Feared Reverence
[Standardized human date: August 20, 2536.
The Sans reporting program studio
Journalist Sansa packed her things after the film crew informed her that the broadcast was over, and as she was putting her equipment away, her colleagues invited her to join them for lunch with the entire crew.
"Sorry ladies, but I can't make it today. I have an appointment; perhaps we could meet up next time?"
"An appointment? Sansa, you have a date, don't you?" Sanara, as always cheerful and spontaneous, wanted to extract any information from her friend. "Tell me!"
"What! Of course not, I'm not going on a date!"
Even with the Salarian woman chastising her Asari friend, Sanara is still teasing her Turian friend
"Sanara, stop; do you not realize that you are making her uncomfortable with your questions?" Leave her alone and let it go." As usual, Sanrus acted as a peacemaker between them and pulled her friend out of the room.
Sansa quickly grabbed all her things and left through the other exit before Sanara came back to pester her again.
Sansa straightened her dress again, repeating in her head that this wasn't a date; she was just there because a friend had invited her to lunch and it was just a lunch between friends - nothing more, nothing less.
The human man that Sansa believed also considered her a friend was impressive even from a distance, You could tell his big strong body and his dark-colored skin covered in tattoos, The only thing different that Sansa noticed was the lack of his blue uniform which was surprising since she had only ever seen him wearing that outfit, and now he wore even more elegant military-style clothes.
Sansa walked towards him and if by chance she moved her hips sensually while walking, it was just an impression.
"Chomoro, I didn't make you wait too long didn't I?"
The Human male looked at her with his beautiful brown eyes and smiled, shaking his head.
"Don't worry about it, Sansa; it was worth the wait. You look beautiful, you know." His voice came out in a low, husky tone that sent shivers through Sansa's body.
'Spirits, why is his voice so deep!?' If Sansa were a human female, her cheeks would be red by now. "Thank you, you look handsome as well." She stuttered, trying to hide her reaction to the voice of the man in front of her.
Chuckling softly at the woman's behavior and also at the words she tried to hide, Chomoro stood up and pulled out a chair for Sansa.
"You look beautiful tonight, Sansa. Please sit."
He said, giving her a wink, and she melted at the oak attitude as well as the light flirtation he threw her way.
"Yes, the night has barely begun, how about we get something to eat?" She tried to pull her attention away from the conversation and focus on something else.
Chomoro was enjoying that lunch, and although the mission that his captain gave him was the cause of this meeting, Chomoro had decided that he would enjoy every moment.
"Sansa, I must tell you that I had an ulterior motive for asking you to lunch with me."
"An ulterior motive? What do you mean by that?"
"My captain asked me to send the program an invitation for you to go to Subarashī o miyage and report the event."
Those words shattered Sansa's hopes that Chomoro had asked her out on a real date and that he would reveal that his ulterior motive was that he had feelings for her too. She was a fool to believe that; she made a fool of herself by getting so dressed up and trying to get his attention with her body.
It's okay if he invites her to talk business; she will do that, and when she comes home, she can cry all her frustrations over thinking that he is interested in her.
Chomoro saw Sansa's face darken and her eyes look bleary for a moment before she rubbed her hand over her face and rubbed her eyes, shifting her posture and staring at him seriously. That attitude left Chomoro confused. Where was the nervous woman who seemed to light up whenever she talked to someone?
"If we're going to talk about work because it took so long, we could have solved this problem without wasting so much time." Her voice sounded dry and hard as if he were speaking to someone unpleasant.
"Sansa, what happened…?"
"Nothing! You didn't want to tell me about the invite; we were so focused on it." She interrupted him before he could pretend he cared about her.
Doubts circulated in Chomoro's head but he thought she was uncomfortable so he decided to follow his lead and began to discuss how the invitation to the Subarashī o miyage party would be.
