Chapter 62: A Distraction
Writing
'Thoughts'
°Telepathic Communication°
3rd POV
Back at the daimyo's residence, the daimyo sat in thought while listening to his financial advisor who explained every part of the Kazekage's budget for the coming year.
"Hm… that sounds like it will cost more than last year." Fanning himself, he didn't see a need to give so much money to the shinobi village. It was a time of peace, shinobi were becoming obsolete without war. Of course, he knew better than to say those thoughts out loud after all he could be replaced by another just like the daimyo from more than a decade ago. "So much funding for so many shinobi have you considered shrinking your numbers? You know… looking for quality over quantity? After all, we all are well aware that the most outstanding shinobi from the war were from Konoha what does Suna have to brag about? Of course, the Kazekage family would be outstanding but what about the rest? We have very little to brag about."
"Lord Junichi-sama–" Before the Kazekage could make his case he raised his hand to silence him as a servant came up to deliver a message. A message they tried soo desperately to deliver.
"Who dares barge in!" The daimyo's advisor yelled on his behalf.
"Forgive me my lord but we received word just now that your sister's entourage was attacked moments ago." That news sent everyone in the rooms alert wondering who would dare to do such a thing with the most powerful shinobi in the nation currently visiting.
"What are you waiting for!" The daimyo stood up in a panic. As he genuinely worried for his sister's safety his retainer knew how this would look to the public. With his sister gaining popularity through her humanitarian projects some may take advantage and say he was behind it if anything happened to her. But that wasn't the daimyo's worry. "Go send reinforcements!"
Just as he gave that order and the Kazekage stood up to go, another arrived running to deliver the rest of that news. "My lord, your sister's entourage has safety fought off the assailants, catching two for questioning."
Just as quickly as that news arrived the daimyo ran out to see his sister's state for himself. Putting so much effort so quickly he was left breathless and struggling to breathe. Nevertheless, he continued, waved over by his advisor a couple of servants helped him move by holding him up. Taking a while to reach the entrance of his large manor he was able to spot his sibling's long dark hair. Seeing her his pace increased, turning into a run as he hugged the woman.
"Had you so little faith in the men you chose to protect me, brother?" She said, happy to see him as well. Noticing Yukino standing to the side an idea struck her. "Oh brother if there is anyone you should thank it is my savior, from back then and now." With a hand, she motioned to the red-haired woman behind her.
Realizing that eyes were now on her Yukino's attention returned to the present movement and she bowed. "My duty has been always to protect you give me too much credit, hime-sama."
"Nonsense!" It took a moment but he understood what his sister meant. "You saved my sister's life more than once and for that, you have my undying gratitude." Walking up to her he contemplated for a short moment before coming up with a reward. "Well then for your efforts you will grant you a life of luxuries and peace as my concubine."
Shocked at what she heard Yukino was about to politely reject the offer when his sister elbowed him. "Brother, I know she is a beauty but I doubt this is a reward for just her. Taking out her fan she fanned herself. "How shameless of you." She whispered for only him to hear.
"T-that is not what I meant at all!" He said loud enough for the Kazekage and his retainers to hear. He wouldn't dare to push himself to a lady without her invitation. Realizing how he was appearing in everyone's eyes he cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Come let us speak in private. I will let you decide your reward."
Seeing this as a good opportunity Yukino was more than happy to go but she knew that that enthusiasm would raise suspicion. "As you wish as long as the Kazekage allows me to go." She added being respectful.
Just as she said that the daimyo's eyes turned to the Kazekage knowing that he would say yes. "Well? Kazekage?" He asked to make sure.
Reluctantly Gaara gave in, this trip was proving difficult to keep track of her movements. "You may."
Led away the two ended up in a private room. Sitting in silence for a good amount of time Yukino dared not speak first to someone in such a high position. Knowing this as well the daimyo spoke first.
"Ahem. Apologies if my words caused you to misunderstand my intentions. Seeing how that was inappropriate of me please allow me to change your reward to a monetary one." He explained as refined as he could while hiding his embarrassment from earlier. As he did so Yukino pulled off her gloves and pulled out the pouch with rings that were gifted to her, keeping both hidden for the time being she kept them behind her.
