Scarlet Justice - ep. 49
"Clarity"

"Heart rate and blood pressure are good. Breathing is good...chakra is stable. Everything seems great. You're ready."

Ruki puts the stethoscope back around her neck. This is the final check, and it seems that I've passed with flying colours. The last of my results came back yesterday, and as expected, they were all green. My week in the hospital is over.

"One more bottle for the road?" she asks before presenting me with a serving of milk. I smile and take it from her, putting it into my bag. It should make for something nice, since I'll be taking a short detour before going home.

"Thank you for everything, Ruki. Especially my clothing, since you didn't have to go that far."

"It seemed right, like a lot of things." She's washed and properly repaired my damaged clothing from the fights a week earlier, and procured a new pair of tights for me. I was planning to retire this outfit after my exam performance for posterity anyways, but the gesture is still lovely. I really will miss having her tend to me each day. It was a good experience.

"Thank you either way. Please be well, and think about what I've said. I think you two would be nice together."

"Yes...I'll have to gather my courage first, but I promise that I'll give it a try. Thank you, Lili. Hopefully we don't see each other too soon in this sort of setting."

"Of course." I slide down from my bed for the last time, and shake out my hair.

"Oh, a few things before you go. I wrote up some extra notes to help with your understanding of the CPS, and the relation of the pressure points to parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems. I'm not totally sure how much it would help, but I wanted to do that much for you before you left. There's other stuff in the folder, including copies of those research notes you asked for earlier."

"That's wonderful. I can't express how much of a help you've been," I say as I take the folder from her.

"Just padding my resume," she says with a smile. "I really would like to work alongside you one day, if at all possible. There's a lot about you that I like, honestly...I think you can change this village, and the world if you put your mind to it."

"Mm. My older sister has said as much. A lot of people have put their faith in me, and I think that many more will in the future. I don't want to let any of them down," I say. "So I'm going to work as hard as I can. I will be sure to call on you, Ruki."

"Then as I said before, I'll be waiting here for you. Good luck, Lili."

We share a warm hug, and I give her a wave as I leave the room for the last time. Passing by Tamayo's room, I see that there's a pair of doctors standing by her bed and talking to her. As per my instructions, she's been receiving the best care possible, and will be getting a proper procedure done soon. Ah, right...there's something I forgot.

"Oh, good. You were thinking about it too."

Ruki has caught up to me, and she holds out a card. I take out one of mine from an inner pocket, and we exchange our information properly. The location of her home shrine, and some contact information...good. We'll be able to properly connect like this.

"Copy that down for Tamayo, won't you?"

"I will. Thanks, Lili. See you around."

We give each other another wave, and finally I end up leaving the hospital for the first time in a week. It's around noon, and the sun is high in the sky. Summer...it's slowly fading into the autumn season as I speak. New things arriving...new adventures to be had. And a new sort of life to deal with as a jounin of the village. Kurenai is right there, so I can ask her a lot of questions and she'll answer them faithfully. But being an ace is different, in quite a few ways. So I'll need to ask Kakashi about expectations as well...a lot to do, but there will always be time to do it.

I start on my way through the village, taking a longer, slower way home than usual. The Leaf is just about back on its feet for the most part. Some ruined storefronts have been replaced by tents or portable stalls in the case of food shops. And people are out to support them, with gatherings and queues all over as I walk down the streets. The mood isn't as heavy as I thought it would be after the attack, which is nothing but a good thing. I feel myself straighten up a bit more at the thought that I helped. Things could have been a lot worse, but because I put my back into every action I took, the future really did change. And with this new position, I can do even more. I just have to figure out how best to leverage it...be clever, like Midori said a few days ago.

"It seems that you've surfaced in good health. Very pleasant to see."

A cool and familiar voice calls to me from ahead. Erika hasn't changed from the first time we met, and she tilts her head downward to acknowledge me. In the light of the sun, she looks even more beautiful. Her skin is well cared for, and has a lovely glow to it.

"Thank you. Have you been well, Erika?" I ask politely.

"I have been. The village has been successfully defended, and that was my greatest concern. More importantly, I have heard many things about your heroic actions for the sake of the Leaf. I humbly thank you for everything that you've done, Lilith Kobayashi."

"Lili is fine," I say to her.

"I understand...my apologies, but I don't feel worthy of being so familiar with you yet."

"That's alright. Please, address me as you feel most comfortable."

