Heart's Treasure
Chapter 16: War
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I'm unsure about the fight scene in the chapter. If you have any suggestions on how to improve either leave a private message or review.
Perspectives: Snow, Kakuzu,
Snow's Perspective
I led Saizo to his room first. He was out as soon as his head hit the pillow. Hazel would be a little more difficult to put to sleep. She took my hand as I led her a few steps across the hall. She settled into bed. I tucked her into bed. I picked up Kisa from the floor and gave it to her.
"Mommy?"
"Yes",
"Do you like like Goemon?" asked Hazel.
"He's only a very good friend", I said.
"Are you sure?" asked Hazel.
"Go to sleep sweetie", I said.
"Can you stay until I fall sleep?" she asked.
I nodded my head and got into bed with her. She rested her head on my chest. I couldn't help staring into her red and green eyes.
"What is it?" asked Hazel.
"You remind me so much of your dad", I said.
She smiled, but it quickly faded.
"Because of my eyes", said Hazel.
Her eyes have alway been a very sensitive area with her.
"How many times have I told that your are beautiful", I said.
"A lot", said Hazel.
"When I first met your dad I only saw his eyes", I said.
"So? That doesn't stop people from making fun of my eyes", said Hazel.
"Out of bed", I said.
"Why?" asked Hazel.
She followed me out of her room. I led her large hanging mirror in my bathroom. I positioned her so we were standing in front of the mirror. I kneeled down next to her.
"What do you see?" I asked.
"You and me", said Hazel.
"That's not all I see. I see a beautiful little girl with her father's eyes. You should be proud of them they show you're the daughter of a powerful man. You should be proud of them and not let the word of those foolish kids hurt you", I said.
She smiled.
"I'm ready for bed", said Hazel.
We walked back to her room. I got into bed with her. Hazel rested her head on my chest. I ran my fingers through her hair dark brown hair. Her breathing calmed and soon fell asleep. I carefully got out her bed. There was a the slight pitter-pattering of rain on the roof. Please don't let there be thunder. Goemon got up from his chair, when he saw me.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting", I said.
"You were tending to child. There's no need for you to rush that for my sake. What were they doing anyway?" asked Goemon.
"Spying on us", I said.
"I don't see why they would have such interest in us", said Goemon.
"Neither do I",
The storm grew stronger. It's strength made me feel uneasy. They attack during a storm last time.
"Goemon, why don't you stay here tonight", I said.
"The storm isn't that bad", he said as he glanced out the window.
"Please it would put me at ease if I knew you were here", I said.
"I can care for myself the walk isn't too far", said Goemon.
"You are staying here no argument", I said.
"Fine no need to be aggressive", said Goemon.
"Sorry, I just don't want something to happen to you Goemon. You mean a lot to my family", I said.
I opened a white paper bag and took out the pill bottle. It was filled with light blue pills. I took out one pill and quickly swallowed it. I lead him to guest bedroom.
"Thank you for you hospitality", said Goemon.
"It's no problem at all", I said.
I walked to my room and collapsed into bed. Sleep came quickly.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Bishop made himself comfortable on the large bed in the middle of the room. Stupid mutt. I waited an hour to make sure the whole house was in a deep sleep. I opened the door of my room. The house was quiet. I let my jutsu drop.
"You are taking quiet a risk dropping your jutsu", said Manzo.
"Why do you want me to be with your daughter so badly?" I asked.
"Because you are the best person to be with her", said Manzo.
"You would rather have me a criminal than the leader of one of the most powerful villages be with your daughter", I said.
"I saw the way you two were together. And I prefer you over of Eiji. Besides you were a criminal Kakuzu now you are a grounds keeper now. Making an honest living", said Manzo.
"My life is hardly honest. I live a constant lie", I said.
"It won't last forever", said Manzo as he left the house.