Crossing her arms under her chest she hummed in thought. Tilting her head slightly she placed a finger under her chin. "It is fine." Letting out a small laugh her eyes closed slightly as she looked at the daimyo. "I found it amusing. A shame that offer is off the table…" She murmured the last bit. Catching what she said Yukino continued before he could ask for her to repeat. "I will admit I owe the Kazekage a favor for taking care of me so if it isn't too much may I ask for you to consider approving Sunagakure's new budget plan?"
Remembering his advisor's words but also that this is what was requested to be the reward he was on the fence about what to do. "Then I will consider it. However, since none of it would be going to you I know my sister would require that you at least take home with you a good amount of money."
"Haha. So I have no choice but to take it." Slipping a hand into the pouch she held different rings between her fingers measuring his size by sight. "But I feel that I'm asking too much of you… hm… ah!" Feigning realization, she reached for the daimyo's hand and slipped the ring on. "I do hope you could take this in exchange. I know it is not worth as much as the jewels you are accustomed to as nobility but this style is unique from what I heard of." Sensually sliding her hands from his to reveal the silver ring with a small green gemstone embedded in an array of delicate vines. Safe to say that the moment she saw the ring she regretted giving it, it was after all to her tastes.
Curiously he lifted his hand tracing his finger over the designs. It was dainty different from the big and bulky rings he was used to. However, even though it was small, he did not think of it as cheap. "My, the details in this… you say this isn't expensive but the craft and talent raise its worth. The jeweler who made this is letting their talent be overlooked. Tell me where did you buy this?"
When asked Yukino cheered internally. "I bought it when I was visiting a port town in the land of steam. I can't remember the exact town but I do remember the ship I bought this ring from."
"Having the ship name is enough. So tell me what was it called?"
"Silver Maiden." She answered knowing exactly what ship of the two she needed to direct his future investment too.
"Silver maiden… I see, thank you." He repeated the name and as he did Yukino noticed the curiosity in his dark brown eyes. "I have kept you long enough now. You are free to leave and do stay for another day I will be sending your reward tomorrow."
"Thank you, lord Junichi-sama."
・・・
Leaving the meeting room an escort guided her back to the entrance where both brothers would be waiting. As she approached she noticed from afar the princess who wore a small smile when both of their eyes locked. Mouthing the word, 'Tomorrow' Yukino felt excited at what would be waiting for her. Giving a slight nod she looked away and saw the two brothers come into view.
Turning to her guide she thanked them and left with the two brothers and when they were far from the manor she brought up how she requested the approval of their budget.
"How did you know we came for that?" Gaara asked with a hint of surprise in his voice.
"It's not that hard to guess, I can imagine a few reasons for visiting the daimyo. That and I guessed from when I helped you organize those papers a while ago." Laughing sheepishly she also leaned closer to the brothers and whispered. "That and I might have flirted a bit with him to convince him a bit… hopefully."
"Hm. Nothing less from the best kunoichi." Impressed, Kankuro grasped her still bare hand in approval. "If this works, thanks to you Suna won't lag behind the other nations."
"I didn't know it was so important, I hope it works then!" She smiled pulling her hand away and covering them once more.
By the Beach
With all of that dealt with they took advantage of the time they had to go by the ocean shore. A view both brothers rarely saw and one they knew everyone would enjoy from the change of the endless sand.
As they admired the view from the shore Yukino noticed a small dock and ran ahead to the end. Reaching the end she stood there and stared off into the distance, her eyes listless. In her silence, her mind ran through all the information she had gathered and her next moves taking into account her situation.
From the shore, the two brothers looked at her with a bit of worry. Going together their footsteps were audible to her as the wood creaked loudly Even so, she did not turn to look at them instead her eyes remained fixed on the ocean. 'Now ask.' She knew.
"Yukino, is something wrong?" Gaara asked placing a hand on her shoulder in hopes of bringing her back.
And it worked. Just as she predicted.
Turning her head her eyes returned to the present. "Mhm. Sorry… I just suddenly missed home…" She mumbled the last part to gain some pity before, and let out a small laugh to make it look like she was trying to shrug it off. "Ah… this brings me back. You know… my first mission took place in a town further south of here. It didn't have as much green as here but it was nice, I don't think I ever asked for that town's name but it was similar to here, it looked out to the sea. It was actually the first time I saw the ocean…"
Hearing her ramblings Kankuro asked his brother's question again. "Yukino. Are you ok?"
