Chapter 22: Sunagakure
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'Inner thoughts'
Writing
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Yukino's POV
Skipping the confusion of my guides seeing me with a different hairstyle and hair color they finally continued guiding me to the village hidden in the sand. After days of traveling, we finally arrived without any problems to Sunagakure aside from that quicksand we stumbled upon.
"Finally!" The man named Kotetsu sighed relieved when he spotted the entrance between two cliffs leading into Sunagakure. Glancing at him I was also glad for another reason, the whole way there they have been pitying me for witnessing such an event with their eyes and actions they even treated me like a fragile doll when their conversation wandered into the topic of friends and family. The fact that I abruptly cut and dyed my hair midnight blue almost black didn't help me as they started acting as if I was made of glass. But at the same time, I would fall into moments where my mind would wander into the moments of my past with everyone I knew and tear up when doing the simplest things. At one point I thought I heard Izumi talking to me which I responded with a simple, "What?" only to be received with confused and worried looks. Looking back on it maybe they were right, maybe I had broken a part of me that needed to heal, maybe going to Suna was the best for me to heal the broken part inside. Looking up the sky I felt my eyes burn again but I looked down and swallowed in the feeling bubbling up inside. 'I need to stop thinking of them…' I told myself as I looked ahead to the place that could possibly heal me.
After the proper paperwork was shown to the guards at the entrance we were let in and guided to the Kazekage's office. Even though it hasn't been long I could see that a couple of the buildings have changed and so have some of the streets. Following close behind I made sure to memorize every street and store that could be of importance to me. 'I should buy something to show my thankfulness for letting me stay here.' I thought as I began to zone out.
Without realizing it we were already at the door to the Kazekage's office and I heard the voice allowing for entry. We entered the office and I looked at the man sitting at the desk realizing that he hasn't really changed much since the last time I saw him. One of my guides placed a scroll on his desk before walking a couple of steps away. At this point, I started to stare at the sand blowing in the wind outside through the small round window blocking out their conversation as I could faintly hear their words mix together. It wasn't until the man the desk spoke up did I realize that the men by my side had left.
Looking around I saw him silently doing paperwork, "Umm, i-is Yashamaru-san here?" I asked hesitantly remembering the man that helped me back then.
"No. He passed away three years ago." He explained as he continued reading from the page in front of him.
"Oh." Looking down I remembered the last letter he sent. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"I have a question to ask."
"Yes?" I looked up.
"Are you Uzumaki, Yukino?" By now he already placed the paper down and was looking at me.
"Yes. I just changed my hair," I said touching my short dark colored hair.
He stood up from his desk and moved to one of the shelves taking out a letter that he extended in my direction. "This was left with your name on it saying that you will return… " gingerly reaching for it he pulled back, "However, I don't have any proof that you are who you say you are." As I stared at him I didn't know how to prove to him who I was. "I will give you some time to think," so without argument he led me to a somewhat empty room in the lower floor of the building and left me there.
Sitting in the windowless room I looked around and sensed two auras stationed outside the door. Looking down at the table in front of me I leaned back against the chair with a huge sigh. Extending my hand to the side I activated my eyes opening a portal to my library pulling out a scroll I had unsealed on my way here. 'So there are no seals preventing me from using chakra.' I thought as I sat back up bringing the scroll in my hand closer to me angling it so I could read its name.
Adamantine chains
Gently unrolling it I began reading it thoroughly to see what it does since I didn't have a chance to before in the desert. 'Not bad.' I told myself as I noted it uses, 'I wonder if I'll have enough chakra.' I thought as I placed the scroll on the table. Shaking my head I remembered that after he disappeared I realized that my chakra reserves were much bigger than what they were the day prior and for that I went into the library searching as to why that may have been the case. The words I can't leave you… I will always here… made sense to me as I found out that he was just being sealed up inside me and with my death, he was freed. That freedom, of course, came with death since he didn't have the Shinigami's Candle.
Thinking back on this technique I remembered what I read: Classification: Forbidden. The one bound by this technique will have their life extended as proof of three rings around one's left ankle. The rings will appear only after the one who has the technique placed on them dies. For every death that the cursed goes through, they will lose a ring and feel the pain that comes with it along with the vivid memory of it once they come back. When the last ring fades the user will no longer return and will be punished with a hundred piercings from the Shinigami's tantō for defying their natural cycle of life before being sent to finally rest.
