Scarlet Justice - ep. 87
"Ides of Winter"
[Fleeting Dreams, Part 2]

By the time I wake up, morning light is streaming through the windows of the automobile. We hit a rest stop to check on the machine's status, stretch our legs, and switch off drivers. Moyasu has taken the wheel and he's far more professional about it, both in terms of driving skill and keeping his mouth closed while operating. It's a welcome thing. Hina shares a few of her snacks with me as the group moves ahead again, still in the forests of Fire Country and going directly northwards. Part of the reason for this and not taking the more familiar roads is to test this machine's capabilities over different types of terrain.

Most everyone else seemed to be awake earlier, so they've gone to sleep shortly after we started our trip again. Reiko Inaba, or our friendly mechanic Ittan, is awake along with me. She seems bored at this time...although she knows less about this mission than her partners, she's definitely the most accessible. I wonder if she's heard anything useful...

It's worth a shot, I think.

"Still awake, Ittan?"

"Eh?" She turns her head from the window towards me. "Oh, Kobacchi. Yeah, I can't go back to sleep. Kinda bored looking outside already. All trees, you know."

"Mm. Spare some thoughts? I have things that I'm curious about."

"Sure~!" She carefully steps across the aisle and takes a seat across from me, leaning backwards comfortably as soon as she's settled. "So. What'd ya wanna know?"

"Let's start with the basics, if that works for you. You are the mechanical expert in charge for this escapade, yes?"

"Mm-hm~! That's right, I'm in charge of the parts, equipment, and maintenance for this big boy here. Nice, yeah? Although it's nothing compared to the machines they've got out west."

"They are quite advanced, yes."

"Yeah, yeah~. All the racing machines and sports vehicles. Really fast, and gorgeous too! I get tingles remembering how the engines sound," she says with a smile. "So this isn't much in comparison, but I cherish the opportunity. It's great getting to do this yourself, starting from scratch. A lot of people don't believe it, but I put this thing's engine together by myself! I did all the designs and research, assembled and tested it...I woulda machined all the components myself too, haha! But that would have taken a bit too much time, and the whole project wasn't doing well at one point. Either way, I'm proud. It runs nice and smooth, just like I dreamed!"

"That's very impressive, and you should be proud of yourself."

"Thanks~!"

"So you're a genius and a racing otaku, I see."

"Eh~. Kobacchi, so mean. You didn't have to put it like that," she pouts playfully. "But, if you gotta put a name to it...yeah, I'm a little obsessed. Also between you and me, I like being a race queen and wearing those outfits. You know, the ones that fit close? They're exciting to play in."

"I see. So you're into teasing boys, too. You really are a woman of many talents."

"Nyahaha! Do you kick it off with everyone like this?"

"Just people I like."

"So flattering~! If I had to guess, from how stylish and cute you look, combined with that sharp tongue...Kobacchi is a hard S, then?"

"You're not wrong, for now at least," I say with a shrug. "Who knows. I might develop a taste for punishment later on."

"Spicy."

"Aside from all of the mechanical stuff, do you know what else you're responsible for on this mission?" I ask.

"I just know that I have to keep things running smoothly so that we get to our destination on time. Otherwise? Nothing, really." Ittan makes a writing motion on her thigh that I catch. I silently hand her a small scroll with a pen - it seems that she was thinking the same thing I was, that the carriage might have audio bugs. "They've kept me in the dark for a while now. I really do wonder what we're carrying such a long way. Eh. It's a good guess that part of the reason I got dragged onto this mission was as bait, or a decoy or something. You know, because I dress like this," she says with a gesture to herself. "I've been a gal since middle school, you know."

"It was because you were lonely."

"Yeah. A person interested in mechanics and similar stuff isn't very popular, especially if it's a girl. You know how nerdy guys get...either they're worried that you're a fraud, or that you'll turn into some kind of succubus that tears the group apart from the inside. Can't win for trying. So I got the idea to try out this image, just thinking I had nothing to lose. Kinda thought it would just be a quick phase...didn't turn out like that. I fell in love with it faster than I could blink! It was like, like...I took to looking like one of those sorta quiet and surly girls at first, because I was still a bit shy. But as I got more comfortable, I started to open up, and everyone accepted me more and more. I ended up playing with boys who would have never given me the time of day otherwise, I wore lots of flirty clothes, I gossiped with the other gals about life and school and making money...but I didn't replace my old life. Just added to it in the end."

"I'm glad it worked out," I say sincerely. "Sometimes it's a small change of pace that can unlock your true potential. And you did all of that because you truly enjoyed it, which is very admirable. You do look gorgeous as you are now."

"Thanks! You're really a good person, Kobacchi. Maybe a little cold on the outside looking in, though...those eyes are a bit scary from the wrong angle, eh."

"Is that so..."

