I asked.
"I thought he was a threat", said Kotori.
"And you not knowing who he was at that time thought he was a threat. And I bet he's much more a challenge than you ever expected", I said.
Kotori nodded his head.
"Don't you find him suspicious?" asked Kotori.
"Did I say that?" I asked.
"Than why not act on it?" asked Kotori.
I sighed he still has an impatient streak to him.
"If I order him to be taken in what would his charges be? There's no missing shinobi that match his description. He hasn't broken any of the laws of our village. I pride myself on being fair man I'm not breaking that since you're upset a grounds keeper got the upper hand on you", I said.
"Aren't you going to do something?" asked Kotori.
"I have Noriko keeping an eye on him. So far he's done nothing to warrant actions against him. You have to be patient", I said.
"But he could be the project Kabuto mentioned", said Kotori.
"I'm well aware of that. To be safe I want you to follow her to the graveyard no matter how much she objects. You should be returning to your station by her side", I said.
He disappeared from the office.
Snow's Perspective
After a few weeks I adjusted to having Kotori as my guard. He's also the twins' favorite babysitter and close friend to me. Surprisingly Kotori is great with children with adult not so much. We got a long well. I was reading on the couch and Kotori was staring blankly into space. He has habit of doing this. I glanced at the clock. It's time to pick up the twins from school. I tried getting off the couch but had no luck.
"Kotori"
He gave no response. I chucked my book at his head. He caught it before it could make impact.
"My apologies Lady Minori", said Kotori.
He helped me up from the couch.
"Are you okay? You've seemed spacey lately", I said.
"A lot on my mind", said Kotori.
"Tell me I might be able to help", I said.
"It's nothing", he answered.
Something told me his spacey state was caused by frustration. Maybe he craves the adventure and excitement of missions. It can't be entertaining watching a pregnant woman almost all day.
"I can ask for a new guard if you're bored", I said.
"No, I enjoy being your guard. I'm frustrated over not being take in a target", said Kotori.
"Is that all you think about while you're in that zoned out state?" I asked.
He nodded.
"You need a social life", I said.
"I have a social life", said Kotori.
"That doesn't include me or my children", I said.
He shook his head. I let Doku watch over Rose. Kotori is always uneasy about leaving Rose alone with Doku.
"I can watch her", said Kotori.
"Doku is a great care taker", I said.
"Thank you Mistress. I assure you I wouldn't dare harm someone so precious to my Mistress's heart", said Doku.
Spike started barking at Doku.
"Remember you are not allowed to eat my dog", I said.
"He looks so much like a rat. Can you blame me for wanting a bite", said Doku.
Rose was already asleep in a cradle formed by Doku's coils.
"I don't want to bring her out in this weather. She just got over a cold", I said.
I put on my jacket and walked out. Kotori eventually followed. The twins were inside to escape the cold. We reached their homeroom I saw they were the only ones there. Miss. Ringo was watching the art teacher was watching them this time. Her first name is Blossom. She's the art teacher of the school. She has long green hair that's always tied up in a messy bun. Her thick red glasses distracted people from her dark green eyes. Blossom's clothes were covered in paint.
"Sorry I'm my friend made me late", I said.
When she looked up from her work her face instantly went pink. She never met Kotori before. Normally he waits outside the school while I got Saizo and Hazel.
"Its find Minori. Who's your friend", said Blossom.
Her eyes were focused on the ground. He was too busy looking over her to say anything. This is very unlike him. He almost always answers direct questions. I elbowed him in the side.
"Kotori",
"It's really nice to meet you", said Blossom.
I let them talked as I helped Saizo and Hazel get for home. When they were done we left the room. The twins went running a head of us. Kotori was smiling through his mask.
"Did she agree to go out with you?" I asked.
"How did you know?" asked Kotori.
"You wouldn't be smiling if she said no", I said.
"I decided to take your advice", said Kotori.
I gave a small shutter as the cold air hit me. As we walked back home I couldn't help stopping at cemetery. It's been so long since I've last visited him. I heard Hazel yell as Saizo yanked her ponytail. She went chasing after him. They ran straight into the cemetery. I couldn't catch up with them. Running is something my body fully rejected in this state. I knew no one would harm them there. Kotori seemed tensed. I know he distrusts Goemon, but I do trust him.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I finished digging grave some distant relative of Snow's died and would be buried in a few days. I haven't seen in her in too long. I miss her. I want to see my children. I've only caught a few glimpses of them as they walked back home from school, but it wasn't enough. My thought was broken when I heard children not any children but my own. I saw both of them running. Saizo tackled Hazel making them both fell into the freshly dug grave.
