Chapter 59: Reminiscence and Secrets part 2
'Inner Thoughts'
°Telepathic communication°
Yukino's POV
Following movie night I was called to the Kazekage's office. For what reason I didn't know but I did get there after breakfast that I was sure of since the Kazekage took me there personally.
Waiting in the office I grew bored of having to sit to the side away from the curious devices the Kazekage had on his desk. Choosing to meditate I turned away, retreating to my mind I thought of my next move. 'I've been here for a week already but so far I have progressed more in my weaving than in my jutsu. While I can stand and take a few steps I can't do it for long enough… It seems that I'll need to do some exercises until I'm back in shape, not only that but the new thing they call technology… I need to know how it works. Uzushio can't be left behind when the time comes to reveal ourselves.' Engrossed in my thoughts and plans I began to organize a schedule in my mind, to manage my time in a way that would most benefit me and get me back in shape. 'If I can just skip breakfast it would save me some time. I don't even need to eat that much. Who even has breakfast? The most filling meals are lunch and dinner.'
"...Thank you for agreeing to help."
"No, I'm just glad to be able to get the opportunity to repay you."
Hearing a new voice I snapped out of my thoughts as the stranger caught my attention at the moment.
"Yukino, this is Shijima-san, she will be helping you with your physical therapy for a week." Turning to see who it was, my mouth nearly dropped open in surprise. The woman before me was a spitting image of her mother if I had seen the woman without any makeup.
Recognizing my name the girl fixed her thick glasses and stumbled on my name. "W-wait. Yu-Yukino?" Looking at me she wore this pained expression as if wondering if it was the same person she thought I was.
I wouldn't blame her, all of my blonde hair was gone now. I looked like an entirely different person to her now. Flipping a red strand over my shoulder I turned my body towards her. "Shijima Hōki. It's been years since our escape hasn't it?" With a playful smile, I hoped to be able to break away from our shared tortured past if just for a moment in front of the Kazekage.
Contrary to what I hoped, her head lowered as small tears began to flow down the woman's face. Taken aback I clutched the shirt in front of my stomach. 'Wait. I didn't mean to make you remember.' About to apologize she ended up saying my words first. "I'm so sorry." Bringing her hands up to her face she tried her best to wipe them away as if momentarily remembering where she was before the guilt took over once more. "You helped me escape… and yet I… I didn't do anything to help find you."
From where I was I reached out only able to lightly graze her arm with my fingertips. Shakily standing up I winced as I reached out and took hold of her arm pulling her closer to me. Removing her hands from her face I put on a smile. "Look at me. I'm fine, my current state has nothing to do with the events from back then. And anyway if you did do something what could you do? You didn't know where you were being held and where I had taken you."
"But even after that, I didn't even think to go bac–!"
Knowing what she was going to say I cut her off. I couldn't blame her for what she was thinking all she must've been thinking about at the time was the thought of seeing her family again. Everything after her return to Suna must've been filled with just the relief of finally getting away. "It's a good thing you didn't ask to send anyone. Suna was too far to get there quickly. Luckily I was found by Kumo and an acquaintance of mine." Feeling my legs begin to ache I ended our chat rather quickly. "Anyways I'm happy to see you safe. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you that night."
"Excuse me," Gaara spoke, reminding both of us where we were currently sharing this moment. Feeling my ankles give in I glanced behind me and quickly sat down. "Do you both already know each other?"
Blinking rapidly she pushed back the tears wiping away any stray ones and without hesitation, she answered him. "We met when she came to Suna–" From Gaara's blindspot I quickly pinched her hand, stopping her from saying more. Although I had mentioned my connection to the Uchiha, the name I mentioned last night would definitely form a clear connection between Sasuke and me. If what Ryota said was true and Sasuke was out there trying to make up for what he has done, dragging him back to the village to remember the past would do him no good. It might refuel the anger he had for the village once again if his memories resurfaced. "...She rescued me during the breakout in one of Orochimaru's facilities," Shijima said, skipping over the details of my visit.
"Correct." Turning her face to me I reached up and adjusted her glasses for her. "He was preparing your body for something. I'm just glad he wasn't able to get it."
"..." Looking away she slowly took a step back. "When he replaced the fourth Kazekage… he was able to finish." With a shaky hand, in a nervous kind of way, she adjusted her glasses once more.
Looking back through my memories I formed a timeline. The reason why my escape was possible at the time was that he had left to a different location to supervise it. 'Don't tell me… I sent her right to him…' Covering my mouth I hugged myself feeling my back become cold reminding me of the way it felt on the cold metal table. For her to feel that again… "O-oh Kami, I-I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"
"Y-you didn't know." Reaching down she lifted me to my feet from where I sat with ease, surprising me enough to remind myself of where I was and who was watching. "Please let's forget about that time." She asked me for her good and mine.
"..." Even though I wished for her to forgive herself for her guilt I couldn't do the same for mine. How ironic it was asking someone to forgive themselves as they ask me to do the same. "Alright," I said to ease her, knowing that that wasn't an option for me. Agreeing to that I pushed my guilt down putting on a happier mask as she probably wished. With the matter that brought me to the office reaching its conclusion, our time together for my recovery started that same day.
3rd POV
Going to the manor with a guest in tow they started in the meeting room attached to the red-haired woman's room. Starting with testing out her mobility she laid on the ground answering "No" to every question that asked if she felt any pain when Shijima bent Yukino's legs or arms a certain natural way.
"Good so all we need to do is get your strength back and increase your endurance." Shijima smiled happily for her. Meanwhile, Yukino smiled having known this fact as well being a medic-nin herself. Though she had to admit to herself that recuperation wasn't her area of expertise. After all, the person who was treated to prevent all sorts of injuries recovered quickly on her own due to her body's natural–or unnatural if you look at her altered genetic makeup–regeneration. Because of that and her tendency for her body to recover as it slept she never had to experience the recuperating process for long.
Starting with basic exercises Yukino's face had a light blush as she stood before her dresser in the room. Her heels rose slowly as she counted up to four. "Good. Now do the same thing slower until your heels touch the floor again." Shijima coached her through the exercises.
"I look stupid."
Chuckling at her comment, Shijima spoke. "I have heard that same comment from other shinobi that have gone through the same path you have."
"Fine, I get it baby steps." Giving in to the workout she followed her more knowledgeable trainer. Even as she did her eyes glanced at the doors in the room hoping that the two brothers kept their habit of knocking. Closing her eyes she knew she wished that because she herself didn't do that as often as she should.