Signing at what I remembered I closed my eyes and cleared my head only focusing on creating a single chain emerging from my lower back as the scroll said. Feeling faint I leaned on the table for support and reached behind me to feel if it worked. With my hand reaching back I was able to feel something when I heard the sound of metal break as it disappeared, taking that as a success I grabbed the scroll in front of me and placed it in between my crossed arms as I placed my head on the table not having the energy to place it back in the library.
・・・
Bolting up from my sleep I felt an aura approaching so I grabbed the scroll I was holding and opened a portal to the library to put it away. Placing it back in its place on time I looked at the door to see who it was that was entering.
The Kazekage and another man with red marking on his face came in, once inside the door was closed cutting off any form of escape. "Can you prove who you say you are?" Staring at him I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, 'What am I supposed to say?'
Finally deciding on telling him that I know who his children are I opened my eyes only to see that I was no longer in that small interrogation room. Around me, people were walking past me going and exiting stores as I looked around confused wondering how I ended up here in the first place. 'Maybe I teleported by accident? No, it can't be…' Either way, I looked around frantically noticing the huge building with 'wind' on it and made my way there. As I looked around me for anyone that I may remember my eyes connected with that of a woman with sandy-brown short hair. The color of her indigo eyes seemed familiar to me as I stared at her when suddenly her face lit up and she began walking in my direction. "It's you… I recognize those vibrant eyes." She said as she stopped in front of me with a smile.
Looking at her face confused for a moment I recognized her "Karura-sama?" I asked noticing how it was still her only slightly older and with shorter hair.
"Yes, I glad you remember me." She placed her hands together, 'I'm in the past?' I asked myself looking around. "There something I want to show you." She extended her hand towards me with a smile, a gentle smile that reminded me of the woman that I lost recently and with that I gave her my hand as she led me to where she wanted me to go.
Seeing the house different from the one that she lived in before I recognized it as Rasa-sama's home. 'So she is married to him…' I realized as we entered and she led me inside towards the sound of a small child's cry. As we turned around the corner she let go and I saw Yashamaru-san holding a small child in his arms trying to make it stop crying. "Nee-san you're back," he said as I saw relief in his face.
"Oh. You brought a guest over." He said as his sister walked up to him and took the small child from his arms.
"Remember her? It's the spirit I told you about." The young woman smiled happily as she rocked the baby in her arms successfully calming it down.
"From that time you ran away?" Yashamaru-san said with a smile as he seemed to recognize me.
"No… I just… I'm not a spirit. I'm alive, see?" I tried explaining by pinching my arm.
"Really?" She asked as she looked at me slightly confused. "It's because it has been years since I last saw you and you only seem to be a have aged slightly."
"Nee-san I'm sorry but I have a mission I need to go to," Yashamaru-san said as looked at the clock before he stood up.
"Come back safe," Karura responded giving a half hug to her brother while she held the baby in her other arm. When he left Karura-san walked up to me, "hold your arms like mine." I did as she told me but before I could ask why she placed the delicate creature in my arms. "Sorry, can you hold her I need to make her formula." She said as she tickled the baby's belly and it giggled in response. Seeing her leave in the direction of the kitchen I helplessly looked down at the small plump creature that had its hand in its mouth. 'Ew.' Seeing it smile I involuntarily smiled in response when suddenly it started to reach for my hair. Pulling my head back my arms started to shake as I tried to not let it fall while trying to keep my distance. Finding entertainment in my struggle it began to laugh as it tried harder to reach for my hair rubbing some of its saliva on my clothing as a result. Hearing the door open I looked in its direction hoping for someone to remove it from my hands. "Welcome home." I heard Karura-san say as I saw her reach for the laughing child in my arms, relieved I gladly let her take it by extending my arms slightly in her direction. As she took her child back it was able to wipe some of its saliva on my cheek as I quickly tried to rub it off.
"Who is she?" I heard someone from behind me ask as I was wiping away the saliva on my dress. Turning around I saw Rasa-sama if he was younger more stressed than the man I remember seeing.
"Yukino Uzumaki," I answered in case Karura-san forgot.
"Someone who helped me years ago," Karura-sama added as she began feeding the little ball of saliva with the bottle she retrieved from the kitchen. "Temari you seem to like her don't you." She cooed as the small baby sucked on the bottle eagerly.
'Temari?' Looking curiously at the baby I realized that that could be her, same hair color and eyes. 'It is Temari-san!' Seeing everything slowly go white, I tried to look around when suddenly it all went black.