Hazel was crying. She had a large gash on her leg. Saizo was fine his diamond skin protected him. Hazel has a difficult time controlling her abilities, but was just as powerful as brother. She just lacks his confidence. I jumped into the grave and picked up Saizo and Hazel. I easily jumped out. I put Saizo down, but Hazel clung to me.
"Shh it's okay",
Where their mother? I carried them to my small home and grabbed the first aid kit. I sat her down headstone.
"This will sting", I said.
She squeezed my fingers as cleaned the gash and put a Band-Aid on it.
"That's my brave little girl", I said.
"My daddy used to say that when he took care of my booboos", said Hazel.
I sighed. I have to be more carefully I can't allow myself to slip. But all I saw at that moment was my daughter crying.
Kakuzu's Flashback
Snow left for the afternoon with Konan. She deserves a break. I've been leaving her alone to take care for the twins far too often than I wanted too. I managed to get the twins to nap with only some difficulty. I was reading on the couch. When I heard yelling from their room. I walked to their room. They were wrestling on the ground. Diamond blades destroyed a good amount of the floor. I separated them from each other. They struggled in my grip trying to continue their fight.
"Stop it you two", I said.
"NO!" they both growled.
"Do you two ignore your mom like this?" I asked.
They completely ignored me.
"If you two don't stop I will tell your mom that you two were being difficult", I said.
They froze.
"Please don't tell mommy. We will good", they said.
Things went calmly for a while, but soon they became stir crazy and could hardly hold still.
"Daddy can we go to the park pretty please", begged Hazel.
"Ya can we?" asked Saizo.
I nodded head. I followed them to the park. There were only a few kids there. They ran to the playground. I sat down on a bench and watched them. I saw an older boy push Saizo from a swing. There was a familiar glare on his face. I know that glare because I've given it so many times before. I saw diamond blades slowly rose from the earth. I lifted him from the ground before anyone could notice the blades.
"Saizo you know better", I said.
"He pushed me!" growled Saizo.
"I know he did and that was wrong of him. But you cannot allow your anger to get the best of you", I said.
"It's not fair. You can get angry at Hidan all the time and attack him. Why can't I? ", asked Saizo.
I pinched the bridge of nose. Sometimes the two of them are far too clever of their own good.
"That's different", I said.
"How?" asked Saizo.
I couldn't give an answer, because there's no difference.
"Saizo I can't explain that, but you have to understand you can't kill someone because you get angry", I said.
"Okay, daddy I'm sorry", said Saizo.
"Go play", I said.
"You're not going to give me a timeout?" asked Saizo.
"Do you want me to?"
"No",
He ran back to the playground. When I turned around I saw Hazel crying. I only took my eyes off her for a few seconds. Who made my little girl cry?!
"What happened?" I asked.
"Big kids made fun of my eyes", said Hazel.
I wiped away her tears.
"There's nothing wrong with your eyes. Where are they?" I asked.
"Who?"
"The boys who made fun of you", I said.
She pointed to a group of teenagers.
"Stay here", I said.
I walked over to them.
"What do you want old man?" asked one of them.
Disrespectful little brats!
"You made fun of my daughter's eyes. I don't see anything wrong with them", I said.
One of the teens gave me the finger. I pulled down my mask and let my monsters peak through my skin. The teens went running. I pulled up my mask and smirked. I think one of the teen wet his pants.
"Daddy that was so cool", said Saizo.
"It's time to go you two", I said.
I picked up Hazel and Saizo took my hand. The rest of the night went smoothly. I read them a story. By the time I finished the twins were huddled to my sides asleep. I didn't want to move them. I heard the door open and saw Snow come in. She was smiling.
"I don't want to fight Kuzu", said Snow.
We'd been arguing nonstop this week. It was the same argument over and over again. She walked over to the couch. Snow moved Saizo into her lap. She cuddled closely to me. Saizo cuddled closely to his mother.
"I love you Snow",
"I love you to, but I also love them too. They need their father", said Snow.
"But they-
Snow put her hand over my mouth.
"Shut up and let us enjoy this moment", said Snow.
I moved her hand away.
