This story has been stewing inside my head for years now. After a few failed attempts at writing it, I finally feel it is time to complete it. I have many scenes ready for it and most of the storyline is mapped out.
I hope to be able to update regularly (I will try weekly, but I can not make it a promise)
Parts of the story are inspired by an old Japanese folktale about Shuten dōji. An evil oni who hated the world and Tamamo no Mae a Kitsune who, unlike the folktale, did not die in my version.
The Reckoning will be a mix of folktale, romance and adventure/action.
Anticipation
"Excuse me, sir, but something important has come up," a tall and slim man said, standing just outside the door. He was dressed all in black and wore a crow mask. He appeared before the man sitting at the desk, who had just finished writing a sentence on a piece of paper. Folding it neatly, he picked up a small stick of wax and held it over the fire, waiting for it to melt. Once it was liquid, he moved the wax over the paper and let a big drop fall, sealing it shut. Using his ring, he pressed it into the hot wax, leaving his distinct mark—a crow surrounded by flames.
Looking up, the man motioned for the servant in the crow mask to enter the room. "Please, tell me," he said, handing the letter to the attentive servant. The servant promptly left through the open patio doors, situated to the left of the desk.
The man in the crow mask walked to the center of the room, standing tall and composed. "We've received word that there's a storm brewing in the northern region," he began urgently. "Right now, we only have one operative stationed there. However, we've discovered that a certain person is also in that area, and their paths are going to cross soon." He emphasized the phrase "a certain person."
The man behind the desk narrowed his eyes, leaning back and fixating his gaze on the wall, lost in deep thought. "I assume this storm isn't natural," he asked, although he already knew the answer. A mere tempest wouldn't pose a threat to her.
"Indeed, sir," came the confident reply.
He let out a deep sigh, a heavy sense of resignation settling within him. There was little he could do now except hope against hope that their paths would never intersect, even though he knew deep down that such prayers were futile. Still, he couldn't resist voicing his concern. "Is there any nearby support available?" he asked, already aware of the answer. The masked man shook his head, dashing the fragile hope he held. Sending a team into the approaching storm would take more time than they had.
Drumming his fingers on the wooden desk, he pondered the situation at hand. He had unwavering faith in her abilities. She had been trained under his guidance and that of a few select others. She could outpace the storm or evade most attacks if necessary. No, it was his presence that troubled him. The forbidden and dangerous nature of their encounter loomed ominously, yet he had no means to prevent it. "When are they expected to cross paths?" he asked, his hopes depending on the storm veering them apart.
"Before the storm hits, sir."
Realization hit him like a heavy blow, weighing down his gut with a sense of dread. The storm had been carefully planned to bring those two individuals together, but for what reason? "Damn," he muttered, feeling a sinking sensation gripping his stomach.
Sakura gracefully leaped off the tree branch, landing softly amidst the tall grass. The sun had not yet set, casting a large, low glow on the horizon. A few fluffy clouds decorated the expansive blue sky, painting it with hues of pink, blue, and yellow. Birds chirped melodiously from the trees, while insects buzzed around in their tireless search for nectar. It seemed like a perfect summer evening, but a subtle unease lingered in the wind that rustled through the lush grass—a faint whisper of despair and impending danger. Sakura shivered, pulling her coat closer. She had a long journey ahead and no desire to pause.
After an hour of relentless travel, Sakura finally had to admit her fatigue and the need to rest. She stepped into a small clearing, where a swift-flowing stream ran alongside tall trees. The grass in the clearing was a vibrant green, beckoning her to sit and take a break. The light was fading rapidly, as it was the night of the new moon, and only the twinkling stars adorned the dark sky. Using her flashlight, Sakura gathered enough firewood and skillfully ignited a small fire, casting a comforting, warm glow around her. She stretched out on the soft grass, relishing the tranquillity that enveloped the place. The wind had ceased, and even the cool water nearby failed to dampen the serene atmosphere. A moth briefly landed on her leg, swiftly brushed away, its wings flickering in the firelight before disappearing into the surrounding darkness.
Despite the calm appearance of the evening, Sakura sensed an underlying restlessness. Small creatures scurried away in the forest behind her, and a sudden, piercing shriek broke the silence, followed by the sight of an owl soaring overhead. She tried to find a comfortable spot on the grass and closed her eyes, aware of the challenging journey that still lay ahead—reaching the coast.
Suddenly, she jolted awake, taking a moment to realize her surroundings. Slowly, she sat up, observing the dying embers of the fire casting a faint orange glow. A gust of wind stirred the embers, causing sparks to dance briefly before fading away. Sakura glanced around, trying to determine what had startled her. Looking up, she noticed the stars shining brightly, but the scent carried by the wind signaled an approaching rainstorm. Without hesitation, she extinguished the embers, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and swiftly climbed the nearest tree.
Perched high in the tree, Sakura surveyed the forest. Dark, churning clouds propelled by the wind raced towards her. Lightning crackled between the clouds, casting an eerie greenish hue. Sakura understood the imminent danger. She swiftly descended to the forest floor and dashed through the darkness, deftly avoiding trees and leaping over undergrowth. Despite her efforts, progress was slower than she had hoped, and the first raindrops landed on her head. A loud commotion beside her prompted her to press against a tree, just in time for a herd of deer to leap past. Catching the scent of their panic, Sakura followed closely behind them, hastening her pace.