"It has been decided that the reporting team is invited to the first day of the festival and will be instructed on how to act, as these days are mainly religious and very important to my people. You may film certain religious rituals, but you must always show respect. Expenses will also be paid, and there will be guards for your safety. I will pick you up the day before, and you must keep this information secret; you will be the only non-humans allowed during the first three days of the festival."
" I will inform the team to keep everything a secret." As she left, Sansa turned and looked hurt at Chomoro. "You didn't have to ask me out to eat just to say that, I thought... No matter what I thought, I've understood our relationship by now."
"Wait, Sansa!" he said, taking her arm and standing in front of her. "You think I didn't want to ask you out? It's not true! No matter what the initial reason, I decided I wanted to spend time with you."
Startled, Sansa tried to seek the truth in the eyes of the man who had so moved her. "You're not lying, are you? You're telling me the truth."
"Of course! I wanted to go out with you; I'm sorry if I hurt you by thinking I only wanted to ask you out because of work."
Happy Sansa did something unexpected and surprising even for herself and hugged the great man.
"Fine, you tell me you didn't mean to hurt me, I'll believe you, but next time when you invite me, be clear about it."
"Does this mean you'll agree to go out with me on the next date?"
"Yes, I do," she said, smiling. "How about we talk about our plans for the next date as you walk me home?"
Chomoro was so happy to see Sansa normal again that she accepted without thinking, taking her things, and undoing the seal on the table that prevented anyone from listening and recording her conversation.
'You convinced me."
...
Sakura-class frigate en route to the Citadel.
Nero Hyuga was nervous about his upcoming mission, it reminded him of when he was assigned to be his students' sensei. They were the heirs of their clans and the responsibility of caring for and teaching these children was huge, When he was told that he would be the one to train the new Ino-Shika-Cho team of clan heirs he almost denied it but was told that it was the best choice because despite being part of the Hyuga Clan, he was also part of the Inuzuka and Lee clans. And his interests would not be focused on just one student.
After a decade, Nero was again assigned to take care of his students, who were now the ambassadors of the new species that humanity had just encountered.
"What do you think of our mission, Cilo?" Nero asked his canine companion who had accompanied him since he was a Genin.
"I think these little dogs like to look for problems, Nero. I knew I should have bitten them more when they were younger." The Wolf responded by baring his fangs as grumpy as ever.
Nero grinned at the aggressive, quippy wolf, and wondered yet again why his mother had chosen a wolf as his mate. He didn't know that they, unlike all other canines, were so aggressive.
His mother always said that Inuzuka's canine companions should complement their owner's personality, although Nero was a Hyuga, his mother insisted that he gain Cilo and learn the Inuzuka clan techniques.
"They've grown up, Cilo, They're not little dogs anymore and you can't bite them anymore, They're ambassadors now, you have to show respect."
"Even you don't believe that Nero. Respect for these brats? I still remember them picking snot out of their noses." Cilo snarled, those brats will always be puppies to him.
"You're still upset because they went to the Citadel to become ambassadors and didn't talk to us, or because they haven't sent any messages yet?"
Stroking the wolf's head, Nero sighed, frustrated with his friend's stubbornness when he learned that he was only worried and saddened by the lack of news from his students.
The Wolf groaned and flattened his ears, looking haggard.
" Did I do something wrong, Nero? For them not to send any news to us, they are mad at me." Nero continued caressing his friend wanting to cheer him up.
Yes, wolves were aggressive, but they were also loyal and family-oriented, and to Cilo, those brats were part of the family.
"Cilo I'm sure they aren't mad at you since you didn't do anything wrong, They must just be very busy and that's why they didn't get in touch."
"Do you think so, Nero?"
"Cilo, you shouldn't worry so much after all, We're going to meet them and we'll be able to solve any doubts personally my friend."
Whimpering, his friend lay down at his friend's feet and stayed that way until they were informed that they had arrived at the Citadel.
"Come on buddy we have to find our brats."
Citadel- Anchoring docks.
