Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 94
"Stairways"

"I must apologize again for the less than glamorous location chosen."

Today's meeting is in a plain, empty room. It has one window and wood floors that maintain their shine from years past. One of many such rooms scattered across the Hyuuga Estate. This week has been one short on time for Nami and Edelweiss, and so the quickest and most efficient security measures have been taken. Hardly something I mind these days.

"And I will repeat that your apology is not needed," I say to Nami. "I've met in far worse places, anyways. Have you ever had to sit for more than a minute in one of those travel stop bathroom stalls?"

"I haven't had the pleasure of doing so."

"It's a pleasure you can certainly do without. They're not met with near the frequency of maintenance that you have here."

"Oh." She puts a hand over her mouth. "I suppose that more than illustrates the point."

"Quite."

The single door slides open, and a young woman in white robes salutes before stepping inside. She slides the door closed and salutes again, a book in her other hand. There's a red beret on top of her head of short dark hair, cut perfectly straight above her shoulders. A dress shirt and crisp tie are visible beneath the robes she wears – unique dress is one of the little things the Edelweiss girls like to do. For now, everyone else sees it as a tea club quirk, and pays it no mind.

"My Queen, and My Lady. I salute you both. Glory to you, and to our sisters in Edelweiss." Her voice is something that I've become fond of, though most would be put off by the high pitch. Something to be taken in moderation, I suppose. This is Mitsu, one of the more militant girls in the group. She diligently keeps records for Edelweiss, mostly as a means of bleeding off energy and keeping herself out of trouble. She also has a...striking sort of look when she gets angry. Not often you see so many veins bulge out of someone's skin like that...

"It's lovely to see you again, Mitsu. Thank you for coming."

"The honour is mine, as it always is. I know that My Lady is also busy, so I believe it would be best to start now with my presentation. I bring reports, regarding our efforts in skewering the pig-dogs that comprise Shimura's wretched Foundation. We have achieved great success, thanks to the insight gained from you, our glorious leaders, along with the blood and sweat of our beloved sisters. Here, for you to read."

She removes a few pages hidden in the book, which seems like a plain thing about clan politics in the early days of Leaf. Nami and I look at our copies with interest.

"The overall project has been running smoothly. We have degraded the communications of those worthless mutts across the board, as desired. But there is something more that we have achieved, almost unexpectedly."

"If you would," I say with curiosity.

"We have completely destroyed their real time communications," Mitsu says with a proud smile.

"Have you...rather incredible to hear. And something like that, even if they did manage to restore it...it would still take a very long time to do." From what I can see in the report, Edelweiss has been actively rotating through military and civilian communications capacities, and on top of that making mission requests and delivering counsel to safely tie up certain channels.

The reality of the situation was something we discovered in an investigation, one of many we run in the background. Hina helped Nami access what is normally hidden information to most of the Leaf, aside from those clans close to the Hokage's security apparatus. Nami and I then raked through that information manually, to come upon something truly fascinating: that ROOT was using various methods to communicate across the village and beyond, hidden in plain sight. They pressed civilian entities into maintaining their anonymity, created shell companies, and finally, abused a few military channels as much as they could. Not wanting to be subject to tracking by the Hokage, and not wanting to bury anything in a way that looked too suspicious. Now with the recent squeeze, their options became more limited. This must have been when they slipped up and got themselves caught by Mitsu and her band.

So what does this mean for us? A great deal of boons, for one.

"Any attempt to restore their real time reporting will run into a wall," Nami says. "Aside from us knowing about it, Lord Hokage will also step in the moment anything suspicious is reported to him. Shimura will have to use his now limited metrics to get his orders across."

"We have also degraded the other functions of ROOT in like manner," Mitsu continues. "Inter-village communications have increased from a ten to fifteen minute interval all the way towards twenty five to thirty minutes. Outside of the village, the increase is from twenty four hours to seventy two, perhaps closer to eighty."

"An extra two days," I say. "And this is round trip?"

Mitsu shakes her head. "One way, Your Highness."

"Something like that..." I scan the paper again. "I see. So that's how. And you've replaced some of these providers already?"

"Yes, as soon as we could. Some of the services are suspended currently, and one of that fossil's associates is likely to scoop them up. But most of those associates are known to us, so Lady Nami will know how best to tear them apart for their insolence. We are also occupying some space at the Aviary, though not too much as to draw more attention than necessary, or hinder the operations of the village."

