Ayano Kaguya was instructed to sit in a room by herself as Mikan, and Rubin held their own private conversation, but Mikan had left ages ago. There was a bed by a window, and so that's where she sat looking out at the village. It was cold, and rainy. Not so different from what she was used to in Marshwood, but the way the rain decorated the tall metallic buildings, and the way its denizens carried themselves, and their umbrellas were enough for her to take note.
In the distance she saw what looked like a large castle with smoke coming from its center. Ayano thought about who might live there, and what they were cooking. She hadn't eaten since Big Bowl's hot stew, so she wondered if this "Hilt" that she was going to meet would feed her as well.
'Amegakure, the Village Hidden in the Rain' She thought. 'A new home, but not a new beginning.'
This entire journey was for her sake, and it was all because she had what was called a 'kekegenkai.' The last time she'd heard that word was when her brother Shiki had said it. He'd told her that it made her special.
Ayano reached up, and touched her bleach white hair, the split ends prickling her fingers.
'But I don't want to be special.'
Ayano was kept separate from all the other slaves. She had food to eat, a bed to sleep on, and a number of other privileges - the other slaves weren't so lucky. If Ayano didn't have a kekegenkai maybe she would've been treated the same way as the other Orange Men. Maybe...
'Maybe everyone wouldn't have hated me, and maybe Shiki, and Alu would still be alive.'
But this was Ayano's new situation, and she had to accept it. She just wished Rubin would tell her what he wanted, and didn't sugar coat it with flowery words, and lies. A slave is still a slave, it doesn't matter who the owner is.
And now Rubin wanted her to fight for him, and for her freedom? Ayano gritted her teeth, and stared hopelessly out the window. Unable to wait any longer she got up from the chair, and made her way to the door. She opened it, and went out to the hallway, and turned toward Rubin's office. Just as she got to the door, and reached for the handle she heard a loud commotion down the stairs. There were probably 2, or 3 people rushing through the building.
And then she saw them at the top of the stairway on the other side of the hall. Without saying anything they sprinted toward her, unsure of how to react she stepped to the side as one of them - a boy with blue hair grabbed the handle, and threw it open with all his might.
Rubin had stood up from behind his desk, and stared at the group unsure of how to react.
"Hilt, Ebisu, and T-Tsubaki?" He hadn't noticed Ayano standing behind them; or at the very least he hadn't acknowledged her, "what are you-"
"Dad shut-up," Hilt said.
"Wh-"
"The Kusakyu just held a large meeting with the Onmyodo, and she killed all of them! All of them dad!" Hilt yelled, his voice echoing in the office, and throughout the building. "She lead them into the castle, and made a big show of it, and then as soon as we-"
'T-The castle? T-Then that means that smoke I saw'
"We?" Rubin interrupted. "What were you doing in Jiraigen territory?"
"She slaughtered them like they were livestock."
"Hilt, I need you to re-"
"When are you going to do something about them? You just sit here twiddling your thumbs while the Kusakyu get away with everything they want. Didn't they just assassinate a member of the Anbu Black Ops a couple of weeks ago? What the fuck have you been doing?!"
This time it wasn't Rubin that said something.
"Hilt..." Ebisu said, placing a hand of support on the boy's shoulder.
Ebisu was a short boy with green hair wearing a dark orange jacket with the sleeves rolled up. He had a blank undershirt underneath it, and he wore fingerless black gloves.
Hilt was sweating, and seething with rage, but there was an underlying sadness to it all.
"Rubin," Ebisu gently pulled Hilt back, and stood in front of him.
"Why... Don't you seem very surprised?"
It was true, Rubin showed no signs of nervousness or eagerness to act. Instead he stood perfectly still. In fact it didn't even seem like he was looking at the group; he seemed to be staring past them, and out the door. Ayano almost turned around to see what he was looking at, but then he spoke.
"That's because I let it happen, the Kusakyu clan asked me for permission ahead of time, and I gave it to them."
It happened so fast Ayano's brain could barely register it. Hilt had kicked Ebisu in his side, sending him flying into the wall cracking it, and then he charged his dad, his hand brimming with electricity.
"Chid-"
Before he could take another step Tsubaki grabbed Hilt by his arm, and twisted it.
"Aagggghh!" He cried out in pain.
