Scarlet Justice - ep. 62
"Tomorrow's Children"

"Room 306," I say to myself. That's where Ino was the last time. I ascend the stairs at a leisurely pace and make it over to the room. The name on the door has been changed.

"Hm." The desk where the doctors and nurses congregate is nearby. I walk over to it and wait for someone to recognize me.

"Oh, hello! Did you need something from us, miss?"

"Yes. Is there information on a patient named Ino Yamanaka?"

"Are you a friend of hers?" the older woman asks.

"I am."

"Alright, let's see, then. Ino...ah, that's Lord Inoichi's daughter! Oh, she was certainly precious, and so full of life even after what happened to her. Brave, brave girl. She was discharged yesterday. Lady Tsunade saw to her personally and took care of her cast, among other things."

"I'm glad that she's well," I say sincerely.

"I think we all are. Oh, I see you have a cast on yourself. And it's along your whole arm, too."

"A difficult mission against the Hidden Sound," I say to her.

"Yes, yes. I've heard about that." She sighs while shuffling papers around. "Aside from that, there were those five shinobi who we'll never know the names of. Avenging Ino and saving both Sasuke and Sakura like that. It's unfair, you know? They should be recognized for their actions. Covered in glory like everyone else."

"..." I look up at her and nod. "You're right about that. I would say that what's done is done, but...those thoughts aren't wasted. I believe that they know how grateful people like you are. Your feelings and prayers have reached them. I think that's enough. It doesn't sound like it, and it probably won't ever feel like it. But...it's enough."

"Do you really think so?"

"I do. The kinds of people who would put themselves on the line like that, they would understand completely."

"I surely hope so. Is there anything else you needed, miss?"

"No, ma'am. Thank you for your help," I say before bowing. "Thank you for your hard work during this time. Please take care."

"You do the same."

I make my way out. It sounds like Ino is doing well enough, so she can go another day or two without seeing my face. Perhaps I should clear my head some more before doing anything else of importance. As soon as I leave the hospital, I head for the middle of the village and do some window shopping. Quite a few fancy things that I can snap up any time that I want, but that's far from the point. Just stopping from time to time and admiring the fine works on display is amusing enough. I've come to realize just how tactless the rich can be, even as they continually position themselves as the crown jewels of society. It's a bit pathetic. I'm glad that Emi is growing out of such nonsense.

There are things I want to purchase today, simple ones. And it's unwise to keep walking around with this bribe so casually. A stop at the bank, then. I head downtown to make the deposit, at a plain-looking building made of brick and mortar unlike those in the surrounding area. Sensible, with all the valuable and flammable material stocked inside. There are the usual weekday lines, made up mostly of middle-aged men putting away their days' wages and middle-aged women trying to juggle their finances. The last desk is closed, and I check my small watch. It shouldn't be long now.

An elderly woman, about my height, slowly makes her way to her seat and starts to set up for her shift. Her movements are slow, yet methodical. I can see the other tellers roll their eyes at her and offer assistance, which she politely brushes off before continuing with her routine. When she's finished, some people are sent over to her desk and mutter on while in line.

"Miss? The next desk is open."

"It's fine. Go on ahead, I'm waiting for someone," I say to the person behind me. They nod and move ahead. I let others go past me while waiting for the last line to clear, and as soon as it does, I head over to the old woman's desk and sit on the chair in front of her. She's finishing up some writing with her impeccable brushstrokes, and sets down the brush once she's done. A gentle breath to let the ink dry a little faster before the paper is set aside.

"Ah. Princess, you've returned," she says with a smile. Her white hair is tied into a bun that has hair shooting out of it every which way. "Another deposit?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Let's have a look." She takes the cheque from me and puts on her glasses. "Hoh. Lots more zeroes than usual. I haven't ever seen a payout this big..."

"It seems that I'm moving up in the world," I reply as I provide my identification. She looks at it and nods before handing the card back to me. I slip it into the pouch that's strapped to my thigh, and then pull out my bank book next. People have started their move over to cards, and those who still use books tend to have them stamped using machines these days. I prefer having the statements handwritten. It feels more comfortable. The transaction is completed in short order, and I look at my new balance.

"Nice and fat piggy bank, eh?"

"Something like that," I say with a smile. "Obaa-chan, a withdrawal of 10,000 ryo, please."

