Heart's Treasure
Chapter 17: Reveal
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Perspectives: Kakuzu and Snow
Kakuzu's Perspective
I stayed in my shack. I am no coward this war. It is not mine to fight in. Even if I wanted to I couldn't risk being exposed. Manzo is watching over my children. Bishop started barking and growling. He scratched at the door. There were two different chakras in the cemetery. Snow's chakra. It was fading quickly. I approached. A man stood with his blade drawn in front of my grave. I released my lighting heart. Its mouth creaked open.
"False Darkness",
The attack sent the man flying backwards. I approached my grave. There lay Snow. She was curled up on her side. A large puddle of blood surrounded her. It dripped from the corners off her mouth. I kneeled down, so I could be near her. I moved her hair away from her face. Her eyes went wide, when she saw me. A wide range of expressions crossed her face. I don't have time to explain things to her right now. I took her wrist and saw the tattoo on was fading away. When I tried leaving her to capture the man who harmed she tried moving. Moving only made her bleed out faster.
"You must stay still", I said.
I released one of my wind heart.
"Capture him", I said.
I can't risk healing her with chakra. To do that I would have to remove the blade, which would cause her to bleed out in seconds. I won't be able to heal her in time. It flew off to grab the man. I have no idea how he was capable of doing such damage to Snow.
"Who are you?" he asked.
My threads tied him.
"Snow you have to be strong a little while longer",
I picked her up and she whimpered loudly. I sat her next to the man. I hope this work. I took a kunai from the man's belt. I made Snow hold it in her hands. With my help she jabbed the blade into his chest. Her tattoo returned along with another above it.
"Kakuzu",
She touched my face leaving spots of blood my face. Her skin was cooling rapidly.
"Close your eyes my treasure", I said.
She shook her head.
"Please close your eyes", I said.
"No"
But she couldn't fight her body's urge for recovery.
"Sorry", I said.
I picked her up and placed in bed. I pulled the blankets over her. I have no idea, when she will wake up this time. At least this time I know she will come back. I will take her to the hospital in the morning. Hopefully, she won't remember this. My hearts scratched at door. I opened it. I groaned as they settled back underneath my skin. I took off Snow's clothes. The gash on her chest was already healed. I filled a bowl with warm water and started washing away the blood. There was scar on her chest. She's made blood oath with someone.
"What have you gotten yourself into Snow?"
I gently traced the scar with my fingertip. She and two other people signed it. Most likely Manzo and Hantia. I shouldn't be able to see this. It's meant to sacred that none is meant to see it except for the ones who signed it. The only reasoning I can come up with of it was visible to me is that I'm dead.
"Why would you risk life for the woman who caused you such pain?"
I dressed her in fresh clothes. My shirt was covered in blood. I got up. Bishop looked up at me.
"Watch her", I said.
Bishop rested his head on the bed. I went bathroom. I stepped into the shower and washed away the blood. I changed into fresh clothes. I walked to the bed. Snow lay motionless. Bishop hadn't left her.
"Good dog", I said as patted his head.
He lay down in his pillow. I got into bed with Snow.
"My treasure", I said.
I held her in my arms the whole night. When morning came I returned to Goemon the grounds keeper once again. I wrapped Snow in warm blanket. Bishop followed me.
"Stay",
He whined, but did as told. I left the graveyard for the village. The damage done wasn't all that bad considering. When I reached the hospital it was packed with ninjas. No civilians seemed to be harmed, which was a miracle. A nurse came rushing over to us.
"Eiji has been looking everywhere her", she said.
The doctors rushed her off. I stayed in the over crowded waiting.
"Where is she?" asked Eiji.
I followed Eiji and the nurse to the room. She was in a deep sleep. IV were connected to her arm.
"I'm sorry only family is allowed to visit", said the nurse.
I am family! My wife is in there.
"Let him stay", said Eiji.
I stayed at the edge of the doorframe.
"Come in", said Eiji.
Something seemed different about him.
"Who are you really?" asked Eiji.
"I'm Goemon Fuma the grounds keeper", I said.
"Where did you find her?" asked Eiji.
"Resting on her husband's grave in a puddle of blood", I said.
I couldn't resist touching her hand. It was ice cold.
"She will be fully recovered by tomorrow morning. What it is my wife to you?" asked Eiji.
My hands fisted. She's my wife! You're the bastard that took her from me!
"A friend", I said through clenched teeth.
"What were you doing at my wife's house?" asked Eiji.
"You should be more trust of your wife", I said.
There was tension in the air. A knock on the door broke the dangerous tension in the room.
"I'm sorry if I interrupted", said Eiji's assistant.
"No Hansuke you weren't interrupting", said Eiji.
"I know this is a difficult time, but you are need else where", said Hansuke.
I walked out of Snow room and shut the door behind me. I heard two sets of footsteps running down the hall. Hazel and Saizo they both were on the verge of breaking into a full panic.
