Chapter 57: Visit to Sunagakure… again
'Inner thoughts'
°Telepathic Communication°
Early April
3rd POV
Having left the inn a couple of hours after the Hokage. They left misleading clues behind in case Konoha had sent their own escorts. Passing through the town on foot to create witnesses they headed for the path leading further south. A path leading them through thick trees and foliage before quietly transporting elsewhere.
Coming out through one of Ryota's portals they stepped foot near the border of the Land of Waterfalls. Looking around they made their way normally through there, wasting time. When enough reasonable time had passed they placed themselves in the desert a couple of miles away from the Hidden Village ruled by the Kazekage.
Hit by the heat the moment the portal opened they scrunched up their faces as it brushed against their face. Hesitantly they crossed though spotting the shell remains of a large scorpion. With the sun blaring down on them Ryota rolled up his sleeve and took out his sword. Confused, the women opened the umbrella they had bought in the land they had just left for such an occasion. The umbrella itself was blue with its handle being slender but made out of sturdy wood. A perfect find to give those who barely knew them that she was but a frail woman.
Crack! Startled, both women looked over at their side seeing Ryota carve out a large piece that could be used as a sled. Noticing this Emi got an idea. Doing the hand seals for the technique earth-style wall she made a structure tall enough for three people to rest under. Getting what she was making Ryota propped the shell he carved making it the roof of the structure.
In a matter of minutes, they had used the remains of the shell and had built a small shelter from the sun. Under it they began to share a portion of the food they had brought with them before choosing to move on.
After an hour of traveling in the increasing heat, they had submitted to it. Feeling the sun was too hot for them they waited for the sun to set instead.
As they waited Yukino opened her shirt taking out the small sack she had tucked between her breasts. Opening it she saw the colorful marbles inside taking on the same color as the chakra from the ley line. Taking her quick look she hid them again since life had a way of catching her at the most inopportune moments. As she did she placed her hand on her stomach feeling relief that her blade was back in its place. Though she didn't put it there herself as Emi did it for her. Nonetheless, she felt safe having it close.
Even though she could feel her chakra levels begin to return to normal after her time in stasis she for some reason couldn't use it. Something that didn't bother her as she believed it would return as she regained her strength. A hope she held.
Once the stars began to light the sky she closed her umbrella bathing in the moon's glow momentarily. Flipping over the scorpion shell Emi and Ryota had been using, she was placed inside and they began to move.
・・・
'Damn it hasn't been a full day and the vultures are on the move.' Ryota sighed as he saw a bird fly overhead.
"We're so close but it's too hot…" Breathing heavily, Emi looked ahead feeling, no, knowing that Suna was within reach. Her hand gripped the wooden handle of the matcha green and white parasol. A cute parasol she had bought an hour earlier when she went back to the Land of Fire for provisions. Catching something moving up above she nearly broke that same parasol out of surprise only to calm down when she saw it was a hawk. That scare helped cool her down if only momentarily.
"I don't wanna spend another day here…" Ryota whined having pushed the shell and its carrier closer to its destination.
"Same…" Yukino sighed, feeling far from comfortable with the dry air. A vast difference from the humid air of Uzushiogakure she had grown comfortable with.
"Too bad." Ryota stopped to catch his breath. "You'll be here for the next five months, the shrine said so. Luckily for you, we bought you clothes for the weather." He patted his side where his haori rested around his waist. The choice of material that their clothes were made of now cursed them as it was now much too warm for them now.
Thanking him, the mention of the shrine flew over her head as she wanted to just get out of the heat. Even with her veiled hat covering her she could still feel the heat if she could use her chakra she would have cooled the air around them. No, even if she slept with all the worries plaguing her she would be able to cool the air around them tremendously but in this heat, there was no way she could sleep for long enough for it to happen. Considering it once she dismissed the idea of having Emi put her to sleep realizing that there was no excess in her large reserves to let slip out. For once she cursed having developed so much.
Grumbling quietly at their lack of options she cursed the land they stood on, the air, the sun, the sand that had begun to get everywhere on them. With a single free hand, she tugged on her shirt to air her body. "Did you get me bras?" She asked, stopping with her tugging to switch hands as the hand holding up the umbrella for Ryota became numb.
"No," He shook his head, continuing to push. "You were asleep… we weren't sure what kind you wanted."
"Ah…" Yukino sighed, holding her hand up to give them a break as noon approached. "Emi… you should have chosen something you would wear…"
"You may not be aware but our tastes are different." With an innocent smile on her face, she told her all she needed to know.
Unaware of what she had said, Ryota complained. "I'm never coming back here…" he moved away to shake his haori of the sand it had collected so far. Had it not been for their need to leave behind traces of themselves they would have gladly skipped the desert entirely. Unfortunately for them, they didn't have that option.
"We were just unlucky that we ended up coming here during a heatwave. At least we didn't run into any sandstorms." Laughing Yukino immediately shut her mouth knowing that she might have just jinxed themselves. "Let's get to Suna before entry time closes."
Ryota's POV
"I'll run ahead then and tell the guards at the entrance." Standing up more invigorated than the last few days I smiled broadly excited at having a new mission.
"Don't take too long, it really is hot." Reminding me of that fact once again Emi gave me a warning. "If they cause you any trouble just say that we were sent here on the Hokage's order."