Tsubaki pulled the boy back, and held him still - the electricity in the boy's hand slowly dissipating.
"Are you an idiot or something?" She said.
'She's strong, and what's with the pot?' Ayano thought. "And that boy knows ninjutsu."
Hilt struggled, and squirmed in the girl's arms, but it was of no use; she was just that strong. Eventually tiring out the boy stopped moving, and looked up at his dad in disbelief.
"Why? All of those people?" He said, almost choking, "I don't understand."
"Hey, shitty dad. If it weren't for a promise I made I'd help your son kick your ass, but I don't have the time for that. There's a kid named Sora who was with me, and he-"
"Sora?" Rubin interrupted, "Sorutsu's boy?"
"You know him?"
"Of course, I met him and his brother a few years ago when-"
"Look, I don't care about that. Because of your decision he's missing an arm, and is sitting inside the hospital. I need you to make sure he gets back to his parents."
Ebisu slowly crawled out of the small crater in the wall.
"Next time you could just ask me to move, you know." He said, cradling his head. "I mean, I probably would've still stopped you from trying to kill your dad, but at least I would've anticipated the kick."
"Let me go," Hilt said to Tsubaki, "I'm leaving."
The girl let him go, and as soon as he did he started to leave the room with his head held down.
"Wait," Rubin said, "take Ayano with you."
Everyone gave Rubin a confused look, not quite sure who he was referring to. Feeling it necessary Ayano stepped forward announcing her presence.
"Hello." She said, "My name is Ayano Kaguya, it's nice to meet you all."
"What the hell are you wearing?" Tsubaki asked.
Ayano realized she was still in the white dress Cayan had put her in, and she was still wearing makeup. He wanted her to look presentable to Rubin, but why a dress and makeup if she was expected to be a fighter? She wasn't quite sure what had gone through Cayan's mind.
Ebisu approached Ayano, and looked her up and down, it made her quite uncomfortable, "look at her face. She's a slave."
"I bought her for the Mock Exams," Rubin explained, "afterwards I intend to free her."
"Just when I thought you couldn't get any scummier." Tsubaki said.
"Every decision I make is for the good of the village, and to mitigate suffering," Rubin said, walking over to the window.
He watched as the smoke from Kusakyu castle still rose, turning the sky above Ame into a dark, and sad gray.
"If that makes me the villain then I understand, and will play that part for each of you," He said with a smile.
Ayano wanted to learn more about Rubin, and what kind of person he was. He seemed to genuinely care about the good will of the village, and based on what he said earlier:
"Ayano, become my slave. Fight in the Mock Exams for me, and with the revenue generated I will free you of your bond."
Was he just lying to her or was there truth behind those words? Rubin could've easily hid the fact that he okayed whatever happened at that castle, but instead he's opted for honesty, and told all of them the truth despite how they'd react.
"Tsubaki," Rubin said, "please stay behind, I'd like to talk to you about something."
"The Mock Exams?" She asked, "I already told the Akinoyo clan they wouldn't have to worry about me. You don't have to either so kindly fuck off."
"It's more than that. Please lend me your ear, I believe you'll find what I have to say intriguing if nothing else."
"Tch," Tsubaki sat down across from Rubin's desk, "this better be good."
With a deep sigh Ebisu gently grabbed Hilt in one hand, and Ayano in the other. "Let's go you two. This isn't our business."
Ayano wrangled free, and looked Rubin in the eyes.
"I want to stay," She declared.
"Ayano..." Ebisu began.
"It's alright," Tsubaki said, "let her stay. After all, I bet she's trying to find out just what kind of person her new master is - am I right?"
And to that Ayano nodded with a determined face.
"If it's alright with you Tsubaki then I'll allow it. Ebisu, Hilt, please wait outside for Ayano. I'll send her along shortly."
The two boys started to exit the room.
"Seriously man, you owe me dinner for that kick."
"Sure, whatever just tell-"
"For the next three weeks."
"Wha-?"
"I need to be compensated for each rib you could've broken."
The two continued to bicker as they left the office, closing the door behind them, and went downstairs.
Ayano couldn't help but to silently giggle while listening in on the conversation. Back in Marshwood she rarely had a chance to laugh as every day was all work and no play. This was very different, and new to her. In an odd turn of events she started to enjoy her day, and looked forward to spending time with Hilt, and hopefully Ebisu as well.
