Disclaimer: This chapter contains characters, settings, and spoilers from the work of Masashi Kishimoto.
Chapter 5: A Steamy Encounter
On a plateau with a long-abandoned training ground, Han sat alone on a rock and talked to himself. He imagined that if he talked enough, the beast inside him might talk back. "Quite a nice day to sit alone on a rock. It also wouldn't be unpleasant if someone were to join us. Well, it might be unpleasant. Last time it was quite unpleasant. But it's always best to hope for the future, I say."
As usual, he received no response.
A bee passed in front of his eyes, which were the only part of him not covered by thick armor in scarlet and gray.
"What, ho! Careful there, soldier. You're getting mighty close. I appreciate the work you do, and all. Can't live without my tea, and can't have my tea without honey, but you'd best be keeping your distance if you know what's good for you. Ha! Bee keeping, did you catch that?"
The bee drew closer, ignoring his warning. "What, just crickets? No. No crickets. Just bees. Well, can't say I didn't warn you." He clapped his armored hands together with lightning speed, crushing the offending insect. When he attempted to pull his hands apart, he was met with unexpected resistance.
His eyes narrowed. "It seems," he announced, "we have gotten ourselves into a sticky situation." He stood with flair.
"Come out! Come out, welcome guests and let me put the water on to boil. Since you're here and you've brought honey, I'll brew a pot of tea. Let us drink and be merry!"
Unsurprised by the lack of response from the rocks surrounding him, Han sighed. "In that case..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a dark cloud blotted out the sun. A low buzz crescendoed to a mighty roar as the cloud descended, dissolving into a massive swarm of bees.
"Looks like it's going to be unpleasant company again. And just when the water was starting to boil." His last sentence held a note of malice that contrasted with his earlier levity.
A high whistle emerged as a screeching counterpoint to the melody of the oncoming swarm, and Han disappeared in a cloud of white that swelled to spread across the plateau.
The sound of bees vanished, and the white cloud slowly dissipated to reveal Han, standing in the same position as before, both hands free.
A metallic explosion sounded, and he rocketed toward a rocky outcrop, closing the distance in a heartbeat. His fist reduced the outcrop to pebbles, and three terrified ninja went flying into the air.
"Let me give you a lesson in etiquette." The warrior watched as the three cowards turned tail and ran. They didn't even bother to introduce themselves, but he recognized them. "How rude. It's no wonder your clan is no longer held in high esteem." He extended his hands and launched three columns of steam to scald the backsides of the fleeing Kamizuru siblings. They squealed like tea kettles.
"I suppose there's no one here to appreciate my steam pun, either."
"You would be mistaken."
Han spun in response to the low voice. He met the eyes of the lone figure before him and knew with grim certainty that any luck he might have had had run out. Death stared him in the face with two glowing Sharingan. "Itachi Uchiha."
"Han-sama."
The two shinobi faced one another, each with an arm tucked to his chest. "After all these years I finally have a guest with proper etiquette. Not that I imagine I'll get to enjoy it for long. Care for some tea?"
"I would."
The response startled Han, who quickly collected himself. "Well in that case feel free to cut the formality. It's long been my policy that anyone who agrees to my offer for tea I'll consider a friend. So in a way it's comforting to know I'll have made one friend before I die." His voice was gruff as he produced two clay teacups, added tea leaves, and summoned boiling water to cover them. He was so focused on his task that he didn't notice the way Itachi seemed to lose himself in thought.
Smells are closely tied to memories, and the spicy scent of chai had transported Itachi to his father's study. Many years ago, his mother used to brew tea in hopes that it would help Fugaku relax. Although the tea often grew cold from neglect, the aroma permanently worked its way into the floorboards, a reminder of his mother's love. Itachi accepted his steaming teacup.
A variety of oddly shaped rock formations decorated the plateau, including a patch of rocks that curiously resembled a low table with surrounding seats. Han invited his guest to take a seat, noting as he did that Itachi's posture made the ordinary stone seem more like a throne.
For the first time in more years than Han could remember, he realized he had an attentive audience. Even the solemn expression on his unlikely companion's face didn't dull his enthusiasm at the chance to talk to someone real. "No one believes me when I say it, but if I had to choose between sitting for a cup of tea and fighting a legendary battle, I'd take the cup of tea any day. Even if those guys from earlier came back, I'd offer them the same choice all over again. Here, they left some honey behind. It should sweeten things up for you."
