Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom – ep. 41
"Smash Hit!"

"Hopefully things go alright. I don't want to cause any trouble for the guy."

Fio puts her hands behind her head as we walk. I took it upon myself to carry a small bag with refreshments in them today, as I've no doubt that the spectators for this event will become parched in this heat.

"That child will get whatever he asks for. It's nothing that you need to be terribly concerned with...he has enough resilience, from what we both know," I say to her.

"I guess you're right."

"That, and you'll have at least three jounin spectating. We can take care of things if we sense they're getting out of hand. The only thing you have to worry about is the field itself, Fio."

"Yeah. Thanks, Lili. I really appreciate you coming out and all, since I know you've been up and down lately."

"A good wife supports her darling when she can, especially if it's only a few hours out of her day. Besides, it should be a good source of amusement on its own. Nothing to worry about."

"Yep. Looking forward to what happens."

Training Field Seven, where Team Guy regularly has their exercises. A circular area within the nearby grove, worn down by constant movement and clear of any plant life. On the far side there is a training post with many branches sticking in all directions. It is meant to be adjustable and simulates the positions that a human being might take in battle. Judging from the way that it's been battered, I can see who favours it the most out of the group.

"Hey, guys."

Fio waves with one hand. "Happy morning, Tenten."

"A pleasant morning to you," I say to her. "Are we well today?"

"Very. Felt like I couldn't miss this. Neji's on his way back, he was just saying he wanted to check on something while he could."

"Good morning, everyone."

"Heya, Karin. Glad you could make it out," Fio says to her.

"Well, it would be a bit irresponsible to not have at least one medic on hand, even if it's just a spar."

"And your interest in seeing how your leader has grown is secondary, yes?" I ask her.

"That's right." She adjusts her glasses with one hand. "That said...gathering new data is significant as well."

"Always the nerdy one, eh."

"Oh, shut up." Karin glares over at Suigetsu as he wanders in, sipping from his large bottle of water as usual. He hasn't changed a bit, even down to the outfit choices. Same purple sleeveless shirt, same blue pants, brown sandals that go up past his ankles, and a grand total of three belts on his person, one of which holds his plentiful water supply.

"Morning, Snake Lady. Put on a few pounds since we last talked."

I roll my eyes at him. "Thankfully you're in good health, Suigetsu."

"Heh. Still not able to wind you up that easily, then. That's safer for guys like me, honestly. I have my hands full with Karin as it is."

"Entirely your fault, of course," Fio says.

"You're lucky we don't just boot you onto some team of randoms," Karin warns him. "Show some respect for once, you jerk."

"Yeah, yeah...whatever you guys say, as always. Oh right," he says while turning to me, "thanks for doing that weird succubus thing with Jugo or whatever the other day. He's been a lot more chilled out, and I honestly don't mind seeing the big guy happy these days. Karin really likes it, at least. Got a soft spot for him."

"Will you stop spreading stupid rumours in public?" she growls. "Why wouldn't I look after my teammate? I check on your health, too."

"Whatever you say, Mom."

She smacks him in the head and water splashes outwards. His liquefied head reforms without hassle, and he casually takes another sip of his water afterwards.

"Karin, it's hot out. Don't smack him around too much, even if he's earned it," Fio says.

"S-sorry."

"It's alright, I know how he gets. Oi, Suigaki."

"Come on, Chief."

"I know you don't like that name, which is why I'm using it. Lay off Karin for once, or I'll seriously let you dry out."

"Yeah, yeah...I'll stop."

"Good."

"Succubus, hm. That sounds like a spicy costume idea," I say. "A compliment in its own way."

Karin sighs and shakes her head. "You take just about anything in stride, don't you..."

"It does a body no good to take everything as a slight. Besides, I do love having my ego stroked, even if the methods are unconventional."

"I see that most of us have arrived by now. Good morning, senpai."

"Good morning, Neji. Are we well today?" I ask as he approaches.

"Yes, well enough. I'm sure there will be plenty of interesting observations to make today."

"Never a dull moment with Lee around," Tenten says.

"Lee and Guy-sensei should be here in the next moment or two. Was there anything we needed to take care of before they arrive?" Neji asks us.