For thirty minutes she kept doing the same thing feeling happy when she finally sat back down for a rest.
・・・
Wearing her veiled hat as usual they went to the shopping district as a reward. All to buy the one thing she has desperately been asking for. So as she held the bag of undergarments close to her body she looked around as the Hōki woman pushed her along, trying to see if there was anything more she needed.
"Stop," she spoke suddenly as her head looked over to a bookstore selling books, blank notebooks, and writing utensils. Looking at the empty notebooks she picked out a hardcover leather book. Picking out a new product, a mechanical pencil, she bought the lead as well as the store owner recommended. Satisfied with her purchase it wasn't until she was outside, did she notice the similarities between the diary Yashamaru gave her long ago to the book she just bought. Hoping that it was a coincidence she put the new bag of items into her current bag and agreed to return to the manor.
・・・
Part of the way back, Yukino couldn't help but feel a little prickling feeling on her back. 'Someone is either watching us or following us…' Hoping that was not the case her hopes were proven otherwise when Shijima leaned down closer to her pretending to push her clothes closer to her to avoid them from getting caught in the wheel. "There's someone following us."
Speaking softly Yukino grabbed her shirt flap tucking it under herself. "If I could tell they must not be that good of a pursuer. Let's see what they want."
Wanting to argue, Shijima couldn't or else it would give them away. Reluctantly the Hōki woman agreed knowing she had the skill necessary to deal with anyone of this skill level. as she thought that she glanced at the metal bar she had secured to Yukino's wheelchair.
"The streets are too crowded," Yukino said suddenly, bringing her attention to the red-haired woman and what she pointed at. "Let's cut through there, it should be faster." Pointing to an alleyway Yukino made it clear to whoever was looking that that was where she was going.
"Of course." Knowing it was a risk she went in knowing that this was the fastest way to draw out their stalkers. Of course just as they had anticipated the moment they entered the alley and took the first bend they were surrounded as their pursuers dropped from above blocking their path from both sides.
Unfazed Yukino sat there taking note of the people who had followed them. Noting that they were mostly young women. "I'm sorry but I don't have much money with me." She said, acting meekly waiting to see what they wanted.
"What business do you have with Gaara-sama!" One in the group who couldn't hold back shouted wanting to desperately know much to the displeasure of their female companions.
Taken by surprise at the unexpected answer both Shijima and Yukino were taken aback trying to not show it on their faces even though one of the two had their faces covered.
"You're talking about Kazekage-sama right?" Yukino answered, keeping up the act. "Don't tell me you're after me?"
"N-no, no." They immediately corrected the misunderstanding, taking note of the woman beside her ready to fight. "We won't, we're just members of his fan club!" Announcing it so proudly a pair pulled out a banner and held it up with a smile. "Someone noticed a mysterious woman staying at his manor and we worried that she might have bad intentions."
Disappointed and well both tired of what she was hearing, Yukino didn't want to keep this up for too long. "O-oh, I see. I'm happy to hear people that care so much for him but I don't think the methods you use are good…" Wagging her index finger at them as if telling a dog to not do something she placed it on her lip. "But since you were so honest. I might as well say this to ease your worries. My stay is purely political. Right now there's unrest at my home that papa has promised to get under control. Since the fourth Kazekage was an acquaintance of papa I was sent here for my protection. The kind lady here was appointed as my guard." Gesturing to Shijima the black-haired woman straightened her back and gave a nod, going along with the lie Yukino told to the audience who was eating it up. Said audience began speaking of Gaara's kindness adding to her story of strife. Feeling that this could get out of hand she put a stop to it. "Please keep it among yourselves. If the people who seek to harm me know I'm here. I'm afraid I may inconvenience your Kazekage with my troubles."
Immediately agreeing to keep their mouths sealed on this topic a comment made behind her caught Yukino's attention faster than even a lightning bolt striking a tree. "That's right. It would be bad if something like last year happened again."
"Right, Gaara-sama's failed arranged marriage." Hearing this Yukino took note of how Shijima's grip on the handles tightened making her curiosity on this topic grow. But before she could ask, another girl was much faster with asking their own question. "So you don't have any interest in Gaara-sama?"
"He's handsome I have to agree," she started honestly. Thinking of where to go from there she remembered Kuzunoha's preferred type, "but I'm more into silver foxes. The silver hair, a chiseled face, strong body, the experience…" Acting embarrassed she squirmed slightly in her seat to sell it. "Oh, if papa heard I would never hear the end of it." With narrowed eyes behind the veil, she quickly scanned the girls' body movements, noting the slight shift some of them had made at her descriptions. Some of them agreed with what she was describing, and some even awakened to the option. Buying her lie without any argument they whispered amongst themselves agreeing to let her go. Seeing her as harmless to their precious Kazekage they quickly apologized one by one before walking out of the alleyway leaving Shijima confused by what had transpired and by how it ended.
Holding in a sigh Yukino gripped her wheels with gloved hands and pushed forward. Reaching the end of the alleyway she noted that the other woman was not following. Shifting her body to look back she cocked her head slightly. "What are you waiting for? I still have practice left to do." She said in a fake sweet voice she used a moment ago.
"Ah… alright. Aren't you…? What happened?" Jogging over she tried to form the right question but there were so many in her mind that she couldn't say anything coherent enough.
"What do you mean? I gave them what they wanted." Smirking under the veil she mentally gave herself a pat on the back. "Let's go back now, my dear bodyguard." Still keeping up the act they both silently agreed to move on.
・・・
Returning to the manor they headed to the red-headed woman's room to drop off her latest purchases. With the topic of a failed arranged marriage still in mind. Yukino handed her bags to Shijima, luring her away from the door. The moment the unsuspecting woman passed her bed to get to the drawers Yukino stood up and locked the door pushing her wheelchair into the small doorway hall before sitting on it again making escape difficult.
Hearing the rattling of the wheelchair as it hit the door Shijima's head looked over at the door in worry thinking something had happened to the woman that was in her care.
"Shijima…" Yukino started with the tone that one would think a debt collector would use. "You know what those girls were talking about." She said as if it was a fact not allowing room for a dispute. "What was that about? The failed arranged marriage."
"Y-yeah, it was a big thing that happened." Looking down again she placed the undergarments in the empty bottom drawer to avoid exposing more than she should.
