Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom – ep. 24
"Connect"

It's another morning in the Leaf. And it's time for an important departure.

The day has finally come, after weeks of preparation and planning. Anko is heading out of the village on her long-term mission with Itachi. Instead of a standard transformation, she's gone with a more practical disguise. Her hair is now straight and copper-coloured, and she wears ripped jeans with a leather motorbike jacket. Which is fitting enough, seeing as she's taking an off-road racing bike out of town to help with her cover.

"Planning on scoping out the area before I meet up with our guy," she says before putting on her sunglasses. "Might be something, or somewhere, that we can make use of before we really get into the thick of things."

"That will work well enough. Be sure not to rush anything."

"Promise. Well..." She starts the bike, the motor roaring to life and turning heads along the street briefly. "This is goodbye for now."

"Try and stay out of trouble, Anko-nee. I'll be waiting here for you."

"No promises. But I'll do my best for you, Lili. Count on it."

I nod and hand over her backpack, which she shrugs on. My eyes close as she kisses me gently on the cheek.

"We'll make it. Just like we have before..."

I open my eyes to see her kick the stand back into place, then send the motorbike forward. A squeal sounds from the tires as she accelerates quickly in the next moment, flying down the street towards the village entrance.

"I'll do my part too, Anko-nee. You won't be alone in this."

I start along the rooftops towards the Intelligence Department. Time to set more things in motion.

"Here we are..."

Crossing the lobby, I head towards the nearest elevator and take it downwards to the lowest level. The dimly lit hallway leads me directly to a single door, and I take out my key ring to find the right one by feel. As soon as I find it, I put it in the lock, then press my hand against a normal looking section of the nearby wall. It responds to my chakra and a click sounds out. I turn the key and open the door, letting it swing closed behind me. The light in this corridor is bright enough to read by, and I walk through a set of sliding doors towards a desk with a notebook on it. I stop and sign the notebook, then wait patiently.

"Ma'am." A woman in a black pantsuit appears from the door directly ahead, which is so smoothly blended into the rest of the wall you have to pay attention to see it.

I take two scrolls from my pocket, both black with red rings on the edges. She takes them from me silently, inspects them, then signs upside down next to my name without a pause.

"Thank you," I say with a bow.

"Ma'am. My pleasure, ma'am." She bows in return, slightly lower than I did to show respect. I flip to the back page, lick my finger, and flow chakra into it before pressing the tip into the space of a small red box. My fingerprint appears before slowly fading to nothing. I close the book and head back the way I came.

Leaving Intelligence, I head over to the Aviary and hand off two more scrolls with instructions. Two hawks head northward a few minutes later, towards the first set of locations for our dead drops. These will be for regular above ground communication, using the code that Tomo created. With all of the special instructions handed out already, it means that information will get to those who it is meant for and nobody else. An opening line of cipher text that we will attach to the top of every relevant message will direct each scroll towards people who know what it means. From there, it will head straight to the Hokage's office, where one of Tamaki, Imari, or Hiruzen will read and decode the messages themselves. Then they will make decisions based on the information as needed. In the meantime, Anko and I will be using our established alternate line of communication, which is to pass messages along using our serpent comrades.

"We should be safe with that much," I say to myself. Leaving the Aviary, I walk around until I find a store that sells construction and metalworking tools. There might be things that I need...no, wait.

I have a much better idea.

Some time ago, Tsunade and I worked with Fio to figure out how exactly those metal rings around her wrists worked. We suspected there was some kind of sealing technique involved. After some preparation, we removed one of the rings and inspected it. Our suspicions were confirmed: this was in fact a crudely made seal, with the markings on the insides of the rings and out of sight.

Orochimaru's inscriptions could be charitably described as untidy. According to Tsunade, this was a trait that he always had; whether it could be ascribed to indifference or some kind of neurosis isn't something we will ever know. Outside of reviving him, which we won't...speaking of that, I should ask Itachi about his efforts on dealing with the cursed seal. The main takeaway from this was that there was something we could do to help Fio along. Tsunade did some research and sent Shizune on a few errands, before producing her solution: two thin bracelets with an approximation of the same formula. Hiruzen helped as well, seeing as he was familiar enough with Orochimaru's scribblings from their time as teacher and student. The dense metal rings could be retired, and Fio carries them inside of a scroll these days for emergencies.

It is with this foundation that I set to work.

I've paid out a week's wages to borrow this shop's workbench. The two of us here won't need it for that long, but we definitely want some privacy for what we're about to do.

