Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 75
"Splendid Alumni"
[Calamitous Ascent, Part 7]

The last relay begins.

We reach an outpost within a few hours of leaving the docks. It's on the trailing edge of evening now. I go over the scroll's security a few more times before tying it off as a final barrier, then approach the shinobi standing guard at the entrance to the outpost. Simply built, with a wooden fence surrounding barracks and other essential buildings. There's likely an office in the back for the commanders, and most definitely a small area for communications, including a bird perch. The the two shinobi, a man and a woman, salute and give us their signal from the list that all members of the Leaf commit to memory. We respond in turn, they acknowledge us, and we approach properly.

"Colonel Kobayashi, Captain Hyuuga and Captain Aburame," I say to the woman in front of me. "Reporting in from the eastern sea."

She stands at attention, curls in her light brown hair bouncing. "Ma'am. We were told to expect you."

I give her the scroll. "Urgent, for Lord Hokage."

"Ma'am."

"Make contact with White Aloe, the last ship we were on prior to commencing our foreign mission. Situation normal, mission failure. Contact local agents ASAP."

"Yes, ma'am." She means to ask a question, but quickly decides against it and salutes before rushing to the command centre.

"Ma'am, we have extra beds ready for you," the male guard says. "You won't be imposing, if you're worried about that. Anything we need to exclude in terms of food?"

"Nothing, I should be fine."

"It's the same for me," Hina says.

"The same for me," Shino says.

"Understood. Please, follow me to your quarters. I'll show you our wash area on the way."

He bows and leads us into the outpost proper.

After a proper wash, we eat and then head straight to bed. Nothing much to talk about at this point. A formless sleep brings me to morning. We eat this time with the rest of the outpost's inhabitants, who greet and salute us as is normal. Though that seems to be the only normal part of it...there are some looks that I can't exactly parse, other than the fact that they're not negative ones.

"Ma'am. Sorry to interrupt. Message from the White Aloe, in response to yesterday." The woman from yesterday bows her head and hands me a folded sheet of paper.

"Thank you. I noticed that you had something on your mind yesterday, but stopped short of saying it out loud."

"I'm sorry, ma'am...I didn't mean anything-"

"I'm not taking offence, rest assured. I was just...curious, is all."

"Oh. Um..." She rubs her hands nervously. "P-permission to speak freely, ma'am?"

"You have permission." Shino puts his folded hands on the table, and Hina stops eating to sip at her tea.

"Okay. So, um...was it for real? You shot down a whole entire tailed beast, on top of the ocean a few days ago? I-I don't mean to make you out as a liar or anything..."

"It's true. I stopped the Six-Tails from destroying our team, and a ship full of civilians. I can't say much more than that, unfortunately."

"No no no! You don't need to...I mean, just knowing that the stories are true. Oh my god. Oh, wow."

"Where did you hear about that, if I might ask?"

"News has been coming out of the port town in waves, and it's rare that stories have so many matching details, so...and, they also made mention of you by name, so I just had to ask." She fans herself. "I'm sorry, I just can't believe that I'm standing in front of you and everything...I mean the whole four hundred bandits thing was crazy enough, but...I'm sorry, I have to be so annoying right now."

"It's fine," I say with a smile. "Did you want an autograph, or something similar?"

"Oh my god yes. Um...sign here. My shirt, it's okay. I'll go change it." She takes a marker from her pocket and nervously hands it to me. I sign as neatly as I can, and pop the cap back on.

"There we are."

"Thank you so so much, ma'am. I'm, um, actually I've always been a super big fan of yours and I know it's unprofessional but I just thought I had to talk to you. And, um...tell you how amazing what you did was. Usually the right move is to get out as fast as you can, but...saving all those people. You're like a real life super hero, or an angel. B-but I think I should get out of your hair for now, even as gorgeous as it is ahaha. Sorry, that was...um. Your hair is really pretty. A-anyway! Thank you for putting up with all my rambling and fan girling, and...my name's Aya, it was so nice meeting you and sorry for being so weird." She quickly bows before running off.

"More for your club, Boss," Shino says with amusement.

"It seems so. Although...I didn't think the news would travel so fast and far. If that's the case, then..." I unfold the paper Aya gave me earlier. "And this is strange, too."

"How so?" Hina asks. I hand her the paper, and she reads with a confused expression before handing it to Shino.

"That is strange...they're not interested in making any actual movements, Boss. Even after hearing about our clash on the sea, it seems."

"What do you make of it?"

"Hm." He taps his fingers on the table. "I think that-"

"Hoi...it's really her." A young man sits next to Shino suddenly. "For real, you knocked over the beast?"