"So it was," Yukino confirmed. "But you were involved in some way during that time weren't you?" Staying by the door she didn't move closer knowing that eventually, the black-haired woman would have to look up. "I've been asleep for three years and even though I know of some major events I don't know everything." Pulling her 'I was in a coma' guilt card she tilted her head slightly eyeing the top of her head. "The fact that they associated that with the word political means that it was serious." Noticing a slight flinch she was certain she was onto something. "The question is how serious. I know I can't avoid the council forever so if they were involved in some way. I need to be aware to prepare myself for whatever bull they plan on making me do." Watching as the woman slowly rose she caught how her eyes looked away hiding something else. She had a hunch from that and chose to say it. "Tell me… how is your sister?"
"!" Head whipping forward Yukino hummed as her reaction proved it. Relaxing into her seat she knew she was in for a good story.
"I… how?" Slowly Shijima inched towards Yukino, speaking in a soft quiet tone. "It's just as you think… but there was more to it. My sister was used by a couple of members of the council. They forced her into an arranged marriage with the Kazekage. My family was happy so they pushed for it against her will."
"Yeah… I'm familiar with their tactics. They say something is for one reason but you know deep down that the reason they gave you is not the one they are doing it for. Although I have to say sometimes they surprise you and are honest."
"How involved were you with them?"
"Eh… since I was a kid." Crossing her arms she raised a brow. "Either way continue with the events from a year ago. From what you're saying I guess the arranged marriage was used as a distraction."
"Correct. They staged a coup and planned to make Kankurō the Kazekage."
"Ah… that is seriously not good." She hissed knowing that the sentiments that led to it being possible may still remain which would explain the drastic steps those fans took to protect him in their own way even though it was wrong. "I assume there were changes to the members of the current council, right?"
"Correct."
"That's quite a lot of changes in just a decade…" Mumbling to herself Yukino knew she would have to do some investigating of her own to gauge their personalities. "And your sister?"
"Amidst the conflict one of my family's guards kidnapped her and took her to the desert. Gaara-sama killed him but it was too late." Avoiding Yukino's piercing eyes, Shijima hid the truth for her sister.
'Shouldn't you hate him?' Yukino wondered, sensing the lie at their proximity. Extending a hand Yukino pulled her to her knees and hugged her. "I'm sorry for your loss." She said with a mournful tone while her eyes showed none of that sadness. °She's alive isn't she?°
Flinching in Yukino's arms, Shijima's grip on her tightened as she heard the woman's voice in her head. °There's no way she knows. She's in Konoha there's no way Yukino could know.°
"Ah, it's fine. I know when to keep my mouth shut." Saying her words she made it clear that she had heard her thoughts. °I'm glad that she's fine though.° Closing her eyes Yukino patted her back relieved that both sisters were fine. °She and the guard had a thing for each other, didn't they?°
Terrified of her deductive skills she understood the warning from the Kazekage the day before. Warning her to be wary of what she says to her, making sure to only focus on getting her back on her feet. It wasn't just his order, it also came from the other Kage who hoped to keep her detached from the current and past ongoings of the shinobi world.
Even though she felt fear she also felt relieved at being able to share this secret with another soul, allowing herself to relax in Yukino's arms. °Yeah the Gaara-sama helped cover it up. Shikamaru of Konoha helped them start their new lives together.°
°Oh he was involved? I guess he's his in-law now.° Humming happily an idea came to Yukino. °I may pass by Konoha once I recover… is there anything you would like me to tell her for you?°
Shaking her head she dismissed the idea. °She's living a new life now. I can't ruin it for her.°
Understanding her feelings, Yukino didn't insist, hugging the woman tighter. She knew their time would only last a week and asking for more from the Kazekage would just draw more attention to herself and their past connections. Her irrational mistake of completing the Uchiha's mission.
°I'm sorry Shijima. This week will be the only time we will interact with each other. I fear that if someone determined enough tries to pry into our connected past they might find out that your sister is still alive.°
°I know… once the current council has retired. Let's be friends once more.°
°Hm… that sounds good to me.° She agreed knowing that thirteen years would be a good amount of time to make everyone slowly forget the events of last year. °This will be our secret then.° Pulling away Yukino wore a smile as she held up a pinky finger.
She had reasons for keeping that portion of her past a secret. A reason that she had told Kakashi in confidence and the fact that so far she heard no word from Konoha from Naruto or Sasuke reassured her that they hadn't tried to unlock those memories by some form of force. And it was good that they didn't. In her younger years, she had browsed her aunt's library for anything to break it, coming upon papers explaining the consequence of forcibly returning memories that had been replaced. One such consequence was dissociation among others that would just cause suffering to the ones whose memories were manipulated. She couldn't bring herself to let them go through that so no matter what she was going to make sure no one dug into that past.
A week later: Living room
After bidding goodbye to the Kazekage's right-hand woman, as Yukino later found out. They left things at that, not saying anything more to each other. Much to the Kazkega's confusion after the emotional display he witnessed between them when the week began.
Not saying anything more on that subject Yukino now sat in the living room on the manor free of her wheelchair. Tolerating the walk too and from the side wing to the main wing, she was free to move about just as long as she didn't push herself too much.
With a book in hand, she sat on the sofa as the eldest brother tinkered with the arm of his puppet. A sight she was familiar with. Absorbed in her mind her eyes scanned the pages recreating the story in her mind as if she were watching a movie. Right now she was reading an intense battle between the hero and an enemy shinobi of another country.
Alone and with only smoke bombs left, her heart raced as she wondered how the hero could get out of it, thinking of her own ways if she was in their place. Tossing both smoke bombs at the enemy for cover she held her breath as one of the two yelled. Realizing it was the hero she let out a breathless "no…" a sound she repeated when the hero was stabbed. Unconsciously putting her hand on her abdomen as it brought memories of when she was hit with the gentle fist hit her in that area. 'Oh!' Seeing the hero that the enemy pieced to be a shadow clone she smiled. With a single hand, the hero chopped the back of the enemy's neck knocking them into the tree. Speaking a disheartening truth the enemy laughed weakly as the hero looked down at them. Remaining quiet for a moment the hero spoke, clearing the sad truth with some hope.
"W-who are you?"
"My name is…" Reading the main character's name she wiped her eyes reaching the end of the book. Closing it she exhaled quietly. Understanding just a bit the bond Jiraiya and Naruto shared. The man who trained the fourth must have also been the one to have been the inspiration for Naruto's name as the book she held proved. Feeling tears prickle her eyes she wished to have spent more time watching them when he was alive. To thank him for watching over and protecting Naruto during those two years. But it was too late her opportunity had passed. 'I'll make sure to visit your grave on my way back. Maybe I'll update you on your last book's current sales…'
Placing down the book on the seat beside her she laid back and closed her eyes. 'When I die how many regrets will I leave behind?' The thought was hard for her to process. Scared of the answer she knew her biggest regret would be to leave her village but she already considered this already she taught Kichi and Emi her duties and her plans and if something were to happen to her at least her instructions would be left behind. But she knew that there would be other regrets, selfish ones. 'Naruto… Sasuke… how many times have I held out hope for either of you to remember me? It's been more than a decade… I think maybe it's about time I give up–'
Crk!
