Heart's Treasure
Chapter 10: Who Are You?
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks for reading. Any reviews would be greatly appreciated.
Perspective: Snow, Kakuzu, and Eiji.
Snow's Perspective
One of medical ninjas quicken my healing, so I could have a full range of motion. I cradled Kotaro in my arms.
"Who you will grow up to be Kotaro?"
He nuzzled closely to my chest and quickly fell asleep. I put him in his baby basket.
"Will you take after your father or me?" I asked.
I took Rose from her playpen and put her in crib. I looked at the clock the twins should be coming home soon. There was a quiet knock at the door. I went to answer it. It was Taro. He was holding Hazel in one arm and Saizo in another.
"They must of have had fun day if you had to carry them back", I said.
"Played in the sprinkler all day with their cousins. I thought having them tuckered out would be good for you", said Taro.
"Thank you", I said.
He placed each of them in their rooms.
"How is the new baby doing?" asked Taro.
"He's doing well hopefully Kotaro will allow me to sleep through the night", I said.
"Marigold used to keep Kameko and I up all night", said Taro.
Taro left. I placed Kotaro in his cradle.
"I love you and so would your father", I said.
I changed into my sleeping clothes, before I could get into bed was a knock on the door. Who could that be? I opened the door and Manzo fell to the floor. He was badly beaten. His blood poured onto the floor. Shit! I managed to lift him. I dragged him into my bedroom. The guest bedroom was too close to my children's room I can't risk them waking up. How would I explain this to them? I threw off his mask, so I could see if there were any head injuries. There were none. I ripped off his shirt. There were massive bruises went down his sides. Gashes decorated his skin. I channeled my chakra into his body, but for some reason it was rejected. After many grueling hours of I finally got Manzo into state I was happy with. I stitched together the larger gashes that refused to heal. I pulled the blankets over him. Doku slithered down my arm.
"How may I be of service to you?" asked Doku.
"Watch over him and make sure he doesn't leave this room", I said.
"Yes Mistress", said Doku.
I took Kotaro from his cradle and moved him into his baby basket. His eyes opened. I hushed him before he could start crying. I took him into the guest bedroom. I placed him in my bed. He started crying.
"Hush there's no reason for all that fuss", I said.
I unbuttoned the top of my shirt and allowed him to nurse. Once he was done I burped him and wiped his mouth. He yawned and placed him in back in his basket. A few minutes later he fell asleep. I managed to fall asleep. Kotaro's crying woke me up before sunrise. I knew he wouldn't fall sleep again. As I walked into the kitchen my foot landed in something sticky and warm. When I looked down, I stepped in a puddle blood. Terra slithered down my sleeve. I placed Kotaro in Terra's coils. I hopped on one foot until I reached a dish towel. I wiped the blood from my foot. Terra was tickling Kotaro with her tongue, which made him giggle. I filled a bucket with water and soap and started scrubbing away the blood. I washed my hands.
I made breakfast. Hazel was the first to wake. She was already dressed and ready to go to summer camp. I placed a plate in front of her and went wake Saizo with little nudging he stumbled out of bed. There was a knock on the door. It was Taro. Hana was standing next to him. Hazel rushed out the door to play with her cousin. Saizo yawned loudly and then walked over to his uncle.
"Have fun at camp you two", I said.
"We will mommy", said Hazel.
I watched them walk down the road with their uncle. When they were out of sight I tried closing the door. Kameko forced it open. She was in a mood. I had no idea what made her upset.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I've was assigned a new mission", said Kameko.
That's odd. Kameko hasn't done missions in years she's taken up teaching at the academy.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I have to find the anbu member that was at the meeting", said Kameko.
"Why?" I asked.
"It's a long story", said Kameko.
I wouldn't get anything else out of her.
"Why does this mission bring you to my house? Do you think he's here?" I asked.
She smirked.
"You're not one to hide a murder", said Kameko.
I sighed. That isn't true.
"Sorry I didn't mean", said Kameko.
"Its alright", I said.
