Chapter 52: Farewell Konoha
'Inner thoughts'
°Mind link°
Tsukiyomi/Writing
6 months after the war
Appearance: Sleeveless light blue turtleneck top that exposes her back. Wears her usual necklace on top, with a dark blue haori without Uzumaki clan crest. Black hakama-style pants, short black gloves, hair tied in a ponytail, low heels.
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Yukino's POV
Finishing the final file I let out a sigh of relief. Grabbing the thick binder I brought it to the corner of the room where the cat statue once sat and placed it down with all of the others that I had finished. Looking at all my work I placed my hands on my hips with pride. Noticing the morning light coming from outside I frowned, hugging myself as things lined up for what I needed to do.
Letting out a sigh, I picked up the haori I had prepared in advance and put it on. Picking up the black gloves from my desk I activated the Getsugan and opened a portal within Konoha. Stepping out on top of the Hokage monument I stood awkwardly by the edge of the village. Nothing had changed since I left which should've brought some comfort but it didn't. I lived and grew up here yet it felt so foreign to me. Why? Because my home was elsewhere now and this wasn't it. Turning away I went down the monument making my way to the Hokage building.
Reaching the Hokage's office I knocked on the door already knowing who was on the other side. "Enter." I heard his tired voice say.
Quietly opening the door I slipped inside softly closing the door behind me. "I heard that you're the Sixth Hokage now. I guess I should call you the Rokudaime Hokage-sama now." I said starting a conversation before getting to the real reason I was here.
"Oh, Yukino!" Kakashi said with that casual happiness I knew. "I heard you went missing after the war."
Giving a fake laugh I closed my eyes as I made my way to the desk. "I just wanted to recover in peace. I heard that once the war ended the village was bombarded with Naruto's fans." I lied through my teeth as I held my true reason hidden for now.
"That is true…" He said in a way that told me that he didn't buy my excuse. "For you to come back after almost six months… it must be for something different."
"So… Tsunade-sama told you already." Sighing I crossed my arms. "Well, that means I can get straight to the point. The day the war ended I turned seventeen and… I needed time to think. I want to live a quiet life and seeing how Konoha was a center for multiple attacks during the years I don't think I could do that here." I spoke truthfully of my wish.
"So that's the decision you've come to." He sighed. "I may not be the Hokage officially but I still have the authority to allow your decision the moment Tsunande-sama told me about it." He said as he began looking through the many files and papers he had on his desk. "Let's see… where was it?" Watching him look through files I was absorbed in how much work he had to do almost as if the previous Hokage left her workload on him. "Ah… I think it was here somewhere…" He laughed awkwardly while rummaging through the files on another pile. With a sigh, I looked outside admiring the morning light shining through the windows. It was then that I felt a certain unmistakable chakra signature close. Too close.
Looking back at Kakashi he had moved onto another pile. 'Hurry up!' I urged him silently. Seeing as he looked through the papers slowly I shook my head as the door slammed open and my time ran out. 'I bet 500 ryō that you did it on purpose.'
"Kakashi-sensei, can I hang out with Gaara!" Naruto yelled as he barged into the office. "Yukino-chan!" Naruto exclaimed the moment he saw me.
Keeping my heart steady I put on a smile and turned around to see him. "Naruto… how have you been?" I held up a hand casually the same way I've seen Kakashi do a couple of times. Trying to keep my calm Gaara came into the room having followed Naruto here. 'I hope he doesn't ask how Naruto knows me. But what if he asks? I can always say that I was in undercover missions.'
"Forgive us for bargaining in." He told Kakashi.
"Guess what?" Naruto said ignoring his previous objective as he wanted to share something important. "Kakashi-sensei said I'll be a jōnin as long as I study at the academy for two years, dattebayo."
"Jōnin?" Genuinely impressed at this revelation I smiled since that meant that he would skip the title of chūnin completely. "That's amazing!" I half expected that he would be promoted to chūnin like this due to his involvement in the war but for him to be promoted to jōnin instead was incredible. 'If he were to participate in the chūnin exams after doing all that…' Imagining the faces of the fresh genin as they realized they would have to go up against the hero of the war was heavily unfair but it was something I would pay to watch. 'Hah, the world's hero is a genin.'
"I knew you would be proud, Yukino-chan." He laughed rather proudly. A sound that made my heart squeeze as it brought joy to hear it. 'I'll miss this sound. It feels like I'm being basked in delicate gentle sunlight.'
"By the way, Yukino-chan what's your rank?" He asked, making me almost jump in surprise. Before I could answer Kakashi lifted his head from the files as he had been called upon.
"Found it!" He said holding a thick folder he was supposed to find earlier. Sending him small glares he pretended to not see it. "Let's see…" Kakashi hummed, opening the folder. For a split second, I was able to catch a picture of myself as a baby before the papers were moved to bury it. "Interesting… It says here that you were in Iruka's class."
Hearing this I kept a poker face on as I panicked internally. "You were in Iruka-sensei's class!?" Naruto exclaimed as he turned to me with disbelief. Caught by surprise at how close he got I stepped back making sure to not bump into Gaara. "We're the same age aren't we?!"
Feeling my face flush at the embarrassment I nodded feeling my heart race. "I-I was very quiet as a kid so I doubt you would have noticed me and anyways with a loud kid like you in class I went under the radar multiple times." I exhaled as I remembered all the pranks and things he did in class. Then again I partook in a couple of them out of curiosity. "How were you in the academy?" I said, turning my attention to Gaara.
"Everyone was too afraid of me to get close. Though I have to agree I was quiet and kept to myself as well." He answered as his eyes darkened with the memories that the question brought. 'I should not have asked that.'
With the air becoming awkward Kakashi cleared his throat. "You graduated from the academy at age eight." He said with exaggerated surprise. "Oh, look there's a picture," Kakashi said with a closed-eyed smile as he took out the old picture from among the files. Gasping I looked up to see Naruto holding the picture with a smile. The picture of a time where my hair was completely blonde except for a small red strand that one could mistake for an inking error. On my blonde hair was a red ribbon neatly tied into a bow. A red bow I kept in my storage room with my other mementos. In that picture, I wore a small smile.
"Your face is so round." Naruto laughed as he held it up to my face for comparison. Closing my eyes I crossed my arms feeling as my face increased by a couple of red shades. "Your hair isn't red as it's here." He said coming to the realization.
"That seems to be the case," Gaara agreed with him as he too took interest in the picture.
"Kakashi-sensei, when did she become chūnin?"
"Let's see…" He said. Keeping my mouth shut I knew that he wouldn't stop and so I just let it happen. Then again I was interested in the other pictures my file held. "At age ten she became a chūnin."
"Ten!?" Naruto exclaimed.
"That's younger than when we partook in the chūnin exams," Gaara said in thought.
"Well believe it or not here's the proof," Kakashi said as he held up another picture as proof. In it, you could see that the faint smile was gone, replaced by a tired expression that wanted things to be over. My hair had returned to its blonde color with it passing my shoulders. In this picture, the red hair began to spread more as you could see a clear red strand of hair in my bangs.
"My… that brings back memories." I sighed quietly enough for them to not hear.
Moving on to the next bit of trivia Kakashi mumbled. "Hm… becoming Anbu at age of twelve…"
Naruto knowing this just nodded as he knew this while Gaara looked surprised for a moment unaware of this. "It was when Kakakshi-sensei introduced you to us for the first time and you treated us to barbeque right?" Naruto asked, to which I answered with a simple nod.
"Treated you with my money," Kakashi said under his breath as he handed Naruto the third picture.
"You look so tired." Naruto groaned looking away as he felt the exhaustion from just looking at the picture transfer to him. Moving closer to him I looked at the picture seeing the slight frown on my face as well as the heavy bags under my eyes. My hair was short and messy. No, messy would be wrong even messy hair was cut with a style in mind. The hair in this picture was cut without my consent during my capture under Orochimaru. That hair in the picture had grown out a little as time had passed since my capture, showing the red hair that covered a great portion of my front bangs as well as my mismatched eyebrows.
Nodding in agreement with his comment I remembered that it was around that time that my body was under heavy stress from my disease as well as the mental fatigue I had been going through. "It's the workload I tell you," I said, partially telling the truth. Going behind him I wrapped my arms around his neck and I plucked the picture from his hand. "When you become a jōnin your workload will increase and you'll end up looking just like this…" I whispered hauntingly causing him to shriek and try to pull away.
With a chuckle, Kakashi continued. "Finally it says here you're a jōnin."
"Really?" Both Naruto and I asked simultaneously. "How do you not know?" Naruto whispered a question I masterfully chose to not answer by pretending I didn't hear.
"That's right… you were promoted to jōnin after the war due to your efforts in the medical and logistical unit. You didn't know about it since you weren't here when you were promoted." He sighed mumbling under his breath about forgetting something. It was then that his eyes brightened as he remembered. "Your promotion was also due to the several shinobi you saved," Kakashi said with a hum as he pulled out a bag from under his desk. "After the war, we seemed to receive mail from other villages for the Sapphire Rose. We didn't know who that was but Shizune-san was able to find out." He said as he took out a letter from the sack. Extending it towards me I was tempted to ask why he held onto such a thing but then I remembered that I no longer had a place of residency since it was flattened alongside everything else during Pain's attack. 'That's nice he held onto my mail. This might be the first time I actually received mail.'
Noticing Naruto asking permission to read them I gave him the go-ahead as he handed one to Gaara. 'Sapphire Rose? I heard that before…' Taking a letter I opened it reading the contents inside. 'Wait… when Ryota dragged out that shinobi… others were resting there as well. With all the noise he was making, some must have woken up and heard the nickname he gave me.' Reading the letter I could see the thanks this writer had for helping them survive as well as details of what I did from their point of view. 'This is nice,' I thought as I felt a smile spreading on my face as well as the warmth within my heart.
"This is cool Yukino-chan!" Naruto said with awe before his face flushed with something he read.
With a raised eyebrow I returned to the letter in my hand. "Judging by some of the contents inside we can be sure that they are love letters." Just as Kakashi said that I saw the confession towards the last part of the letter.
Letting out a small sigh I folded the letter I held. Putting it to the side I picked up a different letter and then another. My eyes rapidly scanned the pages, reading through each one as the frown on my face grew and grew. The moment I finished I calmly folded the last letter and placed it back in its envelope. "Send a rejection to every one of these as well as any that you receive in the future. I'm not interested in getting back into the dating scene…" Letting out a sigh I shook my head. 'Why am I upset? None of these people knew that.' Realizing I was bringing down the mood I clapped my hands together. "Oh, that's right you don't have a picture of me at this age right?" I asked, changing the subject. Pulling out a scroll from the sleeves of my blue haori I released the picture sealed within and I handed it to Kakashi. A picture I took with my hair tied up while wearing a small smile on my face. Although it was a picture from the chest up you could tell I was wearing the clothes I had during the war. "Well, I'll be going now."
Turning on my heel to leave Naruto spoke up. "Yukino-chan, wait." Grabbing my shoulder I let myself be spun around. "Wanna eat ramen with us?" he let go, gesturing to himself and Gaara leaving Kakashi out.
"Yes!" I answered without missing a beat. Although I wanted to join them I knew that I needed to do what I came to do. "No… I'm sorry. I just remembered that I have things I need to do today." I sighed rejecting his offer. "Kakashi how late will you be in the office?" I asked him to make sure at what time I could return to sign the papers.
"Until midnight."
"I see. You better be here." Turning to Naruto and Gaara I smiled and waved goodbye. "See you guys!" Using the body flicker technique I left the office.
Although I rejected Naruto's proposal to eat at Ichiraku's I still headed there unsure of the distractions he would face along the way that would stall the arrival here. Before I even entered the delicious enticing smell from within made my mouth water and my stomach growl.
Entering the new and rebuilt shop I inhaled the delicious scent. "Hello," I said, announcing my presence at the currently empty ramen shop. 'Must be a slow day. I came at a perfect time!' I thought happily knowing that my meal would be quiet.
"Welcome," Teuchi said.
Noticing that his daughter was nowhere to be found my curiosity was piqued. Ordering shoyu ramen I took the seat near the middle as he turned to the fridge to get the ingredients he needed. "How is Ayame doing?"
Laughing proudly he explained. "She's visiting different towns to make a new menu item."
"Really? That's amazing." With a smile, I swung my legs gently as I let out a quiet sigh. "It's nice to have ambitions, you know." Agreeing he began to cook. Enjoying the silence I watched carefully as he made the ramen hoping to pick up a couple of tricks myself.
After a while, he handed me my bowl. "Itadakimasu," I said happily before separating the chopsticks and digging in. Happily enjoying the meal I ate without another word as I pushed to the side the matter that I would need to do. Once finished I took out a floral print wallet and paid. "I'll miss this place," I stood from my seat and smiled.
"Miss it?" He asked with a tinge of his own curiosity wondering if maybe the word meant something else. "Are you heading on another long mission?"
"I'm afraid that's not the case this time." Letting out a small exhale I explained. "I'll be moving away… so this might be the last time I eat here." Placing my hands in front of me I bowed. "Thank you for the delicious meals!" Feeling the tears swell in my eyes I raised my head to see the smiling ramen shop owner. "If you ever come by again. Then feel free to drop by."
