DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (I DO OWN A DISC OF NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 4 ON MY XBOX)
Ch.34 - Team 8
- In Yugakure -
The sun hung majestically in the clear sky, casting its warm glow over the landscape. Wisps of clouds meandered alongside, providing intermittent respite from the sun's rays. Yet, despite the celestial display, the day remained pleasantly mild, thanks to gentle breezes that caressed the travelers. Team 8 pressed onward, their destination set on Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Water), where their elusive client awaited. Days of arduous travel had brought them to this precipice, their arrival imminent.
Kiba's discontent echoed through the air, his voice colored with frustration. "I can't believe all my cousins and relatives get to go find hidden bunkers, while I'm left behind..."
"Suck it up, Kiba. It's out of our hands anyway," Sakura retorted, her words brimming with a touch of impatience.
Kurenai, their ever-calm mentor, interjected, attempting to assuage Kiba's disappointment. "Sakura is right, Kiba. And besides, they probably have it all under control" she advised, evoking a resigned sigh from the disheartened young shinobi.
"Fine... But do we even know what this mission is about?" Kiba inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"I don't know the specifics but Hokage-sama told us that our client would explain everything to us when we get there," Kurenai replied, her voice tinged with a hint of mystery.
Sakura, ever inquisitive, sought further clarity. "And do we have any information about our client?"
"Unfortunately, no. Though I understand that our client has ties to a prominent businessman here at Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Water)," Kurenai responded, offering glimpses into the enigma that awaited them.
"Why didn't this person just hire shinobi from their village, Kurenai-sensei?" Choji chimed in, his mind grappling with the complexities of their mission.
Kurenai paused, considering Choji's query. "Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Water) still maintains a small force of resident shinobi. They safeguard the village's borders, handle various tasks, and ensure the safety of visiting tourists. However, their military might falls short in comparison to other minor villages across the elemental nations. That's precisely why our client sought to hire Konoha shinobi," she elucidated, shedding light on the unique circumstances surrounding their involvement.
After traversing the final stretch, Team 8 at last arrived at Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Water), where the village gate stood sentry. Shinobi stationed there raised vigilant gazes, their keen eyes immediately discerning the Konoha insignia adorning their visitors. A momentary pause ensued, as the guardians sought to ensure the safety of their small realm, questioning both civilians and shinobi alike.
"Halt! State your business here," one of the guards commanded, his voice brimming with authority.
"We are Konoha shinobi, summoned by a resident who lives here," Kurenai stated confidently, her words carrying the weight of their purpose.
"May we see the requisite documentation?" another guard requested, a necessary precaution in safeguarding their village. Kurenai nodded, retrieving the scroll entrusted to them by the Hokage. The guard meticulously examined the document, absorbing its contents before returning it with a nod of approval. Gesturing to his comrades, he signaled for the gates to open wider, granting passage to the esteemed visitors. Kurenai expressed her gratitude, motioning for her students to follow her through the now welcoming gateway.
Sakura, Choji, and Kiba, entrusting their fates to their seasoned mentor, dutifully trailed behind. As they ventured deeper into the village, they encountered an atmosphere distinct from the world outside. The temperature noticeably rose, wrapping their surroundings in a blanket of heat, while wisps of steam danced and swirled, turning the very air into a mystifying spectacle. Truly, this was a place befitting its name, the "Village Hidden in Hot Water."
"Kurenai-sensei, where are we heading to?" Choji asked, his curiosity burning like a smoldering ember.
"Hokage-sama instructed us to head directly to the plaza, where our client would meet us," Kurenai revealed, her voice brimming with anticipation.
Sakura's inquisitive nature pressed on. "Are clients permitted to withhold mission details?"
Kurenai paused, choosing her words carefully. "Not typically. If a client seeks such confidentiality, they must have a discussion with the Hokage, requesting a mission tailored to their requirements. However, such missions are typically finicky and complicated," she disclosed, acknowledging the intricacies that lay ahead, leaving her students intrigued yet slightly bewildered.