Blinking a couple of times I realized that I was still in the same room and they were both looking at me waiting for an answer. "I am Yukino Uzumaki." I crossed my arms in front of myself, "I was the girl that was holding your eldest child and the same one that disappeared right in front of you." I told him of my sudden experience.
The man that I didn't recognize looked at me with a straight face. Confused hoping what I said was correct I looked at the Kazekage and he nodded placing his face in his hand. "So you weren't lying." Removing his hand he looked at me, "fine, you can stay here."
"Thank you… by any chance can you tell me where the two guys who brought me here are?" I asked hoping that I would be allowed to see them.
He nodded and the man by his side guided me to the hotel that they were in. Knocking on the hotel door I saw Kotetsu-san open the door half asleep before waking up upon seeing me. Taking out a scroll that I had prepared I placed it on his hands before he could say anything. "Here, in case you are trapped in a sandstorm," I told him looking at the scroll that I sealed a protective dome inside.
"Aww… thank you!" he said hugging the scroll. "Izumo look she worried about us." He turned away from the door and called to his sleeping friend inside who just groaned in response.
Turning quickly around to the man behind me I whispered, "Let's leave, please." As I saw the man go inside trying to wake his partner up. I spent five days with them and I couldn't take it anymore the first three days were fine until it got to the point where I wanted to leave them behind and go to Sunagakure myself. With that thought driving me I quietly left without waiting for the man's opinion.
Kazekage Manor
As we got closer to the door of the manor I saw Rasa-sama waiting in the front with his arms crossed. "Go inside for now." He said as he looked at the man that was leading me. Entering and closing the door behind me I could hear quiet whispers coming from outside. As the whispers stopped I heard the door open and saw Rasa-sama enter. "Wait here." I saw him walk away deeper into the house and a couple of moments later I heard him call the names of the kids I remembered. Hearing his quiet steps approaching I saw him motion for me follow and I did curious as to how much they changed.
Entering the living room I saw three children sitting on the large couch. Temari and Kankuro were seated on one end close together creating a gap between them and a boy with red hair that had a red kanji on their forehead for 'love' looking closer at him I wondered if that was Gaara. "Let me introduce you to-"
"Aiko," I interrupted as the new name came to my head. Looking at the siblings I gave a small smile. 'A new name for my new appearance.'
"Yes, she will be staying here for a while until she is asked to return home." He explained, "Temari can you show her to a room?" When he said this I rubbed my cheek not forgetting that I just saw her as a baby less than an hour ago.
"Yes otou-san," she said respectfully as she motioned for me to follow her.
About to turn away and leave I almost forgot my manners "Thank you for your kindness." I bowed and started to suck up just like I've been taught, "Had I been informed sooner of my departure I would have gotten a gift worthy of such kindness." Lifting my head I saw the Kankuro's shocked face and the Kazekage's surprised one. Happy that I was able to get such a reaction I hid my smile and turned around to followed Temari who just rolled her eyes.
Expecting to see her lead me back to the hallway to the guest wing she instead showed me a staircase that would lead up to their side. As she stopped at the top of the staircase connected to a lounge area she pointed down two halls, "At the end of this hall is father's room. The one in the middle is Kankuro's and the one around the corner is mine." She turned and faced her right, "The one at the end of this hall is Gaara's and yours will be here," she walked up to the first door, "I advise that you don't anger Gaara for your own safety, any questions?"
"Hm… is it fine for me to use the kitchen here?"
"Yes, we have breakfast at seven before we leave to go to school and dinner is at eight. On Sundays, lunch is at twelve. If you wake up late make yourself something." She informed me as I looked at her surprised, 'Before she used to be more laid back…' Hearing a yelp downstairs that seemed to be Kankuro's I saw Temari sigh and shake her head. "The bathroom is downstairs… I need to see what's happening. I'll see you at dinner." When she finished she quickly went down the stairs and left me on my own.
"Um… Thank you." I said as I headed to the room that she told me I could use. Entering and closing the door behind me with a click I sighed and placed my satchel down. Turning around and facing the room I saw a beige slipper chair with an ottoman matching in color with a wooden small stand next to it. To my right, there was a nightstand and past it was the bed, and the dresser was on the other side of it. Apart from that, the walls were bare and the room was plain. Noting the day that it was I began doing the summoning signs, I bit my finger slightly to draw out blood and smudged my hand before slamming it down.