"Okay my treasure", I said.
A tug on my hand took me out of my memory.
"You okay mister?" asked Saizo.
"I'm fine", I said.
"Why are you being so kind me and my sister?" asked Saizo.
Has his mother's curiosity.
"It's the right thing to do. Now your mom is probably worried about you two", I said.
Hazel stretched out her arms to me. I couldn't resist picking her up. She wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. She's getting too old for this, but I couldn't resist. It's been so long since I've been with them. Snow came rushing over to us.
"Where did you run off to? And why are both of you covered in dirt?" asked Snow as she rubbed the dirt of Saizo's cheek.
"Mommy stop it", whined Saizo.
"We fell into a grave. Mr. Umm-
"Fuma, but you can me Goemon", I said.
"He helped us out", said Saizo.
"And he took care of my booboo", said Hazel as she pointed to her knee.
"Thanks for taking care of them", said Snow.
"Happy to help", I said.
"Okay you two time to go home", said Snow.
My wife and children left, but their guard stayed behind. He glared at me.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I'm Goemon Fuma the grounds keeper nothing more nothing less", I said.
"Stay away from them", said Kotori.
I'm already being commanded by a child I refuse commanded by another.
"If she wants to see me she's allowed to. No matter how much you disapprove", I said.
He glared at me.
"I have work to do and so do you. Now leave me alone boy", I said.
"I'm no boy", said Kotori.
"Than don't hold a pointless grudge because I was able to get the upper hand on you", I said
"You don't belong here", said Kotori.
I sighed. He isn't wrong. By all reason I should be burning in hell, but my hearts tell me that I should be near my family.
"Kotori!" yelled Snow.
"Before you go boy tell your teammate to stop spying at me. Or if she continues tell her she needs to do better", I said.
Snow came marching back. I know that expression and couldn't help smirking.
"Didn't I tell you to leave him alone. I'm really not in any mood for this", said Snow.
She grabbed Kotori by the ear.
"If I tell you something I expect you to follow. I might look harmless to you, but I'm still one of the most dangerous women in this village. And I'm not afraid to prove that to you if you get on my bad side when I'm in one of my moods", said Snow.
I learned that the hard multiple times. It was entertaining to watch when object of her frustration.
"Sorry Minori",
"You're not apologizing to me you are to him", said Snow.
The twins were giggling.
"Now say it before get really angry", said Snow.
"Sorry Goemon", said Kotori.
I couldn't deny that I was immensely enjoying this.
"Goodbye Minori have a good evening", I said.
"Thank you Goemon", said Snow.
I returned to my work. I felt a pair of eyes watching me.
"You might as well come out I know you're there", I said.
A young woman in her early thirties appeared. She had messy curly purple hair. The woman didn't look like much, but it would be a fool's mistake to underestimate her.
"Do you have a name?" I asked.
She didn't answer.
"I have work to do stay or go I don't care", I said.
"How did you know I was watching you?" she asked.
"I know this graveyard better than anyone else I can sense when a living being enters. Especially when that person isn't of the family's blood", I said.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"Goemon the grounds keeper. I don't know why I have to constantly repeat myself", I answered.
"A grounds keeper with high ranking jonin skill set", she said.
"What does that matter? I've done nothing to harm this village there's no reason to continue watching over me", I said.
"Goodbye for now Goemon the grounds keeper", said the woman as she disappeared.
When I returned to the freshly dug grave I saw Hazel left Kisa her toy shark. She won't be able to sleep without it. I brushed the dirt from the toy. I will return it to her later. If I get the time right I might be able to have dinner with them. Hopefully they still have dinner at five. At 5:00PM I went to Snow's house. I shouldn't even be here. I shouldn't interfere with their lives it isn't my place, but I couldn't resist. I stepped onto the porch and knocked on the door. Snow didn't answer the door, but a girl I love just as much answered.
"Mr. Goemon what are you doing here?" asked Hazel.
I kneeled down so I could look her in the eyes. The eyes that used to look like mine.
"You forgot something", I said.
"I did?" asked Hazel.
I gave her Kisa.
"KISA!" yelled Hazel.
She hugged her toy shark closely to her chest.
"Thank you Mr. Goemon", said Hazel.
She smiled warmly at me. I missed that smile.
"Hazel who is it?" asked Snow from kitchen.
"Mr. Goemon", she answered.
