Chapter 63: Found
Writing
'Thoughts'
°Telepathic Communication°
3rd POV
From the trees, a pair of small black eyes spied on the newcomers. Breathing slowly and as quietly as they could they listened to their conversation hearing them plan out how to investigate the island they listened attentively to be able to further spy on them without being found.
But before they could listen too much to the conversation their eyes were drawn to the woman in blue with blood-red hair. As the wind blew away her long ponytail from her back the small tired black eyes widened at the sight of the butterfly marking on her back. Tensing up they gulped as they forced themselves out from the shadows.
"Your majesty," the little boy said as he stepped out of the shadows and bowed down kneeling on the sand.
Having felt eyes on them the moment they stepped foot on the island they were surprised to have them step out voluntarily, especially a kid. The moment the kid stepped out they immediately noticed their ragged appearance. The second thing they noticed dark red hair, a type of red that could easily be confused for dark brown or black in the dark. The wolves and Yukino glanced at each other when they noticed.
"Hey kid, you don't have to do all that for the Kazekage. Stand up." Kankuro said stepping closer, noticing the kid back away slightly he stopped.
The young kid looking confused was about to correct him when he noticed Yukino holding a finger to her lips.
"A-alright…" he said.
Turning to her wolves she whispered. "I'm the only woman among you so I will approach the kid first." She told them the excuse they were to relay to the two brothers. Once she said that she turned back to the child and squatted down to be at eye level. "Is there anyone else with you?" Receiving a small shake from his head she hummed. The kid was following some formality that she knew he couldn't show in front of the others. Knowing that she responded with that same respect. "You called me your majesty before. You don't have to but I acknowledge your manners. My name is Yukino Uzumaki, you may refer to me by my first name. So there is no need for you to bow your head to me."
Hesitating for a bit the child took in a deep breath and looked up. "M-my… Ahem… You are here for Nadeshiko-chan aren't you?"
"Hm? If you're talking about the huge fish I am… don't worry we won't cause it any harm we just came to figure out why it's been so aggressive."
"Mmm…" Fidgeting they looked back seeing the fish thrashing in the water in the distance. "Nadeshiko-chan was never like this… she always stayed in this cove. You know she's a hawkfish so she's always been within her territory." The child began to quickly explain trying to convince her that the fish was not at fault. "She's just sad… ever since grandpa passed away…" Falling silent the child suddenly looked away from her and let out a yell. "STAY OUT OF THE WATER!"
Scaring Kenji who had stepped into the water the man quickly jumped out. "Is there something else in the water?" He asked trying to steady his heart from the slight scare.
"..." Trembling he looked at Yukino and her expectant look and took in a deep breath before he explained. "The jellyfish... The jellyfish if they sting you, you will die… just like Grandpa."
As he said that Yukino stood up and turned to look at the ocean. 'Considering the water temperatures box jellyfish might be able to survive here but I heard no reports of such a venomous creature near the land of wind. Considering that they may have been old and the combination of sting a cardiac arrest would've been another likely cause of death. Nonetheless, this kid has been left alone since no one else has shown themselves.' Turning back to the kid she kneeled and held out a hand. Waiting for the kid to take her hand she whispered. "Was your grandpa the only one who took care of you?"
Slowly shaking his head he held onto her hand tighter and leaned close to whisper. "Mom and Dad lived here with me along with Grandpa and Nadeshiko-chan."
"Then where are they?'
"They left to look for an angel. They heard a story when they went to town… that on a full moon in a land that always rains an angel with hair as white as the moon appears. They went there to look for her so they left."
Backing away the child pulled out a large white spiral from under their shirt, the spiral was a size so big he could barely hold it all within the palm of his hand. "Dad left me this, he said if I meet someone with red hair like mine to show them this." Taking off the large necklace he handed over the emblem. Holding the white spiral she knew exactly what it was. Just from touching it, she could feel its age. Flipping the emblem to the leather backing he said, "he said our angel and our majesty would have wings like these on their back, see?" Dyed onto the leather was her seal and her eyes widened. 'He's nobility.'
As he naively explained she felt bile rise in her throat. Swallowing as quickly as it accumulated she closed her eyes and put on a smile as she put the emblem back on the child's neck. To have heard that she was the reason why this child was now alone… to hear she was the reason why people left the safety they knew to pursue a rumor out of hope. She felt guilty. "Don't mention this until we are far away from the weirdly dressed men. They come from a different land different than the one your father came from." Was all she could say to this child who knew nothing more. "Tell me what's your name?"
With a big smile, he said. "Nagisa!"
'A calm beach…' Seeing why at the place they found themselves she agreed with the choice."That is a beautiful name. Your parents chose well."