"Got it!" Running off towards the hidden village I could feel my red hair trailing behind me swaying with the wind. As I did, memories of crossing through here came back to me. The visits have always been few but they served a purpose.
Just like shinobi focused chakra on their feet to walk on water one could do the same to sand. Through finer control, one could make their chakra moldable to take on the shape of the ground below you, minimizing your own footprint and making it easier to walk on. That was the technique Yukino used when leaving Sunagakure, something she thought was necessary as the ever-cautious council sent shinobi to trail her. She did it all to leave a physical trace of herself marking routes she supposedly used to not arouse suspicions of her coming and going whenever she left to train me. 'Now that I remember she did mention this as part of Sunagakure's academy training since they don't have that many public water sources within the village. Aside from the weather, our villages are different.' Reminiscing of our home I remembered another technique she used to hide her footprints. Though it was a technique originally conceived for crossing across canyons.
・・・
Within a minute of running at full speed, I saw the cleft between two cliffs just as Yukino had once shown me from her memories. A sight, so new to me that I came to a stop to gape at the cliffs that surrounded the village. Staring at the real thing with your own eyes was something I haven't done properly before, not even when I came to drop her off in her younger years or when I was placed inside to heal her. 'Wow… this kinda reminds me of Konoha's gates…'
Remembering what I was supposed to do I snapped out of it and ran to the entrance, spotting two familiar people talking to one of the guards stationed. Happy that I wouldn't encounter much resistance I teleported as close as I could without being seen as a threat to the Kazekage. "Do you know how hard it is to travel across the desert on wheels!?" I whispered angrily to the eldest sibling present.
"Gah!" The brother jumped back in surprise and so did I when I saw his face. I had seen his paintless face at the onsen once but to see it in an outside setting felt weird. "When did you get here?" He asked, motioning for the guard to stand down.
"Well, like any other shinobi does. Through the desert." Feeling the heat begin to burn my skin I looked at the two brothers reminding me of the hell we had been traveling through the last day and night. The critters we heard shifting through the sand stalking us waiting for a sign of weakness to just eat us. "Just so you guys don't get the idea that we tried to run away."
"Konoha sent a team to take you here. Are you not with them?" Gaara asked, stealing a glance behind me looking for a certain someone. That, that irked me a bit. 'Seriously I told him to give up.'
"You know the Hokage never told us anything about that." I moved, getting in his line of sight. Sure he hadn't told us but we had a feeling and if they had we would have surely spent more time stuck traveling through the desert. "But before that, I was hoping to talk to you two before they arrived." Crossing my arms, I added a few things before telling them what Kamen-san wanted me to tell them. "Alright let me set some ground rules before I leave her to you two. First, she can be stubborn so if you see her pushing herself more than she should. Stop her even if she gets upset. Second, if she's quiet it's because she feels like she doesn't want to be a bother so just talk to her, it will make her feel less lonely. People have a tendency to forget about her so it has become something she has become very conscious of." I rubbed salt into those old wounds and I know I did because one of the siblings began to rub their neck to smother the heat building up there. "Third, if she closes herself in her room it's normal to not hear from her for days. If you get worried just knock she'll probably be reading or working on something probably forgetting what day it is. Speaking of that if you don't see her after some time check the room if she's not there then the roof. She tends to retreat to gather her thoughts but don't let her stay alone for too long. There are certain thoughts that shouldn't be given the time. Fourth, you two better treat her right. I don't want to come here every single time to this desert, who even thought this was a good place to establish a village anyways?, because you two can't do one simple thing. I don't care what the Kage agreed to in the meeting but if I hear that she's become miserable I'm taking her back. I dare you to stop me." Stopping to breathe I added one more thing. "Finally, this is a message from her father. Don't any of you two dare cross the line of friends. However, if she does happen to fall for someone, promise him to do whatever it takes to make sure they can leave with us. Kamen-san did not mention what type of person he preferred but in my opinion, I hope it's someone who won't be missed by your village. That way it's easier for the both of us, for us to take them and for you to make them disappear from your village's records. Anyone aside from that is a huge no." Trying to see if there was anything else I shook my head. "I think that was all Kamen-san wanted me to tell you two. He was very adamant about making sure she's happy so we will be leaving some stuff for her so she doesn't get in the way of your work."
"Ryota!" I heard Emi yell reminding me of the two I was supposed to go back for.
"Shoot, I forgot about them," I whispered. "Gaara, use your sand and bring them here." I quickly moved out of the way and waved him towards them. Motioning to him I gave the two women who used the little shade they created with their blue umbrella a heads up.
Seeming aware as to what was going to happen Yukino lowered the umbrella she held placing it on her lap before tucking her pinkening arms under her veil. Emi, relieved of her temporary duty, pulled out her parasol and once again protected herself from the harsh sun's rays.
Glancing at the Kazekage I saw him heading towards them and immediately remembered something. "Oh, right Yukino's father told me to hand this over to you guys," Bending over I looked through the sleeves of my haori and took out the envelope Kamen-san had given me and handed it to Kankurō. "He said that this should serve as some protection should the Council begin to find a problem with her staying here." Done with that I headed to my friends as the Kazekage placed them down on more hardened sand.
