Iwagakure, Residential District: The Dragon's Den
"Katomi san, would you mind?" Growled the Tsuchikage angrily, as I swallowed the delicious tea. I rolled my eyes dramatically, "Fine, I see that I'm making him a wee bit nervous, although that's what I call...setting up the scene for our...interrogation if I may." I said while placing down my tea. Onoki cleared his throat before turning to Ryu, "Ryu, you know why we are here. Do you know what those papers are right there, can you explain?" He asked as Ryu stiffened, "T-those are just our finances and some proposals for expansion." He stuttered. Instantly, I glared at him, narrowing my eyes to slits and releasing slight killing intent, "You'll do well not to lie to us, trash. Take a look at this for example," I said while reaching and grabbing one of the documents. "A plan to transport roughly 20kg of opium to the Daimyo's of the Land of Frost, the Land of Vegetables, the Land of Rivers, and..."I trailed off as I leaned forward slightly, "the Daimyo of the Village of Firefly," I finished. Onoki glared at Ryu, who sat sweating bullets but remained quiet, likely due to my killing intent. I sighed before lightening up on the pressure and reached for another document.
"Oh, and my favorite, the transportation of slaves to court members across the elemental nations. Tell me, did you lie to the hidden villages in order to obtain shinobi protection?" I asked, crossing my arms and legs. Onoki sighed, "Ryu, is this true, have you been collaborating with other villages for these tasks?" Onoki asked as I reopened my eyes and glared at him, "What do you mean by collaborating with other villages? You speak as if you wish for him to use only your village, for this?" I asked Onoki as he sighed once more before turning to me with a stern face. "You may not fully understand how a hidden village is run, Katomi, but as a ninja, we do what we have to do for the interests of our villages. We assassinate Daimyo or court members, we spy, we often kidnap, and we'll sometimes do things that to a normal person, would be immoral. We keep missions like those under the protection of the A or S-ranked classification, this is the world of shinobi, and even the samurai are not always honorable." He explained as I lowered my gaze, pondering the information.
I leaned back on the couch, my hands intertwined under my chin, and responded, "I...see, forgive me...for coming off as judgemental. I understand that as a leader, let alone the leader of a village in a world like this, you have to make decisions that are for the best of the village, no matter how morally disgusting it may be. I also understand that investing focus into other means is easier said than done, especially due to the constant warring, such as the one happening now. I harbor great respect for you as a leader to be able to shoulder these burdens." I spoke honestly, before adding, "But it'll be good that one day, we all can move away from this barbarity, and focus on progress for the general public." Onoki took on a face of shock at my words before answering, "I find it quite strange that in all of my years, I've never heard a child speak with such understanding." He said before turning to Ryu, "But, let's not get sidetracked, you've betrayed your village, lied, and hidden this information from me before. This shall not go unpunished, is that understood?" Onoki growled.
Ryu started to shake in fear like the coward he was. I sighed and got up from my position across from him and sat right next to him. Grabbing the tea that I placed in front of him earlier, I held it to his mouth as he looked at me in shock. "Drink up or it'll get cold, sweety," I said with a smile. He nervously nodded before reaching up and taking the cup, taking a few loud gulps from it. After he finished, I grabbed the cup and placed it on the table, earning another questioning look from Onoki. I sighed before uncrossing my legs and getting up from beside Ryu, "I think I'm done here, this is your man after all. I only wanted to...encourage...some action, I'll be taking my leave." I spoke while walking towards the entrance. "I see, and while this was quite...unorthodox, I am grateful for your actions, I'll resend our entry of you in the bingo book as long as you leave our village peacefully, and if you were to come back, do not act without permission." Onoki said as I turned and bowed respectfully, "Of course, we shall put this past us," I said as Onoki nodded.