"Nothing that I can think of," Fio replies. "We'll have ourselves a light back and forth, and that should be enough for everyone."

Tenten makes a small expression, indicating that she doesn't think it will be that simple. Given that child's utter lack of tact, I'm inclined to agree with her. We will have to see.

"A grand Leaf morning to everyone! Our gallery is all assembled!"

Guy's energetic voice rings out before he and Lee land next to us. We get a thumbs up from them both, complemented with pearly white smiles.

"All ready to go!" Lee yells. "It is time for me to test my strength against another elite of the Hidden Leaf!"

"We won't be going at it too hard today. But it's good to see you so pumped for this," Fio says with a smile. "Let's get to it, then."

"I have refreshments for everyone as we observe," I say as I hand out the tall cans to everyone. "Hand them back when they're empty so that I can dispose of them properly."

"Fancy juice today," Suigetsu says. "Nice." He unscrews the top of his water bottle and pours the can's contents into it. I hold onto two for Fio and myself, then toss the last two over to Guy who sets them in the dirt a ways off.

Fio and Lee take their positions a few paces from each other, then bow respectfully at the same time. Guy makes sure they're ready while the rest of us settle in.

"Alright! Get set, you two!" Guy says.

"Got it. All ready over here," Fio says while rubbing her hands together. She raises her hands so they're just below her chin, set very loosely into fists.

"I am ready!" Lee yells, taking his usual stance. Knees bent, one hand in front of him with the palm upwards, and the other behind his back.

"Okay. Begin!"

Lee surges forward as expected, rotating his hips to deliver a solid kick with his right foot. Fio slides left into the blow and blocks it with her left arm easily. Lee hits the ground and quickly starts with a kick from the left, to which Fio responds by blocking with her left arm once more. A quick series on tests on his part. He drives ahead with more kicks, increasing the speed of each step and making Fio start to block with her right arm as well. Dust whips past her head with each strike, and she patiently leans into every kick before it reaches her.

"Real sturdy stance," Tenten says.

"There is more to come!" Lee yells before accelerating. Fio loosens her stance a bit more and starts to move her body in anticipation. Lee crosses from behind and performs a sweeping kick, which Fio notices and jumps over casually while turning. He bounds into the air soon after and she lands while quickly leaning her body back to dodge the next kick, and as he twists to deliver another one, she raises an arm to block it squarely.

"On the defensive, eh. This Lee guy is real quick on his feet," Suigetsu says.

"Those impacts are all so square. Bleeding the energy right out of them," Karin mumbles. "So that's how she controls everything, then...no wonder she's so confident with Jugo..."

Fio breathes out as Lee backs off briefly. Her lips move a bit as she watches him approach again.

"Little bit light..."

It's not much of a complaint, seeing as she remains focused on the match itself. Lee surges ahead again, this time with more chakra in his limbs. He moves the arm from behind his back and throws a punch that Fio quickly parries. It's followed by a spinning kick that she blocks cleanly, and Lee quickly rebounds from it to deliver another that is also blocked completely. She gets more active, shifting in time with his attacks to shorten his leverage. What would look like a one sided battle to the normal observer is even enough – Lee is keeping up a decent pace, and Fio is moving in perfect time with him.

"Open it up, maybe?" I catch her mumble. "I can try it."

"Here!"

Lee runs forward and starts to spin as he reaches Fio.

"Leaf Great Whirlwind!"

"Start to predict..."

Lee spins into a low kick, and Fio quickly jumps before stomping her feet. The next spinning kick is quickly delivered to the midsection, and it is blocked cleanly. Lee goes back around to deliver one more kick towards the head, which is ducked under neatly. He drops back before starting another charge, and there's a subtle tightening in Fio's right arm. She measures distance with her left hand as Lee closes.

"Boil Release."

She pushes off and pulls her fist back.

"Valkyrie Cannon."

Before Lee can react, a heavy straight hits him in the chest. He flies backwards, tumbling through the dirt as steam rushes outward from the point of impact and streams away slowly in the breeze. Fio calmly holds her fist up for a few moments before relaxing and putting her hand back at her side.

"Nice and steady, then. Alright."

Lee hops back to his feet and dusts himself off. He pauses in thought before standing up straight.