Yukino's POV
In the shade of the cliffs to the entrance to the village, I looked to the other end, knowing the village on the other side well. Compared to the other villages I've been to, this one was one rooted in tradition and toughness. Closing my eyes I clutched the rim of the hat on my lap as I remembered when I first became a shinobi here. The expectations it held. Expectations that I was glad to uphold since this was the first place to give me a chance. A village not my own who would have thought? 'Rasa-sama, for the opportunities you gave me that I am thankful for, but nothing more.'
"–This should be everything."
Hearing Ryota I turned to look at what he was talking about seeing a scroll on the ground with a large trunk on top, my umbrella an item now among it, as well as a bag. Poking from the bag I saw the familiar white silk of the dress I've been wearing since childhood. 'Are all of those things my stuff?'
"That's quite a lot…"
"Well, I don't think it's enough." Ryota sighed clearly unsatisfied. "But you are going to be here for five months." Remembering that he mentioned that a while ago I looked at the stuff again and still believed that it was still too much. I have lived on less while on the road. 'My body changed what kinds of clothes would even fit me? Even if they did, it's not like I have many outfits, to begin with…' Thinking that I looked down at the shirt I was wearing, aside from this, my clothes were simple and standard for a shinobi if you exclude the haori I would wear.
Somehow mistaking my expression, Emi sought to ease a worry I didn't have. "We still have the money from your last bounties," Emi informed me, taking out a frog wallet from the bag.
"W-where did you get that!?" I glanced behind me hoping that they wouldn't notice that it was exactly like the one Naruto had.
With a smile on her face, she lightly shook it making the wallet jiggle. "The twins missed you and looked through your belongings, finding this chubby thing." Walking over she pried the mouth open showing the stuffed frog's expensive insides. "If you need anything you can buy it." Snapping its mouth shut she stuffed the frog into the bag.
"Thank you. I… I just came back but still five months? I hate to leave you with my responsibilities. Kichi-san too she has her shrine duties to maintain. And Nori… he must've been dealing with the clan in my absence, not to mention Kichi-san's responsibilities on top of that."
"It's fine. I already told Nori about this. He didn't seem to mind; he even said that this would be a perfect opportunity for you to finish your trial."
"Trial?"
"Someone will explain in more detail later." Finishing his counting of everything Emi sealed it up for him once again.
Rolling up the scrolls she gave a single nod. "We're done." Raising her voice she informed the two brothers who had stood to the side patiently.
"Are you sure?" Kankurō asked, walking towards us first. Compared to his appearance in recent years he was dressed more casually than I expected. 'I wonder… was today his day off?'
"We're sure. The seal is the basic enclosing technique. You should be familiar with how to release it considering how you use it to store your puppets." Confidently explaining it, Emi handed the scroll over to the older brother entrusting him with it.
From the side I quietly watched the exchange, feeling as if I was the one being handed over. 'Now that I think about it, they never answered my questions about the village. How has it been since my absence? From what Ryota told me about the arts trade it seems that I underestimated its growth. Emi must have had a tough time dealing with it… If only I took that into consideration. Wait I'm getting sidetracked–'
"Oh before we leave…" Snapping out of it, I looked over at Ryota as he held up a leather belt. Confused, he turned it around showing me the white moonstone carving it held. "You may have missed the coming of age ceremony but you're officially considered an adult of our clan." Placing it on my hands I looked down at the white-moonstone carving of the Uzumaki clan. "Uzumaki Yukino, having lived for twenty long years, the shrine officially recognizes you as an adult in our clan. Carry our symbol for as long as you may live and no matter where the waves take you will always have a home with us. May you find joy in your life no matter how turbulent it may get." He spoke, repeating words he's heard before. 'Ah… that's right the shrine planned on bringing back that old tradition. His ceremony must've taken place after I fell asleep… and so did Emi's.'
"Thank you…"
"Why the long face?" Ryota asked.
Trying to find something to distract me, I looked at my emblem and looked for theirs. "Wait, where is your moonstone?" Ryota pulled it out of his pocket without hesitation. Pulling out first was what seemed to be a beaded bracelet of reddish-orange stone beads but looking closer I noticed the moonstone carving of what appeared to be only six centimeters in diameter hanging from it.
Looking down at mine, his was considerably smaller in size. Clutching the stone in my hand I could tell it was eleven centimeters in length, nearly twice the length of his making it impossible for me to clutch it in my hand and hide it which explained the belt it was placed on.
As Ryota showed off his Emi took out hers, one of the size but instead of stone beads, it hung from an intricately designed cloth strap.
"Why are yours smaller?" I asked, finding theirs to be more conveniently sized.
"The question should be why is yours bigger." Ryota wagged his finger, putting it away as he explained in a simple sentence. "It's because of your rank." He spoke softly.
"Ahhh…." Understanding it made sense. 'Well, I am running the island but still, it's a bit awkward for it to be so big.' Looking back at the belt and the extra hanging straps it had I realized that it was designed to hang a sword from it. That small observation warmed my heart. "Thank you." Putting it under my hat for now I looked around knowing that it was time. "I guess that's it then huh."
"I guess so." Standing before me they stood there as if wondering what they should do.