I carefully mark the sheet of Red Iron with my steady hand, adding to the network of lines that makes up a seal. Nearly the same as the one that is currently on my left arm, and on Luna's left shoulder...there are small modifications that have to be made for those who are not snake summoners, which are noted boldly in the document I refer to every few seconds.

"Is everything going well at the work site?" I ask.

"Yeah! We're right on schedule, maybe a little ahead!" Crim is as enthusiastic as ever, and jumped at the chance to work on this small project. He and Aoko are helping to manage the building of Carnation Quarter and Magnolia House in particular, working with the humans and providing them tips on the ground. Midori told me long ago that one of the reasons she recruited them directly, aside from their abilities, were their skills in construction and craftsmanship. Crim in particular loves to build things and work with tools. Aoko has gotten into the newer computerized machining tools, and also has a great deal of experience in welding.

I made sure to tell him ahead of time so that he could find his stash of "human clothes", which I bought him a few years ago. They're all variations on a red shirt and pants, which to most people wouldn't seem like much. But he finds them important, which is what matters most.

"Good. I'm excited to see what everything looks like when it's ready. And to move into my new home, of course. Hmhm~."

"Nee-san said she's going to take care of that personally. From corner to corner, she said."

"Ooh. I like the sound of that."

"Me too! She's really cool!"

"I'm almost done here...just a few more lines, and then to triple check my work. Ah, they do have computers to do this sort of thing, but it doesn't feel right in this instance. After this one is done, we'll make about four more. Then we're going to do the welding for Fio's bracelet."

"Got it!"

I finish my markings, then check three times as I said I would, going over each line and curve to make sure they're in the proper positions and at the proper angles. For those who aren't on the summoning register, certain things won't work. And so they need to be properly cut out and then rerouted on the network, otherwise the seal won't work for any purpose. This special copy does a few things. First, it does the simple task of connecting me with the person who has the seal on a part of their body, in contact with their skin. This seal is of a lower order than the one given to myself and Luna, and thus doesn't contain the functions that we have access to: summoning, registry connections, transformation, and other such things. Higher order seals can speak with each other and connect to lower order seals through one another, in addition to connecting with lower order seals directly if desired. Lower order seals can only initiate a connection with the higher order seal that they originate from and are bound to. It means that Fio can contact me directly, but cannot contact Midori. Midori on the other hand can connect to a conversation with myself and Fio, or connect herself to Fio directly if she wants to. And it's the same for the other bracelets I will make.

Obviously, this takes a great amount of trust from all sides. Midori gives me access to the seal documents with the faith that I will be using them for the greater good. The connections mean that we will only use them as needed, for personal communication, and that we will respect each others' privacy, as we have for so long. At this point in time, it's not a system that we can or should be spreading outside of our circle, as the potential for abuse is too high and could compromise the security of Midori's kingdom. But for a small, close-knit group of loved ones, it's absolutely perfect.

"Here we are. I'll start on the next set, while you take on this one."

"Thanks!"

Crim is much better than me at these things. I could always try it myself, but between Red Iron being especially fickle and the difficulties getting steady, consistent cuts with vibrating weapons, it wouldn't be the best idea. Mama taught me well enough to know my limitations and acknowledge them. One day, I'll improve my skill in this area – there will certainly be things that I will want to do on my own.

We put on our goggles and he sits next to me before starting. I take another strip of metal and find the right spot for my markings before starting anew. The engraving tool, guided by his steady hand, cuts into the material with the aid of chakra. My mind briefly files through the potential of these things in a civilian context before I go back to focusing on my own work.

"Empress has been thinking about establishing more trade routes recently."

"Where to?" I ask.

"Um...I think recently it was the Lions. They're curious about the stuff we built recently. And we have materials for making good catnip."

"That makes sense. What do they specialize in, if anything?"

"I dunno. I don't think Empress is looking for that much in return, if anything at all. Nee-san said so. Oh, they also said they're looking for a good summoner from the Leaf! Do you know anyone, Princess?"

"Hmm. I might," I say as I turn the sheet at a slight angle. "There are a few candidates in mind...speaking of cats, have you talked to the Panthers lately?"

"They've got an embassy now! In the middle of the capital, too. We've got a pretty good relationship with them. Your friend is part of their tribe, right?"

"Yes, though loosely at the moment. There's a chance that they might reach out to Miss Tomoyo at some point, but waiting on something like that wouldn't be wise. In any case, Erika is doing well enough as a member of this village."

"That's good!"