'Will I see more of them if I fight in the Mock Exams?' She wondered.
"First Tsubaki, why did you run away from home?" Rubin asked.
"That's a stupid question. You know how the clan treats me, I'm better off dead to them."
"The Mizukage prevented your extermination so you could grow up to be a shinobi - you do know that don't you?"
"If you were given the choice to go through years of torture, and abuse for the rest of your life or to never exist at all which would you choose?"
Tsubaki let the question hang for a moment.
"I don't owe the Mizukage anything."
"If you fight in the Mock Exams, and become a shinobi here in Amegakure I will protect you from the Akinoyo. You won't need to run away, and start a new life."
"Why would I trust the man who just let 200 people die?"
Rubin didn't have an answer for that. Tsubaki let the question hang for a few moments before moving on.
"My sister-"
"Will also participate in the Mock Exams. Surely handling one Akinoyo will be much easier than dealing with the entire clan like you're used to?"
"Tch, the Akinoyo won't approve of my participation."
"The clan heads get a say in who represents their clan, but they are not the ones who make the final call. That is my responsibility as Lead Jonin."
Tsubaki crossed her arms, and avoided her gaze. Her voice grew quieter, and more nervous.
"You know what I am... What can I do, right?"
'What she can do...' Ayano thought. 'Does she have some kind of hidden ability?'
"I believe that you will learn to control it, and to master it."
"B-But the collectors..."
"Haven't made an appearance in over a thousand years."
Tsubaki took a deep breath, and thought in silence for the longest time.
'This must be a huge deal for her. From the sound of it she put a lot of thought into leaving Amegakure, but something brought her back. So we're both slaves to our past.'
"Alright, fine. I'll participate in your little exam, and become a shinobi here in Ame. You better have a place for me to stay afterwards because I don't plan on living on the streets, and I'm not going back to the Akinoyo."
"Of course," Rubin said with a smile
'She has a whole plan and everything. If I fight in the Mock Exams, and Rubin does free me, what will I do afterwards?'
"Then I guess I better say goodbye to Sora later," Tsubaki said.
'Sora, who was that?'
"You mentioned him earlier. He got caught up in what happened at Kusakyu Castle... How did that happen?"
"That's not my story to tell. I'm going to stop by and see him later; I suggest you do the same."
"Let's go Ayano," The girl stood up, and pushed her chair in.
"Ayano, please be back before dark for the ritual." Rubin instructed.
"Right," She replied.
'I almost forgot, the transfer of ownership ritual. As of right now I still belong to Cayan.'
The two left jonin HQ to find Hilt, and Ebisu outside on the street bickering about something new.
"I'm just saying there's value in expressing your feelings without lashing out like a starving frog on a hot summer day without a lily pad to sit on."
"That's oddly specific." Tsubaki said as they approached the two.
"Shutup Ebisu." Hilt remarked.
"Heyyyyy let's go hang out for a while guys. Today's been super stressful so we should go blow off some steam."
"I'm not your friend. Don't act like I am." Tsubaki said.
"Oh, then what are you doing here Miss Tsubaki hmm?"
"Sora probably isn't awake yet so I'm killing time with you until then - that's all."
"Given everything he's been through I doubt he'll wake up before tomorrow. Besides, I wanted to ask you something." Hilt said, looking at Tsubaki.
"When we were down there you used medical ninjutsu to stop the bleeding didn't you? Why did he need to go to a hospital in the first place then?"
"I don't owe you an explanation."
"Is it because you don't trust in your own ability?"
"Says the person who failed to cast their special lightning jutsu not once, but twice. Figure out how to use your own jutsu before speculating about someone else's."
"She's got ya there Hilt."
Hilt clenched his fists in frustration again.
"Shutup Ebisu."
The group started to walk through Amegakure. Everyone was going about their business as if 200 people hadn't just lost their lives behind Kusakyu Castle. If you lived in Jiraigen territory it was possible you already knew what was coming or since your family was under the protection of the Kusakyu you didn't particularly care. Either way both Hilt, and Tsubaki felt a sense of emotional whiplash considering that fact. The group weren't heading anywhere in particular, but they soon came across a small empty park.
"Ooooh Monkey bars! Let's go Rain Gang!"
Without waiting for a response the boy ran straight into the park, and climbed up the monkey bars, and hung upside down.