When Nero entered the Citadel, he was greeted by the Turian C-sec captain, Adrian Corvus, accompanied by three officers from C-sec.
"Welcome, Lord Nero. I am Captain Adrian; I will escort you to the Human Embassy."
"Thank you, captain, Cilo, and I look forward to meeting the ambassadors."
"Yes, about that, I was informed that you would be bringing an animal from Earth, and I need to confirm that it will be contained and will not cause trouble for anyone."
When Adrian said this, one of the Turians who accompanied him gave him a muzzle to contain the Varren that some species use as guard dogs.
"This animal has to use this for the safety of the people in the Citadel." As soon as Adrian said this, the large brown-furred animal bared its fangs and growled, which only made its appearance more frightening due to its size, so large that Adrian would not doubt that the Human man could mount on top of it.
"Cilo! Stop it now, you're not helping anything by growling like that. And I'm sorry, captain, but I can't accept this. If Cilo were any other animal, I would, but he's an Inuzuka wolf, and using a muzzle is an insult to him and me, saying that we can't control our instincts."
"Sir, I don't mean to offend you or your companion, but this animal needs to be contained. We don't know anything about it or how it might react to other species, this is a safety measure." Adrian would not back down, containing this animal was something that could not be discussed. This 'Inuzuka Wolf' was a huge human-sized creature and could not walk around the Citadel without any security measures.
Sighing in frustration, Nero knew he needed to find a way to stop the situation from escalating any further; it seemed very close, as Nero felt his partner's tension with every word Turian spoke.
"Listen, Captain, I have a solution to this problem. I can't accept the muzzle, but I can use a regular neck collar to restrict Cilo's movements." Seeing the Turians' hesitation, Nero was firm in his next words. "I won't accept less."
"We accept that you keep this animal in restraint and we will take it to the embassy." Adrian wanted this to end as quickly as possible to get rid of the problem.
Nero was relieved with the captain's acceptance and now all he had to do was convince his companion so that everything could be resolved, which was easier said than done.
"Cilo, for the first time in your life can you listen to me and just down what I say without/complaining?" Impressively, his partner lowers his head, letting Nero put on the collar without any problems or complaints.
"Cilo you..."
"Come on Nero, we've wasted enough time here, I'm sure the brats are wondering where we are." Cilo interrupted him by pulling on the collar. What made Nero smile is clear that the reason Cilo accepted without complaints would be his students. That old wolf, despite his tough exterior, had a soft heart.
"Follow me, Lord Nero," Adrian said as he accompanied him. He could only wonder why the human was talking so much to that animal.
Adrian didn't understand what was happening, because whenever Nero spoke to the Wolf he seemed to understand and responded with barks or grunts.
[Author's Note- Translators only work with humans so Adrian doesn't understand Cilo even though he speaks the same language as Nero.]
But that wasn't his problem and he wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Chamber of Embassies-Human Embassy.
When Nero entered the embassy the first thing he saw were his students at the reception.
"Sensei Nero!" Hana screamed with joy as she ran to hug her teacher.
"Hey, you brat your Byakugan didn't see me either." Cilo stood in front, preventing her from hugging Nero.
"Cilo, you big bad wolf, of course, I'm going to see you too, but if you can't wait for my hug, I can hug you now," Hana said, putting her arms around Wolf's neck, and hugging him.
"You grumpy dog, I know you're acting tough," Inokou said, approaching and stroking Cilo's head. "But don't worry, I miss you too."
Nero was happy to see his students again and even happier to see his partner Cilo who, despite pretending he wasn't enjoying the attention from his students, was happy deep down.
"Cilo, stop playing around," Nero said to his friend who growled in annoyance.
"Sensei, it's also really good to see you after so long." Inokou stopped petting Cilo and praised her Sensei. "Nero Sensei I have great news for you, I have a new jutsu to show you."
"Yes Sensei, Ino has created an incredible new jutsu, you have to see it." Hana was excited to show the teacher.