I hope he's right. I heard Kotaro crying. I went to the nursery and turned off the baby monitor before his cries could wake Snow. He stared at me those beautiful midnight blue eyes. He has no idea I'm his father. I walked into the kitchen and warmed a bottle for him. Kotaro whined, but finally accepted the bottle. It was the same way with Saizo when he was a baby. After his bottle he fell asleep in my arms. I placed him back in his crib.
I opened the door to Saizo's room. As always his room was a mess. His desk still held the set up of our last monopoly. I sighed. Saizo needs to move on from me. He was in a deep sleep. Teddy was hugged closely to his chest. The blanket had fallen away from him. I pulled his blanket over him. I quietly closed the door behind me then went to Hazel's room. She was huddle in a ball in bed. I shut the door behind me. I went into Snow's room. She slept in large bed. The rat dog Spike was curled up in a ball near her. The dumb dog opened its eyes and started barking loudly. I went to the floor and slid underneath the bed. I heard Snow sit up. She gave a loud yawn. I saw her feet as she got out of bed.
"Spike, if you're going to bark all night you are sleeping in the living room", said Snow.
I saw Spike's paws trotting out the door. Snow got back into bed. Spike scratched at the door for a bit, but eventually understood he wasn't welcome in the room. After about an hour I got up from my hiding place. I got into bed with and pulled her close. A small smile appeared on her face. I ran my fingers through her soft hair.
"So beautiful Snow", I said.
I stayed in bed with her until the early hours of the morning before I finally forced myself from her bed. She gave a small whine as I left. I caress her cheek.
"I promise we will be together again", I said.
I left her and went into my bedroom and got into bed with my mangy mutt.
Snow's Perspective
I woke from a wonderful sleep. I didn't feel like getting out of bed. I wonderful smell clung to the sheets and blankets of my bed. It was the smell of blood, cinnamon, and earth. Nothing ever smelled so wonderful before. It was the smell of Kakuzu. A memory from what felt like a lifetime ago came rushing back.
Snow's Flashback
I woke up from my sleep, but didn't open my eyes. The bed was cozy and warm. l lacked my normal urge to get out of bed. After a few minutes I finally opened my eyes. I stretch and yawned loudly. Kakuzu watch my actions carefully. I smiled at him. My hair fell in my face, but I made no attempt to move it away. I was in a happy, but very lazy mood.
"I thought you were the morning person not me", said Kakuzu as he brushed my hair away from my eyes.
"After what did last night I don't feel like a morning person", I said.
Some how I managed not blush while saying that.
"Did you enjoy last night?" asked Kakuzu.
The smug smile appeared on his face. He already knows the answer.
"Of course I did no one has ever given me that much pleasure before", I said.
I slowly sat up and winced when I felt a sting of pain in between my legs. I caught a glimpse of a now cocky smile on Kakuzu's face.
"What are you smiling about?" I asked.
"I'm happy your mine", said Kakuzu.
I felt all warm inside when he said that. Then I saw the turmoil going on in his mind. I sighed he's over thinking this. I know what he meant. I touched his hand.
"I'm yours as long as you're mine", I said.
"My hearts belong to you to you Snow so I am yours", said Kakuzu.
I nestled closely to him. I closed my eyes and breathed in his scent. I always love the way he smells.
I snapped back from my memory. I lay back in bed. I took a quick glance at the clock it was six in the morning. I still have sometime to enjoy myself. I opened my locket and stared at the photo of Kakuzu.
"I will always be yours Kakuzu no matter how untrue that might seem", I said.
I closed my locket and placed a kiss on it. The smell of breakfast got me up. Dad must have started breakfast. Hazel and Saizo were already eating.
"Mommy, why did you sleep so long?" asked Hazel.
"I was having a very good dream and wasn't ready to wake up yet", I said.
"What was it about?" asked Saizo.
"It about me and your father", I said.
That made Saizo smile.
"Did any of you wake Goemon?" I asked.
The lack of an answer meant no. I walked to the guest bedroom. I smirked, when I saw him. Bishop had taken all of the space in bed leaving only a foot of space for Goemon. Spike had fallen asleep on his head. I picked up Spike and put him on the floor.