"Yup! But it's not a bad thing, really. Makes you look serious and refined and junk. I like it. And I also noticed that you've overcome loneliness too, but in your own unique way. I think that's very admirable, too." She finishes writing and rolls up the scroll before tossing it to me. "Heh, I feel a bit sleepy after that talk. Gonna take that nap I wanted."

"Of course. Thank you for humouring me, Ittan."

"No worries! Anything for a pretty face~" She smiles and closes her eyes, drifting off to sleep. I roll open the scroll and start to read it.

Her handwriting is clean and neat, which is always a nice thing. The details of what she knows are simple: from information gathered in bits and pieces, the cargo is a new technology that is somehow going to make use of the abundant forest that covers the Frost Country. However, damaging rumours have been floating around. Some of the areas used for field tests of this unknown device have apparently been ruined beyond repair, unusable for an unknown period of time. Testing areas have to frequently change location, and while not explicitly linked, reports of 'rotting' or 'burned out' sections of forest in the country have increased in number since the device tests began. Ittan's conclusion is that the land is being sacrificed for the sake of this unknown technology, because it stands to make the Frost a major economic player. Rumblings are coming that it could make them more powerful in that area than the Five Shinobi Powers put together.

Something like that is truly massive. An energy revolution that will change the entire shinobi world, if it doesn't end up destroying the Earth first.

The enemies that we're supposed to be defending against have been identified as people indigenous to the Frost Country who live as isolated clans, taking from the land and tending to it in the natural order. They are proper caretakers, respectfully honouring the spirit of nature as she wraps them in her benevolent warmth. But these clans have been in decline, and for two reasons. Lower birth rates and...genocide. Pedants would call these 'assassinations', but they serve genocidal purposes all the same. The Hidden Frost has been 'taking care' of the small clans and their leaders for some time now. One clan in particular has been causing the most trouble, and were targeted for large scale ethnic cleansing years ago, which seemed to have succeeded. There is a threat from one or more unknown representatives of this clan, a sacred group called the Inugami Clan. The Inugami Clan can trace their history back to the Sage of Six Paths, and in fact walked with him in his journey across the land. Whoever this person or people might be, they are repeatedly wiping out the supply route for the newest machine, and causing a massive headache for the Frost Country government in the process.

"So...firepower and bonds, then..."

That, and liability. We of the Leaf have been sent in to cover their own behinds. There has been backlash over the handling of the clan situation, so sending in a couple of 'ignorant foreigners' to clean up the mess takes a fair bit of heat off the backs of the ruling class. What an interesting little play. The terrifying Leaf interlopers against the 'backwards tribal terrorists'. How cute.

There is a way to solve this problem, but no openings have come up yet.

"..."

Although...it is curious. From the details that Ittan has written up here, there's a slight bit of coordination in these attacks that doesn't make sense. And furthermore, what was destroyed each time has come around in a cycle. Enough to stall the project, but not enough to cripple it. Does this Inugami representative have an inside line, or...?

"I wonder."

I roll up the scroll and set it into my lap.

We're actually moving at a decent pace, with the border of Hot Water Country being ten hours away from our current location. The next rest stop is at a small restaurant with a neat, limited sort of menu. Everyone seats themselves at different tables; Hina and I sit with Shino and Ittan, Kurenai, Hana, and Genma are at another table nearby, and the two nerds are sitting well away from everyone else. Well, they would do something like that. Arrogant pricks.

"I'd like some milk, if you would," I say to the waitress. "Please bring a pitcher of it for now."

"You've got it. Anything else?"

"Nothing for now. We'll need another minute to order. Oh, actually...oolong tea would be nice if you had that, one pot."

"Okay. I'll be back in a bit to take your orders."

"Thank you."

"This is gonna be yummy! Feels like forever since we've had some hot food," Ittan says. "I'm gonna be a bad girl and get a big, juicy steak~!"

"I'll be okay with some grilled fish for now," Hina says.

"Should we try salmon today?" I ask.

"That sounds nice. Let's go with that, then."

"Good."

"Do you two always sync up your eating like this?" Ittan asks.

"Not always. Lili is a bigger eater than I am, but it's fun to try things the other likes sometimes, you know?" Hina replies.

"Yeah, I know the feeling. Some of my girlfriends order stuff for me when we go out, just to see my reactions to them. It's fun trying new things!" She turns to Shino. "What about you, big guy? Gonna try the salmon, too?"

"I have had my eye on this establishment's garden salad. Hopefully it's fresh."

"Salad, huh. You know, nothing wrong with taking it easy sometimes."

"Thank you. It seems there is accounting for good taste in this world," Shino says audibly.

"I can hear you, bug boy," Kurenai calls from her table. Hana and Genma snicker in the background.

"Knowing that your hearing is at full capacity on this mission is reassuring, sensei."

"You're just as bad as Lili, you know that?"

