Chapter 55: The Trial part 2
'Inner thoughts'
°Mind Link°
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3rd POV
With the meeting taking a break the subject of the matter was ordered to leave the room. As such two figures from the water gallery jumped from the shadows of the large curtain standing on each side of the red-haired woman they called their friend. The moment they stood by her side a sense of relief washed over her as if she had been submerged into the warm waters of an onsen. Enveloping her in a snug embrace.
Grabbing the handles of the wheelchair Ryota turned her in the direction of the entrance ready to get out of the room.
"I expect that you know not to escape," Mifune told them as they were halfway towards the door.
"I won't, I did call for this meeting." With a smile, she waved her hand a bit motioning for them to keep moving. When the pair left the room Emi's eyes landed on a sword left behind on the floor. Kneeling slightly her fingertips merely grazed the snowy white scabbard before it sent the Kage's respective guards into alert.
"I won't do any harm." She calmly said as she kept her fingertips on the weapon. "This blade was a gift. To leave it thrown here on the floor would be rude to the blacksmith who spent time making it." Without looking up she kept her eyes on the blade. "May I pick it up? I won't unsheath it."
"You may not take it with you but if it is that important I will keep it at my side."
"…" Looking between the katana and the old samurai she gave a simple nod, taking him at his word. Picking up the sword she placed it on the desk before him. With her task done she turned away leaving the room to catch up to her friends.
Meanwhile, outside the hall, Ryota hummed as he walked with no destination in mind. "Is it just me or did Kankurō barely change?" He whispered.
"Well he looks taller I guess that he went through a final growth spurt before he reached his twenties." She shrugged wondering if that was what unsettled him. 'Then again he changed his face paint again.'
"Yeah, five centimeters tops." He guessed correctly. Coming to a stop he walked around her and stopped in front of her. Crossing his arms he had one hand on his chin. "Still… you beat him by gaining six centimeters in height. Then again it was in three years…" Letting out a sigh he returned to pushing. Having reached his peak height of 176 centimeters he felt short compared to the other men present at the summit. However, he couldn't help but admit that being eleven centimeters taller than his friends was perfect enough to rest his head on theirs. With a smile tugging at his lips he remembered their earlier days of camping out and traveling around in the other nations together. "I have to say I'm jealous that both you and Gaara went through a glow-up." He muttered, bringing up something to talk about.
"You went through a glow-up during that six-month break. Not to mention that sudden growth spurt." Turning in her seat she looked up at him. "I didn't even recognize you when I saw you. That's how much you changed." She pointed out remembering clearly that day of their supposed reunion.
"Nah, I just worked on my physical strength which affected my muscles. That's not the same." He stopped, pulling his haori sleeve off. Flexing his arm he showed her the results of his training. Mouth agape she stared at the muscle, reminded of how it was when she first met him.
"Wow." She marveled, poking it with a delicately painted fingernail. "It's been years since I've seen your body… not to mention that you always cover yourself with flowy clothes." Reaching out she relaxed his arm, noticing the muscle's slender yet defined appearance before flexing it again. "I know you've been using the chakra control you do know to increase your physical strength but you should really study medical ninjutsu again if you want to get better results. Like Sakura." She pointed out remembering her monstrous strength from the borrowed memories.
"Ahem."
Flinching, both of them looked back seeing Emi. Her eyes were squinted slightly with her green eyes conveying one clear message 'What are you two doing?' Knowing that if anyone else who came across them would come up with the wrong idea. Letting out a sigh she walked over. "You two are weird." Passing by both of them they caught the faint smile on her face before it was hidden by her short bouncy hair. Looking at each other for confirmation they beamed following after her.
Leaning back in her seat Yukino whispered. "She's come out of that shell of hers hasn't she?" Looking up she saw Ryota's proud face as he looked at the woman walking in front of them with a tender smile. Unknowing to her they had talked more about each other's past. Having come to terms with this, Ryota lent an ear to the quiet woman who still thought of her foggy village hidden in the dreams, growing closer as a result. He was after all the first true connection Emi had made outside her cage for a home.
Unknowing to all this Yukino looked ahead noticing the slightly stiff manner in which Emi walked out of embarrassment. 'I knew it with me around she wouldn't have changed.' Thinking this she smiled finding one good thing so far in her three years of being gone.
・・・
A few minutes into their walk they had wandered a bit too far from their original starting point. "By the way… where are we going?" Yukino asked, causing the group to stop in their tracks. Realizing this Emi looked behind her at Ryota who bore a similar expression. 'I was following you.' Both of their expressions read. Then another thought crossed everyone's minds. 'What if they think we tried to run away?'
Before the panic could set in, Yukino heard something. "Do you hear that?" She asked, listening closely, hearing some faint laughter from down the hall. Going silent they all stood still, listening carefully. 'Some samurai must be nearby.' They all realized knowing that if they were in the company of the samurai she couldn't be accused of such a thing.
Following the voices, they moved forward coming across a break room. Looking inside Yukino's eyes landed on three samurai out of armor talking with each other. Although their backs were turned to her she sensed a type of familiarity from them. 'Wait… don't tell me… are they…?'
