Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 65
"River Crossings"
[Rocks and Rain, Part 1]
"Is that good?" Hina asks me.
"That's fine, yes. I can see everything that I need to now."
Today is an informal meeting at our usual place, the Twenty-Third training field. I wanted to show off my new technique to everyone, in order to keep them in the loop. And to show off a bit, of course. I think that much is fine.
Since I haven't been able to observe my appearance in my new form, I asked Hina to bring along a decent sized mirror. The usual differences in Sage Mode are simple enough, with a purple colouring around my eyes and extending a bit outwards. In the same way as Midori, my eyes become snake-like and go from amber to red. Baa-sama finds it curious and amusing since most practitioners have their eyes change to yellow instead. I suppose that's just how things go, and is another indication of how special we are compared to everyone else. We are her best and most favourite students after all, hmhm. The small portion of energy coming from my body turns into golden sparkles, and gives the same kind of sheen to my hair. It's a dazzling sort of transformation.
Under the influence of ZERO System, however, things change a bit. My eyes become a bright blue, and the space inside of the violet markings around my eyes is filled with small lines that branch strictly at right angles and glow with white light. Looking closely, I can also see that there are glowing, rotating white rings inside of my eyes as well.
"Very interesting," I say to myself.
"Was this what you expected?" Hina asks.
"Not at all. I'm actually enjoying all of the new and visually arresting aspects that this form brings."
"So you said that this Zero System allows you to see the future, Boss?" Shino asks.
"Yes, that is the final outcome. Destiny is decided by the actions that the user takes, but the ability to see the opponent's next actions and counter each of them perfectly is possible. If the window to possibility is closed, then you will see it shut in front of you. But as long as you have the drive and ability, you can easily open another before the enemy can perceive it."
"That sounds like a seriously powerful jutsu, and just about unstoppable," Kurenai says with surprise. She really can't believe that such a thing could exist, which is part of why we're out here in the first place. I don't need the System to predict that she's going to want a demonstration of its power. "So what possible catch could there be to it?"
"First, the types of jutsu needed to construct it. They're unique as of now, and demand a lot of any individual user. You need a good affinity with the lightning element, experience as a sensor type, and a level of chakra control that is very narrowly distributed, even among elites. On top of that, you will need a large chakra pool both for access to the crucial element, and to ensure that you don't kill yourself in your various attempts."
"Hm."
"Second, the crucial element mentioned, which is Sage Mode. There is another possible method to complete this jutsu, but it's also very dangerous as I am now."
"What would that be?" Hina asks.
I point to the sky. "Energy from the sky itself. A lightning strike."
"I see," Shino says. "Elemental techniques generated from chakra are of a different strength and composition compared to naturally generated ones. To match the power and heat of a wildfire, for example, requires more chakra than most shinobi have available. Of course, I don't think many would recommend directing lightning bolts onto one's self in order to achieve a boost in power. Why? If an answer is necessitated for that sort of question, then I fear for all of us on this plane of existence."
"I would hope we weren't indulging that kind of behaviour, especially without proper supervision," Hina says while looking at me warily. She really is a nag at times. "You haven't tried something like that, have you?"
"No. It's merely a theory."
"Ah. So it means you haven't tried it just yet. How reassuring to know."
"Continuing from where we left off," I say quickly, "Sage Mode is the crucial component for the completed technique. Without it, there is a lack of stability and energy to draw from, which leads to burnout before the technique can properly take shape."
"So Sage Mode is the key, and even if you have the chakra reserves to make it that far," Kurenai says, "there's no guarantee that you'll learn, let alone master the Sage Arts like that. Am I right?"
"You are correct, sensei."
"There's more, I'm guessing."
"Yes. Even after successfully creating the technique and gaining some stability, there are still more drawbacks as of now. The third immediate issue is energy consumption. As an initial start up cost, Zero System demands at least half of my available senjutsu chakra once I enter Sage Mode. This, as you might guess, cuts my base Sage Mode time in half from the start. This is not much of an issue against the average opponent, as the raw increases provided by Sage Mode would allow me to flatten anyone with just basic taijutsu, but you might guess that I'm not liable to waste time getting into Sage Mode for mere grunts in the first place. Simply put, my signature enhanced art can be fired a grand total of three times normally while I am transformed. Under the influence of Zero System, firing it just once would likely bring me right out of my transformation altogether while standing still, and would do so with certainty if I'm moving about."