"Ooh, did you hear that? You've moved up in the world, Shino," I say with a laugh.

"Yes. It's very flattering to know that we're now in the same company, Boss."

"Nyahahaha! You guys are too much~!"

Due to the likely surveillance in the auto, I haven't had the chance to talk to Ittan or anyone about what I've read so far. The best time would be now, but I don't want to arouse suspicion in Takato or Moyasu. Besides, there are some gaps that I need to shore up with Ittan before I take any sort of action.

We relay our orders to the waitress as she arrives, setting down empty cups and glasses, pitchers of milk and water, and a pot of steaming hot oolong tea. She leaves for the kitchen again and I slide my chair away from the table.

"Since it's been such a long trip already, I want to touch a few things up in the bathroom. Did you ladies want to join me?"

"I'll come along~!" Ittan says.

"Alright. You two hold down the fort while we're gone. Be back in a bit."

I make a subtle hand signal to Hana as she looks over, and she nods to indicate her understanding. Ittan and I head to the bathroom, which is refreshingly clean, unlike the last stop, and stand together near the single large mirror.

"So, I wanted to ask...are you and Hina dating?"

"We're not, and she's taken already. Coincidentally, he's my childhood friend. All three of us went to the Academy and were in the same class, graduated the same year, all of that."

"Oh, sounds nice. What about Shino?"

"Single. Not entirely sure if he's actively looking."

"Mm. Makes sense. I think he'll find someone soon enough, though. People have absolutely no idea how many women love guys like that. Sharp and cool, you know?"

"I said as much to him. He thinks he's unattractive."

"Crazy. But this world can really screw with your head sometimes...ooh, mind showing me what colours you have there?"

"Sure." I fish out one of my compacts with eye shadow and hand it to her.

"Wow, nice. These are super pretty, where'd you go for these?"

"I picked it up at a little shop in Tanzaku."

"Oh, Tanzaku Quarter? A girlfriend of mine took me on a surprise trip over there...about a few months ago, near the end of summer. Really lovely place, exciting and vibrant. Ah, I like the blues here...may I?"

"Go right ahead, darling."

"Thanks much~" She carefully starts to clean the slightly faded layer of eye shadow that's already on her skin. "So I'm guessing you wanted to know some more about what's been going on?"

"If you could be so kind."

"Sure can. Just so we're clear, these are unsubstantiated rumours that may or may not be up to date."

"There's no trouble there. I happen to like gossip. It's refreshing sometimes and makes me feel like a real girl," I say with a smile.

"Pfft~ You're hilarious sometimes, Kobacchi."

"Comedic timing is everything, as a wise man once said."

"We~ll. I know a few juicy things for sure. So, just to confirm out loud...people have been speculating that it was a single member of the Inugami Clan, but evidence points to there being two members active. It's supposedly a brother and sister pair, and they're seriously strong, more than the Hidden Frost can handle with their normal squads. Some are even saying that their ANBU have been crushed, too. The Inugami have control of all the wolves in the area on top of that, so they have an incredible surveillance system at the snap of a finger."

"That's impressive," I say as I tend to my lashes.

"Right? As for the machines...the thing about them is that they steal the 'essence of life' from the land, which is likely a fancy way of saying that they suck the chakra from the earth somehow. I would guess that's what made the Inugami so pissed off. Frost has tried a bunch of half-assed negotiations with some of the clans, including the Inugami, but nothing worked. So they resorted to the large-scale violence I was talking about earlier.

"Indiscriminate slaughter."

"Yep. Also...this particular shipment is super super important for the upcoming project, because of all the scheduling and stuff it's connected to. If anything happens to these parts now..."

"I see. It's little wonder that they called us in, and made such a handsome offer."

"You saw right through it."

"Yes. We're to take the fall either way. If the mission fails, it's because we were incompetent. If it succeeds, we'll be known as the ones who hunted a sacred clan to extinction and thus will earn the ire of the masses. Possibly sparking an international incident, depending on who is involved. Mm. They really have us in a bind, here."

"You think it's possible to get those two to back down?"

I finish applying my lip gloss before answering. "Those two...from what I've been reading, they're unlikely to surrender to us especially. I doubt they would let us go even if we lopped off our fingers and offered them in apology."

"Yaa~ My fingers are way too pretty for that, Kobacchi~!"

"Ufufu...no need to worry, they're safe with me. I'll figure out some way to put an end to this, though I don't know if they'll be able to walk away alive afterwards. But...I can understand clearly why they would be this angry. Their homes and ways of life have been ruined for the selfish ambitions of human beings. Lives have been senselessly taken, over and over again. It's one thing to borrow from the forest, but to steal it away, and kill so many for the sake of selfish ambition..."