"Goodbye–" as I was about to bid them farewell my body was pushed back as I felt a familiar warmth cling onto me. While the bodies felt slightly different from the ones I've become used to I returned the embrace the moment I closed my eyes and felt that warmth. "You're right… There's no need to say goodbye, I'll see you both soon." I whispered loud enough that the brothers could hear only a bit before I lowered my voice to the point where it became nearly impossible to hear if my mouth wasn't right up to your ear. "Stay on alert, they might send someone to check the state of Uzushio."
Pulling away Ryota put on a big smile for show. "Make sure to recover quickly. We'll continue to take care of our town, okay?" Reassuring me they left.
Waving at them farewell I saw their spirited bodies sprint away happy to finally leave this dry land. As I watched them run I felt a tug at my chest. Something internal wanted to get up and follow them as it always has. But the moment I tried I was reminded of the promise I had made and remained seated. 'I can run after them once my part of the deal is done.'
Withholding a sigh I turned to the two brothers who had been patiently waiting. "I'm sorry for taking so long. I'm now in your care." With that said I put the veiled hat back on and covered the crest with my hands hiding my identity.
Sunagakure
Wheeled through the village I kept my arms under the veil the whole time holding onto the belt I was given. That and I didn't want the sun to burn my skin anymore than it had. For I doubt that they had packed any ointment for me.
As I passed by I kept my head angled down and glanced to my sides, memorizing the place for later. As I did I caught the looks of a few passersby as they wondered who the stranger was that the Kazekage and his brother were pushing along. Looking around I noticed that sunset was nearing and making the shadows longer, thankfully making it harder for them to see my face under the semi-transparent veil.
Keeping my voice low enough I spoke to them the first time since I entered the bounds of the village. "You're drawing too much attention. I think you should go ahead, Kazekage-sama." Using honorifics in case anyone heard, I kept my head down unable to see his reaction to my use of it.
"She's right, she's drawing too much attention," Kankurō whispered back. "You haven't even told the council about her reason for staying here." Surprised by this I saw why considering what I've confessed to. 'He must have been deliberating on what to do. Dealing with them is always a pain so I get it.'
"I will wait for both of you." Disappearing in a swirl of sand I was left with Kankurō. In a matter of minutes, I noticed a decrease in curious glances as we now looked relatively normal. 'Good. I can't stand out too much or they will find out.'
・・・
After a while, we arrived at a huge building not so far from the Kazekage's building. As soon as we got close enough Gaara came out from inside. "You will be staying with us so if you ever need our help we could hear you," he opened the door for Kankurō to roll me up the one step.
"I understand." Looking up at the building I looked in the direction of the Kazekage building noting how it was different from what it was the last time I was here. "Uhm… this place is different… Did you move?" I asked which sounds dumb in retrospect but it was something my curious mind needed to know.
"The old house had some… unpleasant memories," Kankurō answered with a sigh.
"That makes sense." Hearing the door close I took off my straw hat and veil. "I'm sorry if I contributed to that." Rubbing my neck I felt at ease as I could finally sit up properly.
"Ah, don't worry we all contributed in some way." Kankurō scratched his hair in embarrassment. "I was a real jerk to you back then." He apologized to Gaara as he remembered.
Not wanting to bring up old scars I changed the topic. "Ah, how did you guys know when I would arrive? I was so busy with Ryota and Emi that I missed my chance to ask."
"Oh, that? The Hokage sent a message that he arrived at Konoha saying how you must be arriving soon." Kankurō told me.
"Once Kankurō told me we went to alert the guards of your arrival to prevent you from being taken elsewhere for questioning." Gaara continued.
"Ah, right, any new shinobi visitors without papers to prove their reason for arrival are to be questioned," I remembered reciting the Suna Shinobi rulebook. A similar volume that every nation seemed to have, all with slight variances in their rules the longer it went. 'Konoha has one as well and the first rules are common even in the other nations. I wonder… how many shinobi actually bother to read it?'
"You know that?"
Deciding whether or not to pretend and say that is something I heard I just chose the truth, "I said this before I owe your father for starting my career as a shinobi. It was necessary for me to follow the rules if I was going to work as a Suna Shinobi. I was young and I didn't want to be kicked out so I made sure to read that thing thoroughly. What do you think I was doing when I locked myself in my room?" Before he could ask anything more I changed the subject once more. "Right, where will I be staying? Since you know." I patted my wheelchair. Even though I've been awake for a while now I still haven't regained enough strength to walk even with the help of my friends. Meaning that my movements are severely restricted now taking into consideration the terrain I was now located in. The sand and the wheels were not a good pair.
"There aren't any rooms on the first floor. Only the kitchen and living room take up that space. However, the guest wing has rooms on the first floor." As Kankurō explained, Gaara gestured to my left. Before that, I took a quick note of how decorated the entrance was, something I could see being done to impress guests or visiting council members for example. 'I hope I don't run into them before Gaara gives them a good reason for why I'm here. I would hate it if my lie doesn't match up with his story.' Following Gaara's hand, I looked down the curving hallway before stealing a glance at the closed door on my right side.
"If it becomes difficult for you we can move to the guest wing with you."
"No need." I quickly rejected his offer, getting an idea about the layout of the building itself if it was anything like the previous manor they resided in.
"Well don't you want to see your room?" Kankurō asked with a boyish grin.