"So as it is now, you can't really take advantage of Sage Mode while using the Zero System. Especially since you're going to be using it against peer fighters, and for that you'll need every bit of energy you can get," Kurenai concludes.
"Yes, that's right."
"So it's a complicated jutsu to build, needs you to be exceptional both physically and mentally, needs an esoteric art as opposed to something that might kill you, and once you get through all of that, it's an insane energy hog. I can see why you think it's not ready. It's still a hell of an accomplishment though...not many people can make jutsu, even out of others, and I've never seen or heard or something like this. It's like...I guess if a god shoved the Sharingan into their skull, or something. Which is why I've gotta test it out. You're okay for a run, I hope."
"Oh, I was waiting for you to ask."
She gives me a smirk. "Of course you were. Let's see if you can pick out the future after all, then. We have two witnesses with pretty good observational skills themselves." She points towards the nearby tree line. "Try and figure out where I'm gonna take off to, while I have a bit of a head-start. Turn around for me."
"Sensing another body is one thing, but predicting where they will go...I wonder if that is even possible," Shino says.
"Only one way to find out," Hina says. She activates her Byakugan and nods to me. "All ready when you are."
"Going full speed to the trees," Kurenai announces. I can feel her building up chakra as she stands with her back to me. There are many things I can feel, and my brain is quickly and easily processing them. I just need a bit more information to isolate where my big sister is going to end up. Bouncing between seventy and seventy-four percent far left, based on her body language and tendencies. The slight shift in weight that I can feel on her right foot is bumping things up a bit more.
"Kurenai-sensei?" Hina asks.
"Ready."
"Lili?"
"Ready," I say.
"One second gap. On your marks..."
I relax as Kurenai's body tenses behind me.
"Go!"
She takes off. Direction left, and...
"Go!"
I turn and instantly scan the area in front of me, analyzing Kurenai's movement and the terrain ahead. All projections locked, and her path is outlined in a trail of white light, terminating at the exact distance my brain calculated for me. There. No doubts.
I body flicker past her with my enhanced reflexes and end up three yards in front of her, before she can even register anything has happened. She slows to a stop, eyes widening as she can finally perceive my presence right inside of her landing spot.
"You're freaking kidding me!" she yells.
I give her a wink and she stares at me, mouth agape.
"Well. That was...otherworldly," Shino says.
"The word I would use is...terrifying. With all the praise I could append to that," Hina says with a hand over her heart. "I praise the heavens continually for placing Lili on our side. My goodness."
"Proof enough?" I ask as I safely shut down the transformation. "It'll take a bit before I can do that again, but..."
Kurenai shakes her head and pats me on the shoulder. She's equal parts amazed and frazzled, from what I can tell. A normal reaction to this sort of thing. "You don't need to say anything else. That was more than enough. I'm gonna get a drink and try to work through what the hell happened just now...whatever that was."
"Fair enough. Thank you for coming out, sensei."
"It's never a problem. Especially since Asuma's having the time of his life looking after Mirai. That, or she's watching him and Shikamaru go at it with their shogi again. Those boys can never get enough of it."
"Indeed."
I see someone land a safe distance from us. It's Erika, with her usual unhurried self...and with a subtle bit of seriousness that our friendship has allowed me to pick up at a glance.
"Members of Team Kobayashi, I give you my greetings. I hope that I am not interrupting anything of importance at this time."
"Not at all, we were just finishing up a demonstration," Hina says. "We wish you a pleasant day as well, Erika. Did you have news to relay today?"
"Yes, and unfortunately it is news most grave. Your clearances allow me to relay it in full to all of you."
"What is it?" Kurenai asks as we stand in an arc in front of Erika.
"News has come down from our network of foreign agents, most notably those in the area of the Hidden Rock. Operatives Brown Bear and Red Wolf gave us the most detailed information, and that has been confirmed along multiple channels."
Those two, then. It's good that they've remained safe all of this time. I really should go and see that family again, once I get the chance.
"Is it another incident like the last?" I ask Erika.
"No. But it is just as devastating, especially when it comes to the safety of the shinobi world. And other reasons besides. The reports are that two bodies were found in abandoned caves a good distance from each other, but not prohibitively far from the Hidden Rock itself. One body to the northwest, which was that of the Four-Tails' jinchuuriki, Roshi. And one to the east, which was that of the Five-Tails' jinchuuriki, Han. Both were found without vitals, and every attempt was made to revive them. They were officially marked as deceased yesterday, and the news will be announced officially in a day or two."