"Goemon", I said as gently nudged him.
He didn't wake up. Instead he grabbed my arm and pulled me into bed with him. His skin was cool to the touch. I was pulled against his chest. I knew I should be getting up, but my body had no want to move. This feels right. I found myself cuddling closer to me. I closed my eyes.
"Don't you two look comfy",
I fell out of bed with a soft thud. Goemon was sitting up wide awake.
"Get out!" I growled.
Dad didn't seem to take me seriously.
"You should get to breakfast before anyone grows suspicious", said Dad before he left and shut the door behind him.
"How did you get in my bed?" asked Goemon.
"You pulled me in", I said.
My face went hot.
"Sorry",
"What time is?" he asked as he sat up.
"Eight", I said.
"I'm late for work", said Goemon.
He got out of bed. My eyes went wide as he got out bed. Goemon in his boxers. His body was extremely well muscled for someone his age. I couldn't help looking over the many scars on his skin. He quickly dressed, when he saw me staring at him.
"I be going", said Goemon.
"What's the rush? You can stay for breakfast if you want", I said.
"I thought you would want me to leave", said Goemon.
"Why?"
"I pulled you into my bed", said Goemon.
"So?"
He didn't get up from bed.
"We should get going before my two little spies come and check up on us", I said as I left the room.
Goemon sat at the table next to Saizo. I put a plate in front of him. He finished and placed his plate in the sink.
"Good bye", said Goemon.
I couldn't help worrying for the man.
"He'll be fine", said Dad.
"How do you know?" I asked.
"He's stronger than he looks", said Dad.
"You and him seem to be good friends", I said.
"Goemon and I have a lot in common", said Dad.
"You do you. Tell me about your similarities", I said.
"We've both lost a great deal in our lives", said Dad.
I nodded my head.
"Do you want me to take the kids to school today?" asked Dad.
I nodded my head. The twins ran out the front door. Before Dad could leave I grabbed him by the sleeve.
"Do you think they'll be safe there?" I asked.
"The school and academy are under close watch you don't have to worry", said Dad.
I didn't leave my two youngest until Dad returned. I want to leave them with a powerful protector to make sure they are safe. Dad returned a few minutes later.
"Whatever happens today I will make sure they are safe", said Dad.
I left to meet Eiji. I wasn't the only one who sensed something was wrong.
"Do you have any idea when it will happen?" I asked.
Eiji shook his head.
"I know he will do something today. The elders think I'm foolish for believing that, but I know him. What do you think?" asked Eiji.
"Eiji I trust your judgment especially when it comes to your brother. You two share an unbreakable bond. That only twins have", I said.
"That bond has long since broken", said Eiji.
"No, its only frayed", I said.
I squeezed his hand.
"I might have to kill him. As much as hate myself for saying this I love him. He's my brother. Even with all the horrible things we've done each other", said Eiji.
"Is that what you want to do to him?" I asked.
"I don't know", said Eiji.
He needs a change is subject.
"How will the village be protected?" I asked.
"Don't worry about our village our ability protects our home as much as it protects us", said Eiji.
I decided not to question it. I trust the defense of the village. Its protected us this long why question on it.
"Go home. Enjoy time with your family", said Eiji.
"My kids are at school", I said.
"You should enjoy this peacefulness while you can instead of staying here with me", said Eiji.
I nodded my head and left. I was temped to visit Kakuzu's grave, but I wanted to be near my children. I walked back to my house and sat down on the porch swing. Part of me worried for Goemon with his bad heart he might not be able to defend himself. I could do without one of my snakes. Terra slithered down my arm.
"How may I be of service to you Mistress?" asked Terra as she looked up at me with her sand colored eyes.
"I want you to watch over Goemon the grounds keeper. Don't let him know you're watching only make yourself known when it's obvious he needs your help", I said.
"When do you want me to return?" asked Terra.
"When I call upon you", I said.
"Yes Mistress", said Terra before leaving.