Kameko left. I let out a breath. I hate lying to her, but I didn't seem right to tell her about Manzo. I made sure Kotaro and Rose were settle in their playpen before checking on him. He sat up in bed with Doku wrapped around his body. There wasn't a trace of fear in his expression. Manzo didn't even look annoyed.
"Please tell your snake I was only trying to go to the bathroom not making an escape?" asked Manzo.
"Let him go", I said.
"Are you sure?" asked Doku.
I nodded my head.
"I want you to watch Rose and Kotaro", I said.
Doku's face lit up. She loves watching them and they love her. All my children do.
"Yes, Mistress", said Doku before she slithered out the door.
Manzo got out of bed and limped to the bathroom. I gave him privacy. He walked back to the bed.
"Why didn't you turn me in?" asked Manzo.
"You've done horrible things I don't that. But there's a kindness in your eyes", I said.
"You have no idea what I've done or of my past", said Manzo.
"Tell me", I said.
"Ask any elder of this village and they'll tell you of misdeeds", said Manzo.
"I don't want to hear the opinions of others. I want to form my own. For me to do that I need to hear all of your story not only the bad parts", I said.
"Where do you want me to start?" asked Manzo.
"At the beginning", I said.
"I'm very old", said Manzo.
"How old?" I asked.
"I'm in my mid 250's", said Manzo.
He said it as if were the simplest thing in the world.
"How do I not know about you? All members of our family in your age range are dead", I said.
"I was erased from our family's history, because I brought upon the curse of immortality onto the family", said Manzo.
"How?" I asked.
"You don't seem any what shocked by this", said Manzo.
"It takes a lot to shock me now a days after all I've been through", I said.
I sighed. I wished in shocked me. Sometimes I feel somewhat inhuman because of it.
"What did you do to earn the title of cursed?" I asked.
"I murdered my brother and parents in cold blood", said Manzo.
Only three member of our family? It could be worse. My senses the gruesome have dulled.
"I was imprisoned and my abilities seal at the age of twenty five. I was caged like an animal-
He paused and looked carefully over my face.
"You've been through same pain haven't you?" asked Manzo.
"I was first imprisoned as a child and spent most of my life encaged until I was rescued", I said.
I can't believe I told him that. For some reason it was easy to speak with him about this. Maybe since we share a common pain it's easier for me to speak to him.
"How long were you caged?" I asked.
"Long enough to be forgotten by time. My chain rusted enough for me to break. By then I was two hundred years old", said Manzo.
"Where did you go?" I asked.
"I returned to only thing I was ever good at. I became a ninja of the Hidden Diamond. They were so needing of new shinobi I wasn't questioned. I spent twenty five year in anbu black opts. Before long I was force to retired, because they worried for my mental health. I was assigned a partner and we were given missions to carry out", said Manzo.
There was hatred in his voice, when he mentioned his partner.
"That was an empty time my life. I gave no emotion I only did my work as told, but that changed when I met her", said Manzo.
There was a peaceful smile on his face.
"Who was she?" I asked.
"She was a young woman a saved from enslavement on a mission. She was able to awake emotions in me that hadn't in almost a century", said Manzo.
"What happened to her?" I asked.
Sadness seeped into his expression. I know that feeling. It was the realization of loss.
"She died giving birth to our child", said Manzo.
"You've been punished enough", I said
"You're the first to ever think that. Do you have more questions for me?" asked Manzo.
I nodded my head.
"Its obvious they didn't seal away all your abilities. You're immortal", I said.
"I wish it was taken from me. The seal the rest of my abilities, but it failed to completely seal my chakra network. My identity was revealed-
"By who?" I asked.
His hands clenched.
"My partner exposed my true identity. My chakra network was almost completely shut down. Now I'm reduced to only simple jutsu", said Manzo.
His story held many familiar tones.
"Why did you come here?" I asked.
"If I went anywhere else I would be imprisoned once again and might never see the light of day again, or the one I'm searching for", said Manzo.
