Scarlet Justice - ep. 142
"Float"

"Mm..."

I wake up, sprawled across my bed. Right, Fio isn't here...she's working. What time is it? I turn my head to look at the clock.

"Only ten...?"

I did have my breakfast very early, and I still feel sleepy. Perhaps I was more tired than I realized. Had to be mental exhaustion more than anything, what with the supposedly fake Madara running around, dealing with Sasuke's penchant for defection, trying not to get murdered by shark men...so much commotion. A great deal of things to take care of.

I reach for the phone on my nightstand and call Hina. It should still be our day to work, so I want to know what I'm getting into.

"Good morning, Hinata Hyuuga speaking."

"Good morning, Hina."

"Oh, Lili! Are you feeling okay? Sensei told us that you were going to have a day in today, due to some unforeseen circumstances."

"That sounds about right," I say as I roll onto my back. "Sasuke got loose yesterday after my meeting. He had a mission and there was some executive meddling, so on and so forth. We ended up having to track him down, and...things got complicated all of a sudden."

"Oh, goodness."

"I'm alright. All of us are...there was a long meeting to discuss next steps, and I ended up coming home very early this morning. Fio cooked me breakfast before I went to bed...she did so well for her first time, Hina. Better than you or I could imagine."

"How lovely. She's been doing so well since she came to the village. I know that you're very proud of her."

"I certainly am." I take a moment to cover my mouth and yawn. "Pardon me, love. Ah, right...the main reason I called. Are we still on for today's session?"

"We've decided to put off today for your sake. Sensei wanted to give you a proper chance to rest, so she wants us down late tomorrow. Around 3 pm or so. Also..."

"Also...?" I repeat.

"Well...there are things afoot, to say the least of it."

"Oh? You sound coy all of a sudden," I say with a smile. "Does it involve all of us, by chance?"

"Mm-hm. We'll discuss it later, together. Hanabi will be there too."

"I can't wait. See you tomorrow, then?"

"Yes. Get some rest, Lili. I know you've earned it. Take care, okay?"

"You too, darling."

I set down the phone and roll out of bed. First, my usual stretches. Washing up in the bathroom, with some splashes of cold water to get my brain moving properly. Next, something to wear. Since this is officially an off day, I throw on an orange blouse and a pair of shorts to wear around the village. I won't be pushing myself too hard, but there are a few things I want to take care of.

"My nails...yesterday was a bit rough on them, wasn't it..."

Since they're not looking too awful, I grab some of the regular nail polish and do a quick painting to make them more presentable. The usual cyan, my favourite for many reasons. Some lip gloss while I wait for my nails to dry.

"Only half past? That's good," I say to myself. Now, who do I want to see today? Naruto, for sure...I could stir the pot a bit by seeking out Danzo, but that might be too much for my allies at this point in time. Best to leave it alone until everyone is at their stations. Jiraiya...well, I have no real desire to speak with him right now. And Sasuke is probably getting an earful from Imari, among others. I think, or at least hope, that he'll fall in line more after that public thrashing Tamaki gave him. Her strength must have gone up an order of magnitude yesterday, so I wonder what exactly she did with her chakra...something much more substantial than a chakra boost, surely. Perhaps Tsunade knows.

"Something for later. Nails are finally dried...hmhm, lovely. Let's head out."

I secure my little pouch, put on a pair of comfy slippers, and lock up before leaving. First stop, Ichiraku Ramen.

"Hey, there. Been a while," Teuchi says to me.

"It has been, sensei. I hope you've been well."

"Sure have been. Something to eat today?"

"A few orders, yes. But I would like to carry them with me this time."

"Ah, alright. Lunch date with one of the girls?"

"The date part is accurate. I'm going to see our free-spending friend and have a long-desired chat."

"Oh, I see. Yeah, he's been okay. Eating like his usual self, making stupid boasts. You know how he is."

I smile at that. "Certainly. But I love him all the same."