"Thank you for accommodating me. And another gesture that I hope doesn't make you feel too uncomfortable." Erika gets to her knees before taking my hand and kissing it gently, her head pointed downwards. "Thank you for your sacrifice. Your actions to save the Hokage went above and beyond what many other shinobi would have done. Not only putting yourself in harm's way, but acting to help defeat a powerful enemy. Showing exemplary skill and spirit at the same time. I cannot stand before you without praising this effort of yours, Scarlet Viper."

This really is a lot. I'm blushing, even if it's all true...I didn't expect to be praised so gently and sincerely as this. Really...

"Thank you, Erika," I say quietly. "I truly appreciate your praise of me."

"Of course. You deserve much more than this, but I decided that I would express my gratitude to you at the first opportunity." She gets to her feet and smiles. "I look forward to the heights that you will reach in the future."

"Speaking of good things, I assume you were the one who stopped Kabuto?"

"Yes. He was preparing to cast a certain genjutsu over everyone in the stadium. The first technique I thought of with such a quick activation time and wide area of effect was Temple of Nirvana."

"I've heard of that technique in passing," I say. "Hm. So it could have been a much worse situation."

"To say the least. Enough shinobi would be caught off guard to create a massive disadvantage, not to mention the amounts of civilians that would have been vulnerable to the ensuing crossfire. Thanks to your timely heads-up, we could locate Kabuto and the other operatives, then neutralize as many of them as possible before the invasion began in earnest. Unfortunately, I lost track of Kabuto during the ensuing chaos, and was forced to confront enemy forces before they could penetrate the perimeter. Tactical summoning can turn into a large problem. Also, I encountered cursed seal users from Orochimaru's faction."

"The four from the stadium?"

"Yes. Only two of them were present, unfortunately. I understand that the other two confronted Sasuke...a scan of his mind might help and has been scheduled, but there are restrictions on it as it is."

"Mm. I wonder if it really will help. But you've done much in the way of good work yourself, Erika."

She nods and bows quickly to me. "Thank you for praising me." She really is cute in her own way. One day, I hope I can casually pat her head like I do with Hina. "If you would like to be more familiar in the future...Rika is fine also."

"I was under the impression that you didn't like that name."

"It was the familiarity of it that bothered me...and the use without my permission."

"Ah."

"The crimson nightmare herself has awakened...rising from the depths of the underworld once more, to deliver vengeance unto her enemies."

Oh god. I forgot about him.

Erika frowns and looks up at the same time I do. Dark is floating in the sky above us, more specifically held up by his summon using his 'tactical hair spikes'. Eddie sets him down beside Erika before perching himself on his partner's head.

"The venomous legend returns. Rika, have you given her proper greeting?"

"That's no concern of yours. Also, please do not call me by that name."

"But the aesthetics..."

"No."

He sighs and turns to me. "How do you fare this day, Shadow Mistress? Have your wounds healed properly? Or...do you bear the scars of strife until the end of days?"

"I don't have any scars. I'm also fine," I say. "What have you been up to lately? You dropped out of the exams."

"An urgent summons from my Goddess. I cannot speak as to what took place, unfortunately. That information is a secret that must be kept in the highest confidence."

I look at Erika, who shakes her head.

"I am not privy to their activities myself. But the Hokage must have been aware and signed off on such actions. At the least, Dark performed admirably in his defense of the village."

"My power has grown considerably, thanks to my collection of dark essence from those enemies I felled," he says as he makes a fist. "I have brought honour to the Leaf, and to my Goddess."

"Your so called 'Goddess' wouldn't happen to be Kosugi-sensei, would it?" I ask.

"But of course."

"You do realize how creepy that sounds, right? It makes you sound like you're in some sort of illicit relationship."

He sighs dramatically, putting a hand over his heart. "I have no hostility towards you for such comments. You are simply unenlightened, Shadow Mistress."

"Unenlightened...I see. I'm not sure that I would ever be ready for the sort of enlightenment you've experienced."

"Not just yet, but at least you are aware."

"Yes. Unfortunately," I mutter. I also mean to tell him to stop giving me weird names, but that might be one of his weird reflexes at this point. Whatever. At least I have confirmation that Kosugi really is doing gross things with him. The extent of that however is unknown and it wouldn't be prudent to say anything without material proof. She might just be coddling him, and he's used his dramatics to make it seem worse than it actually is. Who knows for sure...but I do understand that they're just a bit too close for comfort.

Bothersome, that. The world of adults.