"Heard the mist was thick as soup," another says from next to him. Soon enough, our little table is crowded with eager listeners.

"What'd you do, throw a tag in its eye?"

"No, man. She crushed its attack with one of hers. I'm not going to ask about how, though. Sounds like a big secret."

"Would have dismissed it if were just the sailors, but all sorts were up there and saw what happened..."

"Wound up something enough to punch out a tailed beast."

"And on her own, too. Heard the Fourth had to call in those giant toads just to stay level...never heard of anyone facing down a beast like that, eye to eye."

"It might be a while getting home," Hina says into my ear. Shino is hunched over, clearly annoyed by all of the sudden activity.

"It seems so," I say to her. "But that might not be so bad."

"I agree. And we'll need to give Shino some time to recharge."

"Yes."

We spend a few hours after breakfast chatting with most everyone at the outpost before making an excuse to slip out. I have Aya, who is naturally still beside herself with excitement, send out one more message to the White Aloe and direct the return address to a small station on our way back. If what we read in that earlier message is true, then it would be both highly unusual and a truly massive boon.

Another day of travel brings us to the lonely station, where a young man sits nearby on a worn tree stump. His uniform is well kept, and he's shaved neatly all around. We watch as he stands and salutes upon noticing us.

"Good morning to to you, sir."

"Ma'am."

I take a scroll from my pocket and hand it to him. He unrolls it, scans it, and then rolls it back up before saluting again. He then goes into one of his front pockets and takes out a smaller scroll, handing it to me. I inspect it, then unroll it to see the first section before rolling it back up and handing it to Shino.

We salute each other neatly.

"Thank you," I say.

"Ma'am."

"One more thing, if you would accept it."

"When you're ready, ma'am."

I take off my backpack and he watches curiously while holding his salute. I give him a small bag and a larger one with cooked meats and other food in it. They'll hold a good while, especially in underground storage.

"For you. Please enjoy."

"Ma'am. Thank you, ma'am."

"Easily done." I smile and salute him again. He finally breaks that stony facade of his and smiles back.

"Thank you, it's very much appreciated. And well done, ma'am."

I nod and signal Shino and Hina. We take off on a direct path for home.

Another day's travel brings us within proximity of the Leaf. This seems like a good time to go over what we discovered days ago.

"So, what do you make of it?" I ask Shino as we walk.

"It's as we noted before...highly unexpected, especially with the recent chaos to consider. It immediately makes me wonder if there's some sort of strategy they're going for."

"I don't think it's the case," Hina says. "It seems like the Hidden Mist is just deciding not to do or say anything of substance. Being able to cleanly connect us to Utakata's disappearance is not something that usually gets in the way of such accusations, propaganda and information wars are even more effective in times like these, where there's so much uncertainty." She would know, what with the Hyuuga Affair swirling around her for years on end.

"I have to wonder what Mei Terumi is playing at," I say.

"It's possible that your speech on the ship changed a few things, which of course connects to your actions before then, Boss."

"What might you mean?" I ask Shino.

"I had a small theory that perhaps you were trying to get ahead of a few things by talking to all of those people in the manner that you did."

I shake my head. "While I did mean to connect with everyone there, I didn't have anything deeper in mind than what I said at the time. If anything came of it, it would be a happy coincidence. The Mist doesn't know that we were on that ship, and probably won't ever know. But they do know by now that we were in the area, and our identities. It's just...what would make them back down so suddenly, to the point of silence? Surely they could add the numbers in front of them and accuse us of direct involvement in Utakata's further disappearance..."

"Hmm..." Hina looks to the sky while thinking. She suddenly seems to have a revelation. "Ah, it might be..."

"Did you have something in mind, Hina?" I ask.

"This is just a theory of mine, based on what we know...so don't take it too seriously."

"We can trust your insights, Hinata. Why? Because you're not only our trusted comrade, but you're also very intelligent in your own right."

"Thank you, Shino."

"Shino's right, whenever you put your mind to something, you're never too far off the mark," I say. "We're eager to hear your thoughts, Hina."

She smiles and nods. "Understood. The information we have in the open now is as follows. We were present in the mist out over the ocean. Ahead of us was the form of the Six-Tails, which Lili shot down with us present in support of her. Because of that action, all of us, including the passengers of the ship, were saved from destruction. The perspective and understanding of the event that we have, from start to finish, is not relevant in this situation. The Hidden Mist could not find us, assuming that we vacated the area soon after for reasons such as fear of discovery. That only makes sense. So they would get many different, but largely linked stories from the passengers and crew. Does this all make sense so far?"

"It does," Shino says.