Kakuzu's Perspective
There's nothing much to do in the graveyard today. I walked into the quietest part of the cemetery, which also happened to be the most depressing. The children rest here. No children lay in the tomb. It was too horrible to see children frozen in diamond. It was easier to see a tombstone. Only one other person visits here besides me is Eiji. He came to visit his son and wife. Marble angels decorate this part of the graveyard. No one enters here. I sat down on a stone bench hidden away from view.
"The death of child is something miserable",
That wasn't the voice of any mourner.
"Kabuto", I groaned.
"Hopefully those parasites you and Snow made won't end up here", said Kabuto.
"My children aren't parasites!" I growled.
"A difference of opinions", said Kabuto as he picked at his fingernails.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
He ignored my question.
"This is a village on the brink of a civil war", said Kabuto.
"You are too young to know what it looks or feels like", I said.
"Young yes but not dim witted. I know battle will soon ensue. Among that chaos if she comes in any danger I give you permission to reveal your abilities", said Kabuto.
"Why do you want her?" I asked.
"She's one of a kind. I've been trying to replicate her ever since she left Orochimaru's possession, but with none success. I leave you to your work Kakuzu", said Kabuto.
Kabuto flicked his out his tongue for a second. I've seen Snow do the exact gesture before. It was sensing chakra. How well it works I don't know. He dashed to a tombstone. He picked up a large black snake.
"Hmm, only a simple rat snake. I won't surprise me if she has one watching over you", said Kabuto.
I kept my expression calm if one of Snow's snakes is watching there's a chance.
"Don't get you hopes up too much Kakuzu. Remember your life is in my hands", said Kabuto.
Cocky bastard.
"I have plans for you even if you are discovered", said Kabuto.
I don't like the sound of that.
Snow's Perspective
"You are far too tense", said Dad.
"How can you expect me to be any different?" I asked.
He handed me Kotaro. I held him close. It feels like I haven't seen him in far too long.
"He's missed you Snow. Enjoy the peace while you can", said Dad.
He's right. I spent almost the whole day with Rose and Kotaro. That's until the twins came home. Then there was a change. When it grew dark my stress worsened. Than the song of a gong echoed through the village. They're here.
"Mommy what's wrong?" asked Hazel.
"Take Rose and the twins and go", I said.
"Mommy what's happening?" asked Saizo.
"Go with grandpa", I said.
"No!" screamed Saizo.
"Go with grandpa now!" I yelled.
Saizo looked like he was about to cry.
"Go I will catch up", I said.
Dad picked up Rose and the twins followed him out of the house. I ran into Kotaro's nursery. I wrapped him in blanket. He started crying at being woken up.
"Shh honey right now isn't the right time for tears", I said.
I ran to catch up with them. I saw them a head of me. I easily caught up with them.
"Are you two alright?" asked Dad.
Dad nodded his head. Screeches filled the air. When I looked up, giant silver birds were flying toward the village. The biggest diamond dome I've ever seen was trying to form around the village. Something was stopping it from completely forming. The villagers were being rushed into the tunnels that lead to shelters hidden deep within the mountains.
"Who does these birds belong to?" I asked.
"They were originally summons of my sister. Looks like Hiro dug up the their summoning scrolls. They're the reason the village defense aren't working", said Dad.
As the birds swooped down enemy ninjas jumped down from them. The screams from the villagers echoed through the air. My children were crying uncontrollably. Before we could reach the gates a man blocked our path. The stranger had a wicked grin on his face.
"Who's he?" asked Hazel as she hid behind me.
I looked over at Dad. He shook his head. He didn't know the stranger either.
"Manzo and Lady Minori hopefully your as interesting Hiro told me", said the man.
"Summoning jutsu",
He slammed his hand against ground. The ground shook as the head of giant diamond dragon came from the ground. As its full body emerged it destroyed the entrance gates of the village. Two things stood out about the dragon. One the dragon had it own chakra that didn't even resemble that of its summoner. But I did recognize the chakra. It was almost exactly like Dad's chakra. The second oddity about the dragon was wrapped in heavy constricting chains.