"He sure is hard to stay mad at, I'll say that much. He mentions you in every other conversation, same as always. And he's been bringing Sasuke and Sakura around to eat after missions from time to time. I almost didn't believe it, but...those kids are coming together, just a bit."

"I see. That's a positive, no matter how I might feel about the other two."

"Heh. Well, I won't hold you up too much longer. Let me get started on your order. The usual, right?"

"Yes, please. Two bowls each, a light snack as far as our Blondie is concerned."

"Got it. It'll be a few minutes."

"Of course, sensei. I'll wait a while here."

"Hey, good morning!" Ayame stops on her bike next to me. It has two sturdy baskets in the front and back, built to hold ramen bowls side by side securely. Teuchi has told me more than once that she loves heading out to make deliveries. He worries, as good fathers do, since there are unsavoury characters in this world of ours.

"Good morning, darling. How have you been?" I ask.

"Just great. Finished off a few deliveries...business is nice and steady. I've been telling Dad that we might need to expand soon, maybe hire a few extra staff. He'll still do all the cooking, of course...you know how stubborn he is."

"I've got a reputation to uphold, you know that."

She rolls her eyes. "See what I mean?"

"Well, at least he lets you help."

"That's true. A lot of men are still so stubborn that they won't let their wives or daughters work anywhere near them. Though I guess we're not super far out from the rougher days, like in the history books."

"Mm."

"Mom's a bit of a klutz in the kitchen anyways," Ayame says with a smile. "Poor woman almost put herself in a wheelchair the last time she tried to help us out."

"Oh, dear. I suppose she's learned her lesson from that?"

"Definitely. Simple meals at home, whenever Dad is too tired to cook. That stubborn attitude gets dragged home, too."

"I can hear you, you know."

"I know, Dad. You're the best, you know that?"

"Yeah, yeah..."

"Ooh, there's been some juicy stuff going around...interested?"

"Am I ever. You know how I love gossip," I say eagerly.

I get the latest scoops before Teuchi finishes his cooking. With that, I bid my friendly restaurateurs farewell for now, and head for my next destination.

It's not a terribly far walk to that apartment, in that less than sparkling part of the village. Naruto could do a lot worse, surely...though I wonder if he just doesn't want to impose, or is too used to the lifestyle to think about moving. It's something we can explore once my gift for him is completed. For now, I'll settle with seeing his face for the first time in a while.

I reach the front door and knock twice. The door bolt slides out of place, and the door opens.

"Oh, Lili. I thought you'd be busier today..."

"All of the excitement took place yesterday, it seems. Hungry?"

"Always," he says with a smile. I walk in and take off my slippers, then set my bag with the ramen on the kitchen table. The air in here feels refreshing compared to the outside, on account of the plants Naruto has set up around the apartment. Nobody, including myself, figured him for a green thumb, but here we are. It's a nice atmosphere.

"Is everything okay with you, love?" I ask as I take the bowls out.

"Fine enough, I think. I think I'm getting the hang of this fox chakra thing, you know? Feels a lot better than before, and I'm making more progress with Pervy Sage."

"That's good." I let out a breath and turn towards him. "There might be quite a bit to say...or nothing much at all. I'm not quite sure yet. I just know that I wanted to see you."

"Ah...okay. I get that, I was thinking of you too, Lili." He rubs the back of his head. "Ever since that fight we had in the stadium...I'm just wondering if that didn't hit you too hard. I lost control and everything, and you tried to stop me, but I was...well, I just put you in a real bad spot. And I'm really sorry about that. With everything you've been through, to pile on something else like that was selfish of me. I'm sorry, Lili. You're my friend and I love you a whole lot, but still...I made a mess of things."

"Things slip out of our control sometimes," I say. "You didn't mean anything by it...even if you did, I forgive you for that. You're taking on a terrible burden, more than most people could stand without falling to pieces."

"Really..."

"Really," I say with a nod. "It's alright. You apologizing like this is more than enough. I don't need anything else...well, that's a lie on my part. There is something I need from you."

"What is it?"

"I want to see that smile of yours."

"Oh, is that all?" He grants my request, right on cue. "Any time, Lili. You make me happy just by being here, you know?"