"Thanks," The kid smiled, "Mom said she didn't live in a place like this where she grew up and dad liked it because it reminded him of home. It's pretty isn't it?"
"I agree. Well, Nagisa it's nice to meet you too."
Gaara's POV
"So he has one, I guess that settles it." I heard the older of the strange men, Hisao, say to Kenji. Listening in he walked toward his brother and remained silent.
"Even without that, I'm sure my lady would have already known," Kenji responded.
"Guys, we need to head inland," Yukino shouted. "He says that when the cliff's shadow grows the hawkfish–"
"Nadeshiko-chan"
"Nadeshiko-chan returns," She corrected herself. Waking over she gestured to the child beside her. "Nagisa-chan will explain the rest."
"As Nadeshiko-chan returns, she likes to play for a bit before the sun sets so the waves get bigger." Walking towards the trees the kids waved for them to get close and without any hesitation, the two new men and Yukino followed without any worry.
"Hey, you three should at least be a little more cautious," Kankurō complained to them for their lax attitude.
"I sense no one else and even if there was Gaara is here." Jumping to the treeline she helped pull up her two messengers. "He is the best in defense after all." Flattered only a little by the compliment I didn't say anything to her smug face, it would only make her smile wider.
Following them, we followed the kid as he led us deeper into the island. As we walked I noticed the kid's clothes were big enough to be an adult's, the bagginess of them made him look even thinner. 'What has he been eating? For how long has he lived like this?' I wondered and looked around, 'He wouldn't be able to hunt would he?'
"?" Standing still I listened. 'The birds… where are the birds? No not only that… I don't see any animals.'
"You okay?" I heard Kenji ask. Looking at the rest of the group I noticed everyone looking at me with curiosity.
"I'm fine. I'm just keeping an eye behind us."
"Ah thank you," Yukino said from the front. "I doubt you'd get lost on an island this small but still… we don't want to worry about your whereabouts," Yukino said, her eyes looking up at the trees most likely arriving at the same conclusion I had. Saying that she turned back to the child.
Yukino's POV
"And you, you're barefoot come let me pick you up," I said as I bent down slightly and had my arms out,
"No, no I couldn't," Nagisa said rejecting my offer, trying harder now to hide their flinching when they step on a rock or stick.
Squatting down I whispered. "Would you reject it if it was an order?"
"!" Thinking it over again the kid hesitated for a while before giving up. Brushing off dirt from their clothes they raised their hands. "I'm sorry if I dirty your clothes."
"A little dirt never hurt me." I chuckled and picked him up, 'Interesting your parents raised you with manners and etiquette even while living all the way out here. I wonder what else you can do…' With the kid pointing the way I saw myself. Looking up at the leaves above I imagined the sounds of birds chirping to fill the silence of what wasn't there.
Within a few minutes, we reached a cabin. Setting the child down he invited us in.
"It'll get dark soon so I guess we'll make dinner." Walking in the two wolves found some wood and prepped the fireplace looking for pots and pans. Going over to the fire pit I did the fireball jutsu big enough to light the fire pit, as I did I noticed the kid leave. Finishing quickly I left the two wolves to stoke the fire and went outside.
Looking around the outside of the cabin for the kid I instead found a small shed with baskets of nuts and berries. Closing it I looked around and found a ditch in the small garden near the home that had small bones poking out of it. 'Now where could he be…' is what I would be asking if I couldn't already sense him nearby.
Feeling a small but familiar chill I whipped my head in its direction and saw the young boy on the roof. His arm was extended and pointed to the sky and almost as if drawing a bow. His other hand was pulled back and without warning the hand that was clenched opened and something launched into the sky. Looking up to the sky where he was pointing I saw a bird and at that moment the bird fell from the sky. Instead of it falling straight down the bird's limp body jerked to the side towards the boy, when that happened I saw a thin thread with a familiar shine.
Jumping onto the roof the boy held the bird. "I see so it was ice release."
"You know?" The boy asked. "Mom said that name once. She told me to not use it near the beach."
"It's called a bloodline trait. I assume she taught you?"
"Mhm," Jumping down with bird in hand I followed him. "Excuse me," He said before cutting the dead bird to drain out the blood. He then turned to me. "That won't be enough for everyone so I'm going to keep hunting."
"No, no don't do that. I saw a few vegetables on the way we could make soup. Come let me teach you to forage." Walking into the forest. I spent some time describing the leaves and how to identify them before pulling out a few potatoes, carrots, and radishes. When he looked at the potatoes and made a face making me laugh. "I promise they taste good you just have to wash and cook them."
After foraging we headed back and he showed me how he cut up the bird. Although I knew how I sat there and paid as much attention as he had.