"Captain Asagao! I have a request to make of you!"

"A...request?" Fio repeats slowly.

"Oh, no." Tenten shakes her head. "Lee, sweetie...don't do this."

"He couldn't leave well enough alone, could he." Neji sighs. "In over his head."

Suigetsu looks around, confused. "Oi, what's bowl boy want now? Things getting too tough out there for him?"

"The opposite. I think he's going to ask for more heat," Karin says.

"..."

"Yes. I would like for you to reveal your true ability in this match," Lee continues. "We both know that this level of sparring isn't enough to satisfy either of us. Holding back too much is unhealthy, even if we only mean to attack each other lightly. That last blow was lighter that I assumed it would be."

Fio isn't the type to be tilted much. She is a calm, contented kind of person. A lover of peace and harmony, though not so lackadaisical to let injustice take place before her eyes. She can be firm and kind at the same time, and that is a big reason why she's so well liked throughout the village.

More than that, she likes to do things in order, at her own pace whenever possible. She can be comfortable in routines we do together because we match each other's timing and look out for each other as much as we can. Otherwise, I leave her to do things on her own, at her own speed. Distorting that speed is something that irritates her, subtly. And I can see the slight change in her body language and expression as she listens to Lee. Her face is calm enough, but her eyes have started to sharpen. Now it's not just about staying loose and gathering information.

This is going to be an actual fight. Something she wasn't planning on doing.

"True ability, then. Alright. I'll give you what you want," Fio says.

"Ah, excellent!"

"Yeah. You can use a few of the Inner Gates too. I'd say you want to use at least two to stay in the game."

"I see. Thank you for the advice!"

"No sweat. And you should go ahead and take off those weights before we get started again."

"Of course! Guy-sensei, would you mind holding onto them for me?" Lee asks.

"Alright. But you two be careful, and try not to take things too far, okay? Since this is supposed to be a simple match, I don't want you to escalate past the Third Gate, Lee."

"Understood!"

"While you're getting ready, I'll bring out my gear," Fio says. "You said you wanted me at my best, so I'll grant your wish right now."

"Gear?" Tenten asks.

"Some sort of weapon, I suppose," Neji replies.

"Nah. Way more than that. She's a monster with those things on," Suigetsu says to them.

"What things do you mean?" Tenten asks him.

"Eh, just have a look."

We return our attention to Fio, who takes a solid stance and crosses her wrists above her head. Red steam starts to flow from her bracelets.

"In order to become complete...I will reach towards the power of the cosmos. I am she of unrivalled strength, goddess of battle, the one who splits the heavens in two with her blessed fists. Now...pierce the boundary before us. Rise, Rettenjo!"

She brings her arms down towards her sides violently, and in a thick veil of steam, her beloved weapons appear around her hands. Those gauntlets made of gleaming red metal, crafted years ago now and maintained with the greatest care ever since. There's not a day that passes without Fio fussing over them, not because they're fragile or finicky, but because she considers them an extension of her body. That said, Rettenjo doesn't often come out inside of the village...and for good reason.

"Well, I'm all geared up now," Fio says, steam flowing from her mouth. Regular puffs come out from Rettenjo as they sit snugly around her hands. "So you better make this worth my while. I don't think I need to tell you what will happen if you don't go with what's on the top shelf, yeah?"

"Understood! I am ready to show you what I have," Lee replies, bouncing on his feet.

"Goodie. Since you had the opportunity to go first last time, I think I'll take the honours here. Something nice and simple, that okay?"

Fio leans forward at a slight angle. A whistling of steam sounds out well after she takes off, leading with a jumping punch towards Lee. He's elected to try and block this one.

I couldn't think of a bigger mistake to make at this moment.

He's rewarded for his bravery with a trip into the earth, making it buckle and crack around his body as he's immediately driven downwards. To his credit, he quickly recovers and retreats, shaking out his trembling arms.

"That kind of strength..."

"Was that too exciting for you? Hope not. I figure I gotta throw a couple of big punches before we're through...but I can't do that if you're gonna shake yourself to bits after a little shove."

"Yeah...the boss lady gets a little eager whenever the green light goes on," Suigetsu says casually. "It's not really a personality change, either. That's all her."