"I did want you all to keep a lower profile for a while longer. This...this is more than enough. Crushing their real time response is even better than I could have hoped. The old bastard got careless...which means that he'll likely be coming for revenge at some point."

"Lord Hiashi has been shielding us faithfully, as ever," Nami says. "We will rest under his wings until the promised time."

"A good call. I don't think much else needs to be done right now. Let them try to bounce back a bit, especially since we're combing over the final lists of their membership. Lord Hokage has the scroll in his hands, so I'm simply awaiting his verdict and orders. We're definitely on our way. All that's left to do now is keep an eye on things until we get the chance to end it all."

Nami muses on that before turning to me. "A suggestion, Lady Lilith?"

"Of course. What might you need?" I ask her.

"Mitsu has done such good work on this recent operation, and I believe that she would be perfect to lead the parallel investigation into Shimura's various elements. As you have said before, it is not prudent to leave these matters to feeling or chance."

"I do remember that. As deep as my love for that man is...his heart is just a touch too soft. Maybe he might hate me for it, but I can't leave anyone breathing that deserves a just death. Too much will be at stake in the future." I let out a breath and nod. "Then let it be done. Mitsu, please take over the investigation as asked. Nami will give you the file at earliest convenience."

"Majesty...thank you for your faith in me. I promise, I will die before I let you down!"

"I know. But you won't have to do such a thing. Nami and all of your sisters will be at your side, no matter what. Continue to have faith in yourself, and in everyone around you. You are never alone."

"I will etch this moment into my heart," she says with a salute. "Thank you both! I am truly completed by your love and faith!"

"The mongrels will yelp and squeal before they are put to the flame," Nami says darkly. "Embrace your zeal, and do not let it consume you...nor shall you let the warmth of compassion hinder your steps. For Lady Lilith, and then for the Leaf she gives of herself to protect. Strive for nothing less than perfection."

"You would be pressed finding anyone who wants those trifling swine slaughtered more," Mitsu growls. I can see some of the veins pulsing on her neck. "Animals of dust and filth. It is as you say, My Lady. The flame is what will cleanse them above all else."

"Well said."

I hug Mitsu and give her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for your service, my love. You've done very well, and I am forever appreciative. Be safe for us both."

"I promise on my soul, Majesty. Justice will be done, and I will preserve myself in order to witness your ascension. Praise be." She smiles and bows towards us both. "Awaiting your orders, My Lady."

"You are dismissed for now, Mitsu. Return to your post and continue your existing work. You have my permission to round up whoever you need to for the next phase of your project."

"Understood." She salutes before heading out, closing the door behind her.

"We've done very well in the past while," Nami says. "I hope our progress has been satisfactory."

"Greatly so. I appreciate the ardour with which you move and operate...the girls have come together into a beautifully formidable unit."

"All of it is because of your brilliance and genius, paired with my efficiency. Without our guidance, this would be nothing but another glorified social club."

"Yes."

"You're sure that we don't need to move more aggressively in the coming weeks?"

"I'm sure. We have time on our side, and will have it for a while yet. Keep to the plans you have for now."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Trying to build and organize like this is a difficult thing, even in the best of times. I don't want us to do anything unnecessary or dangerous without reason."

"Are you worried about progress?" Nami asks. "That is to say, where you might go from here?"

"It was something I gave thought to over the past few weeks. But there's nothing to worry about now. When all else fails, the method is to break everything down into smaller steps first. Then one can start their efforts from there. Problems arise when you treat everything at the same level as you did before, even while ascending. It's part of why we can't do everything alone. People like the Founder, Lord Hokage, and Hiashi have come to that realization. But even as one delegates, having a constantly evolving core of ideals is of great importance. Otherwise, everything you've worked for suffers."

"I will never run out of desire to see your ideal world come to pass, Lili. But these moments remain wonderful and awe inspiring," Nami says. "Your vision is forever dazzling to me. All of it never ceases to fill me with joy, no matter how long it has been."

"That's quite a thing to say. But you do know that I appreciate compliments."

"Yes. As genuine as these feelings are, I might also be trying to charm you for purely selfish reasons. I shan't reveal them just yet, of course."

"Of course. I'll be ready to hear you out when the time comes, Nami."

"Thank you. Was there anything else before I left?"

I shake my head. "Nothing. I will have the requisite information delivered to you before my departure. Until then, continue with your own work."

"Understood, Lady Lilith. Please be well." Nami bows deeply towards me, and gives me a bright smile before leaving.