"But...if you think about it. I mean...you gotta think about how many other lives it'll save, yeah?" Ittan says. "So do you sacrifice the well-being of others for the sake of just a few? The birth rates of the indigenous clans are said to be declining, so what's the point of stopping this for them if they don't have any children? And even then, would it be enough to carry on the strength of the clan?"

"Yes, those are definitely things to be taken into consideration."

"All that said...personally, I think that this is all wrong. Even as I'm here on this mission. I love technology, I like playing around with mechanical stuff and building all sorts of cool things. It's not exactly kind to the earth, but one day we can change that if we try. As exciting as it might be to move forward, to innovate as humans...I don't want people to be wiped out for these reasons. More than that, I think that taking from the Earth without giving anything back is terrible. We need to preserve nature. It's what allows us to be here in the first place."

"You don't think that sounds a bit superficial, coming from a gal?"

She smiles at her reflection. "You have a point. It's...probably true. But..."

"You want to do something. Because on some level, inside of your heart, you really do feel for these people, and for this planet. You really and truly care."

"Yes. That's the exact feeling."

"You're a good girl, Inaba."

"Thanks. Kobacchi?"

"Yes."

She turns her head towards me. "You've seen a lot of pain in your life. I can tell from those eyes of yours, the same ones that give me chills sometimes. But in spite of that, you carry everything so elegantly within yourself. You really are strong, stronger than anyone I can think of."

"You really think so?"

"I know so. That's why I want to ask...can you...try and save those two? Even if they're called terrorists..."

"Everything in this world of shadows comes with a price. How much are you willing to pay?" I ask.

"..." She closes the compact and hands it back to me. Our fingers touch gently. "This life of mine."

"You're sure..."

"Positive. If it's enough...because I'm only human. And even if I know nothing, like every other human, I understand enough to know what sacrifice means. I know that if I stepped in between those who called themselves the envoys of heaven, I would accomplish nothing. But...my life would have the greatest meaning as a sacrifice. And so, I offer myself. For a chance to make the world right."

"I accept you and your offering, Inaba."

She smiles and nods, kissing my hand gently. "Thank you, Lady Kobayashi."

"Shall we head back?"

"Yep~!" She's already composed herself and checks the mirror one last time. "Back to my sexy self, and feeling good! Let's go!"

The food isn't half bad, and we have some fun at our table. Ittan chatters away about all sorts of automobiles, including a brand new type called 'super car' that sounds increasingly like compensation for a lack of certain physical features. In between her dramatic speeches she makes time to tease Shino a bit. I'm sure he's confused about the attention he's getting, but it's fine. A good experience to have, especially for someone who insists they're 'uncool'.

As soon as the meal ends, we start on our way - but not before I have a short, mobile conference with those from the Leaf. I rattle off the pertinent details and ask that no actions are taken at the moment, since we have yet to encounter the supposed enemy and this is information that we're supposed to have no knowledge of. The last thing we need is to be pressed at the border about potential sabotage or spying, outside of normal SOP anyways.

The next leg of our trip takes us through more back roads and rough terrain. We drive without event, reach the border checkpoint, and finally enter Hot Water Country at last: the land famous for its hot springs and fanciful tourist stops. It would be nice to rest a while and take a nice, hot bath in this weather. Mm. Just thinking about it is delicious, indeed.

"Hot springs country! I wanna take a soak!" Ittan exclaims. "Come on, we haven't had the opportunity to play that much!"

"Shut up, mechanic. We're not here to play," Moyasu says from the front. "If you want to pick up guys, do it after the mission is over."

"Wha-? I wanna play with the girls, the girls! Why'd you assume that I wanted to catch men with all of these fine ladies here, eh?" She giggles behind her hand.

"It sounds like someone's projecting," I say with a smirk.

"You should watch your mouth, shinobi dog."

"Ah? Come on, no need to be so rude. I thought you scientist types joked around all the time," I say lazily.

"Maybe this mission is a joke to you..."

"Lili's right, we should simmer down. Maybe we're getting stir crazy in here, and really should stretch our legs a bit at a spring," Genma says. "I'd be down for it, at least."

"Yeah, yeah~! A professional endorsement!"

"Are we truly in a hurry?" Shino asks.

"It's not that. We simply don't want to give the terrorists more time to plan against us. They must know that we're coming, since the routes to our destination are limited."

Not like that even matters. So there isn't an actual rush, then. Every one of us from the Leaf pass glances back and forth, all saying the same thing silently: that this feels highly suspect, somehow. Either Moyasu is stupid, which he might be since recollection of formal education is not directly related to intelligence, or he's trying to screw with us somehow. Maybe some strange combination of both A and B. Who could say for sure.

"The bishie here has a point, somewhat," I say to Ittan. "We should keep going and get this job done as quickly as possible."

"Nya, boring~. Well, okay. I know everyone has their reasons. Just make it up to me later, eh?"

I give her a wink and she giggles.