"..." Remaining silent she turned around to look at them, this was what she was waiting for she couldn't mess it up so she thought of the wording already. "I want to deal with this on my own like I usually do but with my current condition and well… situation, I don't think I can." Letting out a long sigh she grabbed her ponytail. "He called me by my nickname the Sapphire Fox, somehow whoever hired them knows who I am, and they know I am here."
"I will look into it so don't worry," Gaara promised. Seeing how genuine he was about it she almost felt guilty for putting this on his shoulders but since he was also forced to watch over her he should have expected this as a possibility.
"Thank you." Stretching a hand towards the water she held her hand out to her friend. Just as quickly as she held out her hand to him the water spun itself into a frozen rose. "I will gift this to you then."
Taking the elaborate flower, he was imprssed at the complexity. "I never asked… but what is the name of your technique?"
"I don't know." Making a similar one for Kankuro she closed her eyes and reminisced for a moment. "One of my guardians taught me this technique when I was young… it's a mix of water and lighting natures. To be honest, I don't feel the lighting in it at all, so I call it water manipulation or if you want to be technical I read in a book that such an ability was classified as hydrokinesis."
"That's interesting. There aren't that many in Konoha who have lighting release."
"Haha. That is true, that's why I never got the opportunity to learn it much." Smiling she knew she could have turned to Kakashi to it but never did to not let him know too much about her. "Speaking of lightning release… do you think you guys can introduce me to someone who knows lightning release?" She knew it was too much to ask but she still tried.
"I'm afraid we can't let you do that. You are currently under our watch and are to be imprisoned. The other Kage wouldn't be happy to hear that if we allowed you such freedom."
"Haha, I thought that would be your response but still I had to try."
"Why do you want to learn it?" The elder brother asked as she walked away from the dock.
Stopping she turned half her body to the two. Thinking about it for a second she weighed her options and saw no harm in letting them know. "I have wind and water release techniques under my belt and a handful of fire release techniques. Way back when during my chunin exams, I saw just how my water manipulation enhanced the potency of lightning release. And when I was in Kumogakure I had the perfect opportunity to learn lightning jutsu. Sadly I had a cover to maintain so I had to pass it up. But now that I don't I might as well learn it!" Turning her whole body to look at both brothers she smiled. "I've always done well with self-studying so even if you guys say I can't I'll find a way." Sticking out her tongue she spun around and walked ahead heading back to the inn.
Yukino's POV
Arriving at the inn they would be staying at I looked around at the style of the place and figured out pretty quickly that I didn't need to take off my shoes. Soon after returning to the room both brothers left me on my lonesome to go order dinner. Slightly bored but not bored enough to try making a portal to my library I instead inspected every nook of the suite. When I finished that I mended the scrapes I had gained from that tussle earlier that I purposely hid from them in fear that my trip would be cut short and I would be sent back to Suna without them. 'I need to find a way to learn more information from the outside. I need to learn more information about the technological advancements. If we keep ourselves locked up we will be left behind. I should ask Kotone-hime-sama to send me the blueprints for what is being invented. This development in technology is such a new area. I'll have to find a way to study it so I can get the basics. When I return I'll also need to create a science department…'
Knock. Knock.
Snapping out of my thoughts I raised my head and squinted at the door in suspicion as to why Gaara and Kankuro would knock on their own door. As I wondered, I heard a knock again.
Knock-knock. Knock.
Knock-knock-knock. Knock.
Now that I recognized. Just as confused but without worry, I went up to the door and opened it. On the other side, I saw two men in civilian clothes. For some reason, they looked slightly familiar.
Just like me, they were surprised upon seeing me. "Yu-yukino-sama." They quickly bowed. "Forgive us for bothering you but we were sent to deliver you a message." Quickly pulling out a folded letter the older one held it up for me.
Before I could open and read it the other blurted out. "There has been talk among the elders about you marrying– ack!" They said only to be slapped behind the head by their partner.
"Don't tell me you read it!" They hissed trying to be quiet. "Excuse us we need to leave we know you're being watched." Just as quickly as they appeared they briskly walked away leaving me with tons of questions one being. 'How did they know where to find me?'
Before I closed the door one of them came running back "Yukino-sama!" They whisper-yelled before the door shut. "We will wait in this town for two more days if you want to send a reply." Taking out a small map he pointed to where they would be staying. "Third door from the right." Saying a quick goodbye he disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.