"Thank you." Itachi added honey to his tea until he was satisfied with the taste.
"That's some sweet tooth you have there." Han chuckled. "As I was saying, I'd give those guys another chance in a heartbeat. You can't have peace without sacrifice, and I'm more than willing to bury my pride to have a chance at some degree of peace in my small corner of the world. Some men say it's a stain on my honor, but it's not right that honor and humility should be at odds with one another."
Itachi sipped his tea, red eyes never leaving the pontificating jinchuriki.
"I've met rocks that are more talkative than you, son. You'll think I'm crazy, but the way I see it, you and I are birds of a feather. There'll be more celebrating on the day we die than mourning. And, no offense intended, but I'd be surprised if a single soul would cry for either of us."
Han set his empty cup on the stone table. He'd managed to finish the tea without ever noticeably lowering the armor over his face. It was a feat that placed him on par with Kakashi Hatake, the Copy Ninja of the Leaf. Itachi felt his respect for the man growing, even as he calculated the most efficient way to capture him alive.
"And you couldn't control being born into a clan with a predisposition to violence and self-destruction any more than I could help being born into a family that offered their first-born son to be the Five-Tails jinchuriki. Not that circumstance can excuse the way we choose to live our lives."
The words reflected Itachi's thoughts with such accuracy that he felt obliged to acknowledge them. He gave a slight nod. "You seem wise."
"But it doesn't matter, does it? I've already looked into your eyes." Despite their civil interaction, Han remained certain that Itachi had not come to exchange pleasantries. He had faced the Sharingan on the battlefield and knew its dangers. And as much as he preferred peace over violence, he refused to sit back and be taken without a fight. "I'd like to imagine you have a reason for whatever it is you plan to do, and because you took the time to listen to me, I'll forgive you in advance. It was nice having a friend." His wistful tone took on a sharp edge with his next words. "That doesn't mean I'll make it easy for you."
Without further warning, Han was propelled forward with an explosive bang, his fist slamming into Itachi's chest. Itachi's empty teacup fell from his grasp and shattered on the ground.
Pinned on his back beneath a flurry of fists, his body crumpled. Han paused to examine Itachi's broken body, which promptly burst into a murder of crows.
The sky took on an orange hue, and their surroundings became hazy. "Genjutsu. Nasty. Hey, Five-Tails, if you were ever going to work with me, now would be the time."
The illusion broke around Han as he felt his consciousness pushed aside. A boiling, seething rage settled over him, and Han the jinchuriki knew no more.
The appearance of the Five-Tails cloak was all the signal Itachi needed to activate his Amaterasu. His previous encounter with the Three-Tails jinchuriki had convinced him to take no chances.
The Five-Tails let out a chakra-laden scream that split the training ground in half down the middle as black flames engulfed its body. Han's abandoned teacup rolled off the table and cracked.
Itachi felt the characteristic burning in his eye from the use of Amaterasu. The cost of his victory would be more of his vision. Tremors wracked the earth around him.
As the unquenchable flames weakened the beast, the tremors died down. Once the Five-Tails cloak faded, Itachi recalled the flames, and an armored figure staggered back toward where the table had been. He collapsed beside his fallen teacup, completely drained and broken.
Itachi collected his quarry and sent a message to Pain.
Maipo Village sprouted from the mountainside, each building a colorful blossom against the barren landscape. Elaborate graffiti portrayed the lush forests, exotic animals, and flowering meadows that this region of the world could never claim for its own. The people were just as colorful, and the sights were distracting enough that Tsubaki caught her foot in a crack and nearly fell.
She navigated the uneven roads with Kisame by her side. He stood out like an ink blot on a sheet of calligraphy. His dark Akatsuki cloak contrasted with the vibrant community, and he had insisted on wearing a conical straw hat to hide his identity. Tsubaki had to admit her tattered outfit wasn't much better. They made an interesting pair for a shopping spree.
They passed stores selling fragrant soaps and candles, tea, honey, and all manner of regional food. Kisame stopped several times to restock their food supplies, grumbling something about the lack of spicy tuna in the Land of Earth.
The first clothing store they passed repelled them with overwhelmingly loud music and a selection of clothes that sparkled enough to make Tsubaki check to make sure her vision hadn't been permanently impaired.