I decided not ask about he was searching for.
"I'm not going to turn you in, but I can't allow you to stay here much longer. I have nothing against you. It's jus-
"Don't, I understand", said Manzo.
"I have to check your injuries", I said.
I started unwinding his bandages. There were horrible dark purple bruises along his sides. I have no idea how he isn't struggling to catch his breath. I ran my fingers over his sides feeling for broken ribs. All of them were fractured. I couldn't help staring at his sealing marks. They made mine look like nothing. I shook my head and forced myself to look somewhere else.
"It's alright to be curios. I don't mind if you stare", said Manzo.
There was one sealing mark on each of his shoulders. In the middle of one was the symbol for fire and in the other the symbol for earth. They were about the size of a grapefruit. On the middle his chest was a large circular mark at the middle of his chest. It was twice the size of the others. The circles were connecting by chain like tattoos. The chains were formed of countless sealing spells. I touched my fingers to the center mark. A small spark of chakra shocked me. I brushed it off as nothing. I started cleaning his gashes. Then I bandaged his chest.
"Thank you", said Manzo.
"How would someone unseal it?" I asked.
He gave me an odd look.
"You were the one who said it was alright to be curious", I said.
A light chuckle left his lips.
"Both Hiro and Eiji would have to agree to unseal it. We both know the likely hood of that happening. But there is another way. A member of my direct bloodline can release it", said Manzo.
"Do you have any children?" I asked.
"One", said Manzo.
His expression told me he didn't want to talk further about his child.
"I wish I could have done more to heal your injuries, but your body was unwilling to accept my chakra. But it seems to be healing quiet quickly", I said.
"You've shown me more kindness in few hours than I've felt in the last century ", said Manzo.
"Who did this to you?" I asked.
"Hiro allowed his psychopath henchmen have their fun with me. I was lucky to escape. I don't want to imagine what they would do to me. I don't know when that trait developed in the bloodline", said Manzo.
"Why is our family scared of you? You've been stripped of your abilities", I said.
"They've been lecturing about the monster Manzo who curse the family-
I started laughing. He thinks he's monster? Tears started streaming down my face I was laughing so hard. Manzo looked confused. Even though I loved Hidan, Sasori, and Itachi dearly, I know they had monstrous traits. I realized that soon after the birth of Hazel and Saizo. That didn't stop the way I felt about them.
"Sorry about that", I said.
"What brought that about? I didn't say anything funny far from it actually", said Manzo.
"Nothing, so why are they scared of you?" I asked.
"They are scared of the legends about me. Now I'm only lonely old man", said Manzo.
"Why did you shy from my glance? You had two of the most power shinobi in the village near you. Yet you shied from my gaze", I said.
"Three"
"Three?" I asked.
"You are one of the most powerful ninja in this land too. One day you'll be stronger than the both of them", said Manzo.
"I don't see how I could be much of a threat. At that time I could barely move let alone fight. There has to be another reason", I said.
"You reminded me of the woman I loved", said Manzo.
"I'll take that as compliment", I said.
"She was an amazing woman", said Manzo.
We shared a common pain.
"Are you hungry? There are some leftovers from breakfast", I said.
He nodded his head. Kotaro started crying for me. I gave an annoyed groan when felt my shirt go wet. My face went pink. Manzo was polite enough not mention it. The reaction he gave was a faint blush across his cheeks.
"Care for you baby. I'm in no rush", said Manzo.
I went to my closet and took out a fresh shirt. I closed the door to my room. Kotaro raised his hands up to me and so did Rose. I made a shadow clone. I hate using shadow clones to take care my babies, but sometimes I have to. The clone picked up Rose and started playing with her. Rose giggled. Kotaro screamed impatiently for me. I picked him up. I walked the nursery to take care of Kotaro. After burping him he gave loud satisfied yawn. I placed him in his crib.
"I love you Kotaro", I said.
I placed a gently kiss on his forehead. I threw my shirt in the hamper and put on a fresh one. I made a plate for Manzo. I placed it on the side table near the bed.
