V11 Ch 2
Persistence
Ryu Yuhi walked with Kandai Hyuuga carrying a huge tree, their arms over the circumference of the massive plant. He was sweating hard, the burden of the wood weighing him down. "This is the last one for now. You guys can move onto something else," Shikamaru said monitoring the lumber coming in from the forest. Ryu slightly felt like a slave. They turned the corner of a leftover building headed straight to their destination. Shikamaru stood where he was with the clipboard continuing to overlook supplies from every angle.
Gin was out in the area away from the village tearing down trees for them to use. Once the tree was dropped, Ryu felt how tight his back was from carrying the massive load. He looked around. The other trees were already being measured, stripped of their bark, and cut into planks.
Shikamaru tapped Ryu on the shoulder. He offered a flask of water. "Gin's helping tremendously isn't she," he said of all the lumbering lying around the area. "She's been picking the strongest trees to build homes for the village. How would you and Kandai like to start learning carpentry?"
Kandai raised a brow.
Shikamarru led the boys over to another area where three houses were being build. The third house was only a skeleton. he whistled at Gai who was hammering away on top of a roof. "I've brought you some new helpers to make your work faster."
Idai peered over his father, his red hair having been properly cut before he arrived at Konoha. He waved. "Hey, Ryu. You and Kandai can help me if you want."
Ryu climbed onto the roof. He reached over helping Kandai up the ladder. "When did you get back?" He was trying to figure out what had happened to Idai's hair.
"This morning," Idai said handing Ryu a hammer. he pulled out a few nails focusing more on his task than the looks the others were giving him. Idai hit the nails fast, his speed and accuracy causing Ryu to step back stunned. "We can't build a house if you don't help," he said to get Ryu started.
Ryu grabbed a few nails out of the pouch Idai had laying on the roof. "I think you're in the wrong line of work, Idai. You should have been a carpenter."
Gai heard the compliment, his fatherly pride beaming. He and Kandai pulled up several planks. "As many boards as I break in training, Idai has had to learn to replace the floor at home." He laughed heartedly.
"You're a little too proud of that," Ryu said. And that's why we have training grounds. He made a face.
"Kandai, plank," Idai said ready to move onto the next piece. Idai kept hammering away despite feeling Ryu's eyes on him. "Ryu, we need to work."
Ryu was hammering, but nowhere as fast as Idai or Gai. "Yes, I know. Something's on my mind. You haven't said anything about your mission. Normally, you're telling everyone about the experience and what you learned."
Idai's hammer stopped mid-swing. "Masaru was severely injured in the first assault of the Kasha demons we were sent to annihilate. Yanagi is at the hospital with him, currently. I refused her request to help with the building." He went back to work.
(Scene Change)
"Do you need anything, Masaru," Yanagi asked as she leaned over looking at his bandaged shoulder.
Masaru Uzumaki shook his head. All he could think about was the destruction of the village. His family had been, thankfully, sparred, but there were others who weren't so fortunate. Masaru's little sister, Niru, had been traumatized from the battle against the lightening-nin. She was scared of being left alone. Loud noises also frightened her. His mother had told him how ruthless the attack had been. They showed no mercy to anyone that crossed their path. The village had been laid to waste as a warning for anyone harboring Onari.
"You can go help the village," Masaru said wanting to be left alone to his thoughts.
"But Idai told me to stay here with you," Yanagi stated trying to keep a cheerful disposition. She knew Masaru was overly upset about the state of things. "If you were here alone you would be bored by yourself."
Masaru turned his head staring at her with a hard gaze. He picked up the pillow on the hospital bed. "Get out! I don't want you babysitting me!" Masaru threw the pillow straight at Yanagi's face. Impact.
Yanagi sat stumped for a few seconds. She arose without a word. Yanagi turned around walking out of the room. Shutting the door, with a quiet click, she stood out in the hall, her back leaned against the frame. Masaru's anger towards her was not something she wanted to handle. She was actually hurt over the way he acted towards her. Yanagi's brain didn't register her mother standing in front of her.