Hina gasps and puts her hands over her mouth.
"That can't be for real. Both of them? Akatsuki got them both?" Kurenai asks in a shocked tone. "Trouble doesn't even start to describe it..."
"It seems so. Not only that, but the reports also indicate that the bodies were discarded and left in place for several days...the caves did well in helping to preserve the bodies, at the least."
"It seems like incredibly bad news for the Hidden Rock," Shino says. "They might be inclined to do something desperate, more so than before. The reasons being...now that they definitively cannot trust Akatsuki to assist in their military matters, and have lost both of their most powerful deterrents, who can they depend on?"
"It's even worse than that," I say quietly. "Fio..."
"Han was Fio's old master," Erika says. "She's always spoken fondly of him..."
"I...should tell her the news. I suppose that's why you came to us first, then."
"It was, yes."
"Thank you, Erika. I...we really appreciate that. I suppose we'll go our separate ways, then..."
"Did you need my assistance?" she asks.
"I think it will be best if I do this myself. Thank you again...things should be okay from here."
"Do not hesitate to call on me," Erika says.
"And the same goes for me," Hina adds.
"All of us," Kurenai says. Shino nods in agreement.
"Thank you, all of you. I'll let you know if anything takes a bad turn. Bye for now."
All of us share hugs before I leave the training field, and head towards Fio's location. She's at one of the common grounds, and her team has already dispersed for the day in different directions. It seems to be better like this.
"Fio?"
"Lili, hey! You just missed the team, I'm sure they would have loved to see you again. Everyone's got their own stuff to do, looks like. And tomorrow's an off day, so I don't blame them for cleaning up some errands before having a good rest." Fio closes up her drawstring bag and beams at me. "So, you finished showing off your fancy new jutsu to the gang, then? How'd it go?"
"They were suitably astonished by it."
"Sounds about right. Looks nifty, too. I like how you got the whole sci-fi look going on, it's killer."
"That's one way to look at it. Um, Fio...Erika came by just now, with some serious news," I say softly. "And it relates to you."
"Oh. Is...there something wrong with me that they picked up? Or some inter-village stuff because I went all ghost that time ago?"
I shake my head. "None of that. It's about the Hidden Rock. They found two bodies recently, those of their jinchuuriki. Fio...I'm so very sorry. Your sensei had his tailed beast extracted by Akatsuki. He's passed on."
"Sensei...?"
The realization hits her slowly, and tears start to come from her eyes. She wraps her arms around herself and tilts her head downwards.
"Han-sensei. He's...really gone. I never wanted to hear that it happened."
"I'm sorry, Fio."
"It's so unfair. For him...to die alone. Like that. I...just because of who he was. For a choice that he never got to make. Hunted down, and beaten, and...I can't imagine it."
"Fio..."
"I wanted to see him again. To...see how much I kept growing. He was so relieved to see that I made it out, and I...I just..."
"I know. I know..."
"It hurts, Lili. Please..."
I take hold of her and we go to the grass together. Her head rests on my chest as she sobs quietly, clinging to me like nothing else matters. It might be the case right now. I can imagine the sorrow she's going through, and I know that simply being here means a lot.
Someone she loved has disappeared from the world.
Maybe it's enough for some that they might be able to reunite on another plane, and in another time. But the pain of losing a loved one on this plane is something real, and never to be dismissed. Everything is processed differently by every person. It was so when I lost my loved ones.
"As long as you need, Fio. Let it all out," I whisper. I feel her nod a bit before holding me tighter.
Akatsuki...was it those two psychopaths who were responsible? Or maybe Pain and that Konan woman handled things themselves. It could have been Kisame, who is a singular terror in the form of a man. I don't think it matters. Obito is gaining strength, and we can't let him get away with it.
But for now, grieving comes first.
Fio is given time off to recover, as the old man insisted upon once he got the official reports. The true impact on the Hidden Rock is something we won't know of just yet, but there are unconfirmed rumblings here and there.
The pain doesn't keep her from moving about, and I go out to run and train with her as needed. We spend the next week together, revisiting her memories with her sensei. I learn a lot about Han. How stubborn and blunt he was, while being observant and caring as much as possible. He always saw himself in Fio. They came across each other a handful of times while I was away with Midori and Luna training, and he was apparently very intrigued by Fio's new equipment.