"Hm? Is there something I should be excited about?" I smiled knowing full well he did something. "Then show me." I went with the flow knowing that he had forgotten for now why I was back.
Taking hold of the handles he quickly took off, taking me by surprise "Kankurō!" I heard Gaara yell behind us out of surprise as we ran towards the end of the hall and into the cloth entrance. Before we could rip them off by running into them chakra threads latched onto them pulling them to the side.
Quickly passing by a lounge we took a sharp turn and came to a stop in front of the first door. Laughing quietly I sighed, placing a hand on my chest. "That was fun but ask me first if you're going to do that."
"I'm sorry I wanted to show you this." Opening the door I stared at what appeared to be a luxurious living room or just a space to have discussions with someone. 'The head of the Hoki family… now that I think about it, I talked to her about the Uchiha's request in a room with a similar layout.' It only took a moment but my eyes quickly scanned the room to note that each decoration had been set carefully. From the paintings to the intricate carvings etched into the clay wall near the ceiling. I noticed the most obscure things before I noticed that there were two doors in the room. The one I entered through and the one to the left side of the room.
"Ahaha… this door is locked." In a matter of seconds that I had examined the room Kankuro had run to the door on my side and was unable to open it, quickly pulling me out he took me to the adjacent room at the other side of the door I noticed. "I wanted to show you this." He repeated himself as he opened the door. When he did I stared in awe at the room. It was fancier than anything I had back home and I know it showed on my face.
I know my eyes sparkled as I stared at the large white canopy bed. But upon a closer look, something drew my attention more than the bed. It was the pillows. Doing a sick turn, it was my first time using one so give me some slack, on my wheelchair I rolled into the room and picked it up. The color and shine to it. I just knew it was silk. There was no way I could ever forget that.
"It's beautiful…"
"The beds are standard but Gaara chose the pillows. I chose the sheets." Kankurō said proudly as he watched me hold up the pillow.
Coming into the room we looked at Gaara. With Kankurō revealing this little fact he explained his reasoning. "I remember you wearing a white dress the whole time so I guessed you must prefer a familiar texture."
'Ah, I did wear it a lot in this house.' Smiling, I chuckled at the fact that it would be something they remembered. "Where did you buy it? I need to know the mixture needed to create this color. I don't think we have it back home." Touching it the color reminded me of the blue side of the sea back home, the part that met the sun.
Before I could receive an answer I noticed the height difference between the bed and wheelchair. Realizing that the bed was a bit high, it meant that I would have to stand and jump a bit to get on it. 'But I shouldn't complain. They're allowing me to stay here. Well either way I'll get my strength back and be able to get on without a problem soon.' Placing the pillow back I noted another door connected to the room aside from the one connected to the one I was just in. "What's that?" I pointed to the other end of the room
"The bathroom."
"Does it have a washing machine?"
"That's on the main side," Kankurō said when his face brightened up with an idea. "Want a tour?"
"Absolutely." I smiled. 'I wonder how long until this joy lasts and he remembers. Never mind, I'll entertain him until then.'
"Wait, you won't be able to see my study." He frowned and got a bright idea. Placing my scrolls he had on top of the vanity, which was close to the bed, he bent down extending his arms towards me asking for permission. Curious I gave it as he swooped me from my seat and carried me bridal style. Not used to it I allowed it as it was a new experience.
Throwing my hat onto the bed I clutched my clan crest to my chest to hide the small bag I hid. Snapping my fingers I said. "Aha. I see, ingenious if I must say."
"Kankurō put her back down. What if you drop her?"
"Don't worry I won't." He said with a confident smile.
Agreeing with him I gave his back a simple pat. "If this man can carry puppets heavier than me in his teens I'm sure he can carry me now." Wrapping an arm around Kankurō's neck for my own reassurance I pointed to the door. "To the main wing!" I laughed as he brought out my childish side.
"As you command." He said, slipping past Gaara.
Going back to the main entrance he took the other path leading to the closed door. Opening it with ease he entered. Whizzing past the first floor I caught a glimpse of the rooms as few walls were blocking my sight. I even caught sight of a washing machine in the room closest to the stairs. It really wasn't all that different from the previous manor.
Going up the second floor, Kankurō turned to one of the hallways. "That was Temari's room before she married."
"Ah, I heard about that. She married Shikamaru, didn't she?" Catching the little nod I sighed. "It's about time those two got married. Now I don't have to hear Kotetsu and Izumo complain about their flirting at the gates and how single it made them feel." Shaking my head I smiled. 'They got drunk when that happened, lucky for me I at least got some meals out of it.'
"Tell me about it… I couldn't say anything or she would get mad." He sighed at the memory. Turning to the other hallway he continued "My room is here." He showed me the door "but this here…" he said moving to a set of double doors and struggling to open at least one. "Gaara can you open it?" He whispered unsuccessfully due to the proximity.
Shuffling around us Gaara opened the door and stood beside him as if he would drop me at any moment. 'Wait… Gaara knows him better, maybe I should be worried.'
"Oh wow," I said upon seeing the creepily lit room with all the puppet parts inside hanging from the walls and the ceiling, a sight I have to say I was familiar with but not because of him. 'Well…totally not creepy at all. I guess this is proof of one being a true puppet master.'