"Yes, I'm with you," I say.

"Good. With these viewpoints, there would be only one real conclusion to go with, and only one real understanding of the situation. Regardless of what we were doing in that part of the world, or what we might have been attempting...Utakata attacked civilians, as a member of the Hidden Mist. When that story spread, no matter what, we became the folk heroes, and Utakata the villain. We know why he launched that attack, but nobody else does."

Shino nods. "I understand now. It's embarrassment. The Mist's silence is because they don't know what to say or do about what their jinchuuriki allegedly did. This might be a time where they try to excuse his actions, perhaps by implying that he was suffering from some kind of madness. But they can't do anything about us. We're effectively untouchable."

"So, Hina...you think they're stuck because of that?"

"Even if they had some sort of evidence linking us to Utakata's disappearance, they would have no answer for the hundreds of eyewitnesses who saw what you did on the water."

"And it might have been a different story had they gotten a hold of us. They could twist the narrative in ways favourable to them," I muse. "Getting onto that boat was a more prudent decision than I realized."

"And agreeing to meet with the people more so," Shino says. "I think that was what grew your legend the most, Boss. People who got to see you and talk with you, their saviour. And ours, of course."

"I would say the same. Maybe with a good enough jump, we could have barely made it...but that was no guarantee, either," Hina says. "The head on attack really was the best call. Although, it makes me wonder if I'm not some sort of danger magnet at times."

"Don't be outrageous, Hina. That's all of us together. And we'll be attracting dangerous beasts of greater magnitude as the days progress."

"It sounds daunting enough. But perhaps an easy life is one unfulfilled, in the end. I'm ready to fight by your side, Lili."

"Same here, Boss. Ready to go."

I smile. "That's the spirit. And as I've said in times past, this angel's wings will be here to keep you safely aloft."

"Dramatic as always. But you wouldn't be Lili otherwise," Hina says.

"Oh, indeed."

"Hm. Why do I get the feeling..." Hina turns on her Byakugan and scans the area, seeming to have picked up something interesting. "That's Brother Neji. And Shikamaru. I suppose they wanted to meet us out here, for some reason."

"Hopefully nothing's wrong," I say.

"They're over there. Give them a wave so they can see that we're okay.."

We look left as Hina does and wave in the same direction. The chakra signatures match what I have memorized perfectly, so it really is those two. I suppose Shikamaru enlisted Neji's help for this job. They don't seem distressed or agitated from here, so...I wonder what they want from us.

"Sorry to cut you guys off before you made it through the gates," Shikamaru says as he lands next to us. Neji follows suit. "But we thought we would get a few things ahead to you while they were fresh. According to my old man, the mission reports made it in at top speed a few days ago. And judging from what I can put together...the mission didn't go as planned, did it."

"We can be honest enough with both of you," I say. "The mission was a failure. Kaitaikojo and Ishako managed to outmanoeuvre us, just barely, and Utakata, the host of the Six-Tails, ended up being uncooperative at the last moment. I made the choice to protect people over the mission's success. In doing so...I created an opening for Akatsuki to complete their capture of yet another jinchuuriki, and thus a tailed beast. Most everything is on my shoulders, and that's what I wrote to Lord Hokage."

"I see."

"Senpai, it seems like this wasn't in your control, so..."

"Neji, she knows," Shikamaru interrupts. "She's just taking responsibility, like she always does. That's what a leader does in these times, like it or not. Heh, she was like this on the mission to bring Sasuke back, too. Threats and all."

"It worked well enough for the most part, didn't it?" I ask.

"Well enough, yeah. We survived and made it home at the end of the day, scrapes and sprains aside. You did a great job. Just like you did here." He sighs. "Not much you can do now but face the music, I guess. Some of the senior shinobi will want to know details, those old councillors will definitely be hounding the Hokage for info...dunno what they'll say or do exactly."

"That only makes sense."

"But..." He smirks. "It'll be just a bit harder for them to be heavy handed when it comes to a real life super hero."

I look at him with shock. "The news has already reached the village? There's no...wait. I had it backwards the entire time. The news must have come here, and then spread out along with what came from the port town."

"Who would send news so quickly, and know how to do such?" Neji asks.

I rifle through my memories and come up with one solution. Shino and Hina look back at me.

"Captain Tarou," we say in unison.

"Is that the guy who owns the boat you saved?" Shikamaru asks.

"Yes, the same. But of course he decided to do that. He sussed out that I would have to give a negative report...this must have been his way of trying to tip the scales in our favour. Spreading the message far and wide, as fast as possible."