Team 8 eventually arrived at the bustling plaza, their destination where their enigmatic client would soon reveal themselves. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Kurenai's discerning eyes spotted a weathered bench, a haven for weary travelers. Motioning to her students, she invited them to take a seat, granting their tired legs a respite in this ever-unfolding tale.
- 35 Minutes Later -
Kiba let out a weary groan, voicing his frustration. "*sigh* Why the heck is our client taking so long..."
Kurenai, always composed, reassured him with a calm tone. "Be patient, Kiba. Our client will be here any minute now."
As if on cue, a figure adorned in samurai armor, with a kimono-like garment beneath, approached the team. His ensemble included black sandals, a belt, a pouch, and a sheathed katana hanging at his side. Team 8's attention turned towards the stranger, prompting Kurenai to inquire if they could be of assistance. "Are you the Konoha shinobi hired by Tamayori-sama?" the man inquired.
"We are. May we know who is asking?" Kurenai responded, maintaining an air of authority.
"My name is Shotaro Inakaki. Tamayori-sama instructed me to pick you all up and escort you to his manor," Shotaro revealed, introducing himself.
Kurenai scrutinized him briefly before nodding in approval. She gestured for her team to follow Shotaro, leading them toward their client's residence. The journey was short, as the manor was not far from their current location. Within minutes, they stood before a mid-sized manor nestled atop a gentle hill.
The manor was encircled by an ornate metal fence, adorned with intricate designs and decorative finials. Inside the enclosure sprawled a sizable expanse of land, encompassing various features such as gardens, a glistening fountain, a serene pond, elegant statues, and a charming gazebo.
As they reached the front gate, they encountered stationed guards. Shotaro approached them, informing them of his companions' identities. After a brief exchange, the formalities were concluded, and the gate swung open to welcome them inside.
Team 8, led by Shotaro, walked along a meticulously crafted stone path that led to the grand front door of the manor. The imposing black door, adorned with gleaming door knockers, stood as a testament to the opulence within. The manor itself exuded an air of lavishness, clearly showcasing the wealth invested in its construction.
The magnitude of the manor impressed Kurenai and her students, dwarfing the modest houses they had passed earlier. The mere comparison to their village's residences left them awestruck, contemplating whether this manor might even rival the grandeur of the Hokage's abode.
Shotaro grasped the door knockers firmly, their polished surfaces reflecting the surrounding opulence. The anticipation lingered for a moment before the doors opened. A woman dressed in a maid's uniform stood before them, nodding in acknowledgment to Shotaro's presence. As Team 8 entered the manor, she bowed respectfully, reciprocating their gestures of respect.
"Ahhh! You must be the Konoha shinobi I requested! Come in, come in!" a man's voice echoed from the top of the grand staircase.
Team 8 turned their attention towards the source, their gazes fixated on a distinguished man descending the stairs. Clad in a well-tailored suit, adorned with leather shoes, jewelry, and sporting glasses, he exuded an air of affluence. Despite appearing to be in his mid-forties, he maintained a youthful countenance. Drawing closer, he addressed them with a warm smile.
"Welcome to my humble abode!" he greeted them, though the notion of humility seemed misplaced in such grandeur. Team 8 silently agreed to set their reservations aside for now.
"We are indeed honored to be here, Tamayori-san. I am Kurenai Yuhi, and these are my students," she introduced herself, signaling for her students to follow suit.
Sakura, brimming with enthusiasm, offered her services with a friendly smile. "My name is Sakura Haruno, sir. I am at your disposal."
Kiba, accompanied by his loyal companion Akamaru, introduced himself with a confident tone. "The name's Kiba Inuzuka, and this here is Akamaru."
Choji, unable to resist the allure of food, couldn't help but indulge his senses. "sniff sniff Is that the aroma of pork?..." he queried, his appetite betraying him. Kurenai and Sakura exchanged exasperated glances, silently palm their faces in response.
Chuckling at Choji's remark, Tamayori replied with a smile. "Oh, indeed! My chefs are preparing tonight's dinner. They're making one of my favorite dishes, Kakuni Bossam."
