Heart's Treasure
Chapter 18: Trade
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Perspectives: Snow,
Snow's Perspective
Bishop licked my fingertips. I will get him back. I'm in no rush to return to the village. Eventually I reached the village gate. I went to graveyard. I walked up the dirt path that lead Kakuzu's shack. I searched every inch of it looking for anything to reassure myself of what I saw. I sat down on his bed. I've seen coffins like that before. There was only one place I wanted to go the library.
I can't go anywhere looking like this. I returned to hospital with Bishop following behind me. Somehow I managed to sneak by the nurses without being caught. I threw off the scrubs and went into the shower. I washed away the dirt and grime from traveling on the mountain paths. My eyes stung as sunlight streamed into the room. I blinked a few times and my eyes adjusted.
"Good morning Lady Minori", she said.
"Morning",
"You don't look well", said the nurse.
"I couldn't sleep", I said.
"Then sleep now everyone knows how tired you must be after defending the village", said the nurse.
"Every ninja in this village is tired, but I must work so they can rest", I said.
"You'll be no good to anyone tired now back into bed", said the nurse.
She gave me a tiny cup with a light blue pill in it. I took the pill and my eyes became heavy.
"Rest well", said the nurse before my eyes closed.
When my eyes opened, it was late in the afternoon.
"You were right", I said.
He nodded his head.
"Why didn't Kakuzu tell me?" I asked.
"He's under orders not to reveal himself to you", said Dad.
"Whose orders?" I asked.
"Who else besides Orochimaru is capable of preforming jutsu that brings back the dead", said Dad.
"Kabuto, I have to leave", I said.
"No you have to anything, but rest. The doctor said you need to stay one more day and I don't disagree", said Dad.
"Where are the kids?" I asked.
"Kameko's, they weren't too happy about hearing you had to spend another day here", said Dad.
"Neither am I",
I sighed.
"They miss you. Kotaro has been crying for you for hours. The rest of your kids have been acting out too", said Dad.
I need things in the village to settle down before can start my search for him. I need to spend time with my family right now. As much as I love Kakuzu our children come first. He would understand. With how hectic their lives have been the last few days. They need some normal right now.
"He will return to you, but right now you have to care for the village and your family", said Dad.
"I know", I said.
"Spend a few days with your family then deal with the more troubling issues. Now sleep", said Dad.
I closed my eyes, when I woke it was morning. I changed into the clothes dad brought from home. I couldn't wait to go. My children were asleep. I started making breakfast. By the time I finished the breakfast Hazel was up. She ran over to me and hugged me tightly.
"Mommy",
Tears were streaming down her face.
"I'm all better now. There's no reason to cry", I said.
I kneeled down and wiped away her tears.
"But I saw his sword go through your chest. You were bleeding an-
She went into a new wave of tears. I held her in my arms gently rocking her.
"It was scary mommy", said Hazel.
She sniffled.
"I promise I won't scare you like that again. Better?" I asked.
"Better", said Hazel.
I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her on the forehead.
"I love you", I said.
She smiled.
"I love you too mommy", said Hazel.
"Come on its time for breakfast", I said.
She took her seat the table.
"What is Bishop doing here?" asked Hazel.
"I'm watching him for Goemon", I said.
"Where he go?" asked Saizo as he walked into the kitchen.
"To visit his family, so he might be gone for awhile", I said.
"Why didn't he say goodbye?" asked Saizo.
"He left late last night and didn't want to wake you and Hazel", I said.
"Will he come back?" asked Saizo.
"He didn't say", I said.
I kissed him on the forehead. Saizo sat the table and ate breakfast with his sister. I got Rose and Kotaro up. I put rose in her high chair and held Kotaro. I gave him a bottle. Once they finished breakfast it was time for them to go to school. It was best to get them back on a routine as quickly as possible. Taro took the kids to school. Betty came into house.
"Nice to see you are okay Lady Minori", said Betty.
"Thank you. I hope your family is alright", I said.
"Only a few cuts and bruises nothing serous. And how is this cutie doing?" asked Betty as she walked closer.
Kotaro cuddled closely to me. When I tried giving him to Betty, he screamed on the top of his lungs. Normally he's a quiet baby. Betty took Kotaro from me. His wails only grew louder and this time Rose joined in.
"Looks like they're coming to the office with us", I said.