"What is it?" I asked.
"That dragon's is mine. I created her from my own chakra. He shouldn't be able to summon her. Only other person who could learn that technique my direct decedents, but he's how cheated that", said Dad.
"All this conversation is dulling. Attack him", said the man with a lazy wave of his hand.
"Hikari no",
The dragon seemed to recognize her name. Dad pushed my children out of the before the dragon slammed large taloned foot down on Dad.
"Grandpa!" screamed Hazel and Saizo.
I couldn't worry about Dad right now. He can handle himself. The opponent in front and how to protect my children from him were only concerns. Saizo held Rose in his arms. Hazel huddled closely to me.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"A challenge", said the man.
"Can I learn my opponent's name?" I asked.
"Of course how impolite of me. My name is Yosuo", he answered.
He nodded his head.
"What makes you think you can take me on?" I asked.
"Because we are one in the same sister", said Yosuo.
Sister?
"He's not your brother", growled Dad as managed to lift the hand of the dragon.
He would have said more, but Hikari demanded his attention.
"Why do you call me sister?" I asked.
"Why do you mind? You have many who call you sister yet they are not of that relation to you", said Yosuo.
"They've earned the right to call me that", I said.
"We are siblings in our power there all a few of us left. Me, you, Eiji, Hiro, and Manzo. But you are unique you're the only born without a twin. You are bound to be fun", said Yosuo.
I bit my thumbs and slammed them against the ground.
"Summoning jutsu"
There was a puff of smoke. Terra appeared in her full form.
"How may I be of service to you, Mistress?" asked Terra.
"Protect my babies", I said.
"Yes, Mistress", said Terra.
"Saizo watch over sisters and brother", I said.
"Yes mommy", said Saizo.
"Hazel you do the same", I said.
She nodded her head.
"Mommy be careful", said Hazel.
"I will be honey. Do what ever Terra tells you", I said.
Terra formed protective coils are my children so they would be protected from battle.
"I will keep them safe", said Terra.
Come at me already! I want this fight over and my babies safe. An eery stillness settled between the two of us. What should I expect from him? Is he a powerful as he claims? Or is it a bluff. I can't take any risk. This can end in my death if I'm not careful. I'm not leaving my children parentless. A question hung in my mind. What happened to his twin?
"Oh you are wondering what happened to my brother. A common curiosity that I'm happy to answer. Easy I murder him. It was thought to be a childhood accident. I was around your eldest children's age", said Yosuo.
That brought fear to my heart. How could a child be capable of killing their sibling at such a young age?
"Shall we begin?" asked Yosuo.
"Well mannered for a murderer", I said.
"One thing Hiro drilled into me into since childhood was manners", said Yosuo.
"Then please make the first move", I said.
He smiled.
"You're going regret giving me that privilege", said Yosuo.
The earth rumbled as large diamond dome appeared around us. I didn't move. I'm a close combat fighter. This could either be a death trap for the both of us, or a massive advantage for me.
"I take it you're a close combat fighter. You'll be even more interesting than I thought", said Yosuo.
His skin turned to diamond and mine did the same. He charged at me. Right before he reached me he disappeared. He's fast. I managed to catch his fist in time before it made impact. It sent me back a few inches.
"Great reflexes",
Diamond blades emerged ground. Our blades clashed against each others. I swung back my arm and landed a punch. He turned to smoke. Clone. He's not either side of me. I spared a quick glance above me. Not there either. I jumped from the ground and onto the roof of doom before jetted out of the ground. He landed a few yards away from me. He closed the space. I tried kicking him away, but he grabbed my leg and threw me to the ground. I lay on my back in giant crater. Before I could move he stomped on my chest with both is feet. Taking my breath away. He moved one of his feet to my neck.
"I thought you would be more of a challenge where is that fight?" he asked.