"Mwa ha ha ha… Finally, I've been summoned!" I heard a small voice I never heard before say. Waving away the smoke of the summon I saw a small red fox staring up at me excitedly. It had a bell dangling from its neck as I could hear it ring slightly whenever its tail wagged happily. "Bow before me!" It yelled as it stared at me with its closed eyes. "I always wanted to say that." I heard it say quietly.
"Um… where is Misa-san?" I asked it knowing that I was thinking of her when I weaved the signs just now.
"Ha! You're going to need more chakra than that to summon the sage's advisor!" The little fox laughed before quickly looking around. Jumping up to the bed it hopped on the pillow a couple of times before facing me. "My name's what have I've been summoned for?" It asked plopping itself down on the pillow.
"Do you think you can check on some items I left in Konoha?" I asked uncertainly.
"Sure!" It hopped off the bed and started prancing away before stopping. "Where is it?" It asked as it hopped back.
"Just look for Kamen-san and tell him to guide you to the Uchiha home for the box in the front door."
"Got it!" POOF!
Grabbing the satchel that I left by the door I opened it and started taking out my stuff. Placing only my clothing and half the weapons I had in the drawers I weighed the satchel to see if it was light enough before placing it on top of the drawer. Feeling as if I still had saliva on me I took off my white dress and grabbed the yellow kimono shirt from the drawer to put on. Dressed and clean I sat on the slipper chair and waited for the small fox to return while I read more about the adamantine chains technique.
POOF! "I'm back!" I heard from the bed. Placing my scroll down I walked over to it looking for anything.
"Was there nothing there?" I asked it.
"Yes, but Kamen-san said to said to wait for one more week at least." It said sitting down and reaching for its bell with its tiny front paws. "Here!" It said as it pulled out a tiny folded paper from its bell. Taking it from its little paw carefully I unfolded it.
Yukino, please wait at least one more week. He may come by after all the funeral just took place today, I know you wanted to go and attend it… but you had to leave. There have been rumors among the Anbu that the Hokage has made a decision to demolish the Uchiha district, so far it has been a rumor but seeing the events I suspect that it will happen. Besides all that how are you? I assume you reached the village. Please be careful I can't go there if I'm not summoned to that location. Which is why Kitaro can, he will be there to keep an eye on you.
With worry and care, Dad
'So the funeral took place today…' Sighing closed the letter and placed it in my satchel. "Thank you," I told the little fox who just sat there watching me closely with its tail wagging.
After hours of sitting in the room practicing on the chains, the little fox fell asleep at some point. Leaving the small fox sleeping in the room, I used the time to go downstairs. As I reached the final step the sounds of something bubbling caught my attention. Noticing that there was a short hallway beside the stairs I saw two doors. Going to one of them I pulled the handle but it wouldn't open so I tried the other and realized that it was for the bathroom, the floor was tiled and so were the walls. A sink and a toilet were the second things I saw before the cloudy divider and a door. Pulling the divider open I saw a shower and a washing area. Closing it I went to the other door and opened it seeing a washing machine.
Leaving the bathroom I closed the door behind me before deciding to head to the kitchen. Passing the living room I saw from the corner of my eye Kankuro-kun tinkering with something in his hand, in that same hand he also had a bandaid that wasn't there before. Not far from him was Gaara working alone with something in his hands. Entering the kitchen I looked inside and saw Temari-san cooking. "Need any help?" I asked.
"Yes, can you peel the carrots," she motioned to the island with a couple of vegetables as well as a cutting board.
"Sure." Grabbing a knife I pushed a stool close to the island and rolled up my sleeves before realizing that I no longer had my white dress on. Reaching into my pocket I pulled out my comb and used it to hold my hair back. Peeling and cutting the vegetables without talking I looked over from time to time but neither of us chose to talk first.
"Well. Now we have to wait." Temari said washing her hands. "Thanks for your help." She said as she was drying her hands. When she left I also cleaned and dried my hands. Entering into the living room everyone was silent as they were doing their own things so without a peep I silently returned to the room.
・・・
Hearing a call from downstairs I took the red ribbon and tied my hair back before sitting up from the slipper chair and making my way down. Passing the living room to the to dinner room I looked around and only saw the three siblings sitting down on the rectangle table. 'Okay…' Temari and Gaara were on opposite ends with Kankuro-kun sitting on the side closest to her. Seeing that a plate was set for me across from Kankuro I walked up to it and sat down. The broth in front of me smelled incredibly delicious which was partially due to me not eating the whole way there and only drinking water. With everyone seated we said our thanks and began eating in silence. 'So much has changed since last time…' remembering the once talkative atmosphere.