After a few moments, I then finished putting on my sandals, "Oh, and, Ryu kun, don't worry about the door, you won't be needing it," I said before walking out of the house, missing the confused look from Onoki and Ryu. After leaving, I walked past Han, who stood tall, and made my way into the middle of the street before turning around, and facing Han and the Anbu. "Well, everything has been sorted, I must be going, next time, I promise not to act on my own," I said as I beckoned my wings to form, causing the Anbu to tense up slightly. I turned my gaze to Han with a devious smile, "Han, I have a new name for you," I said loud enough for him to hear as he glared at me, "Hm, and what is it now? Just leave before we change our mind!" Han yelled from where he stood. My smile widened as I bent low and flexed my wings, "BIG PIPE DADDY, I'LL BE WAITING FOR YOU, DON'T GROW TOO OLD!" I shouted before taking off with speed, causing a powerful rush of wind to blow around. "YOU DAMNED BRAT, I DON'T WANT A DAMNED CHILD!" He shouted as I flew high into the sky, laughing all the way up.
Han sighed in frustration, blowing a large amount of steam from his suit before he heard a muffled noise from inside the house. Glancing at the Anbu for a moment, he turned and walked into the house, inwardly questioning why the Tsuchikage had taken off his sandals when the annoying, perverted brat had already kicked down the door. As he came into the sitting room, his eyes widened at the quivering form of Ryu, who was convulsing on the floor, foaming out of his mouth. Onoki sighed in anger, "That...fucking... kami-damned...fucking...bastard...brat!" Onoki growled as his forehead vein was about to burst. Han looked around before his eyes landed on the tea cups, he sighed, "Poison?" He asked as Onoki turned to him, tomato red in the face out of fury, "Yes...she somehow poisoned him," Onoki grounded out forcefully. They stood, watching hopelessly as Ryu slowly died on the spot, his spasming slowly slowed to a stop as he took his last breath.
Konohagakure: 3 Days Later
Hiruzen finally came back to his office after another war council meeting, seeing that his student, Tsunade, recently lost her cherished soon-to-be lover, Dan in an ambush in the Land of Grass near the border to the Land of Rain. He sighed as he sat down tiredly, glaring at the pile of paperwork, "It seems this war shall continue on," he said forebodingly at the war that has already taken countless lives. Instinctively, he reached for his pipe and used a small fire jutsu to light it up. Right as he was about to puff on and enjoy the taste of the tobacco, he was interrupted with, "HOKAGE SAMA, KATOMI MISAMOTO IS AT OUR FRONT GATES, YOUR ORDERS!?" Shouted one of the chunin gate guards as he stumbled into the office, huffing and puffing after his run. Hiruzen glared at the chunin for interrupting him, before adopting a stern face, "Why is she here?" Hiruzen asked as the chunin finally calmed down and bowed politely, "She didn't state exactly why, but she seems to have come in peace." The chunin stated, as Hiruzen nodded, "Send her to me," he stated simply as the chunin bowed and left once more.
Hokage Tower: Hallway
As I saw the chunin run out of the office, I inwardly sighed at the lack of security for this village and made my way to Hiruzen's office. Opening the door, purposefully not knocking first, I looked and sighed slightly at Hiruzen choking on his pipe in surprise at my appearance. Finally deciding to be respectful, I bowed low, "Hokage sama, it's quite a pleasure to see you," I said while coming up from my bow and walking to sit in front of him. I Ignored the glare that he sent at me after his coughing fit, and sat in front of him, crossing my legs and smiling as if nothing happened. "I would've said the same any other time, however, is there a reason for you to ever-so politely show up here unannounced?" He asked as he finally calmed down. My facial expression quickly made a quick turn around, and my smile turned into a face of business, "I came to...discuss...where I stand in terms of my allegiance," I said. At my change of expression and topic, Hiruzen followed suit, placing his hands under his chin, "Yes, the Uzumaki have been trying to contact you for a while, frankly, I am also quite curious about where you stand." He responded as I nodded understandingly.