Before returning I thought for a bit about how skilled the kid was at survival. "You're a quick learner I was like that growing up. But why haven't you left yet? It seems like you'll run out of food soon."
"..." Turning to look up at me he said. "Nadeshiko-chan is upset so she won't let me on her back as she used to."
"Ahh… you know it's weird for a summon to stay here for as long as it had. Did your grandfather have any scrolls?" Describing the shape of it the kid remembered seeing something like that.
・・・
Returning to the cabin the food was passed to my two wolves. After dropping the food I left the boy to talk with the wolves and watch how they make the broth. Going to the two brothers I kept my voice low.
"Find anything?"
"No, we're the only ones here," Kankuro said.
"There's also no mammals on the island, as well as birds. The only animals are insects and reptiles." Gaara added.
"I found the same thing. There's also a chance there's a summoning scroll."
"Really? For the fish–?"
"Yukino-san?"
Standing to the side the child waved me over. "I'll see what it is… help with dinner." Leaving both brothers to do their own thing or dinner I followed the kid into a room.
"Here," he said pulling out a long thin box from under the bed. "I remembered Grandpa putting it here a long time ago. Is it Nadeshiko-chan's?"
"Hm…" Fixing my gloves I carefully unrolled the scroll and read through it. Summarizing all the formal speak it read that Nadeshiko's contract would work with the original signer's direct bloodline. Mixed into that there were other rules and compromises as well as a method to make a new contract with other sea creatures. 'That's nice usually to form a contract one has to seek out the way to their realm.'
"Dinner is ready!" I heard one of the wolves call.
"Is it ok for me to share this information with everyone?"
"Mhm." He quickly replied.
"Alright, we'll share this information after dinner." Carefully rolling up the scroll we left the room.
・・・
Once dinner was over I pulled out the scroll. "Well, Nagisa-chan showed me this summoning scroll while you guys were busy. In it, this contract states that the summon will obey the wishes of his direct bloodline."
"That's great! So all you have to do is order it to return!"
"... I can't do it. Grandpa chose to protect my dad and mom."
"Protect?"
"Mm. Grandpa swore to us." He said so happy, getting up he ran to the bed and looked under it. Pulling out a bow he held it up, then he looked under again and pulled out a sword and kunai. Holding up the sword he took a stance. "Papa once said grandpa faced 10 men and didn't get a scratch and then there was this other time when he used his bow to…" Spending a few hours telling stories he had heard his smile faded with each story. But as he started a new one it came back. Eventually, he ran out of stories to tell and quietly put everything away. From the stories, it became clear that his grandfather had been a guard. Having survived such trials only to be killed by nature and age was sad especially since he left a mission unfinished. To protect the child of his ward.
Taking in a deep breath I broke the silence. "Thank you for telling us. Your grandfather was truly amazing." Taking a small pause I asked the question everyone was thinking. "But you know once we solve this we will leave will you stay here or leave with us when the time comes?"
"Ah…" Hesitant he clutched the items tighter. Watching him I could see from my peripheral everyone looking at me as if it was obvious of course we would take him with us.
"Hearing all the stories it's obvious that he wouldn't want you to stay here alone, with how limited the food is here you won't survive like this for long." Seeing the hesitation I gestured to his belongings. "You can take his stuff and you can leave a note of where your parents can go to look for you. You aren't disappearing into the wind." Walking over I took out an empty scroll and picked up a few of the weapons. Sealing them in the scroll I handed it to the kid. "Now you can carry him with you wherever you go. As long as you are well and happy it doesn't matter where you go I'm sure he would have been fine with you leaving this place but that is your choice, to leave that is."
"Mm." Tears pooling in their eyes they clutched the scroll and quietly walked to the bedroom. "Goodnight," he said before closing the door behind himself.
3rd POV
"What should we do now?"
"What else the sun is going to set so Nadeshiko-chan will return." Knowing of another method from the files she read, Yukino quickly got up and left. The moment she stepped foot outside she darted to prevent anyone from getting in the way of her risky attempt.
From inside the cabin, the ones left behind remained stunned as their minds tried to understand why she ran off.
"She wouldn't fight that thing on her own would she?" Just as Kankuro asked that both wolves jumped up and yelled her name catching the attention of the boy who had been crying on his own in his room. Taking a peek he saw the two men dressed as civilians run out.
The two remaining men looked at each other for a moment before getting up and following. Knowing full well that she would be the type of person to wrangle a large sea creature on her own.
Behind them, the boy left his room and ran after the much faster adults.
Meanwhile, as Yukino approached the shore she started creating ice platforms and stepping on them going higher and higher. With each platform that she stepped on she tossed an icicle into the water below.
Once she was far enough into the water she leaped off the platform just as her target jumped out of the water towards her.
