Scarlet Justice - ep. 143
"Following Seas"
[Ritual, Part 1]

"Good afternoon, Shino."

"Afternoon, Boss. Are you feeling better today?"

Today is the day of our intriguing Team Eight meeting. Shino as always is the first one to arrive, waiting for the rest of us. Why? Because there can never be too much preparation done in times like these. So he says, anyways. For today's occasion, I've gone with my favourite outfit, surely well known through the village by now. And since it's a little warm today, nobody should mind if I keep my sweater zipped down a bit. Going for less underneath was a smart decision.

"I am perfectly fine, my friend. Thank you for asking. The day before last was...mm, quite eventful, but nothing I was unable to handle. I had some help from my lovely friends as well."

"I see."

"And yourself?"

He shrugs. "I'm alright. Nothing unusual to report."

"Good. Hina says she has something important to tell us...so I'm quite curious to hear about what it is."

"I feel the same, Boss."

"She really has grown..."

"Yes." He looks at me. "You should be very proud, since it was your work that brought her this far."

"As modest as I try to be sometimes, I am quite proud of her. She's my beautiful sister, who I adore seeing rise to new heights." I put a finger to my cheek. "What of your protege, Shino?"

"Hm?"

"You've been meeting with Futaba lately. How is she?"

"Oh. She's been fine. She comes over to the house sometimes and has tea with Mother."

"Does she..." That's quite a development. It sounds like she's getting aggressive, but not too much so. After all, Shino is still oblivious somehow.

"Yes. She's also industrious when it comes to insect studies. I think we might be equals in time, which doesn't bother me like I thought it would. It's nice to have a companion who understands you on a deep level like that. No offence to you and Hinata, and sensei too, Boss."

"None taken, darling. We all have our own interests and fields of study. It's nice that you have a partner now that can keep up with you," I say with a smile.

"It is. I wonder if we could collaborate more closely..."

"Hmm...maybe a camping trip?"

"With a girl?"

"It should be fine. As long as your parents are okay with it, at least. Or even better, there are small missions that have overnight requirements and the like. Taking one of those together might make it easier on you both."

"Maybe...I just don't want her to get the wrong idea."

"Is that so."

"Yes. I'm sure there are plenty of men waiting to court her, so I don't want to make it seem like I'm making a pass at someone that far above me."

I frown. "Shino."

"What?"

"You know better," I say as I squeeze his cheek lightly. "There's nothing wrong with you, and you would make a lovely boyfriend."

"I don't think so."

"Well, I do. And so does Hina. And Ino thinks you're very sophisticated and helpful."

"And weird."

"Yes, because you are. You're our weird guy, and we love you for it."

"Boss..."

"This won't be the last time I get pushy with you," I say sternly. "Whether you want to court Futaba or not, I don't want to see or hear you put yourself down like that. You are more than worthy of any woman's love. Understand?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good boy." I pat his cheek twice. "Now, even if it isn't terribly exciting, why don't you tell me of recent happenings around the village?"

"Right." He pushes up his glasses. "Small ripples have been appearing lately, and I have been able to further expand my reach with Ino's help..."

The small ripples mainly relate to Magnolia House's formal appearance. Not just hope for the orphans, but for many different types of marginalized peoples within the village. And I know that Hiruzen has been accelerating things like disability assistance...hm. I wonder if Nami and Yuno could push that development to an even faster pace in the future...

Nothing is truly set in stone, of course. But throughout the village, there is a feeling that change is coming. I will see to it that those expectations are met in the coming years.

"...and the usual rumours about you. Though I think Ino has more details...but it seems to be something about a social club."

I run a hand through my hair. "Social club? Mm. I like the idea of those, but the whole means of interaction and bland gossip...bleh. I can't stand it. That's why none of us are on the women's committee, you know."

"Hm. I didn't know that. Maybe I should ask Futaba what she thinks."

"Ooh, you see? That's one more way to connect with her. Wait...don't tell me you do nothing but talk about insects every time you meet?" I ask.

"What else would we talk about?"

"..." I sigh with weariness. This boy...seriously. It seems like most of the young men in this village share the same small pool of brain cells at times. They're very lucky that I find them so adorable in spite of their occasional idiocy. Or pitiable, in Sasuke's case.

"Here we are at last. Sorry we couldn't get here earlier," Kurenai says as she arrives. Hina comes in behind her, along with Hanabi.

"Perfectly fine. I was just scolding Shino here about his confidence with women."

"Oh? Guess he still hasn't knocked that Futaba off her feet yet, then. Don't worry, kiddo. You'll nab her soon," Kurenai says, rubbing his head.

"I'm not as confident about that as you all are."

"That will come in time, Shino. But remember, we're all here for you," Hina says with her bright smile.

"Thanks, Hinata."