Staring at the note in hand I could only guess what was inside based on what she was told even though I could just open it and read it I didn't feel like doing that.
Opening the letter but only staring at the blank side I found a pencil and began to draw. I drew the one who put me in the situation I found myself in. The person who gave me such a simple worry to distract me from the threat of my death. I found the thought quite funny.
As I drew the two brothers returned, noticing my silence they let me be. I didn't mind but when they did walk in I saw Gaara and then thought of his ability… and that made me think a bit too much.
"I wonder if my children will inherit my affinity?" I blurted out, catching the attention of both. I genuinely panicked, so naturally I kept talking as if I intended to do that. "If so then I could teach them what I know… I think that would be so much fun." But my mind didn't end at that, "But if they don't… what if they have an affinity for earth release then I'll have to look for someone to help nurture those skills. I could go to Emi but she knows a few barrier techniques. That can't be all that they learn… what if they want justu?" Even though I knew earth release was improbable since I didn't have it there was always a chance that it just lay dormant in me and it would have been awakened in them. 'Like skipped a generation. Huh funny I skipped sooooo many generations. Too many to even bother to count.'
Intrigued Kankuro sat on the bed eating a small snack. "You really thought of all that?" He sounded impressed.
Still, in my worries, I answered. "I'm a woman Kankuro," without thinking my hand went to my stomach. Realizing I didn't take it away from there since it would draw suspicion, instead a phrase came to mind. "You do know flowers bear fruit sometimes."
"What?"
Now this answer snapped me out of everything as I just stood up, placed my hands to my sides, and let out a big sigh as if the answer was obvious. "It means that one day I could bear children." Remembering who told me I let out another sigh. "A… a kunoichi I knew told me that." I could tell that that immediately damped any mood in the room. Knowing this I choose to figuratively stab my foot with a kunai.
"Do you want to talk abou–" Before Kankuro could finish saying that sentence I pretended to not listen and continued with my ramblings.
"Considering my position there have been rumors that the elders may look for someone to marry me. You know, like an arranged marriage just like Kitaro said. Though they may be happy with one but I think having more is a safe bet after all what if my firstborn doesn't want to inherit my title… I don't want to force them into it."
"Title such as leader?"
"Ah," I said in a fake panic knowing that that would be the natural response to what I said how to draw suspicion from that needed me to think about it a bit more, so I waved my hand in a so-so manner. "Yeah… After regrouping after many years I was chosen but seeing how I'm already of age and as you guys know I have a tendency to put myself in danger it would be safe to assume that they would like me to have heirs once I return." Although I said this I genuinely hoped of having more one day. 'If anything I want them to willingly take up my title.' Continuing with my ramblings I jokingly said. "After all, they don't want their precious rose to wilt without leaving a few promising buds in the garden."
"Precious rose?"
"Yeah, a nickname they came up for me." Pointing to her hair she hoped they understood how it came to be.
"Oh yeah, like Gaara because of his sand." Kankuro gestured to his silent brother who had been quietly hearing this conversation without input. 'Is his childhood stopping him from believing he can join in?' That was the best guess I could make.
"I'm sorry but I'm curious about that drawing… who is that?"
"Hm?" Looking down at Tsukiyomi I tapped the drawing. "That's my aunt." Holding the drawing up I showed them. "She's gorgeous, isn't she? I hit the genepool jackpot as you can see."
"How old was she again?" I heard Kankuro ask only to be glared at by Gaara who reminded him of how inappropriate the question was considering her 'deceased' status. But he most likely asked because of her youthful appearance. "Sorry. But now I'm curious about your biological father. Was he the leader like you? Or how does leadership work?"
Wanting to answer honestly I saw an opportunity to sprinkle in a few white lies. "He's my aunt's younger brother. I… really don't know much about him. I only know that he died before I was born."
"We're sorry." Gaara apologized.
"Haha, there's no need. I barely talk about him so this is new. But hey you know… they told me he had red hair like me before it turned white at his death."
"That sounds fake." Glared at again. He corrected his wording. "I mean… it sounds unbelievable if we hadn't seen your hair go through a similar change."
"You saw it too?" I asked receiving a nod from the older brother. "Huh… well… then I guess there's no point hiding it… this is a trait of a true Uzumaki. If by death the hair turns white."