"I knew I forgot something. Sorry," he turned away from the door. "I forgot that the lightbulb broke. I was going to buy one before the hawk arrived."
'Oh good. That had me worried there for a second.' I thought, holding in a sigh. "It's fine you can show me another time."
Going up to the third floor he continued with the tour. "And this whole floor is Gaara's"
"Just the room." Gaara clarified, motioning to the door in the middle of the hallway.
"Right, and that room stores our old stuff," Kankurō said as he remembered another thing today. But as he did he shifted my body slightly to the side to show me the room on the other hallway.
"Then… What about that door?" I motioned to the door beside the stairs.
"That leads to the roof."
"Ok." Staying quiet I felt a small jolt in his arm ringing bells in my head. "If your arm is cramped please, put me down. Now. Before you drop me." I urged him as politely as I could.
"Oh, thank you." He said, putting me on the floor. Taken by surprise I could only stare up at him expecting him to have placed me on the ottoman behind him. "I'm not used to carrying something in front of me." He sighed, shaking his arms weakly. As if I really weighed that much more than any puppet he's crafted.
'His muscular endurance needs more work. Maybe I should submit him to Mount Inari's special training. I should work on that myself as well.' Noting that down for the future for myself I turned to Gaara. "Well, I'll still need to go back down. Think you can do it Gaara?"
Caught by surprise it took a while for him to say a simple, "Of course." Picking me up the same way Kankurō did, I held on just like I did with him. Because of that, I could hear his heartbeat loudly. 'Man he must really be nervous. I wonder if he ever had anyone this close to him… Damn, that's kinda depressing. I bet Temari can carry me.' I told myself, remembering the huge fan she can use in combat. 'I wonder what kind of training she does.'
Thinking about the types of training the eldest sand sibling must have taken I felt my body suddenly drop momentarily. Surely my body must've only dropped by a couple of centimeters but the same couldn't be said about my heart as I felt it drop to the floor out of fright.
Gaara, the one holding me, had taken a misstep for just a fraction of a second but that second was all it took for me to react instinctively and tighten my grip. Holding on tighter I felt my heart race as I nearly thought I would be dropped. 'I'm never having any of these guys carry me ever again.'
"Yukino!" Ryota appeared suddenly at the end of the staircase.
"Ryota, what are you doing here?" I asked but I was internally relieved as someone reliable appeared.
"I forgot to leave you something." He explained as he quickly ran up the stairs. "Then I suddenly felt like you were in danger." He clutched his heart dramatically. Turning around he motioned for Gaara to pass me to him. Letting go of Gaara's neck for the more reliable carrier I wrapped my arms around his neck, while still holding onto the belt, feeling immediately safer.
°Yeah, Gaara nearly slipped.° I told Ryota as he got me to cling onto his back, holding my legs for support.
Freezing we both looked at each other and we both realized what I had just done. A smile bloomed on both our faces as we quietly celebrated this moment. 'My first time using any jutsu since I woke…' I giggled like a child at this small achievement.
"By the way, Kuzunoha-san said she'll take care of your undergarments," Ryota said as he skipped down the rest of the stairs. Stopping, he turned his head a bit, whispering softly. "We aren't connected with the mind link anymore… are we?"
"No," I shook my head. Hanging the belt from my shoulder I rested my arms on his shoulders resting my hands on the top of his head. "I wonder though… what she'll choose." I hummed. 'Wait… does she even wear undergarments when she transforms?'
"I wouldn't be so excited to know if I'm being honest."
"Hah… you're right she always chooses something she finds amusing. She acts like it isn't on purpose but it is clear that she knows what she's doing. Wait. It sounds like something happened," I said, raising an eyebrow with interest. Noticing his ears go bright red I gasped. "Oh? Do tell. Was it lewd or antiquated?"
"Nope!" He said, picking up speed as if trying to outrun me but forgetting that he was carrying me on his back.
"It's fine I can interrogate it out of you when I return." I chirped, deciding to not tease him for now. Arriving at the room he placed me down on my wheelchair and locked the door. With the peppy atmosphere gone, we now had more privacy. Watching as he quickly opened a portal I saw four golden chains form around him. 'Hm? Now that I think about it, how did Ryota know I was in this manor?' Unable to ask, the words stayed in my throat as I saw what he pulled out.
"My… I haven't used that old thing in years…" Gently tossing the belt onto the bed I rolled over to my old weaving machine. Grazing my fingertips over the wood I sighed in amazement at the beautifully carved flower patterns on its side. "Why are you taking it out?"
"Kamen-san said that you'll need it." He groaned as he pulled it out completely. "Want me to get you some silk? If I remember correctly you mentioned something about moving the silkworms into the greenery within your garden."
"Silkworms?" Hearing that word I came to the realization that I haven't visited that space in a long time ever since my training had taken precedence over my other hobbies. "They must be moths by now."
"?"
"When I regain more strength I'll be able to access it on my own."
"If you say so." Opening another portal I saw my library on the other side. In the middle of said room, Emi sat on my chair, working on something and using the books around her for advice.