"You're moving away?" Jumping in surprise I turned around to see my previous sensei standing by the entrance. "Are you really moving away, Yukino-san?" Iruka asked once more.
"Uhm…" Looking around Teuchi quietly moved into the background to let me explain and so I couldn't avoid his questioning stare. With a sigh, I gave in out of guilt. "I am. After today I'll no longer be a resident of Konoha."
"I see…" He said taking the middlemost seat in the shop. "Will it make you happy?"
"Huh?" Looking at him with surprise I quickly answered his question. "It will."
With a small smile, he nodded. "If that's the case then don't feel so guilty."
"I know…" I sighed as I awkwardly twisted my side bangs. Noticing how truths were coming out I knew this was the time to bring up certain things. "Hey… Iruka-sensei? Do you remember a certain period when my grades dropped?" I asked trying to see if he even remembered that.
"I do." He sighed. "Your father came to transfer you to another class."
Feeling guilty about that, I admitted the whole grade thing. "Ah… well, you see… I-I purposefully chose the wrong answers during the quizzes." Feeling my face steam from the embarrassment at confessing such an old childish secret I lowered my head covering it with both gloved hands.
Hearing him chuckle, I lifted my head immediately as he shook his head. "I had a feeling…"
"How so?" I asked.
"Well, once you transferred I looked over your work to see what I got wrong. I noticed then that your classwork did not match your quiz results. There were questions you frequently got right in your classwork that you repeatedly got wrong in the quizzes." He chuckled with a hint of disappointment mixed in. "But for me to notice that once you had transferred made me realize that I wasn't paying much attention to my students."
"I'm sorry for that." I bowed once more. One part in apology and another part in an attempt to hide my steaming face.
Chuckling he gestured for me to raise my head. "Thank you for keeping Naruto in check."
"Huh?" Lifting my head in surprise I looked at him with wide eyes. Ordering ramen for himself he explained. "If it weren't for your help Naruto would have kept challenging Sasuke every time we did sparring training." Sighing, he shook his head as he remembered the time vividly.
Remembering that time as well I let out a small laugh. "Who could refuse that begging look coming from their sensei?"
"I wasn't begging, was I?" He asked nervously.
"You definitely were." I laughed. "It was nice to be able to practice more. If anything I was better at close combat than he was at the time." Realizing that I stood in thought grateful for the foxes who taught me that.
Feeling his stare he hesitated for a moment before asking. "How is your relationship with Sasuke?"
Surprised I pretended to act nonchalant. "Eh… you know as good as anyone's but worse than Naruto's." I shrugged denying our connection to someone who shouldn't be worried about it.
"That's right… Kakashi mentioned what happened to him." Raising my eyebrow in surprise he stopped eating. "You know… he really cared for you back then." As something from the past reemerged he let out a heavy sigh. "I remember that he would often stay after class to ask how you were doing."
3rd POV
Hearing that she tensed up and unconsciously held her breath as if it were a spell that could be broken by the slightest movement. "What?" Looking at the man with confusion in her eyes she shook her head in disbelief. Yet, even with that doubt, she knew the boy and his tendencies. She also knew her sensei and knew that it was true. "This is something you should have told me." With a low growl in her voice, her heart tightened as the weight of the necklace she wore became heavier. "That idiot… he's always been so stubborn…" Crossing her arms she looked away. "All for what? Just to look cool and impress Fugaku-san…?" She said quietly as she felt tears well up in her eyes. "I… I still have things I need to do so… goodbye." Quickly she left the ramen shop hearing Iruka call for her as she kept thinking of what he said.
Not even a couple of steps away from the shop she bumped into someone as she neared the store corner. "I'm sorry," she quickly apologized as the person held onto her arms as a precaution to not let them fall. Looking up with teary eyes her eyes widened with surprise as she realized who she bumped into. 'Fuck.' Was the only thought that crossed her mind.
The other who walked ahead of his friend due to a small group of the other boy's fans didn't look where he was going until the moment when he felt something collide with him. Immediately he reached out making sure whoever he bumped into didn't fall. When he grasped onto the person he noted the familiar appearance and the moment he saw her face he noted the watery appearance of her eyes. "Are you feeling alright?" Gaara asked but before she could answer her eyes saw something beyond him. She saw his best friend as they ran over.
"Yukino-chan? Hey! Did you come and eat by yourself?" Hearing that she pulled away, shrinking her body, and lowered her face in shame.
"Yukino–" Catching up, Iruka saw the young woman in what he thought was her crying and immediately turned his attention to Naruto who stood nearby. "Naruto!" The blond boy could only gape in surprise as he didn't know what had happened.
Wiping away the tears with her black gloves she walked back to Iruka. "It's not his fault so keep quiet about our previous conversation." She whispered. "Please. Iruka-sensei. I don't want to talk about it."
Hearing Teuchi call for him and his still half bowl Iruka gave a nod and returned to the ramen shop.
The other rubbed her eyes once more, muttering loud enough for them to hear. "Damn spice." Grumbling, she walked back to them and put on a smile. "Naruto you were visiting right? Then come in. I'm still hungry so I can eat another bowl." Grabbing both of the boys' arms she pulled them towards the ramen shop. "I thought you would take longer to arrive. I didn't want to stand to the side and wait as all your fans clamored around you and all that. Still, I'm sorry." She apologized to the one who gave the invitation.
"Oh, that's why! No problem!" Naruto laughed as she was right about her assumption.
Entering the shop Iruka sat in the middle. Naruto took the seat next to his left, dragging Gaara with him and taking both of the seats. Yukino entering at the same time took the seat beside Iruka.
"One large miso char siu ramen." Both blue-eyed young adults said in unison the moment they settled into the seats. Going quiet they leaned over the counter to stare at each other for a solid moment. The young woman's face scrunched up as a small laugh slipped her lips. Her laugh was followed by the blond boy's as they both returned to their seats letting out a chuckle. Sitting in the middle their teacher sat awkwardly wondering if he should say anything but hearing their laugh he remembered their past antics. Keeping it to himself he continued eating his ramen.
"I'll have shio ramen," Gaara said once their laughter subsided.
With their laughter dying Yukino glanced over at Naruto ever so often as they waited for their ramen. The other feeling her anxious vibes felt tense as he looked over to his friend beside him silently begging him for advice. The auburn-haired Kazekage, noticing his blond friend's gaze quietly wondered why he looked so tense wondering if it was his fault.
"Naruto."
"Eek!" The blond boy said as he tensed up further when the young woman called him out by name. "Y-yeah?"
"D-did you know that you belong to a clan?" She asked nervously as she wanted to do nothing more than to run away. She had known the identity of his parents for years now but never found the opportune time to tell him. However, although he knew who his father was, she wasn't sure if he knew much about his mother so she felt that she had to tell him about the one thing she did know.
"Hm?" He asked with intrigue. "You mean the Uzumaki clan right?" Saying that her mouth gaped slightly in surprise. 'How did he–?' She wondered since there was barely any information to be found about the clan within Konoha. Letting out a small laugh he explained his reason for knowing. "Hey, Yukino-chan, I know it sounds crazy but I met my mom not long ago." With a small smile, he closed his eyes as he remembered. "She told me lots. Even that she came from… from… what was it called again?" He sighed crossing his arms in thought.
"Uzushiogakure. Once located in the land of whirlpools." She answered for him. "That's the village where the Uzumaki clan resided."
"That's the place!" He exclaimed with a smile.
"What clan are you both talking about?" Iruka asked in confusion as he was lost in the conversation the two were having. Gaara sitting in the corner nodded in agreement as he was confused as well. To his knowledge, he knew of no such village or clan.
"The red spiral on your flak jacket…" Yukino said as she took a sip from her cup of water. While taking a sip Naruto ended the sentence for her. "It's the symbol from the Uzumaki clan."
"You can't really find much information in this village," Yukino explained. "So it doesn't surprise me that you didn't know." She smirked, sending Naruto a wink.
Catching on he immediately added. "Knowing something even Iruka-sensei doesn't know… I guess I have grown." Naruto said with a bright smile.
Seeing his bright smile her body relaxed as she saw the joy he radiated. "Uzumaki?" Iruka inquired. "That explains why you both have the same surname." Looking at Yukino she closed her eyes as she put on a fake smile while screaming on the inside from the nerves that were building up within her. 'All this stress is not good for my heart!'
"Wait! You're an Uzumaki too?" The young man exclaimed as he got up from his seat. "I can't believe someone from mom's clan was so close!"
"Don't say that…" She huffed and turned away. At that moment the ramen was placed before them. Giving a small thanks to the ramen shop owner she blew lightly on the food before her. "Nagato and Karin are both Uzumaki, you know." She said before digging in. Realizing she said a name she should have no way of knowing, she kept her cool and continued acting as if she didn't just say the name of the Akatsuki leader.
"Really?" Naruto asked as he looked up from his bowl.
"A sensor can tell, their chakra reserves are just vast. Aside from that their hair is a good indicator. It's so red that it's obvious." She said keeping her voice normal before she continued eating.
"Oh, that's right… both of them did have red hair…" Naruto thought in awe as he remembered all of them and his mom's red hair. 'It was so long and pretty…' Looking over Iruka he stared at the young woman and the red hair that hid her face.
His teacher, noticing the other boy's looks, snapped him out of it. "Naruto, stop gawking at her." Hearing this the girl perked up seeing that their sensei was correct.
"I'm jealous you got red hair…" he sighed, pouting a bit. "I think I would have looked so cool."
'It would look cool?' With a laugh, she flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I'm quite proud of it, it's proof of my Uzumaki roots…" Realizing she was slipping into her other life she changed the tune at the snap of one's fingers. "Oh, Naruto. Since I couldn't find any information about the Uzumaki clan here I used my missions to look for more information in other lands."
"I see… that would explain the encounters we had," Gaara added quietly as he continued eating.
Hearing what Gaara said Naruto nodded as he came to understand a few things. "So that's why I barely see you around the village. But Yukino-chan… you may not know this but mom mentioned that her village was destroyed."
・
Flashback:
In a moment of silence, the elderly fox spoke up. "There is something else you must know…" saying that she stood in front of the girl. "The First Shinobi War ended with an armistice but as years went on the economic disparity between the countries worsened with Konoha being better off than the other nations." Hearing this the girl was confused as to why she was receiving a history lesson. "Fifty-one years after the creation of Konoha the Uzumaki clan was targeted. Although we were not present during its destruction Tsukiyomi was able to uncover the ones behind it. Her search pointed to three nations, in particular, most responsible for its destruction. Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure." She said with a growl in her voice. "Aware of the world's situation at the time I'm certain that the nations began to take note of Konoha's increasing power and targeted Uzushiogakure to weaken Konoha. So… a year before the Second Shinobi War, Konoha, as well as the other nations were involved in small skirmishes that further increased tensions."
"Hm? Oh, you two are talking about Uzushiogakure right?" The current fox sage said butting into their conversation in her human transformed state. Catching the previous sage and the girl by surprise they looked at her as the other hummed in thought. "Now that I think about it Tsukimi never voices her opinions on the clan's past, does she? Well, recently she told me something interesting." Walking over she wrapped her hands around the seated young girl leaning in close whispering. "She resents Mito Uzumaki, the First Hokage's wife." Letting go she walked around and stood next to her predecessor. "In Tsukimi's own words everything was fine when we were nothing more than hushed whispers and left to our own devices. So when Mito sealed the Kyūbi in herself, she became the first jinchūriki. That act brought more than enough attention to the village who did their best to avoid conflict."
"Well, the past is the past and with Uzushio's destruction, our role tied with the noble family disappeared." Haruko sighed, bringing the conversation back to where it was. "At least… until you appeared." The elderly sage laughed quietly before abruptly stopping. "That's for another time. I almost forgot to mention… a messenger from Uzushiogakure was sent to Konoha but they were killed before they could reach the village." She added explaining how one of her foxes found the body. "Without aid from Konoha, the survivors scattered most likely believing that Konoha had abandoned them."
"Honestly the fact that you weren't aware of Konoha's connection to Uzushio in your youth is odd. Why hide away the history of your closest ally?" Kuzunoha voiced her thoughts. "Had the village known of the clan they were allied with then maybe Naruto wouldn't have had such a stigma attached to his name. Were they involved in some way? Then again Konoha has a strong dislike towards outsiders." She shrugged dismissing the matter.
"There's no changing what has occurred, the damage is done but you could say we did make that boy's life a bit better." Haruko chuckled as she remembered.
"Ah, right! He was so cute, do you remember the cute whiskers on his face!" Kuzunoha squealed happily. "Ah… oh yeah, it's too bad he forgot all that right. My bad. My bad. But those fangs of yours are still cute." She apologized to the young woman who stared at them as she realized who their favorite was.
"We kept you for too long." Haruko realized as she looked up at the sky. "I will prepare the necessary things for the technique and begin teaching those at the shrine. For now, I should return you." Holding up a sleeve-covered hand she was about to form the hand seal when the younger fox beside her stopped her.
"Hey, if you want to know more about your clan's destruction go see Tsukimi alright? She should be mulling at the shrine right about now." With that, she formed the hand seal herself and returned Yukino to her office.