Journal entry #1
Kitaro told me something interesting and that was to write down what I experience. It seemed weird to write down everything I did but now that I think of it "what if I forget everything again?" and with that thought, I bought a small journal as well as another a leather dark blue blank book similar to the worn out one Yashamaru-san gave me when I left. In it, I will transfer what is in the old one to this new one.
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Looking at the worn notebook I opened it and began writing down the fading words in the new one. Starting with Getsugan, my eyes, and its abilities I wrote down what it could do.
This eye has the ability to create pocket spaces which can be shared or private. It can also create portals from one location to the next as well as transporting someone to one dimension to the next. It is a mysterious eye that can take a person to the past, see through genjutsu, and even take one to different realities. Knowledge as to how it does this is limited.
If used in excess it can lead to temporary vision loss, sight will return with time or on every full moon. Using it also requires the use of a lot of chakra which can drain one if used for the first time. However, the more the user becomes used to these eyes the easier it is to use.
Another name for it has been discovered it has another stage the Magetsugan an eye that signals the proximity the user it to death. The iris becomes like the night sky as the iris becomes white as the full moon. This stage of the eye enhances the user abilities but it is highly discouraged since the user usually dies after using it due to a drain in chakra. Those with poor chakra control are the ones who need to be careful the most.
Looking up from the old yellowing pages I shook my hand before continuing writing.
Aside from the abilities that the eye naturally possesses there are jutsu one can only use with their help.
—Time manipulation. Sign: none. Allows the user to slow down time around them, the amount of time depends on the experience of the user.
—Celestial clock. Sign: tiger, horse. A jutsu allowing the user to accelerate the time of an object(s) or plant(s), causing either rot or growth. The limit is how much chakra is used.
—Rewind. Sign: none. The user is capable of rewinding the time of an object(s), the limit being the chakra being used.
—Revelation. Sign: ram. A jutsu allowing the user to see into the past in accordance with how much chakra is used. The more experienced the user is at the technique the easier it becomes to use.
Finishing the page I went to the next page and started drawing and writing down how to do each technique in detail.
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Journal entry #2
I just found out that I'm quite popular in Inari Mountain. Apparently the foxes there are quite intrigued at how a synthetic human acts in a world full of naturally born humans. The reason I found out was that I caught Kitaro attempting to steal some of my hair while I tried to fall asleep. It was weird but I ended up showing it why it couldn't take some strands. When I plucked a hair he was shocked when it began to melt, and he tried to pull out a couple of its own as a result I didn't end up sleeping that night.
Journal entry #3
A week has passed and Kitaro hasn't left since. For some reason, it never gets bored or tired I was about to give up when I remembered about the Uchiha district. Sending it away I quickly took the opportunity to catch up on sleep. After an hour or so I was woken up by something heavy falling on me. When I opened my eyes I saw that my tiny roommate had returned along with a single album. Looking through the pictures within they were all pictures that had me in them it and without realizing I started to cry. The fox looked at me and left after that as I was left alone looking over the pictures that I could remember so clearly. I miss them, I miss them a lot. I just hope that I can find him one day and get the answers I seek.
Journal Entry #4
I've made progress in my adamantine chains I can only make one so far, it is thin like a pencil and can only reach up to three meters but progress is progress which is enough for me. However, it doesn't mean that I have to stop. With the dry air of Sunagakure, I have improved in my water manipulation technique while in my room. To avoid making the Temari-san worry or barge in while I practiced I have helped her make the food and with the chores so I could have more privacy. I want to leave this house and visit Michiko-san at her library but I'm unsure if I'm allowed to leave the building. One day after exiting the room I was met with emptiness as I had the house to myself. At least that is what I thought, the Kazekage was in the house to eat when we both saw each other. In an attempt to go back to my room he asked me what my rank was in Konoha. I told him I was a genin and he nodded without saying anything else. Maybe he will give me a mission? I'm not sure.
3rd POV
Two weeks after the girl's arrival to the village hidden in the sand she remained within the walls of the house aside from that moment she bought her journal and notebook. While the three siblings were at school and the owner of the manor was locked away in his office she did the little tasks of the house such as cleaning. As the girl sat in the living room that day fixing a stitch in her yellow kimono shirt a man with red hair came in. She sensed him come in but didn't think anything of it since he usually just ignored her.
"Prepare and go to my office by 10:00 you are going on a mission." Be said as be took what he needed and left.