"I hope I'm not the only one," I say with my own smile.

"'Course not. You'd kill me if I left Hinata out."

"You'd be very sore, at the least."

"Heh."

"Come here a moment. It's been too long," I say as I open my arms. He runs up and holds me tightly, and I do the same to him. This is such a warm, wonderful feeling. Completely unique, and incredibly soothing. I love this boy so much. I always will, no matter what happens.

"So...you got our usual?" he asks into my shoulder.

"Mm-hm. Let's have ourselves a bite, before the noodles get too cold and soggy."

We separate and head to the table, with him sitting down and pulling open one of the lids.

"Any milk for me?" I ask while heading to the refrigerator.

"Yeah. The regular kind this time...oh, and don't worry. It's fresh."

"Good. The last time was...rather unpleasant, to say the least of it."

"Yeah...my bad, seriously. I never thought you could look that sick, Lili..."

"Believe me, I didn't either..." I shudder at the memory and reach for the carton of milk. A cursory sniff tells me that it is indeed drinkable, and I pour myself a glass. It tastes just fine, so I gulp down the first glass and pour myself another before heading to my seat. I open up my own container, break apart my chopsticks, and start on the noodles.

Delicious as always. Even on the go, Teuchi's work loses none of its splendour.

Naruto slurps up some noodles before clearing his throat. "So...I dunno if Hinata told you already, but I'm gonna be going on a training trip in a while. Pretty long one...might end up on the other side of the continent, or something like that. That's what Pervy Sage said, anyways. Probably because of the stupid fox, since some guys are after me for it, or whatever."

"Akatsuki," I say.

"Yeah, them. I said that I didn't care if they took the salty bastard since he pisses me off, but..."

"You'd die. I assume you've been told that much."

"Yeah. That's what the old man said." He sighs. "Guess I'm stuck with him for now, since I'm not planning on buying the farm just yet. Still planning to be Hokage and all."

"Anything about a training regimen?" I ask.

"Nah, nothing. Gonna be on the fly, same as always. He said I don't take too well to normal kinds of instruction, and I guess he's not wrong. I just sort of lock up sometimes when having to deal with things like they were at the Academy, you know?"

"Yes. Well, all you have to do is remain focused. I'm sure you'll learn plenty from the journey alone," I assure him.

"That sounds good."

I have no love for Jiraiya at this point, but I can acknowledge the results he's shown with Naruto. Now that he's emotionally stable again, things should go a lot better. "There is something else I need of you, my love."

"Yeah, anything. What is it?" he asks eagerly.

"Do you mind talking to Sasuke this week? He's seemed...out of sorts," I say carefully. "Some unsightly business might be coming up soon...we're keeping an eye on things at the office."

"Yeah. Even for him, he's looked pretty tense and miserable lately. I'll have another talk with him, sure. Anything about?"

"Nothing specific, but...just remind him that he's not entirely alone in all of this. That these things affect everyone around him, and that sometimes the best medicine is terribly bitter."

"Okay, got it. And I'll see if Sakura can help, she's real good with words and junk. Better than I am, heh."

"A fair idea. Thank you, Naruto. I really appreciate it."

He finishes draining his bowl and nods. "Yup. I know you guys aren't exactly friendly...and I really can't blame you for any of that. Not that I ever would, saving their lives and all."

"That makes sense, yes."

"So you said yesterday was busy. Is that why you're off today?" he asks while opening the second container. "Actually, there was something going on around our parts, too. Sasuke and Sakura came back from their mission earlier than usual, apparently. He wasn't saying much and she..." He gulps. "I've never seen Sakura like that before. Like she was back to her old self, except it was all quiet and scary, so it felt like she could blow up at any time on us. Do you know what happened, Lili?"

"There were a few things...but I can't talk about them," I say before swallowing some of my noodles. "You know the routine by now."

He pouts at that. "Same as ever...yeah, I get it. I guess. You know, I'm still a bit jealous. Wish I was a jounin or whatever so that I could get all these scoops, too."