Before Ryota could call out to them Emi stopped him motioning down with her eyes. Looking down at his red-haired friend his red eyes glanced over once more at the three samurai who had yet to notice them. Realizing what was happening he smiled. "I'll leave you here to talk to them," he whispered, his red eyes replaced by pale moon grey ones as he slipped something behind her. The light blue glow from them quickly fading the moment he blinked.
"Ryota and I had something to discuss anyway," Emi added, keeping her voice low as well. Wrapping her arm around his she quickly pulled him away, pulling his other sleeve back in its place as they quietly left.
Left alone at the entrance of the break room she exhaled slowly, gripping the rim of the hat on her lap. "E-excuse me." She managed to say successfully catching the attention of the three samurai. Worried her hat might break she gripped the wheels instead, moving further into the room. "Uhm y-you wouldn't happen to remember me would you?" She asked, feeling the jitters that she had stuffed deep inside her from the meeting resurface and begin to spill out. If she had a mirror before her she would see her bright red ears and quivering lips as she spoke.
The samurai with teal eyes, who stood in the middle of the two other men, looked at her closely trying not to be rude. "Uhm…" Just as he was about to tell her that he didn't, his eyes met hers. When he did he tensed up recognizing that familiar deep hue. "Yu-Yukio?" He stuttered, baffled, nearly dropping the teacup he held.
The two standing next to him sent him questioning looks as the woman before them didn't match their wingmate from years ago. "No way, Takeo." The man beside him said. "Yukio looked nothing like the lady before us. In more ways than one," he quickly glanced at her chest.
"That's right." The other one beside him added, smacking the other for being so obvious. "Besides, Yukio had red hair but only partially."
Even though she heard this, the fact that she was recognized, melted away the nervousness she felt as warmth filled her. Placing a hand on her chest she looked up at them as a smile bloomed on her face. "I did go by that name at one point, didn't I?" Seeing their confused gazes she took out the envelope Ryota had tucked behind her back. Flipping through the pictures she took out the one of her and Hinata holding it up to her for them to see.
Taking it from her hands the other man with black hair gasped. "You aren't a boy!?" He yelled out of surprise. As Takeo tried reaching for the picture, the shorter one in the group quickly snatched it, covering his view with his light brown hair. The moment he did see the picture it was flipped over only showing the notes on the other side.
Staring at the words intently he came to a realization. "This was a few months before we found Yukio."
Chuckling, she placed a hand to her chin. "I should tell you my actual name, shouldn't I?" Placing both hands on top of her hat she lowered her head. "It's nice to meet you again, my name is Yukino, Uzumaki Yukino. Some person called me Yukio by accident so I guess it stuck out to me so much that I remembered it when I forgot." She chuckled apologetically.
Looking back up she saw the man with black hair step in front of his stunned friends. "Hey, hey it's me Naozumi do you remember me?" He smiled, hitting his chest.
"Mm. Fufufu… how could I forget? You were always teasing Takeo. Morning, or night it didn't matter." Giggling, she remembered his little antics.
"And I still do." He confessed proudly and as he did Hitoshi returned the picture in his hand to the woman dressed in blue.
"Ah!" Caught by surprise, Takeo couldn't say anything before the topic was changed.
"How have things been since my absence? It's been so long since I've seen you all." Thus the subject moved in a different direction as they recounted their experiences thus far starting with the biggest one to affect the samurai years.
"I seriously can't believe that Sasuke guy came here and wrecked Mifune-dono's base," Naozumi fumed. "Oh, how I would have loved to land a hit on him."
"I heard some died." Yukino pointed out.
"The moment they stepped into that room to fight against him, they already knew they could die." Hitoshi reminded her of something they were all taught, letting out a sigh he looked down in the direction of the newly rebuilt bottom floor. Hearing him say that she was brought back to the first thing she learned at the base. Their acceptance of death before a battle. Acceptance of their death.
"Still that doesn't mean we don't miss them." Naozumi sighed, placing his hand on Hitoshi's back.
"In the war, we lost many more," Takeo added. Noticing their downcast looks, the big brother in him kicked in. "Still, we won." He smiled trying to cheer his friends up. "They fought for peace and we were able to win it for them."
"Mm." Naozumi and Hitoshi nodded. "I hope you were okay when that was all happening, Yukio. Ah, uhm, Yukino." Hitoshi glanced nervously at the wheelchair, regretting his question.
Noticing she smiled reassuring him. "I have some difficulty walking at the moment… I'm just drained so don't worry I'm sure I'll recover quickly." Tilting her head to the side she sighed. "As for the war I was part of the logistical support and medical division."
Gasping Naozumi snapped his fingers. "Ah! I knew you looked familiar, you're the Sapphire rose! I remember that declaration of love from that shinobi." He exclaimed with so much joy Yukino couldn't help but feel embarrassed. "I can see it now… a sapphire rose. A beauty one can't grasp but admire from within reach. Strong and precious like a sapphire formed from mother Earth's cooling rage." He recited the poem he heard with much exaggeration enjoying the flushing look on her face.
"Ah, please forget that." She sighed as her ears weren't the only things that weren't flushed anymore. "Oh, I can't believe the word has spread so much…" She groaned quietly looking away while covering her face with a single hand.
"Wait now that I think about it. That man that dragged him away is the same one that brought that fruit basket on your behalf a while back."
"Oh, the redhead?" Hitoshi asked before looking at the girl. "Are you two…?" He crossed his fingers hoping for some gossip.