"Shopping later?"

"Mm...I'm feeling a bit melancholy today. Many things have happened recently. Ice cream, some new underwear, and a few books should help lift my spirits."

"You really are a strange child, eh."

"So it seems."

"Well...here you go."

"Thank you." She hands me the money requested, and I neatly put it away. The bank book again reflects my new balance as she finishes. "Obaa-chan, I'm off again. Please take care."

"Yes, take care. Say hello to your big sisters for me." She was convinced from the moment she saw us together that Luna, Midori, and I were related. We didn't correct her that time, since it was so cute...and she's certainly not wrong by now, is she?

"I'll give them your greetings. Until the next." I wave and slide down from my seat. The bank book goes back into my pouch, and I shake out my hair. "Now, let's see...the big bookstore should be over there."

I see a large advertisement on the windows as I approach. Oh, very interesting...an Icha Icha spin-off book has just been released. I'm still waiting for the third novel to be released, so this should sate my hunger for now. I head inside, scanning the shelves for anything interesting. A few manga catch my eye and I pick them up before making my way towards the featured novel.

"Icha Icha Garden," I mumble as I read the title. Very light on details...hm. I shrug and place it in my basket, then browse the aisles and collect a few more books before leaving. There are a few shops for racy underwear, which look intriguing. I wonder if Luna would like something from here as a present...but then again, Midori is probably doing enough work on that end. I'll pick up my practical items and leave that alone.

A half hour passes and I pick up some athletic wear for future missions - no sense in having it fail on you in the middle of the forest or something like that. Things for home, too. I thank the sales ladies for their help before leaving to get my ice cream, the last stop since it's such a time-sensitive thing. I buy from the local shop that makes everything by hand. It's expensive for most people, but very well worth it. The only shops that make anything comparable are in Frost Country, or cost even more than what I pay here.

This place also doubles as a sit-down establishment. As a result, I see some familiar faces. Erika and the fat-chested sensei are talking over sundaes. I think about approaching them, but decide against it. Erika has some interest in me, but I really don't want to talk to the pedophile across from her today. Or any other day, really.

It's only early afternoon at this point. Maybe Hina's visit is over by now, so I could...

"..."

I should. I will, actually. Though I have quite a few things on hand, so I'll have to put them away properly. I make my way home to drop off my cargo, putting away most of the ice cream and leaving my clothing and books on my bed for later. Luna has left a large pot to warm on the stove, and I peek into it.

"Beef stew."

I want to carry some over. It's a bit difficult with only one useful arm, but I get a good amount into a container, and slide it into a shopping bag to carry properly. Hopefully he's feeling better after Hina's visit. If not, then it won't be too much of a hassle to try again another day. I put a small bucket of ice cream into another bag and carry it along before leaving the apartment again.

As I make my way through the streets and closer to Naruto's apartment, I note the condition of the area around me. Nothing too terrible, but...well, I think that I can make a few changes for the better when it comes to his living space, if he wants it. Maybe a good chunk of that mission pay will go to a worthy cause after all. It's something that I can chew on a bit first.

I reach the front door and knock on it gently.

"On my way, one sec!" There's some rummaging I can hear before the lock clicks and the entrance opens. "Ah, sorry about that."

"It's okay. You sound like you're in good spirits," I say with a smile. "I really missed those eyes of yours."

"Lili? Ah, it's really good to see you! C-come on in," Naruto says while waving me inside. "How's your arm, is it okay?"

"Nothing serious. It should be fine in a few weeks, I just have work on strengthening it once the cast comes off. Oh, I brought stew," I say as I hold up the shopping bags. "And some ice cream, from one of the fancy shops you've never heard of. But I can smell that some home cooking has been going on."

"Oh, yeah. Hinata was here earlier and she cooked...she kinda insisted," he says with a sheepish smile. I notice he's still in his pyjamas, and his hair is pretty wild-looking. "I wasn't feeling so great the past few days, with everything that happened."

"You can talk to me about it," I say gently. "I'll listen to everything you have to say. That's what friends do."

"Yeah...alright. You wanna sit down and eat first? I'm not really hungry right now."

"We can save it for a while later." I set the bags down and take the stew out, opening the lid slightly as I put it on the counter. "It has to cool first before going into the fridge. And the ice cream can go inside the freezer now...okay. Tea or cocoa today?"