From the shore, the boys watched in shock as they saw the giant longnose hawkfish jump out of the water towards her falling body. In a matter of seconds, the two collided, the redhead created water tendrils and wrapped them around the giant beast, getting a good hold of it. The beast in question thrashed and dove into the ocean in response. As giant waves created from their collision headed towards the small island, the Kazekage rose his hands and created a wall around the island to protect them from the incoming waves.
Meanwhile, the woman on top of the fish used her tendrils to make sure she didn't get swept away or end up as the fish's next meal as she wrangled it into the ocean to limit the damage. Not knowing how long she may last she did the signs for the seals for beast soul transformation. Within a few seconds, she took on the traits of the firefish goby. Webbed hands clung to the hawkfish as it swam towards deeper waters and thrashed around trying to get her off.
"Stop moving." She screamed underwater. However, that didn't stop it as it kept thrashing. Expelling her chakra from her body she expanded her reach further restricting the fish's movements and slowing it down enough for her to loosen her hand grip. Relaxing she placed a hand on their body and closed her eyes, forming a connection.
Feeling its thoughts she experienced the ocean and its change over the years, its unease sending jolts across its whole body. °It will be fine… I will return you home since your master can no longer do that.° For a moment it stopped and started its slow rise to the surface as it did she saw glimpses into its memories.
A large and deep ocean, that was vastly different than the shallow waters of the cove she could feel and smell it as if she lived in it. Before she was swallowed by its memories she turned to focus back on the task on hand, returning the hawkfish summon back to its home. With one hand she did the hand seals necessary to return it home. "Release!"
°Maybe one day I'll see that place again…° A deep smooth voice inside her head said before she was enveloped by bubbles. Floating still among them she looked up in the direction that they rose to see the golden light of the setting sun.
Bringing her arms close to her body she used the air around her to create a bubble. Once the bubble was formed she dispelled the beast transformation and she rose to the surface looking as normal as she had when she jumped in. Reaching the surface she saw the island quite a ways away. Climbing onto the surface of the water she kept herself afloat and made the walk back to shore.
・・・
After the waves calmed down everybody turned their eyes to the ocean trying to look in for where the two had gone.
Noticing Yukino first as she reached land Hisao nudged his partner.
"My lady!" Kenji yelled as the two wolves ran toward her.
"You must take it easy!" Kenji said.
"I agree you take too many risks. Quickly, you must dry off or you will get sick."
"Sorry for worrying you." With a downward flick of her hands, as one would after washing their hands, the water on her poured straight onto the sand below. "I won't take any more risks for today but at least that is done now. We will return soon." With a brief look around she made her way to the kid. "Your friend returned home now."
"Really?" He asked.
"Mhm, and you might see her again one day the summoning contract still exists so there's a way. So what about you?" She taped his forehead. "Will you stay here or leave with us?"
Hearing this the child hesitated. He looked to the shore and back to the vegetation of his home. Tears pooled in their eyes as they followed their heart. With a hand to their chest, they clutched the crest. "Please… please take me."
Turning to her two wolves she mouthed: Please. Pack up.
Bending slightly she nodded. "If that is your choice then so be it." Extending a hand she said, "Is there somewhere you want to go to say your goodbyes?"
Giving a small nod he held onto her hand and guided her. As she was led away she glanced at the two brothers quietly asking for a few minutes with her eyes.
・・・
Not too far from the cabin stood a simple stone near a tree with an old tied flag to it. Standing in front of it the child placed down some flowers he picked up along the way. "–So that's what happened Grandpa." The kid smiled recounting his day. From the moment they woke up and did chores to when he encountered the odd group. "Nadeshiko-chan is back home… which means that I am now alone…" Staying silent for a moment he said the thoughts that have been kept quiet about. "Mom and Dad haven't returned since they left after the ocean grew roots." Hearing this Yukino could only assume it's been since the infinite Tsukuyomi happened. "I even grew taller since you left… but they still haven't returned." Shoulders trembling they continued. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I don't want to be alone. I don't want to talk and hear no response. I don't want to leave you… I don't want Mom and Dad to come back to both of us gone… but if they never come back… I don't want to spend the rest of my life here alone. I'm sorry I want to leave… I want to see the places in your stories… I want to try the foods you and Dad talked about… I want to see the white ash that covered Mom's home. I don't want to stay here anymore. I don't want to be alone…" Sniffling and wiping away their tears, Yukino stepped forward and ruffled their hair.
Letting out a small exhale she straightened her back and paid her respects. "It will take a while before Nagisa-chan will be able to freely come and visit but until then he will return to your home. Although it's not the same it has become home for many and I hope it will become his as well. We will protect him until he comes of age to choose his path. Rest peacefully knowing he will be safe. That he would have lived a satisfactory life." Bowing her head she placed a hand on her chest. "I promise this as heir."