When Kotaro and Rose figured out they weren't being left behind they calmed down. I put them in the stroller and we walked to office. Kameko was waiting anxiously outside the Residence of the Guardians.
"What took you so long?" asked Kameko.
"These two were throwing a fit", I said.
"Come on they are waiting for you", said Kameko.
When doors of the office opened, I saw Kin and Michi.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting", I said.
"No worries both Michi and I understand the difficulties of parenthood", said Kin.
"Thank you for being so understanding", I said as put Kotaro in the playpen with his sister.
I took a seat on desk.
"Please sit down",
Michi and Kin took their seats. Manzo and Kameko stood behind me. Both Kin and Michi avoided Dad's gaze. I had no idea where to start this conversation.
"Kin, I'm guessing you have taken the role of your father", I said.
He seemed shocked that I know he's Hiro's son.
"How did you know?" asked Kin.
"All you have to do is look at a family tree", I said.
"She's right uncle", said Michi.
"Are two speaking for the whole of your clan", I said.
"Yes",
"I know most of your family members are civilians and have already had settled, but what about the shinobi of your village?" I asked.
"Most want to retired and live a peaceful life", said Kin.
"You'll understand if I want to keep them on probation for a year or two. One of the anbu will check on them search their home. I know that sounds invasive, but I want to make sure the villagers are safe", I said.
"Its a reasonable request that I'm sure they will agree to. The more troublesome members of our family were taken care of", said Kin.
I noticed the number of immortality tattoos on Kin and Michi increased from the last time I saw them. They've must have slaughter the members of their family that were considered troublesome and would be disruptive in the process of peace making.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to stare", I said.
Kin smiled.
"Its alright. Manzo I must compliment you on how well mannered your daughter is", said Kin.
"Thank you but I can take no credit for how my daughter turned into this wonderful woman", said Dad.
I blushed.
"Do I have to worry about new immortals?" I asked.
"No, Michi and I took that burden upon ourselves", said Kin.
"What do you want from me?" I asked.
"I wasn't expecting that question", said Michi.
"What my nephew means is we were waiting for your commands or wants for us. We are the most powerful of our side of the family and Eiji doesn't like the idea of us being close to the village", said Kin.
"Well Eiji isn't the one in charge of this issue. What do you want from me?" I asked.
"My father wanted me to pledge my loyalty to you", said Kin.
"Why me?" I asked.
"We trust you. There's too much bad blood between me and Eiji. I don't think I could live with myself if I swore loyalty to him. Please try to understand", said Kin.
"I don't want to waste your abilities. You two seem like trustworthy men. But you have to understand why I have to be cautious. That's why I'm going to assign you two my personal guard. My dad will be your captain", I said.
All three seemed stunned at the choice.
"Three? Don't you think that's a bit much for your guard?" asked Kameko.
"Are there any other empty positions you want to consider them for?" I asked.
Kameko gave sigh of frustration.
"Besides I think it the perfect placement for them", I said.
"Why is that?" asked Michi.
"First I'll have someone I trust watching over the two of you. Second it will give the villagers time to get used you two. After a few years I will put you in a new position", I said.
"Won't our new positions agitate your husband?" asked Michi.
"Yes, I imagine it will very much so", I said.
"Did he tell you what happened to my father?" asked Kin.
"I was going to ask you that. Eiji hasn't told me anything about, but he seems different. I don't think he's capable of killing your father", I said.
"We have very different views of Eiji", said Kin.
"I know and I'm not going to try and change your opinion", I said.
"When do we start?" asked Michi.
"My children haven't gotten over what happened to them, so I don't think you should start yet", I said.
"I apologize for that. That wasn't planned. How are your children?" asked Kin.
"They are better now, but it might take awhile to recover. Is there anything there anything else you want to discuss, while we are here?" I asked.
"Yes, actually there is", said Kin.
The conversation went on for a few more hours before they left.
"Eiji won't be pleased with your choice", said Kameko.
"I thought it was a smart", I said.
"I didn't say it wasn't smart. I said Eiji wouldn't like it", said Kameko.
"Right now my priority isn't how Eiji feels. It's making sure this village doesn't destroy itself over a feud within our family. His priority is deciding how to help the other hidden villages in their time of need. He shouldn't care who my guards are", I said.
She nodded her head.
"Kameko, can you watch Rose and Kotaro for a few hours?" I asked.