"..." Making use of those girls...and doing right by them. I can do both at once. Their hard work won't go to waste. Not a single drop of effort. "That's right. In order to be a proper mistress, the faith and works of my followers should be properly rewarded."

Slowly and steadily, we're closing in. Elements loyal to the Hokage, or his advisors, are still active and can pose hindrances in their own way. We don't need to tear through them unless they cross our path. The village is a complex ecosystem, after all.

"I'll grab a snack downtown before my next meeting. It's a good day for a walk."

I leave the room and quietly close the door behind me, then slip out before anyone takes notice. Once I clear the outer wall of the estate, I put on my sunglasses and find my way towards the Leaf's busy streets.

The rumoured travelling rice ball cart came into my sights earlier, and it did not disappoint. Delicious sticky rice and perfectly chilled green tea. Surely the denizens of heaven would leave their thrones for this kind of refreshment. And the cook was appropriately grateful for my generous gratuity! Especially rare and wonderful.

A few minutes of waiting pass in this small park, where winged children are safely fed near the water. Seeds, rice, and millet. They seem happy and active, quacking and honking as they do. Finally, the person I'm waiting for arrives.

"You weren't in too much of a hurry, I hope," I say to Yuuko as he reaches me.

"No, I remembered what you said earlier. Though I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

"Not at all." I stand so we can kiss each other on the cheeks. Stylish as usual, this one. A soft spring jacket, put together with a narrow skirt and stockings. Pumps, too. "Are we heading to a date after this?"

"No, nothing like that. It's just been a terrible, icky sort of week. So I wanted to get rid of some stress, that's all," he says.

"More than fair. I was just a bit curious with how gorgeous you look today. Thank you for fulfilling my request either way."

"For my sweetheart's sweetheart? Anything you ask." We sit together, and he goes through his handbag. "Here we are. We just had someone come back from a trip through those regions two weeks ago, so that info should be nice and fresh."

"Thank you, darling." I take the small scroll from him and open it up. The patterns that I studied earlier jump out at me immediately. Confirmation of everything that Ino and Erika discovered...and more on top of that. Some vital extra readings that I can take into account. Maybe even play a little game of my own.

"All good?"

"Better than good. You're definitely sick of hearing it, but thank you, thank you, thank you. This will help so much with an upcoming mission of mine."

"You're very welcome, Lili. I'm glad I could help!" he says with a smile.

"Before you go...I know you weren't expecting anything, but here. For you. And an extra one if you manage to find a cutie to go out with."

"Oh?" I take a pair of tickets from my pocket and hand them to Yuuko. He blinks before his eyes widen. "Oh...oh my god shut up. Lili! Seriously? I've wanted to see them live for the longest time!"

"I got those as part of another job, so I figured that you would enjoy them more than I would. Fio told me they were one of your favourite acts."

"Sure are! And there's dinner included, oh this is too much." He squeals and hugs me tightly. "Thank you! I don't have a hunky date in mind, but I definitely know someone who'll bounce off the walls once I tell them."

"Have fun for me."

"Without a doubt. Glad I could help you," he says before kissing me on the cheeks. "Mwah! Take care, Lili."

"You too, Yuuko. Be safe."

"Always~."

He heads off, and I look at the information in my hands again. This is perfect. A smile comes to my lips as I think of the possibilities.

"If you think you're the only one who can control the skies, Pain...I'll make sure you learn the hard way."

It's a new day, and I wait quietly in the main hall of Intelligence for someone.

"Thank you for coming, Lili." Inoichi and I shake hands. "Yesterday I was a lot shorter on time than I anticipated."

"Nothing to worry about. I know how busy you are these days."

"Thanks again. There's an empty room down the hall for us to talk, so follow me."

We go straight for the nearest hallway and into an unoccupied office. Inoichi sits down and checks the desk, then makes a half seal while focusing. "Good, we should be clear. Anything on your side?"

"Nothing."

"Alright." He reaches into his black coat and pulls out a few folded papers. "Please, have a seat. This copy is for you."

I take the paper from him and unfold it. Information on the alleged demon sword, Sessho-seki. Nothing here that I didn't already figure out myself.

"We didn't get much of anything, as you can see. The Mist has been fairly cooperative, since from what I can understand, they were not big fans of the Shigisei siblings either. The previous holders of the weapon are most likely all dead."

"I see. And what do you think of this personally?"