"No, Ryota-kun is just a dear friend of mine." She clarified feeling calmer as she regained control of something she knew.
"Now that I remember when your friend arrived they mistook him for you. You should have seen some of the guy's reaction." Hitoshi chuckled.
"How?" She giggled. "Our eyes aren't even the same."
"That's exactly what Takeo kept saying." Naozumi smiled, nudging the man playfully.
"Anyways…" Takeo changed the subject. "Why… Did you leave?" He asked shyly.
Tsk. "Seriously?" Naozumi asked, crossing his arms as he looked at his friend as if he was the dumbest person alive. "Don't you remember how the physical examination was called off that one time?" He held up a finger for emphasis. "That never happens. That guy may look dead but he's not lazy, he always does his work." He mentioned the doctor she came to know when she first opened her eyes at the base.
"Naozumi was the first to say that it was because Yukio wasn't a he but a she." Hitoshi pointed out, remembering that clearly.
"Speaking of which, a lot of guys owe me two hundred ryō." Naozumi realized.
"You guys bet on why I left?"
"Yeah many of us did since neither Mifune-dono, Okisuke-dono, or Urakaku-dono would say why."
Clank! Clank! Clank! Standing by the entrance an armored samurai called in. "Hitoshi, Naozumi! It's almost our time to switch." He yelled before quickly walking away.
"We forgot all about that." Naozumi realized when he looked down. "We don't even have our armor on." Running out of the room he immediately ran back. "Sorry, bye."
Giving a small bow Hitoshi followed. "Make sure to write to us more often. Bye!" Leaving behind Takeo and Yukino in the breakroom.
Turned halfway in her seat she waved goodbye to her former wingmates animatedly. When they left from their sights she turned back pulling on her hair by accident. "Ow." She winced, tugging her ponytail from the wheel.
"Wait, don't pull. Let me help." Takeo sighed, kneeling to untangle the few strands from the wheels. When he finished he marveled at its length. "Wow. I can't believe I didn't notice it before but it's very long." He held up her long red strands before her.
"I haven't had the time to cut it…" she laughed quietly as she took back her hair from his hands, flipping it behind herself properly.
Taking a look behind her, Takeo's eyebrows rose. "Oh, it even touches the floor." Saying that Yukino groaned at the thought of her precious hair touching the floor, sending shivers throughout her body. Watching her reaction he let out a small chuckle. "If you don't mind. I can shorten it for–"
"Please do." She took the offer before he could finish.
"I thought so." He chuckled as he walked towards one of the drawers looking for something. "I… I remember that you always paid special attention to your red hair." He hummed remembering her light touches of her red bangs during practice. Making sure they were always in place contrary to her messy head of blonde hair.
"Did I?" She asked, closing her eyes and thinking back. 'I guess I have. After all, my bangs covered my discolored eyebrows but he doesn't need to know that… No one must remember that.'
Finding what he was looking for, Takeo took out some silver scissors and a sheet of paper. "How much do you want me to cut off?" He asked.
Walking around he showed her its length once more. "Hm…" Looking at it she guessed it reached her around her ankles. 'No wonder my head felt so heavy…' Looking at her long bangs she knew her answer. "Can you cut it up to my waist?"
"Sure." Reaching for her ponytail he gently pulled on it. Pulling it down to her waist before coming to a stop. 'It really is a lot.' He realized. Getting an idea he began to braid hair he would cut off.
As he did he heard a question. "How have you been?"
"I've been fine." He smiled. "But if I'm right you're asking what I've been doing right?" He asked, catching her head nod slightly in agreement. "Well… I still help everyone with their training… I even instruct the new guys who join." Rolling the paper into a cone he slipped the hair inside it before raising the scissors. Sni… iii… snip! The scissors went as he cut the chunk of hair off.
"My head feels so much lighter!" She sighed, raising her arms and stretching happily. Letting out a laugh he handed the paper to her but not before taking the hair tie. With the bundle in her arms, she noted how her cut-off strands no longer melted. 'So all my hair really did turn red.'
"I'm glad I could help." With a smile, he tied the hair back into a ponytail.
"I'm so happy I came back." She laughed. "Though I wish it could have been under different circumstances," mumbling that she looked down.
"What?" He asked just as he finished tying her hair back up. "Wait, what do you mean by that?" He asked walking around to look at her once his mind processed what she said.
"The break is over." A single commanding voice informed them from the entrance.
"Ah, Mifune-dono," Takeo stood straight upon seeing his master. Hearing this the woman looked back seeing the older samurai as well. "Kazekage-sama." Takeo nodded upon seeing the other man that came along.
"I meant what I said. I wouldn't run away." Turned away from them she sighed as she put on her mask once more. "Thank you for your help. I have a matter I need to attend to so goodbye." Giving a slight bow to the samurai she turned away heading to the door, carefully, to make sure the things on her lap did not fall.
Reaching the entrance she gestured to her handles wanting someone to push her. "We must not keep the others waiting." Mifune reminded her as he led the way back. Being the youngest Gaara took the handles following the older Samurai.
Watching all of this going on Takeo frowned trying to understand what was happening. "Wait," Takeo ran out of the breakroom, standing in the middle of the hallway. "Are you the one on trial today?"