"She's obviously a bit vexed. Of course, it doesn't mean she won't wring some amusement from the situation," Karin says.

"Guessing that's nerd speak for having fun."

"It's normal people talk. Try reading some books once in a while."

"Hey, I-"

"Ones that aren't about swords."

"...just cos I didn't swallow a dictionary or whatever," he mutters under his breath.

"Lee...he's really in for it now, isn't he?" Tenten asks nervously.

Neji folds his arms. "It seems so. If he had followed instructions earlier...well, I don't know what good that would have done, honestly. He's said a little too much already."

"Yeah."

"One move," Fio mumbles. Steam begins to flow from the openings on her gauntlets and from the sides of her sandals. She's getting herself ready for what might come next. Lee accelerates and immediately goes for a kick to the body.

The impact is heavy, but there's barely a tremor as she blocks with one hand. Lee comes down with his other leg, and she blocks again with her other hand. He moves into a flurry of punches and kicks, with Fio choosing which ones to block and which ones to dodge. His speed has definitely increased with the weights off, but not enough to give her any trouble.

"I've got a feeling you're not taking me as seriously as you should," Fio says.

"I see. My apologies if you think that is the case," Lee replies as he backs off. "Then I will launch my next technique properly. Gate of Opening!"

A burst of chakra comes from Lee's body before he starts moving, even faster than before. He goes around Fio in a circle, kicking up dust and debris and obscuring our vision of her.

"Here it comes. What's she gonna do to stop that?" Tenten asks.

"Front Lotus!"

Oh, so it's that technique...I believe the one he used on Sasuke during the examinations years ago.

That's going to be a problem for him, I think.

The sound of what I presume was the kick rings out, and the dust is blown away by a wave of pressure. Fio has her hands layered beneath her chin, pushing down against Lee's foot as it stretches upwards.

Lee's eyes are widened in shock. "W-what?"

"You have got to be kidding me...she didn't just block it, she stopped that kick cold!" Tenten says in disbelief.

"Oh, man. I could feel that one from here. She's way scarier than I remembered," Suigetsu says.

"Special move?" Fio asks calmly. "It's a heavy kick, can't deny that. You've done pretty good for yourself...Master Guy has taught you well."

Her hands shift, and she grips his leg tightly.

"Tit for tat, as my darling Lili loves to say. Try one of my moves on for size."

She spins and raises him into the air before slamming him into the ground. Another quick spin and she tosses him away and into the dirt. He rolls a few times before popping to his feet, charging back at her again.

"Missed your window, sweetheart. Now I'll show you what a real power move looks like!"

"No choice, then...!"

At a speed much faster than before, Fio shoots forward and hits Lee with a punch to the face. He spins around, right into a flurry of body blows that ends with an uppercut, sending him into the air briefly. She catches him as he comes down with a downward punch, making his body bounce before she kicks him upwards again, and then elbows him in the opposite direction. Lee barely catches himself and slides along the ground.

Fio speeds forward and catches him while he starts to recover, sparkling green flames flowing from her fist as she draws it backwards.

"Fire Release: Shining Buster!"

The punch slams into Lee's chest, sending out a cascade of green fire and stunning him. He's thrown backwards violently in the next moment, through several trees in the distance before landing with a loud crash. The birds take flight as soon as they can, indicating where he's lying.

"He's as fine as one could be after that attack," Neji says with his Byakugan active. "That said, he's certainly not moving. Let's bring him back here, Tenten."

"Yeah...sounds like a good idea..."

The two of them take off, while Fio bows in Lee's direction respectfully. She claps her hands together, and Rettenjo disappears from around them. The smoke coming from around her mouth and limbs dies off as well.

"A touch different than I thought. Not half bad, but nothing too great either," she says.

Guy folds his arms and nods thoughtfully. "Hmm...I had heard feats of your strength and skill, but this surpassed my personal projections. But you are right, Lee has come a long way. He still has some ways to go, as we saw here."

"I think that's true for all of us. I learned a lot today, and he shouldn't be too worried about his progress," Fio says with a smile. "After all, I was born pretty talented myself! Sometimes people forget that, hehe."