・・・
At the cabin, Kenji held up a scroll wide open while Hisao looked around gathering similar items to seal them in batches. As they were doing this Gaara and Kanuro joined them. Hearing them come in the two wolves glanced at them before turning back to their task.
"So…" Kankuro started. "I guess the kid is coming with us."
"You mean us." Kenji corrected him.
"You two?" Gaara asked.
"Yeah! There's no other place that kid would be happier but back home."
Letting out a sigh Hisao felt an incoming argument so he interjected before it could happen. "I know you two mean well but don't take it to heart. It is a responsibility of hers as an Uzumaki." He said holding a basket of trinkets he found and gathered.
"Responsibility?" Kankuro asked as Kenji sealed up the items.
"I see no harm in telling you this… but do you remember that white spiral emblem the child had?" Hisao stopped his search and faced the Kazekage and his brother as he spoke to him.
"I do. We know that Yukino has one too."
"Good. Well…" Thinking for a moment of the simplest to put it he went over the ceremony words. "It is a symbol of adulthood. They can get married, and leave their parents' household. They gain independence but also new responsibilities."
"Huh… really? Here if you want to and you have the resources you can just move out or if your parents kick you out." Kankuro added piqued slightly by this new info.
"Ah… so do you two still live together or live separately as I'm aware you both have your own lives," Kenji asked with a smirk.
"Together, now you were explaining the emblem," Gaara said making sure the conversation didn't veer off.
"Yes, that…" Eyebrows furrowed he explained as simply as he could. "Well, when that symbol of adulthood is carried by a child its meaning changes. For a child to hold onto the moonstone emblem it is a sign to others from the deceased that they wish for the child to be taken care of by the clan. Blood-related or not."
"That's lucky." The words slipped from Gaara's mouth. "What if… a child randomly found one would they have still been taken in?"
The room was quiet for a moment when that was asked. They could all assume why he would ask, fully aware of the details of his past. Hisao, sparing him from the sudden awkward atmosphere, answered his question as he had so far, pretending to not know his story. "Well, responsibility decrees that they do. For it would have been Kami's blessing that landed it in their hands. Even if the child was hated by all in his town or village, the child would deserve a new home among the Uzumaki. At least that is what I've heard them say. I am not too sure if that's the case since I am not a member myself."
"There is no such thing as a cursed people, only foolish people. You wouldn't believe how many of those kinds there are." Kenji continued. "You don't know how many have been killed because of it…" Looking away Kenji quietly handed Hisao the scroll and looked on his own in the next room without saying anything more.
Kankuro shot a questioning look to his partner, Hisao in response shook his head to not ask as he was fully aware of his partner's past. A close friend of his partner's past was labeled and condemned for a gift they were born with.
"If Naruto had one would he have grown up happily?" Gaara murmured that question that caught everyone by surprise.
"Yes." Hisao answered, "If he was found and if whoever found him was skilled enough to have taken him away. But considering that he's a jinchūriki that would've been nearly impossible. It would've been suicide for anyone to try."
"True. Anyways I don't think he had a stone…" Pausing, Kankuro recollected something. "Wait, he did. His shinobi outfit always had it."
"So he does have one," Hisao asked intrigued. "How big was it?"
"Like…" Putting a hand on his arm, Kankuro came up with the size, "this big."
Measuring it with his hand Hisao hummed surprised. "Interesting… it's slightly bigger than the average. His mother must've been part of a noble family albeit a lower rank."
"What makes you think it was his mother?"
"Well, who else would it be? His father was the yellow flash wasn't he?"
"So guys know about that?"
"Of course, we may be recluse but not isolated. Though some of us are more like nomads…" He said covering for his fellow wolves out there who may be found someday. Turning away he pretended to be busy looking again.
"Why roam if you guys have a place?"
"Hm?" He feigned as if he was focused. "Well… no, no never mind."
"Is it something wrong?"
"Oh, no not at all it's just… forgive me if what I say may sound rude but my lady wishes to gather the scattered Uzumaki once more. At least those lucky enough to have survived and been found. This case is an example of that."
"That's true… if we hadn't gone today how long do you think the kid would've lasted?" Kankuro asked, making everyone go silent.
"He was lucky my lady chose to go investigate if it would've been left in your village's hands then who knows what condition he would've been in at the snail's pace you guys move." The Wolf who had retreated returned with some trinkets in hand.
"Kenji be respectful to the Kazekage." Hisao sighed.
"What? It's the truth–"
"Did you guys finish packing?" The lady they spoke of, entered the cabin making everyone jump. Minds blank, excuses were flowing through their minds but none came out.