Nero, seeing the excitement on his students' faces, recalled the joy he felt when presenting each one with various jutsu.
ChoKuma watched as his companions met with their Sensei.
"ChoKuma-Sama, won't you join the women in welcoming your Sensei?" Chomoro asked his captain.
"No, I still have something to take care of and then I will join them," ChoKuma responded walking to his room.
"What could it be ChoKuma-Sama?"
"Chomoro, tell me how was the meeting you had yesterday with the journalist from the program The Sans?" He said entering his room and sitting at his desk with Chomoro sitting across from him.
"I invited her as you asked and she accepted," he replied remembering the meeting he was due with Sansa.
ChoKuma looked seriously at his guard. "Is that the only reason, Chomoro? Or did you also want to propose to her?"
Chomoro was frightened by his captain's words. "H-how... Did you realize?"
"Chomoro, you know the consequences of your choices. Your adventure may be costly." The ambassador's voice was cold and stern.
"I know. But I can assure you this isn't an adventure! I like Sansa ChoKuma-Sama and I've tried not to, but I always think about her again." Chomoro's expression was one of pure determination.
The feeling he felt for Sansa was true and he wanted to fight for it.
"Do you remember the nature of a Shinobi's love? Do you remember how far shinobis can go to protect those we love? Would she understand Chomoro?"
Chomoro knew that his Captain's doubts were valid after all Shinobi was born and raised to be loyal. This loyalty can be anything. It can be loyalty to a person or an ideal. And as in the past, Shinobi lived short lives because they could die very quickly. So when they fell in love, that love was deep and could be quite dark.
And even nowadays the Shinobi haven't changed their way of loving even though they have longer lives and without wars they still mature and live quickly So, when they fall in love…
The biggest and strongest enemies that humanity has ever faced have always used people's feelings as a form of manipulation, as in the Great 4 Ninja War when Obito Uchiha was used after losing his great love, his teammate Rin. Just like the old cycle of hatred that the Nations were trapped in, after all, it was not easy to forgive when the other side killed their loved ones.
ChoKuma leaned back in his chair. "If you allow yourself to love her, will that love be like all the loves we feel, will she be comfortable with that?" he asked. "Even our civilians can't handle such a thing sometimes."
Sighing, Chomoro looked away but then looked back at his Captain. "I know... But I don't want to give up on this feeling sir, I want to try!" His final statement was spoken with conviction.
"Alright Chomoro, you seem to have decided and I'm not going to stop you, but I want you to keep in mind that our relationship with the Citadel is still very bad at home and this event that we are promoting is not just to calm things down with the civilians, but We also find out about your weaknesses so try to keep your relationship without too much turbulence."
These words called Chomoro who realized that even with the warnings Captain ChoKuma would not stop him from trying to have a relationship with Sansa.
"Thank you ChoKuma-Sama. I will show that your trust in me was not in vain."
"I know."
[Standardized Human Date: August 26, 2536.
Shanxi Colony - Great event Subarashī o miyage.
Today will be a great day!
The Human Subarashi o miyage festival was opened to the Citadel species. This event was eagerly awaited and became public knowledge, leading to an insatiable search for information.
There wasn't that much information and all the Citadel had was a packet of data provided to the Council. What caused the most curiosity in everyone who chose to travel to Shanxi? As the date approached, more information was released about how it would work and what it would have to show to everyone present.
And when the day of the festival finally arrived, ship traffic was huge, for every hour that passed the number of ships entering Alliance territory only increased, thousands embarked on the first day alone, bringing people of all species to Shanxi. This did not relax security in any way, as the only known entrance to human space was Relay 314, which was over human domain.
Incredibly Shanxi recovered well from the conflict with the Turians, the largest area affected by the attacks was under reconstruction and almost over because of the tireless work of the Turians sent by the Council, and huge walls were built to prevent anyone unauthorized from approaching.