Flinching, her body jumped at the loud sound near her forcing her to sit up to see what caused it. "Sorry," Kankurō apologized as he held half of a woodcarver, the other was lodged in the piece he was chipping at. "Can you please get me another?" He asked nicely, hoping she said yes.
Wanting to pay them back for their hospitality and to get away from her thoughts, she accepted without a problem. "Sure. In your workshop?" Slipping on her ever-fitting white flats she stood up in her blue and white striped pajamas.
"My room."
"Okay." Heading for the stairs. Step by step she went up to the second floor and by the time she reached it she was gasping and sweating a bit. Leaning against the railing she breathed heavily, gasping for air at the challenge. Punching the air at the achievement for just a moment she headed to the elder brother's room.
Turning the doorknob she opened the door without any expectations. But even when she did she was surprised. Staring at the creative mess she saw drawing notepads sprawled on a desk. Open, ready to capture the ideas that poured into it. Carefully entering the room she stood in the middle of it looking for what Kankurō wanted among the many pieces of wood, shinobi tools, sandpaper, and clothes that littered the room. Even though he already had a place for all of this it seemed that his bedroom had become a secondary workshop.
Letting out a sigh she narrowed her eyes looking carefully at every handheld item. Eventually, she spotted it next to a couple of wooden pieces. Going to it she grabbed it flipping it in her hand at how easy it was. Closing her hand to catch it, the tool's metal part hit a piece of wood that was sticking out, sending it across the room and under a drawer.
With a sigh she walked up to it and kneeled looking underneath it. Squinting her eyes she tried to make out its shape with no success. With a quick glance behind her to the door, she looked back down. Remembering her training from when she was a kid, she formed the ram sign and closed her eyes focusing her chakra to her eyes. Opening them once more she saw the tool and quickly reached for it catching a glimpse of some book behind the dresser before her eyes returned to normal.
'It must have fallen behind there.' Was the first and only thought that crossed her mind. Looking around the drawer she carefully pulled out the magazines. "Oh my… "
Back on the first floor, Kankurō cleaned up the area, sweeping up the wood shavings. From where he was he could hear the door to the main wing open as its final current occupant returned.
"I'm home…" Gaara sighed, placing down the gourd on his hip under the small side table next to the sofa.
"Welcome back." Kankurō greeted him, noticing the paperwork he brought back. "Busy day?"
"Finances." He answered sitting down at the small corner table.
"That hard huh." Throwing the trash he spotted Yukino coming down taking each step slowly, one hand on the railing as the other held the tool he needed. "Thanks!" Taking the tool he noticed the way her mouth tried really hard to remain neutral, faltering ever so slightly into a smirk.
Before he could ask what that smile was about she noticed the younger brother, greeting him. "Oh, welcome back Gaara." Greeting her back she took her seat on the sofa once more as she did he brushed off her odd behavior.
Sitting down, Kankurō continued carefully carving out the wood for the blade to fit into. Unaware as Yukino leaned in close, and whispered his secret. "I have to say I'm quite surprised by your collection." Nearly breaking his work in half he stopped himself glancing at his side at the knowing woman. There was no way to lie or deny everything or even throw the blame on his younger brother. "Don't worry I won't judge." She smirked and raised her voice to a normal level. "I actually want to ask what is the love culture in Suna like."
"Ahem. What?" He wondered where this was coming from.
"You know… each country has its own way of expressing love and intimacy. Like in one land a red camelia may mean love and passion while in the Land of Iron it is considered bad luck." Shaking her head she remembered that fact clearly by how her friends reacted to the fox giving it to her. "If you ever find a nice samurai girl in the Land of Iron don't give her camellias they mean…" With her thumb, she traced it over her neck showing him exactly what it meant. "Then again they don't allow girls to be Samurai." Still a bit hurt about that she let out a small tsk before waving away the air as if waving away the feeling. "Either way just in case go with red roses everyone knows what they mean." With a smirk, she leaned close so his eavesdropping younger brother wouldn't hear. "By the way, the women in those magazines were…" Nodding she gave a thumbs up and a wink in approval, making the brother cover his face in shame at the way he was being exposed.
From the other side of the living room, Gaara looked up from his paperwork and at his brother whose face was steaming. Glancing over at the woman next to him he noticed the smirk on her face enjoying his reaction. Remembering who raised her and the fact that they had teased her recently he had an idea why. Carefully standing up he quietly gathered his papers hoping to not draw any attention to himself, hoping that she wouldn't go after him for the teasing next.
"Ah well… gifts are a big thing…" Forcing out an answer he covered his face. He couldn't believe he was having this conversation all it reminded him of was when his father had sat him down to give him the talk. Nervous and wanting to return some of that embarrassment he turned to the amused red-haired woman. "Hey, since you saw that it's only fair if you tell me your type!" He stupidly asked. He knew he should've chosen something else but it was too late she was preparing to answer.
Unbeknownst to him, Yukino had anticipated this, choosing the cheap way out. Thinking of her previous lover she listed only the vaguest details. "Someone taller than me." She answered without hesitation so they wouldn't think that she was thinking of her answers. "Has beautiful eyes, oh not to mention strong. It doesn't have to be physically," she corrected herself, "more like adept at the shinobi arts." Thinking of something else she remembered what Kitaro said. "Someone that makes my heart skip a beat… cares about me… can take the lead… and… has stamina." Placing a hand on her cheek, she cooled her face as she became more descriptive. Remembering who she was talking to she cleared her throat. "That's all."
Surprisingly that diffused some of the awkwardness he had felt a while ago. "Hm." That was all he said as he wondered if that was what most girls were into. 'The initiative part isn't so different from here.' With a single nod, he noted down the last few bits in his own way, coding it so no one else could understand, considering her words as a bit of advice.
Yukino, noticing this, took a peek at his notes. Although she couldn't understand it she had a pretty good guess. "Word of advice if you're really considering what I said I suggest you talk about it. It's so easy to just ask what they prefer to just get it out of the way." Going silent she had another piece of advice but pressed her lips together wondering if she should.