Returned to the quiet office she looked up at the clock seeing that she had time before the morning guards at the shrine would take their shift. Facing her side, her eyes gave that familiar moon-like glow as a portal opened within her reach. Stepping through the shortcut to the shrine grounds the portal closed behind her as she looked around for her guardian.
Spotting a path among the vegetation small enough to be created by a fox-sized creature she followed it as her eyes returned to their normal blue hue. Following the small path until the shrine was no longer in sight she stopped. Almost undetectable she felt the slightly cool breeze coming from further west of her current position.
Venturing deeper into natural woods she came to a stop in a small grove. Sitting in the middle was a stone with a depiction of an innovative princess of the past carved into it. Aside from that, the air was chilly signaling its depictor's presence. Focusing the air around her she cooled the air around herself enough to frost the surrounding grass.
"Calling my name would have sufficed." The pale woman whispered as she leaned over the girl's shoulder.
Used to this type of entrance the girl just stared at the black-haired woman spotting the horns poking out of her head, an indicator of the curse that put her in her current situation. "I just wanted to make sure I had the correct location."
"Makes sense." The woman sighed as she quietly made her way to the statue with her likeness carved into it. "It's unusual for you to seek me. What is it that you need answers for? At the moment I feel benevolent."
"What happened to Uzushiogakure decades ago?"
Hearing that question the woman's hand flinched as she almost touched the rock. Her silver eyes closed as she let out a small exhale. Brushing her fingers against the stone the tips passed right through. Indeed, today she was feeling benevolent.
Turning around she faced the girl who bore a slight resemblance to herself and the brother she wouldn't be able to meet again. Placing her hands in front of her white gown her black hair moved alongside a non-existent breeze as she opened her red-colored lips. "Before the beginning of the Second Shinobi War, Konoha was involved in a conflict against Sunagakure and Iwagakure." She began to explain. "With their forces concentrated in Amegakure, it left Uzushio without the support of its ally." Letting out a cold sigh she shook her head. "Our clan was used to shinobi from other lands arriving on ships to try to strike a deal to buy our fuinjutsu. There were times when things turned sour but in those moments shinobi would have their memories sealed and sent away. However, that day was different. The attack came as a surprise." Like the living elders within the island, her words choked her as the memory of that day came to her. "The island was surrounded, trapping everyone inside. Saving the device with your blueprints I hid in the library but as I sat there I felt everything that was happening. The moment the ley line was suppressed and sealed, sealing the city along with its precious documents. As well as their sacrifice." Turning away she began to walk motioning for the young woman to follow her. "To protect those that fled, a great number killed their attackers as they forged a path to the mainland at the cost of their lives. I even felt my dear brother's descendants using my reaper death seal to take as many of our attackers as they could with them." Her pace began to slow down as she went on taking a few slow strides as she talked. "There were no captures that day or those that followed. They knew that a worse fate awaited them if they lived. Those unfortunate enough to be caught fought ferociously to escape with the most daring ones detonating the ships, taking their own lives in the process." Her eyes began to waver as tears began to pool in them at the memory. "I felt it all. The home I loved was stained with my family's blood." Coming to a stop in front of a large hollowed tree she gestured for the girl to look inside. The girl, seeing no reason to not obey, obliged the older woman's request. Climbing the tree with ease she stuck her gloved hand inside the cavity. Feeling something within she carefully pulled out the small item realizing that it was a weathered small wooden box. Jumping down she easily broke the rusty lock with her fingers and opened it, finding an old scroll within. "That scroll contains the forehead protectors of the great nations that attacked my village."
Surprised, the young woman's eyes widened as she looked at her guardian with disbelief. 'You have such proof?' She wanted to ask before realizing the age of the box. For such a thing to have happened, she must have collected after the events that had transpired. With a closer look at the scroll, she noticed the brown stain that colored the edge of the paper. A color she knew well enough to know that it was from dried blood.
The woman watching the girl turned away and continued walking not willing to let her see her cry. So she continued answering the girl's question telling her of the events after. "When those already outside the island caught wind of what had transpired they went into hiding. Too much time had passed since then and too many had died. The ones you were able to find and bring back may be the only remains of our once-great clan." Coming to a stop once more she didn't face the girl who will become the head of her noble family. "My time before you will soon run out, this may be the last time I speak to you like this." She told her knowing that there would be no need or use to hide something like this. She had lasted for in this state. Years spent raising her last hope.
"If that's the case then let me show you something." Eyes turning a pale silver Yukino opened a portal before them. Opening a portal to the southernmost point of the island she crossed through with the pale woman following close behind her like a shadow.
Upon stepping foot on the clifftop overlooking the sea the spectral woman saw the construction of a monument she had been aware of. Though after some time of great renovations throughout the island these past few years she had brushed it off as another project.
"Do you know what this is?" The seventeen-year-old asked her guardian as she stared at the twisting structure before her as the remaining parts scattered around as it was yet to be complete. The other, not knowing what it was, felt a strong gust of wind howl and then heard it. The slow and somber sounds of the heavy metal wind chimes. The centerpiece of the structure. "It's a memorial." The girl informed her as her blue eyes stared ahead, causing the other to look at her with wide silver eyes. "It would be rude to continue living here without acknowledging those that died." She turned around to look at the woman who made it possible for her to exist.
As the sun rose and morning came the last few traces of night faded with Tsukiyomi along with it. Realizing this the pale woman smiled. "Thank you. Thank you for bringing my family back home." She said as her voice was carried by the wind disappearing in front of the girl's eyes. That day the pale woman's time had run out as she returned to being the island's trapped spirit once more.
Flashback end:
・
"Yeah… my search concluded that as well… as for the ones responsible… It's hard to determine…" She lied. Realizing that the air had become heavy she changed her tone. "Anyways, you mentioned before that you were studying to become a jōnin. So? Tell me now that Iruka-sensei is here. How are your studies going?"
Flinching at the question Naruto waved his hand trying to tell her to avoid it and change the subject but his sensei wouldn't let him slide. "It is easier to teach a twelve-year-old than Naruto. I swear Naruto sometimes I wonder if you are even trying." He complained as he slurped the remaining of his ramen.
"Studies are important for the role of Kage," Gaara said, supporting Iruka. "As much as you dislike it you have to put more effort into it."
Nodding in agreement, Yukino spoke, unintentionally adding her piece as well. "Kakashi may be aloof sometimes but at least he's smart. Ah!" Realizing she said it out loud her eyes widened and she immediately covered her mouth.
Laughing, Iruka placed down the money for his bowl. "Thank you for the meal." He told the ramen shop owner as he got up from his seat leaving the young woman exposed to deal with what she let slip out. "Behave you two. Goodbye." He said with a small chuckle as he left for good.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I meant to keep it in here." She pointed to her head.
"You still thought about it." Naruto pointed out, hurt by the statement.
"I'm really sorry but even you know that you aren't book smart. I mean you spent three whole years learning how to become strong but how many times did you pick up a book that wasn't a manuscript?" As she kept talking her face became redder and redder so much so that she couldn't look at him. Picking up her ramen bowl she finished it quickly. "Thank you for the food!"
"I guess you're right. Ero-senin never really taught me anything about that." Letting out a sigh he mumbled. "Instead he went to all those girl's bars." Remembering something he perked up. "Hey! Now that I remember we always ran into each other at a girl's bar!"
"A girl's bar?" Gaara echoed, feeling as if he heard the word somewhere.
Saying that she flinched as she had her hand in her wallet. "Oh… right." She laughed awkwardly as she quickly took out the money.
"What were you doing there anyways?"
The moment he asked that her mind began to look at every scenario and explanation she could. Neither which she could think at the time would be believable enough to get him to stop asking. 'Why not show him?' A small voice told her in her head. Taking in a deep breath she snapped her wallet shut. Turning around with a smile she gracefully stood up. Facing away from the exit she lifted his chin gently and leaned in. Lowering her voice she whispered in a sultry tone. "Seduction of course." Feeling him tense up she immediately backed away letting out a laugh. "Kidding, kidding!" She lied. "I went there to gather intel. You wouldn't believe the type of things they hear with all the men that pass by." With a smirk, she narrowed her eyes as she looked at the two young men. "But that doesn't mean a kunoichi like me didn't pick up a trick or two." Snickering, she turned away ready to leave.
"Hey, I remembered something." Stopping this caught her interest. "Mom had these chains you see that went fwoom! In all directions. I think it looked cool. I hope that it helps. If you're even still looking into the clan…"
"Chains?" She asked rhetorically as her chakra began to fluctuate and take form. "You mean… something like this?" Erupting from her lower back thin chains sprouted out appearing like wings for a split second as that happened the boy's blue eyes shined as the sight brought back memories of the short time he had with his mom. Short-lived was the display before they twisted around the blond shinobi wrapping him in a tight hug. Taken by surprise Naruto stumbled to the side. However, with the chains having a snug grip on him they secured him to his seat. As this happened the young man beside him could only watch silently at the sight of the numerous thin golden chains she controlled. Before anyone within the shop could analyze them a crack could be heard as the chains burst in soft golden light.
"I hope that this is what you meant. Bye!" Facing away from the shop she walked away with her ponytail swinging behind her. 'I bet that looked cool.' She thought as she walked away with a proud smile on her face.
With a giddy smile Naruto turned to his friend, "She looked a lot like mom just now."
Yukino's POV
Knowing that Orochimaru was currently under surveillance I didn't have to worry much about being in danger like I once was. Following the intel I collected, I reached the Ryokan by the village's outskirts. Sensing the jōnin within I knew I had the right place. With their presence inside I also knew that I would have to be careful with any of my movements.
Saying hello to the owner that I was acquainted with I was allowed to enter saying that I came to pick up something of mine from someone within. Walking the halls I headed to the room when I heard a door open behind me. "Stop." I was ordered.
Recognizing the voice I turned around to see a fellow Anbu. "Tenzō-senpai." I smiled as sweetly as possible knowing from the information Kakashi shared that he was susceptible to the sweet-talking from superiors. So why not try with a kohai.
"What are you doing here." He asked seriously as he was unaffected by the flowering aura around me.
"I need to know the whereabouts of an object used during the war. Which is why I need to ask him about it." Stepping towards him I grabbed his hands. "Please I really need to get it back. So may I please talk to him Tenzō-senpai?" Closing my eyes tightly I heard him sigh giving in to the demands of a kohai. Taking a peek I saw the slight smile of happiness of someone who wasn't used to being called with such an honorific.
"Alright but you have no more than five minutes anymore and you will be questioned." He quickly switched back.
"Ok!" I smiled quickly pulling away. Briskly walking away I barged into the room where the snake stayed in. "My… I don't see your little lap dog? I wonder where he went?" I said sarcastically the moment I closed the door behind myself.
"If it is Kabuto you're looking for I'm afraid that he has chosen to care for orphans now." He answered calmly as he stood up from the personal hot spring attached to his room.
Keeping my eyes up I kept my calm as well as I went to the issue that brought me here. "I know that. During the war, you were the one that entered the Uzumaki storage temple weren't you?" Narrowing my eyes I looked at his face. "So. Where is the mask you took?"
"Ah… that's right. That temple and everything within it would technically belong to you." He chuckled. "After all, you are part of the last few remaining Uzumaki. It should go to Naruto but he is less of an Uzumaki than either you or Karin." Putting on the yukata he covered his long black hair with a towel as he slowly made it to the table that separated us. "Let's see… I left it where it was last used, Naka shrine." He remembered. "Do you want directions as well?" He smiled.
"No. I'll find it on my own."
"Good luck getting to it." He chuckled as I opened the sliding door.
"Okay~." I sang as I closed the door behind myself. Walking to the nearby room with the jōnin on standby I opened the door. Looking inside I ignored their look as I checked the time on the clock. 'Two o'clock. I wasted four hours already.' About to leave the room, Tenzō-san stopped me.
"What did you two talk about?" He asked.
"He took something from a temple of my clan during the war. I just wanted it back." I explained. "A mask of some kind. Ask Kakashi-senpai, I mean lord Sixth about it, he should know the temple I'm talking about." Even if Kakashi didn't know it would take some time to figure out which shrine I'm talking about and by then I would be long gone. "I didn't want to cause much bother. Is that all?"
Hesitant he scratched his head in thought. Standing there I waited for his response. "All right, I guess you wouldn't take such a risk if what was stolen from you meant a lot."
"Thank you for understanding." I bowed, lowering my head, making him fluster in embarrassment as the other jōnin in the room shook their heads at him for making a young girl apologize.
・・・
Leaving the ryokan I made my way to the Naka shrine on the opposite side of the village. Reaching it without any distractions I arrived at the shrine. Or at least where it used to stand. Standing amid the rubble I realized that this must have been destroyed since Pain's attack. 'Should I even repair it? Would Sasuke wish that?' Unsure of what to do I spotted the hidden entrance. Standing before it I did the necessary hand seal opening it.