Confused she looked up at the clock and noticed that she only had thirty minutes to prepare. Quickly doing the last stitch she ran up to her room and emptied out her satchel. Her hands were shaking as she undressed and put on the necessary clothing for her outfit. Her heart was pumping rapidly this was her first mission ever and she didn't want to ruin it. This was the opportunity she was hoping for, with the experience she will grow stronger and if she does she will be able to reach a certain person's level. Attaching her weapons pouch on her outfit she took out a kunai pouch from the pile of things she dumped from her satchel and attached it to her right leg. Giving a quick scan of herself she decided she was ready and left closing the door behind her. Immediately coming back she opened her drawer pulling out a small med kit that she stuffed in an area in her pouch.
Running out of the manor she ran to the office with ten minutes to spare. As she stood in front of the door she chose to wait outside and stood by the door instead. Lifting her hand in front of her face she focused on the water in the air and made a small hovering droplet above her index finger. She twirled it and played with it giving the tiny droplet many shapes until she heard voices coming up from below. Flicking the droplet behind her she glanced up at the clock and saw that there were two minutes until the meeting time. Walking up to the door she knocked and heard an enter about the same time that the people going up stepped onto the floor.
"I'm here like asked." She said as she entered and stood before the desk.
"Your team for this mission will be here soon." He looked up from what he was working on and pulled out a piece of paper from one of the piles. At that time there was a knock on the door and he spoke up telling them to enter. Entering came in two young shinobi and the older man the girl recognized from the day she came to the village. "Since one of the genin is currently in the hospital you will be joining them for today." She motioned to the two genin.
She looked at the two young shinobi, a boy and a girl, and nodded. "What about our jōnin?" One of the two genin asked looking at the man beside them uncomfortably.
"Your jōnin is currently in the hospital as well they were injured on their last mission." The Kazekage explained before continuing, "Baki will be in charge of this team."
"We understand." The genin that stayed silent said.
"Here." He handed the paper in his hands to the jōnin. "The information for this mission is there." With that, they bowed and left the office without any objection. As the girl was about to leave she heard a voice stop her. She turned around and saw him holding something in his hand. "While you are here you are a Sunagakure shinobi." He said as he handed her a black forehead protector.
"Thank you so much." She said as she took it remembering that she left her Konoha forehead protector in her room.
Somewhere in Konohagakure
A raven-haired boy sat at his usual seat looking outside like every other day. Recently his eyes, however, were always looking towards something in the distance, something out of his reach. In the back part of the class, a shy girl with short dark blue hair held her lunch box close to her noticing how the boy hasn't brought his lunch box in the past weeks. Taking out a piece of paper she wrote two words and tucked it in the folds of her lunch box. She quietly walked up to him and slid her lunchbox close to his arm before quietly walking away and hiding behind a desk to see what he would do.
The boy moved his arm and hit the box slightly. He looked down at it with surprise and looked around for the person that left it there. As he looked around he spotted a pink haired girl by the doorway looking at him who immediately ducked out of sight. Assuming he it was her he was about to return it when he noticed the note sticking out. For you. Was written in small letters a small smile appeared on his lips as he opened the lunch box and started eating. It's been a while since he ate homemade food. As the thought of his mother came to mind the small smile faded as he looked away taking the food slowly into his mouth. With a smile, the shy lavender eyed girl crouch-walked to the exit and left without a sound. Looking back into the classroom she held her hands close to her chest and smiled knowing her friend would appreciate it, had she still been in the village. Unknown to her she would later find out that day why he no longer brought food to school from her father.
Yukino's POV
Reaching the entrance of the village I tied my new forehead protector on with the metal facing the sky. On the way to the gate, Baki-san had briefed us on what the mission was about. We had to find and kill a creature that has been terrorizing the citizens of a shoreline village on the edge of the land of wind. Remembering a map I once saw I estimated that the time it would take to reach the town would be two to three days. 'I'm sorry for no longer having the maps Michiko-san.' I thought to myself since I ruined something that was given to me.
・・・
After traveling for two and a half days we finally reached the village as a new scent I never smelled before reached my nose as well as the loud sound of water hitting rocks. Wanting to go find the source I was stopped by someone clearing their throat. Remembering that I was on a mission I stopped myself and paid full attention. He began speaking telling us how we should find a hotel to stay in while he went and talked with the one who set up the request.
Finding a hotel I watched and learned from the genin how to get a room. 'Interesting…' I thought as I saw them receive the keys to the rooms. Arriving at the room for three they began to put their bags down while I just stood there watching since the only things I brought were the things on me.