"I am." She answered, accepting that fact. 'I really should have paid attention to the time…'
"Mifune-dono, please be lenient with Yuki–"
"Takeo-san." Raising her voice she said his name, cutting into what he might have said. Worried for the slightest slip-up. "I have accepted what may come and chosen to face it head-on." She said softly without looking back. 'Something I learned here.' Smiling, she gave a nod. "I'm glad you survived the war though I had hoped to have met you again under different circumstances. Well, nothing could be done about that now, goodbye." She shrugged trying to appear nonchalant.
Watching from the side Mifune looked between one of his men and the woman who talked to him. At the mention of the war, he was reminded of what the sixth Hokage brought up and her achievements in the compound under the Logistical Support and Medical Division. Something that the Kazekage behind him confirmed as well from the letters that were sent to her. Looking at Takeo he saw him dawdle as if expecting more, when his eyes met his master's he tensed up choosing to leave instead.
"Let's keep moving," Mifune said walking ahead.
As he did Yukino remembered something. "Ah." Looking up at the Kazekage she placed a finger over her mouth bringing him to a stop. Turning in her seat she looked around the Kazekage to the leaving samurai calling out loud enough for him to hear, catching the attention of his master as well. "I forgot to thank you and the others! Spending that winter night with friends was the most normal thing I've ever done. It was so much fun." Smiling brightly she laughed as small tears gathered in her eyes. After all, that sleepover was a welcome memory amongst the thorny memories of the time.
Beaming happily he seemed to understand. "I'm glad." Giving a slight bow he tried to remain professional as his master stood nearby. "If you ever need samurai to protect you you can always hire me."
"Fufufu… I can assure you that protection is the least of my worries. I've way gotten stronger than you think. I may even go so far as to say that I may beat you in a fight with a blade." Looking over at the two who she's been holding back she tensed up remembering that there were witnesses. "Time has run out…" She mumbled disappointedly. "Then… I may find the need to hire some of you one day, after all, I always find the company welcoming."
"It would be my pleasure."
Turning to leave he ran off to tell his friends, watching she chuckled, settling back into her seat. Wiping her eyes she sighed as they began to move once more. Closing her eyes she worked on regaining her composure, closing herself off to those near her. Startled, she flinched suddenly as something flicked her forehead. Snapping her eyes open she stared at a pair of amused reddish eyes.
"You didn't fall asleep did you?"
"Huh?" She asked, looking around realizing that they were close to the room. "Maybe, Sorry. Ryota, can you dispose of this?" Lifting the rolled-up paper she showed him her cut-off hair knowing that it would be bad if someone else grew curious of what she was.
"When did you cut your hair?" He curiously asked as he took it off her hands.
"When I realized that you let my hair drag along the dirty floor." She said calmly, smothering the disgust within her.
"Blame Chōjūrō, he was pushing you on the way here." He sighed. Turning to the Kazekage and Mifune he gestured to her. "Either way, you might want to go back inside the Tsuchikage and Raikage seem to be 'formally' butting heads at the moment." He informed Mifune. Giving a nod he did just that going quickly as a collected person might do. "You two might want to wait for his word." He said before leaving to burn the hair he was given.
"What happened while we were gone?" Gaara asked Emi who remained.
"From what I could hear there seemed to be a last-minute disagreement over the decision you all came to," Emi informed him. Walking over she extended her hand reminding the other of the envelope containing pictures of her connections and their village.
"Ah, right. Your pregnancy results." Yukino lied reaching behind herself. Realizing that she could have come up with a better, less embarrassing lie she apologized internally. 'I'm so sorry.'
"Y-yes." Emi agreed, lowering her red face she hid it behind her black hair. As she did Yukino held it out for her, her soul leaving her body for a second time as she forced her friend to accept it. "T-thank you." Emi forced a smile swallowing the pride she had. "Kazekage. Please keep quiet about this private matter." Holding the envelope close to her chest Yukino's eyes noticed the metal band around one of her fingers. 'Ryota was right… silver does suit her.'
"It's fine," Gaara said, mistaking their embarrassed looks for the situation they voiced to be the truth. "Congratulations, Emi-san." He said making both of the women steam out of shame for tricking him with such a simple lie.
Land of Iron: Summit Room
With the situation brought to order the woman awaited their verdict with a straight face. "There was a consensus that you will take on your associate's punishments as the ringleader of this operation." Hearing the Samurai speak she snapped to attention, moving her eyes to the side seeing her blade on his desk. "Before the war, you agreed to a certain role yet you outdid yourself by providing more than enough assistance in the medic-nin compounds. Even performing surgeries."
"We didn't know how long the war would go on for." Yukino sighed. "If we let those that could be saved die then we would have ended up losing the war down the line. As cruel as that sounds, it's the truth." Pinching the bridge of her nose she let out a small exhale. "Those people I healed… they must have seen things they wish to forget…" Mumbling that she felt a pang in her heart knowing that feeling well.
Clearing his throat she raised her head to listen to the continuation of what led to their conclusions. "That effort you put in was enough to earn yourself the nickname of the Sapphire Rose." Hearing this nickname her eyes flew to the silver-haired man who wore a smile on his face behind that black mask.