With the stone slab revealing the stairs I hurriedly made my way down. Stepping into the room I noticed the mask along with the destruction of the floorboards and wall. Letting out a sigh I glanced back as the stone slab returned to its spot. Activating the Getsugan without worry I rewind the time of the floor returning it to its previous whole state as well as the wall. When I was done I went up to the mask and I carefully picked it up brushing off any dust that it had collected. With it in my hands, I saw the face of a hannya. The same thing Kuzunoha-san said Tsukiyomi had turned. Remembering my past I chuckled as I remembered the first time I saw it. 'It was made in her likeness after all. Though I've never seen such a scary expression.'
Opening a portal I entered the chamber below my office. Going around the ley line source I placed my hand on one of the walls. Reacting to the seal on my back the walls moved back before sliding into the walls revealing a hidden room filled with shelves that held a few items. Walking inside I placed the mask on a stand I had prepared beforehand before going to the front of the room. Passing by the device that had thrown me into a different world I picked up a glass pane. Walking back to the mask I slid the glass pane into the cabinet. Once I had secured the mask I left the room closing it back up.
With one thing out of the way, there was still more to be done today. Opening a portal to Konoha's forest I stepped out making my way to the Yamanaka flower shop. If I were to visit them before I leave I wanted to at least have flowers to give them.
Reaching the main street I took the occasional glance at a nearby shop reminding me of the things I would soon leave. Lost in thought I realized that there were only a few things I wanted from this village and that was the people who resided here. 'As long as they are happy. I will be able to find peace in that.' In my own thoughts, I halted the moment a familiar figure crossed my path. Noticing me as well, his blue eyes widened in surprise before he jogged over.
"We keep running into each other today." I smiled, crossing my arms in front of myself. "So? How has it been for you two?" Remaining silent, both of them looked at each other awkwardly. "I'm guessing that you two don't know what to do."
"Yeah… we filled ourselves at Ichiraku and at the other food shops, dattebayo…" Naruto sighed as they still had the rest of the day to use.
Seeing his predicament I hummed. "Why not visit the onsen?" Faces lighting up both of them realized this for the first time. "Really both of you didn't think about it once?"
"Nope! Naruto smiled, grabbing my arm. "Come on you're coming with us. What if we get stuck again."
"Naruto. You should ask first." Gaara said as he chased after him.
・・・
Ignoring Gaara's attempt at reason, I was dragged along finding one last onsen dip to be enticing. Once we had reached the onsen did Naruto realize that I couldn't enter with him to the men's side. In his face, I laughed at his forgetfulness as we split up and I headed to the women's side. Entering the women's side I began to undress, creating a mind link with Naruto and Gaara as I did. °The onsen is nice, isn't it?°
°Weird… I thought I heard Yukino-chan for a second.° Naruto thought but didn't put much thought into it.
°Naruto?° Gaara asked with clear confusion in his thoughts.
°It's my jutsu you two. It should allow us to communicate even though we are on opposite sides. Impressive right?° I told them rather proud to have learned it. 'With this Naruto's idea will still work.' Remembering an important bit I quickly added. °Please be mindful of what you think or imagine because others will hear or see. Unless you're like me and have practiced before, you won't be able to hide certain thoughts.° Telling them that, they understood, allowing me to focus on moving to the showers.
°Oh? Naruto, your equipment has grown since the last time.° Naruto's thoughts echoed what he heard. Raising an eyebrow I glanced over at the partition. "Keep your eyes to yourself!" I heard Naruto yell from the other side drawing the attention of the women here. °Ack wait! Did you hear that?° Naruto asked which I remained silent as I did.
Reaching out to who was close to him I connected them. °Mine is still bigger.° We heard Sai think.
Guessing by the word choice I could tell what this conversation was about. °Sai. You shouldn't make fun of Naruto for his dick size.° Hearing his surprise I continued. °Unless you saw it erect you don't know his actual size. For all, you know he could be a grower not a shower like you.° I assumed, considering that he only judged by flaccid appearances. °And if he was small you can't make fun of him for that. After all, penetration is not the only thing that can bring pleasure. Guys should know this.°
°Yeah… thank you Yukino-chan…° Naruto said empty and void as his friend had to defend him only for her to accept the other's previous statement. °Yukino-chan… don't indulge him.°
Sai without a filter asked, °Oh, ugly. How big was your boyfriend? If I remember correctly the young girl screamed that when she came to get you.°
'Girl?' Thinking back I remember the comment Kohaku made at the beach. °Ah, her. She was teasing you all. He's just a guy friend.° I corrected him as I sent them a visualization of Ryota that day at the beach so they knew who I was talking about. °I haven't gone to an onsen with him recently so I'm not too sure about his size. He should be turning nineteen soon so he should have stopped growing by now.° I informed them as I remembered a couple of pages in the medical books I had to read. °Also, stop calling me ugly it was funny the first time. Just use my name.°
°You have no decency, do you Yukino?°
°You're one to talk!° Naruto yelled at Sai making everyone connected flinch as it caused a sharp pang in the head.
°About the decency part, I do have it, though, Ryota did mention something like that before… Either way, I only slept with one man and even if I slept with more I'll make sure you're not one of them for that.°
°You slept with someone?° Naruto immediately asked with pure innocent curiosity.
°How big was he?° Sai asked in the complete opposite spectrum that the other asked.
°Did you enjoy it?° Gaara thought quietly before trying to retract it as it slipped out.
Crossing my arms I chuckled. °Yes, I did sleep with someone he was eight inches and it felt amazing.° I answered their questions in order. °Word of advice don't rush into it. It might not hurt for you but it will to the one you're penetrating.° Letting out a small exhale I shook my head. °I rushed into it my first time and it hurt. I should've listened to him and taken my time…° Before I could remember and share the memory by accident I stood up and headed to the onsen for a quick dip.
°With a penis that big of course it would.° Sai thought as he began to imagine the things he knew of that length.
°Be quiet Sai. Hey Yukino-chan how did it happen? You know the process.° He asked with more curiosity than perversion that one would expect.
°Wait. Naruto, do you even know how sex works?° Seeing him shake his head in her mind, I sighed as another wasn't aware of how sex worked. °Well then…°
・・・
While explaining how sex worked it also came to mind that maybe he didn't know how children are made so I included that as well among a couple of other things. °...and that's how children are made and brought into the world. So when you do it use protection. Which I explained how to put on.° Finishing with my explanation I got out of the onsen and sat on the side to continue enjoying its warmth.
°I already knew that.° Sai said. °It was necessary as a Root member but I appreciate learning it again in such a setting.° He said adding his input as the image of all the men on his side came to mind.
°In Sunagakure the academy is required to teach us this before we become genin.° Gaara added, making Naruto feel like the only one who wasn't told this. 'That's interesting.' I thought as I had also implemented that into the curriculum for the second to last year of academy and school.
°Thanks Yukino-chan. I guess being a medic-nin has its perks.° Naruto sighed as I could imagine him scratching his head.
°Actually… I didn't know about this until two years ago.° Hearing this I could hear a little bit of joy from Naruto as he wasn't the only one. While he was celebrating I could hear the questions bubbling in the minds of two other boys. °Otou-san told me something different. I never questioned it because I thought he was telling me the truth. I had to learn about this from a fellow kunoichi.°
°So we were in the same boat… I heard that the academy added that talk recently. I wish they would have done it sooner.° Naruto sighed.
°Yeah… it was so embarrassing for me when I realized I had the wrong information.° Shaking my head I yelled. "I pride myself on having the correct intel, you know!" Catching the curious glances of those around me my face flushed as I shrunk to the edge of the bath area and away from sight.
It was during the moment of confusion that Sai saw something that caught his interest. °Amazing I never expected Shino to be this huge.° Thinking that he unintentionally shared his view. Hearing Naruto's scream as he saw it, I cut off Sai knowing it would do nothing to the image burned into Naruto's mind but it would stop other things he could share. Holding in a laugh I told them I wished to relax and cut them off enjoying the screams that came from the other side.
・・・
After a while, I left the onsen buying some milk at a nearby shop. Sitting by the shade I drank the beverage I held in peace as the sounds of the sozu thunked in the background. 'I can't believe I almost dozed off there. I must be more tired than I thought.' Letting out a sigh I remembered the endurance training I had to undergo once more upon Haruko-sama's insistence. Chuckling, I remembered the plank position I needed to hold as sharp spikes of ice were placed under me, something I did as a child but with ice cubes. A position I needed to hold until it melted. Finishing the milk I put my gloves back on and stood up reaching for the blue haori draped on the seat beside me.
About to leave I jumped slightly when I heard my name being called. "Hey, Yukino-chan!" Seeing that it was Naruto I turned around to see what he needed.
"Naruto, Gaara, how was the bath?" I asked, noticing the relaxed way they carried themselves. 'Pretty good it seems.'
"It was fun, dattebayo." Answering he noticed the bottle in my hand and ran into the shop to get some for himself.
Chuckling as he happily ordered, Gaara answered. "I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for recommending it." Remembering something his face reddened a bit and he looked away. 'Ah, right we did talk about something like that in there.'
Running back Naruto handed Gaara a bottle of milk with a grin on his face. About to take my leave Naruto dragged us to a dango shop in this onsen town. Having missed some of the food from here I accepted.
"Where's Sai?" I asked Naruto as we sat on the benches outside while Gaara ordered for us.
"He tried to look at Gaara's…" Leaning closer, Naruto whispered. "Penis… now he's at the hospital."
Giving a simple nod I understood what transpired without further details. "I see no problem talking about it but I guess he's a bit self-conscious."
"What are you two talking about?" Hearing Gaara ask that behind us, Naruto quickly tensed up.
Placing a hand on his leg I quickly calmed him down as I answered. "Do you think my bra is visible through this shirt?" The moment I asked that I felt his thinking stop as his eyes became blank. "If it is then I feel a bit self-conscious." I lied, feeling the silence grow around us. Hearing our orders I stood up and picked it up. Once I returned I saw Naruto give me a thumbs-up as Gaara didn't inquire further. Sitting back down we began to talk with Naruto leading the conversation. Finishing the doughy food quickly I stood up to leave but the moment that I did I stopped remembering the promise this boy made to me. "Naruto. Thank you for keeping your promise and remaining my friend."
"I made a promise like that?" He asked cluelessly as he didn't remember the promise he made in the forgotten memories of his.
Putting a hand to my chest I leaned forward and let out a laugh. 'You still kept your promise to me even when you didn't remember. How much more was that old man going to make me suffer even after he's died?' Holding in the souring emotions I sighed bitterly. "Who knows. By the way… Naruto if you have time can I talk to you about something?" Glancing at Gaara I hesitated if he should be invited and just thought 'Why not'. "Gaara you too."
3rd POV
On the way to training grounds, Naruto recounted his dream, reaching the final verse. "All the powerful Jinchuriki have finally come together. Can they become friends with the tailed beasts~? They're all splendid shinobi~ They're all wonderful shinobi~ "
Singing in unison the final line to his song Yukino let out a small laugh. "That song was nice. You should write it down so you don't forget it."
Gaara who remained quiet since the middle of the song spoke up enquiring about a certain line. "Do I really have bags that bad?"
Shaking her head lightly, Yukino's ponytail swayed to the side. "They don't look so bad, at least they don't look as bad as mine used to be." Sighing, she placed her gloved fingers under her eyes as she remembered their dark and heavy appearance.
"It's true." Naruto laughed. "You saw the picture Gaara, they were worse than yours."
Laughing with them she saw that they had reached the open field meant for training. Coming to a stop she faced them. Opening her mouth she said the following words. "You are connected to the other tailed beasts right?" Surprised by her own words she covered her mouth with her gloved hands.
"Huh? Yeah, why?"
"Oh… uhm." Looking down in thought the two boys stood there waiting, by the facial expressions she made they guessed of the mental debate going within her. Letting out a sigh, her shoulders slumped. "Can you tell Matatabi that I'm sorry? I… Once my mission had come to an end I cut off communications with Yugito. I cut her off although she saved me." Lowering her head she shook her head and voiced the thoughts she wasn't able to say. °I just didn't want her to worry but in doing so I failed to notice when you both died.° Clasping her necklace she cut the link.
"I'll tell her."
"Thank you," Letting go of the opalite pendant she smiled. "Naruto, I'm leaving Konoha."
Saying that the first thing that came to his mind was that she was going rogue. "You know I will stop you right?"
Scrunching up her brows in confusion, it took a moment for her to understand. "Oh… sorry, my bad. Wrong choice of words." She awkwardly laughed at the mistake. "What I meant to say was that I'll be moving away. It's an official process so no, I won't go rogue."
"Where are you moving to?" Gaara asked as the girl he knew would become even more of an enigma if she were to leave. In his mind he was just beginning to repair the friendship he broke so for her to leave would mean a loss in fixing that.
Playfully she put a finger to her lips and tilted her head. "That's a secret." She winked keeping it to herself. 'I need to keep the peace we've built for ourselves.' She told herself.
"Then spend the rest of your day with us. We can give you a farewell party." Naruto suggested.
"No, no. I don't want that." She rejected his offer. "I just want to say my goodbyes. I don't want a celebration or anything." Turning away she wondered if there was more she should say.
"It doesn't have to be a celebration," Gaara said, catching her by surprise as she turned to him. "You can spend it with us."
"No, you two were going to spend the day together originally right? I don't want to get in the way of that anymore." Rejecting his offer she didn't see the underlying wish to spend her remaining time with them.