"My lady, we packed the basics but also wanted young Nagisa-chan to choose. There might be something we might miss if we don't get his input." Hisao quickly spoke up much to everyone's thanks.
"You have a point. Nagisa-chan you heard him go look and see what we missed."
By the time nightfall had arrived they we leaving the island behind riding the waves back to shore. Looking back at his home the child held tightly to the two wolves' clothes hoping that the note left behind would be clue enough for his parents to find him. Looking to the front he faced her marked back standing strong before him. Letting a sigh of relief he closed his eyes.
Yukino's POV
Somewhere in the middle, the kid fell asleep to not bother him we all silently agreed to spend the rest of our trip without another word. When we made it back to the inn I left to buy some clothes while the wolves took the kid upstairs to our room. Gaara and Kankuro dealt with the Daimyo's messenger, who had been waiting there most of the day, and reported to them the basic details: the fish is no longer a problem.
After a while, I returned and passed the new clothes to Nagisa and watched as he ate from the closed balcony. Glancing over at the brothers down below who finished their business with the messenger and back to the kid I shooed away the little thought of them having him. 'Even if he might have a shot at my seat I doubt he'd want to fight me for it…' Letting out a sigh I shook my head at the ridiculous thought. 'Seriously… how could this be in my mind right now.'
Looking over at my wolves I walked to them and motioned for them to leave now. "They're coming back. I'll hand him to you tomorrow so wait for me in the woods."
"Understood. Goodnight Yukino-sama and to you too young Nagisa."
"Later!" Kenji said quietly running off with Hisao.
Quickly leaving I took a seat before Nagisa. "Word of this will spread, of Nadeshiko-chan no longer being in the water so we will most likely be summoned to the daimyo's residence." Looking to see if he understood I sighed wondering if I'll be able to slip away tomorrow. "The daimyo is an important figure here and I and the others must go. You will stay here while we are there don't be afraid if you wake up and we aren't here."
"I won't." He nodded.
"Good. The food will arrive soon so make sure to eat slowly and go to sleep."
・・・
Getting him to fall asleep I smoothed his hair hearing his slow breathing. Opening my eyes I quietly got up and left the room. Picking up a notepad and pencil I sat down and drew.
"Yukino, maybe the sand should take him in," Kankuro quietly spoke.
"I agree we heard from Hisao-san how you are looking for others. Will your town be able to handle an increase in members?" Gaara asked rightfully so. After all, large numbers meant more people to feed, house, and protect.
Thinking about it for a moment I shook my head refusing their offer. "It's not like we find a person every day. From what I know he has been the tenth we found so far in all these years." I downplayed the number considering that there were slightly above five hundred people living on the island from when I slept half of which consisted of children. "We have crops and hunting that have been going well so far. One more won't cause a shortage," I said leaving out fishing since it would make it easier for him to guess. 'Also my garden can make up for any food shortages there's more than enough in there. Quite a variety too.' "Anyways for that boy what job prospects do you think will wait for him in Suna other than that of a shinobi?"
"..."
Remaining quiet I chuckled since they probably hadn't thought that far if anything because of me it was likely that he would've been their beneficiary. If anything that would've caused more harm knowing how protective the citizens were for their Kazekage. 'He would be nitpicked for everything by everyone thinking he wasn't worthy of getting their Kazekage's attention.' "Don't worry about us the best you guys could do is inform your shinobi at the border to keep an eye out for his parents." Finishing my sketch I showed them the portraits of the kid's memories of his parents from a little over two years ago along with little side notes of appearance such as hair and eye color.
"Woah. You're good." Kankuro said taking the drawing. "Is this how they look?"
"Yes, before you guys came back I asked him a few questions about how they looked." I lied.
"I'll pass the word when we return to Sunagakure," Kankuro said with a smile on his face.
With a small smile I looked back to the room where the kid slept and mouthed a thank you.
・・・
Just as predicted, we were summoned to the daimyo's estate once more. Word came in the morning as we were all deciding what to have for breakfast and once everyone left we let out a collective groan since the summon was immediate. In a matter of minutes, we all quickly changed and left.
When we arrived the Daimyo beamed happily. "My sister was right about you lady Yukino. To hear that you faced the beast in our waters after just arriving here. I even heard of your actions from long before in another town where you dealt with a rather dangerous snake." Hearing that brought memories of the time so I smiled.
"Forgive my brother he is just overjoyed," Kotone-hime spoke to prevent further embarrassment to his retainers of how much she had caught his eye. "We also heard of a sighting of the Kazekage dealing with this issue. We thank you. We also wish to apologize for not bringing it to your attention yesterday. As a guest, it would've been rude of us to thrust this upon you after your long journey." She spoke gracefully. "As thanks, my brother wants to invite you all for breakfast."