The nickname wasn't the issue to her, it was the recognition that came with it. For her name and face to be associated with it, it would draw unnecessary attention to her. Indeed she had outed herself as the Sapphire Demon Fox but this was an affair known to a couple few who knew how to keep a secret. Once this matter is over with, it would disappear from their minds over time until no one no longer cared. Unlike the Sapphire Demon Fox, the Sapphire Rose carried a better reputation. Higher prestige. Leading to more eyes that would be watching her and her every move. Those letters she received were enough to give her that impression, not to mention her old wingmate's recollection of that nickname.
To be watched again was a feeling she experienced all too often in her childhood and life as a shinobi. A peaceful life like the one in her past was all she desired now. With a slight frown on her face, she huffed quietly before looking at her blade once more. "... in addition, your capture of the rogue shinobi surpassed the number agreed to under your guardian's agreement with the Third Hokage." Mifune continued listing off how they came to their decision. "You will be placed under the Hokage's supervision, assisting with whatever issue that arises to atone for the destroyed information. Due to your range of skills, your assistance will be whatever the issue requires of you for twenty years as long as it is with the Hokage's permission." He concluded.
While the number of years he mentioned nearly made her heart come to a stop, she did not show the surprise on her face. 'By the time I complete this I will be forty… No, I still have time to change the punishment I just need to–'
"She can't." A single voice said affirmatively before anyone could add anything to the Samurai's summary of the punishment. Taken by surprise everyone looked to the entrance seeing the woman who so brazenly objected to the results. "She's no longer a Konoha shinobi." She restated something they were aware of since the beginning. "She signed away that right three years ago." Walking over her wooden shoes hit the stone tiles quietly. "She will still help if you wish for her abilities but she cannot stay in Konoha. Our town is her home and we don't want her to be away from it." While she said that she also wished for the red-haired woman to take back her responsibilities.
'A town?' Tsunade frowned as her brown eyes looked down at the red-haired woman below in thought. 'To be in a coma for three years, she must have needed constant care… Where was she in those three years?' The more she looked at her the more her brows furrowed. 'Someone of her appearance wouldn't go unnoticed especially with her reputation among medic shinobi. The question is how I never heard a word of it.'
"Town?" The Raikage asked, "Are you saying a town has been harboring you three during all this time?"
"Yes," Yukino confirmed. "It's the place I left Konoha for." Looking over the Kage she could feel the incoming question. "I know what you wish to ask but I can't tell you. That town contains the remnants of my aunt's clan and I don't wish to endanger them."
"We wouldn't want to repeat the Uzumaki clan's destruction." Turning their heads they looked at the silhouette that stood at the entrance. The highlight on his red hair made it clear who it was. Walking inside the room empty-handed he let out a sigh as his eyes stayed on the Tsuchikage.
Feeling tensions rise Yukino sighed. "I'm aware of your goals for peace and with that, I won't interfere. An era of peace is one I wish for my people as well."
"We know. Which is why we've been following your wishes and helping out with the cleanup." Ryota smiled happily.
"We just dealt with a few bandits, and pirates so don't worry," Emi added. Her words striking some familiarity to the Mizukage. Who was aware of the decrease in pirate activity in the waters surrounding her land over the years. 'Could they have been responsible for it?' She questioned as she looked at the group's playful smiles aimed towards the seated woman between them. Had this been her first impression of them she would have mistaken them for harmless individuals but looks can often be deceiving.
Yukino's POV
"Ha, to allow you to move so freely would be no different than to what it was before. Even Orochimaru doesn't have that amount of freedom." The Tsuchikage scoffed at my two friends' bravery to object.
'But the way he said it… it sounds like there is a chance. Now that I think about it, Orochimaru is given a lot of freedom… given what he's done they must be keeping him in case something pops up in the future. I have to admit though… aside from experimenting he has connections to the underworld. Something I haven't even formed in my time in the Akatsuki. I guess I should consider that a good thing. The underworld… Now that I think about it, that coliseum… how did Sasuke end up there? I doubt he visits hostess clubs so that leaves… Hm. Wait, I just realized what The Tsuchikage said is not so different from what Mifune-dono just said.' Seeing this opportunity I seized it. "So my freedom of movement is the issue… Ah!" Appearing surprised I closed my hand and placed it close to my lips. "There's that…" I feigned recollection at the one thing I've been waiting to pull out. "If that is the issue there is a solution. A sealing technique I created. I'm sure you've heard of the technique used by the warden of Hōzuki Castle, Fire Release: Heavenly Prison?" I asked, noting an interesting look in their eyes. "It's quite similar to that."
Within a second purple flashed before my eyes and at that moment Ryota reacted by grabbing the handles of my wheelchair. "Stop," I said before he or Emi could even attempt to run away with me in tow. Looking up at Ino I placed a hand to my chest. "People are tense enough as it is, making such a move like that without a warning is bound to spook a few people."
Realizing this she looked around the room knowing that I was right. "Ah! I'm sorry." She quickly apologized.
Chuckling, I shrugged, bringing her attention to me once more. "If you're going to enter please don't mess with anything in there. Having a scrambled mind would slow things."
"I'm going to confirm if you're telling the truth about this technique as Tsunade-sama ordered me to."