Underestimated yet again. One good hit doesn't mean I'm out for the count. I grabbed the spear that was slowly breaking its way through my skin. It shattered. He jumped back.
"I misjudged", said Yosuo.
We came at each other. Sparks flew off our skin as we battled. By the time we pulled away from each large pieces of diamond skin lay on the ground. We were both panting. I seemed to have the advantage in taijutsu. My skin repaired. He's strong. Only three other people that I know of can break diamond skin. He started laughing.
"This is going to be fun", said Yosuo.
I can't treat this like a game. I have too much to lose. I need him close.
"Who taught you?" he asked.
I need an advantage and time.
"Hidden Mist Technique",
Mist poured from my mouth. It was so thick I couldn't see my hand in front of my face.
"Shadow clone jutsu",
I burrowed underneath the ground.
"Where are you hiding?" asked Yosuo.
Come on focus. Diamond blades pierced the earth around me. I let them hit me. I have to get into sage mode. A surge of chakra entered my body. I jumped through the ground. I saw perfectly through the mist. I could see his heat signature. My clones vanished. I attacked. I landed one good punch. I heard the shattering diamond and bone.
"Seeking Chain",
Hundreds of diamond chains came in my direction. I reflected them the best I could. I was forced to the roof of dome. But couldn't stay in one place for long. I was tugged to the ground. Other chains wrapped around my neck, wrists, and ankles. I was forced to my knees. The right side of his rib cage was shattered. His diamond skin slowly started regrowing. I need to hit there one more time before it comes back completely.
"Very impressive. You've entered sage mode, but can you control it", said Yosuo.
I hissed.
"Who taught you the way of the sage?" asked Yosuo.
I would not giving someone like him access to power like that.
"Not very talkative are you", he said.
His eyes went to my wrist.
"I guess you're the one who killed my father. I should be thanking you", said Yosuo.
"Is that why you want to kill me?" I asked.
"No, you murdering my father only means I have to kill you twice", said Yosuo.
He pulled a diamond katana from its sheath.
"It's been a very long time since I last got to use this. You should be honored", said Yosuo.
Closer. He stepped closer. Yes! I released my snake clone. They coiled tightly around Yosuo. I need to do this quickly.
"Dragon's Trio"
A fiery breath left my mouth. The flames turned transformed into three flaming dragons. His katana cut right through one of the dragons. He did the same with the second, but the third hit its target.
"Powerful attack, but you are holding back. But why?" asked Yosuo.
I can't risk anything more powerful without putting the village in danger.
"Protecting the village. What a noble but stupid cause", said Yosuo.
It burned through my veins. Yosuo swung his sword.
"Triple Rashomon",
The wave of chakra slammed through the first two walls, but only dented the third. I'm going to have to risk it. I allowed a massive amount of natural chakra flow into my body. It burned through my veins.
"That has to hurt", he said.
I came at him. Each of blows broke through skin and bone. My body was wearing out. I'm not sure how much more of this my body can take. I lost my breath, when his sword went through my heart. One of the tattoos on my wrist disappeared as my recovered.
"You've got me once. Now all I have to finish you off one more time than you're mine", said Yosuo.
Another attack like that will kill me. My chakra lost its control Terra disappeared in. He went for my children with his sword a glow with chakra. I appeared in front of his blade. The sword went all the way through my chest.
"Mommy!" screamed my children.
I wrapped hands around Yosuo's sword. I forced a smile on my face.
"I'm okay just stay there", I said.
I have to get him away from here. My grip on the blade tightened until it broke into two pieces. Blood dripped down the corners of my mouth. I'm dying. My body was too unsteady to heal itself with chakra. I will only last a few more minutes if I'm lucky. I ran into the graveyard hoping the curse that surrounds it might spook him. I collapsed in front grave. It was Kakuzu's grave. Yosuo appeared in front of me. His blade gently ran down my neck to my bleeding chest.
"Goodbye Minori",
Author's Notes
Snow the Hidden Mist Technique from Kisame.
She learned the Triple Rashomon from her time with Orochimaru.