"Well either he sent a lot of messages, or he got other people in on the act too. A couple dozen people in Leaf had relatives or friends on that boat, and they started talking about it until the news was everywhere. Even ended up in the papers the other day."

"You've gained a fair bit of fame, senpai. Well, more than you had before, and less bloody, to be sure. The same goes for Shino and Lady Hinata. No one in Hyuuga aside from Lord Hiashi knows about the details of the mission or the intended goals, rest assured. But they have heard about senpai, and her dramatic stand against a beast of the sea. Something that would even be called a god in this world."

"Appropriately dramatic," I say.

"They're trying to make up all kinds of new titles for you," Shikamaru says. "God Killer Lilith, Saint Kobayashi of Leaf, Great Crimson Angel...stuff like that."

"Ugh. Tacky. Not much else can be expected of the common aesthetic. We'll have to fix that a bit later."

"Yeah, of course you'd say that. Well, saint or eater of gods or whatever it is they call you...doesn't really matter to me. You're Lili, and always will be. That's really the other reason I came out here. I figured that you'd be stuck in traffic once you made it back into the village, so saying all of this now is for the best. Really a pain in the ass trying to schedule against so many people."

"You should know by now that I'd make time for you."

"And you should know that I don't like imposing on people like that," he says with a smile.

"I might. But I also can't miss an opportunity to harass you, dearest slacker."

"Heh. Well, I'll get to what I meant to say. A lot of things have happened over the past few years, and it made me think a lot about what I do as a shinobi. You usually want to stay out of trouble and make it home safely, have a good long career and retire to spend the rest of your days in peace," he says. "The world is as the world is, and you navigate it as best you can. Doing what you can for the village you're in, for your clan and Hokage. Simple things. But maybe...as troublesome as it is, we could do more than that."

"You think so..."

"Yeah. I was thinking back to the first day we properly talked. I said that you were crazy for trying to dive into this whole shinobi thing when you had a good life that you could go back to any time you wanted. One where you would have peace and security, and the opportunity to get anything and everything you wanted. And I think it is a little crazy still. But it's also something that I've always admired about you. Instead of taking the easy or sensible road, you choose to do something else. You always have. It's how you could do wild things like fight Orochimaru and two undead Hokage, or save the old man's life, or bring Sasuke back to the village. Things like taking on five of us shinobi at once and winning as a kid, rescuing the Kazekage, and taking out super elite criminals. You refused to accept the world as it is, or was."

"Shikamaru."

"And this latest event just adds to the list. If it were me standing in your place, I'd be looking for a way out. Hell, I wouldn't have considered developing the types of tools to do stuff like shoot down a tailed beast. It's not something that makes me ashamed of myself or anything, because we all know that you're one of a kind. What it does do is make me rethink how I'm using my talents." He sighs and shakes his head. "I hope you can read between the lines for that one. Any more is saying too much."

"Mm, so you're volunteering to be my newest work husband? I'm very flattered to hear it."

"Yeah, that's the answer I expected. Just don't pull the leash too tight and let me go for walks on my own. Maybe some treats once in a blue moon, if you're feeling generous."

"Easily done." I step forward and give him a hug. "Thank you, Shikamaru. I really appreciate your support, just as always. We'll change this world for the better, I promise."

"If there's something I know by now, it's that you hate breaking promises."

"Well said." I pat him on the cheek. "As always, you can go to Ino and figure out where to start. However, there is something immediate we can work on together. Your dear father gave me access to your clan's secret technique, and I'm having Yuno along with some others work on it for a much bigger project we have in mind."

"Yuno...that's the chuuni guy's kid sister, isn't she?"

"The same. They're doing research together with Nami Hyuuga."

"The only woman in this whole village that might be a bigger ice queen than you are. Sounds like an adventure...might have to take up smoking like Asuma to deal with it."

"You go on too much."

"Everyone says that these days. Ah, well." He puts his hands in his pockets. "Neji, did you have anything before we made our way back?"

"Nothing of immediate importance," he says. "We should be finished with everything. As senpai knows, I am always available to help advance her goals in any way needed. Even if I should have to walk through the darkness itself. I say this because I will always have a light to guide me home," he finishes, looking at Hina.

"As long as you don't do anything too reckless, Brother Neji. But I will always be here for you, no matter what might come our way."

"Of course, Lady Hinata."

"Now that we've got our inspirational speeches out of the way, we should return to the village before it gets too late," Shino says gruffly. He puts his hands in his pockets and walks ahead.

"Sounds like he needs a coffee," Shikamaru says with a chuckle. "Let's fix that once we clear security. I'll cover for everyone."

"Shino seems to have gotten livelier lately," Neji says.