"Sure, when will you be back?" asked Kameko.
"Two thirty", I said.
"Where are you going?" asked Kameko.
"Library", I said.
Dad followed me to the basement of the Residence of the Guardians. Eldrick was waiting at the desk.
"It takes Minori dragging you in here for you to visit me uncle", said Eldrick.
Dad smiled and hugged Eldrick.
"It's nice to see you again nephew", said Dad.
"What took you so long?" asked Eldrick.
"My grandchildren keep me busy", said Dad.
"How can help you two?" asked Eldrick.
"Do you have any information on resurrection jutsu?" I asked.
"Mmm, sadly I don't have as much information on that as I want", said Eldrick.
"Don't worry kitten Eldrick version of a little information is different from our concept of it", said Dad.
He came back with four rather large books. I settled down at table. Before I could even opened one of the books Dad placed one in front of me. It was a large black leather book that had deep cracks in its cover.
"This should tell you what you want to know. I'll search the others for any other useful information", said Dad.
I opened the book. I looked through index and found the chapter I was looking for.
Counters Against Jutsu
Killing the summoner does not release this jutsu. Doing this is highly ill advised. There are only three no ways to counter this jutsu:
1. Remove soul from reincarnated body using Dead Demon Consuming seal
2. Have the summoner end the jutsu. Genjutsu is highly suggested in doing this.
3. Rarely the soul comes to peace and breaks free of the jutsu
"You look like you have a question", said Dad.
"Do you know what the Dead Demon Consuming Seal is?" I asked.
"Yes, I know it", said Dad.
He scowled.
"Can you tell me about?" I asked.
"I'm not the best person to explain it", said Dad.
"Then I'll explain", said Eldrick as he walked to our table.
"It was crafted by the Uzumaki clan", said Eldrick.
My hands fisted.
"Minori are you alright?" asked Eldrick.
"Sorry I got lost in thought. Continue", I said.
"The jutsu is about as old as me maybe a few years younger", said Eldrick.
"And how old are you?" I asked.
"I'm two hundred and thirty years old", said Eldrick.
"Sorry I got you off topic", I said.
"The user calls upon the power of Shinigami the god of death. He pulls the soul out of the body and traps it in his stomach", said Eldrick.
"There has to be a price for such a powerful jutsu", I said.
"Yes, the user's soul will be trapped into Shinigami's stomach too. Cursed to fight his victim for all of eternity", said Eldrick.
That jutsu is not an option. Then curiosity struck me.
"What would happen if someone like us were to use the jutsu?" I asked.
They went pale.
"I'm not planning to use it. I'm only curious", I said.
"If the user was like us the body would become an empty shell", said Eldrick.
He took off his classes and cleaned them.
"Do you have any other questions?" asked Eldrick.
"No, I will call you if I do", I said.
Eldrick started walking away.
"Wait",
"Yes", he answered.
"I want you to come to dinner", I said.
"Don't you want to see your cousins", said Dad.
"It's a free meal", I said.
He smiled.
"How can I deny a free meal? Its at five right?" asked Eldrick.
I nodded my head. He walked away.
"What brought that on?" asked Dad.
"I just want have company over to keep myself sane", I said.
"Who else have you invited?" asked Dad.
"No one else, but it won't surprise me if Mari and Hantia stopped by uninvited", I said.
"Why did you take such comfort in company?" asked Dad.
"I'm used to having a big family even though they were hardly ever together", I said.
"What's for dinner tonight?" asked Dad.
"Ramen", I said.
"That packaged stuff or did you order from Tanaka's?" asked Dad.
"Of course I ordered. Hazel and Saizo would throw a fit if I didn't", I said.
Five o' clock came and my house was full. Like I expected Hantia and Mari stopped by uninvited. I stared at bowl of ramen, but couldn't force myself to eat it. The twins were almost finished their bowls. Hazel tugged on my sleeve.
"Mommy are you not hungry?" she asked.
"Yes, I ate before. And you can have it, but you have to share with your brother", I said.
"Okay", said Hazel.
"Not with Kotaro", I said.
"Fine", said Hazel.
The conversations went on without me. Hantia and Mari were busy talking. Rose and Kotaro were sleeping. Saizo and Hazel sat together in the big leather chair. They were both snuggled up in a blanket. They were listening to one of Eldrick's stories. I lingered in the kitchen.