"I want to do that." Ayano heard herself say, and following Ebisu's lead she also climbed up, and hung upside down from the monkey bars.
"You're wearing a dress you know." Tsubaki said.
While Ayano hanged Tsubaki adjusted the girls dress for her tucking it in-between her legs so it wouldn't drop down.
"So are you guys excited for the exams? How many of us are there gonna be?" Ebisu asked.
"There's going to be more of you guys?" Ayano asked, smiling.
Ayano had meant to keep that to herself, but she couldn't help but let her excitement show. She was intrigued with Hilts lightning ability, the strange pot on Tsubaki's back, and even Ebisu was a mystery case. She wanted to meet more exciting people if she could.
"Undoubtedly," Hilt said, "each of the five villages in the Land of Water are to submit 9 candidates exactly to participate in the exam."
Ayano raised her hand and started to count on her fingers. "One... Two... Three."
"That's four of us." Tsubaki said, trying to stop Ayano from wasting her time. "Which means aside from us there are five more participants."
Tsubaki grabbed Ebisu's Jacket, and started to yank it off of him.
"H-Hey! S-Stop that!" He resisted, but ultimately this ended in failure. Tsubaki claimed the jacket with ease, "pfft you know what I wasn't cold anyway," he grumbled.
The girl climbed up the monkey bars, and laid the jacket over Ayano's legs before placing her head down on them like a pillow.
"Your head is super warm Tsubaki. Are you catching a cold?"
"That warmth is probably from my jacket." Ebisu said.
Meanwhile Hilt was pacing back and forth under the monkey bars.
"There will be five other participants from Ame," Hilt began, "There's Sejin's son from the Kosutta clan, Noboru. The Inuzuka heir Rui-"
"Ruuuuiiiii she's so pretty."
"Shutup Ebisu." Both Hilt, and Tsubaki said in unison
"Then there's my sister," Tsubaki said.
"Woah, you have a sister Tsubaki?" Ayano asked.
"We don't get along , but yes I do."
'That's right, she'd mentioned her during the conversation with Rubin earlier. It doesn't sound like they have a good relationship, and that's sad. If I had a bad relationship with my brothers before they passed, I don't know what I would've done, or how I'd feel now.'
"Then that leaves..."
"The Kusakyu clan," Ebisu finished for Hilt.
Hilts expression seemed to change.
"Like hell I'm going to work with the Kusakyu," He said, gritting his teeth.
"Do you know their name?" Tsubaki asked.
"No, somehow they've been pretty tightlipped on who'd be participating. I know Kuda has a little brother though so it must be him. I'm going to kill him."
"No, you're not." Ebisu said, "If anything you should use it as an opportunity to learn more about the clan, and figure out what they're up to, I dunno something like that."
"Like it'll matter. My dad just lets them do what they want," he spat.
"Why don't you just leave?" Tsubaki asked.
"What? Run away? I'm not a coward."
"It's not cowardly to avoid confronting something you don't want to. If anything, that's bravery."
"Just be quiet. You don't know what you're talking about."
"Hey, Ayano!" Ebisu yelled, changing the subject for everyone.
"Eggggggh egggggh."
"What are you doing?" Tsubaki asked, turning on her stomach and peaking between two of the bars.
Ayano was extending her arms as far up as she could reaching for Tsubaki's pot.
'Oh no, I've been caught!'
"I'm stretching," she said.
"Well stretch the other way."
"R-Right hahaha."
'I want the pot.'
Giving up for now Ayano stretched her arms in the opposite direction seemingly reaching for the sand on the ground.
"So, can you fight?" Ebisu asked her.
The girl turned to face Ebisu, both of them hanging upside down.
"Kinda sorta, I mean it's been a long time since I've had to, I might be kinda rusty."
"You know some ninjutsu don't you?" Hilt asked. "Who taught you?"
"My brother did. Shiki taught me, and Alu how to wield ninjutsu, but-"
"Buuuuut?" Ebisu pressed.
"I think Rubin used the word kekegenkai. It's what makes me special, but I don't want to use it anymore."
"Oooh so you're just like Tsubaki here then," Ebisu said, smiling stupidly, "Both Hilt, and I don't have any special abilities."
"If you don't want to use your kekegenaki then don't. I don't use mine either." Tsubaki said.
"Whaaa really?"