Before long, Sakura emerged from the forest, greeted by a vast plain stretching out before her. She paused, taking a moment to observe the approaching storm. It closed in from three directions, relentless and ominous. She couldn't help but understand why the deer had fled the forest in a state of panic. Lightning split the clouds, revealing shadows that moved within the turbulent expanse. Even without visual confirmation, she could sense the grave danger the storm posed.
Sakura swiftly pivoted, sprinting toward the portion of the sky that remained clear. Just as she was making her escape, a sudden sound halted her in her tracks. She turned her gaze back to the gathering clouds, where amidst the rumbling thunder and howling wind, she discerned another sound—an unsettling cacophony of countless demons. Their collective howls reverberated with anticipation, infused with bloodlust and hatred. They surged forth, eager to unleash their violence upon all in their path. Sakura knew they were converging upon her.
"Oh, fuck!" Sakura muttered under her breath as she swiftly changed direction. This time, she ran with every ounce of her being, desperate to put distance between herself and the encroaching storm.
After running for a while, with the dark clouds hot on her heels, Sakura noticed movement to her left. The figure grew closer, and to her dismay, she realized it was another person. "Oh, double fuck!" she cursed inwardly. A distraction was the last thing she needed at that moment. Judging by the person's attire, she could tell they were a ninja. If they recognized her, it could spell trouble. Sakura knew she had to take immediate action to conceal her features before her true identity was discovered.
With practised fluidity, Sakura swiftly slid one shoulder strap of her backpack off, swinging it forward. From the side mesh pocket, she retrieved a mask. Balancing the mask in one hand, she swung her backpack back onto her shoulders. With utmost care, she positioned the mask over her face, concealing the upper part. It was a gift from Mikuzune, given a few months ago. Mikuzune had insisted that it suited Sakura more than herself, despite being a true Kitsune. The mask, crafted from white porcelain, showcased delicate pink blossoms and intricate golden swirls.
Sakura felt a sense of relief that she had tightly bound her long pink hair in a high bun. She hoped that the person approaching her wouldn't pay too much attention to it.
As the person drew nearer, Sakura could make out more of his features. He was male, tall, and dressed in typical ninja attire, but what shocked her was the mass of gray hair, dampened by the rain yet still unmistakable.
Hatake Kakashi!
Her mind raced, panic bubbling up from the pit of her stomach. How could he be here? What should she do? What could she do? What would happen if he recognized her?
A sudden thunderclap jolted her out of her chaotic thoughts, refocusing her on the present. The storm was rapidly closing in on them. Sakura realized that her pace had faltered momentarily and quickly picked up speed once more. Kakashi soon ran closely behind her, both heading in the same direction.
Sakura fervently prayed that they would reach the coast. Even if there was no assistance awaiting them, the water would deter most of the demons... But demons? How would she explain them to Kakashi? And why was he here, of all places?
Sakura stumbled momentarily, but quickly regained her balance and pressed on, her hands clenched into fists. Her thoughts raced faster than her feet could carry her. One thing remained certain in her mind: even if Kakashi noticed her distinctive pink hair and general appearance, he wouldn't make the connection.
After all, I'm supposed to be dead.
The thought pierced her heart with a sharp pain. It had been five years, yet the ache still lingered, a constant reminder of the past.
He let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling upon him. Although it was already very late, sleep would have to wait a little longer. Opening his eyes, he stood up from his chair and made his way across the room towards a low cabinet. Inside, an assortment of spirits awaited him, and he could certainly use a drink now. Choosing a bottle with a distinctive golden cap, he poured himself a generous cup of fine sake and downed it in a single gulp.
As he savored the warmth spreading through him, he noticed a subtle movement in the shadows near the veranda. Taking the bottle, his cup, and an additional cup from the cabinet, he walked towards the open doors.
Despite the late hour, a few lanterns still burned, casting gentle glows on the surrounding area. Their light reflected upon the tranquil surface of the nearby pond, revealing an elderly woman seated on one of the benches. A small table stood beside her, and he placed the cups upon it, filling them with sake. Handing one cup to the woman, he took a seat beside her and gazed out over the water, sipping from his own cup of sake.
He broke the silence with a question, his voice tinged with concern. "You heard?"
The woman nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "I hear everything, especially when it concerns one of you two." She took a sip from her cup, savoring the taste before continuing. "I still remember the day you arrived here, Itachi. You were so lost, yet filled with determination to fight. And then..." She trailed off, exhaling heavily and shaking her head. "It was a terrible affair, one that never should have happened."
He pressed further, his voice filled with apprehension. "Will they cross paths?"
Finishing her drink, the woman placed her empty cup on the bench beside her. She rose slowly, her tails swaying gently, and made her way back towards the house. "Oh, they will meet," she replied with a hint of resignation. "There's nothing we can do now. Pandemonium will surely erupt."