"Of course. Now...for the reason that we've gathered at this hour. I have an announcement to make, one that is quite important to this team and this village," she says with confidence. "Our formation will be subtly affected by this change, but I will still remain a member until further notice."

"Sounds super important," Kurenai says, crossing her arms. "So...what is it?"

"As of yesterday, at fifteen hundred hours...with the backing of the Hyuuga Elders and the clan council, my father, Lord Hiashi Hyuuga, has changed position with regards to the succession of the clan. I, Lady Hinata Hyuuga, have been named heiress to the title of Hyuuga Clan Head, representing the strongest family in the Hidden Leaf Village."

"Ah...?"

I'm...still processing it. Was this what Hiashi was being cheeky about the other day? All of those meetings, Hina and Hanabi disappearing for days at a time...it was for this? Hina is...she's the heiress again. Back in her family's good graces. Destined for greatness. I would always love her, no matter her status...but this is incredible. She did it. She worked her way right back to that place.

"I can't...believe it. Hina?" I manage to get out. "You're really..."

"I really am, Lili. All of this is happening. It's real, and it's all thanks to you."

I run forward and hug her tightly.

"Congratulations, Hina. You worked so hard, and now you're being rewarded, like you should be. I'm so, so happy for you."

"It wasn't just hard work..."

We pull away from each other.

"Remember that love is the power that allows us to do anything we dream. And ever since that day in the desert...I have been filled with your love, Lili. That is why I'm here. The confidence that you, and Shino, and Kurenai-sensei, and Naruto, and Hanabi have given me...all of you, and so many more people that I have met on this journey. We will rise to new heights together, Lili. No matter how long Father's reign lasts, my strength as the Hyuuga Princess will open doors that most people could only dream of. And I am going to devote that strength to helping you change the world, both now and when you become Hokage."

She grasps my hands in hers.

"We'll do this together...as the strongest pair of sisters in the shinobi world."

A fire in her eyes like nothing I've seen before. And it's only going to grow bigger and bigger.

Together. I more than like the sound of that.

"Yes. Together," I say with a proud smile. "Make sure to take care of yourself with all of that extra responsibility."

"Of course. Though with all of the people buzzing around me lately, delegating will be pretty easy..."

"Blessings everywhere you look. You should be more than fine, Lady Hyuuga."

She kisses me on the cheek.

"Will this have a notable effect on us as a team?" Shino asks.

"It will," Hina says. "Our mission structure will change a bit, because of my new status. But there is a degree of control that we gain as a result. Our pull in what missions we can select, the types of missions, and the information we can access...all of that will be strengthened significantly as a result of this change. Information access and control will be especially affected, as our weight shifts."

Shino nods with understanding.

"In this way, we can gain more accurate pulses of the village, and provide our allies with more freedom to move. As Lili already knows, there are several establishments directly affiliated with Hyuuga, and several others that are subject to Hyuuga's influence. Of course, we will try not to abuse what is provided to us."

"The exceptions are...?"

"Criminal organizations and the like. Most of them are as you might guess...relating to the yakuza."

Them...right. They can remain intact for the time being. I haven't decided what I want to do about the underworld, but it will have to be something...a lot of strife can come from that alone, and put a nail in the foot of any good revolution. Itachi might know some more about that sort of thing.

"So we're closer to the loop in a lot of ways," Kurenai concludes.

"Yes, exactly."

"Because of that," Hanabi says, "I have a new job as your liaison with Hyuuga. There's a certain privilege afforded to noble clans, and also a certain level of responsibility. If there's anything important that needs to go back and forth, I'll handle it. Which means that I'll also be hanging out with you guys from now on!"

"So one more makes five, eh. That sounds okay," Kurenai says.

"It'll only be for things inside of the village, so as far as missions go, I'm out. I don't have authorization, either way...not yet. When I do, then we can look into stuff like that." She smiles and bows towards us. "I'm in your care, everyone. Please teach me well."

"We will be sure to give you efficient tips," Shino says. "Why? Because that's what a team, and a family, does for each other."

"Of course! I'll be sure to pay extra close attention from here on. After all, I'm here to support my awesome onee-sama one hundred thousand percent."

"It's big news," Kurenai says. "Nice to know that we're all moving up in the world. Anything we need to do, Hinata?"

"Nothing beyond our normal routines," she replies. "Keep our information close, and keep your eyes open. We're all used to a little danger by now, too. As long as we stay the course...I know that everything will be fine."

"Expect the unexpected, and look underneath the underneath. Same as ever," I say.

"Right. Heh, at this point, I think you guys should be the ones teaching me," Kurenai laughs. "You especially, Lili."

"There's still a ways to go for that."

"You'll be saying that until your bones crumble to dust."