"When you hang around three women so often, it's no surprise you'd get so catty," I say.

"I have to wonder if it was just our influence. You remember our first team meeting?" Hina asks as we walk towards the village gates.

"I couldn't ever forget that. He and Kurenai would have clawed at each other if I didn't interrupt...maybe you have a point, and it was always in him."

At last, the time I've been preparing for and dreading has arrived.

We cleared the gates quietly enough, and took off towards the Academy Complex as quickly as possible after Shikamaru treated us to coffee as promised. He and Neji went off to take care of their own errands.

Now we stand in front of the Mission Assignment Desk, where the Hokage sits. On either side of him are Koharu and Homura, his long time advisors. I expected Danzo to be present, but perhaps he's just waiting until later to be a nuisance.

I take my place ahead of Hina and Shino, removing my backpack before bowing deeply towards the panel.

"Please raise your head, Colonel Kobayashi."

I lift my head at the sound of Hiruzen's voice. His expression is neutral, not giving much of anything away. The others are much the same, it seems. Curious.

"I would like for you to confirm the report that you sent a few days ago."

"Yes, my lord. As written in the previous report, the mission to Water Country ended in failure. Utakata, the host of the Six-Tailed Beast, was captured by the enemy forces of Akatsuki. Kaitaikojo Shigisei and Ishako Shigisei were the culprits. Captain Hyuuga and Captain Aburame performed splendidly in their duties in an extreme and disorienting situation, and followed my orders to the letter. As a team, we know that we share responsibility in a mission's failure, but I must clarify something to the council as it sits here."

"Please proceed, Colonel."

"Thank you, my lord. As the battle for Utakata neared its end, I was forced to make a choice between the safety of my comrades and several innocent civilians who had drifted onto the battlefield, or the continued safety of the Mist's jinchuuriki. In the end, I chose the former. I was the one who directly created the opening for the two agents of Akatsuki to strike, by launching an attack at Utakata to counter his own. I did not consult with my teammates, or warn them that this was happening. It was all of my own doing."

I go to my knees and enter dogeza, placing my head against the floor.

"The responsibility for this mission's failure rests solely on my shoulders. I beg of you that it will be recorded as such, and that my comrades absorb no blame for the disgrace that has been caused. And I ask forgiveness for shaming you, Lord Hokage. I have let down this village, this nation, and you with this failure of mine. I hope that you find it in your heart to allow me to make up for the difficulty that I have caused. No matter how painful the tasks, or how long they might take."

"Raise your head, my child."

I slowly do so, and remain on my knees. The expressions of the three ahead of me have still not changed.

"Before I say anything else, I would like for you to confirm something for me," Hiruzen says.

"Yes, my lord. Anything you ask."

"The stories that are flying through the village...is it the truth that you saved a ship filled with people out on the eastern sea, by defeating Utakata in his tailed beast form?"

"Yes, my lord. The stories you've heard are true. It was by my hand that Utakata first fell, and many people bore witness to it. I met with them afterwards, after making sure that we had evaded the Hidden Mist patrols and concealed our identities from them at that time."

"I see. Then what I will say to you is this...you have nothing to worry about, Colonel Kobayashi."

I was hoping for it, but...still didn't expect this answer. Or the way that it was delivered.

"Lord Hokage...is that so?" I ask carefully.

"Yes. Though the mission was a failure, and Akatsuki has gained yet another tailed beast...I cannot reasonably shame you for the failure of such a difficult mission. Not considering all of the circumstances that came about. You not only did what you could, you managed to survive a tailed beast attack. For that, we can only be thankful."

"More than that," Koharu says, "your actions were a great boon to the Leaf, and to Fire Country as a whole. You bolstered the reputation of shinobi in these lands, and preserved the lives of two important clan heirs. While I'm sure that the Aburame and Hyuuga could carry on with heavy hearts, it is always devastating to lose such important citizens before they reach the prime of life."

"We also took into account the multiple reports, both from what Lord Hokage gave to us, and the many eyewitness stories from the eastern sea. The Mist is currently paralyzed with indecision," Homura says. "And blaming you for the capture of the tailed beast is hardly fair, especially since visual contact was lost after your retaliatory strike. While it might be the case that you made an opening for Akatsuki, it cannot be confirmed, especially in a situation where the likes of Hyuuga and Aburame could barely make do."

I hide my expression at that statement. I'm sure that I wrote in the report...then there's only one thing that could have happened. Did...the old man edit what I sent him for mass consumption?

I put that out of my head as I bow towards them. "Thank you, Lord Mitokado, and thank you, Lady Utatane. Your praise is beyond what I deserve, and so I will accept it eagerly."