"Thank you"
"Call me if you need anything", I said.
I closed the door to the guest bedroom and turned my attention to Rose. I took her from the clone's arm. The clone disappeared. I started playing with her. She giggled. Rose had started walking. I chased her around the house. I tickled her. There was a knock on the door. I tensed. I picked up Rose and went to answer the door. I relaxed when I saw it was Goemon and his dog Bishop.
"What brings you here?" I asked.
"I wanted to make sure you, Kotaro, and the rest of your family were okay", said Goemon.
"Come in please. I would love the company", I said.
"I don't want to impose", said Goemon.
"You aren't you are doing me a favor", I said.
Having Goemon around will push away any suspicions Kameko and Eiji might have. They knew I liked Manzo and trusted him. He helped me through my labor along with Goemon. Besides Goemon is wonderful company. He reminds me of my Kuzu. He sat down on the couch.
"Do you want something to drink?" I asked.
He shook his head. I sat in the chair beside him. Bishop laid by his owner's feet. Spike tried getting Bishop to play. He eventually gave up on trying to convince the larger dog to play.
"You are moving very well for someone who gave birth only a few days ago", said Goemon.
"The miracle of chakra healing. I need to be able to move around", I said
"How is your Kotaro doing?" asked Goemon.
"He's perfectly healthy. Kotaro is already taking after his father", I said.
"How can you tell he's only a few days old?" asked Goemon.
"A mother knows her child and her husband if they truly love each other. I only hope he doesn't have has his father's temper. It gets my eldest in far too much trouble. Fifteen detentions and two suspension already", I said.
"For a year that isn't that bad", said Goemon.
"That was in the last two months of school", I said.
Goemon pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a deep sigh. I couldn't help staring at him. The motion mimicked Kakuzu's perfectly.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing it's just that motion reminded me of my late husband", I said.
"Sorry it's a force habit", said Goemon.
"No it's alright", I said.
"How about the twins?" asked Goemon.
"Perfectly fine they didn't have a clue what was going on", I said.
Rose scuttled across the carpet chasing after Spike. When she couldn't catch him her attention went to Bishop. She tugged on his ears and Bishop put up with it. He gently licked her check. I settled into a conversation with Goemon. I found his presence very relaxing. After awhile Rose grew fussy and wanted me to pick her up.
"Mama"
I lifted her into my lap. Where she settled. She was about to fall asleep when Kotaro started wailing for me.
Kakuzu's Perspective
"Can you hold her for a bit?" asked Snow.
I nodded my head. She carefully placed Rose in my hands. There's no doubting that Rose's biological parents are Konan and Pain. But now she belongs to our family. I will treat her like my own. A little while later Snow came out of the nursery with Kotaro in her arms. He clung closely to his mother's chest. She gently cradled him her arms. She sat down next to me.
"He's a very handsome baby", I said.
"Yes, he is just like his daddy", said Snow.
I couldn't help smiling. After about an hour both Rose and Kotaro were ready for their naps. First she put Kotaro in bed and then Rose. She sat next to me on the couch. Snow looked extremely relaxed.
"Mommy"
The twins came rushing in.
"How was camp?" asked Snow.
"Fun looky", said Hazel.
She showed off her drawings.
"Why is Goemon here?" asked Saizo.
"To check on your mother and brother", I said.
"I didn't get in any fight at camp today mommy", said Saizo proudly.
"That's wonderful honey", said Snow.
She smiled brightly.
"But it's getting boring. I can even beat the counselors in camp at checkers", said Saizo.
He was proud of that.
"Maybe you need a more difficult game", I said.
"Like what?" asked Saizo.
"Chess", I said.
"I think have a board around her somewhere", said Snow.
She went to a closet and pulled out a dusty chessboard. Saizo wasn't the only one interested Hazel was too. Snow watched. She seemed to enjoy watching. Hazel and Saizo quickly figured out the game. They started playing against each other. By some miracle they didn't accuse each other of cheating. They lost track time and didn't respond to their mom's call for dinner.