"Aye. As it should be." I fan myself with one hand. "It's warm, I want a sweet drink, and we have something wonderful to celebrate. Let's stop at the cafe nearby and indulge ourselves. My treat, of course."

"That's the one with the craft beer, right?" Kurenai asks.

"Yes, nee-san. The same."

"Oi. You're acting like I'm gonna go on a bender or something. This is way too early in the day..."

"Sounds reassuring," Hanabi quips. I snort a bit at that.

Kurenai sighs and shakes her head. "Look at you. Not even two hours and you're fitting in already..."

"You should consider it. At least a little bit, you know."

"I'll honestly give it some thought...even if it's a bit of a drag."

"You're a sweetheart. See, I knew I could count on you."

Shikamaru's characteristic grumbling reaches my ears. It's a few hours after the new and improved Team Eight's social time, and I've been meaning to see Ino for a while now. She's talking to her teammate as she waits for me.

"Looks like the Leaf's number one ice queen is here for you," he says with a nod towards me.

"Ooh, so she is. I've been hearing things through the grapevine..." She pauses so that we can exchange kisses on the cheeks.

"Ice queen, huh," I say flatly.

"That one isn't going away any time soon, believe me. You put on one hell of a show the other day, making a bunch of old men piss themselves and all." Shikamaru chuckles lightly. "Not that it wasn't cool. Geezers deserved it."

"I'm trying not to make too much trouble for you in the future, you know."

"You could try harder."

"I could, yes."

He sighs and puts his hands in his pockets. "I'm gonna go before the two of you team up and bust my balls into oblivion."

"He's been grumpy this week," Ino whispers. "Poor baby had extra paperwork and missed his cloud watching."

I gasp. "Oh no..."

"It's so tragic..."

"Witches, both of you." Ino shoves him playfully, and he smiles before waving us goodbye.

"I saw a little shop up the road. Mind if we head up and grab some tea?" Ino asks.

"Not a problem."

"Great. In the meantime, you can tell me what's been happening lately. I'm surprised you're not still curled up in bed, since it sounds like you've earned it."

"Still much to do, my love. Since you've asked, these are the condensed events..."

Ino has been spending her days training, making attempts to improve her family techniques so that she can use them with less strain. Along with that, she's been keeping up with local news and checking in on Sakura as much as she can. I tell her about recent events, as much as I can safely, at least.

"Sasuke..." She shakes her head. "The more I think about him, the more I realize that I dodged a bullet there. I really hope that he and Sakura are happy together, but..."

"You're sure that Sakura is the one for him?"

"Oh, please. She's the only one who would ever put up with his nonsense. Doesn't matter how handsome he might be...I fully expect him to be in and out of the village trying to get the wires in his head untangled, or something like that. He seems like one of those types." She takes a sip from the paper cup.

"Hm."

"Then again, he's also stunningly naive at times. So I bet if someone gave him enough of a push, he'd try to do that whole clan restoration thing to the fullest. Uchiha boys are famously handsome, for the most part. Not too many ladies would turn down a roll in the hay with one, especially considering their kids might get a bloodline limit out of it. World's crazy like that sometimes."

"It is, yes."

"Is everything in check, though?"

"Yes. We should be fine for now. Sasuke is being closely monitored, and from what I've been hearing, Sakura is keeping him on a tight leash."

"That's about what I heard, too. We haven't been meeting much, since she's...busy. Probably pounding rocks to dust for stress relief. Never seen her so irritated before, but I guess that's a good thing. It's progress. I'll take it."

"There were rumours of a social club," I say as we walk.

"That whole thing, yeah. So it's the four of us, apparently. You, me, Hinata, and Erika. Basically, we're the leaders and the other two got dragged into our orbit."

"Ah, interesting. Any ideas how this came about?"

"Well, we're all upper class girls, we're terribly bitchy at times, and we make people jealous. That's about it. Hinata's around because she's being bullied and used by us to get favours. Kind of a jumble of different rumours."

I watch as she sips her tea, eyes moving upward in thought.

"What do you make of it?" I ask.

"It's not a big problem. Actually...I was thinking it would be a good excuse to start something, you know?"

"How so?"

"Like...forming an actual social club and stuff. Not that it would serve any real purpose at first, but we could always change focus, right? You know how we have our dates and wear matching outfits and all that? Those are fun."

"It is lovely. Aesthetic is quite important."

"Definitely. So, we don't have to go all out, but I think we could do something like that with the other girls. For solidarity and everything. I've got lots of ideas already."

I think on it. Something like that wouldn't be a terrible idea, honestly. A few secrets shared between us, to keep people on their toes. And it would benefit Erika the most, since she likes to stay connected to her friends. Certainly sounds sensible.

"Well, if you say that it doesn't have to be too involved...something like that sounds just fine, Ino."