"Missions of high importance need to be weighted in terms of difficulty, objectives, and accomplishments as a while," Koharu says. "The initial clandestine nature of the mission, combined with the known rebellious nature of the jinchuuriki, caused us to adjust our projections and expectations. Lord Hokage helpfully reminded us of this as we came to make our assessments."

"We are of an understanding regarding the mission and its parameters," Hiruzen says. "While we are disappointed that we could not protect another soul from Akatsuki and its machinations, you will not have any grief or punishment visited upon you as a result of the mission's failure. It will be noted, but none of it will be used against you in official record. Of course, the unfortunate part is that you won't be paid...but I would say that the gift of life is much richer than any mission reward," he finishes with a chuckle.

"Thank you again, Lord Hokage. Your mercy and understanding are greatly cherished," I say while bowing my head again. "I hope that you and the village will be able to trust me with difficult tasks in the future."

"Our faith in you remains unshaken, my child. Lilith, Hinata, Shino. Welcome home. For Hinata and Shino, I hereby order you to rest until the time I call for you to resume work again. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Lord Hokage," they say in unison.

"Good. You both are dismissed, and thank you again for your service. Return to your homes and greet your families, they've been anxious to see you. Lilith, please follow me for now. We have more to discuss."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

"Koharu, Homura. We're done for now. I will see you in a while."

"Of course," Koharu says. "Members of Team Kobayashi, farewell."

"Farewell for now," Homura says. They nod to Hiruzen before leaving.

"We'll see you later, Lili. Give me a call when you're free," Hina says.

"See you soon, Boss," Shino says.

"Yes, I will see you both later. Take care, and hug your parents tightly," I say with a smile. "Lord Hokage, when you are ready."

"Yes. Be sure to rest as ordered, children."

Hiruzen gives them a wave before leaving the desk, with me trailing behind him quietly. I'm not exactly sure what to think or feel at the moment. It was such a casual thing, just now. Sure, there are all of those extenuating circumstances to consider, but...I did fail the mission, even if it was out of my hands. Did hearing about my heroics on the sea tip the scales that much? Or was it something else? Maybe the old man is going to tell me that there is some actual punishment coming, or I have to take on a bunch of unsavoury missions in order to earn back lost trust...

We go up a familiar staircase, one that spirals upwards in the form of a helix. It was built quite a while ago and leads up to a certain rooftop, one that Hiruzen often enjoys standing on in his free time.

As for why he loves coming up here so often...it's plain to see.

This is the Hidden Leaf, in all of its splendour. The many buildings, the trees, the people moving to and fro. Leaves dancing in the air around us. The streams and rivers that cut across the land, sparkling paths of blue that help to cool and refresh the village. Birds go to and from their perches, gliding above fields of grass. From here, one can see everything. All that we fight for, that we cherish and strive to protect. It's beautiful.

Hiruzen beckons me to him as he goes to the railing on the far side. He takes his pipe from within his robes, and it starts to puff out steam as soon as he places it in his mouth. He is silent, a contemplative look on his face as he stares out into the distance.

"You must have realized what I did earlier," he says after a while.

"I did. Oyaji...I don't mean to speak out of turn."

"Think nothing of it. What do you want to tell me?"

"I really do appreciate your protection," I say as I put a hand on the railing. "But we both know that there will be a time where I will have to face these matters straight on, alone. I thought that this would be preparation for things of that nature. Penalties and recompense. You must know it, too."

"That is the case. I was thinking of a few things when I made that decision earlier. The previous trauma you went through, and another person. Sakumo Hatake."

"The White Fang. Kakashi's late father," I say.

"Yes. You know of the story, but because it was so long ago, the important details have largely been lost to time. The storm that came to him wasn't as direct as one would reason it to be."

"What might you mean by that?" I ask. "It must be something that goes beyond my experience..."

"Yes, it is so. Lili...the tragedy of Sakumo was not that people failed to understand the choices he made. It was that they did understand, and very clearly."

"It does sound confusing like that." I narrow my eyes and look upward. "Ji-ji...I'm sorry, but you'll have to explain it to me some more."

"Of course." He pauses a bit to clear his throat. "To want to save one's comrades, who they've known for an age. That is a feeling most shinobi have in their hearts, even with the training they go through. To truly suppress one's emotions is difficult, whether it's that of love or fear. It was so with me, even as I volunteered myself as a sacrifice in my youth. The title of Hokage came to me as a result of my courage, but I would not call anyone weak who would hesitate in that moment. It is an understandable position. When Sakumo made that decision, I know that he wasn't truly hated by his fellow shinobi for it. But it never takes much, especially in this type of culture, to bring a person to ruin. It was the mission over the man in those difficult times, no matter what. Breaking that code broke his reputation, and stripped him of honour. To side with someone like that would stain one's reputation as well."