Leaving the room we left and headed to the location where we agreed to meet up. Staring at their backs the entire time I didn't realize we had arrived at the place. The scent from before was stronger looking from behind them I was able to see the wide blue body of water ahead of me as I realized that the sound I heard was of the crashing waves. 'An ocean…' I gasped as I saw the waves hit the rocks and roll slowly on the sand. Finding a bench to sit on I looked at the ocean and its great expanse. The way the waves rolled onto the shore never repeating the same pattern twice amazed me as I sat there mesmerized looking at the sparkling water.
Sensing Baki-san's chakra nearby snapped me out of my hypnotic trance as I shook my head and stood up. Walking up to him to hear what the person who set up the mission told him I waited near him for the others. "The creature we are looking for comes out at sunset and attacks people it finds." He informed us when we all gathered around him.
"Well, do the villagers know how the creature looks?" One of the genin asked.
"No one has actually seen the creature only that it has it is big and capable of dismembering an adult."
"Are there any patterns?" I spoke up.
"There seems to be no pattern. All the deaths have occurred in separate areas."
"Should we start looking around then? The sun is going down." I pointed out seeing that there was about an hour or so of light left.
"You two," he pointed at me and the boy next to me, "will search on the east side of the village. See it, and keep it occupied as long as possible until I arrive." He said as he motioned for the other genin to follow him.
Nodding I looked at the boy beside me and followed closely. After a while, the genin stopped and looked behind me, "So what's your deal?" The older boy asked. Confused I just smiled and tilted my head. "I mean… just who are you?! The whole way here you have been with us you just stare off in nowhere, it's creepy."
Dropping my smile I looked at him and pointed forward, "Its best we focus on the mission." I said as I saw the darkening sky. "It could come out at any moment–" and just as I said that I heard a scream coming from ahead. Running past the genin, I ran to the source of the scream hearing the steps of the genin follow behind me.
Reaching where I heard the scream near the edge of town I rounded the corner of a building to see a girl around my age crying as there was a huge scorpion in front of her. She was cowering against the wall holding a doll close to herself as she started apologizing frantically. Seeing the creature about to hit the child as it was turning around I took out a kunai and ran in an attempt to push the kid away. Pushing the kid down I tried to lay flat on the ground but the side of the stinger hit me as I was thrown onto the side a building. Landing hard on my back I saw how the boy grabbed the kid and jumped away to safety, the scorpion just looked at the direction that they went hissing before turning away to leave. Sitting up I flinched at the pain from my back and started to heal myself. Feeling someone watching me I looked around and spotted three kids who were watching me from behind a building. They noticed that I saw them and ran to me, "Are you okay?" one of the kids asked running to me. Nodding I stood up already finished healing myself when I saw a shadow pass from overhead. Quickly looking up I saw Baki jumping from overhead, as he reached the scorpion he drew his blade and with a clean slice he cut the scorpion in the back causing it to fall to the ground with a loud thump. 'That seemed easy…' I thought to myself as I watched him wipe his blade. The shine of the blade brought a shiver to my spine as I looked away.
'Was that it?' I asked myself seeing how only moments ago the creature just walked away. 'I don't think that was it.' Slapping my face I stood up and went up to him surprising the kids around me. After we all gathered together we met up with the kids who looked guilty, Baki walked up to them and asked them a simple question: "What happened?" They started shaking and confessed that it was their fault, the scorpion only attacked them after they threw rocks at the creature. Shaking, my head at what I heard I picked up the kunai that I ended up dropping when the scorpion hit me and headed back to the hotel.
Waking up earlier than anyone, as usual, I sat by the window and stared outside while working on my usual dose of poison. Cutting them into little blocks I popped one into my mouth and swallowed it while storing the rest in a bottle. For the rest of the night, I sat by the window in case anything were to happen but as I did I the memories from home kept coming back. The forest and the way I could hide in it when I wanted to be alone. The watering hole that I would go to train. The pond with the koi that I would see Fugaku-san feed. The bow inside the house that Sasuke's would probably never touch again. But most of all I would think of how much all of that would change once I would return. How much will they grow? Will Sasuke remember me by then? Will Naruto forget me? Leaning against the window I crossed my arms in front of me closing my eyes. I had already slept but as I closed my eyes thinking of the past, it felt as if was dreaming back to a time where everything was better.
By the time morning came everyone was still asleep aside from Baki-san. "Hey. Can we explore the town?" I asked him still worried that the creature from yesterday wasn't the one.
"Yes."