Kurenai laughed nervously at Choji's obsession with food, expressing gratitude for Tamayori's hospitality. She inquired about their assigned task, to which he responded that it would be discussed over dinner.
"Worry not, for we shall discuss the matter during dinner. For now, make yourselves at home," he suggested, inviting them to embrace the comforts of his manor.
"Now that I have escorted them here, I shall take my leave, Tamayori-sama," Shotaro stated, readying himself to depart.
"Leaving so soon? Join us for dinner, Shotaro-san!" Tamayori extended an invitation.
"Oh its alright, I've already eaten not too long ago" Shotaro replied
"But I insist, its been a while since you last joined me for dinner, Shotaro-san" Tamayori replied
"Very well, Tamayori-sama. I shall make arrangements to return later," Shotaro acknowledged, bowing respectfully before bidding farewell to the manor.
"Now, where were we? Ah, yes!" Tamayori exclaimed, recalling his intention. He retrieved a bell from his coat and rang it melodically. Within moments, a maid responded to his call, inquiring about his needs.
"Orihana-san, please show our guests to their rooms," Tamayori instructed his maid.
"As you wish, Tamayori-sama. Right this way," Orihana addressed Team 8, guiding them to their respective rooms. Ascending the grand staircase, they marveled at the exquisite decor that adorned the walls. Paintings depicting breathtaking sceneries, self-portraits, and abstract art adorned the halls. Intricate houseplants, elegant vases, and luxurious furnishings further contributed to the overall ambiance.
Their footsteps resonated on the polished wooden floor, shimmering like a reflective mirror. Finally, they reached their designated rooms. Kurenai would have her own private quarters, while Sakura, Choji, and Kiba would share a spacious room more than accommodating for the three of them.
"Everything you need shall be inside. The bathroom is down the hall. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to approach me. The dining room is located in the left wing of the manor, please head down at six o'clock," Orihana informed them, bowing gracefully before departing downstairs.
Kurenai turned to her students, observing their awe-struck expressions. It was their first time experiencing such opulence and receiving such royal treatment. Strangely, even she felt a sense of displacement within these grand surroundings. Though not destitute, Kurenai led a modest life, far removed from the trappings of extravagance.
Shelving her contemplations, Kurenai turned her gaze toward her students, her expression serious yet caring. "Now, listen to me. I expect each of you to exhibit impeccable behavior from this point forward. I don't want to hear a single complaint, understood?" Kurenai's voice conveyed a sense of authority, but her words were tempered with a motherly concern. The three young shinobi nodded in unison, their commitment to adhere to her instructions evident.
"Very well. Settle down and make yourselves comfortable for now. Ensure you're downstairs by six o'clock. I'll see you all there in thirty minutes," Kurenai concluded, offering a reassuring smile before retiring into her own room, leaving her students to find solace and prepare for the forthcoming evening.
- Inside Her Room -
Closing the door behind her, Kurenai took a moment to survey her surroundings. The room exuded an air of tranquility, impeccably clean and inviting. Coziness enveloped the space, enticing her to explore further.
Her eyes fell upon the colossal dresser that stood prominently. Eager to inspect its storage capacity, she opened it, revealing an expansive expanse of space. A tinge of envy washed over her as she compared it to her own comparatively modest dresser, which struggled to accommodate all her belongings. A full-length mirror caught her attention, beckoning her to examine her reflection. Kurenai stood before it, taking in her appearance, appreciating the attention to detail in both the mirror's craftsmanship and her own reflection. Beyond the mirror, a large window provided a picturesque view of another meticulously manicured garden, offering a momentary respite from the world outside. A well-appointed study table with an accompanying chair awaited her scholarly endeavors. A bookshelf, adorned with a myriad of titles, showcased the literary treasures that awaited exploration. And in the center of it all, a king-sized bed beckoned her with its fresh, inviting sheets.