Han was very strong and skilled, to the point of infamy. He was more than a match for most enemies. He also spent time investigating various regions to see if he could get any leads on Fio while she was missing. When they met for the first time after her reappearance, he kept all of the new information on his student to himself, saying that he didn't hear anything, and if he did, it wasn't any of his business. He seemed like quite the character, and I'm sad that I didn't get to meet him in person. And his companion...they must be suffering now, wherever they are within Akatsuki's web of lairs.
A knock at our room door interrupts breakfast, but I know who this is already.
"Rika's here," I say.
"Neat. I'll get it," Fio says. It's been ten days since the news of Han's death, and while she's still sad, she's a sight better than before. We'll have to see about doing a small service for her sake, just to provide some extra peace.
"Greetings to my beloved friends."
"Morning, Rika. We've got some breakfast on if you want some."
"I would be satisfied with a bit of tea, if that is fine."
"Sure is. Come on in and make yourself comfy, we've got plenty of the hot stuff. Aside from those already present, of course."
"I see we've regained some of our spirits. It's heartening to see," she says as she walks in.
"You know I've got the best wife in this world or any other, so it's a given that I'd bounce back this fast! Anyways, I can guess you've got something interesting for us today since you came in person."
"I did. Good morning, Lady Kobayashi."
"Good morning, my love." I tilt my head upwards to peck her on the lips. "Are we well today?"
"Very well. Ino took me to see the symphony last night, and it was delightful. I enjoyed all of the sights and sounds. There was a guest violinist at this function, a young woman from the Hidden Mist by the name of Shiori Ishikawa. I could tell that she was a shinobi at first glance, which makes her mastery of the musical arts even more impressive."
"Mm. I haven't been to the symphony in a while," I say. "I hated it when my father made us go to put on airs, but Momma always found the quirkiest shows for us on our secret trips together, and I loved those."
"We should go one of these days," Fio says. "Oh! Even better, let's make it a date thing for our classy ladies' group."
"That's an impressive idea," I say with a nod.
"I will relay this to Ino as soon as possible," Erika says as she sits down and pours herself tea. "In the meantime, I have news that is relevant to you."
"Go ahead," Fio says.
"Beyond simply acknowledging the tragedies that have befallen them, the Hidden Rock is preparing to have a state funeral for their fallen jinchuuriki. They will not be particularly large in size, but they will be used as a platform for various speeches by members of the military, including the Third Tsuchikage, Oonoki of the Twin Scales. You're familiar with him already, Fio."
"Sure am. Stubborn old man, but all that caution kept him around this long. Can't say it worked out too badly for him."
"Are you suggesting that we could attend the funeral?" I ask Erika.
She sips her tea and nods. "I can guarantee it, if you give me the word. Our friends will be in attendance, and able to provide us with tips and protection."
"I was thinking of visiting them the other day, you know. If it's possible, we should make a mission of it. Arrive early, gather intelligence, and then pay our respects to Han before leaving. Would that work?"
"Great minds do think alike," Erika says with a smile. "I will suggest this itinerary to Lord Hokage, and then we can leave tomorrow morning at the latest." She goes to finish the rest of her tea.
"Fio? What do you think of this, darling?"
"I'm ready when you two are. There's no way that I'd pass up an opportunity to say goodbye to Sensei in person," she says with determination. "I'll follow your orders to the letter and then some."
"The three of us, midnight latest," I say to Erika.
"Then I will see you ladies at eleven tonight." She stands and kisses us both on the cheeks. "Ino unfortunately has some clan business to deal with in the next few days...but I'll mention this to her before reporting to Lord Hokage. When it comes to her father, she can be quite persuasive."
"Indeed. Then we'll see you both soon."
"See you, Rika. And thanks so much for this!"
"I am always ready to serve. Thank you for the tea, and good day." She bows before heading out.
"Guess everything's going like it's supposed to," Fio says. "I get to see my Sensei off. I wish it wasn't this way, but at least...it's something."
"It is."
"I was just thinking...what happened to your old man?"
I shrug. "I mentioned offhand at some point to Mama that he loved freedom and the ocean waters."
Fio grimaces with understanding. "Sheesh. One last shot for the road, eh. Wouldn't blame either of you for it."