Aho… Aho… Aho…
Hearing the call of a crow she frowned as this wasn't the first time she heard it before. Looking around and unable to find it she gasped when she did, covering her face as the crow dove towards her, it dropped something. When the lack of impact was felt or lack of she opened her eyes. Feeling something land on her head the crow began to pull at her hair tie. Tearing up as her hair was pulled she shooed the crow away removing the hair tie herself to fix the mess the bird had made of her hair.
"A crow?" Naruto asked as Itachi came to mind, the bird noticing him jumped to his head. Positioning itself its head tilted slightly as it stared intently at the young woman.
Noticing one of her arms extend like a perch it flew towards it. Confused, the girl held the bird up to her eye level. It was then in that small moment of confusion that the crow poked her forehead with its beak before flying away. Wincing she crouched down to hide the tears from the two boys as she covered her forehead with a hand. It didn't take long for her pain to numb and for her to look up but when she did she saw a flower that wasn't there before. Reaching for the red spider lily she stared at the red flower knowing of its meaning. 'I can't believe you trained one of your crows to do this.' Shaking her head, she held the flower close as the tears began to pool in her eyes once more.
"Hey, did that bird poke you too hard?" Asking, Naruto crouched beside her brushing the hair from her face as he saw her watery eyes ready to spill.
"Yeah," She lied, wiping the tears before they even had a chance to spill. "It stung but I'll be fine." Taking in a deep breath she stood up pushing her feelings down into the depths of her heart for the moment. "About me moving away… that was all I needed to say." She closed her eyes, remembering her lover's words that her eyes gave away what she truly felt at times. Putting on a smile she wanted to laugh but knew it would sound forced so she held it in. "I still have things to do. So you two should enjoy your day alright." Turning away she said goodbye as she pulled out the empty scroll from her haori.
"It wasn't the bird was it?" Naruto asked as he saw her seal away the flower the crow had dropped. Without waiting for his friend's response he called out. "Hey, Yukino-chan! Once you finish what you have to do, spend the rest of the day with us!"
Turning around halfway she shook her head. "It's not every day you get to spend time with your best friend right? Oh, and Naruto I really do think you'll become Hokage one day so please study. It will make your job easier to understand." Saying those few words she walked away reminding herself of the things she had to do. The things she was trying to hold off from doing. 'You have to face them. Now more than ever.' With that in mind, she took in a deep breath and tied her hair up once more.
Yukino's POV
Making my way to the Yamanaka flower shop, I bought a bouquet of the two flowers that I bought last time. So with the flowers in hand, I made my way to the cemetery.
Upon arriving I headed to a few graves in particular and began to wash off the moss and grime it had been collecting over the years. When I finished, I sighed returning the cleaning supplies to their place before heading to the ones I needed to talk to first.
Kneeling in front of the first two graves I opened the bouquet taking out a portion of the bluebells and chrysanthemums I bought. Placing them in the flower holders I lowered my head. "Mikoto-san, Fugaku-san… I'm sorry for not visiting more often. I… I wanted to say it was because of my missions and work but that is such a bad excuse." Closing my eyes tightly I let out a quiet sigh. "After the last time I saw you I didn't have the courage to face you. I'm sorry. I truly am." Looking up at the darkening sky I looked back down as my remaining time was shrinking. "I'll be leaving Konohagakure," I said with more seriousness than I intended. Remembering how Naruto got the wrong idea I explained. "Don't worry. I'm not going to become a rogue shinobi. I've always been the good girl after all." I shook my head letting out a small chuckle. "I'm just moving away. You see, years ago my guardian, no… it would be more accurate to say, my aunt."
Realizing that I was straying off-topic I waved my hands. "Anyways she made a deal with the Third Hokage. As a result of that deal, I would be allowed to resign my status as a Konoha citizen." With a frown, I played with the petals of the chrysanthemum. "I've reached the age where I'm allowed to choose to stay or leave." Stopping before I ruined the beautiful flowers I placed them by my side. "This place hasn't felt like home for a long time… I don't think I was ever a part of it to begin with…" Saying that I remembered my early years. In them, I've always been an outsider. Isolated in that hospital room, hidden away in the forest when I escaped, to when I was pushed to live in the outskirts by the Hokage. I was isolated in small little worlds, whether in the places where I resided or at the Uchiha's home. Although I was isolated it didn't mean that I was ever lonely. "When you accepted me into your home my little world became bigger and I didn't feel like an outcast… even though the Uchiha was going through the same thing with Konoha. That's what I was thanking you for years ago when I began to understand the feelings I held in the past." Placing a hand over my lips I laughed. "But don't worry. I found a place where I'm welcomed. A place where I feel happy." Leaning close to Mikoto-san's grave I whispered low enough for only her to hear. "In the village, I'm going to, I'm its leader. As such, I promise you. I will do everything I can to prevent what happened to the Uchiha from happening to my people. Not a coup or a massacre. I will make sure of that."
Backing away I picked up the flowers. "Thank you for taking care of me. Who knows maybe the next time I see you I would have some company." Saying my farewell I headed to the next grave. With a heavy heart, I sighed as I headed to the grave decorated with growing violets. "It seems the flowers I planted have grown." Removing my gloves I gently touched the purple petals. "I hope they made you happy…" Saying that I remained quiet as I remembered the flowers in my hand. "Look I brought more. Though… they're not for planting." Splitting the flowers like before, I couldn't help the trembling of my hands as I remembered what I had done. "I'm sorry. You liked him and yet I…" Placing the flowers in the holder I whispered. "And yet I still took him for myself." Saying that I shook my head as that wasn't something I regretted. "Even knowing that I don't regret it. I felt happy with the love I was given. I see why you took such a fancy to him. I just hope I was able to make him happy as well…" Grabbing my necklace out of habit I felt the ring. Looking down at the ring I saw as the moonlight reflected off the metal. Feeling my face heat up I looked away knowing deep down Izumi would tease me for getting so flustered. "Geez… when we see each other again you better not tease me alright?" Letting go I put my gloves back on hastily. 'Nope!" Hearing her say that with a small laugh I pouted slightly as I expected her to say something like that. Feeling more embarrassed than before I sighed. "I-I guess I deserve it. After all, I teased you so much back then… it's only fair." Unable to take the embarrassment I grabbed what remained of the bouquet. Holding it to my chest I placed my hand on Izumi's name and smiled. "But… if you teasing me will let me see you again, I'll take it." With a smile, I left her with the sight of me smiling.
Walking away from her I inhaled the scent of remaining flowers as I headed to the last grave, Shisui's. Reaching it I placed down the remaining flowers except for one of each. "Hello, Shisui. Incredible isn't it? I've out-aged you by now. What do you think? I look pretty, don't I?" Letting out a laugh it slowly died down into a sigh as my attempts of starting a conversation with someone who wouldn't answer failed. "I never know how to start talking to you. So… I'll get to the point. I've told this to almost everybody by now but I should still tell you this." Taking a quick look around I noted how the Anbu that are supposed to be on patrol had yet to arrive. As a precaution, I leaned in and whispered. "I'm moving away." I let out a small joyous laugh. "I know your wish was to protect Konoha but I can't do it. Not with the responsibility I now hold. Like you, I found a village I want to protect as much as you wanted to protect Konoha. I love it there… it would've been nice if you would have been able to see it. The people are nice and understanding. Everybody went through some hardship at one point so they understand. The newer children being born haven't, as well as those that are too young to remember… I'll make sure to keep it that way. They should live a happier life than we did… no, that's wrong. They should never go through what we did." Sitting back up I closed my eyes in thought. "That doesn't mean I'll hide the truth from them; they need to know what happened in the past to avoid repeating it. Then again there are things even one can't foresee." Looking up at the stars I remembered every crazy thing that happened over this decade. Some things were obvious and a result of bad things accumulating until they reached the boiling point but others came out of nowhere with no way of actual preparation. Thinking of the war and black Zetsu I shook my head. 'No… even that was a result of many decades of planning. Which is why I need to do that…'
Realizing there were more stars above I flinched as I realized that I had zoned out for some time. "But aside from that when you see him, and you know who I'm referring to, please punch him for me. One for hiding his disease from me. Two for hiding the truth from Sasuke although I told him to tell him himself. Finally third, uhm… hm… well this is hard to say so you might as well ask him about that third reason. It's just a result of his first visit to my home." Doing my best to suppress the resurfacing memory of that night I couldn't help but remember his tired appearance the morning after. "About his illness, I'm at fault too… I didn't see it although he was so close." With a sigh, I tugged on my bangs and twisted them around my finger. "I'll try to get my hands on his blood sample so I can make a cure just in case." Letting go of my hair I placed my hands on my lap. "Now tell them this for me okay? No matter how daring I am, I will live long so it may take a very very long time for us to meet again. And if I'm wrong about that I'll make sure I die without regrets." Standing up I gave a bow. "Thank you for being my friend. I had so much fun." Letting out a small chuckle I turned on my heel. "You better wait for me. I want an answer to everything I asked you."
Waving goodbye I took the remaining two flowers with me as I headed out of the dark cemetery. As I did I spotted the Anbu in the distance. However, that no longer mattered as I was able to say what I wanted in private. With that covered, there was one last person I wished to visit. But without a place to say goodbye, I went to a place that held significance.
・・・
Reaching the cliff overlooking the Naka river I kneeled down placing the two flowers I held. Taking out the small scroll from my sleeves I unsealed the red flower it held and placed it down near the cliff's edge thanking him for it. "You're an idiot," I said in a hushed tone. "You don't even have a grave I can visit." Saying that out loud I sighed. There wasn't much I wanted to say now that I was here. I had already cried out my grief to Ryota and Emi leaving me with nothing new I wanted to say. So all that I was left with was the urge to lay down and rest but doing so here would dirty the haori I spent time weaving. Hugging myself instead I stared at the blurry stars above. 'Were they always so blurry?' I asked myself as I felt the tears fall from the side of my face.
Looking down at my falling tears I sat down on the ground and waited for it to stop. I had broken down too many times this year for me to bawl and cry as before. 'Even if it was for my lover…' Hearing those words cross my head my vision blurred even more. With a sigh, I wiped away the stray tears and laughed as there was just one thing I wanted him to know. "I'll tell them about you. I won't hide the truth from them, after all… you know how well that worked out for both of us. Even I'm more honest than you and you know how good of a liar I can be." I whispered as I placed my hand over my stomach remembering what I was left with. "If you are to take after one of us I hope it's me." With a quiet chuckle, I shook my head. For all, I knew he couldn't hear me and I was just talking to myself, but for some reason, I hoped that he heard my words. 'There is just one more stop I have to take before visiting him.' Looking up once more I guessed the time knowing that I would probably reach Kakashi's office before midnight if I didn't keep stalling anymore. Sitting there I stared at the starry sky waiting for the puffiness in my eyes to subside knowing that it would worry them if they were to see me like this.
About to leave I noticed the glittering gems around me. Worried about someone coming across the place and ruining it in a search for more I kneeled down and carefully picked each gem I shed. Leaving behind the frozen tears to melt on their own.
Konohagakure Orphanage
Once I had finished I headed to the orphanage on the outskirts of Konoha. When the building came into sight I performed the summoning hand seals. Nicking my thumb with one of my fangs I smeared it on my palm. Slamming my hand on the ground I summoned the twin foxes Hina and Haru.
Appearing as white foxes with red scarves they posed as the wind and leaves swirled around them. "What do you need us for?" They said in unison making their voice sound like one.
Getting to the point I explained. "I will be seeing Kabuto soon. I will get out of him the location of the DNA sample he used for the Edo Tensei. I want you both to listen closely and get it when he does." With a nod, they both vanished hiding in the nearby surroundings to not be spotted.
Walking to the building I calmly walked up the steps. About to knock I stopped and took a look at myself. Brushing off the dirt on myself I fixed my hair before I gently knocked on the door. Hearing the sounds of footsteps within, the door opened revealing a man with brown hair who wore the orphanage's typical garb showing his status as one of its caretakers.
"I'm sorry for bothering you," I said quietly, softening my facial expressions. "Is… is a man by the name Kabuto Yakushi here by any chance?" I asked as I carefully placed my hand over my stomach.
Earning a gasp from the man he quickly pulled me inside much to my surprise and led me to a room that staff would use to take a break. A table sat by the window with four chairs in total two across from each other. A simple interior for a common room. "Please wait a moment." He said before running out as quietly as he could. When he left I took a seat at the table.
Sensing the twins move closer to the place where I waited I could hear the hushed whispers coming closer. Resting my head on my elbow I crossed my legs as I stared at the door. "I can't believe you went and knocked them up and left them!"
"I'm telling you that can't be possible. I never did it." Kabuto said making sure to not use the word.
When the door opened I put on a forced smile not even attempting to make it look natural or real. "Kabuto. It's been a long time." Seeing the look of surprise on his face he held his pale hand up stopping the man beside him from entering the room. "Don't be so tense. I just came for some intel that you already have."
"Urushi," Kabuto said without looking away. "Can you leave us alone?"
"Last time that happened you left. So I'm staying here." Pushing Kabuto inside the room, Urushi closed the door. Pulling him along they both stood by the wall across from the window, the one that held a clock.