"But yours doesn't–"
"True, even I don't know why." I lied. Shrugging I sat back down and looked at the drawing I drew before flipping the page. "Now let's see who has something to say…" Reading it was as I expected. However, the only difference was that Nori had written this telling me how he had heard similar rumors of my possible engagement. He, of course, assured me that he will refuse it if I wish and promised to prevent any wedding of mine from occurring at his shrine. But the mention of the shrine reminded me of something I've been putting off for a while now.
"Uh… this may come out of nowhere but can you guys tell me the dangers of when the moon was falling?"
・・・
Listening to his description I grew even more worried. "Several meteors…" Feeling faint I wondered just how my village got by. 'They couldn't have been lucky if they fell in the nearby waters it would have caused waves and severe damage to the port towns. It is still young so we don't have the raw talent to break large meteors as Konoha did. Why did Ryota and Emi keep quiet?' Thinking about what to do I grabbed the letters I was given and stood up. "Excuse me I will take the adjoining room. I need to ask my summons exactly what happened."
Shaking my head I couldn't believe they would hide this from me. 'Kuzunoha will tell me the truth… I need to reach her even if I'm not able to expel as much chakra as I should.'
Locking the door behind me I sat in the middle of the room. Closing my eyes I thought of the one I wanted to summon without looking I knew by memory the hand seals and movements necessary and did the usual to summon her. Hearing a puff of smoke I opened my eyes expecting to see her shadow only to find a note in her place.
Tonight is a night of pleasure. Do not disturb unless you wish to join.
Holding the note I stared at it blankly thinking of why she would tell me that. 'Kuzunoha is out so… Misa-san. Yup.' Checking my chakra levels I sensed that barely any was used. 'Probably because I summoned a note instead of her.' So being safe enough to try again I repeated the process and was able to successfully summon the sage's advisor.
°I am glad to see that you have recovered well enough to summon me, now.° Giving a curt nod she tilted her head slightly. °But I must ask. What would urge you to summon me?°
Happy to see her as well. I gawked at her and her colorful adornments. Like always her hair was short and tucked at her human ear that was hidden under her floral adornments. She wore a modified kimono with a green gardening frock on top. But compared to how she looked in my memories she now looked older. Back then she was older than me in appearance but not as old as Kuzunoha. 'Was this how she showed herself to others?' It didn't take much for me to realize why. After all, she was always the most attentive to my needs.
Flooded with memories as a result of my guilt for failing to see her as often as I had the others I laughed a bit. With a smile, I looked up at her and held up the small paper.
Carefully taking it from my hands she read the single line written on that slip and let out a quiet sigh. Taking in a deep breath her mouth opened. "Although it is considered normal I do not partake." Her voice reverberated in my head I swear I could hear small bells ringing somewhere but could not pinpoint where. Her voice was like one would describe when they claim to have heard a god. "I never spoke of it when you were young. I feared that it would soil your view of her. But now you are older…" The more she spoke I adjusted to it hearing her natural voice and only hearing the faint ringing of bells in the far-off distance. "This night is held once every two years, with anyone who wishes to participate."
Still hearing the ringing in my ears I couldn't deny that I was a bit curious. "This coupling is for reproductive purposes, right?"
"No." She answered clearly. "In exchange for our long lives, we produce few offspring. Offspring that can only be produced under two conditions… a union of two beings or a night of pleasure." Safe to say that at this point I was intrigued. Noticing this and anticipating my next question Misa-san shook her head. "Kuzunoha does it purely for pleasure."
"Ah ok. Then I guess Kuzunoha will produce the next sage when it's time I guess."
Shaking her head, Misa-san let out a sigh. "Yukino. The next sage will be born when the previous sage's flame has been extinguished that is to say that when the current sage obtains her ninth tail… Haruko-sama's life would reach its end." Frozen in my seat, the words escaped me. "Yukino. It has been many years since I have spoken to one who could withstand hearing my voice… I am sorry these words were the ones you had to hear. Before I leave just know that there is no reason to feel sad. This is how life is for us." Just as she had appeared she left in a puff of smoke leaving me alone. As the smoke appeared I could hear a few words in my mind. °I must cut our time short… you cannot strain your body any further.°
Taking in the information I had just heard I slumped to my side and closed my eyes. My body felt slightly heavy something I haven't paid attention to but should have. Thinking back to the few times I have seen Kuzunoha's tails I remember my earliest memory was of her with seven instead of the eight she currently has. 'Haruko may soon die.'