"Where's mommy?" asked Saizo.
"She got hurt really bad", said Hazel.
"Saizo, Hazel where are you?" asked Manzo.
"Your mom is fine she just needs rest", said Eiji in soothing voice.
Manzo walked down the hall. I couldn't help noticing the many bruises that covered his skin. He carried Rose and Kotaro.
"Saizo, Hazel you two can't go running off like that", said Manzo.
"But mommy-
"She will be fine. Your mom is a very strong woman", said Manzo.
"Can we see her please?" asked Saizo.
They shouldn't see their mom like that it would scare them. That's something the three of us can both agree on.
"She needs rest, but tomorrow morning she will see you", said Manzo.
"But Grandpa", whined the twins.
"Goemon can you take them to their aunt's house?" asked Eiji.
I nodded my head. I took Rose and Kotaro from Manzo. Saizo and Hazel followed behind me. Both of them kept glancing a back at the hospital.
"Your mom will be fine", I said.
"How do you know?" asked Saizo.
"Because she's the most powerful woman I've ever met. And she loves you two more than anything in the world. She won't let any injury stop her from seeing you", I said.
That seemed to comfort them immensely. I knocked on the door to Kameko's house. Taro answered the door.
"Uncle Taro!"
Hazel, Saizo, Rose, and Kotaro were taken into the house.
"Where is their mom?" asked Taro.
"In the hospital. She should be fine by morning", I said.
"That's good news. I'm glad to see you're all right too Goemon", said Taro.
I nodded my head and left. I returned to the hospital. The nurses were too busy to notice me sneak by. I opened the door Snow's room. Manzo sat in the chair next to Snow's bed.
"I'm surprised it took you so long to return", said Manzo.
"I had to make sure my children were safe", I said.
The blinds to her room were already closed.
"Release your jutsu", said Manzo.
"No",
"I will make sure no one comes in. And she won't wake till morning", said Manzo.
"No",
"It will make the process easier for her. Has she ever told you what it feels like coming back?" asked Manzo.
"No",
"In battle process she's going through skips. Right she's alone in see of darkness. She needs warmth of someone who loves her. I'll be just outside", said Manzo.
I let my jutsu drop. I got into bed with her and pulled her close. What am I going to do? I started running my fingers through her hair. The motion was more to keep me calm than her. Kabuto has to know Snow will eventually discover my true identity and now the process has sped up. He could have ordered me to stay out of it. Making me unable to defend Snow and our children. He would love to see me suffer unable to help my family. My concentration was broken, when I heard Snow regain her breath. I pulled her closer. A smile appeared on her face. I miss this. I have to it back. We stay like this until morning came. I kissed her lightly on the lips before leaving.
"I love you my treasure",
I returned to the cemetery. Bishop was waiting for by the gates of the cemetery.
"Excuse me Mr. Fuma may I have a moment of your time?" asked Hansuke.
Bishop snarled.
"Can you please call of your dog?" asked Hansuke.
"Sit"
Bishop sat down and waited for a command.
"Say your piece and leave", I said.
"There will be more people at the cemetery", said Hansuke.
"Why?" I asked.
"They have to make more room in the tomb", said Hansuke.
I nodded my head.
"Why do enemy shinobi get buried here?" I asked.
"Foe or friend they are of the same blood, so they get buried here", said Hansuke.
"Do I need to dig any holes?" I asked.
"I don't think so, but I will tell you", said Hansuke.
The idea of having more people in the cemetery is annoying, but there's nothing much I can do about it. Bishop started whimpering, when reached the door. I opened the door. Kabuto sat on my bed. He looked even less human than before. A white snake peaked out of the bottom of his cloak.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Its time to go home. You shall leave soon that's an order", said Kabuto.
With that he left. I packed up what little things I have.
Snow's Perspective
I woke from a haze. I was in a hospital room. How did I get here? Where is he? I pulled out my IV and fell to floor.
"Easy what's your rush?" asked Dad as he helped me from the floor.
"Where is he?" I asked.
"Who?"
"Never mind", I said.
"Before you chasing after whoever he is you need rest. This is your first time coming back", said Dad.
"Second",
"Your body still isn't used to process yet. Right now you need rest and time with your family", said Dad.
The door slammed open. Hazel and Saizo came running in.
"MOMMY!" they both yelled before jumping on the bed.
I forgot all my questions for the moment when, I saw my them. All of them were safe and sound.
"Are you all better now?" asked Hazel.
"Yes, I'm feeling much better now", I said.
Kameko and Taro came walking in. Kotaro grabbed on to Taro's hair and started screaming.
"Give him to me", I said.
I cradled him in my arms. He started settling down. I kissed him on the forehead.
"Mama", cried Rose.
Kameko placed her on the bed near me. After a few hours it was time for the kids to go home.
"Mommy, why aren't you coming home with us?" asked Saizo.