"Yanagi," Sakura flicked her daughter's forehead. "What has you spaced out?" She was still making her rounds attending to the injured in the hospital.
"Masaru doesn't want me around right now," she said with a hollow voice.
"Did something happen between the two of you," Sakura asked pointing at the room.
Yanagi shook her head slowly not wanting her mother to get involved.
It was hard for Sakura to not demand the truth out of her daughter. She knew something had transpired. Why that little... I know he upset Yanagi. And when I find out what it is... "Alright," she said gritting her teeth. Sakura watched her daughter leave the hospital.
(Scene Change)
"It greatly troubles me what has befallen the Leaf Village. Whoever those Lightening users were shall regret the day they have gone into the village unwanted." He kept his eyes ahead, his men sitting before him, knees in position, hands upon them. "In order for us to make a decision, we will vote on the proper outcome. Our decision will be based upon the information we receive. Let the team from the Hidden Leaf village enter."
The shouji screen parted to reveal Saori Nara, Takori, and Areku Inuzuka. Ichigo marched behind the group. Areku had told her not to bark. They bowed low to the floor showing respect to Gaara, the Kazekage of the Sand Village. Saori was first in line. It was only an hour ago Takori had given her lessons on proper formal etiquette.
"Rise, Gaara said in his hollow voice.
Saori arose slowly, her back as straight as a board. Her eyes looked to the floor waiting for permission to speak. Her nerves were not on edge for the man before her was family. She had the confidence on how to handle herself. Once Gaara told her to speak, Saori kept her voice calm under her normal speech volume.
"Lord Kazekage, I am Saori Nara, the chosen delegate from the Hidden Leaf village. This is Takori, my guard for this mission," she said turning her head to the left to acknowledge the man. "And Areku Inuzuka," she said moving her hand to the right without lifting her eyes. "The canine is Ichigo."
"We bid you welcome to the Sand Village," Gaara said formally. "What news have you brought me?" Saori lifted her eyes to look at him. Gaara could see the emotions riding behind her blue eyes.
"Lord Kazekage, the Hidden Leaf village was mercilessly attacked by rogue lightening-nin bearing no alligence to any kind. They were led by a man with undefinable strength named Gekido. Two generals: Kakumei Eimino and Senko aided Gekido in destroying the village to rubble. People have died and been injured.
The lightening users are after a girl that was taken in by the Uchiha clan. This girl possess a rare and precious bird of flame. If the lightening users gain her, they will have the ability to waste all villages and people in every known country." Saori heard the ninja around her start murmuring their noises of alarm causing Gaara to lift his hand for silence.
"You are speaking of the same girl who escaped the proctors at the Mist village," Gaara said sure of himself.
"Yes," Saori said. "She carries on her form the ancient markings of the Heaven's Scroll. The ritual is unknown for it is passed from generation to generation in her clan."
"The Heaven's Scroll is nothing more than a myth," a man said. "It's foolish to bring that nonsense here. We are ninja. We protect our own village - not chase after imaginary creatures."
"The Heaven's Scroll is real. It has been witnessed by me," Saori heard more accusations of her information. They were starting to contest her age and ability of reason.
Kankuro slammed his fist on the floor. "That's enough. Proof is needed of your intelligence," he told Saori. "Decisions like these cannot be made with words and no proof."
"You believe this girl," a man said from father down the line.
"I believe in visual proof - what my eyes can see," Kankuro said in response.
"Easy, Saori," Takori whispered. "You can do this. Family is strong, but not as strong as an entire village. Give them what they want."
"If you can further our decision, show us," Gaara said.
Saori stood. She bit her thumb angrily. Quickly, she smeared her blood on the symbol on her shoulder. Saori formed hand seals so fast, no one could determine the pattern. Markings on the floor appeared glowing around her. "Summoning jutsu, Celestial God of the West gate! Josei!"