"First, I'm sorry. I'm not pregnant with your child at least but it was the surest way for me to be allowed entry this late into the night." Leaning off the table I sat up straight placing my hands on my lap. "Secondly, Kabuto, by any chance you wouldn't happen to have a certain sick Uchiha's blood sample would you?"
"You're pregnant? That's surprising considering you're…" Before he could ramble on he went silent finishing the thought in his head. "What would you need it for?" He asked, referring to the second part of my being here.
"To find a cure," I answered honestly. "I don't know much about it so for all I know it could be something genetic that may appear sooner or later. If not Sasuke then maybe in his children." I closed my eyes knowing that he was only part of the reason. "Since there is one Uchiha left closely related to the one who was sick, the chances are higher if it's genetic. Not to mention that they received their eyes… well, I just want to find a cure as a precaution."
"That's all?" Urushi said with surprise as it was something he didn't expect. He almost appeared underwhelmed as he expected something a bit more serious. "If you know then just tell her Kabuto."
"How can I be sure you won't use it for something else?" The other asked with suspicion.
"What else would I need it for? I have no ill will towards the Uchiha." Crossing my arms I looked at his scaly face. "Besides, the cure is also for my child." Saying that I sensed the twins tense up. Before the man could ask I closed my eyes, putting on a smile. "Kidding~" I stuck out my tongue. "But no, seriously, I just want to create a cure to prevent another suicidal match as Itachi did. Look at Sasuke and tell me he isn't the type to hide things like his brother."
Glancing over at his friend Kabuto hesitated but pressured by the connection to the man he gave in. "I don't need it anymore anyway." Letting out a sigh, he closed his eyes. "Right after the Konoha Shinobi left. I found within the Uchiha hideout a piece of a shuriken covered in Itachi's blood as well as other samples that the rain had yet to wash away. From that, I was able to gather two vials worth. One which I used for the Edo Tensei." Handed a map by his friend he placed it on the table. "I left it stored here." He pointed to an area near the mountain's graveyard. "I've hidden it in one of my secret labs inside the hollow wood of a scroll."
Hearing that piece of information I sensed the twin presences disappear. 'Now I need to wait and see if he is telling the truth.'
"Thank you." Standing up I gave a nod. "Oh, and Kabuto, don't think I forgot all the things you did." Watching as he tensed up he put himself between me and Urushi as if I would harm an orphanage caretaker. "You are a sadistic, little snake. It honestly pissed me off." Crossing my arms I felt my hands become clammy as memories of my time captured resurfaced. "Honestly fuck you and that Sanin you tried to imitate." Hearing me curse both men stared at me with silent surprise.
Suddenly the door behind me opened behind me as the kids who were eavesdropping barged in. "Leave him alone you bully!"
"Yeah!" A few echoed. Flooding into the room the kids surrounded me each with varying heights and ages with the older ones trying to push me out of the room. 'Some of these look sluggish.' Tipping forward I stopped ignoring the struggles of those trying to budge me. Closing my eyes I forced myself to remain awake.
If I was going to go to sleep naturally I needed to let this exhaustion pile up for later. Looking at the time I saw that it was nine just as I already knew. "It's nine already, children your age should be going to bed by now." Spotting a small child half asleep I picked them up making the children around me protest even more. Teleporting out of the center I made my way to the large room lined with beds. Placing a hand on the sleeping child's head I found their bed. Setting them down I tucked them in. Turning around I saw another small kid holding their arms out expecting me to do the same to them. "Alright…" I sighed giving in.
After a while, the older kids gave in and went to bed on their own while glaring at me with suspicion. So making sure they all went to sleep I sat down and began telling the story of the farmer and crane. By the time I reached the end, they had all fallen asleep. Quietly leaving the room I was met with Kabuto's smile as he waited with his friend Urushi. "You're quite good at this."
"Oh, shush." I huffed. Grabbing a hold of the arms of both men I pulled them back to the staff room. Once we were inside I closed the door so the kids wouldn't hear. "As I was going to say before I was interrupted." I cleared my throat. "Honestly fuck you and that Sanin you tried to imitate. I would punch you if you were still the person you were before." Caught by surprise his eyes widened. "But you changed. It seems that you found your place. To think it would be an orphanage of all places…" I mumbled the last bit and was honestly surprised at the outcome. 'Itachi really did something incredible.'
"I just returned back home." He said with a soft smile.
"As will I," I said, taking the seat by the window once more. "I want to make an offer with you. I will provide saplings and trees that will provide fruit. You can sell the fruit for money or eat it, either way, the kids won't go hungry."
"What do you want in exchange?" His brother asked.
"Some of your children." Holding up my hand to stop them from interrupting I continued. "As you know children of certain clans make them targets. Uzumaki, and Yuki clans to name a few. Kabuto, you should know this well." Glancing outside I scanned the area noticing that the twins had yet to return. Looking back at them both I glanced at the map still on the table seeing the land of Whirlpools close to the land of Fire. "There's this hidden village where survivors of these clans have gathered to live. I assume at least one of you heard the rumors?"
"I've heard of it," Urushi told Kabuto. "So it really does exist?"
"It does, after today I will be moving there. For a while now they have been trying to reform their old clans by finding survivors and their descendants. In the process, they have taken in orphans from vulnerable situations."
"So you want to reunite them with the people that they belong with?" Kabuto concluded from the information I shared.
"Yes. If you agree someone will come and take a chakra and blood test. In the end, though this place is doing better than the other orphanages I've seen, I see no need at the moment to take them to the village."
"May we think about this?"
"Sure. Though I have to say that I won't be able to return. If you want to communicate with the village go to the nearest fox shrine and leave your response." Crossing my arms I hummed remembering something else. "If you need simple medicine, make a prayer there. Of course, you need to give money but some really good gossip does the trick. The foxes that manage the shrine get bored easily." Seeing the look of confusion on Urushi's face, Kabuto understood.
"Are the shrines a gateway to the summons location?"
"No, it's more like a shop on some street where a few people go down. You don't have to take it but some choose to anyway." Understanding I could see him considering the proposal from experience. Sensing the twins once more I heard the sudden sounds of night herons that came with them. 'So they found it.' With a sigh, I flipped my hair over my shoulder. 'Either way, I'm still going to give those saplings.' Crossing my arms I hummed wondering if it was appropriate what I would do next. Under the table, I opened a small portal and passed my fingers over the many vials I had. Feeling the engraving of the Kaguya clan symbol on the top I took it out. Looking at it I knew I had the right one. Holding it between both of my hands I let out a quiet sigh before extending it towards Kabuto. "Here. Have this. Since you weren't able to find a cure for him I found it myself."
Taking the vial he read it as well as the instructions to make it contained on the paper wrapped around it. "This is–"
"I know he's already dead but who knows maybe another may have it though on a much lesser degree." Standing up I headed towards the door. "Give it to Tsunade, you know the symptoms better than I did. Goodbye." Leaving the room I sensed the twins return to Mount Inari, most likely sending the vial to Uzushiogakure for storage until I return.
Exiting the orphanage I looked up to the night sky with my heavy eyes still feeling the allure of sleep. 'Some habits are hard to break.' Shaking my head I walked towards the surrounding trees knowing that by now the gates into Konohagakure would have closed.
"Yukino." Hearing my name I froze. "I'm sorry for what I did to you." Hearing that, my hands became clammy and my heart began to speed up. Keeping a calm exterior I turned to look at the man.
"No, I'm not accepting your apology," I answered. "But I will, under one condition… If you show them love and joy to the point that they see this place as their home… Until they've grown into adults and left to form their own lives. Do it for those who are here and those to come until the day you die. When you do then maybe I'll forgive you for the things you did to me." With that, I walked away. 'I'm sorry… why do I feel like he means it? Itachi… seriously the Izanami changed him too much. Now I can't hate him as much.'
?: I remember that you mentioned what he did at the trial. I also noticed how you skipped what happened as you recounted your story.
Yukino: Yes, I did say this at the trial. As to why I skipped it I rather not talk about my experiences there with you. That's not your job. It's my psychiatrist's.
?: You visited a psychiatrist?
Yukino: Yes. I did it for my children.
Konohagakure
An hour before midnight the lights in the Hokage office remained on signaling the presence of its current user. Knowing how much time was left I ran to his office and knocked once more. Given his permission to enter I said the one thing I've secretly been waiting to say to Kakashi. "Sorry I'm late I just took the path down memory lane. You wouldn't believe how long that thing was." I gave a somewhat truthful excuse. "At least I came with time to spare."
"I thought such a path would take longer." Seeing him glance over at the clock before looking back at me he let out a sigh. "Don't you want to visit Sasuke before you leave?"
"Can I really?" I asked happier than I intended it to.
"We can but it will be up to Ibiki as to whether or not you can see him."
・・・
Taking that chance I accepted it but not before visiting the kitchen and making a bento box. As I cooked I tried to ignore Kakashi as he raised his eyebrows asking silently for who I was making it even though he knew for who. Keeping my lips tight I didn't say anything as I was able to finish even handing him an extra onigiri I made to keep him quiet.
Reaching the cell I saw Ibiki as well as another guard. "Kakashi?" He asked. "What do you need."
"Well, you see Yukino-san here wants to see Sasuke." He gestured to me as I stood to his side a few steps behind him.
Realizing his approach I knew it wouldn't work so I interjected. "No need to sugar coat it Kakashi." I intercepted before he could make my chances of talking to him nil. "I wanna know what went through his mind to want to betray Konoha even when he was graciously given multiple opportunities to return."
"And that's why you have a bento box with you?" Ibiki asked, glaring at me. After spending time with them for those six months and the torture I went through under Orochimaru a glare like that seemed like a challenge to me.
Putting a hand to my mouth I giggled making the other guard flinch. "It's mine. But Ibiki-sensei you know I'm naturally curious. So… are you going to let me interrogate him?" I dropped my mask as I looked into his eyes seeing my own hollow eyes looking back at me.
"You are not allowed to touch the prisoner." He warned, fully aware of my method to gather intel. After one of his subordinates failed to extract info with physical torture I came in. Pretending to be a gentle medic I would heal, lowering their guard. This simple trick allowed me to access their mind to extract what they needed.
"That's alright… I've learned of other ways to get intel…" Glancing at the guard their eyes immediately avoided mine.
Yukino: Ever since I chose to join and given permission they somehow knew I wasn't completely human but they could never explain what. They were right to some extent but the third Hokage wouldn't reveal to them or even explain why they felt that. This made it so much easier for them to show me their methods to make me look away, but it never worked.
?: What did you see?
Yukino: That… is classified information. Torture techniques and what the interrogation process is like are strictly classified. So I left that out. At that time, however, I was angry with the Third Hokage so I was willing to do whatever so never once did I divert my eyes. No matter the gruesome methods I was shown it served as a reminder to hide my own steps lest I be in the prisoner's position.
With a sigh, he headed towards the door brushing right by me. "She has no concept of personal space. If she attempts to touch him remove her from the room immediately." He whispered to Kakashi who turned to look at me as I put a smile on my face.
"Do you really think my methods stayed the same all this time? You know I have been indulging in poisons right before I left." I chuckled as he glanced down at the bento box in my hand. "Don't worry. I won't be using that method." Watching the other guard leave I chuckled hearing their heart spike. "Be careful of the bento box in the lounge," I said loud enough to make them remember an all-to-common incident.
Once the door closed I turned around to see Kakashi with a questioning look on his face. "What? It's not my fault. I just put an experimental poison on a large bento I was going to eat myself that I left alone while I went to make an antidote since some clutz broke the only bottle I had." I said quickly and with a shrug. "Somehow someone thought that it was for everyone. Almost hospitalizing everyone if I didn't arrive to distribute the antidote." Putting a finger to my lips I whispered. "I like teasing them with it so don't tell them."
"Why did you put poison in your food?"
"Why not?" I asked him with a straight face.
Letting out an awkward laugh he turned to the cell beside us and the young man who sat in there quietly the whole time. "Well, Sasuke, she wanted to speak with you so I'll step out." Doing as he said he stepped out of the room shutting the heavy door behind him.
3rd POV
Once the door had closed they left the silence wash over themselves like cold water. "What are you doing here," Sasuke spoke, breaking the silence first. "You already sent your minions."
"They're not my minions. They're my friends." Letting out a small exhale Yukino remembered what they did months ago. "But I do have to say it was pretty stupid to sneak in here. They could have gotten captured." Saying that she unwrapped the bento box, opening it to reveal pickled plum onigiri. She didn't like the sour flavor but she still made them.
"Aren't you afraid?" He asked much to her surprise.
"My sealing chains may restrain you if you attempt to escape so… no. I'm not. Though there's a chance it won't hold you. If that happens we'll just have to see." She chirped with a smile. "Either way I have a feeling you won't try to escape." Manipulating the water she infused her chakra into it changing it to water nature and making more water. Enough for her to make a dragon claw to pick one of the onigiris in her bento box. "By the way sorry for what I said. Had I gone with Kakashi-senpai's idea I doubt we would even be talking."
"What you said was true." He answered as he remembered everything he did for all these years. He didn't know why he answered but she hoped that somewhere deep in his subconscious he knew why and just answered because of it.