Snow walked over to us.
"What brings you here?" asked Snow.
"Minori are you coming?"
I know that voice Eiji. I shouldn't have come.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have disturbed you and your family", I said.
I was about to leave when Snow took my hand. I forced myself not sigh, because I missed the touch of her soft hands so much.
"Please stay for dinner", said Snow.
"I don't want to impose", I said.
"You aren't imposing I like having a full dinner table", said Snow.
It took every ounce of my self-control not to glare at the man who was sitting down next to my daughter. A pair of purple eyes glared at me. Kotori has to loose interest in me sooner or later. Snow smacked Kotori on back of the head.
"Play nice or do I have to put you in timeout?" asked Snow.
I couldn't help smirking and Eiji chuckled.
"You know that I'm older than you", said Kotori.
"Only by a year. Heh, almost one year until thirty", said Snow.
"Yet you don't look a day over twenty-five", said Eiji.
He's flirting with my wife right in front of me. The dinner went on. Once dinner was finished Saizo left the table. I noticed the frown on his face. I followed him into the living room. He was rolling two yellowish dice his hand. I sat down next to him.
"What do you want?" asked Saizo.
There was a harshness in his voice. But he was only using it to hide his hurt. He knew Eiji was flirting with his mom and didn't know how to respond to it. I felt Snow's eyes on me.
"There's no reason to use such a harsh tone", I said.
"Sorry", said Saizo.
It was very hard to get guanine apology out of him.
"It's okay", I said.
He looked like he was about to cry. I love my son and we had a very strong bond that I wouldn't trade for the world. The dice Saizo was rolling in his hand were from the monopoly board game we loved to play together. My mind flashed back to the first time we played.
Kakuzu's Flashback
Saizo looked bored out of his mind. His sister and mom were out at the market.
"Daddy I'm bored", whined Saizo.
"I know you are but I got you a present that should end that boredom", I said.
"But it isn't my birthday isn't till tomorrow", said Saizo.
Saizo and Hazel were turning four years old.
"Do you want me to wait until then? Your sister has already opened hers", I said.
"She gotta giant box crayons", said Saizo.
"So do you want to open it", I said.
"I wanna see what it is Daddy", said Saizo.
He tore off the wrapping paper.
"Min-min minopoloy", stuttered Saizo.
Saizo has a difficult time reading and spelling, but has remarkable math skills. I helped him chunk out and pronounce monopoly.
"What is monopoly?" asked Saizo.
"It was my favorite game when I was your age", I said.
"It was?" asked Saizo.
I nodded my head. I helped him set up the board and explained how it worked.
"I don't want you to let me win. If I win I want to know I did it because I was better", said Saizo.
His mother's determination a wonderful trait that stops him from being too much like me. We played all day until he eventually fell asleep. I love playing with him. It made us both smile. I picked him up. He stayed up far too late. His arms wrapped around my neck and he yawned.
"Teddy"
I picked up his teddy bear and handed it to him.
"Daddy thank you for the game can we play again tomorrow?" asked Saizo.
"We can play as many times you like", I said.
"Really?"
"Yes"
I tucked him into bed.
"Goodnight Saizo",
"Night night daddy I love you", said Saizo before he drifted asleep.
"I love you too Saizo",
I blinked my eyes a few times and came out the memory.
"Do you know how to play?" I asked.
"Play what?" asked Saizo.
"Dice", I said.
"Can you teach me?" asked Saizo.
Snow's Perspective
Hazel was drawing in sketchbook at the table and looked like she was about to fall asleep any moment. She was never much of a night person unlike her brother. I heard laughter from the living room. A laughter that I so rarely had a chance to hear got my attention. I peaked into the living room and saw Goemon teaching Saizo some kind of dice game. Saizo was actually allowing him to use the monopoly dice. The only other person he allowed to touch them until now was me. He loves those dice more than Teddy.
"You know he's teaching your son how to gamble", said Eiji.
"I don't care he's making my son smile and laugh, which is too good to ruin", I said.
I went into the living room and sat down on the couch. I watched them play.
"So its pretty much a game of probability", said Saizo.
"Yes, and what is the least likely number you can roll?" asked Goemon.
"A double six and the most likely number to roll is a five", said Saizo.
"Very good Saizo", said Goemon.
It was 7:30PM the twin's bedtime. I led Hazel to her bedroom and tucked her into bed.