I sip at my tea. "Personally, I think it's poetic. To be met with tragedy like his dear, sweet wife...and to have his ashes scattered to the four winds forever more, just like hers were. All that remains in this world of him is the blood he has given to me and Rose. But let's not dwell on such things, yes? We'll finish breakfast and relax before deciding what to pack."
"Aye. Travelling light as always."
"Yes. And knowing those three over in Earth Country, they might have clothes ready for us by the time we get there..."
The remaining hours of the day are spent resting as planned, which in my case also involves clearing up outstanding paperwork, making sure my contingencies are up to date, and informing the relevant parties that I will be out of town. Again.
I didn't anticipate spending so much time outside of the village, but since my home is still being built, it works out in a way.
Fio and I pack lightly enough for a few nights, clean up our hotel room, and then head out into the night.
"You're going back home again, albeit undercover," I say as we walk to the main gate. "Well. More undercover than the last time, I would say."
"Yeah. Though I might not even have to change my hair any, nobody recognized me the last time."
"You've got a profile as a member of the Leaf now, remember."
"Oh, yeah. Guess I'll try out platinum blonde when we get to the village. I think that's a neat colour."
"Will you be alright?"
"I should be fine. My parents aren't around, so I don't have to worry about that. And I don't have too many strong memories of the old town. It's been about five years since I disappeared, I guess? And the recent years have been the most important. It is what it is." She shrugs. "I'll give you a squeeze or two if I get anxious. You've helped a whole lot already, Lili."
"As long as you're okay, Fio."
"Yep. I'm probably not gonna be too interested in touring, or whatever. But if my mind changes, I'll tell you."
"All I could ask."
Erika and Ino are waiting ahead of us, five minutes ahead of the first meeting time.
"I see we've managed to escape the clutches of clan responsibility," I say to Ino. We exchange cheek kisses in our usual manner.
"Daddy absolutely hates getting in the way of my progress as a shinobi, which is essential to my preparation in becoming the future head of the Yamanaka Clan," she says dramatically. "How shameful would it be for a member of a prestigious Hidden Leaf clan to refuse an important mission due to considerably less important matters such as inter-clan politics? Especially if the mission was one that involved high ranking shinobi, such as Major Erika Kotowari, the Chrome Panther, and Colonel Lilith Kobayashi, known far and wide as the Scarlet Viper."
"As you can see, she is in an excitable mood due to her sudden addition to our party," Erika says.
"I get to go on a road trip with my besties! Who wouldn't be excited? Oh, and of course I didn't forget about the reason we're all here." Ino gives Fio a tight hug. "You look a lot better today. I hope you're feeling it, too."
"I sure am, Ino. Thanks so much. I'll be okay with all of you around, I know it."
"Good."
"If we're all ready," Erika says. "I will take the lead again, unless there are any objections to that end. Lili will be my second."
"No objections," we say in unison.
"Then off we go. A direct route to the Hidden Rock, as planned. At the border with Grass Country, we will assume our initial disguises and enter through the common routes towards the hidden village. Details will be finalized upon our approach. Let us begin."
"Yes, ma'am."
And with that, we start on another journey. Fio will get to say goodbye to her teacher...and I will get to hear, and see, which direction the shinobi world is heading next.
"You know…I was working on a fancy title to show off like everyone else, and was having a bit of trouble coming up with something good. But thinking about Sensei gave me something great," Fio says as we clear the gate. "The last time we talked…he said that I was like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Something in that resonated with me…I've already said that my fists could split the skies in two, so it only makes sense that I'd have the strength to soar through them, too. Fists made of metal, and a body and spirit that won't crumble, no matter what."
"Then give us your glorious title, Miss Asagao," I say with a smile.
"Lend me your ears, everyone," she says as we stop together. "The magnificent student of the strongest woman on Earth, the Slug Princess Tsunade Senju. Apprentice to the famed master of Boil Release, Han of Unparalleled Strength. The woman chosen by the daughter of heaven, breaker of chains, the all consuming Crimson Nightmare herself, to be her wife until the end of time and beyond."
She thumps a fist over her heart, steam rising from her body as she beams bright enough to rival the stars in the night sky.
"Calamity of Steam, and Divider of the Skies, the Hidden Leaf's Iron Phoenix! My name is Fionne Asagao!"
Oh, indeed.
My Fio is going to be just fine.