"What's wrong kitten? I've never seen you pass on ramen before", said Dad.
"Do you want a dog?" I asked.
"That wasn't an answer", said Dad.
"I don't mind taking care of Bishop. I was only wondering if you would like his company", I said.
"Snow", said Dad in low tone.
Kakuzu had talked to our children in that same low tone, when he was trying to get their attention, but was failing.
"Yes",
"Tell me what's wrong", said Dad.
"I can't stop thinking about him", I said.
He smiled.
"There's nothing wrong with thinking about the person you love", said Dad.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I found myself in a cage. I easily broke down the bars. Why the hell did he summon me here? Before I could get any a large white snake wrapped around me.
"You shouldn't have done that Kakuzu", said Kabuto.
"What do you want?" I growled.
"You should have behaved, but I knew you would eventually break. It actually took you longer than I expected. But now I can finally move forward with my plan. I just have to wait", said Kabuto.
The snake released me.
"Now return a cell", said Kabuto.
"No",
He did a hand sign. Everything went dark. When I came to I was back in a cell. I went to the door of my cage. Kabuto watch me from me. He was only feet away from my grasp.
"What will you do to her?" I asked.
"I won't harm her if that what you're worried about", said Kabuto.
"Then what do you want with her?" I asked.
"That's a secret", said Kabuto.
He walked off. I put my hands on the bars. No matter how much I wanted I couldn't break down the door. I sat on the ground. How long will he keep me here? I reached into my pocket. I signed, when I couldn't find it. The photo from the magazine of my family was gone. It must have slipped out my pocket somehow. Snow, I will see you and our family soon. I don't know how long it will take, but I will be with you again. I closed my eyes and thought of my family.
Snow's Perspective
Everyone left my house. Hazel and Saizo were tucked into bed. I sat at my table to late into the night.
"You should go to sleep", said Dad.
"I'm not a child I can decide when I want to sleep", I said.
"You are still my child and I'm worried for your health", said Dad.
"I try to sleep. Go home", I said.
Dad went to the guesthouse. Both Bishop and Spike followed me into my bedroom. They both climbed into bed with me. I didn't mind sharing it with them. Hazel's scream pierced the silence of the night.
"MOMMY!"
I ran out of bed and ran into her bedroom. I hugged her close trying to keep her calm. The front door opened and Dad rushed into room to check on us. Hazel was crying into my shirt.
"Is everything okay?" asked Dad.
"Just a bad dream", I said.
I ran my fingers through her hair trying to calm her. I picked her up and carried to my room and placed her in bed. She fell asleep. A month went by and thing have settled in the village. My children seemed to forget the trauma they faced. The villager had grown used to my two new guards.
I sat in my office working. Michi and Kin were reading. They looked completely harmless like this. Eiji was busy helping the other Hidden Villages, which meant he was constantly traveling. I was in charge of keeping the village sane, while he was gone. War will break out its only a matter of time. Eiji has gone to speak with the other kages on what they were planning to do. I started assigning missions, when I felt it. I dropped my pen. Kabuto! He's blatantly calling me out for a challenge. I can't give into my anger now. Think I have to think before I approach this.
"Michi",
"Yes",
"I want you to pick up my children from school. I leave it to you to make an excuse for taking them early", I said.
"May I ask why?" said Michi.
"An old enemy that I must deal with. That's all I can tell you", I said.
He nodded his head and left.
"Kin, Kameko I want the two of you to keep the village calm. I'm not sure how loud this is going to be. Dad you are coming with me", I said.
He followed me. I went into a full run.
"Where are we going?" asked Dad as we enter the Forgotten Village.
"I don't why he's calling me here", I said.
I saw him in quarry. I stood only a few yards away from him.
"Beautiful as ever", said Kabuto.
"Why did you call me here?" I asked.
"Out of respect. I knew you wouldn't want any potential damage to happen to your precious village", said Kabuto.
He glared at dad.
"Who's this?" asked Kabuto.
"He's my father", I said.
I stepped closer to Kabuto. I will kill him.
"I'm no threat to you Snow. I'm only here to offer a trade", said Kabuto.
"What could I possible want from you?" I asked.
He smiled.
"I have many things you want. Let me show you", said Kabuto.