"They distanced themselves from him," I say. "Even if they didn't hate him for what he did, and sympathized with it...they just wanted to protect themselves from harm."

"Yes. For going against what was accepted, he was ridiculed. I always wondered what I could have done, or if anything I did would have been enough in that time. But even then, it was far out of my hands. Not just mockery, but gossip that spread from place to place, further sullying him in the eyes of the people. It was a weight that nobody should have had to bear."

"You said that you were thinking of me earlier. What did you mean by that?"

"In the same way that Sakumo suffered because of his loss and grief, so did you. Having family and friends helps strengthen us, but...sometimes those bonds make us react irrationally in the throes of despair. Sakumo had lost his wife, a young and vibrant woman. And he had his son, Kakashi. That association...he was acutely aware of it. He saw himself as an anchor, pulling his beloved son downwards to drown."

It's easily understood. Terrible, intrusive thoughts. Thinking that it would be better off if I just died, not only when I confronted my father, but after killing him. I thought that I was cursed to destroy everything I touched...and that it would be better for everyone if I simply disappeared forever. It was only for a moment, but it was there. Emi helped save me, and Rose encouraged me in spirit before she came into this world. If not for them...

Buried underneath that terrible shame, his reputation in tatters, having lost so much already...Sakumo thought the same as I did on that day. And because he was so alone, he acted on those thoughts inside of his head. He gave his son freedom, but at the cost of his life.

"Kakashi was ultimately known for his talent as a result of that tragedy. Pitied, but never looked down upon. And after his father's death, it was the legend of the White Fang that took over the public consciousness, rather than Sakumo, the man that once failed his country," Hiruzen says. "It was only the one mission, but it was enough to take the life of a man who carried on with such a fragile heart."

"So that's why you worried for me. Not just direct consequences, or slander...but the insidiousness of such terrible narratives across the land."

"Yes. I hope I haven't caused you grief...there are moments like these where I think of you as my own child, and make additional efforts to shield you from harm. Ethical or otherwise, I suppose."

"I do appreciate those things. And you are my grandfather, shared blood or not. I wouldn't be so bold with you otherwise, you understand."

"Certainly so." He chuckles a bit at that. "As long as you understand that I can't make my favouritism too obvious."

"I can forgive you for that, oyaji."

"Good, good. Of course, my reasons for calling to you today aren't all grave and dismal. I wanted to express how proud I am of you, Lili. Your actions were both brilliant and tremendously inspiring. Was that attack you displayed part of your...ah, Anti Tailed Beast measures that you mentioned previously?"

"Yes, sir," I say proudly. "A very powerful attack of near last resort. Lightning Release: Mobius, Type Seven. Code name: Buster Rifle."

"An impressively titled technique, as always. The creativity of youth remains entertaining," he says with a smile. "So this technique allows you to repel even the Tailed Beast Ball of infamy. Quite staggering, yes. Indeed, to know that you started as a small thing from a normal sort of family, and have grown so much as to strike down beasts of legend...I can hardly believe it. And you have yet to finish growing."

"Growing even stronger is the only way to reach the goals I seek. Of course, encouragement from my elders always helps," I say with my own smile.

"I am glad that I could be of assistance. The growth of your legend will provide us a great boon going into the future. Hm...the examinations three or so years ago, yes. Do you remember what I told you all about the village's strength?"

"That the strength of a village is in her shinobi, and that the village's strength is that of her nation's," I reply.

"Yes. If that is the case, then the village's lifeblood is in its people, and so is the nation's. Those who we provide services for and look after daily. As a shinobi, what do you think of those people, the ones who live without the true power of chakra?"

"That though they are weaker than us, they are no less important. Not because of the services they provide, or contributions to the economy. The people make us what we are, in their entirety. They give us strength and support. They're the reason that we can reach higher, as shinobi and otherwise. It's as you say, oyaji. The people give us abundant life, as the precious blood that flows through us."

"A fine answer. And one that more people will start to believe because of you."

"I think those sentiments have been expressed more than once, at least recently," I say.

"Many people have felt that their existences are nothing more than fuel for the endless conflict between nations, or to keep this fragile peace balanced. Providing food for war stores, tools and weapons, saving money for missions to clear out threats that they stand no chance against. The defence of civilian lives is sometimes thought of in a cynical way, that it would sully the reputation of shinobi to have people die in numbers. If it were in the middle of nowhere, with no actual incentive...they feel that things would turn out differently."