Standing up I went to the recessed balcony and took a seat, and closed my eyes once more. Sitting there I leaned back, closed my eyes, and just thought of the past. Thinking of the old vixen I couldn't help but smile.
3rd POV
"Ha."
"Hahaha…"
Resting her forehead on her palm she shook her head. 'Have I met anyone who died that way? Will… will I ever die like that?' Letting out a sigh she stared up at the moon. "That would be nice, wouldn't it?"
Distracted a knock at the balcony door snapped her out of it. Turning to look at Kankuro he asked. "So how was the news?"
"Ah. I forgot to ask." Saying just that she turned to look at the scenery outside once more. The sparkling waves, the sky, and the moon. "Can I be left alone until dinner?" She asked as she felt the tears beginning to build up in her eyes.
"Sure." Closing the door. He looked through the glass and saw her put up her feet on the chair and just stared off into the distance. Walking back to his brother he whispered. "She forgot to ask… also, she wants to be left alone until dinner."
"I see… I wonder what news she received." Wondering for a moment Gaara got up. "She likes sweet right?"
"Yup I think so."
"I'll go ask for dessert then."
"I'll come with you." Giving her a moment of privacy both brothers left the room.
Hearing both of them leave Yukino hummed as she recalled a few more memories. Closing her eyes the tears flowed quietly. The thought of losing another and expecting their death was not one she had experienced before. It was always unexpected and without notice. So this time she allowed herself to feel some joy when thinking of their shared past. "Haruko-sama… please live until you meet my son Haruki," she quietly wished.
A few hours until dinner…
When the sadness she felt passed and was replaced by laughter she picked herself up and burned the letter she received. Looking around the area where she cried she picked up the gems and stashed them with the rings. Among other small things, she cleaned up her area leaving little trace of her even going so far as to collect her loose hair strands and burning them all while humming to the memories of her childhood.
By the time she was done, she stood in the middle of the room to greet the two brothers back.
"Welcome back," Yukino said with a smile on her face.
Just as they came in room service did as well with their dinner. Quickly taking a seat to get out of their way they saw the spread before them with awe. Hit with a craving Yukino waited until the server was done before asking, "Excuse me if there any fish on the menu?"
"Oh, I apologize we are currently suffering from a delay."
"A delay why? What happened?" She asked since the ocean was right outside.
"You don't know? I guess you must've come via the desert, not many do that." She laughed rather impressed. "Well if you do plan on leaving by ship I should warn you that right now there is a large creature inhabiting the waters so your trip may take a day or two longer as the ships will take a longer course to avoid it."
"I see… hasn't the local shinobi done anything?" Rather intrigued Yukino kept asking.
"Oh they have tried but it just isn't enough. I hear a request for help was sent to Sunagkure but so far nothing has changed."
"This sounds recent… how could such a large animal have appeared out of nowhere."
"Well…" She said as if sharing some juicy gossip. "From what my husband said something must've happened on that island for that large animal to leave its waters and wander further and further away. It's a bad omen I tell you… that fish has been around since I was born and never once has it wandered this close… since the new Daimyo was appointed that creature started scaring off the sailors including my dear husband."
"You don't say…" Yukino asked getting into it. "Where is this island?"
"It's hard to see but it's past the cliffs east of here."
"Ahem."
Starling both women they both realized where they were and quickly apologized. Before the server could leave Yukino said. "I'll take a look at it then."
Surprised by what she said the server shook her head. "A young lady such as yourself shouldn't bother herself with matters of shinobi."
With a smile, she released a kunai she had sealed in her arm. "I have a bigger blade than this but I assure you I can handle myself. I will take care of it even if means I have to fillet that fish myself." With a thin smile on her face, she began to rearrange her plans for tomorrow.
Seeing this the woman clapped her hands together. "That's great! Please be careful and enjoy your dinner." Quickly apologizing once more she left the room in a rush. The moment she left the two brothers turned to look at Yukino as she began to eat.
"Why did you say that?" Gaara asked.
"Hm?" Yukino asked as she looked up from her food. "Why make them wait for help? You are here… I am here… trade will be hindered by this if it keeps up for longer and that creature starts wandering further away." She explained it as if that was the most obvious conclusion. Noticing that that wasn't enough she brought up another point. "Also I remembered reading a mission report in Konoha detailing a similar incident, the result: a summon from the Third Shinobi War. If this situation is similar I happen to know the technique necessary for returning it back home."