A tiger's roar came shattering through the air. The Sand-nin hastily moved back, but Gaara sat in place un-phased. A massive tiger formed in the room, his head cracking the ceiling. His legs were crouched, tail going through the shouji screen. Josei roared again his head moving around to assert his dominance.
"You wanted proof, you got it," Kankuro said.
(What disrespect mortals have for Gods. Bow to me! I am the Wind and sheer force of the Four Celestials!) Josei's multiple range of voices echoed throughout the atmosphere.
"Bow," Gaara ordered.
Saori's heart thumped. All of the Sand-nin bowed low their foreheads pressed so hard into the tatami mat, she thought she heard a few around her snap in distress. Saori stood more proudly. "I am bonded to Josei by contract. And also through the link of the Celestial phoenix. I will not let Josei do the bidding of the Lightening-nin who threaten the Leaf village. We are asking you, Lord Kazekage for aid and protection."
"And you shall have it," Gaara said.
(Scene Change)
Hire walked towards the pile of stacked lumber, her two mud Minotaur carrying four logs. She pointed to the pile. "Set the up there, boys." She turned around as the last log was placed. Shikamaru was calling her name.
"Between you and Gin, we're at our limit for the day. If you want to make use of those creatures, have them help chop the wood up. There's not enough people to do that."
"Alright," Hire sad. She passed Shikamaru, her Minotaur following her to the chopping area. Hire formed hand seals concentrating on the task. Keeping the earthen beasts mobile was a taxing operation.
Might Gai flexed his arms and chest laughing at the boys helping him on the roof. "When you work hard, your strength increases! Building up muscles, is a build up of character," he said giving him a thumb's up, teeth sparkling. "It's also a turn on for the ladies," he said with suave.
"Then how come you're single," Ryu said with distaste.
"Hey, boys, I brought you some lumber to pay with," Hire said, her Minotaur piling the wood into stacks. Birds cawed overhead as the sun started to set.
"We can finish tomorrow. Everyone needs to get rest," Shikamaru said. "What do you guys say to an outside cookout." He grinned.
Everyone was gathered around several bonfires. Boar had been caught earlier that morning in the forest. They were now being smoked over fires. Might Gai was wearing a chef's hat smearing his own homemade sauce onto the large carcass. "A man takes pride in meals he kills with his own bear hands," he said pretending to jab at the dead animal with the basting brush.
Ryu just stared. "How is he so full of himself? There should be a ninja skill for over confidence."
Idai sat on the ground, his legs laid out with his arms behind him. His shoulders felt heavy from working all day. "He did kill it himself." Ryu choked on his water. "He was out there when Gin was scaling the woods. A pack of large boar came rushing through the bush."
Ryu envisioned Might Gai standing atop the boar in a heroic pose as fireworks shot off all around him. Gai sensed Ryu looking at him so he posed just for him. Ryu turned his head quickly, eyes wide.
Walking through the area was Gin Akimichi and Daiya Uchiha. Daiya had been helping guard Gin from any enemies that might show up in the forest. He was taking his guard position very seriously. When they had finished, he remained by her side to keep her safe. Daiya was also monitoring the energy waves he felt from her. Gin was over exhausted. Her movements were sluggish. Daiya caught her arm. "You need nourishment. your body is going to give out soon. Don't keep pushing yourself."
"But Daiya, we have a lot of work to do. The village needs to be safe. Everyone's sleeping wherever they can. Children are scared to be out in the open. We're all having to take care of each other."
"That doesn't mean you have the right to overwork yourself at the expense of others," Daiya said. "Besides, Idai might have a problem with that." He nodded at his best friend who was watching them a few feet away.
Gin stiffened. "I can handle it. I have a great responsibility. It's important to get as much done as I can. They could come back! Lord Hokage has one of them in custody and that horrible scorpion that killed Eiyu is still here," she said starting to get hysterical. Gin threw her arms down frustrated. "I have to do something for Kandai! Not as his leader, but as his friend!"