"I see."

"Even if it is just one action by one person, the effect it has had on the people is substantial. To be seen as more than just a point to defend on orders from an organization...and instead seen as lives worth protecting at nearly any cost, without need for a reward, or special motivation. Strangers to you, and still worthy of sacrifice. It is a special and wonderful thing. The type of thing that gives people a true sense of belief."

I look over the village. "It is a vast effect for such a simple action. And I cannot style myself as a modern saint. It is written that the angels act in their own interests as agents of heaven, and with impunity."

"Most would enjoy being shaded beneath an angel's wings, to say the least of it."

"Hm. That much is true."

"The future for us is bright. And perhaps this is the start of something new...the true unification of all peoples. Where we become one body moving forward, instead of the divide between shinobi and those of more normal constitution."

"To see the world through these eyes, then. The children of men are all of one kind to me, and have been for a while yet." I brush some of my hair behind one ear. "But then, to set foot in the fields tended to by the Supreme God makes the affairs of this world look quite mundane. So it is with Ane-ue."

"Perhaps one day this old man will approach that same understanding."

"He will, if I have anything to say about it. Thank you again for looking after me so closely...I love you, with all honesty and purity. I'm blessed to know that you can accept what comes with all of that."

"All easily done. I would not have such faith in you otherwise, Lili."

"Thank you. For this, and for everything you've provided me so far." I breathe in before exhaling with relief. "I suppose that it's all over now..."

"You were expecting something more intense."

"Surely. I did fail that mission, after all. Or...did you manage to stop those tides as well?"

"Hm." Hiruzen puffs out a cloud of smoke. "Danzo, despite his impudence in these times, knows better than to place himself in situations he's not suited for. As for the others, I carefully explained to them what objectives we did and did not have in mind." He chuckles lightly. "With all that said, I had no expectation of the news that we would receive later. It certainly weighed the scales down in your favour, irreversibly so."

"That sort of timing saved me, it seems. Well...I am still a woman of the earth, in part. Even I need help from the winds sometimes, and I try not to forget that."

"Indeed."

"So...what next?"

"Rest, for one. At least a few days in your case. I would like to strike while the iron is hot, however...so we will confirm the final details for our meeting with the Tsuchikage soon enough. I would like for you to be at my side."

"As you wish, Lord Hokage."

"Very good. With that, I will let you go for now. Be well, Lili."

"I'll be extremely well, just because you asked." I hug him tightly, and smile as I feel him hug me back.

Finally home again, and across another perilous bridge. Resting for a while really is a good idea, because there's still more work to be done, and I should be ready for it.

A few steps closer to the world we've envisioned. Something that I'm very happy with.

The walk towards home is much less tense than before, I realize. There was a lot of stress that I was holding in, without knowing it. People don't say much and keep their distance for the most part, but I can see how some of them react and hear pieces of their conversations.

I hadn't really considered the difference between having fame and being a hero of sorts to the people. Hm, and this will carry over to how the other villages treat me as a threat. Nothing wrong with a bit of challenge, of course. It might necessitate that I go on solo missions more, or stick to things with my teammates. Wouldn't do to put anyone in unnecessary danger, after all.

A lot of things will change from here on. Now that I have the time to think, I realize just how many ripples have been made as a result of the latest mission. Waves, even. It doesn't mean that we can take our eyes off of the goal, but...

"Welcome back, Madam Kobayashi." My regular receptionist greets me and bows her head.

"Thank you. I hope things have been well here."

"Yes, madam. Please, if you have need of anything, just ask and we will be glad to assist you."

"I very much appreciate that. I'm off to rest, so take care."

"Of course. Until the next time, madam."

I nod and make my way upstairs, the bag on my back becoming slightly heavier. Far from reaching my limit, I'm unconsciously anticipating a long rest once I open the door to my room. The key card is where I put it weeks earlier in one of my bag's side pockets, and I slide it through the reader before twisting the handle. The room is quiet as I walk inside.

"I'm h-"

I feel myself pushed against the door suddenly, and don't bother resisting as the bag drops from my hand. Fio seals her lips against mine, kissing me like we've been apart for a hundred years. In the midst of all this worry and chaos...I somehow forgot just how much I missed this, and how much I missed her.

"You're home," she says as our lips part.

"I'm home." I smile and put my hands on her waist, pulling her into me again. "So...was that good enough for you."

"Hell no. We've got way more than that to catch up on!"

"My thoughts exactly." I run a hand through her hair. "And don't you worry. I can wait a while longer before going off to bed, especially for this..."

She smiles and kisses me again. We're going to be here a while...and I wouldn't have it any other way.