"Ah, cocoa is good. Marshmallows, too," Naruto says.

"Coming right up." I boil some water in a small pot and mix the powder in. At the same time, I put another pot on and get ready to brew my tea just the way I like it. It takes a few minutes, but it's also a simple enough thing to do. A little bit of milk, some honey to sweeten...and done.

"You really end up spoiling me, ya know?" he says with a smile. I hand him his mug, with the marshmallows bobbing up and down in the cocoa. We sit down at the table next to each other, sipping our drinks slowly and quietly. The silence is comfortable, considering everything that's happened. I really hope this hasn't caused him too much pain. At the least, he's let Hina inside, and is willing to spend time with me. His happy face as he enjoys his cocoa makes me happy, too.

"I, uh...didn't go to the hospital. Haven't gone yet, I mean. Sasuke...yeah. And I know that Sakura came by the other day, but I felt like...I felt like I didn't wanna see her. It didn't feel right. You know?"

"I think I get it a little."

"Yeah. You...probably know. I'm scared, honestly. The picture I have of those two, in my head, it's gonna fall apart the next time that I see them. We won't be that Team Seven anymore. The kids who did stuff like fight super criminals, or beat up giant snakes in a death forest, or chased after cats and junk. Everything will change forever. I know that it has to happen, though." He pauses to take another sip of his cocoa. "Seeing Hinata's shoulder, and your arm...I have to face reality. Because you guys made so many sacrifices, just to keep that one promise. I can't...no, I won't let it go to waste."

"I know you won't. That was never in my thoughts, Naruto."

He sets down the mug slowly. "Kakashi-sensei was the only person I've been talking to recently. Since he was in the loop, and all that. He came to see me as soon as he heard what happened. I couldn't believe it for a while, even if it was him telling me all of it. Is it really true that you guys...that they're treating it like a mission that doesn't exist? Like you guys didn't actually go out there, and do all the things that you did? Are they really making Sakura and Sasuke out to be heroes? And they're not even getting punishment for everything they did?"

I nod slowly. "All of it is true, Naruto."

"That's bullshit!" he yells, slamming his hand down on the table. "Friends or not...it's not like I want them to die, but something...even if it's just something small, they gotta get some sort of punishment for what they did! That's not fair!" He looks at me. "And you guys...how can you live with that?"

I stare down at the tea in my own mug, watching the ripples spreading out on the surface. "I can't. I really can't live with it. You're right, it is bullshit. It makes my blood boil if I think about it too much. Not because of my arm...it's because of everything that happened to us."

He sighs and nods a few times. "Good. So you feel the same. Ah, dammit. I know the old man would have come up with something fair if he could. It's gotta be that tree...root...whatever jackass messing with things behind the scenes, like Pervy Sage mentioned the other day. And I think that once Sasuke wakes up, with old jerks like that pushing him around, he'll go right back to the dark side. Orochimaru is gone, so you'd think it would be the end of it, but...ugh."

"Hey. Don't get stressed out, okay?" I say to him. "You don't have to put all of those burdens onto yourself."

"But it's hard, though. I...really wanna get to Sasuke, but he's asleep right now and has to recover first. So it's gonna be a super small window," he says as he folds his arms. "He's recovering, so I can't use my fists to knock some sense into him until he's healthy. And then he's such an idiot loner that trying to be friends with him normally is a complete pain in the ass." Naruto makes a face. "He's so damn stubborn, you know? I figured that you kicking his ass might have woke him up, but we won't know for sure until later..."

He's really been thinking about this, hasn't he? Perhaps that little trip with Jiraiya did a lot more than I assumed. That sort of decisiveness, along with his compassion...it's something you like to see out of a future leader.

"You really are remarkable," I say.

"Eh?"

"Even now, you want to save him."

"Well, yeah...but I think the reason for that's changed a bit," he says. "It's not just about him anymore. I don't want to waste the gift you've given me, Lili. You put everything aside to bring him back to the village. I can't ever repay you for something that big, you know? You...gave him and Sakura a second chance. All because I asked. That's..."

"It's because I love you," I say with sincerity. "And love...sometimes it makes people do things they wouldn't otherwise. The sorts of things that would be called foolish in another time and place."

"Ah, that's true. Yeah. Um...s-speaking of that..."