"Mommy just one more game", begged Saizo.
"One more please", said Hazel.
"No, you can play after dinner", said Snow.
The bowl she carried dropped to the floor. Her body went rigid. Diamond blades went through the floor. I used my body to shield Rose and Kotaro. They were screaming in fear. Even though they were terrified both of them were safe. Not a single cut on either of my children.
Snow's Perspective
Saizo and Hazel clung to me. Their diamond skin protected them from the attack. I heard my youngest children crying for me. I had no idea whether they were hurt or not. I forced myself to show no fear. I can't scare my children any further.
"They are unhurt", said Goemon.
I let out of sigh of relief.
"Are you okay", I said.
"Yes, I'm fine", said Goemon.
Kameko came rushing through the door.
"MINORI!" she yelled.
"I'm fine and so are the children", I said.
I led Hazel and Saizo through the diamond blades. They ran toward their aunt.
"Get them out of here!"
She nodded her head.
"No we aren't leaving without you mommy!" growled Saizo.
"Yes, you will. Now I want both of you to behave for your Aunt Kameko", I said.
"Okay mommy", said Hazel.
Saizo looked like he wanted to argue, but followed his aunt back to her house. Hopefully they will be safe there. I ran into the house again pushed through maze of diamond blades that were growing. I barely missed some of them. I pushed forward toward the cries of my babies. I sighed in pure relief, when I saw my babies were okay. Goemon also managed to save Spike and Bishop. Everyone is okay I rushed them out of the house. I looked carefully looked over both Rose and Kotaro. There wasn't a single cut. My family is safe. I couldn't stop myself from crying. My home was destroyed. Manzo!
"Take them to Kameko's house", I said.
Goemon nodded his head and ran off with my children. The two dogs followed after him. I ran back into my bedroom. My house was creaking and sound like it about to give out. Manzo laying on the bed with a diamond blade through his heart. Against all reason he was alive and struggling to get free.
"GET OUT!" he yelled.
By his tone I knew it more than a suggestion. I followed it. I escaped my house before it crumbled to the ground. I ran to Kameko's house. The twins ran toward me as soon as I came into the room. They were both crying. I hugged them close to me.
"I'm okay", I said.
Kameko lent me her guest bedroom. I tucked the twins into bed. Taro took down a crib from the attic. I place both Rose and Kotaro in it. They settled in to a sleep.
"Where's Goemon?" I asked.
"He left as soon as he dropped off Rose and Kotaro. He probably returned to his graveyard. Not the most social man", said Kameko.
That sounded about right. I knew he wouldn't want the attention and questioning Kameko would bring down on him. It surprised me that Eiji hadn't made an appearance yet.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I focused my anger in to finding the person who attacked my family. No one hurts my family! They are innocent. Whoever the attackers were they didn't have the sense to hide their chakra well. It was two young men. I dropped my transformation jutsu. One of them threw a diamond kunai at me.
"Who dares to sneak up on us?" asked one of them.
My threads emerged from my skin. They started backing away from me.
"You attacked my family!" I growled.
"Heh, your family to Lady Minori. You have to be joking", said the other.
I'm not going to waste anymore of my words on them. My threads caught them and gagged them. They struggled pathetically against them. My threads ripped them slowly a part. I sighed as my thread returned to my skin. It's been such a long time since I've been able to drop my transformation jutsu. Bishop came trotting over to me and licked my fingertips. He gently tugged on my hand. The mangy mutt is right it's time to leave.
I did my transformation jutsu and returned to Goemon the gravedigger. It was nice being myself even though it was only for a brief moment. I opened the door to my small shack. I threw off my clothes. I have to wash away the stink of blood. I turned on the water. Why would those brats attack Snow and our children? Being on Snow's bad side is sometimes worse than mine.
I dressed and sat at the table. I poured myself a glass of water. As I picked up the glass I noticed ripples going through the water. My hearts were racing. What is happening me? My hands were shaking. I realized the emotion fear. Never had the threat to my family ever been so real. By some miracle nobody was hurt. Not even that rat Snow calls a dog. Bishop rested his head on my leg. They are okay.