"I had a feeling." Smiling, I knew the consequences of allowing her inside. For that, I was prepared, knowing where I needed to keep her once she entered. With a shrug, I invited her in. "Well, be my guest." With that, I watched as her hand drew closer covering the light above me. When it made contact with my forehead my sight disappeared and my body lost its strength. Slumping forward I was thrust into my subconscious.
3rd POV
Entering her mind the first sight Ino woke to was that of a large tree whose branches covered the sky. Below her, she felt the soft moss at her fingertips. Surprised at how real it felt, she sat up looking back at the large twisted tree. Befuddled, she looked around seeing a blindingly white world with swirls of colors mixing and swirling within that space in harmony. Standing up she was able to see the clear waters surrounding this little islet.
Much to her surprise, she expected the world to be darker and murkier, reflecting the spirit of the woman whose mind she entered. Instead, she found a quiet retreat. What caught her attention the most was how empty the space past the waters was. "It's so bare…" She couldn't help but say, wondering if it was possible to hear an echo.
"That's rude."
Flinching Ino looked back, seeing a young woman laying on her back as she calmly watched the branches above. Her hair was an interesting mix of red and blonde, a pattern that she's seen a couple of years before on a late summer beach day. One very reminiscent of when she was fifteen years of age. Shaking her head, Ino looked around needing to focus on the task she was given. 'Where are her memories… I can't see them…' Walking a bit forward she kneeled to look for them herself when she heard shuffling behind her. Looking back at the young woman she noticed a marble in her hand. Quietly she walked over, taking a glance at it.
"That's Ino, she works at the Yamanaka flower shop," She could hear a familiar young girl's voice say. 'No wonder her flower arrangement looks so pretty.' She heard the owner of the memories respond.
"We were in the same class once…" Yukino sighed sitting up. Looking up at Ino she twirled the marble between her fingers before tossing it up into the tree. "Your presence here made me remember your presentation that day."
"Where are your memories?"
"Hm," Crossing her legs she looked up wistfully. "Talking about it helps me. If you're willing to listen, that is… I'm certain you can tell even now when I'm lying right?" Looking over her azure blue eyes analyzed the Yamanaka woman carefully looking for any openings to take advantage of.
"Hm…" Thinking about it, Ino looked around, noting the faint sparkles among the tree's branches and the tree's darkened roots. Unlike the marble before, they produced no sounds or images; they all flickered for a moment before fading. Things the owner of this troubled mind allowed to peek, just to tease the other.
Slumped against Ino's hand Yukino's eyes snapped open. Jumping in surprise, those in the room watched as Yukino's body trembled with effort as she fought for control.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Tsunade asked as she looked between the red-haired woman and her motionless student.
Breathing heavily azure eyes looked to the sides to the only people she could see. "She's fine. She's looking at my memories as we speak. I may be physically weak at the moment but my mind isn't." Closing her eyes tightly she took in a deep breath regaining some form of composure as she struggled against the Yamanaka woman's control to keep her consciousness suppressed. "The seal is placed on the neck binding one to a certain area. The one who bears the first half will be alerted if the bearer leaves the confines of the area…" Going quiet she spoke softly. "Before I fell into that deep slumber I was testing its range. If the seal appears on my arm it should still be in effect even after all this time…" Finishing she stopped struggling and when she did she felt herself be pulled back to the depths of her mind.
While Yukino worked on two things simultaneously Ino had her own share of work to do as well. As Yukino struggled against Ino's hold Ino fought back to not get kicked out unknowing to the woman who was never on the receiving end of a Yamanaka's technique. Within her mind, Ino studied the flickering memory before her of the tests the other woman had run. Memories the other made sure to carefully compile hiding certain words or thoughts. Places and people to not give anything away.
Within her subconscious, Yukino explained how her seal worked hearing her voice echo as she heard her body utter them as well. Words she carefully chose.
"So… you're really telling the truth." Ino sighed, satisfied enough with what she found. "Still… were you really doing all this while still in Konoha?"
"Yes," Yukino said, no longer hearing the echo. "I just said so during the hearing. Don't tell me you weren't listening." Looking at the blonde woman she caught the slight jump in her shoulders. "I can't believe you." She gasped in disbelief wanting her out before she poked around more than she already had.
"Hahaha… Ah, I still have to report what I saw." Giving a wave, she left Yukino's mind and returned to her own body. Left alone in her mind Yukino relaxed as the flickering memories faded, returning to their books once more deep within her mind. Glancing to her side where the Yamanaka woman had almost reached she saw the hatch leading deeper. Closing her eyes she could feel herself regain control of her body once more.
Opening her eyes once more she looked up to see the Yamanaka woman finish with her confirmations. "–you should also know that once activated–"
"You can behead me." Yukino finished for her with a grim smile on her face.
"!?" The room fell silent as they heard her say that so calmly.
"What?" Ryota and Emi vocalized their confusions as they had been left out of the loop.
Throwing them a glance she told them through her eyes to hold their objections. "If you wish to use it you will be alerted of my whereabouts the instant I leave that area and kill me once I do no matter how far you are. Consider this an incentive on my behalf. One to keep my life and the other to keep my town hidden. If you should choose it. Would you like to see how it works?" She asked. "I promise it will. I'm confident in it."
"And if it doesn't?" Kakashi asked, voicing something those present wondered.
"Hm… then you'll see. I'm showing you this to ease a worry some of you have." Placing both of her hands together on her lap she leaned forward. "The question is if you wish to see it. Though we will have to go outside if you do."