"What is it?"

"Well, you know how Hinata's been coming around from time to time, and we've been talking and stuff? I know that I liked her before, I told you as much, but...she's been coming on strong lately, I think. Lili...w-what do I do? I don't wanna screw things up with her, you know? She's so nice..."

Hmhm. So it begins. I make sure to keep a neutral face as I nod. "It's a simple thing to navigate, my love. Simply get to know her better. Ask her small questions, point out things you enjoy, things of that nature. But the most important thing is to be yourself. That's the part of you that she likes the most. A guy like you," I say as I rustle his hair a bit, "shouldn't go out and do too much. Girls like you when you're natural. Understand?"

"I think I got it, yeah. Just be me. Oh, and she laughs a lot at my jokes. It's weird because nobody else does that..."

Well, she's gained a bit of a mean streak lately. That might be my fault. So she might be laughing at him instead of with him most of the time...ah, it's nothing too troublesome. They can bond over that later once they start dating for real. "Don't worry about it. But if you're interested in bullying her, I know a few techniques."

"Eh...I dunno," he says with a brow raised. "You're way into this bullying thing, ya know."

"It's an art," I say seriously.

"I guess I can take your word for it there." He sighs and leans back in his chair, sipping at his cocoa again. I drink some more of my tea as we go silent again for a while.

"Are you really doing okay?" I ask.

"I'm probably a little depressed, I think. Comes with the territory. Dunno."

"Mm."

"Lili?"

"Yes?"

"Brotherhood doesn't always mean like or love, right?"

"It doesn't, no. Family...unfortunately, it sometimes can hold no weight as a word at all. But when it does, being angry at someone, or wanting them to do better...that wouldn't be enough to break the bonds between you."

"It bites. I don't want things to change. And Sakura...heh, I always liked Sakura. The other kids made fun of her, and I remember she used to hide her forehead. It never looked that bad to me, so I never really understood what they were saying. Maybe, though...there's more to it than that, if I had to be honest with myself. I still think she's nice, it's just...different now. I wish I could keep those two from before, instead of the ones I have to deal with now."

"Reality is harsh sometimes. I'm sorry, Naruto," I say. "I wish..."

"Don't."

"Huh?"

I watch as he grips his mug tightly. "Don't do that. Don't waste any more of your wishes on them, Lili." His voice changes as he says that. It's...almost dark in a way. Forceful and protective.

"Naruto...?"

"Don't waste yourself on them any more. You've done enough. More than enough." He breathes out and turns his head to look at me. There's so much intensity in his eyes. "If either of them do anything to hurt you, to waste the sacrifices you've made...I'll...with my own hands, no matter what anyone else decides...I'll punish them both. I swear it."

"Oh." I've never heard him like this before. I feel a heat spread across my cheeks as he holds my gaze. He's...really gotten manly all of a sudden. It's incredible.

"Even I've got a limit, you know."

"I...understand," I say with a nod. "Thank you for looking out for me. I should be fine, but...thank you for that, Naruto."

He smiles. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? Oh...did you wanna do anything, or just hang out like this? I don't mind either way."

"..." I don't really have anything to do later, so...it should be fine, right? "That sounds alright. Let's stay in together."

"Great! I got some games and stuff, or if you want to play cards, or..."

"Naruto. It's okay...I can tell you about the mission."

"Can you?! Oh man, please please please tell me about everything! How'd you beat up Sasuke?! What crazy move did you make up?"

I giggle a bit behind my hand, and wait for him to calm down. "Okay, take it easy. I didn't fight Sasuke right away, you know. You wanted to hear everything, right?"

"For sure!"

"Let me warm up some more cocoa for you." I take his empty mug to the stove and wait for the cocoa in the pot to warm, stirring it a little with a wooden spoon. "My first opponent was a man with six arms."

"Whoa...was he like a spider, or something?"

"Exactly like that. He shot sticky webs from his mouth that had chakra in them. So it was a bit troublesome dealing with that part. Fortunately, I was able to think quickly on my feet and negate that advantage."

"Sounds like a long range guy," Naruto says as I bring him his mug again. He bites into one of the marshmallows and swallows. "So...how'd you trip him up?"

I sit down next to him and let out a breath. "I started with a quick analysis of his abilities. The ranged attacks had certain properties, and so..."