'So we're both the same in that regard too.'
"Useless. Two potential genin from Amegakure who won't use what they've been gifted with. Absolutely useless." Hilt said.
"What's a genin?" Ayano asked.
"Later." Tsubaki said, shushing her up.
"I don't recall needing a kekegenkai to lock your ass down earlier, Hilt." Tsubaki spat.
'Wow she's vicious.'
"Anyway, Ayano. Whatever your reasons, you don't need to use your kekegenkai. Do you know what your chakra nature is? Ebisu asked
"Chakra who now?"
"Your chakra nature," Ebisu repeated, "It's what you have an affinity for using."
Ayano shook her head, her hair flapping around wildly as she was upside down.
"I have an affinity for water style ninjutsu, and Hilt here is lightning style just like his dad."
"Oooh that's neat. What's yours Tsubaki?" Ayano asked.
"Most of the Akinoyo clan are born with water style as their affinity. I'm no different."
"That's sooo cool! I hope I have something fun like explosion style!"
Hilt let out a frustrated groan.
"Here, let's take a test." Ebisu said.
Both genin flipped off of the monkey bars landing on their feet at the same exact time.
Ebisu reached into his pack, and pulled out a small slip of paper.
"Okay, once I give this to you all you gotta do is infuse it with some chakra. Once you do that we'll have our answer," the boy handed Ayano the slip.
Tsubaki peered down from the top of the monkey bars, and even Hilt looked on curiously.
"Okay! Here I go!" She exclaimed. Ayano held the slip of paper, and closed her eyes.
After a moment or two the paper suddenly burst into flames, and was quickly reduced to ash.
"Woah!" Ayano said, "how'd I do?"
"Fire nature. Not bad." Tsubaki said.
She tossed Ebisu's jacket on top of him from the monkey bars, and leapt down.
"Wuaahhh!" Ebisu cried out for a moment, unable to see.
"Whatever, guess it's good for variety. The other candidates better have wind or earth release to balance us out," Hilt said.
"Let's go get something to eat. I'm hungry." Tsubaki said.
"Uh, I don't have any money." Ayano said, putting her hand down.
"It's on me. Don't worry about it," Tsubaki said.
"Wooohoooo free food!" Ebisu cried.
"Don't be an idiot," Tsubaki countered, "why would I pay for you?"
"We'll take care of ourselves like we always do," Hilt said.
"What are you talking about? You still owe me dinner for that kick to the ribs."
Hilt took a deep breath, sighing in frustration.
"Let's just go."
The group wandered into a nearby restaurant, and sat down inside. They were in Kage territory not too far from the Lead Jonin building. It was a relatively wealthy area with a number of shops, and stores. They sat at a booth with Ebisu and Hilt in one seat leaving Ayano and Tsubaki in the other.
Ayano was shaking in anticipation.
"What's going on with you?" Ebisu asked.
"You know what she is. Stop being so surprised with her actions." Tsubaki said.
"Ah, I'm sorry, I'm sorry it's just I-I've never eaten at a restaurant before, and I'm soooo soooo hungry!"
Tsubaki handed Ayano the menu.
"Just get whatever you want."
Ayano squinted hard at the menu, her eyes darting over it over and over again.
"Um."
"Just looking at you you'll probably go for a nice fat bowl of ramen hehehe," Ebisu said.
"U-Um."
"If you want to order a steak don't hold back, like I said I got you this time okay?"
"Uba umm.."
"What the hell is the matter with you?" Hilt asked.
"I can't read."
The entire group let out a gasp. "WHAT?!" They all cried out.
"But I want that one!" She pointed at a large pile of meat. "And lots of rice too."
A waiter had made their way to the table, and took down everyone's drinks except for Ayano's.
"Can one of you provide proof of ownership?" They asked.
"Excuse me?" Tsubaki said.
"I can't serve the slave without proof of ownership. It's to make sure she's not a runaway. Once you show me I'll allow you to place the order for her."
Ebisu shook his head, and leaned in. "You're saying you won't even let her place her own order?"
'I've been so stupid, and carefree. Why did I think I was able to enjoy a meal like a normal person? Why did I open up to anyone about anything? I'm a slave. I'm not a human being, I'm worthless trash. I'm going to fight in the Mock Exams, and then when I come back I'm going to fight in something else again and again until I die.'