The ground rumbled as four coffins appeared. The lids fell to the floor. My eyes went wide. Standing in them were Itachi, Sasori, Leader, and Kakuzu. They all looked dead.
"Something tells me you are only interested in one though", said Kabuto.
The other three coffins sunk back into the ground. Suddenly his eyes opened. His pupils were white. He stepped out of his coffin.
"Kakuzu",
"He has no knowledge of you. Right now he's only a puppet awaiting my command", I said.
"I willing to give him to you", said Kabuto.
"Why are willing to do that? You hated Kakuzu", I said.
"But I love you. Sadly I've come to the conclusion you will never be mine. I've tried making versions of you, but I've had no success. I will give him to you in exchange for some samples", said Kabuto.
"What kind of samples?" I asked.
"Blood, a few strands of hair, and one your eggs", said Kabuto.
"One of my eggs?"
"Yes, is the perfect base for what I need for my experiment", said Kabuto.
He could do so much with that. If it somehow becomes a child I don't want to know what he would do with it.
"I can tell you are in conflict. Maybe you need some motivation", said Kabuto.
Kakuzu's eyes regained their neon green eyes. He seemed to recognize me.
"Snow",
I stepped closer to him. Dad grabbed my wrist before I could move any closer to Kakuzu.
"He can change in a second", said Dad.
"I can defend myself let go", I said.
I walked toward him. I touched his face. He put his hand over mine. I started crying. Pink pearls and gold streamed down my face. This is really him. My children can have a father again.
"You're coming home", I said.
He smiled. It quickly faded. His pupils turned white and empty.
"Not yet", said Kabuto.
"I will have what you want by nightfall", I said.
"I'll be waiting", said Kabuto.
"Of course you will be", I said.
Night came soon enough. I snuck into the hospital freezer. I didn't take long for me to find what I was looking for. I'm surprised Kabuto didn't steal this in the first place. Its been here for years.
"Why do you even have that?" asked Dad.
"Kameko was having fertility troubles. I gave her an egg so she could have a chance of having a child. Luckily she never used it", I said.
I sat down on the table while dad drew my blood.
"I'm surprise you aren't trying to convince me out of this", I said as we ran to the quarry.
"I would do the same. I think anyone would do the same", said Dad.
We arrived at the quarry. Kabuto smiled, when he saw me. Kakuzu was near Kabuto with a blank expression on his face.
"I was beginning to think you wouldn't come", said Kabuto.
He saw the cooler in my hand.
"And how do I know those really belong to you?" asked Kabuto.
"You know I keep my word", I said.
"Yes, I know you do, but I'm not so trusting of him. Hand it over", said Kabuto.
"No, you first", I said.
"Fine",
He unraveled a scroll with Kakuzu's name. A complicated seal was around his name binding it to Kabuto's.
"If this is a trick I will hunt you down and kill you in the gruesome way I can come up with", I said.
"I wouldn't expect anything less", said Kabuto.
He pulled a kunai from his cloak. Dad went rushing toward Kabuto. Kakuzu appeared in front of him kicking Dad with full force sending across the quarry. Kakuzu sat back down and like nothing happened. Dad came rushing back ready to attack. Kakuzu stepped in front of Kabuto to protect him.
"Easy there's no reason to be so hostile. This transfer needs a blood sacrifice", said Kabuto.
"Snow this is dangerous a bloods sacrifice is the start many a horrible jutsu. You could be tying yourself to him for all we know", said Dad.
"Look at it yourself", I said.
"This doesn't tell us anything", said Dad.
"So mistrusting", said Kabuto.
"I'll do it", I said.
I cut a deep gash on my palm. I dripped the blood onto the paper. My name appeared at the bottom of the page written in blood. Kabuto took a veil of blood from his pocket.
"This is Kakuzu's blood. Here you can check for yourself", said Kabuto as he handed me it.
I poured a drop of the blood onto my finger and tasted it. Yes, it was Kakuzu's blood. I handed it back to him. He poured the veil's content onto the center of the paper.
"Channel your chakra into paper", said Kabuto.
I did as told. Smoke came of the contract as Kabuto's name disappeared from it. My blood interwove with Kakuzu's.
"He's all yours. Now for my part of deal", said Kabuto.
I handed him the cooler.
"As always it was wonderful working with you", said Kabuto before he vanished.
A pair of arms wrapped around me. Kakuzu pulled me close and kissed me.