"I have purchases I mean to make for Mother. She's expressed her desire to create a feast, as part of our ceremony to call down healing spirits towards the Hidden Leaf."

"His mother is a very pleasant woman," Erika points out. "Somewhat excitable, but not...as imaginative as her son."

"Ah," I say with understanding.

"I must take my leave. Blood Serpent, we will meet again soon. Rika-"

"I will see you later, Koichi Nagano."

Dark shrugs as Eddie sits on his shoulder and tilts his head.

"Oh? You wish to speak to the Shadow Serpent, then."

"Scarlet Viper," I say, exasperated.

"Alright. I'll make my way home without you for now. Ladies, farewell." He throws down a smoke bomb for...seemingly no reason and disappears. The market isn't that far away, either...

"A walking disaster," I mumble. "No offense meant to you..."

"None taken, Princess." Eddie lands on my shoulder. His voice has a rich tone to it, deep and with character as it's projected into my head.

"Well, that's an interesting use of title. You seem to have some familiarity with the serpent kingdom. Do you know of my older sister?"

"News has returned from my own world, regarding the demise of the serpent lord Manda. We have been looking forward to a renewed partnership for a long while now. Your Empress has been gracious to us in the past."

"And she will continue to do so, I'm sure."

"Your name has also been spoken of, Scarlet Viper. The dark princess who challenged fearsome enemies and emerged victorious alongside her sister. My companion is not fully aware of this fact, however...those sorts of titles have come solely from his active imagination. I must apologize to you for any trouble he has caused."

"It's only a minor annoyance. Nothing to truly fret about," I say as I pet the crow's head. "Please allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Lilith Kobayashi, the Leaf's Scarlet Viper. Lili is also fine, if you would like."

"Very good. My full name is Edison Suneater, baron of the Suneater Family and squire of the Great Crow's Circle. Many call me Eddie, as my companion already does. For now, I am merely an apprentice within the kingdom. By gaining experience with Koichi, I hope to one day become a true knight."

"Admirable. And how did you come into your current...situation?" I ask delicately.

"The elders saw past my companion's eccentricities and declared him as one with great potential. As such, I was chosen to assist him because of my innate skill. Koichi is no doubt talented, but as you can see, he has many things he is distracted by."

"Indeed."

"I cannot speak to his current relationship with his instructor, but as Lady Kotowari has mentioned, it seems to be an unhealthy type. Unfortunately, I am prevented from intervening for several reasons, including my code of chivalry."

"Really. I would think you could break that code if need be."

"It would have to be truly dire straits, I'm afraid. It is also embedded in the contract that I not bring harm to a lady outside of combat. Many of my countrymen do not have such a restriction, but I am under specific orders as a knight in training."

"Mm. It sounds like a complicated life. But worth it as far as you're concerned."

"That is correct."

"Well, good luck to you in dealing with your chuuni partner. I don't doubt that he will eventually become a capable shinobi, but I hope he at least tones down his antics some." I sigh. "Now, I am under the impression that you had more to speak with me about."

"Yes. I did have a message to deliver to your elder sister from the crow community. Do you have a scroll, by chance?"

"I have one for use," Erika says as she produces one.

"Thank you, Lady Kotowari. Please hold it there for me."

"Understood." Erika opens the scroll and Eddie hovers in the air, his feet glowing with chakra. He then presses them onto the paper, and a web of seals spreads outwards. I feel him land on my shoulder again as Erika closes and ties up the scroll.

I concentrate and call Crim to me, who appears in a cloud of smoke.

"Princess! It's good to see you again!"

"You as well, Crim." I smile and pat his head. "I have a message for onee-sama from Sir Edison of the Crow Kingdom."

"I will deliver it post-haste! Sir Suneater! The heavens be with you!"

"You as well, my friend. Thank you for your assistance," Eddie says. Erika presents the scroll to Crim, who takes it in his mouth.

"Sir! Ma'ams! Take care!" Crim disappears again.

"A very enthusiastic fellow."

"To be sure," I say to Eddie. "And reliable as well. It was thanks to him that I could overcome the most dangerous enemy. I sense you have something else you wanted to relay."

"Something of importance...a certain summoner made their appearance in the village briefly before disappearing. I do not know his motives, as they deal quietly with their summoned companions. But it was a strong energy that I could not ignore."

"Is it someone you know?" I ask.

"Not personally...Koichi and I made an attempt to discern the nature and identity of the summoner, but they seemed to exit very quickly, for reasons that I cannot begin to guess at. It might be possible that this person, whoever they might have been, was wary of your elder sister's presence."