We continue working and then stop for lunch. Aoko cooked a hearty meal for both of us, and we dig in until everything is gone and we're satisfied. A bit of rest, then a small nap, and only after that do we start again.

"Princess! Everything's done!"

"Excellent. Time to check our work...always a chance that I missed something." I press my fingers against the metal and flow chakra into it. The resonance coming from my left arm is steady. "Okay, now you can try. Just flow some chakra into the metal, and we'll see how it reacts."

"Okay!"

I step back and let Crim put his chakra into the metal sheet. The familiar sensation pulses from my left arm.

"Success!" I say.

"Good work, Princess!"

"I should be saying that to you. You've done impeccable work, my love. Now we just have one more step." I walk over to my bag and take out the black metal bracelet. "We're going to fuse these two together, so that Fio can wear it on the go."

I had considered carving a copy of her existing seal, but we can always do that later. There's a problem that I want to avoid, which is having to do all sorts of extensive and invasive testing on Fio to make sure that the new seal is stable. The one that Hiruzen and Tsunade developed is overall better than the original, and I would rather not screw that up at this point. Not until I have an even greater understanding of Fio's condition and how it affects her chakra. The most intelligent option, and the safest, is to fuse the Red Iron to the existing material.

"Okay! I'll let you know when everything's done!" Crim says.

"Thank you, love. I'll be outside."

He starts to gather his protective equipment as I leave, taking a scroll with me for reading.

"Afternoon."

"Good afternoon," I reply to the man passing by.

"Didn't think I'd ever see this place closed on a weekday. The old man doing okay?"

"Yes, he is. We've just borrowed the shop for a little while. Secret business to take care of."

He nods. "Sounds about right. Well, that's good...guy needed to take a few days off, the way he goes at things. Good luck with whatever you've got going on in there, ma'am. Oh, and thanks for your service."

"It's very much my pleasure to serve," I say with a smile. "You take care, now."

We wave to each other before he leaves. I lay the scroll on the ground and crouch to read it, folding my arms across my chest. Nothing exciting, just regional and national news. Rock is trying build another power station in the south of Earth, Sand is seeing modest gains as a result of gold prices rising recently...not much out of Cloud, curiously. Means they'll be preparing for an operation soon. Mist is silent as always. I'll have to gather some more intel before my upcoming tour near the Water Country islands. Their daimyo is paranoid when it comes to shinobi, from what I know.

"Afternoon, ma'am."

"Good afternoon," I reply politely. Every so often someone passes by and greets me. Nothing that I mind too much, because if this were important work I would have locked myself in my hotel room beforehand.

"Hi!"

"Hello. How are you doing?" I say as I look up. It's a young girl this time, with black hair formed into loops.

"Fine, Miss Kobayashi, ma'am. Um, one of my friends told me you were here, and I was hoping that you were still here, and, um...c-can you sign my book for me? Please?"

"An autograph? Certainly," I say with a smile.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you so much! One second...just have to get my book..."

She sets her bag down and nervously rummages through it, before pulling out a small notebook. Very well protected with an extra cover on the outside, and it seems to have a handful of autographs already.

"I got some from other people before, but...you're like, the most famous person I've ever gotten an autograph from. Like, ever."

"I'm very happy that I could make your day. You don't mind if I take my time writing something, do you?"

"Not at all..."

"Lovely. It will be just a moment, then."

Princess! I'm all done over here!

Thank you, love. I'll be over shortly.

I write a short message in the book, something that will hopefully lift the spirits of this girl who thinks so highly of me. My signature comes next, taking up space at the bottom of the page with a flourish. I hand my pen and the notebook over to the girl, who can't help but vibrate with joy at her new gifts.

"Oh my gosh...t-t-thank you so much..."

"You're welcome, darling. Please take care of yourself, and remember your worth no matter what happens in the future."

"I will...yes...um. Bye...?"

"Yes, be well. I'll be finishing up my own business inside. Thank you for stopping by," I say with a smile while patting her shoulder. She blushes brightly and starts to walk off in a daze, mumbling to herself.

I suppose this is the effect that celebrity has on people? I don't quite understand it, even as I enjoy being admired by others. Something about this feels different. Hm. Perhaps Tsunade knows more, since she's idolized by girls and women all over as well. And men, I suppose...for less inspirational reasons.

I unlock the shop entrance and step inside before locking it once more, then walk back to the workbench where Crim is waiting with his welding mask flipped up. He gives me a pair of heavy gloves, and I put them on before inspecting his work. From what I can tell, the weld looks solid, and should be even better after a bit of polish. The red ring sits neatly on top of the black one, and it is perfectly aligned.