Idai crouched looking up into her face, his hands upon his knees. "Gin, they won't get away with what they did to Eiyu. I know Kandai is angry - as we all are. He's just trying to put his anger to use. We can't lose sight of protecting each other. Daiya is right. You need to eat, or you won't be able to look out for anyone. My dad cooked the boar himself. Plenty left for as much as you want." He smiled at her. "You also missed me without my shirt on while I was working."
Gin's face turned red at the mere thought. She just now realized his hair was cut short. Oh, no. I can see his neck and where his shoulders start. I'm a pervert! I am! I can see the sweat cascading down his back as he hammers. Gin's head spun.
Daiya caught her arm again.
Idai laughed. "You want to see? We can go around the corner," he whispered a little closer.
That was when Daiya landed his fist on top of his head. "I'm trying to get her to eat, idiot! She's already struggling to keep standing!"
Idai apologized.
Gin bit into the savory pork. "It's really good," she said tilting the plate so she could scarf it down. Her chopsticks moved fast shuffling everything into her cheeks like a hamster. She offered her plate out. "More, please, Gai sensei."
"Gin, I appreciate your enthusiasm for a man's labor, but you need to chew your food more. Healthy digestion is important." He added more meat to her plate. "Why aren't you eating, Daiya? You must be hungry."
"I don't eat pig," Daiya said blandly. The smell alone was enough to make him plug his nose. He didn't want to admit that he thought of the creatures as stupid with a sense of rash aggression. Daiya thought if he consumed it he would act the same way.
"Good thing I planned ahead," Gai said as he retrieved a bowl of vegetables. "Protein is not all your body needs to survive. Gin, you're going to be sick eating that fast."
Idai placed his hand in front of the chopsticks to stop her from stuffing her face. "Drink something, or you're going to have indigestion." He handed her his green tea.
Gin drank the tea slowly, the liquid hitting her stomach. She winced. "Ow, my stomach."
"Reason we said to slow down." Idai put his hand upon her stomach. He felt the tension stirring inside.
"I-Id-ai," Gin stammered, her face turning red hot.
He's impossible. Daiya's hand was in mid-air a half eaten cucumber on the edge of his chopsticks. At this rate, Gin's going to faint.
"Son, that isn't going to last long. Just sip the tea slowly, Gin. Idai," Gai started, "If you keep pressing her like that, she's going to vomit or defecate on the spot."
That did it. Daiya's left arm shot out catching Gin as she fell backwards from Gai's words of wisdom. Daiya rolled his eyes.
(Scene Change)
Sasuke sat beside Daiya at the low table, tea in front of them, and a plate of bean paste dumplings. It was protocol to meet with his best friend time to time again over the pass few days about surveillance. Naruto had asked specifically for Daiya this time. As tense as his adopted son was about facing the Hokage, he had still insisted on brining a gift.
Naruto bit into the dumpling. It was till warm from when it had been cooked. "Wow, this is awesome. You made these, Daiya? I can see Izumi has been spending a lot of time with you. Her cooking is impressive."
Sasuke reached to firmly grasp Daiya's hand under the table. The boy was starting to stress at the recognition. "Naruto, you wanted to talk to Daiya about something." He had to steer Naruto in a different direction. Daiya was still very sensitive about his relationship with the Uchiha.
"I see." Naruto put the dumpling down. "What do you remember of the clans in the Lightening country?" He watched the youth furrow his brows finding it an odd question to be asked. "The information might help us find Onari."
"You mean to locate her in order to nullify her intentions," Daiya said angrily. He was fixing to stand up, but Sasuke held his wrist down. The man didn't have to utter a word to stop his motion; just give one hard meaningful look.
"Continue," Sasuke said.
"My position as Hokage states that I must keep the people within the village safe. Even Onari. In regards to what she did at the exams, it is unfortunate for her to have shown the phoenix to everyone there. All of the other leaders saw it. I cannot deny its existence to them.