"Thank you for obliging us, and respectfully. Lee will definitely grow from this experience."

"No worries. One day, we'll have to go at it properly, too! You're still young and spry, after all."

"Ha! I will certainly make a note of that, and we'll have our match one day soon!"

I think about that as they bump fists. It would be a violent and shocking affair, if this short match was any indication. Hm. I wonder if anyone would be interested in a challenge of their own, Naruto aside...

"You probably turned the poor guy's ribs into dust, Chief," Suigetsu says.

"I was holding back, same as he did. A few hours in the hospital isn't too bad considering."

"You mean you thought he deserved that much," Karin says.

"What, you don't think so?"

"I'm not exactly a fan of breaking people's bones on a whim. And it's partly because I can't do things like that."

"Well-"

"And before you say it, I am in no way built for whatever training regimen you want to cook up."

"Yeah, yeah. At least you're doing the stuff I asked about earlier, so I appreciate that. Lili does, too."

"Certainly," I say. "Looking lovelier from behind each time I see you, Karin."

"Are you really okay with that?" Suigetsu asks Fio as Karin blushes.

"Sure am!" she replies, smiling. "If any girls want their own slice of Lili, they can go for it. I just gotta have the biggest piece at the end of the day!"

"You know, I'm thinking I'll never really understand women."

"I guess that means you're not getting married?" Karin asks after recovering. "Then the human race can breathe a sigh of relief."

"You're such a bitch."

"And you're so worth it."

Neji and Tenten arrive, with an unconscious Lee propped up between them.

"I didn't spy any fractures in his extremities or ribs, but there is some definite bruising and soreness to be dealt with," Neji says.

"Your eyes are a little better than mine," Karin says. "But I'll have myself a look all the same, and give you my recommendation."

She heads over to where Lee is as they set him down, and puts her hands gently on his damaged chest. About a minute passes before she focuses and has a green glow surround her hands, then she stands up as she's finished.

"He'll need a day or two of rest, but everything should be just fine now. If you want to take him to the hospital to make sure he rests, that's okay. But I don't think he'll need anything other than some fluids, bed rest, and a new set of...whatever it is he wears," she says as she gestures to the torn spandex around his chest.

"Excellent! I will take things from here, then." Guy hoists Lee over his shoulder and smiles while giving us a thumbs up. "Thank you all for your support! Until the next time! Stay youthful!"

Neji shakes his head and Tenten sighs.

"Well, that didn't go as bad as I feared. All that said? You are one frightening lady, Miss Asagao," she says. "Reminds me a little too much of my idol."

"Oh yeah? So you're a big fan of Auntie Tsuna, too. Neat. She has her quirks, but I love her to bits."

"I figured you two would get along. Lee says a little too much sometimes, but he's a good guy."

"I know. But sometimes you gotta remind people what you're all about, you know." Fio puts her hands behind her head. "I'm a bit more than what people see on the outside. After all, the Crimson Nightmare herself chose me to be her wife. Not something I take lightly."

"Clearly," Karin says while adjusting her glasses.

"Well, now our friend Lee knows all about it. And all of you do, too. Job well done."

"I suppose you can't disagree with the results," Neji says. "And it was an impressive bout, however short it was. This alternate application of Boil Release is intriguing."

"If you wanna have a match of your own, just ask!"

Neji looks to me before shaking his head. "I'll have to improve a bit more myself before taking on such a challenge again."

"And if he's not confident, you can forget about asking me," Tenten says while raising her hands.

"Most of us were so engrossed in the match that we forgot to enjoy our beverages. Shall we do that now?" I ask. "Suigetsu can have one of the leftovers from Lee and Guy, perpetually parched as he is."

"Sweet, thanks."

I hand Fio her drink, and she cracks it open.

"Biggest piece, eh."

She wiggles her brows at me while taking a sip. "Just trying to think forward. I meant what I said, you know. Long as you come home to me at the end of the day, you can flirt with all the fine ladies you want."

"Because you know that you're my number one."

"She's clever, too."

I smile and kiss her on the lips. "As brilliant as always. I truly am blessed."

"Not as much as I am."

I smile again and flip back my hair. "Hmhm~. Well said."