・・・
Spending all morning there I could tell by how happy the daimyo and his retainers seemed that that budget plan was going to get approved. Slipping away from the room I let out a sigh as I now had to find a way to get out of this palace.
Standing by myself I heard the faint steps of heels on the hard floor. Guessing by the pace I feigned to be distracted. "Is there something you need to take care of?"
Pretending to be surprised I let out a weak laugh, "Haha… Seems I've been caught." Smiling I only knew that her presence here meant that she would help.
"Well, I will not tell anyone. I know how boring these things can be. Come follow me I will inform my people to let you return as well without letting anyone else know and if anyone asks we are just taking a stroll in the gardens."
I wanted to hug the woman before me but held back. "Thank you, princess."
"Do not mention it just hurry."
Quickly slipping out as the guard turned to look the other way I headed back to the hotel. Just as I got there Nagisa sat in the room with his things packed and ready to go. Picking him up I jumped quickly from building to building making a beeline towards the lush trees that surrounded the daimyo's residence but instead of going to the residence itself, I ran deeper into the wilderness. Following the faint traces of fox fur I made it to the meeting spot.
Quickly passing Nagisa to Hisao and Kenji I pulled out a drawing of the boy's parents. "I'm sorry for not being able to say goodbye to you two properly but I will need to get back before they notice I'm gone."
Shaking his head Hisao said, "We understand there is no need to explain yourself my lady. We will pass the word to the other wolves about young Nagisa's parents."
"Yeah, don't worry about us, focus on recovering. From what we heard the trial is very tough but we know you'll beat it with no problem!"
"Thank you for your kind words." As I reached to retrieve a marble Hisao spoke.
"My lady we almost forgot to tell you but the shrine will be sending someone to Sunagakure from time to time to check on you."
"Ok, I'll make sure to tell the Kazekage and his brother. Make sure that anyone visiting carries the shrine's symbol."
"We'll make sure to tell the shrine for you."
Turning to Nagisa I ruffled their hair. "Don't be afraid you'll meet others like yourself soon who will be able to teach you many things. Maybe one day in the future you'll be able to renew the contract your grandfather had with Nadeshiko."
"I'll summon her one day." The young boy beamed.
"Good." Zipping down my shirt I unsealed one of the marbles from my chest. "Here." I held it out toward the two wolves. "Take this to return quickly."
"Thank you my lady/Yukino-sama," They both said.
Hisao taking the marble held Nagisa's hand in one hand. Kenji held his shoulder and stood close as Hisao held the marble with his other hand. Dropping it to the ground his hand didn't move from its position as a stone formed from the tips of his fingers and shot towards the marble shattering it. In an instant a pattern formed on the ground underneath their feet before releasing a colorful light of blues and purples, slightly reminiscent of the northern lights. Within the blink of an eye, they were gone.
Seeing how it worked I didn't waste another moment in the area as I ran back to the daimyo's residence.
3rd POV
Slinking back into the palace she met up with the princess just as a retainer of her brothers called for them both. Sharing a small laugh they both followed continuing a conversation that didn't exist a few moments ago.
By the time they left, it was already past noon. Although they didn't show it they left overjoyed. The budget plan was approved and Yukino got a hefty reward for personally dealing with the issue. They packed up to leave the moment they returned neither sibling asking where the child had gone knowing that he was already well on his way to the mysterious town.
A few days later…
Floating in the middle of the room suspended by floating water droplets Yukino sat with palms facing the ceiling and eyes closed. In the middle of her practice, she felt everything the water touched getting a reading of every nook and cranny of the room. From the pencil that accidentally rolled behind the dresser to the dust bunny under the bed, she saw everything. With a slow exhale she relaxed her body and let herself fall back as the nearby water concentrated to hold her up. When she was focused enough she moved to the next step and relaxed her arms letting them fall with gravity. Using her thoughts to control the water she imagined herself as a doll that had fallen into the river letting herself go with the current. To anyone watching from the side, this would've been an odd sight but it was the easiest gauge of her mental state and strength.
Opening her eyes she stared at the moving sealing as the water gently rocked her as if she was at sea. Droplets floated around her as if they were moons. 'My water manipulation has improved exponentially. More than what I remembered. Now that I think about it jutsu is affected not only by the physical aspect but the spiritual as well.' Remembering when she was trapped in that seal she remembered needing to constantly remember who she was. 'Did that help my spiritual self? Or did my constant mourning of the past tie my spirit down?' The waters around her still keeping the soft rocking kept her mind and heart at ease as her eyes slowly closed as if she was between the realm of dreams and consciousness.