"There is no harm in taking a look." The Mizukage was the first to speak up, having grown interested in this woman more than she expected. "If this is something you developed, we can at least learn of your proficiency in fūinjutsu. If I'm not mistaken I hear medic-nin use them for surgeries." The Mizukage's words rang true after all. 'What was the harm of watching how it worked?' That was the look in their eyes as she watched them.
"I see… Well before I had fallen into that coma I was running some tests on this seal as I said before. I wanted to see how far the limit could be so I dropped it off here. I was planning for only a year. I never expected that I would leave it here for three years." Turning her body she looked back at Okisuke who stood behind Mifune. "Do you remember that cat statue I dropped off by any chance?"
・・・
Having to explain why she chose the Land of Iron, she pointed out how far north the land was. Giving them a false lead on where her land was located. With the help of his samurai, the large stone statue of a cat was rolled out from the depths of a forgotten storage room.
Leaving the building they stood in wait watching as the statue was rolled out. However, it couldn't pass the bounds of the cement path as it was too heavy for anyone to carry without embarrassing themselves. At least too heavy for those who didn't have chains to lift it for them or monstrous physical strength. "The boundary is halfway to the tree line…" Yukino pointed out gesturing in the direction of where the boundary was wanting to see who volunteered.
"I'll move it then." Ryota volunteered. Opening his haori he pulled it down to free his arms, shamelessly flaunting his arms and back receiving quite a few ogling stares. Behind him, Yukino nodded in approval at his choice of an open-backed shirt that matched the types she wore. 'I told him it would allow for better movement.'
When he reached for the statue he was stopped. "Hmph. How would we know if your friend isn't going to do something to the statue?" The Tsuchikage grumbled, making Ryota bite his tongue. 'Then do something!' He wanted to retort but held his tongue when he caught Yukino's warning glare.
Turning to the older Kage he sighed resting a hand on his hip. "Then I suppose you will make it lighter and take it to the border?"
"Exactly." Floating over he placed a hand on the statue. "Akatsuchi, take it with you towards those trees," he ordered the tall Iwa shinobi. The other gladly took up the task picking up the statue with a single hand.
Seeing this Yukino held out her right arm and closed her hand into a weak fist, facing it to the sky exposing her forearm where the seal was placed and currently hidden. Looking up she watched as the Tsuchikage's shield carried the now lighter stone statue. Keeping her eyes on the ground below him she measured the distance watching as he approached the boundary she chose. Seeing the stone marker she picked for reference she looked down at her arm watching as a black dot appeared. The instant he passed the boundary she winced as the black dot expanded swirling to form the symbol of her clan before being engulfed by black-like ink. Wincing she felt the seal grip her forearm warning her that the statue had left.
"Akatsuchi. Bring it back!" The Third Tsuchikage yelled to see if it could be undone by merely going back inside the area to his surprise it didn't and the marking spread forming a map showing the Land of Iron and the lands neighboring it. From a distance, his bodyguard placed the statue back down looking over at what was happening.
"C-Can I activate it?" She asked breathing heavily as the pain just kept increasing. "Ju-just so you know the pain keeps increasing in case you couldn't feel it when it first activates." Looking at Mifune, sweat began to form on her cold skin waiting for his permission. "I'm starting to regret adding that to the seal." She groaned silently as she felt as if the seal was constricting around her forearm when it did no such thing physically.
Looking from her arm and the spreading mark the Samurai looked up catching her eyes. Eyes that sought for something urgently. Realizing what that something was he gave the order. "We've seen everything you said activate it."
Relieved she pooled the chakra she had to her pointer and index finger on her pain-free hand. Swiftly her fingers slashed the middle of the map breaking the seal. At that moment the sound of cracking rock could be audibly heard drawing everyone's attention back to the statue. With a small burst, the neck of the cat statue was cleanly cut. The woman who broke it felt relief as the head of the statue fell to the ground heavily.
It was a success. Just as she knew it would.
Looking over at the oldest Kage she felt a laugh bubble up within her and looked away to hide it. "My aunt was always driven…" She spoke softly for the older man next to her to hear. "Witnessing her home's destruction motivated her to keep it alive in whatever way she could. From that motivation… I was born. I think I should thank you for that." Looking up at the Tsuchikage she gave a fake smile through the pain she felt.
While this was happening the Kage looked at the statue with wide eyes. "She made this?" Kakashi mused about finding out more and more than he ever knew about the young woman. They were never close like he was with his team but it wouldn't be fair to say that he was never curious deep inside of the girl the Third kept close.
Clenching her fist Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she looked at the remains of the statue. Just by looking at the end result, it was clear that wind release was embedded into the seal to make that cut. "Th-this was never in her file." She told Kakashi in disbelief. "How can she do something like this? There isn't anyone in the village who has enough talent to create their own of this level…"
"Only modify it." Kakashi hummed looking at the same sight as she was. Remembering clearly her training consisted of using fūinjutsu that already existed but nothing more. "Fūinjutsu is hard to master but it is not impossible. Her file made no mention of her learning it but I'm certain the aunt she keeps mentioning taught her this in more detail." Putting a hand to his chin she closed his eyes remembering closely the seal that appeared on her arm. 'There were no distinguishable markings on it. She must have written down the actual seal on a scroll before transferring it onto her arm.' Opening his eyes he glanced over at the red-haired woman who clutched her arm. "Not many go so far as to learn how fūinjutsu works or have the patience to teach it to others."