"Come on. You saw what I was hiding, it can't be any more embarrassing than that, spill it." He asked, sensing her hesitance. Pressing for an answer he knew this was also an opportunity to tease her back.
"Alright…" Leaning closer she lowered her voice to an almost whisper. "Cut your nails and put your puppetry techniques to use." Holding out two fingers she bent them. "I'm sure you can guess what for." Getting what she was saying he glanced at his younger brother who heard everything. Caught off guard by how timidly his younger brother–who couldn't escape as the path to the upper floors was in front of them–reacted by glowing a bright red he accidentally bumped with his arm a vial of poison he was planning on using.
Quickly noticing this Yukino reached across the table to catch it throwing her whole body into it. With one hand she was able to grasp it as the other supported her body, carefully she moved back and placed it on the table. That small sound filled the air alongside their racing hearts.
Watching the vial both perverted young adults let out a sigh of relief. A feeling that Kankurō snapped out of as worry took over. "Are you alright? Nothing spilled on you, did it?"
Checking her gloves and clothes she didn't notice anything and felt relieved once more. "No, all clear. Another reason why I wear gloves. Though I have to say that wasn't the type of heart skipping I like." Chuckling, she reached out for the vial once more and read the name just in case it was something new. "Oh, Misa-san taught me how to make it. It's quite dangerous, apparently, it can knock out a bull in seconds. I never tasted this one before…" Placing a hand to her chest she gave a nod feeling nothing different from a minute ago.
Hearing her say taste, his mind immediately took it for her accidentally saying that instead of test and didn't correct her, finding her fumble a bit funny. "How old were you?" Kankurō asked, afraid of already knowing the answer.
"Before I was eight."
"Why am I not surprised…" Still shaken from that close encounter, he couldn't help but laugh at the thought of an adult creating this as a little child stood on a stool beside them watching.
"Hey…" Yukino bumped him with her elbow guessing what made him laugh. "What about you?" Drawn into a different topic they spoke with the thought of comparing notes and stories of how they used their creations.
From the side, Gaara wore a small smile on his face as he returned to the work he brought home. He was happy that his brother and friend got along without trouble like back then.
"Hey, Gaara! Can you get my poison notes for me?"
"I would recommend not looking under the drawer." Yukino quickly quipped. Laughing as Kankurō caught on to what she meant.
A few days later…
3rd POV
Keeping in mind the stages of the moon Yukino knew what awaited her when she woke up at midnight to find her red hair turning white as the full moon. Holding the long white strands of hair she got off her bed and rummaged through her belongings opening a scroll with the words 'writing things' on it. In a poof, a small notepad, slips of paper, pencils, glasses with just glass lenses, and other writing utensils appeared. Writing a small note she left it outside her door and locked it. Going to the vanity she sat down and took out a pair of scissors, snapping them twice she grabbed a strand of her hair and began to calmly trim. She had hours until the sun rose and she was going to use them well.
・・・
Sitting at his desk, Gaara let out a sigh, finally making it to his lunch break. Staring at the files he finished he rubbed his temples knowing that he will have to go visit the new daimyō soon to talk about funds. Considering how things went with the previous wind daimyō he knew he had to prepare to convince them. "I wonder what she's doing right now…" He asked the room slightly envious of her free time. Thinking of the note he saw in front of her door that morning he remembered hearing the sounds of the loom at work. With a minute of deliberation, he was curious about how it was going along. Dropping in quickly to look at it shouldn't cause much of a disturbance. Convincing himself he closed an eye and gathered sand in his open hand.
Meanwhile, Yukino traced her hand over the material, feeling the threads and the message she had weaved into it. Safe journey… Luck. The message was weaved into the fabric indistinguishable from the rest that could only be felt by passing her fingers over it. The other language she was taught for the specific purpose of understanding how fūinjutsu worked. At least that's what she believed in considering that it was a hobby both Tsukiyomi and Haruka supported. Though only taught for a short moment she was taught it at an age where she was impressionable enough for her muscles to remember. Crossing her arms in pride she was glad to have not forgotten how to do it.
Sssss…
Freezing her head whipped back to the door catching the sand seeping in from under it. Calming down she watched as the sand formed into an eye. Looking over at the cup of water sitting on her dresser she extended a hand towards it pulling out of it a drop the size of a marble. "I hope you have a good reason to sneak in like this." She glared at the singular eye wondering how many times he had done this. That thought reinforced her idea as to why she couldn't write down what she had seen during her sleep. If they were to look at it she knew there would be no way to explain her findings. All she could do was hope and wait for the shrine to send someone to pass along what she discovered soon so she wouldn't have to worry about being found out.
When she asked, a part of the sand split from the eye forming a message. "I heard the loom… I wanted to see how much you've progressed." She read out loud waving her fingers as the water hovered above her hand. Squinting she tried to read the eye but couldn't for obvious reasons. Pressing her lips together she sighed enunciating her question. "How many times have you entered my room this way?"
Almost panicking, the eye shook and formed an answer. First time. I promise. Thinking of the young man to whom this jutsu belonged to, she let out a sigh believing him. For a young man with an ability that could be used for perverse means she couldn't really envision him ever using it for that. Shrugging she tilted her head to her work giving her permission to look.
Hovering across the room the eye went around the hovering water. Looking up and down her work she couldn't help but smile at how much attention it was receiving. Hearing the shifting sand once again she read the new sentence. "You did all this?"
"Do you see anyone else in this room?" She asked the eye before wondering if it heard her. Holding a hand up she opened the chest and manipulated the water in her control to fish out the notepad. Sending the water back into the cup she wrote her response. I would appreciate it if you knocked next time. Entering like that… Shivering slightly she clasped her necklace remembering the pressure around her neck. Crossing it out she wrote. Just warn me. Also, do you see anyone in this room that could have weaved this? But I wouldn't blame you. I am a woman of many talents. With a smirk on her face, she saw the eye turn to her work before looking at her. Looking up and down once as if nodding.
Chuckling a part of her realized the absurdity of the scene. Talking to an eye and receiving a silent answer back. If anyone outside the room were to hear her they would think she had lost her mind. Away from the eye, she let out a sigh. "If you wanted to talk I wouldn't have minded your visit." Silently adding: 'I look pretty silly right now you know…'
Without knowing, he could hear every word she said. He wanted to tell her but by then she had already pulled out a notepad and written out her question. To spare both of them from the embarrassment he went along. With his break reaching its end he called back his sand. Unaware to himself, his face had a slight flush as he replayed those words in his head. Maybe he should have told her that he could hear her clearly. Debating this in his mind he knew he had to keep it secret; it was too embarrassing.