Ayano stood up, her hair hanging over her face to hide her eyes.
"I-It's okay everyone, please don't let me stop you from enjoying your meal. I'm going back to HQ."
Before she could leave the booth she felt a hand gripping her wrist.
She looked up to see Hilt staring back at her. The boy exited his booth, and walked over to Ayano, and placed his hand on her shoulder, and pushed down forcing her to sit. A cold chill ran down her back.
'What was he doing? Am I in trouble?'
"You know the lead Jonin Rubin Ikeda don't you?" He said sternly to the waiter.
"Y-Yes, he's the leader of our village."
Hilt pulled a card out of his pocket, and showed it to the man.
"I'm his son, Hilt Ikeda. You will allow her to eat here without proof of anything. Do you understand me?"
"That's"
Hilt raised his hand, electric sparks radiated bouncing off his hand and onto the floor.
"Do you... Understand me?"
"Yes sir."
"That's what I thought."
'Why w-would he d-do this for me?'
Ayano could feel her eyes start to water, but she quickly brushed the tears away.
Hilt sat back down, and afterwards the group continued with their order.
After their drinks arrived both Hilt, and Ebisu opted for ramen while Tsubaki opted for a pork cutlet. Feeling generous she ordered both of them for Ayano who had no problem woofing it all down.
"That's surprising," Ebisu said, looking at Tsubaki, "I thought everyone in the Akinoyo clan were vegetarians."
"Not me."
"Say less," Ebisu said, scarfing down his noodles.
"Thank you all," Ayano said sheepishly, "I've never been treated like this before... I don't know how to act."
"Act how you feel." Ebisu said, smiling stupidly.
"Then I will act... HUNGRY!" She yelled, continuing to eat as much as she could.
The group tore through their meal, and by the end of it Ayano was more full than she'd ever been in her life.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh tank you Tsubaka."
"You just gonna let her call you that?" Hilt asked Tsubaki.
"She can't read. Would you pick on an illiterate person?"
"I bully you don't I?"
You, bullying me?" Tsubaki busted out laughing. "Oh, it's cute that you think so."
"Whatever," Hilt said, crossing his arms.
"Ah, classic Hilt response #1," Ebisu said, raising a finger, and smiling. "When he has no comeback or retort he resorts to crossing his arms and using the infamous 'whatever' line. It's a classic."
"I hate you."
"I'm here all week folks."
"Yjou gonna fiffish aaat?" Ayano said staring at Hilt.
"What did you just say to me?" Hilt said, getting angry.
"Your food idiot. She's asking if you're going to finish it."
"Oh."
"..."
"Go ahead and take it. I'm full."
And Ayano did just that, wolfing down Hilts food as well.
After the meal the group paid for their food. Tsubaki having no issue taking care of Ayano's ticket, while Hilt uncomfortably paid for Ebisu's. Afterwards they stepped outside, and did a bit of stretching.
"I'm going to go check on Sora now."
"It is starting to get late huh?" Ebisu said.
It was true, the sun had started to go down, and Rubin had asked her to be back before it got dark.
"I guess I'll go ahead and head home then guys." Ebisu said with a yawn, "hehehe I'm glad the Rain Gang are coming together as the bestest of friends though haha?"
"As if."
"Shutup Ebisu."
Ayano wrapped an arm around Hilt, and another arm around Tsubaki and pulled them in.
"Friends?" She asked them both.
"I mean..
"That's..."
"What I thought." Ebisu finished closing his arms around the four of them. Him and Ayano were the only ones smiling.
After the group parted ways Ayano, and Hilt walked alone together toward Jonin HQ. The boy was walking in a relaxed manner with his hands behind his head. Ayano watched his face, and saw that he was staring off at the moon rising in the distance, the sun setting behind them.
"Hey Hilt," She asked.
"Hmm?"
"What does it mean to be a 'forever slave'?"
"Oh, well," The boy struggled to find the words.
"It's okay, I think I'd rather hear it from you than either of them."
The idea of Cayan being the one to explain her misfortune irked her in every way imaginable, and she just didn't trust Rubin enough yet to hear it from him.
"You just seem like the type of person to speak your mind, and be honest about some things so..." She added.