"Ah… I see. Gaara we should do this since we're here. Either way, we need to stay here for another day the daimyo said he would send someone tomorrow." Interested in her idea he also pointed out something else. "What will we do tomorrow other than sightseeing?"
"Kankuro, we are here to watch over her we can't throw her to a large beast to have her possibility harmed or killed."
"If you don't come with me I will find a way so either you are with me protecting me from the start or after once my body washes ashore," Yukino said with a small hum. "Either way we don't know if more of those mystery assailants will come so it's better to stay out of this town for a few hours while the Daimyo's guards conduct their interrogation, don't you agree?"
"... That's very true. You did say you would look into it. If you can't look into it now the least you can do is provide protection." Kankuro argued already on board with the idea of this fishing trip.
"Oh, also. I will be inviting two people tomorrow for tomorrow. They were sent by the shrine to check up on me after me." She said without missing a beat.
"Wait, can you repeat that again–?" Knock Knock
Just as he asked the server came back with dessert. Gleefully taking the sweets Yukino ate contently and not long after she finished she fell asleep. Losing their chance to ask they gave up and waited until morning to ask.
Early next morning… after buying some black shorts.
Small inn near the outskirts
A knock at the door woke both of the men abruptly waking up sooner than his partner the older man went to the window closest to the door and peeked outside. Seeing a red ponytail his eyes went wide and he flung the door open. "Greetings Yukino-sama." This immediately woke up his drowsy partner.
"Hello boys, it took me all night but I remembered you both. Today I will need you both for a little trip." The woman smiled as she put her hands on her hips her gloved hands on her long blue shirt that exposed her back and her seal, a symbol of her status. Walking into the room she closed the door behind her to lay out some rules before they could meet the two brothers.
・・・
"..."
"..."
Leaving the town as soon as they could they now stood at the foot of the cliff both sides staring at the other as Yukino who had brought them together had yet to explain to them who the other was. Turned away from them she had her eyes closed to the cave they found as she sent out her chakra towards it sensing the paths inside.
When she finished she turned to the group.
"Good news the cave can lead up all the way to the other side so we won't have to go over the cliff."
"That's good and all but who are these guys?"
"Oh, those two were sent by the shrine. They were the ones who delivered to me a message from the head priest." She casually explained. "They're here as extra protection. You two introduce yourselves."
The youngest bowed his head full of puffy wavy brown hair. "Hello, I'm Kenji nice to meet you." He said proudly. Closing his blue eyes he gave a small wave and tight smile keeping his distance.
"And I am Hisao, Kazekage-sama." His partner said letting out a sigh at how obviously fake his partner's facial expression was. 'He should not even try.' Although he was only four years older his dark gray hair made it look like he was on in his years only his hazel tired eyes showed that he was still a few years away from middle age. "As my lady explained we came to deliver a message, like you we are surprised at what we were dragged to."
"Oh come on…" Yukino smiled pulling the two to her in a side hug, "I didn't get to reprimand you two for your risky behavior…" She whispered the last bit making it clear that she recognized the two wolves that wandered off without telling anyone and got hurt when they ran into those rogues.
Flinching, they both tensed up.
"More importantly how did you two know where to find her?" Gaara asked not showing anything on his face but everyone knew from his voice what he suggested by asking that. 'Did you plant spies in my village?'
Pulling away Hisao lowered his head to Yukino. "I am shameful to admit… but my lady. The shrine has placed a tracking seal on you. As long as you carry your crest the shine will know where you are at all times. We happened to be in the vicinity when we were ordered to go to your predicted destination."
"I thought it would be something like that…" Yukino hummed as she took out the crest from her obi. "So is it removable?"
"Of course, they will do so once you return to the grand shine."
"Good. Also, what were you doing when you were in the area?"
"Kenji wanted to get you a gift."
"!" Surprised but unable to say anything his partner just grabbed their shirt and shook them, their face red as his reason was exposed so bluntly.
"How sweet. But I don't need any gifts." Returning to the important matter at hand she pointed to the cave behind her. "Since we got the introductions out of the way can we please check the other side?" All agreeing to finally continue she gathered her chakra into a floating orb and led the way.
・・・
After a few minutes in the dark, she asked every minute to see if everyone was still following halfway in she felt a draft and stopped.