Yukino's POV
Noticing the sand returning from where it came I was left alone once again. Glancing at my loom and at the progress I had made, I chose to leave it alone for now. The praise I received was enough to satisfy me of the work I had accomplished.
Glancing at my open chest I looked inside and pulled out one of the scrolls. Unrolling it I read the subject of each one coming across one that caught attention.
Worn book.
It said, making me wonder. 'This couldn't be the same book now could it?' With a bit of hesitation, I unsealed it, dropping the item on my lap once it was released. Waving away the smoke I picked up the old worn book realizing what it was. "To think that I would ever see you again." Carefully I opened the book looking down at its yellowing pages and fading words. It has been so long since I last held this book in my hands. Teaching me the basics as well as the secret of my eyes. This was my manual that I followed diligently as a child. A manual that I had read less and less as my understanding of its words produced results. Until eventually I had stopped reading this book completely by the time I had been forced to leave Konoha for this village.
"So it has come. My time to complete the cycle." Holding the book to my chest I hesitated. Knowing of the warnings in this book my young self could not comprehend. My approaching loss that I read and could not interpret. Closing my eyes I let out a heavy sigh. To reach this point everything must remain as it was. I knew that. 'But if I made the warning clearer…' Thinking of the village I brought back from the grave I clutched the necklace around my neck. Nothing could change. If it did I would give up the lives I have saved. The people of Uzushio. Glancing over at the top of my drawer I saw the new leather book I had just bought knowing what I had to do.
・・・
Needing to get out of that room I ended up in the living room. Taking a seat at the table set to the side of the room, I placed both books together as well as the pencil I had bought.
Opening the new book I raised my pencil and began to write without a single thought. Without opening or even looking at the original my eyes already saw what would be written on that page.
As if taken by some other entity my hand moved on its own, quickly filling up the pages without realizing the time that had passed around me.
3rd POV
At the sound of the front door opening did her spell break. Dropping the pencil she clutched her wrist feeling the aching pain from having written so insistently.
"I'm home," she heard Gaara say, prompting her to quickly close the book. As he entered the living room he noticed her first. "Good evening." He said, taken a bit by surprise, thinking that she would have chosen to remain in her room for the entire day.
"Same to you." She massaged her wrist as she said this, accidentally drawing his attention to the books before her.
"What's that?" Interested in the old leather book he looked at it with slight curiosity, probably never laying eyes on a book as old as this.
"I'm transcribing an old book the shrine requested of me. I found it in my chest." Looking at it and not touching it, she gave the impression that she had nothing to hide. Before he could ask to even look at it she asked. "How was work?"
"Same as usual."
"Oh," somehow ending the conversation there she played with a strand of hair wondering what to do to get her books back into the room without drawing too much of his attention to them.
"I was meaning to ask…" with a slight flinch she looked up at him wondering what it was not saying anything that may out herself, "but your hair looks different?" He said as if trying to be polite.
"Hm?" Reaching up at her newly cut bangs she realized that he was talking about its color, not her haircut. "Oh, my hair color right?" Getting a small nod in response she shrugged. "It's a family thing. It happens every full moon."
"Did it always?" Crossing his arms he looked down trying to remember.
"Only the red hair." She clarified. "I've always tried my best to hide it so you wouldn't have noticed. That and my hair was dyed when I stayed here."
"Ah, that's right it was a dark blue if I remember."
"Exactly." Happy that he remembered the color so accurately she smiled remembering something else. Something she wanted to ask him now that they were alone. "And… I also caught wind about something I heard… it was about your… umm… arranged marriage?" She tried to be as gentle as she could but there was no way she could. Knowing what she knew there was no way to put it without revealing that she knew the truth. So she had to pretend to know what everyone else did. Covering her mouth with a single hand she hid any expressions she didn't mean to show.
Speechless his mouth opened and closed not knowing what to say. Many expressions flashed through his face as he tried to find some way to explain what was in his mind. "Excuse me." That was the only thing he could say as he fled, his face slightly flushed.
Letting out a sigh, Yukino looked down and opened the book flipping through the few remaining pages before closing it again. 'It was that bad…' Needing a break and needing to apologize she headed to the kitchen to see what there was. Rummaging through the ingredients she got to work making a batch of muffins. It wasn't much but she hoped it would be enough of an apology for what she asked.
Carrying a plate with a single muffin she brought it up and put it down in the hall in front of his door, putting it far enough for him to notice but not close enough for him to step on it by accident. Leaving a small apology note with her treat she returned to the living room.
Sitting down she looked up and closed her eyes, sensing that the brother was still in his room and from the feel of it she could faintly tell how anxious that question had made him feel increasing her shame. Opening her eyes she looked down at the book guessing that she would have just enough time to finish writing it. Picking up her pencil she gave it a small twirl in her hand before touching the page.
・・・
The sound of light scratches on paper could be heard from the living room as the red-haired woman wrote without any control or awareness as she blocked out her surroundings. By the time the last stroke was done her hand came up, distancing from the book in elegant fashion as she daintily held up the pencil beside her head. With heavy breaths she put down the pencil once more.
Picking up the finished book she put it to her forehead, hearing clearly her heart beating wildly in her ears as she did. Focusing on that sound she closed her eyes for just a moment and the next time she opened them she found herself standing in a hallway seeing the light coming from the entrance ahead of her.
For some reason, the hallway was familiar to her and at the same time, it didn't. Quietly, she walked to the entrance ahead of her and peeked inside, seeing a living room that looked vaguely similar to the previous manor's. Standing at the entrance a familiar voice froze her body to that spot.
"Gaara-sama I know it is hard but you must remain awake for tonight."
"I know…" The little boy said, clutching his stomach with a small hand. "He said he'll destroy us the moment I do." Looking up, the boy visibly flinched, prompting his uncle to look behind. Spotting the white-haired woman at the entrance, the man quickly moved in front of the young boy pulling out a kunai from his apron so quickly the white-haired woman could only raise her hands in surprise.
When she raised her hands she realized she was holding the leather book she had been writing on. Not focusing too much on it she forced her attention to the Suna Anbu who would literally kill her if she didn't speak. "Yashamaru-san. Can we talk in private?"
Saying those few words he didn't lower his guard instead he gripped his weapon tighter. His eyes staring at hers daring her to even make a move towards them. Her eyes. The color was familiar and bright, like the few times before. They were unmistakable. Lowering his weapon he asked. "Why do you keep returning?"
"I need to make sure the cycle repeats itself. I think this may be the last time."