Raising one of my hands and flipping my hair over my shoulder, I crossed my arms and rested my hand under my chin, "I fought for them once, I'll fight for them again as long as they do the same. Mutual back-scratching...you can say. And where I stand in the greater world of politics, well...you shouldn't need to fear me, you're an ally of the Uzumaki and therefore a mutual ally of mine." I explained as Hiruzen remained stoic before asking, "And what village do you hold allegiance to, if I may ask?" A moment passed as my gaze didn't waiver, "None right now, I mainly move around southern Fire Country, setting up camp where I could. I've been acting independently up until now and have been traveling around the world, gaining battle experience, and doing some bounty hunting." I answered, not telling the full truth due to wanting to keep Konoha in the dark of the future annex. Hiruzen stared at me for a moment, likely searching for lies, before he sighed, "I see, however, I am quite astonished at how you were able to gain such strength to take out or severely weaken the allied shinobi force who were trying to attack the Uzumaki, would you care to enlighten me?" He asked.
I smiled slightly before answering, "I come from a likely extinct clan whose main strength was our flight abilities. As it is already known, I took it upon myself to infiltrate Sunagakure and take a few scrolls that I could use to bolster my strength. With that, and with the fact that people who can fly are quite rare in this world, which also means that most shinobi are ill-equipped to deal with an aerial target, making it easy pickings to surprise attack the attackers," I answered truthfully, knowing that this information was already public. Hiruzen sighed as he leaned back, "Indeed, you would be quite the troublesome opponent for most, however, I wouldn't get too confident in your long-ranged abilities," he stated sagely. "Understood, which is also why I'm here. I saved one of your most powerful allies from complete extinction, and I would like something as a payment," I said simply as he nodded understandingly. Hiruzen sighed and adopted a face of slight shame, "Indeed, you have proven yourself quite well, and I am grateful for your actions, but also shameful of my inaction." He said looking downward.
My face lightened in slight sympathy, "I believe it may have not been fully your fault, but mainly the fault of the Daimyo of Wave Country, who allowed an amassment of troops to build at his ports." I spoke as he lifted his head and nodded, "Indeed, however, we have decided to let the Uzumaki handle it due to it being near their territory, we'll likely get an update soon. Either way, in terms of your payment, besides our gratitude, what is an idea that you have?" He asked. I sat still for a moment, pondering an answer, "I wish to have any books about sealing and advanced sealing. It'll also be good for you to provide me with someone who is knowledgeable about seals." I explained. Hiruzen sighed before answering, "I think it would be best to ask the Uzumaki about providing you with someone who is knowledgeable in seals, however, we could provide you with some sealing material and books that deal with sealing." He answered as I smiled. "That'll do quite well, and in return, you will get my mutual loyalty as long as the Uzumaki are also your allies, however, do not think for a moment that I will be at your beckoning call as one of your shinobi. All you get from me is a promise to not wipe out your village or your allies, I will still operate independently." I answered simply.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and then let out a tired sigh, "I guess it's for the best, although, the position is open if your mind changes. I would recommend being patient before contacting the Uzumaki, I've gotten word from a couple of our allies northward that there seemed to be an appearance of a large smog cloud that has taken up the skies from Rice Country to Uzushiogakure. It seems as if there were a large-scale wildfire and cyclone that damaged much of southern Rice Country." He warned as my eyes widened slightly in mock surprise, "Wow, a cyclone? In the middle of the country?" I asked as he nodded. "Indeed, we have teamed up with meteorologists from a few other nations to investigate the occurrence, we have grown quite uneasy at the possibility of a quickly changing climate, which would throw much of the world's operations in agriculture in complete disarray," he finished. I remained silent and nodded in understanding before standing from my chair, "I shall get going, I'll enjoy the beauties of your village for some time and will be leaving after that." I said as I bowed politely and made my way to the door. "That's quite alright, but remember to not act rashly, or threateningly, I've had to reprimand some of my shinobi recently on how to properly treat outsiders." He said as I turned to offer a nod, before leaving.