However, as Shanxi was a new colony, not all of its space had been used, so the Kages gave orders for other cities to be built, and when they were ready, these cities would be where humans would receive guests from the Citadel.
Fourth Spaceports were spread throughout the new city specifically in the areas where each village would perform its version of Subarashī o miyage.
Various decorations were spread all over the streets and people were swarming past stalls, restaurants, and unique exhibitions.
There was even an area where restaurants served Dextro food where you could see a large concentration of Turians and Quarians wanting to try a new cuisine.
And one of the attractions that caught the most attention was a large rock. The monument itself was simple, each side covered with names in both the Alliance language and the Citadel language. No one had said anything about this memorial, but its intention was clear and Humans could be seen paying their respects, other races even if they did not approach it, lowered their heads as they passed.
One of the people who was excited about this at first was Ambassador Venta, she herself had been the person who informed the council about the Invitation and looked forward to the event.
How her excitement crumbled when she discovered the true nature of the Festiva
…...
[Soundtrack - Lacrimosa and Requiem in D minor - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]
Life and death are things that all know yet never experienced. No matter your species, no matter your religion or ideology; it is something universal that all will eventually find. Death is not a joyous occasion, not to Venta at least, it never was. So many things she could do, so many flames of aspiration dead by its cold, uncaring, and callous hands. Death scares the female Volus, she can never control it as if it were numbers in her datapad. That is why seeing the humans holding a festival for such a somber idea with joyous festivities unnerved her. Don't they fear the claw of the Grim Reaper? It's unmoving will to rob you of your loved ones? Aren't they scared to leave this world, leaving all the things they've built to rot? Seeing their empires crumble?! Their family wept? How!? How could they find meaning in an ultimate end? How could they find purpose when all that will meet them is nothingness?
Fireworks, children screaming with excitement, and parents showering them with love. Joy, joy, JOY! Mask of the dead as mere trinkets; their happiness and seeming innocence will never mask their true nature. What kind of species reveres the dead with such fervor; the begotten, and the forgotten with laughter? By the gods, she was never a religious nut but seeing the way the humans fashioned their ancestors as costumes and idols, and reciting prayers to them made her believe that they truly were demons.
"What are your thoughts, Lady Ambassador?" Her companion, a human male who was tasked to "guide" her, was smiling at him expecting an impressed reaction or any reaction from the volus woman about their barbaric ways.
"It is interesting." She said in the most agreeable tone she could muster. It is times like this she is grateful that her species are damned to don these suits.
The man gave her an understanding smile. "You don't have to hide your discomfort, Ambassador. We know how your species would react to one of our holiest days. Your efforts to placate and soothe our feelings will be taken as an insult by lesser men."
The Volus woman almost flinched when the man read her gesture so accurately. Yet she managed to calm her nerves. All that diplomatic training kicking in. " Forgive me then?"
"Nero, Nero Hyuga. Have you already forgotten my name, Ambassador?" The human made a sad face holding his heart like it was stabbed by an omniblade. A mockery or genuine pain she could never tell with these humans; their gestures are even more expressive than the Asari.
"You have to understand, Mr. Hyuuga. I have met many people in my tenure as a diplomat for my species. Meeting so many people will blur your memory, especially with how many times they come and go." She tried to recover her reputation.
"Yes, I could see that. Even I noticed the Kages are sometimes struggling to remember their advisors with how many they are. New ones will always be appointed in the next year. Not for the lack of trying of course." He continued the conversation. "My question still stands: What are your thoughts, Ambassador?"
Venta is always known for her composed nature, she prides herself on it. Pirates, slavers, and powerful men. All she has met yet none of them have made her unnerved; disgust and fear, yes, unnerved, no. The festival was not the only thing that made her uncomfortable; her guide's white eyes glowing like the moon and his doll-like complexion made her feel queasy. Those pearls pierced her soul to find an answer. These humans are weird. She had decided on that notion long ago, this festival and her guide's appearance only reinforced them with steel.