If we don't find Onari before other ninja do, it won't be just our village that falls. There are those in this world that want control and power for their own evil purposes. Some want it just as badly as Gekido and his men. You must remember that Takeru, Ryu, and Saori are all in danger for the gifts Onari bestowed to them. So far, intelligence reveals that their Celestials have not been revealed. The only ones who know about Takeru is the village and the lightening-nin that attacked.
It was learned some time ago, that Onari's parents hid her for fear of another person discovering her inheritance. I have found through discussions with the leader of the lightening country, the history of Onari's parents. It seems her mother was of a lower clan - an assassin by trade. Her mother could not speak for she had no tongue. It's to prevent the leakage of secrets within a clan. A cruel method indeed.
Onari's father was the heir to the phoenix - a Lord. He fell for Onari's mother. It was forbidden by the laws of their clan for an inferior ninja to be with nobility. If her parents had not escaped, Onari and her mother would have been killed in front of her father as punishment.
The Inazumakage told me this because she adored Onari's mother. When she was a child she worked in the servants house as a cook. Onari's mother used to stop and speak to her through drawings in the ground. She was a very kind person for an assassin.
I'm telling you this because I don't want to believe Onari was acting the way she was without probably cause. She is running to keep Gekido from gaining the phoenix. This Celestial is the beginning and end of creation. It can start or finish a war. I do not want to see a war started with such a beautiful bird. It should be cherished and not abused."
"All I remember is my... my... m-m," Daiya could not put the word 'mother' to the woman who birthed him. He refused to say it. He felt Sasuke place his hand on top of his head. "The woman that burt me was in league with an Eimino. I only remember his voice. I never saw his face, or knew his name. When he would come to that woman, she would entertain him. I was a mistake. He told her that I would be turned away if his clan found out about me. My fate would have been the same as Onari's.
Maybe that's why I don't trust anyone who is curious of her," Daiya said looking away. "The fact remains I owe you because you let me stay here. And if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have my dad or mom." Daiya looked down ashamed. He owed both of these men his life and gratitude.
"You can always pay me back by making me another batch of these," Naruto said stuffing his face with the last dumpling.
"You ate all of them," Sasuke said.
"Perhaps we could do a trade of sorts," Naruto said. "If I can find out other things about the clan you belong to, you can cook for me. I'm sure it's nagging you who they are. It would also let you know more about Onari and where she comes from."
"Also, what we're up against," Sasuke said in the long run.
Daiya bowed his agreement.
(Scene Change)
Saori hoisted her backpack wanting to return home as quickly as possible to check on the village. There was a knock at the door. Thinking it was Kankuro, she shouted, "Come in." Saori moved around wrapping Rose to keep the sand out of her gears. "I wish you could come back and help me with my latest puppet. It's a large worm that can burrow into the ground," she said happily thinking Kankuro would be impressed.
"I'm not sure what use I would be. I suspect you thought I was Kankuro." Gaara stood behind her without his Kazekage hat, only normal clothes.
"Uncle Gaara," Saori finally said recognizing his monotone voice. "I-I want to thank you for what you're doing. Mom will be so happy - and the Hokage."
"I can't let harm befall my niece. The men I'm sending will protect you along the way back. They are also going to help assist the village."
Saori couldn't contain herself any longer. She ran to Gaara, wrapping her arms around his chest. All of the stress from the journey to the Sand Village was released in her tears upon her Uncle. Gaara could have felt threatened by Josei, and his mighty power, but instead he was choosing to recognize the God for what he was.
Gaara placed his hand upon the top of his niece's blond hair. She looked so much like Temari, except she had Shikamaru's smile when she knew she had the upper hand. He was proud of her for standing by her village, refusing to cower down to another leader when confronted with her age, or what she knew to be true. "You did very well as a delegate. I'd rather have you come persuade me any day. Or if you just want to come visit, that's fine, too."
Saori stood back wiping her eyes. She smiled at her uncle with the red hair, blackness around his eyes, harboring a gourd of sand upon his back. Saori nodded her confirmation. She would be back to the Sand village one day on happier terms.