The next offered more neutral options, and she settled on two pairs of simple black leggings with long, dark green belted tunics. She also selected a navy blue headband. She decided her black boots would live to fight another day, and refrained from buying new shoes.
"Will that be all?" Kisame asked. He had informed her that her "employer" had provided a small sum in addition to his payment to the Akatsuki to cover basic provisions early on.
"Yes." Tsubaki brought the clothes to the counter.
"I couldn't help but notice your employer doesn't seem to trust you with his money." The pattern of Kisame's speech was unlike anything Tsubaki had heard prior to meeting him. His vocal range was irregular, and the way he chose to drag out certain syllables made every sentence sound like a test of some sort.
She grimaced. "He doesn't trust anyone."
Kisame paid and they left the store. He couldn't help but wonder if the girl had a gambling problem. He'd heard all about the famous medic-nin, now Hokage's gambling habit. If the girl had the same problem, it might prove entertaining. He tucked the idea away for a later time. "Anything else you need before you head to the hospital?"
"No. Thanks for all your help, Kisame-san."
"You can just call me Kisame." Again, his words sounded like a challenge. "Alright then, I'll make myself scarce." As he walked away, a sudden heat on his finger signaled that Pain was summoning him again. He wondered if Itachi had already finished his assigned task.
Tsubaki took off in the direction of the hospital. It was actually more of a small clinic, given the size of the village, but allegedly they had the capacity to treat major illnesses and injuries. She cast a transformation jutsu on her new headband, crafting a convincing forehead protector from the Hidden Waterfall Village.
Since it was a fairly small village, the odds of encountering another traveling ninja from the Hidden Waterfall were low. The disguise had the added benefit of adding to her credibility. The only thing most people knew about the Hidden Waterfall was that they produced skilled jonin. She could easily pass as one of them.
She changed into her new clothes and assessed her appearance. Satisfied, she took a quiet breath before taking her first steps into Maipo Clinic.
She was met with chaos.
Alarms were blaring as nurses rushed about in a frenzy. Papers fell from a chart to the floor.
"The third one's coming in!" someone shouted.
"Someone hang more fluids!" another voice called.
No one was at the reception desk, so Tsubaki walked toward the heart of the chaos.
The reason for the mayhem became readily apparent.
The small clinic only had two trauma bays, and there were three patients clearly in need of emergent attention. They were laying face-down while staff tried to remove the clothing that had melted to their backs. The one that remained conscious let out a bloodcurdling scream.
"Curse that blasted jinchuriki. This is the second time this week," a nurse muttered.
"Excuse me, I'm a medic-nin. How can I help?" Tsubaki hated to stand by while people were in need of the treatment she could provide. She also was expected to help as part of her mission.
It was either a sign of poor protocol or a medical system in shambles that no one bothered to ask for her credentials. Which she could have easily provided, if necessary. Instead, she was directed to the female patient, who was mercifully unconscious.
Severe burns risked airway swelling, so Tsubaki first tended to the patient's airway. She was reassured by the patient's vital signs. From there, she tended the burns, which were already beginning to blister and ooze.
Hours flew by before she knew it as the medical team worked to save the three burn victims. By the time they were all stable, it was midnight.
"Thank you for all your help. I don't know how we would've pulled through without an extra pair of hands." One of the lead medics scrubbed her hands in the sink, splashing water onto her pale face to wash away hours of sweat. Her dark hair had broken free from its tight bun hours ago and stuck out at odd angles from her head. Her blue eyes appeared bright and intelligent despite the dark circles underneath. "I'm Risako Mori, but please feel free to call me Risa."
"I'm Tsubaki of the Hidden Waterfall Village. It's a pleasure to meet you. You were impressive back there." Risa had demonstrated excellent technique and stamina, and Tsubaki found herself looking forward to working with a talented medical ninja who, at least based on what she had seen so far, didn't have a sadistic streak.
"Each challenge is a chance to grow. You should get out of here and get some sleep."
Tsubaki smiled. "I could say the same for you. I'll plan to be back tomorrow, then?"
"I'll be looking forward to it." Risa dried her hands and left to gather her belongings.
Tsubaki returned to her hotel with Kisame. He seemed distracted, and kept glancing at his ring as though it contained the secrets of the universe. For all she knew, it might. Their walk in silence gave her a chance to think about the comments she'd heard.