Putting away his weapon he acted as if nothing happened and shook his head. "I would help if I could but I'm preoccupied with something now." Without saying anything more he turned to the young boy snapping his fingers in front of the boy's face, startling him awake for just a moment more.
Understanding the situation she nodded once in response. This was more important, all she needed to do was to leave the finished book and she should return. 'But is that really all?' With that thought nagging her she glanced at the young boy and the being sealed inside of him. 'I never did anything to him but he still wanted to kill me. Did the future–no was the current me behind it?' Unable to shake away the idea she stepped up. "Do you have any spicy food? It could help keep him awake."
"Huh?" Looking up at her he considered the idea, thinking of a few dishes. As his face scrunched up in thought the auburn-haired boy stared up with wide eyes not up for the idea. Yukino, noticing the look in the young toddler's eyes, shut her eyes and silently apologized. "It's not a bad idea… I'll make curry then. In the meantime make sure he doesn't fall asleep." Quickly leaving to make the dish Yukino was left with the boy.
Placing a finger in front of her mouth she spoke quietly. "The tanuki inside you. Can I speak with him?" Clearly confused on what to do he glanced in the direction his uncle went unsure of what to do. Noticing this Yukino explained. "Staying awake all night will take a lot of practice and I can see that you are not used to this so I want to make a deal. Will you listen to me, Shukaku?" she said as she briefly remembered the line in Naruto's song. 'If he likes to sleep so much why doesn't he let Gaara sleep? Look at this poor child, he's half asleep.' Finding her friend in his younger years cute she was tempted by the thought of pinching his face. But with much restraint she held back.
Remaining quiet for a minute the little boy extended a small hand forward, a gesture she accepted. 'Oh!' Feeling her heart clench she tried to hide the joy she was feeling. 'It is so small…' Taking his hand she smiled, closing her eyes in bliss.
Drip…
Snapping her eyes open she flinched finding herself in a dark place. Hearing the ripples of the water that she was stepping on she knew that she had entered the boy's subconscious plane where the tailed beast could speak. "Why is it so dark?" Without thinking the thought slipped from her mouth receiving a loud boisterous laugh in response. Surprised she turned around seeing the huge round figure of the one tail.
"Is it weird?" The little boy asked, still holding onto her hand since they entered.
Hearing this she shook her free hand frantically. "Nono no… it's not weird. It just took me by surprise. My space is just brighter, that's all." Not letting go of his hand even in this plane she feared that if she did she would be kicked out and she didn't want that until she accomplished what she came here to do. Standing up straight she took in a deep breath. "Almighty Shukaku, please let this boy sleep tonight without the fear of you taking control of his body." That made his laughing cease as the giant being turned to look down at her. "In exchange, I will tell you a bit about the future." He was not amused by her proposal in the slightest, beginning to consider how to make her drop that brave facade she put on once her psyche returned to her body. Yukino, sensing his animosity, quickly spoke. "A couple of years from now. During the chunin exams, you will have the opportunity to fight the fox. You know which specific fox I'm talking about. Kurama." Looking at him he began to laugh again, leaning forward and placing his arms on each side almost trapping them as he towered over the two humans.
"Why should I even believe the words of a little girl?" He laughed as the mere idea of that was hilarious. In the years he's been trapped within this village he has not been able to contact the others. Why should the next few years be any different? He was a prisoner here and he will always be if he just patiently waited here that is why he killed his previous two hosts and he will do the same to the Kazekage's brat. He'll wipe out the whole village so he'll never be trapped here again and go after that proud kitsune and laugh at his face for not being able to do the same even though he always called himself the strongest out of all of them.
"Why?" Wanting to cross her arms she didn't, humming instead. "I don't know… Ah!" She realized. "I know your name, don't I? I also know of the others and their current whereabouts." She lied about the last part, but she knew which villages they came from before they ended up captured by the Akatsuki. "I can tell you if you're interested." Raising the bait for him to take she hoped that maybe it would be enough to at least hold off on him murdering her with his sand.
"Hn…" Staring at her, Shukaku remained silent wondering if he should just kick her out of this plane of the subconscious for all the nonsense she was spouting.
"Don't make any attempts to change or speed up anything and things play out. You will have that opportunity to battle him again… in less than a decade." Hearing that his ears perked with interest. That was much sooner than he ever expected.
Feeling that she got just a bit of his interest Yukino went on her knees and looked up at the one tails with wide sparkling eyes. "Almighty Shukaku please… just for tonight let him sleep without worry." Taking in another deep breath she placed her free hand to her chest. "Remember these eyes of mine, you will see them soon. Try to kill me if you want but when you fail and you still remember our interaction just know I will survive to reach adulthood and tell you this. There's very little I can do to convince you without spoiling too many future events but isn't the mystery just a little exciting? Knowing that out there I am currently just a small child as the boy who harbors you."
"Ha! Now you've told me your age."
"Shit!" She cursed as she let that little bit of info slip. Dropping the submissive attitude she quickly stood up and put a hand on her hip. "Well it doesn't matter now, what matters is if you will let him," She pointed to the small boy who's been silent the whole time. "...sleep peacefully tonight. Not only that but no one can know about this interaction. If they know your jinchuriki has been compromised by an outsider they will lock you two up as they did to the monk, Bunpuku." Hearing that name again after so long the tanuki felt a slight prick of annoyance. With a determined look in her eyes, the woman stood firm, she was lucky that she had come across the name in the Suna archives. 'To think I would have ever had the chance to use it.' With her nervousness gone she held onto the young boy's hand as she stared at the one tails calmly as a morning after snow had just fallen.
"For tonight but that is all." Hearing that she beamed, a smile bright enough that could have lit up the small space near her if she could. "Wipe that smile off your face and leave." Annoyed, the tanuki looked down at the boy, he brought her in and it was his job to take her out again. "You two have bored me to sleep." Saying that he slowly turned away.
"Thank you." The little boy said lightly tugging on the white-haired woman's hand and in the blink of an eye, they were back in the living room by the time their eyes opened.
Rushing into the living room with a plate in hand Yashamaru placed the plate down in front of the boy. Noticing how Yukino's hands were holding the young boy's he didn't point it out, instead he quietly pulled her away.
"Why are you here?" He said in a hushed tone glancing behind himself to make sure the boy was eating and not sleeping.
"I came to give you this." Holding out the leather book she pulled him close when he got a hold of it. "Listen here he's clearly unprepared for staying up the whole night so I made a deal with Shukaku."
"You did what!?" In his surprise he pulled the book from her grasp, gripping it tightly at the news.