"I find it quite disturbing," she said. Her rebreather muffled her voice.
"How so?" her guide asked. "Is it the decoration? I know it is rather unique for my species." He asked with genuine curiosity what the female alien would think of his people's culture.
"True, while the decoration is rather…unique; it's not that that made me uneasy about the festival, it's all of it. It's Not every day you would see children smiling while surrounded by the remains of their past ancestors; it's not every day you see a species or culture having such an elaborate ceremony for death, an act that signifies the end. And it has also made me terrified of your people; what kind of society willingly celebrates the dead without a reason? Either they developed such a complex warrior culture or their society has endured a cataclysmic level of population reduction forcing that painful memory forever printed in their collective mind."
Her guide let out a humm of ruination considering her words and processing the opinion of the alien woman he is tasked to guide. Venta, seeing the face of her guide, began to worry.
"Have I insulted you, Mr Hyuga?"
"Ah, no worry, Ambassador, I was just ruminating on what you just said about my culture. It's an interesting point of view that is eerily similar to what sociologists of our species believe. But I believe there is a different reason. We humans know that any moment can be our last. And the Shinobi live their lives on the edge of a knife. Do you remember the Great Rock we passed, where many humans bowed?"
Venta confirmed.
"On this stone are engraved the names of all the ninja who were considered heroes by the villages for defending Shanxi. This is the reason why we celebrate Subarashī o miyage, we celebrate death because we want to honor those who are gone just as we also honor our ancestors. But Ultimately the festival is not just for the dead, but also for the living."
" Mr. Hyuga, thank you for your explanation, but I still think this is all a bit much."
The man heard a noise and then looked at a circular device in his hand, and his eyes widened. "I regret to inform you, Madam Ambassador, it appears that our quick tour of the main festival area will have to be cut short. The Kages, advisors, and other ambassadors are awaiting your arrival."
"Then let's hurry, Mr. Hyuga. Lead the way if you wish." The man nodded and quickly guided the burly woman towards the main temple.
When they arrived at the main Temple they were taken by guards to where the others were waiting for them. A woman resembling Ambassador Hana, Sister Hinami started the meeting.
"Now that we are all gathered, I would like to first of all thank you for everyone's presence at this great event on behalf of the church of the Gods of Light and Darkness. I am sure that this will be a great step for our people to be able to see beyond differences and that this will lead us to a great future." After these words, applause was heard by everyone and the Kages took the place and began a welcome speech talking about the importance of the festival.
Whispering Venta asked, trying not to be noticed. "Mr. Hyuga, who was that woman who looked like Ambassador Hana?"
Nero continued looking ahead and whispered to go back. "That was Hinami Hyuga, the greatest authority in the church of the Two Gods and she looks so much like Ambassador Hana because she is Hana's father's aunt."
"Hyuga as you? I also didn't know that Ambassador Hana was part of your clan."
Nero turned his face slightly so that Ambassador Venta could see his eyes. "I don't know if you noticed, but Ambassador Hana has the same eyes as mine, they are called Byakugan and it is a unique characteristic of all Hyugas, so yes, Hana is part of the Hyuga Clan on her father's side. More unlike me, her father is the younger brother of the head of the Clan, which makes Hana part of the main family, and like Hana's uncle, the Head of the Hyuga Clan is not married and has no children, Hana is his only heir as the daughter of his younger brother."
Venta once again felt uncomfortable; Those eyes that looked like pearls seemed to pierce her soul, leaving her no reply. Nero quickly returned to his position when he felt someone moving behind them which made Venta relax.
"Ah, I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb you" Came a voice from behind him, and Venta turned around to find Ambassador Inokou approaching. What surprised Venta was the large animal behind her that looked as tall as a human which for a Volus was huge in comparison.
"Don't worry Inokou, you didn't disturb anything. And thank you so much for staying with Cilo until now."