Making my way into the bright daylight after leaving the Hokage's tower, I gazed around at the busy streets of Konoha, finally taking notice of all of the people. I closed my eyes and let out a small breath, before starting on my way to the nearest inn. I easily made my way past many of the carts and merchants, although, I mean easily in terms of physical. As I moved past the increasingly irritating noises that assaulted my eardrums, I felt my heart rate start to increase. The louder-than-normal laughter of the villagers going about their lives and the muddled sounds coming from the carts rolling down the street, faster and faster, I took in my breaths. Gazing around slightly frantically, my eyes landed on an inn that stood next to a clothing shop. "Shit," I cursed quietly as I made my way to the inn, "A-Ariana, what's happening? What's wrong with me?" I asked in thought as I made it to the front door of the building. "Quickly, find a room," she responded as the front assistant was brought to attention of my arrival.
"Please, I need one room, no questions," I said shortly, taking out a few ryo to pay for the room. The assistant stood slightly shocked at a child needing a room, before shaking herself and giving me a key, "Your name?" She asked. I sighed and placed the money down on the counter, "Katomi Misamoto," I said quietly as she nodded and wrote down my name, before giving me the key to my room. "Room 4357, go down the hall and make a right, your room will be near the end of the next hall," she said as I nodded in thanks and quickly speed-walked my way to the room, trying to prevent my hands from shaking too much. After walking for a while, I finally made my way to my room. Taking out the key, my hand shook so much that I dropped it, causing a loud metallic noise to sound. "S-shit," I whispered while picking up the key, biting down on my bottom lip, and opening the door. After entering, I promptly shut the door, before struggling to lock it with my now violently shaking hands. I struggled and then managed to take off the scabbard that held my Wakazashi blades and dropped it onto the floor.
Letting out a choked sob, I pressed my back to the door before sliding onto the floor, covering my face with my hands, and allowing myself to sob quietly. "A-Ariana, what's happening? Please...please help," I said in between sobs which now shook my body, "Akito, I need Akito, I'm so cold...so cold," I continued to whimper out. "Katomi, you're safe in the room, just let it out," Ariana answered as my breath grew more ragged as I quietly wailed into my hands. My heart was beating so hard that I could easily hear it in my head. I was hyperventilating, tightly clasping my hands over my mouth as my chest rose outward and inward quickly. Black dots were starting to appear in my vision as I grew faint, "Katomi, try to calm down slightly, try to slow your breath," Ariana spoke. Breath in...breath out, I tried to calm down as I closed my eyes tightly, my tears kept falling like twin rivers. After a moment, my breath calmed slightly, however, my body was still violently shaking.
"Come on, damn it," I said mentally as I shakingly stood from the floor and made my way to the bathroom. Entering the bathroom and flicking the light switch on, I closed my eyes quickly at the light that assaulted my vision. I stumbled back until my back hit the wall and immediately tried, but failed to find the light switch. "Fuck...I think I'm going to be sick," I said mentally as I immediately placed my hands onto my mouth while I retched violently, preventing myself from puking onto the floor. I slowly stumbled my way to the toilet before falling to my knees, immediately moving my hands from my mouth to hold back my hair as I began vomiting out my insides. Breathing heavily, I tried to calm down, before another rush of acid came out and splashed into the bowl. Finally feeling like I was done, I spat out the rest and sat back on my heels, still violently shaking as my breath was haggard. Wrapping my arms around myself as an attempt at self-soothing, my head dipped down and my hair fell around me as I started to sob once more.
I felt my tears slowly make their way from my eyes and fall onto my kimono and thighs, "I...can't...I...can't...I...help me...just fucking end it already...just end it!" I growled, before continuing, "I...can't...I hate this...why am...I...just...make it stop...just...make...it...fucking...stop," I sobbed quietly as I collapsed into myself to where my head touched my bent knees. Many moments passed as I continued to cry uncontrollably before I finally started to calm down. "This is why I suggested that you slow down before, you may have been able to trick yourself by constantly busying yourself with your plans; I have noticed this recently, but you seriously need help," Ariana spoke as I raised slightly, wiping away some of the tear tracks with my hands before crawling to the toilets handle and flushing it. I crawled myself to sit against the wall of the bathroom, looking distantly at nothing while wrapping myself around my legs. "Need...help?" I asked mentally.