"One day, love."

"Pervy Sage says I'll be using a cane before I get to jounin rank. Bah. Always winding me up..." He taps his chopsticks on the edge of his bowl. "Oh yeah...I almost forgot. We're gonna be meeting up with Fio's team later. Joint exercise and maybe some sparring and junk. Kakashi-sensei says they're unique individuals, which I guess is code for weirdos. Can't wait."

"Unique individuals is an accurate term, yes. They're lovely people, quirks aside."

"Neat. I already like Fio, so it sounds like I'll be cool with the rest of them."

We spend the rest of our time eating quietly. Mostly. Naruto, as the resident ramen lover, ends up breaking the silence with his slurping from time to time. I figure that will get better as he ages. It is kind of cute, though.

Though, I wonder...with Jiraiya trying to instill his philosophies within Naruto, and my reluctance to repeat the mistakes of the past...will we end up being at odds one day? Will our views of the world make us enemies, possibly? He's always been a kind-hearted person. I don't know if the way I want to change the world would match up with his vision. And unfortunately, it's not a conversation we can have right now, for many reasons.

"..."

But I did tell him long ago that not even he would stop me once I put my mind to something. It would result in some temporary pain, but getting what I want would be worth it. Perhaps the shinobi world would change given time, but I don't want to wait that long. I don't think we have much time to truly make a change and establish something beyond the status quo. Windows of opportunity...ever shifting.

"Everything alright, Lili?"

"Yes. Just doing some thinking, as usual," I reply.

"Yeah. Your brain's always on the go, isn't it? I always thought that was pretty cool. Definitely not something I could do, but still cool."

"Everyone is different in that way...whenever it gets stressful, I make sure to take time for myself. Much like Shikamaru does."

"I see...hm."

"I'm going to head out for now, since I've finished eating. Some other things to sort out, paperwork mostly. I'll take the containers with me so that they can get recycled properly."

"Thanks," Naruto says. I take the four bowls and their lids, wash them off in the sink, and then put them back into the bag.

"Not a problem at all. Things might be a bit hectic as the days change, but I should see you once more before you leave for your trip. Take care, alright?"

"Yup! I'll make sure you know exactly when I'm heading out. Hinata will be there, too!"

"Yes. Remember to try and talk to Sasuke for me."

"Got it. Oh yeah, something I forgot to say..."

"What is it?" I ask.

"Seeing how strong you are...it's pretty scary, you know. Pervy Sage was telling me about it before, but everything you did went way beyond that. And I can just barely remember what happened after the fox took over me. Your eyes changed and everything. Then you pretty much flattened me. But...even with all that, you were holding back. Right?"

"Yes, I was."

"Yeesh." He rubs at his neck nervously. "No wonder Sasuke came back the way he did. And you broke your whole arm holding back for his sake. I talk a big game about catching up, but I don't think I'd be too upset if I didn't. You're one of a kind, Lili."

"Thank you, darling. I always appreciate hearing your praise."

"Hey, nothing to it. Even I've gotta be humble from time to time," he says with a smile.

"We'll fight again one day soon. Properly, of course," I say as I gently rub his head. "If you have the nerve."

"Hah! When I get back from that trip, I'll definitely have some awesome jutsu cooked up. Then we can go at it one more time, for sure!"

"Alright. If you remember by then, be sure to come and find me." I head to the door and step into my slippers. "See you later."

"See you later, Lili. Thanks for coming by."

"As always, it's my pleasure." I kiss him on the cheek and give him a smile before leaving.

Into the day once more...

"Ah." I find a recycling bin and set the bag down in it, then look into the sky with its thin clouds.

The sky is vast, isn't it.

"A world of possibilities...a place where everyone can take a moment to look at this same field of blue, without worry. A future for now, instead of later. Perhaps good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who make them happen."

Just a few more adjustments, and the ideal world will be within reach. I can feel it in my soul.

"Yes. Those old chains will soon be broken."

I'll reward myself with some ice cream after finishing my paperwork. It should be extra delicious today.