"No problem Sensei." She said standing next to Venta. "Tell me Ambassador, how is your stay in Shanxi?"
"It's been exciting, Miss Yamanaka. Sorry for asking, what kind of animal is this, and could it be inside the Temple?"
Venta almost didn't hear Ambassador Inokou's question because he was completely focused on the animal that walked up to Nero and sat down next to him.
What kind of animal was that? She had seen some humans from afar with similar creatures next to them, but she had no idea they were so large.
"Oh, are you talking about Cilo? I think the best person to answer that would be Sensei Nero since they are partners. But tell me, Sensei, why did you ask me to keep Cilo and didn't you take it with you when you went to look for Lady Tox?"
"I didn't want to scare the ambassador so I left Cilo with you since it was someone I was sure he would listen to," Nero responded, looking at them for a few seconds, again pretending that he was paying attention to the speech that was now being made by the Citadel's Councilors. "And about your question ambassador. Cilo is a wolf but not just any wolf he is an Inuzuka wolf which means he is more intelligent than any other wolf. And yes entry into the temple is allowed as the Inuzuka clan would feel insulted if their partners were not allowed in."
"Oh! That explains why I saw so many humans with animals that looked like him. Wait, if those Wolves are from a clan called Inuzuka, why do you have one Sr. Hyuga?"
"Um, yes about that I am also part of the Inuzuka clan on my mother's side so I am allowed to have Cilo."
"Really? 'That's why I'm allowed to have Cilo' you say as if I were a puppy you found on the road please show a little more respect."
Cilo grumbled, tired of remaining silent.
"Hahaha, I was already finding your silence strange, Cilo." Inokou laughed, already hoping that Cilo wouldn't stay quiet forever.
"I'm sure if I had found you I wouldn't have taken it with me," Nero responded mockingly.
"What are you doing?" Venta didn't understand, were they talking to the Wolf?
"That's something between us, don't worry about it, Mrs. Tox."
"Yes Inokou is right, don't worry ambassador, this is something that will be resolved soon don't worry."
Nero wanted to focus Venta's attention on Cilo, after all, the Citadel's translators only recognized human voices and any other earthly creature such as invocations would not be understood, which was something the Kages were working to fix. Until then, they did not want to publicize the existence of others. sapient beings among humanity.
"What do you think about coming with me to the festival's Ninja fair? When the meeting is over. It was built in mind to make it easier for you to understand and it even has a jutsu demonstration, it will be incredible." Wanting to distract the attention of the Volus ambassador, Inokou invited her to see the festival when he realized that the meeting in the Temple was already over.
Venta thought about it but decided to accept after all it couldn't be worse than her first experience at the festival.
"I accept Miss Yamanaka."
Right after the meeting ended, the three and Cilo quickly left and went to the festival area that Inokou had invited them to see. On the way there they enjoyed some exhibitions.
When they arrived at the Ninja area they were taken aback by the number of people of all kinds in all the attractions and tents. There was also an arena where elemental jutsus were being demonstrated.
Many stalls gave all kinds of information answering visitors' questions, it was surrounded by Council races, and there were even some tests where some simpler hand seals were taught to see if the non-human visitors could do some jutsu.
"Miss Yamanaka, tell me can all humans do elemental jutsu or just a specific element?" The Volus woman couldn't understand what she was seeing, how could the humans in the arena summon that fire and lightning out of nowhere? Or does it control the water and the winds? It should be impossible.
"The five great Shinobi nations each have a predominant element in their country because of the predominant nature of the Chakra, for example, the land of fire is called that because the transformation of the nature of that element predominates in that place," explained Inokou. "So, the use of elemental jutsus is conditioned by the nature of the user's Chakra. Just like Sensei's chakra has the nature of water and earth."