"I wish I could, but the doctor want to keep me over night to make sure I'm okay", I said.
"Will you come back tomorrow?" asked Hazel.
"Yes, now I want you and Saizo to behave for your grandpa", I said.
"Yes mommy",
Dad picked up Rose and Kotaro.
"Thanks",
"There's no need for thanking. I love any chance to be near my family", said Dad.
His smile was genuine. This must be such a wonderful change for him.
I hugged both Hazel and Saizo goodbye.
"Bye bye mommy get better soon", said Saizo.
Kameko stayed behind as the room emptied.
"You have a lot to be filled in on", said Kameko.
"Were any villagers hurt?" I asked.
"No only some minor injuries caused during the rush to get shelter", said Kameko.
"What about our ninjas?" I asked.
"Sadly, we lost twenty shinobi from our already limited amount", said Kameko.
"Mari?"
"Was someone asking about me", said Mari as climbed in through the window.
Hantia followed her. I gave a sigh of relief my eldest child is safe.
"You daughter has proven herself very useful during the battle", said Kameko.
"What about Kotori is he safe?" I asked.
Kameko nodded her head.
"What about Hiro and his people?" I asked.
"Hiro's status is unknown for now. Eiji faced him battle, but refuses to say what happened. The people of his village are being sorted through to assess their threat level and will be giving new housing", said Kameko.
"What of Kin and others like him?" I asked.
"That's difficult. They say the only want peace. Eiji is trying to sort through it all", said Kameko.
"I don't think Eiji is the right person to deal with that issue", I said.
"Neither does he", said Kameko.
"Who will take care of it?" I asked.
"You once you've recovered", said Kameko.
"How did I get here?" I asked.
"The grounds keeper", said Mari.
Goemon.
"How did he find me?" I asked.
"Dying in a puddle of blood at the foot of your husband's grave", said Kameko.
"How did you beat Yosuo? That's an impressive feat", said Mari.
"I didn't", I said.
"Those two tattoos on your wrist prove otherwise", said Hantia.
"Someone saved me", I said.
"Who?" asked Kameko.
"I don't know. It's all a little hazy. The oddest thing was there's one person I did see", I said.
"Who?" asked Mari.
"Him", I said.
All three of them knew who I meant.
"You must have been hallucinating", said Kameko.
"It didn't feel like one. He saved me", I said.
"You are tired and need rest", said Kameko.
Kameko left.
"You coming Hantia?" asked Mari.
"In a minute don't wait up", said Hantia.
She took my hand and gave it a squeeze.
"I believe you", said Hantia.
"Why?" I asked.
"We've shared a mind. I know you very well", said Hantia.
"It's nice knowing I have one person who believes in me", I said.
I couldn't sleep. I never sleep well in hospitals. I should check on Terra. She appeared in her smaller form.
"Anything odd to report Terra?" I asked.
"Yes", said Terra.
"Then tell me don't keep me waiting", I said.
"Kabuto came to the graveyard and he was speaking to Goemon, but that wasn't the odd part", said Terra.
"What was?" I asked.
"Kabuto called Goemon Kakuzu", said Goemon.
"Are you sure she said Kakuzu?" I asked.
Terra nodded her head.
"You did a great job", I said.
She disappeared in a puff of smoke. I stole some nurse's scrubs and jumped out the window. I ran to the graveyard. Goemon's shack was empty. The few things he had were packed up. Bishop was missing too. There was scrap of paper on his bed. I picked it up. It was a cut out from a magazine. It was of my family. He's leaving. I can track him down easily. Knowing Kakuzu he would want to take the less used paths. It didn't take long for me to track him down by his scent. I knew he was alive, but there has to be some reason why. I found him. Bishop started whimpering. When Goemon turned he heard me.
"I'm not losing you again", I said.
"You never lost me", he said
"Then why do you leave", I said.
"I have no choice", said Goemon.
"There's always a choice", I said.
"I wish I did, but I can't do anything without putting all that I love in danger", said Goemon.
I move closer to him. He stayed put. I gently touched his face.
"What's my name?" I asked.
"Minori",
"No, what's the name you gave me", I said.
"I do not know", said Goemon.
That hurt more than I could put into words. I started crying.
"I've always hated seeing you cry", said Goemon as he touched my cheek.
"Kakuzu",
He smiled.
"Please let me see you", I said.
"I can't my treasure", said Kakuzu.
"Why?"
There was a rumble as a pine coffin emerged from the ground.
"That's why", said Kakuzu.
I grabbed his hand.
"Don't",
"I have to", said Kakuzu.
He walked into the coffin without word. Bishop started digging at the ground where the coffin appeared. He whimpered loudly. I walked over to him. Bishop came trotting over to me. I petted his head.
"There's no reason to cry I will get him back", I said.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I reappeared in Kabuto's hideout.
"What are you going to do me?" I asked.
He only smiled.