She placed her bag carefully on the study table and allowed herself to sink into the plush mattress. The foam cradled her body, enveloping her in a cocoon of comfort. Kurenai couldn't help but wonder about the cost of such luxury. The thought crossed her mind that this mattress might even surpass the one in Asuma's apartment, let alone her own humble bed.
"Gosh... Is this memory foam? This bed feels better than any I've ever experienced. It surpasses even Asuma's mattress and certainly outshines my own," she mused silently, marveling at the opulence of her temporary haven.
"I could definitely get used to this," she whispered to the room, stretching her body to release the tension that had accumulated throughout the day. The room embraced her in its serenity, offering respite from the outside world.
- Outside Her Room -
As Sakura opened the door to their shared room, all three of them stepped inside, their jaws dropping at the sight of the impeccably maintained space. The room mirrored Kurenai's, boasting the same elegant furnishings and meticulous cleanliness. However, instead of a single king-sized bed, three queen-sized beds awaited them, each adorned with fresh sheets.
"I call dibs on the middle one!" Kiba exclaimed, dropping his pack and eagerly launching himself onto the bed. The mattress responded with a gentle bounce, cradling him in an instant. He let out a contented sigh, thoroughly enjoying the plush comfort.
"Hey! Don't just jump on the bed, Kiba! What if you break something?" Sakura scolded him, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Relax... I didn't put that much force into it," Kiba argued, defending his impulsive act.
"Sakura is right, Kiba. We were instructed to behave and show proper respect as guests here," Choji chimed in, his words carrying a sense of responsibility.
"Fine, fine..." Kiba relented, his enthusiasm tempered by his teammates' reminders.
"Hey, Sakura, which bed would you like?" Choji inquired, eager to settle into his own resting spot.
"I'm fine with either, Choji," Sakura replied, her tone indicating her flexibility.
"In that case, I'll take the one on the left," Choji claimed as he carefully placed his bag beside his chosen bed.
With only one bed remaining, Sakura approached it, slipped off her sandals, and laid down upon its inviting surface. The softness and comfort enveloped her, eliciting a quiet sigh of satisfaction. Sakura couldn't help but wish her bed back home was as plush, though she acknowledged that her own bed was far from inadequate.
Deciding it was best to freshen up before dinner, Sakura rose from the bed. The lingering stickiness from the journey demanded attention. Before heading to the bathroom, she suggested to her teammates that they do the same. They readily agreed, recognizing the need to rid themselves of the grime accumulated during their travels.
- 30 Minutes Later -
Kurenai and her students made their way downstairs, having freshened up for the dinner ahead. There, they found their client seated at the head of a long rectangular table, with Shotaro by his side. Tamayori warmly invited them to take their seats, assuring them that dinner would soon be served.
"Thank you for inviting us to dinner, Tamayori-san," Kurenai expressed her gratitude.
"The pleasure is all mine," he replied with a gracious smile.
Kurenai and her students approached the table, settling into their designated seats. Moments later, the tantalizing aroma of various dishes filled the air as the chef and servants emerged from the kitchen. Each servant presented a different delicacy, enticing their senses. The dishes were placed on the table, and the servants attentively provided napkins, laying them on their laps. Team 8 couldn't help but grin at the remarkable service they were receiving—such an experience was entirely new to them.
"Dinner is served. We have prepared the following dishes for tonight: Sake-poached Chicken with Soba Noodles, Green Tea Beef Yakitori with Seasoned Rice, Tonkatsu Chicken with Caramelized Carrots, and Tamayori-sama's favorite, Kakuni Bossam," the chef announced, concluding the presentation of the meticulously crafted feast.
"Splendid! Thank you for preparing these. We shall savor each and every dish," Tamayori expressed his appreciation to the chef, who smiled in response before departing.
Tamayori wasted no time and began indulging in his meal, breaking apart his chopsticks with practiced ease. However, he noticed that Shotaro and Team 8 still hesitated, their empty plates before them. "What are you waiting for? Go on, dig in before it gets cold!" he encouraged them warmly.