The nurses had mentioned something called jinchuriki. She wasn't familiar with the term, and wondered if it could be related to a kekkei genkai. Steam combined heat and water, which at the very least sounded like a kekkei genkai. She would have to ask in the morning. She would also look into renting an apartment. She was quickly growing tired of the curious glances of the front desk staff at the hotel as Kisame accompanied her to their room.
The next day, the Kamizuru siblings were more than willing to share everything they knew.
"Jinchuriki are monsters borrowing human form," Suzumebachi, the female sibling, told Tsubaki. "They're only kept around as insurance, but if you ask me, they're too dangerous and unpredictable and should be gotten rid of altogether."
"I agree, of course. The Hidden Sand's jinchuriki regularly kills innocent civilians, and it looks like our jinchuriki's headed in the same direction. He must be stopped." This was from Jibachi, whose long blonde hair had been neatly arranged to cover the bandages on his back.
"Rumor has it that Sand jinchuriki has changed, though," Kurobachi said.
"That's just the Hidden Sand's attempt to save face after the death of their Kazekage," Suzumebachi dismissed the idea. "They're all demons. It's a pity the administration doesn't treat them as such."
Their conversation left no doubt in Tsubaki's mind as to the identity of the jinchuriki of the Hidden Sand. As she redressed their wounds, which were healing nicely, their conversation turned to something about Aburame's and rare insects. She tuned them out and pondered the situation with the world's jinchuriki. They weren't the kekkei genkai users En was interested in, but they were formidable individuals. After her experiences with Gaara's victims, she hoped her stay in Maipo wouldn't be overwhelmed by victims of steam injuries.
After work she invited Kisame to dinner at one of the restaurants Risa had recommended to her. Risa claimed it was the best place to get rare seafood. Their meal did not disappoint, and Tsubaki made a note that the Akatsuki's famous Tailless Tailed-Beast definitely had a weakness for spicy tuna. She wondered if Itachi had such a weakness, and hoped he would return soon so that she could have a chance to get to know him better. She doubted, however, that there would be anything simple in dealing with Itachi.
"You have all done well." Pain's deep voice echoed through the dim cave with the Gedo Statue. The statue towered over the cavern, exuding an energy that was at once ancient and ominous. One of its nine eyes had opened, and it surveyed the Akatsuki members assembled before it.
The body of Han, the former jinchuriki, lay motionless and cold in their midst.
"This is the beginning," Pain continued. "The true mission of the Akatsuki is underway."
"Hooray!" A high pitched voice exclaimed. "Tobi is so happy to witness such a momentous occasion! The Akatsuki are so amazing, maybe someday Tobi can join them as a true member!" Tobi flapped his arms around excitedly. His black cloak and orange mask made him look like a poorly controlled puppet.
"Shut up, Tobi. You're just here to take away the body. Hm."
"But that's helping, right, Deidara-senpai? Someday you will see just how much fun working with Tobi can be!"
"I'll shut the idiot up. That ritual had nothing to do with Jashin, and I'd be happy to consecrate this ground with his blood."
"Oh no! Now Tobi is afraid! Hidan-senpai has a big scary farm toy!"
"It's a sacred scythe!" Hidan raged.
"Hidan, let Tobi do his job. Tobi, remove the body." Pain's commands put a quick end to what otherwise promised to be a fierce and bloody dispute. There were certain challenges involved when working with a team of psychopaths, and firm leadership was absolutely essential to keep their organization from self-destructing.
"Yessir!" Tobi saluted eagerly.
Turning to the remaining members of the Akatsuki, Pain spoke again. "You may return to your respective missions. Report to me with information on any of the remaining jinchuriki. You are dismissed."
Itachi turned to leave, and was intercepted by Kakuzu. "You left the girl with Kisame?"
"Yes."
"Her bounty is higher than yours. Don't take her lightly."
This information was surprising to Itachi, but he kept it to himself. He couldn't easily access her memories, so it was plausible that she was hiding information of incredible value. "I understand," he said. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched the legendary shinobi Madara Uchiha, under the guise of a bumbling Tobi, clumsily drag Han's body out of the cave. In this life, things were so rarely what they seemed.
Author's Note:
If you expected something else from this chapter, you fell into my genjutsu.
Until next time.