"Get better soon, alright." snapping my attention back to him I nodded and waved goodbye watching as the portal shrunk in size. As I did, I saw for just a brief moment Ryota reach her side and squeeze her shoulders with such tenderness that I felt like crying. Looking up at him, his lips met her forehead soothing her aches. With that last scene burning into my mind the portal closed entirely leaving me staring at the space before me vacantly. 'He seems happy… they both do. How cute.'
Smiling, I heard a knock at the door so I turned around and opened it. "Woah? Did something happen?" Kankurō asked.
"No, why?"
"You look sad."
'Sad?' I realized and looked at myself in the vanity mirror. "Nah… it's just jealousy." I sighed as they began to notice the huge weaving machine in the corner room. With that my first day here in Sunagakure came to an end.
3rd POV
Trembling, she leaned against the sand unable to continue. Sweat fell from her face as she struggled to move. 'I'm glad they can't see me like this. They would worry too much.' Taking in a deep breath she pushed herself to take a couple of more steps.
"One… two… three-ah!" Taking the wrong step she slipped falling forward but before she could fall the sand wrapped around her catching her before her knees could even touch the tiled floor.
"Are you–"
"I am. Just… let me breathe." Breathing slowly she let out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be speaking to you like that." Letting out a slow exhale she pushed down the irritation she felt so it wouldn't come out again. Shifting slightly she adjusted her body and looked over to her side at the young man who stood awkwardly at her side. "Is the meeting still on your mind?" She asked keeping her eyes on him watching for any twitch that could tell her the truth.
"Why did you do it?" Frowning Gaara shook his head not understanding why. "Why did you steal?"
"Ah… that." Shifting slightly she looked away, focusing on her nails. 'The nail polish is still perfect. But I can tell that it will chip soon. I wonder if Ryota reversed the time on it to keep it on for longer. Huh, I used to do that for my nails as well. I should ask for some gloves once they begin to chip.' Focusing on something true she answered the question he asked with a lie. "My aunt wanted me to get back the scrolls, especially those from our clan's noble family. Those scrolls were one of the few relics from her homeland that remained. They were special and she didn't want them to be in anyone's hands." Slowly she closed her eyes and opened them again, turning to meet his turquoise eyes. "It was the right thing to do."
"Did she order you to do the same to the scrolls from the other clans?"
"No." Telling the truth in that single word she pushed herself away from her support and took another step while still holding onto it with both hands. "Those people are gone, there is no one left to carry out the same task I had then. Who else is there to do anything for those that are gone other than the living?" Slowly inching down the hall towards her room she left him to think over her words. No matter what, she was going to stick to her story. Even if he was her friend she had to keep her secret. Even though there was already someone who knew about her largest secret that person had chosen to forget years ago. Although she knew the man beside her for as long as she had known Hinata he was a Kage. Her secret was not one she could share with him at the moment even if she wanted to. 'Maybe someday… but even I doubt that.'
・・・
Reaching halfway down the hall she let out a small whimper and let herself fall. As the sand caught, small droplets of sweat fell from her face. Her legs ached and trembled from just a few moments of practice. Wanting to continue she knew she couldn't. Raising her hand she looked at the other end of the hall and sighed. "Let's end here for today." Relaxing her body she closed her eyes and felt the sand wrap around her waist, bringing her back to where she started.
"How are you doing?" Gaara asked her as he placed her back on the wheelchair. "I noticed as well that you haven't used any chakra, not even to get a better grip on my sand."
"So you noticed." Motioning to her throat they headed to the main wing. "I'm recovering my chakra just fine. I can feel it flow within me normally. The problem is my body." Looking down at her open hand she moved her fingers as if trying to wrap something around her fingers. "I've been asleep for so long that doing the things I knew how to do puts a strain on my body." Stopping at her failed attempt at creating a simple water droplet she placed her hand on her lap. "It reminds me of how my body was as a kid. No… that's wrong my body was stronger back then than it is now. How… pathetic." Feeling that word strike her she lowered her head hiding it behind her long hair.
"Don't call yourself that. Even with how your body is, you are working hard to return to your previous state."
"..." Lifting her head she pulled the hair out of her face giving a nod. "Thanks. I don't think I will be able to walk much for a while so I'm going to work on recovering the strength in my arms."
"What do you need?"
Stopping in front of the dining table she pointed in the direction of her room. "I remember seeing some origami paper in the trunk they prepared for me… I was going to use it so I put it on the vanity."
"Alright." Leaving the room she was left on her own. Using the time she had she looked at the room, trying to get an idea of what their lives were currently like. Spotting nothing she sighed having let it slip her mind that she was in the dining room and thus didn't see much that could tell her anything of significance. But something did catch her eye and that was the partial mosaic decoration in the wall. Trying to figure out what it was she saw what appeared to be a tree made of different pieces of blue-hued tiles. 'Reminds me of stained glass. I wonder if they commissioned this? I guess it's to be expected Gaara is the Kazekage and his brother has an important role in the village's defense if I remember. They have money to spend. Wait… Kazekage… Damn, I knew they had money but it never crossed my mind that they were from old money. No wonder the house looks expensive. Wait, now that I remember they had a variety of books as well within their home.'
Absorbed in her thoughts she didn't notice when the Kazekage had returned. "This was the paper right?" He asked, holding up colorful patterned squared papers with one hand.
"Huh? Yeah." Sill in her own thoughts she asked without a thought. "The Kazekage position is hereditary, am I right?"