With a smile, I left the hotel and started wandering around using this opportunity to learn more about what life here was like and to pass the time. Passing by a clothes store I went back and inside. After a while, I exited the store with a bag in hand and clothes fit for this land. Walking into an alleyway I looked around me before opening a portal to put away the bag. Exiting the alleyway I walked in the direction of the beach. Finding a bench in the shade I sat down and watched the waves as they came and went.
・・・
Walking back to the hotel I saw the sun already to set. 'It's time.' I told myself as I looked around carefully. Seeing my team members I waved at them when we heard screams coming from somewhere around town. Taking out our weapons we began running towards the source of the noise hoping to make it in time.
Fox essence! Activating this transformation I jumped up on a building and ran when I was able to see a cloud of dust go up in the air. Arriving at the source first I saw an injured man clinging to pole trying his best not to touch the ground. Dispelling the jutsu I noticed this quickly and looked around noticing something moving under the sand. Sensing my team members approaching I took out three kunai and threw them in front of their path for them to stop.
"It's under the sand!" I screamed while tying separate wires to two kunai. Using one of the kunai I ran back to where the man was and threw it to the pole he was on. Quickly tying the wire to the building I hopped onto the pole that the man was on while the others tried to lure the creature from underneath to kill it. Walking down the pole I reached the man and tied the other wire to him, throwing the kunai up I grabbed the wire as it came back down and pulled the man up. Running up the pole with the wire on hand I jumped back to the building and pulled the man as well.
Pulling him up to the building I inspected his visible injuries seeing that they were mostly scrapes, lifting the bloody shirt I saw a slash underneath. Moving aside the shirt I started to clean the wound before starting to heal him. "It tried to eat me…" the man gasped shaking, "then i-its tail! That tail cut me." Hearing a yelp I looked over the building and saw the boy who called me creepy clutching his arm. He tipped to the side but stayed standing up, his teammate and Baki-san weren't paying him attention as they finally drew the creature out.
The girl was able to pin the tail down and as the giant snake hissed Baki-san drew out his sword and sliced it in half without even touching it with his blade. Remembering the injured man I quickly finished healing the wound to prevent bleeding before patching him up. Standing up to leave and see how the boy's injuries were I felt a hand stop me, "Thank you," the man said as he let go of my arm.
Jumping down to the already gasping boy I touched his hot forehead when he swayed and fell back gasping. 'Poison.' I concluded before quickly turning to inspect the upper half of the snake. Taking out one of the few kunai I had left I jabbed it into the snakes head looking for its poison sack. Climbing on top of the head I broke through the bone and reached inside for the poison sack inside the snout. Cutting out the poison sack I carried it back to the boy while I activated my eyes without paying attention to pull out a scroll to test the poison. Placing the two items beside the collapsed boy I unrolled the scroll and placed a couple of drops within the sealing circle. With my eyes still activated I pulled out a couple of antidotes, I had stored hoping one would work. Try after try each failed to show a reaction. Losing hope I tested the last one and saw it react, happily I measured the correct dose and forced it down the boy's throat. As he was coughing for air I took out a clean cloth from my pouch and poured saline on it to clean the wound in his arm. He hissed and glared at me as I began healing the wound caused by the snake.
Closing it I smiled and wiped my forehead forgetting the snake blood on my hands. "He will be fine," I said happily as I turned to the rest of the team. The girl scrunched up her nose as she looked at me and the cracked open head of the snake.
"...I will report the completion of the mission. The villagers can deal with the mess." Baki-san said looking at the snake remains before looking at me. "You look on the other hand clean up." Looking down at myself I saw my stained dress, arms, and legs.
"Okay." I nodded before he left. Glancing back at the boy who was groaning wiping his mouth with his sleeve I walked up to him and began to pick my stuff up when I remembered where I kept them stored. Looking back at the girl she seemed focused more on the boy than me so I used the moment to return all of the antidotes back in my storage space. Looking down at the poison sack beside me I glanced at the two genin talking to each other before slowly slipping it inside my storage space along with the scroll. 'For research.' I told myself as I stood up slowly and walked to where I threw my kunai. Placing them back in my kunai pouch I jumped on top of the building and grabbed the two I left there as well.
With the mission completed, we made our way back to the hotel. While they were packing up to leave I was in the bathroom cleaning off the blood. 'I can't wait to tell them!' I thought to myself excitedly as I finished scrubbing off the blood on my obi. Stopping for a moment as I was about to draw out the water I remembered that I couldn't tell them.
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