"Katomi, you are one truly strong woman, however, you have buried your burdens for far too long. Your previous life wasn't good and was constantly filled with trauma. When you were born into this world, you were subjected to more issues. You kept yourself busy by either training, going on a mission, or planning your next move. I suggested before that you consider taking a break from the constant work, fortunately, you agreed without an arguement. Unfortunately, it seems the snowball has shown itself once more. You are a very strong person, but, even the strong cannot handle everything by themselves." She spoke as I allowed my head to fall onto my knees, "I...I understand," I said in a broken and quiet tone. "You should ask yourself, what hobby or passion do you have? What do you have to live for outside of anything dealing with either getting stronger, eliminating threats to the world, or planning to rebuild your village? You have sacrificed yourself so much that you forgot to enjoy the tranquility of stillness," she continued.
I remained quiet, thinking deeply about her words. When was the last time I actually was able to not worry about something? From survival as a war orphan to survival as a military captain and my troops, to getting stronger in this world, and to wanting to eliminate threats. I never slowed down, never sat down for any extended period of time, perhaps not until I went on that date with Akito at the pond, or the many dates after that. "Katomi, what will you do now that you have come to an understanding?" Ariana asked. A moment passed as I remained quiet before finally mentally answering, "I will clean myself up, spend a little more time in this village, and then go back home, to Akito-kun and his family, and to my comrades; I will stop for now, and wait until the war nears its end before acting once more." I said quietly, but resolutely as I stood weakly, and moved to take off my clothes so I could have a nice, long-needed bath.
Konohagakure, Kobayashi's Inn: 2 Hours Later
Walking out of the inn back into the streets, I turned to look at the sky and saw that it was nearing the evening. With a sigh, I turned to glance around, seeing that the village was still busy. Deciding to escape any crowds for now, I made my way in a different direction, inwardly debating on where I should eat. After a while, I came across something that I would've never thought to see. "Ichiraku Ramen? I guess I should try it," I spoke quietly while caressing my hair, trying to fix it back to its normal state of being wild and free while also fixing my bangs. After a moment, I made it to the small establishment, gawking in awe at the younger version of the ramen chef, Teuchi. "Ah, you seem new here young lady, what wouldya like on this fine evening?" I was wordless for a moment before someone else chirped, "Oi, you gotta get the pork ramen, it's the true food of Kami, dattebane!" Said a joyful voice to my side as I turned, before once again becoming incapable of forming words.
What sat in front of me was a girl, roughly my age, with long red hair that matched my nails. She was wearing a beige colored blouse with skin-tight black shorts and sat staring at me in shock and puzzlement. "Uh, hey," I said stupidly to the chipper, young Kushina Uzumaki. A face of realization dawned on her as her eyes widened and her mouth opened wide. Not knowing what else to say, I turned to Teuchi slightly and spoke, "I'll have what she said," I spoke over my shoulder as he sheepishly nodded and went to prepare the meal. I turned back to the clearly shocked Kushina, only to see that her face was as red as her hair. "YOU'RE OUR SAVIOUR THAT GRANNY MITO WAS TALKING ABOUT, DATTEBANE!" She said as she glomped me, hugging me so hard that I struggled to breathe.
Deciding not to reject the feeling of warmth that she had no idea I desperately needed at the moment, I smiled slightly before hugging her back tightly, "I am, I'm Katomi," I said into her ear as I pressed my head against hers. She let up and jumped back, blushing even more, "S-sorry, I acted without thought," she apologized before bowing respectfully. I chuckled slightly before waving her off, "It's fine, I...I don't mind," I said, not wanting to worry her with the truth. She raised back excitedly, "Come...sit...sit, can you tell me about how you got so strong? Please?" She asked as she sat back down. I smiled as I turned to sit right as Teuchi brought out my food. My eyes immediately focused on the delicious-looking ramen, before turning to Kushina. She nodded before speaking, "Well, after you eat you can tell me," she said with a smile, as she also went back to her forgotten bowl. I smiled and grabbed the chopsticks, saying the proper Japanese saying to remain polite, and dug in, immediately being assaulted with an abundance of flavors as I let out a slightly inappropriate moan of pleasure.