"It is." He answered, wondering what brought this up.
"And Temari just married…" Gears turning in her mind she guessed that the council must be in a hurry looking for matches for both brothers. 'Probably doing their darndest to introduce their own daughters or granddaughters to them hoping that one of them takes an interest in them. I wonder what kind of plans they're concocting to get them to meet. I wonder if Gaara knows this.' Looking up at the young man who looked at her with slight worry she brushed away the thoughts and put on a smile. 'Nah, I'm sure they'll be able to see it coming from a mile away. There's no need for me to tell them. They probably already know.'
Hands outreached she took the papers, rubbing the familiar texture with fondness. As she did Gaara walked over to her side, taking the chair beside her curious about this training she mentioned. After all, what type of training does one do with small pieces of harmless paper?
Slowly she turned the paper, folding it to how she remembered. Sitting at her side he watched her trembling hands as she tried her best to make it as perfect as possible. The final result was a novice try at a paper crane. Looking at it she sighed, closing her eyes tightly. "Gaara, don't you have your duties as Kazekage?"
"Kankurō was able to get me a day off."
"You shouldn't waste it on me. I'm going to be doing this for some time." Grabbing another she began the process to make another paper crane once again.
As she did he watched admiring the focus and determination in her eyes. When it came to making another one he asked something he meant to keep inside. "I never learned to do this. Can you teach me?"
Asking she answered naturally slowed down, showing every step. Noticing this he quickly took a slip to not miss a step. Looking at her hands one moment he then looked at his as he copied every step. They were slow and deliberate. There was no small talk as her full attention was on making and teaching how to make the thing before her.
Folding the beak she pulled her hands away from it showing it off. "Done!" Like the previous one, it was still a novice result and without thinking, she looked over at his work and smiled brightly. "Someone's really skilled! As a prize how about we make some castella cake and share it with every–" Once she started explaining she became so absorbed in it that she fell into her old routine at the orphanage. Upon realizing this she snapped out of it and buried her face in her hands. "I-I'm sorry. I used to do this with the young kids."
"It's fine." Surprised at this little fact he kept his face as stoic as he could to not embarrass her further. Feeling a small laugh trying to make its way out he pushed it down. "That's right you wanted water before." Standing up, his hand brushed up against what he made. Compared to hers it was better even if it was his first time making it. Looking at her work he understood her growing frustration. Scooping his crane he held its wing between his fingers taking it with him to prevent her from comparing them.
Once he left Yukino took in a deep breath, collecting her bearings she relaxed her facial expressions trying to return it to its neutral state even preventing her eyes from looking in the direction he went to stop that mask she was making from breaking. 'I can't believe I slipped there.' Exhaling quietly she stared down at her finished work and poured her attention on making more cranes but before that she slapped her face as if waking herself up and reached for her hair pulling it back and tying it up. 'Alright! I need to focus!'
Days ago…
At an inn near the border to the Land of Wind two brothers sat in silence staring at the meal before them thinking about what they had learned only a few days ago. To them, it felt like the whole Sasuke situation had repeated minus the murderous intention. A betrayal of trust.
"So… are we really going to be watching over her?" The eldest brother of the two asked the younger one.
"That seems to be the case." The younger one replied moving since the food was first set down.
"They seemed to be really eager to let you take care of her." Shaking his head they both had a feeling as to why that was. "Do you think they want to prevent her from ruining any of their texts if she goes back on her word?"
"It's possible considering she's been doing this for years unnoticed." Avoiding his eyes the younger brother began to eat to avoid answering anything more.
"They should have let the Hokage watch over her. Even Ryota wasn't happy about us keeping watch over her." Jabbing his portion the younger brother took note of this and placed his utensil down.
"What are you upset about?"
"What do you mean isn't it obvious?! It's her! Once again it's her. She lied to us about who she was when we met, twice! First, it was Aiko and then Yukio."
"You and Temari were responsible for the last one." He reminded his brother. "As for why she left…" Ashamed of his past he began to tell his brother of his act back then forcing her to leave secretly and why their father most likely had to cover it up and lie to them. Why she continued to lie even after years had passed? All to appease the monster within him. "For some reason, Shukaku wanted to spill her blood the most. He referred to her as the sapphire-eyed child he needed to prove wrong."
"That's weird. So she lied to protect you huh," wondering what to think about it he remembered something. "So how did she escape from Shukaku's grasp? I doubt it could have been our old man. Then again she did mention before how her family came to pick her up. So it could have been them."
"I… don't remember. Shukaku was sure he killed her."
"Her family must be something then if they were able to trick him. I wonder what they're like." Breaking down the wall that they had, they relaxed, enjoying their food somewhat peacefully for once. "Still we need to be careful or she may give us the slip. We really don't know as much about her as we thought."
"Father must have kept a file somewhere. I'll look around when we get back."
"You might be right, the council must know something too bad that almost half of them are either dead or in jail. They seem like the types to have kept backup records as leverage."
"The truth of her presence in Suna must be somewhere. She couldn't have lied her whole life. Could she?" The younger brother asked, wondering how someone involved in the council left no trace of themselves. Unfortunately for the brothers, the paper trail they sought would not be found as such records have been burnt as part of a deal she made with Baki once her job was complete.
・