"Yes, but this just means that it is easier for me to perform techniques of that element, but through training, anyone can learn another style, although it takes years to master these types of techniques so that they can handle more than one element at the same time." Nero completed Inokou's explanation. "Madam Ambassador, would you like to come closer and see what it's like up close?"
"An interesting proposition, one that I would accept," Venta responded, and as they got closer Venta managed to notice something that was difficult to see from afar. "They move their hands really fast. Why do they move their hands that way? What does it do?"
"They're hand Seals." Nero explained. "Ninjas perform them for their ninja techniques, except Taijutsu, which doesn't require them."
"And what is Taijutsu? And what are these Ninja techniques?" Venta asked.
"Taijutsu is a hand-to-hand combat technique, Genjutsu makes the opponent experience illusions, Ninjutsu It is based on different types of Chakra and hand seals to be effective. Furthermore, many Ninjutsu can be classified as elemental jutsu, in cases where they are of the element of water, earth, fire, wind, or lightning." Nero explained.
Suddenly, confusion ensued when a group of individuals for no apparent reason began to brutally attack people on the street who panicked while trying to escape.
From the midst of the fleeing crowd, two hooded individuals emerged and violently attacked the ambassadors. However, Nero knew that he could not use his strongest attacks as it would put people in danger. So, he decided to use his ability to manipulate the earth to defend himself and attack. But he also knew that he had to defend the ambassadors, so he shouted to Cilo.
"Cilo protects the ambassador!" With his partner's order, Cilo stood next to Ambassador Venta and attacked anyone who approached, with agile and precise movements, Nero invoked large walls of earth around the attackers, causing the attacks to be successfully repelled, leaving the attackers injured.
The attackers were confused and angered by the ninja's attack. They tried to shoot him with their energy weapons, but he was fast and used the earth to create shields and barriers.
In the middle of all this, the ninjas who were also performing in the tents and the festival guards came together and created a barrier around the civilians protecting them and attacking the hooded ones.
Inokou also quickly focused her Chakra and caused the ground beneath her feet to open up, creating a hole that soon closed as more attackers fell and became trapped. Using another Jutsu to lift rocks from the ground and throw them at more attackers. The stones hit the individuals hard, knocking some down and injuring others.
The fight continued for a few minutes until the hooded individuals were surprised and frightened by the display of power. They realized they had no chance against them and decided to flee, leaving their fallen comrades behind. With guards going after them.
Nero, after seeing the attackers flee, ran to Ambassador Venta asking if she was okay.
"Ambassador! Are you hurt?"
Scared, the Volus woman could only confirm with her head. She had been face to face with death and could still feel the sensation of the reaped man's hands on her body.
"Sensei! It's still very dangerous here, we should go to the embassy." Inokou caught her teacher's attention.
"Yes, you're right. Ambassador, I'm sorry, so I know you're in shock, but it's necessary. Cilo, take the ambassador and accompany us."
Following his partner's orders, Cilo picked up the ambassador as if picking up a puppy, being careful not to tear her costume, and placed her on top of himself, running after Nero and Inokou.
Location unknown
A figure observed the chaos that followed the attack through the camera his group used on their costumes. He saw his companions fall one by one, with no chance of reacting. Some tried to escape but were pursued and captured. He felt a tightness in his chest, mixing fear, anger, and guilt. He knew he had to warn the mastermind about the failure of the mission and the fate of the group. He took his statement and sent a message:
This is 72, The attack was a disaster. We were surprised by the enemy. All are dead or captured. I'm the only one left. I need instructions. Exchange.
He waited for a response, but only heard a distorted voice:
This is Alpha, I received your message. I'm sorry for your companions, but their deaths were not in vain, they've sent a message. But your mission is not over yet. You have to deliver the data to me about how the combat went and all the techniques the humans used. Exchange.
The man, after receiving the answer, took a deep breath, trying to calm down. He knew he couldn't give up, as that would be a betrayal of his companions and his goal. He had to continue, even if it was alone. He had to fulfill his mission, whatever the cost.