"Your answer is denied. As an apology accept this pickled plum onigiri." Changing the water to a simple tendril she extended it past the cell bars, waiting in front of him tentatively.
Confused he turned to where her voice came from. "It would be a shame if you died due to a lack of proper nutrition. Considering the procedure. They're giving you enough to survive though it might not taste good." Noticing him not doing anything she let out a quiet exhale. "Either way I'm doing this for Naruto. He would be heartbroken if you died because your body wouldn't absorb all the nutrients from the bland food." Seeing his reluctance still, she was a bit irked. "Just eat the fucking food in front of you Sasuke Uchiha." Surprised at her small outburst he reluctantly took a bite as he flinched when he realized there was actual food in front of him.
After reluctantly eating the onigiri she asked. "Do you remember the first time we met?"
Considering the question odd he nevertheless answered when he remembered where. "At the cemetery when you visited my mother's grave."
"Hm…" Looking away she let out a quiet exhale as the answer did not match the one she wished to hear. "Let's leave it at that. How's your arm? My friends told me you lost it and seeing Naruto in the same condition I guess you two really went all out."
"I'm fine."
Receiving that simple answer she hummed as she picked another onigiri to hand him. "That was all really… but since there is still more food you can fill up the silence with your questions."
"How do you know about the Uchiha?" He asked, remembering the time when she entered the hidden room under Naka shrine.
"I already told you. Shisui told me." Letting out an exasperated sigh she tapped her foot creating some noise.
"How did you meet him?"
Stopping, she closed her eyes remembering. Handing over another onigiri she answered. "Crows." Saying that word his head perked up slightly. "He was training crows in the forest when I first met him. In hindsight he was pretty cute; he had a bright and gentle smile. Pretty eyelashes and beautiful curly hair. But you don't want to hear my opinions on a boy so hm… he became my friend after interacting with him a couple of times." Remembering she smiled as moments from so long ago came to mind once again. "Through him, I met your brother and your mother."
Without saying anything he continued eating before he spoke once again. "You know my brother killed him." He lied knowing that Danzo was responsible. 'Just how well did you know them.'
"Itachi." Crossing her arms she leaned against the cell as she bit into one of the onigiris she made feeling hungry herself. "Yes, I remember clearly the day after Shisui died. They blamed him thinking he killed Shisui… but I know he was innocent." Picking out the plum her eyes closed she created a mind link before he could speak. °I knew because I could tell how he died.° Caught by surprise he didn't have time to ask before she continued. °I know of a jutsu that allowed me to do that. A binding of sorts. I was a young and naive child so I did it to protect a friend in their time of need. He was unaware of what I did so he didn't know.° Remembering the pain from that night she glanced over at the door seeing Kakashi's silver hair peeking from the gaps. °A consequence of using such a seal is the sharing of pain. So when Shisui was dying I felt the searing pain of poison running through his veins seeping the life out of him. I felt the pain of when his left eye was forcibly ripped out.° Covering her own she continued. °I even felt when the second was removed though with less pain as before. As if he had willingly removed it.° Letting out a sigh she stopped leaning against the cell bars feeling her body ache as it had pressed itself onto for a bit too long. °It didn't take long for me to feel the moment he drowned.°
°You're lying° He thought clearly enough for her to unintentionally hear.
Accepting his thought she continued. °Thanks to you Danzo was pushed to the point of ending himself. Shisui was avenged but knowing him you're definitely going to get an earful from him when your time comes.° Finishing that thought she spoke normally. "It's alright. I have a feeling you won't be imprisoned for long, not with Naruto out there supporting you." Glancing at the door she saw Kakashi signaling that her visiting time was running short. Handing over the last onigiri she frowned slightly. Not out of anger but at the fact that she wouldn't be present for when he would try to redeem himself. Changing the water once more she changed it back into a dragon's claw and held Sasuke's face tapping his eye bindings with a single finger. "Seeing how the fog covering your eyes is gone I wish you good luck in the path you chose." Letting go she opened the empty bento box and gathered the water inside before freezing and closing it. Walking towards the door she stopped for a moment and smiled even though he couldn't see it. "Goodbye, Sasuke." Holding the bento box under one arm she left the room and quietly made her way outside the building with Kakashi following behind her.
・・・
Once they had left the vicinity of the building the silver-haired shinobi spoke out of curiosity. "Why didn't you tell him?"
That question made her stop. "Only he could undo the seal placed on him now." Opening the bento box she dumped the water as she continued explaining. "The Anbu members who placed the seal on him were killed during the attack at the Chunin exams." Shaking out the remaining droplets she pulled out the scroll from before and sealed up the bento box. "So there went that option."
Crossing her arms she shrugged as they headed back to his new office. The other could only sigh quietly as the small girl he was ordered to train long ago walked ahead of him. He wondered why the memories of his student would be sealed away as he did, he remembered the state in which he found her the day after the Uchiha massacre. 'Maybe her file has more to it than I thought.' Such a thought came to mind as he wondered why the third Hokage would give such an order. Then again the same girl before him was given special attention as her progress was closely monitored.
"Where are you going?" Snapping out of his thoughts he looked up seeing as she chose to take a different path leading to the top of the Hokage monument.
"I was lost in thought." Not choosing to ask she led him to a much longer path. Halfway through, she came to a stop staring off at the starry sky above. 'Uzushio's sky looks the prettiest after all.' She told herself remembering the place she wanted to protect.
Noticing the young woman had stopped, Kakashi looked up at the sky wondering what she saw that seemed so entrancing. "Is something wrong?"
Jumping in surprise she looked back down as her arms moved around as if trying to come up with an excuse when she hummed in thought. "Now that I think about it I never saw that famous Chidori of yours. Hey, since I will be leaving can I see it?"
Knowing that that wasn't what had happened he wondered. 'Was she just thinking of what happened years ago?' Considering her words she looked back at who had seen his Chidori. Realizing that she hasn't he chose to indulge in her request. 'Can I still do it without the Sharingan?' Motioning for her to stand at his side to prevent any accidents as the technique narrowed his vision she obeyed.
Quickly skipping over to his side as he made the hand seals she stood a bit away and behind him feeling as his chakra began to change as it sped up, crackling like lightning. 'No, it sounds like birds.' With it still being the dead of night the technique was bright, using that as an excuse she covered her face and her eyes. Activating the Getsugan she noted his eyes trained at the technique and away from her. The moment her eyes activated they dimed and turned into an onyx black color before they glowed red. Copying the technique he was showing her she stored it in her memory. 'Not like I'm going to use it.' She told herself. 'But it wouldn't hurt to know how it worked… see the strain it takes on the body. See the toll and training Sasuke had gone through to learn it at the age of twelve.' When the crackling began to subside she quickly returned her eyes to their normal azure color before lowering her hands. "Is it weird that I'm seeing white dots in my vision?" She laughed. "I should have asked you that day." Letting out a sigh she sat on the ground pretending to wait out the effects of the blinding light just now.
・・・
Returning to the office after being gone Kakashi took out the form and slid it in front of her along with a brush. Reaching for the brush her hand flinched the moment it touched the wood. Closing her eyes she lowered her head as she picked it up. "Please keep quiet about this…" She asked him as she began to write her name on the renunciation forms.
"It would be too complicated if I were to try and explain. It would be better for you to do it."
Letting out a chuckle she shook her head. "Yeah…" Finishing the last stroke she let out a large exhale before she could put down the thin brush. "It seems I'm now free… Hey, by any chance can I roam around and eat for a while it's nighttime and all…"
"Aside from that, the gates must've closed by now." He said giving her a reason to enjoy her remaining night at the village. "I don't think I'll be submitting this at this time. So I say you have until morning."
"Thanks…" Spinning around she walked towards the door and stopped. Turning halfway around she waved goodbye. "Thank you. For the training and whatnot, Kakashi-sensei." Letting out a small laugh she teleported out of there once more as she headed to an old place she used to train to gaze at the stars for one last time.
Yukino's POV
Avoiding the crowded streets I made my way to the new training grounds, letting the quiet sort my thoughts. 'Maybe it's for the best that they don't remember. Not when I just want to leave.' Shaking my head I reached for my hair tie and pulled on it with a single finger. Letting my hair fall I pulled it to one side and twisted it before tying it into a loose ponytail. 'If they happen to spot me again I hope this will be enough for them to think I'm someone else.' I hoped my change in appearance and the dark streets might be enough to throw them off if I ran into those two boys again.
After a while, the woods for the training grounds were within sight prompting me to untie my hair once more. Without reaching the training grounds I sensed someone familiar ahead. Letting out a small exhale I picked up my pace and ran towards them.
Coming into the clearing I spotted the familiar figure of a man as they quietly sat on top of the wooden stump. Facing away from me he suddenly flinched and turned to look back whipping his long red ponytail in the process. 'If Naruto saw him he would give him a reason to be envious.' I smiled at the thought as I approached my friend. "Ryota, what brings you here?"
Stepping towards the pole he looked down. "I had a feeling you would come here…" He said lowering his head slightly before pushing his body off the tall stump and landed in front of me. "There is something I needed to give you." Digging into his sleeves he took out a letter. Curious I took it wondering why he would need me to read something when he could tell me. "When you dropped the flowers he left, one of them de-transformed becoming this." He admitted as he placed it in my hands. Taken by surprise I looked up at him wondering if I was hearing this right. "I'm sorry I didn't give it to you before. I didn't know when to give it to you so many things happened after his death and things became hectic. Even now after the war, you were still busy and with the decision you took, I knew I had to give you today. On the day when you're saying your goodbyes." Looking down at my hands he bowed. "I'm sorry for hiding it from you."
Lifting him by his shoulder I remained quiet as my memories of that time came back. Gently patting his red haori I zoned out for a moment as I processed what he told me. 'Itach left a letter?' Flinching at the realization I looked back down at the letter. With shaky hands, I pressed on the edges finding the act a bit comforting. "It's fine…" Looking up at his pupilless red eyes I gave a small smile. "Even if you had given it to me then I don't know if I would have been ready to read it…" I told him as I remembered that I needed to be thrown into a whole other world for me to leave the suffocating air I was creating around myself. "Thank you for keeping it safe for me."
Pressing his tinted lips together I noticed a familiar glistening of the eyes for a moment before he violently shook his head like a dog shaking off water. Caught by surprise I could only stare with wide eyes until he stopped. When he did his hair appeared messier than what it was. "You better not sleep for long. Yuu-chan." Returning my smile he let out a playful laugh, ruffling my hair until it became messy like his. The moment he stopped he cupped my face and stared at my eyes. °I may not know much but when the time comes for you to release that seal I'll help in whatever way I can as its uncle.° Telling me that he chuckled as his body swayed to the side happily.
Letting go of my face he backed away as his eyes turned into that familiar silverish blue that I knew. Opening a portal to my library he waved goodbye leaving me on my own to read the words the other left behind.
Appreciating his appearance I looked back down at the letter in my hands. 'I wonder… did you plan on having that crow deliver this? What did you want me to know…?' Looking around I walked to a tree by the river and sat under it. Removing my black gloves I confirmed that this was something real as I trailed my fingers over the edges of the white paper. Exhaling slowly I grabbed the edge of the envelope feeling as my heart began to accelerate. As I hesitated my only source of light was covered by the clouds bringing relief. Breathing out I leaned against the trunk of the tree and closed my eyes trying to calm my heart. 'Come on Yukino! You fought in a war! You can open a stupid letter! You did just that today!' Like ripping off a band-aid I opened the envelope and took the letter out. Holding my breath I stared at the folded letter in my hand as the clouds moved away allowing the moon to shine its soft light on it. Carefully I opened it and my eyes began to slowly read the words within.
Yukino, I'm certain that this letter will find its way to you. By the time you receive this, I'll be gone. I have a feeling you will want my reasons for the choice I had come to so I will tell you. Since the day I left the Konoha I had planned for Sasuke to kill me. In doing so he would restore the Uchiha name and be seen as a hero. To atone for what I did I accepted this.
Then you appeared. I saw you die with my own eyes that moonlit night and as much as I tried to deny that you were still alive your quirks were unmistakable. I had to confirm it and took the necklace you wore the day you got sick. It made me happy to know you held onto the gift we gave you as I held onto yours. Although the chain was different the stone remained the same. Before I knew it I fell for you. Something I didn't plan, something I should not have indulged but for you to reciprocate my feelings made me happier than you could have known. With every moment that we spent together my resolve began to slowly weaken. I wanted to remain by your side for a while longer but I knew that could never happen.
I'm sorry for lying to you the whole time we were together. You were happy with the time we had, so I hid my illness from you. I know that if I told you, you would have spent the time I had to find a cure. By the time we got together, I've reached my limit. Even if you worked on it tirelessly I know that there wouldn't be enough time left. For you to put in so much effort only for it to go to waste I knew how much it would devastate you. So I'm using the time I have left to fix something I messed up.
You may not know as you read this letter or you may already be holding them in your arms but knowing I left you to raise a child on your own is one of my regrets. However, the rebuilding of your clan's village gives me hope that they will grow up living a life of peace. You care and love Uzushiogakure and its people and they see it too. It is because they have you to guide them that I'm sure that you two will be safe.