"We'll repeat the tests from earlier," I say. "But it looks fabulous. Fio will love it."

"Awesome! I hope she does!"

Focusing, I flow chakra into the still warm bracelet as it rests between my fingers. The connection starts up as it did before. Next, I hand the ring off to Crim. He pushes chakra through it, and my left arm receives the call once more.

"A complete success. We've done it!"

"Yeah!" Crim grins and pumps his arms.

"Once again, thank you for your invaluable help, Crim. I couldn't have done this part without you."

"Thanks, Princess! This was really fun! Oh, but I have a few more to go after this, right?"

"And they will be much simpler, since you will only have to worry about joining the rings to each other. We'll have you do one of those once we're finished with the design work and engraving, then we'll call it a day. I want to take you out to dinner. We're having ramen at my favourite place tonight."

"Wow! Can't wait!"

"Time to finish this array here...let's see, I'll have to trace my steps back to where I was before."

I treat Crim to ramen at Ichiraku's, and he has an appetite that might rival Naruto's. He's very grateful for the meal, and Teuchi is happy to serve as always. He heads back home after we exchange hugs, and I walk back to the hotel. Tomorrow should be the last day of work, since I intend to finish off everything then.

"I'm back."

"Hey, Lili. Welcome back." Fio has her hair loose and is wearing a shirt with one of my pyjama pants. Today was one of her days off, which was what allowed me to take her metal ring with me. "I hopped out of the shower a few minutes ago. Guess you wanted to take a bath together, huh."

"It's more than fine. You kept busy without me, yes?"

"Caught up on some reading, ordered some food, chilled out a while. Nothing much."

"That's alright. Not every day needs to be filled with excitement."

"Don't I know it. So, how was your day?"

"Productive," I say as set my bag down. "Very much so. Remember when I asked for your bracelet?"

"Yeah. You did something to it?"

"I did. And it's best if I show you directly. First, we need to get it on in the usual manner." I meet her in the middle of the room, and take her left wrist in my hand. "When you're ready, my love."

"Yeah." Fio concentrates, and her arm from the fingertips to the elbow starts to change in composition. Wisps of steam start to rise up slowly, before the intensity increases. Soon enough my fingers slip through her wrist. I take the metal bracelet and slip it through the mass of steam.

"Steady?"

"Yep. Like riding a bike. Okay, gonna change it back."

The steam's intensity decreases, and I can now feel weight in my hand. Her arm starts to solidify properly, and her wrist is now properly placed inside of the bracelet. A faint glow comes from the seals on the inside before her lower arm quickly materializes in full, puffs of steam shooting outward before disappearing. Everything is now back to normal.

"Hehe, nice and snug. Ooh. And it's a shiny red. One of my favourite colours," she says with a smile. "So what's this upgrade do, beside make me look even more stylish?"

I take both of her hands in mine, and step a bit closer.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

Then...I hope you can hear me, Fio.

"Huh? Wait...wait."

This was the surprise I had planned for you. I give her a tender smile. It's the same as what Midori and Luna and I have. The ability to communicate without using words. I'm planning on giving these to our closest friends one day, but right now this very connection is for us, and only for us. And I wanted you to be the first person to experience this.

"Lili...I..."

"Try it for yourself," I say gently.

She slowly overcomes the confusion and disbelief, and closes her eyes to concentrate.

Can you hear me...?

Yes, my love. I can hear you clearly.

I'm happy. Then...I only have one more thing to tell you.

Fio leans forward and kisses me. Her eyes sparkle with tears as she pulls away.

I love you, Lili.

I smile back, touching my nose to hers.

I love you, Fio.

I didn't think I would ever be this connected to someone. But now I am. This is beautiful. Just like you're beautiful. I love you so much.

Now no matter how far we might be from each other, we will always be a call away. You're right. It's the most beautiful thing in the world, after you.

"Hopefully I don't annoy you too much during the day," she says quietly. "I'll try not to bother you too often."

"You're so considerate. But not to worry...you won't ever be a bother to me, Fio."

In this moment, I feel like something more than just a new line of communication has opened between us. Something more than that...a familiar sensation, that has faintly been in my consciousness for an age now. I hope it's something that I can understand more as I grow with Fio, and speak to her without using words.

For now, I just want to enjoy this moment. We're alone together, taking in each other's warmth. And there's no other place that I would rather be.

Connected to her, in body and in soul. To my future wife...my one true love.