"Emotions." The quiet words left her lips. 'Emotions are connected to our spiritual selves if we are afraid or lose control of our emotions our attacks weaken.' She repeated what she read in a book once. 'That is why shinobi are trained to be emotionless not only to complete their missions without objection but so we could be at our best. Have I always been lacking in that department for my jutsu to have been at that level? That was my weakness?' Chuckling at the idea she knew of the irony of that aspect of emotions. 'Just as emotions were damaging to one's efficiency they also served to strengthen one if they were strong enough. I knew that from experience my fear and sadness have on occasion made my frost range expand even reaching temperatures cold enough to nearly give someone frostbite. In the same way, those emotions protected me, they have also made me a threat. My anger at seeing Ryota hurt led me to create a bloodbath from those that hurt him…' When she remembered a small smile formed on her lips without her realizing it. 'That is of course the only way to prevent more of that misery…'
Closing her eyes once more she let out a sigh and turned on her side. 'Ah, but we don't have to rely too much on teaching emotionless.' To protect the growing life on the island she wasn't the only one who had to become strong she knew that. Those who have chosen the shinobi path had to grow strong as well. 'Finding the right teaching methods brings out the best but if their emotions get in the way it means nothing in the face of fear. Flight, freeze, or fight. All of these can weaken your abilities if used incorrectly except for freezing. I could see no benefit or strength from that reaction aside from the raw instinct of wanting to protect oneself. As for the other two, if your fear pushes you to run away you realize how you can run much faster than you had ever run before. You can even ignore the pain in your legs and lungs. As for the fight response, it was obvious. Most of the time, I have chosen to fight because it has always been to protect another.' Placing a hand on her stomach she smiled, for she had someone she had to protect. "Which in turn means that you protect me by doing so." Wishing to stand up the water moved accordingly before thinning out and returning to the air it was sucked from. Deep in thought, she paced around the room. 'Instead of teaching them to put their emotions aside like Kiri and Suna, we could teach them proper control. But finding a proper method for each individual will take work.' Placing her hands on her temples she started rubbing them. 'Ahhh… this is going to take a lot of work… I'm not equipped for this even if I need help with that… Maybe the psychiatrist may know something. I will need them to work with the Anbu. Those good with interrogation can be used to delve deeper into their spirit.' Struck by the idea she started to mentally note it down.
・・・
Unbeknownst to her an interesting conversation was happening elsewhere.
"Mm? So you want to know more about her clan?" The older man on the other side of the screen said.
"I do. I feel that if I know more about that side of her I may be better prepared for anything that she may do or think."
"Mm…" The old man said thinking for a moment. "Then I must apologize. I do not know anything more."
"What do you mean? You knew of them and even where they were located."
"One of our doctors knew that information which is why we knew where to send her. I would ask him if he had not quit years ago. Even if he found that information in our library I'm afraid that is all we will find." Noticing the slight disappointment in the Kazekage's face he provided him with a reasonable explanation. "As you know our land is far up north we have had no reason to travel all across the continent to the other side of the land of fire. To know their name and symbol is just knowledge one should know considering their past reputation. The ones who would know most would be their allies. From what I know Konoha was one but I have no information regarding their other allies. The batteries will soon drain, so I will leave first. I wish you good luck on your search." Turning off the monitor Mifune glanced at the open book beside him. Towards the end of this old diary, written in his former master's writing was a message with that spiral drawn on it. Urging that if someone ever crossed through their land wearing white while holding a stone with that same symbol they should be allowed safe passage. In addition to that a vow of secrecy. That no one else but the general of the Land of Iron should know of this ritual.
They don't seek to cause harm since they are on the run for their lives. But if they threaten to cause harm to the people of our land we are allowed to capture them and tie their arms to a boulder. The wild animals they run from will punish them accordingly.
Letting out a sigh he couldn't believe he was doing this. As long as no one else knew he chose to keep this secret as a last favor to his student.
"Mifune-dono, it is their own fault that the answers they seek no longer exist." His right-hand man said, handing him his schedule for the day.
"I am aware." Letting out a sigh he shook his head. "Speaking of her, maybe it's time we should be open to accepting women to take up a sword."
"I will see the best way to get our men used to the idea."
Grabbing his sword they left the room heading to the blabbermouths who spilled word of what had transpired at the meeting. The meeting that was to be held unofficially between a few kage that ended up involving them all. 'With your feats, if you get caught there will be no one else but yourself to blame.'
A/N: Sorry for the late update college had me flooded with assignments. Just to remind you all I won't leave this story unfinished unless something serious happens to me. Even if I break my arm I will still try to finish it. My last resort would be to tell my family about it and have them write an update on this lol.
Also, have some stuff planned for the future of this series still thinking of the way the chapters will be set up whether it will be chronologically like this or what so yeah give it a few more years for that lol. The next chapter should be spicy so look forward to that.