"Looks like its time for you to go to bed", said Goemon.
"But I wanta keep playing", said Saizo.
"I know maybe Goemon will come over again for dinner and play dice with you", I said.
"Will you?" asked Saizo.
"I would be happy to", said Goemon.
Kotori and Eiji left after a lot of convincing. If I thought Goemon was any danger to my children or me I wouldn't have let him into my house. I sat down in chair across from the couch.
"I guess you'll want me to take my leave", said Goeman.
"Only if you want to", I said.
"I wouldn't think you want a stranger to stay in your house", said Goemon.
"Tell me about yourself so we can change that", I said.
"I guess I could. What do you want to know about me?" asked Goemon.
"Kotori is right about one thing. Your skills far surpass those of most jonin. So why waste your time tending to the dead?" I asked.
"I've grown tired of the constant travel. Besides I have more in common with dead", said Goemon.
"Why is that?" I asked.
"We are there but not there at the same time", said Goemon.
"The body lingers on, but not the soul. There but not there", I said.
He nodded his head.
"That's a sad life Goemon", I said.
"But it is a life", said Goemon.
I placed my hand on my stomach when I felt Kotaro kicking.
"My son is kicking do you want to feel?" I asked.
He sat down next and placed his on my stomach.
"I have to go I can't leave the graveyard unguarded for much longer", I said.
I walked him to the door.
"Thank you",
"For what?" asked Goemon.
"You made my son smile and laugh, which is a real gift. That means more than you could ever know", I said.
"A boy so young shouldn't have such sadness to him", said Goemon.
"His father and him were extremely closely. Goodnight Goemon", I said.
"Goodnight Minori", said Goemon before he left.
Once he left Eiji hugged me from behind.
"Took him long enough to leave", said Eiji before he started kissing down my neck.
"He's a nice man", I said.
"Who put off my return visit by an hour", said Eiji.
"Don't find jealousy attractive Eiji", I said.
"I love you", said Eiji.
"I know, but I still can't say it", I said.
"You need rest my love", Eiji whispered in my ear.
I nodded my head and let Eiji lead me to my bedroom. I cuddled closely to him in my sleep.
Saizo's Perspective
I woke up from a bad dream. I want mommy. I got up from bed. I knocked on of her bedroom. No answer. I put my ear to the door, but didn't hear anything.
"Mommy?"
Why isn't she answering? Mommy always answers. Maybe she's in the kitchen making breakfast. I walked into kitchen. My eyes went wide when I saw Mommy kissing Eiji. It wasn't only gross, but Daddy is the only who gets to do that. I couldn't do anything. I ran back to my room. The door of my room opened.
"Honey it's time wake up", said Mommy.
"NO!" I screamed.
"Someone's cranky this morning", said Mommy.
"Leave me alone!" I yelled.
"I knew I shouldn't have allowed you to stay up", said Mommy.
"GO AWAY MOMMY!" I screamed.
"You aren't coming out of this room until you apologize. I will not take sass mouth from you young man", said Mommy.
I stuck my tongue out at her.
Snow's Perspective
Saizo has never woken up so cranky before but I wouldn't allow him to get away with it. Normally he whines or complains when I wake him up. I really had no idea what had gotten into my son.
"Where's Saizo?" asked Hazel.
"He's in timeout", I said.
"Why?" asked Hazel.
"Because he gave me sass mouth. Now eat your breakfast", I said.
"Okay mommy", said Hazel.
I grabbed a plate of food and took it to Saizo's bedroom. I knocked on his door.
"Saizo I'm coming in", I said.
He was sitting in his bed. I placed his the plate on his desk.
"You should eat something", I said.
Saizo didn't say anything, but walk to his desk. He threw the plate at the wall.
"I SAID GO AWAY!" screamed Saizo.
"You are not to come out of this room Saizo", I said.
I closed the door to his room. He started screaming and banging against the door of his room. In thirty minutes to an hour he should calm down. An hour and thirty minutes later he calmed down. He needs space right now. A little while later Kotori came by.
"Where's Saizo?" asked Kotori.
"In timeout I'm going to check on him right now", I said.
I walked to his room and screamed when I saw it was in ruins and my son was missing!
"Minori",
"What's wrong?" asked Kotori.
"Saizo is missing", I said.
I ran to Rose's room to make sure Rose was safe, which she was. I was hyperventilating. One of my children is missing!