"Is something wrong my lady?" Hisao asked looking around at the darkness.
"No, but it seems that one of the paths leads to the ocean. Let's take a small break." Changing her destination she headed to where she felt the wetness of the ocean. It didn't take long to see natural light ahead of her and within a minute the tunnel opened up into a sea cave.
"Whoa." The puppeteer gasped as his eyes saw this type of natural formation for the first time in his life. His younger brother on the other hand was quietly admiring the small reclusive spot.
The three from Uzushio who had been to the Wolf and Siren base were used to this natural so their amazement only came from seeing the natural light before they quickly began to examine the area.
Starting with the most obvious the three inspected the rotting boat on the sea cave's shore. There was nothing out of the ordinary about it but they did have a few suspicions if they looked at the furthest right side of the cave, none that they mentioned to the two siblings. "Well, that's enough looking let's leave." She said returning to the tunnel.
・・・
Making it out of the cave they saw the small island that the inn server told them about. "Do you think we could go over water? If it was a summoner whatever was used to summon them could be on the island." Kankuro inferred wishing that his sister were with them since she might've been more helpful than him or Gaara at the moment.
"I don't know much about summons but it might be possible." Hisao agreed. "Getting over there without a ship though is out of the question."
Gathering some water Yukino held it up to her eyes and changed their shape for a makeshift telescope. "Going on the water is out of the question… the giant fish they talked about is far away for the moment… I managed to see its scales for a moment… but without knowing what type of fish this summon is based on, it would be reckless to go over the ocean it might be able to sense us and come after us the moment we step foot on the water. Checking the island through the lens she caught a shadow among the trees. Surprised she blinked a few times and tried to find it again but didn't. "But you know checking out that island may give us some answers to what's happening so we should check it out." Looking away from the telescope she scanned the area and her eyes landed on the top of the cliff. "What if we jump from there?"
"What's with you and cliffs?!" Kankuro asked distraught that she would think that was the best option. "It's too far to reach the island even if you jump from there."
"Ahem!" Kenji crossed his arms. "If you thought about it my lady meant that we could hover to the island from there."
"Kenji do not be rude to our lady's friends." His partner sighed.
Laughing quietly at their interaction Yukino motioned to Gaara. "Gaara I feel like Kankuro may feel safer with you so carry him, I will carry these two."
"I agree with that but would you be okay with carrying two people?"
"Of course, this is nothing!"
"I see but if at any point it becomes too heavy for you just tell me, I can carry everyone."
"Thank you." Looking up at the cliff she sighed. "Well, I guess we should find a way to get up there now."
・・・
Jumping all the way to the top they admired the view for a moment and even got a good view of where the fish currently was. When it was far enough they knew it was the time to descend.
Hands outstretched Gaara created his platform of sand and kneeled on it. His brother hopped on right after him and they both went ahead. Close behind them, Yukino created a thin long platform of water and sat at the tip. Quickly going for the middle seat Hisao beat his partner to it and looked behind at his partner. "You can hold onto me if you get scared."
"Why would I hold onto such an old man!"
Chuckling quietly Yukino pulled some water in front of her to create handles to grasp. "Ready, let's go." She said knowing that Kenji wasn't on it. Hearing this he quickly jumped on and held tightly onto his partner. With a smile on her face, she quickly caught up to the Kazekage. Feet dangling her smile turned mischievous as she quickly tilted their platform and flipped them completely upside down.
Hearing Kenji scream she laughed out loud as he failed to realize the water tendrils holding his legs firmly onto what he sat on. His partner let out a small laugh when he heard it. Teasing him enough Yukino flipped it back upright.
"Yukino-sama– Yukino-san!" Kenji yelled from the back quickly correcting himself. "That was terrifying!"
"Yukino-san was holding onto you tight you wouldn't have fallen." Hisao quietly laughed.
"I knew that!" Kenji lied, his ears bright red as the moment replayed in his mind, and realized he was right.
"Hahaha. But it was fun right?"
"...maybe." He pouted from behind his partner thinking about it once again. "Do it again." When he said that he felt his partner tense up a bit and he smiled. "Yeah, You know what do it again but spin a couple of times."
"Maybe on the way back. We already arrived." Landing on the island first they all hopped off on the beach and waved at the Kazekage and his brother waiting for them to begin. As they stood there and waited someone watched from the shadows at the new arrivals.
A/N: Happy New Year!