"A summoner scared off by Midori-nee...hmm. It's someone with an intimate knowledge of the world, then. But a powerful presence that can slip in and out of the village so easily must be rare, and therefore known to someone like the Hokage."

"Village politics, then."

"Yes. It would be prudent to stay clear for now. Midori-nee has decided to do as much, since her main objective has been completed."

"As expected of your Empress, a wise decision. I will follow suit, then." Eddie flaps his wings and rises from my shoulder. "I will be on my way for now. Lady Nagano will appreciate having someone at home to calm her nerves. Koichi has an abundance of energy at times."

"I've noted as much. Until the next, Eddie."

"Yes, until then. Lady Kotowari, I will see you soon."

"Yes." Erika bows politely. We watch as Eddie rises into the sky, gliding along the currents towards home.

"I should be on my way as well. There is work that I can assist with while I have the time."

"Be careful not to burn yourself out," I say to Erika.

"Thank you. Your concern is appreciated, Lilith...I look forward to the day where we can properly work together."

"I feel much the same. You seem very reliable."

"Thank you again. Please, take care. And congratulations on your promotion." She bows one more time before disappearing in a swirl of leaves. Seems she has a flair for the dramatic as well, but that's not always a bad thing. I finish the bottle of milk in my hand and toss it into the nearest container before leaving.

The walk home isn't too long. I wonder what things will be like when I get there.

I ascend the stairs as I always do. Tug on the small chain in my pocket to bring out my key. Unlock and open the door. There's rush of cool air that hits me as soon as I move to step in, and I close the door behind me before standing silently for a while. It feels as good as ever.

"I'm home."

I sigh and take off my sandals, having been met with silence. It looks like everyone's out, which is just fine. They have their own lives to live, after all.

"Oh, it seems like she's come home ahead of us. Luna, I told you we should have gone earlier."

"I'm sorry. I just...needed some time to recover. This is your fault, in a way."

"Mm. Well, I have to admit to that much..."

I stand and watch as the front door opens. Luna and Midori are carrying bags in their hands, and both give me big smiles as they see me.

"Welcome home, Lili!"

"It's good to be home," I say to Midori with my own smile.

"Let's get these bags put away, so I can give you a proper greeting." I help her with the remaining items, putting them in the kitchen before she scoops me up into one of her amazingly soft and warm hugs.

"I've missed you," I say to her.

"Oh, but I've missed you more. It's good to have you back with us." She sets me down and pats my head. "Crim tells me that I have a message, but it doesn't seem urgent. I'll read it a bit later. It's very good that the nobility of other kingdoms are taking notice of you, though. It will help a lot with my future plans."

"Will it?"

"It will, my love. Remember when I said that you've done more than you could realize? This is just the start of it. And I'll be here to guide you all the way."

"Thank you, Midori-nee."

"Of course. Luna and I were out to grab a few things, since we wanted to make you a special welcome home meal. It's going to be your favourites, and a little delicacy that I think you'll enjoy."

Crispy curly fries and salmon. Those sound amazing, even after Ruki gave me such an excellent experience in the hospital. You really can't beat the classics. Although...I wonder about this delicacy she mentioned. Is it snake food? Snakes eat rodents and even larger animals. I wonder if this is what she's trying to get me used to...

"Here we are. Be careful, it's addictive."

"..." It's a cake. It has white frosting all over the outside. I don't quite understand.

"Hmhm. I'll let you have a slice, so that you can truly experience this heavenly flavour..."

"Lady Midoriko, you shouldn't. You'll spoil your dinner," Luna scolds.

"Just a little bite, Luna."

Luna grumbles and puts on her apron, muttering something about spray bottles. Midori grins and removes the covering from the cake, then takes a knife and makes two close cuts to tease out a thin slice of cake. The inside is...red. There are the two layers, separated by a thick line of creamy icing.

"Let's have ourselves a taste, Lili."

I nod and open my mouth as she places a piece on my tongue with her fork.

"..."

"Well?" she says with a smile.

"..." I chew and savour the cake. Luna was right. This really will ruin my appetite. And my figure, most likely. "It's good. You were right. I think this might become an addiction."

"Told you~! Here, just a bit more-"

"No! Bad! It's almost dinner!" Luna seals the cake and takes the rest of the slice away from us. "Out until I call you to the table. Out, both of you! Out, out!"

We arch our backs and hiss at her as she waves her spatula around.

It really is good to be home.