"Great! We'll keep it simple to start. I remember seeing some cute jackets in one of my magazines. And there's a little place I know that does alterations...so putting that together, we'll have our first piece of official apparel!" she says happily. "After that, we can find times to hang out together, even if it's just for tea in the afternoons. Nothing too rigid like those snobby ladies' clubs. Ugh, I can't stand them. They're bland, their food is bland, and they're assholes." She frowns. "I overhear stuff from time to time...about you, Lili."

"It will only get worse. I've prepared for that much," I say. "The village will learn about who I am and what I like...and it will frustrate them that they have no power to change it, as I look down from them on high."

"That's what I like to hear, hon. By the way...I think I'm the type of person that likes...hm, how to say it. Playing for both teams, if you know what I mean," Ino says as she looks at me.

"Mama is the same."

"Right...right, you did tell me that."

"You shouldn't let yourself get carried away like she does, though."

"Believe me, I don't think I could if I tried. Miss Emi is something else entirely. Silk or plastic wrap, spot the difference..." She sighs and tosses her cup into a bin as we pass it. "I also know that one of the things about my clan is succession, like any other. Dad's not pressuring me, but he's pretty aware of stuff like that. And honestly? I think I do want to be a mom in the future, along with my work. So I could find a nice guy to settle down with, no regrets."

"But there's a person you like right now."

"Yeah. You know who I'm talking about."

"Mm." I look over at Ino. "Then you know about Erika already?"

"Dunno. Something I missed?"

"She's interested in you as well, but it will be different than you're used to."

"How so?"

"She's not interested in you on a purely sexual level. And she doesn't think about falling in love, or things like that."

Ino turns her head to me and blinks. "No kidding. So it's like that? How did you figure it out?"

"I had a feeling, but she told me herself to confirm everything. And if you're wondering, I have her blessing to share this with you," I say.

"Ah, alright. So...she's been interested in me for reasons beyond the usual ones, then. Do you think she minds that my feelings are...kind of different? I know that I can be vain sometimes."

"Both of us can seem that way. But we know better, and so does she. She doesn't mind, no."

"..." Ino lets out a breath. "What if I...wanted more than that? Not from her, but..."

"That I couldn't tell you. It might be a question for when you get closer. It's your life to live."

"That's true. I know that I really like her and everything." Ino smiles. "She's cute, and warm, and so gentle in what she does. At the same time, she's super cool and can tear anyone apart in a flash. If all that she needs is affection-"

"It might be more than that, you remember. We are all wired for carnal attraction, some more than others."

"You'd know all about that."

"Hush."

I see her blushing. "She is pretty gorgeous. I wonder if she really does think the same about me..."

"You can ask her. You know how receptive she is to suggestion, especially if it's you."

"That's part of why I didn't want to push, you know. It's not that I think she's weak, or stupid. I just didn't want to force things the wrong way and hurt her. That's the last thing I would want to do."

I nod. "You're sensitive like that. I've always known, Ino. As long as you're honest, things will be okay. And even if something bad does happen, you'll be forgiven."

"You think so?"

"I know so. Have faith, Ino."

"Yeah. Yeah, I will." We stop a bit so that she can hug me tightly. "Thanks, Lili. I'm so glad you're my friend."

"And I am glad to be yours."

It really is an interesting world we live in. The girl walking beside me, one of my best friends in the entire world...to me, she used to be just some vain, boy-obsessed bitch who harassed me from time to time. Now we're gossiping together as friends, talking about cute girls and boys, and working together to try and change the world. How many more possibilities like this could we have, and share with others? I want to find out. And I want to give others a chance as well.

All I know right now is that I'm very grateful for what I have.

"It's slim pickings for boys these days, anyways."

I shake my head. "Yes, Ino."

"I'm serious. Then again, that's...probably my fault. Even Mom says I'm too picky."

"Hmm. I wonder if she gets to say that out loud..."

"Right? Right?" Ino says excitedly. "How are my standards too high when she's the one attached to Dad? Just look at him!"

"Have you seen that fellow we were talking about?"

"You mean spy boy?" She rolls her eyes. "Yeah, no thanks. Hot bod, but his type? Not my thing anymore. Reminds me a little too much of Sasuke, and I'm definitely over him. Now if we're talking the kinda stoic type...well, you said that Gaara's well out of his psycho phase, right?"

"Temari will murder you."

"She'll have to catch me first."

"Listen, you don't have to risk your life like that. There are plenty of boys in the village to chase after. We'll move one of our tea sessions to somewhere I think you'll really like."

"Ooh. Sounds spicy. Okay, deal."

"Good." I clear my throat. "But in the meantime, you can tell me exactly what you like about Gaara."

"If this makes it back to Temari, I really will haunt you forever. Okay, boy time. So like, his eyes are the first thing you notice, right?"