"It sucks, it really sucks." Hilt said, "as a slave you're already compelled to do whatever your master tells you, and on top of that you have that mark on your face," Hilt sighed. "A forever slave is someone who's ownership has been transferred to someone else. But due to the nature of the jutsu if the new master relinquishes freedom then ownership transfers back to the original owner."
Ayano was at a loss for words.
"B-But then."
This meant that even if Ayano did her best, and participated in the Mock Exams, and earned her freedom it would only mean freedom from one master, and not both. Did Rubin lie to her?
"This hole just keeps getting deeper, and deeper," she whispered.
Ayano brought her hands up to her face, and felt how wet her eyes were getting.
'Oh great, I'm crying again.'
The sun had fully set, and the dark moonlit sky peppered Amegakure in a blissful shade of bright white.
"My dad promised he'd free you after you participate in the Mock Exams right? Knowing him he probably intends to free you from both himself, and whoever your original master is."
Ayano tried to calm down, and think clearly about everything. Earlier, when she was with Rubin and Cayan they did intend to explain the forever slave concept to her. If they wanted to, they could've just withheld that information, but then again who's to say she wouldn't have heard it from Hilt, or Tsubaki or someone else?
'It's all too much to think about.'
"I'm just going to put my faith in my friends," Ayano finally said aloud.
'Because if I don't do that then everything becomes uncertain, and I'll find myself in a spiraling pit of despair.'
Hilt chuckled. "There you go with that word again."
"Yep, deal with it." Ayano said, smiling brightly.
The two finally arrived in Jonin HQ, and made their way all the way up to Rubin's office. Inside was Cayan sipping on some tea, and Rubin was seated across from him at his desk.
"Ah, welcome back my darling Ayano. Oh, Rubin, this must be your son. He looks quite like you," the man stood up, and extended his hand to the boy.
"Keep your filthy hands to yourself," he replied brushing it aside.
Rubin had nothing to say to that, though Ayano detected the slightest hint of a smile from the man.
"Ah, well no matter," he turned back to Rubin, "shall we get on with it then?"
"Right. Ayano, earlier I wanted to tell you about a for-"
"Don't worry about it, I already know," Ayano explained, "just like Cayan said. Let's get this over with."
Rubin nodded.
"Please come stand in the center of the room."
Ayano did what was asked of her, and once there both Cayan, and Rubin placed a hand on one of Ayano's shoulders.
With his free hand Cayan declared a unique hand sign, and then spoke:
"Ninja Art: Nexus Event - Item Transfer: Ayano Kaguya | Recipient: Rubin Ikeda | Signature: Cayan Utomoia"
Then Rubin spoke next.
"Ninja Art: Nexus Event - Item Acceptance: Ayano Kaguya | Sender: Cayan Utomiia | Signature: Rubin Ikeda"
As the final word was spoken Ayano's face began to burn. She started to fall to the floor, but Rubin caught her in time.
'It's just like the first time, no it's worse than that.'
Ayano's face felt like it was on fire, and while that's where the pain started, that was not where it ended.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She cried out.
It felt like a hot rod was being pressed against her face, and slowly moving down her neck, and to her body.
"Cayan what's happening!" Rubin asked worriedly.
"Relax, the jutsu starts with the brain, and then spreads to the rest of the body. This is completely natural."
But it was so, so slow. Ayano pushed Rubin away, and collapsed onto the ground. Hilt ran over to the girl, and grabbed her arm.
"Don't touch me!" She screamed, her voice as high pitched as a bird.
The boy backed away, hurt but understanding.
'My body. Is not my own.'
That was the message her brain was sending her. It was as if her very soul was rejecting the bag of meat it was stuck in, but it had no means of escape. The pain coursed through her chest where it felt like air bubbles were forming under her skin with no escape before finally popping like a needle to a vein slowly sending the pain down further, and further.
"You better keep up your end of the bargain dad," Hilt said in frustration.
The man nodded, and looked at Cayan.
"I know, I know. I'm not to leave Amegakure until the end of the Mock Exams, after which we will both free Ayano of her bond," the man started to leave the room. It seems he had no last words for his former slave. "I'll be around if you need my services," he said, disappearing from view.
Ayano finally looked up, and out the door. Her face was red, and her right eye was bleeding, but despite it all she did what her brother told her to do.
'Never stop smiling.'
And so looking like a mad-man that's what she did. She looked at the pain in her body, and in the world and smiled.