"Raikage." The Mizukage turned to the man beside her after hearing the Hokage's whispers. "The young woman mentioned before how she spent time in your village. Do you know of anyone who might have taught her?"
"Mizukage, you know as well as I do that fūinjutsu is difficult to master, and because of that not that many shinobi are willing to spend the time to learn it." Looking at her he grumbled. "To answer your question there is no chance–"
"Kept under Yugito's gaze there was no way. Near the village edge there she worked. Always carrying the scent of plants. Yes, she had a bright green thumb. Wee!" Killer B explained appearing out of nowhere.
"B-sama, didn't Raikage-sama tell you to wait in your room?" Darui reminded him, making him flinch as he felt A's reprimand approaching.
As this went on the woman who activated the seal paid no mind to it as she had her own problems to deal with. Breathing heavily she clutched her bleeding arm close to her, feeling the warm blood slide down her arm.
Running to her side, Emi pulled her arm inspecting it. "You shouldn't have cut so deep." She reprimanded the pale-looking woman.
"I'm sorry– Ack!" Yukino yelped as Emi pulled out strands of her hair from her loose bangs.
"We need to head back." Ryota gestured behind him after hearing the order that was given.
"I'll heal that cut if it's that serious." Tsunade offered.
"No, I will deal with it myself. We wouldn't want to trouble you," Emi responded respectfully before taking a seat on her younger friend's lap. The other taken by surprise felt a bit light-headed to say anything. Trying to form the right words, Emi had gone ahead forming a four formula line over Yukino's arm. With care, she reconstructed the cells as Ryota moved them both back inside the building.
Keeping his pace at a faster pace than those that followed he purposefully hid Emi's work. Meanwhile, their red-haired friend felt too tired to argue how they were overreacting. Though by the way, her eyes began to droop she started to feel that they were right. "Stop…" Yukino whispered, tapping Emi's shoulder. "It's taking the stamina I barely have."
Saying that Emi froze looking back at her realizing her current state. °That moment when you struggled against the Yamanaka woman's control… and just now…° Letting out an exhale she held out her hand as Ryota tossed her some bandages from within his haori. Jumping in surprise at the flying bandage she was more surprised at how he knew what she was asking. 'They have gotten closer while I was away…' Feeling a pang in her chest she suppressed the feeling admitting that it was natural given the time they had to grow closer out of the battlefield. 'Just like it was like during those six months.' While she was thinking of that, Emi finished wrapping up her arm.
When Emi jumped off her lap she snapped out of knowing that she was telling Ryota something privately. Feeling the back of her head heat up she knew she had eyes on her and so she looked back catching their worried glances. The moment she turned to look back their eyes went in opposite directions taking interest in the walls.
"I have a question." The trio could hear someone say just as they were nearing the room. Coming to a stop in the large hallway they turned around to see the Sixth Hokage.
"What happens if the one who wears this dies before the time limit ends?"
Hearing this Yukino hummed, closing her eyes to think about it. "I don't know." She said simply and truthfully. "It may disappear, possibly remain on the body or activate prematurely. Even though I created it I haven't had enough time to find out that answer nor am I willing to test that out." She made that point clear. "Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering." He closed his eyes and smiled.
Contemplating his question, her dazed eyes looked down at her straw hat. 'Oh. There's blood on my hat…' She realized wanting to just place it on her head to seek solace in the shade it would provide for just a moment.
Meanwhile, in the back of the group the older Samurai came to a realization. From the way her arm was wrapped up to the way her eyes looked glazed in thought. The sight reminded him of a young girl who he watched depart in secret from their southern base. Looking down at his hand he looked closer at the white hilt of the blade he held. Lifting the sword he unsheathed it slightly to get a glimpse of the blade's color.
From his side his right-hand man watched him knowing already the true identity of the woman. He'd chosen to not say anything to avoid staining the image of one of his past pupils. However, he expected this the moment the blade was brought out. It was distinctive and looked purely decorative at first glance but the blade within was sturdy and unique. Which is why when she came back to the base with it years ago he had mistakenly convinced himself that she had stolen it. There was no way he would forget a blade such as that and he was certain it wouldn't take long for his master to remember it as well.
?: I would have liked to hear about that. Why did you skip it?
Yukino: It was a bit embarrassing. I remember almost crying since Okisuke-dono didn't believe me when I told him the truth. Anyways back to what I was saying…
Staring at his reflection on the black blade Mifune's grip on the hilt tightened. 'This blade was a gift…' Those words told to him by the red-haired woman's friend brought back clearly one gift he remembered. Sheathing the blade he spoke clearly. "It has come to my realization that there is more to discuss."
"About what?" Tsunade asked.
"I apologize, Hokage-sama. It is a mistake on my part." Walking forward once more he told the trio some good news. "We are holding another break. Do not wander too far like before."
・
A/N: I forgot to add this at the end of the last chapter but there's this other fic on this site with their take on what happened during Uzushiogakure's destruction. Either way, I like to think that Kurotsuchi knows about the Uzumaki from her grandfather.