Eiji's Perspective
I walked to the shattered reminisce of Snow's house.
"Always the brilliant strategist, brother. It worked perfectly", said Hiro.
I cringed when he called me brother. We pulled Manzo off the diamond blade he was impaled on.
"You just couldn't resist seeing her", I said.
He coughed loudly spewing up blood. Manzo laughed.
"Not even you two imbeciles could stop me from seeing her", said Manzo.
"You'll never see her again. If I could kill you I would", I said.
"One the few things my brother and I agree on", said Hiro
He chuckled.
"You can try and kill me all you want. There are only four that hold the ability to take my life and neither of those people are you two. You aren't good enough for my daughter, Eiji", said Manzo.
"And what kind of father were you to her? You watched her suffer as a slave and did nothing for her. You were her healer and you could have gave her freedom, but sat there and did nothing", I said.
"If you hadn't sealed my abilities and ripped me away from the woman I love Snow wouldn't have ended up in that life. If she were under my watch you know nothing would happen to her", said Manzo.
"Yes, but if that did happen she would be labeled with stigma that comes with being related to you. What have you told her Manzo? That you were only responsible for your brother's death? Does she know that you murdered your parents in some of the most gruesome way ever seen at that time? We had to use shadow clones to take their places in the tomb. There almost nothing left of their bodies", I said.
"I was honest with her unlike you", said Manzo.
I glared at him.
"That stigma didn't stop you from falling in love with her. You originally only wanted to use her as a brood mare. And with your plan to captured me you endangered my grandchildren and my daughter", said Manzo.
I do feel horrible about doing that. That's why I used my own blades so I knew Snow and her children wouldn't be harmed. To make sure the attack wouldn't be led back to me Hiro and I had two younger member of family leave their chakra.
"We should find the brats", said Hiro.
I forced to support Manzo. My eyes went wide at gruesome sight in front of us. Their bodies lay in shreds. Their flesh was stripped from the bone. This isn't Hiro's style it's too messy and he always leaves a signature.
"Heh, that's what you get for threatening a man's family", said Manzo.
"They didn't deserve this Manzo", I said.
"You think too much of me Eiji. My abilities are sealed away. I couldn't have done this. You wouldn't have used them to take the blame if they were innocent", said Manzo.
We dragged Manzo mine that had been converted into prison made for only him. Manzo's body tensed as we reached the center of the mine. Hiro forced Manzo to his knees. I chained his hands. Hiro and I sealed the chains.
"Not so powerful now", said Hiro.
"Don't mock him Hiro. You'll wind up here soon enough", I said.
"I will enjoy the company", said Manzo.
Snow's Perspective
By some miracle there was a house for sale next to Kameko's. It was too large for my liking, but I need a home. The people were generous and supplied me with new furniture. It took a week to get everything unpacked. I'd taken back a few of my responsibilities, but I couldn't be separated from Kotaro for more than two hours. As looked through the office I shared with Eiji a folder on his desk caught my attention. I couldn't resist opening it. My eyes went wide at the photo of bodies. The gruesome scene the photos depicted weren't what caught my attention. I've only seen something like this done once before. The only thing that I know of that could have caused this damage was Kakuzu's threads. I forced thought from mind. He's dead he couldn't have done this.
"Snow are you okay?" asked Eiji.
He saw the open folder on his desk.
"You shouldn't be looking at that", said Eiji as he closed it.
"Were those the men who attacked my family?" I asked.
"Yes",
"They deserved what they got. I hope it was painful", I said.
I left the office and went to the graveyard. I sat in the bench next to Kakuzu's grave. I stared at the grave hoping that my heart and mind would accept the notion that Kakuzu is dead. He's not coming back. The bench squeaked as Goemon sat down next to me.
"You killed those men didn't you?" I asked.
"Yes",
There was no hesitation in his voice. I kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you",