"Itadakimasu (I humbly receive)" they chorused in unison, expressing their gratitude for the food. Breaking their chopsticks, they each selected their desired dishes. Kurenai and Sakura opted for the Tonkatsu Chicken with Caramelized Carrots, Kiba chose the Green Tea Beef Yakitori with Seasoned Rice, and Shotaro savored the Sake-poached Chicken with Soba Noodles. As for Choji, faced with the difficult decision of choosing just one, he remembered their earlier conversation about proper behavior and decided to exercise restraint, selecting the Kakuni Bossam.
With every bite, the team was met with an explosion of flavors that delighted their palates. The conversation flowed naturally, intermingling with the enjoyment of the meal. Tamayori engaged them in small talk, and they reciprocated, sharing tidbits of their own experiences. As they continued to savor the carefully crafted dishes, dinner eventually drew to a close.
A new set of servants emerged from the kitchen, carrying trays covered with circular lids. Approaching the table, they gently placed the trays down, unveiling the dessert beneath.
"For tonight's dessert, the chef has prepared Purin (Japanese Custard). Enjoy," one of the servants announced.
"Excellent! Thank you for this," Tamayori expressed his appreciation, and the servants bowed before departing.
Awaiting Tamayori's lead, they observed as he took the first bite. Following suit, they each indulged in the creamy delight that danced on their tongues. Rich, velvety, and utterly irresistible, the dessert brought a perfect conclusion to their feast.
Tamayori swallowed his bite and addressed them with a serious tone. "May we begin our discussion now?"
"Of course, Tamayori-san. Please proceed," Kurenai responded, her gaze focused on him.
"Very well. As you may know, I am the youngest child of a wealthy businessman here in Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Water). Unfortunately, my father recently passed away, Kami bless his soul, and according to his will, I am to inherit the family business," Tamayori began, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"We offer our condolences, Tamayori-san," Kurenai expressed her sympathy, her voice filled with empathy.
"Thank you for your kind words. However, my life was put in danger when I was attacked on the way here to Yugakure. It seems like someone has placed a hit on me, I believe that was a ploy to get take me out of the picture since I am the inheritor of my father's business." Tamayori revealed, his worries laid bare.
Kurenai and her students listened intently, understanding the gravity of the situation. It was now clear that their mission involved protecting their client from potential harm. "I see... Can you provide us names of people that might want to hurt you?" Kurenai inquired, her voice calm yet assertive.
"I can think of a couple of names that might want to do that, one is the owner of our rival competitor, Rokuro Kubo. He and I don't really get long. As far as relationships go, my connection to him is strictly professional. I also have an ex-wife that hates my guts for splitting up with her, we had a falling-out in our marriage, I found out that she has been cheating on me. Lastly is, uhhh... My brother, he and I aren't particularly close with one another. Ever since we were kids, our relationship has been strained due to the fact that my father favored me more than him even though he was the eldest" Tamayori explained
"Why is that, Tamayori-san?" Kureni asked
"Well the reason for that was because I showed interest in my father's business, I worked hard to learn the ropes under my father's tutelage, whereas my brother... Let's just say he focused on other things" Tamayori responded
"Very well, Tamayori-san. My team and I will get to the bottom of this and while we're at it, you can count on us to ensure your safety," Kurenai reassured him, her words carrying the weight of determination.
"Thank you, Yuhi-san. I truly appreciate your support," Tamayori expressed his gratitude.
With dessert concluded, another group of servants emerged from the kitchen. Their purpose was to clear the table and attend to the dishes, efficiently carrying them back to be washed. Tamayori advised them to get a good night's sleep, considering the arduous journey they had endured. Kurenai nodded in agreement, thanking him once again for the wonderful meal. She gestured for her students to follow her, leading them upstairs to their respective rooms. Before bidding them goodnight, she reminded them to remain vigilant and prepared for any emergencies that may arise.
(A/N: Hey there, sorry for the late upload, the reason is that I am still handling the courses I have to take for this semester. Also, I'll be uploading slower now because I have classes in two days so sorry about that but I hope y'all understand. Studies come first but I'll try my best to update whenever I can. Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter, that's all cheers! ^^)