'He really thought about this… and he was right to.' Closing my eyes I let out a sigh remembering when I brought him to Uzushiogakure. 'That must have been when he resolved to leave me. Is that why you gave me this ring?' Shaking my head I continued reading.
Do you remember that night in front of your clan's temple years ago when you explained to me your eyes abilities? They truly are a gift. Even though I have died before their birth I was still able to meet our child. Although the time we spent was short I could tell how much he loves you. He must have so many questions. Questions I won't be able to answer. At least not in person. I rewrote the memory in one of the marbles you created using my Sharingan. In it, I have answered a few of those questions. I know you told them about me and there's not much I can do or say change your mind. For them to have me as their father I guess there is no hiding it.
I love you, Yukino. I should've said it more with the time we had together. I'm sorry.
'He? Ah… so we're having a son…' Noticing that small slip up in his letter I couldn't help but smile. 'I'm not even that far along to know its gender.' Placing a hand to my lips I hid that smile as I reread it.
Glancing at the envelope on my lap I took a look inside. When I did I found the red marble he left behind and I took it out. Holding the marble I looked into the first few seconds noticing that he wasn't wearing his Akatsuki cloak or his Konoha forehead protector. Watching quietly he moved his bangs away from his face as he stood in front of a mirror, while doing that small action I noticed the ring I gifted him around his ring finger. When he opened his mouth to speak I closed my hand. 'I shouldn't be the one to hear this first.' Letting out a small chuckle I sighed as I rolled the small red marble between my fingers.
Placing the letter and marble back inside the envelope I smiled holding it to my chest. Feeling my chest bloom with the warmth I let go as I did not want to wrinkle it further. Opening a small portal before me I was about to place it on my shelf along with the other mementos. Before I could the light of that mystical world illuminated something I did not see under the moonlight. Stopping I noticed the number 143 circled on the edge of the envelope. 'Numbers?' Curious and confused I did not know its meaning so I placed the letter inside to think over it more.
Closing my eyes I returned my eyes to normal as I scanned my memories for the significance. Deep in thought, I failed to acknowledge the presence near me. When I did I felt pressure at the back of my neck knocking me out.
・・・
Waking up I looked in front of me staring at a grey unfamiliar ceiling. "You woke up." Looking to my side I saw Hitomu sitting on a chair by the bed. Quickly scanning my surroundings and myself I noted that my legs and arms were bound to each corner of the bed with tags in place. "May I ask why I'm tied to a bed?" I asked calmer than I should have.
"I just want to talk to you calmly," he sighed resting his chin on his hand. "I wonder… Why did I do this?"
"Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing," I said sarcastically while I did. I felt like I could use chakra with one of my bound hands. 'I see he must have made the seals himself. No way would the Anbu not keep a count of their inventory.''
"Oh, right. It was because you're leaving Konoha for good."
Acting dumb I asked. "What gave you the bright idea?"
"Kakashi, you went to see him earlier didn't you." He grabbed a strand of my hair and began to roll it between his gloved hands. "He might have casually mentioned your leave when I asked."
'Dammit Kakashi,' Although furious at him for mentioning my business I kept a poker face on. "That still doesn't explain why I'm bound on this bed." I sighed looking for the perfect opportunity to escape.
"Promises." He said surprising me a great deal. "That story you told me of the crane. When you told me I knew we were meant to be together." He sighed. Closing his eyes he rubbed his cheek on the hair strand he held. "You see my mother broke the greatest promise she made to my father. Changing him for the husband of a fellow nurse." He frowned as he said it but the words he said reminded me of something from long ago. "It was utterly disgusting." He continued. "Like my name I have one dream. That dream is to be with someone who sees promises and vows for what they are."
'This bitch really thinks he can just say all that and think I will love him?!' Pretending to be moved I beckoned him over with the hand that could use chakra. "So you see it the same way." I smiled with fake joy.
Caught by surprise he hesitantly moved closer and placed his head on my hand. Passing my hand gently through his black hair with purple-dyed tips he relaxed. Once he did I whispered the following words, "sleep." His stormy grey eyes widened with surprise and he collapsed onto the floor. 'Ninja art: Crescent Lullaby.' The technique Emi had used on me a couple of times.
Looking at bindings I pulled my arm free which left red burns from the rope. Removing the tag from my other arm I freed it as well allowing me to remove the rest of my bindings. Getting off the bed I placed did the necessary hand seals before I placed my hand on his head. Then I began to seal all memories he had of me. 'Fuinjutsu: Memory Suppression Technique.'
About to kick him for being such a creep I stopped. 'Dammit. If I do, the pain will remain once he wakes up. Then he'll be curious as to how he got it and may even remember.' Instead, I picked him up and placed him on the bed. Picking up all the bindings I held onto them to burn later and searched for any other signs of my being here while I healed at the burned skin on my wrists. Noticing a small shrine I looked at it closer, seeing a collage of my pictures. A picture submitted for my Anbu file, and several pictures of me without my mask. 'The fuck?!' Glancing at the person at the bed I cringed with disgust, ripping out the collage I opened a portal to my storage space. Throwing in everything I held I noticed the pictures I had. Noticing one of Kakashi I checked the back seeing how I haven't written on it yet. Placing Kakashi's picture in the shrine I crawled into my storage space and returned home. 'Kakashi will have to deal with this. I'm out of here.' With that last thought, I closed the portal. Walking over to the box of pictures I placed my cold palms on the box and closed it flipping the toggle clasp. 'I hope I never see him again.'
Haruko's POV
In the fox manor, I lay asleep. It was then that the news reached me. It was time. Knowing that young girl would use this day to say her goodbyes I headed to the shrine in Uzushiogakure to begin preparations keeping this news hidden from my successor. In wait, she eventually arrived and was taken into the shrine where she was undressed. After some time she stepped out of the building wearing a white kimono and thick white veil resembling a bride more than a sacrifice. Glancing at those selected for this I noted four who carried the two wooden poles and two who carried torches. Hearing the sound of rings I turned away and walked towards the surrounding forest. Using Mount Inari as a shortcut we entered the fog.
・・・
Dead into the night I led the way to a space below the remains of that tree in the battlefield. Walking slowly all that could be heard was the clanking of the metal rings from the staff, reaching the end that exposed a root I stopped bringing the noise to a stop. Raising my hand I gestured for those present to wait further away so I could do the next step. Grabbing the young woman by the arm I pulled her to the exposed root forcing her to sit down in front of it.
"Ah… right I have to sleep before the seal can be placed." Getting comfortable she stared at the ground above her with tired eyes. "I did so much today so it should be easy." She sighed closing her eyes.
"Let me tell you a story of the crystal woman I once met." Taking a seat beside her I patted her lap to keep her awake for a while longer.
"Oh," Opening her eyes she hummed as she recollected hearing one of the words I said. "Kuzunoha-san told me that story before…" recounting the story as my successor told her I trembled clutching at my clothes tightly as that girl had yet to listen properly to things when one talks to them.
'One measly tale and Kuzunoha could not retell it correctly.' Letting out a sigh I shook my head telling her the story as it was. "Once I came across this woman with crystal release, a rare Kekkei Genkai. Having met her in the forest I was curious about the woman whose tears and blood turned into gems." Knowing this the girl just watched me with a smile as if she were just a child being tucked into bed. "The woman taking a break at one of our shrines smiled saying that she was looking for a place to die. Surprised, I asked why. The woman said that her chakra created and formed these gems although beneficial at first it felt like a curse. She couldn't sleep for long or else crystals would form around her and block out any air. Since the woman didn't have proper chakra control it began to affect her body."
"Crystals?" Yukino whispered as she stared at her own body. "When I'm injured, ice forms around me, not crystals."
"Hm?" Surprised for a moment, I then remembered Tsukimi's family tree. 'Right she was made using Hoshi-chan's sample.' Patting her head I told her. "That noble family was everything but pure in the past leading to all sorts of out of clan marriages. As such Tsukiyomi's great-grandmother was from the Yuki clan. She seemed to inherit the Yuki clan's traits and ice release while her younger brother did not." Covering my mouth I laughed. "It seems that like her you also inherited a form of that icy nature. Even expressing a trait similar to that of the Yuki clan even if just a bit."
"I see… she does resemble Fuyuko-san a bit." Letting out a sigh she placed her hands over her stomach as she stared at me waiting for me to continue.
"Fufufu…a bit impatient are we?" Looking up at the dirt above us I continued. "She believed that it was punishment for not sharing the gems she created. The woman thanked me for my time giving me a couple of gems before she left." Looking back at the girl I noticed her heavy eyes as she tried to keep them open. "Such an intriguing woman I thought before I ordered some foxes to tail her. A month later I followed the intel to a deep cave. It took hours but eventually, I found a chamber with a large crystal in the center. It glowed softly providing some light after hours of traveling through the dark tunnels but upon looking closer I found the woman finally at rest." Pulling back my sleeve I stroked her head gently. "I wonder how you came to have the same curse even though you are not a descendant of that woman." Letting out a small chuckle I hummed. "I wonder… might that woman have reincarnated in you." Saying that her cute eyebrows furrowed as she looked at me in confusion. With a smile, I closed my eyes as I patted her head remembering when I did the same to Kuzunoha when she was young. "Even if that was the case you are now someone completely different," I whispered. "But… now that I think about it your expressions of regret were the same."
"…" Receiving no response my eyes snapped open and I looked back down at the girl. Removing my hand I saw her calm resting face. 'She fell asleep…' Realizing this I stood up and quietly backed away. Waving over the shrine keepers they quietly shuffled over. Moving to the side I watched as two of them crossed her arms over her chest while the rest set up the wooden pillars into the ground. Once it was set up they sat down in a semi-circle and began to do the necessary hand seals. Appearing under them the seal wrapped around the poles making its way to the girl's body. Wrapping around her she was slowly lifted off the ground and held taut by the black seals.
"Why did you tell her that?" Kuzunoha said as she arrived in time to see the ritual.
"She is a curious one, remember?" Looking away I have seen this enough times to know that the seal would wrap around her head covering her eyes before glowing to signal the completion of the technique. "She will want answers. Maybe her curiosity will be strong enough to make her want to return." I hummed as the cave was brightened with a momentary glow before the torches were the only thing left to illuminate this dark passage.
"You know… I wanted to mess with Tsu's plan by ruining her precious project," Kuzunoha spoke quietly as she stared at the sight behind me. Looking back I saw the girl's head wrapped in those black seals, if it weren't for her mismatched hair she would be entirely unrecognizable. "But it seems that I never really had to do anything. I hate kind-hearted kids." She sighed turning her face away. "They cause nothing but trouble." Crossing her arms she quietly wiped at her eyes before fixing her posture. "Hey," She called out, waving over one of the closest shrine staff. "From today onward one of you will stand guard every week for however long it takes until the day she breaks out on her own. Your job will be to stop anyone from meddling with her. Send this message to your head priest so he can choose who to send first." Seeing her take charge once more I smiled. 'I should tell her the story once more. Maybe this time she may actually listen…' Glancing over at the bound girl I thanked her for this.
The next day… early morning
3rd POV
"Can't you go tomorrow?" Urushi asked Kabuto as he stood in front of the orphanage doors with his arms crossed.
"I have a feeling this is something I should do now. I promise to return quickly." Kabuto promised. Waving goodbye to the kids he turned away and ran towards Konoha. Passing through the gates he made a beeline towards the Konoha hospital.
Entering he headed to the front desk knowing that he would have to deliver the vial the young woman gave him to the pharmaceutical division. However, that wouldn't be necessary. Before he could ask he spotted the Fifth and Sixth Hokage with a man with thick eyebrows on a wheelchair.
"Tsunade-sama?" He asked as he approached.
Hearing him, all three looked at him as if he wasn't the one that worsened the situation of the Fourth Shinobi war. "Hm? Kabuto?" Kakashi asked as his friend looked at him for a moment before going into the room first.
"I'm sorry for bothering you." He quickly apologized, "I received this cure from someone I knew and hoped that it would be of some help." Looking into his bag he pulled out the vial that was handed to him as well as multiple papers. "I wrote down the symptoms in detail," Explaining he also took out the thin but long list detailing how it was made. "She also wrote down how to make it."
With curiosity, Tsunade stepped forward, taking what he held out. Looking through it carefully she frowned. "Some of these symptoms…" Trailing off she realized that it was similar to a few cases she's seen. "Who gave this to you?" She asked as she looked over the list of how it was made, noticing its inclusion of ingredients found in different lands.
"Yukino Uzumaki." Kabuto told her.
"Yukino was here?" Tsunade asked as she looked back down at the vial in her hands. When she did she remembered another thing the young woman was supposed to do after the war. "Where is she right now? She agreed to confess to what she's been doing."
"You see…" Kakashi laughed. With that, he explained including how he submitted the signed papers long ago.
"You did what?!" Tsunade yelled as her voice was heard to those outside the hospital. However, it was too late. When asked, Kabuto lied, keeping quiet as to where she had gone. Like the time when the war had come to an end, she disappeared once more with those outside Uzushiogakure unknowing of her whereabouts.
・
500 ryō around 5000 yen/50 dollars if you go by a ten scale.
The song Naruto was recounting was the tailed beast song.