"Shh!" Pulling him to the entrance of the living room she stood around its corner to be out of sight and to keep an ear on the main entrance. "Do not tell Rasa-sama. It's just for tonight so you have another month to prepare and get him used to staying up late. As for the price of it… I will pay for it, not him."
"Why?"
"Because my future depends on it. You will meet me soon so pass on that book to me. The current me." Spotting a paper and a few brushes she remembered the other thing she needed to do.
"What do you mean current you?"
°I am not a spirit. I never have been. I just keep getting put into these past events as to why or who… I don't know but I have a guess.° Dipping the brush she began to quickly draw a seal. It was rather simple for her and one she had seen the Konoha Anbu use before. °Listen when I disappear make sure to seal away the memory of tonight from his mind. When he wakes up, lie to him. Tell him that he fell asleep just as the morning sun rose, that in the days leading up to the full moon he would have to slowly acclimate to taking naps during the day.° Finishing the seal she put it to the side as she began to write the letter she once received in the past word for word just as she had done for the book.
"But why are you doing this?" He asked not understanding why she was doing all of these things for his family. He never understood why. His sister was fine with it so he never asked but now that she was gone he saw no reason for her to continue helping.
"Because I'm doing it for my friend… and for myself." Just like in the letter in her past before she could even begin finishing writing "eyes" the brush slipped through her fingers and began to fade. With her vision becoming obscured with blinding white dots she covered her eyes blinded by the familiar light she hadn't seen in years.
・・・
Jolting awake she felt as something fell off her shoulders. Turning to see what it was she caught the Kazekage as he tried to quietly sneak away. "Gaara?" Slightly disoriented but relieved that she was back she reached down to pick up what had fallen. To her surprise, it was a blanket.
"I'm sorry for waking you up." He said from across the room.
"It's fine I would've woken up sore if you didn't." Tossing the blanket to the couch she raised her arms stretching her muscles wondering how long she's been asleep. "Gah!" Flinching as her neck cramped up for a moment she clenched her teeth as tears pooled in her eyes.
"Are you alright?"
"...yes."Wiping her eyes she rubbed the heated spot on the back of her neck. Scanning the table for her journal she noted that it was gone, confirming for her that what she saw wasn't a dream at all. With that out of the way, she knew there was something else that she needed to get out of the way. "Listen, I'm sorry for asking that."
"...It's alright I shouldn't have reacted like that." Walking over he took a seat at the table. "It's not something I've talked about since it happened, I'm just sorry I couldn't save her sister in time."
Knowing the truth, Yukino looked down and played with the glasses she had brought with her trying to hide her smile. "I know Shijima-san told me what happened. She doesn't seem to blame you for it." Lifting her head she showed that smile and put on her glasses. "There was no way you could have predicted things going that way at the time. So don't beat yourself over what happened especially when the person closest to the person who suffered has forgiven you. I would feel like an insult to them both. All you can do is make sure it doesn't happen again. That's the best thing you can do." Noticing her old leather book she hugged it close to her chest making sure to not leave it behind as she collected the rest of her items.
Just as she was getting up to leave Gaara spoke. "How long have you had glasses?" He asked innocently.
"Oh? My eyes are totally fine. These glasses are just for the aesthetic. That and they sort of help me concentrate by narrowing my field of vision." Adjusting them she slammed a hand on the table before him. "But on a serious note, you should seriously consider getting some reading glasses. All that paperwork is bound to put a strain on your eyes."
"I'll think about it." Just as he said that he noticed her eyes squint as if judging him.
Due to her proximity, she could tell that his eye bags have gotten bigger, the difference was barely noticeable but she could tell. "Hey, have you not been sticking to the sleeping schedule I recommended?" Flinching, he wanted to lie but he knew he had already given himself away. "You haven't, have you." Letting out a sigh, Yukino shook her head. "Seriously, one of these days you're going to pass out from exhaustion."
"I've just been busy recently." Backing away and crossing her arms, her face clearly conveyed one message. 'Are you sure?' He couldn't deny that she was right to an extent. Since her talk with her summons, his curiosity for her clan has just increased. 'How could he not know?' That question nagged him as he spent countless hours looking through the archives looking for any mention, even the smallest grain, finding none whatsoever ever. It was as if the information had been destroyed. 'She was right. Did my father know about this?'
His desperate search for nothing has only kept him held up from his home and his bed. Staring at her deep blue eyes he wanted to know about the clan she spoke of years ago in the ramen shop, the same one that scared the Tsuchikage enough to keep his mouth shut about. 'If I could just find someone who's willing to talk about them…'
"Hello?" Waving her hand in front of the Kazekage's face Yukino pressed her lips together worrying that this might have happened. 'I didn't think it was possible but the world proved me wrong. A person can fall asleep with their eyes open.'
"Hm?" Regaining his senses he immediately lied. "Excuse me, I was just thinking of the cupcake from earlier."
Surprised for a moment, that surprise turned into a smile. "You should have said so!" With a thumbs up she pointed to the kitchen. "I put the rest in the fridge. Don't eat all of them, they're also for Kankurō."
"All right, thank you." Without realizing he smiled, taking the young woman by surprise once more.
Clutching her belongings she put on her best smile in return. "Goodnight." Going around him and back to her room, her white hair swayed behind her as the silk threads that slowly dyed red as she entered the hall's shadow. Unknowingly reaching midnight she continued walking with a small bounce to her steps as she replayed the small smile in her mind. 'Why would anyone hate such a cute kid?'
Shukaku's thoughts on Yukino
Even though he hated the fox he didn't hate him enough to wish for him to die. When he saw the girl again alive of all things with the fox gone from within her he wanted nothing more than to snuff out the life she still had. All because she lived.
The extinguishment of that fox inside her should have meant her end as well. The only reason he didn't continue to kill her after seeing her again was that that fox was still alive and well, at least a part of him, within the other Uzumaki kid. He allowed it but he will never admit it to that fox. That and the fact that the girl's older self had told the truth of his future and her past.
The scene from the utterly gutsy shinobi can be found at the beginning of Chapter 416.
A/N: Shijima is a character from Gaara's Hiden novel. So far there is no official translation and I haven't read it, so I've taken some liberties using the basic information I could find on the events that took place.
Also, I came across this image from Bakapandy on Tumblr and I have to say that Gaara with glasses just looks handsome. Give their page a visit, you won't be disappointed by what you see.
Also, also whenever Yukino lies about something she knows about and pretends she doesn't, the image of "Sarcastically surprised Kirk'' pops into my mind.