He leans back in his chair. "My opinion on this? Based on the previous regime, and the type of weapon that this Sessho-seki is, I would wager that the information on it was tightly controlled, as were the movements of its users as much as possible. Also, I think that the weapon was used sparingly, but in ways that directly benefited Yagura as the Mizukage. His rule was brutal and inhumane, and there were hills of corpses buried everywhere in Water Country."

"But not as many as you think there could have been," I finish.

"Yes, exactly. The ability of the demonic sword was likely used to cull undesirables, and sate the sword's bloodlust. Those powers and the tasks they would have been used for must have lived and died with Yagura and the previous users. And now whatever secrets the sword has rest with that brother and sister pair."

"You were hinting at something earlier. The type of weapon?" I ask.

"Right, right. I used the information that you gave me earlier, about Ishako's mentions of the sword, its displayed powers, and so on. There is likely to be an element of will involved in the sword's control. Strong will and focus to keep it from completely overwhelming you, or else you could become a victim of its bloodlust yourself."

I think on that a moment. "Or something deeper. What about...understanding? Empathy."

"Empathy..."

"Kaitaikojo is an inhuman monster, to be clear. But he has a very high level of empathy towards others. He can see other perspectives and understand them, even if in the end he rejects them. The way he reads body language is surely how he can communicate so effectively with Ishako, and without using words."

"Hmm." Inoichi tents his hands. "From that...it's possible that, if the sword has gained sentience, he could have achieved harmony with it that way. And it might mean that their killing has a larger purpose."

"Do you think so?"

"It's merely speculation, here. But if Ishako spoke about the quality of blood in your last encounter, and then complained about not being able to finish off the jinchuuriki where they stood, combined with their frequent hunts...one, or possibly both of them, has created a bond with the weapon."

"So they could be using the harvested blood to feed it. To what end, though? The weapon has been around a long time, from the sheer quantity of blood within it. And it had countless other wielders, perhaps other Mizukage. But there's also the possibility that it was too much for most to handle, and spent a great deal of time sealed away."

"We can always do more research, but I think that Akatsuki will be advancing before we can get much of it done," Inoichi says. "Which is unfortunate. We have information that can help us defend against its attacks, but nothing that could stop it, or sever the link between it and its masters."

"Hopefully it's nothing we need to worry about too soon," I say.

"Hopefully not."

"But this perspective will definitely allow me to test a few things out in the world. Thank you for your time, Inoichi. I appreciate every moment of it."

"Well, the honour is mine," he says as he gets up. "You're not only the brightest star of this village, but you mean the world to my Ino. Anything I can do to help, you just say the word."

"I'll remember that. Send Ino my love when you see her."

"Will do. Have a good day, Lili." We shake hands and I leave the office first.

"We are...about midway through our first pass on the list. Imari took one half. The results have been pretty predictable."

Tamaki finishes typing on her computer and hits the key combination to save her work. She takes the hot cup of coffee that I present to her, and sips on it.

"Ah, that's good. Thank you as always, Lili."

"You're welcome."

"Unless something turns around, we'll likely hit that twenty percent you were talking about. Nothing but confirmation after confirmation...the old man knows everything as soon as we do, so he's just waiting."

"It's definitely hard for him."

"Yeah, it is. Some part of me wishes he would move faster, but the other parts...they're more empathetic. These sorts of things aren't pleasant, or painless. Much as we want them to be, anyways." She sighs. "That's where we are now. As far as your other stuff goes, we will be checking in with the relevant clan heads and giving them information on a need to know basis. Though I guess you've done this dance before, in a way."

"Bringing Sasuke and Sakura home."

"Information will be kept even closer than that time, so it's just the possible aftermath we have to worry about. Expecting a fight over there?"

"There almost certainly will be one," I say. "Nobody locks down their village like that unless they have something serious to hide. It's more than likely the Akatsuki stronghold, which means we'll need to tear it apart at some point. This would be the first step."

"Akatsuki has been slowing down operations in other regions as well. Maybe they see the writing on the wall. Doubt it. What do you think?"

"Phase transition." I put a hand on my hip. "Itachi said that they were busy gathering funds before hunting jinchuuriki, so this might be the end of their money making objective, for the time being. After that, they plan to gain funding in other ways. It could be loaning out the tailed beasts, it could be by way of a terrifying weapon. Maybe just direct threats towards the daimyo. Hard to say. I haven't crossed paths with the masked man in a while..."

"He seems like he's afraid of you."

"It could be that. But...I don't want to risk it. He has some seriously powerful bodyguards, and they're likely lying in wait for a chance to grab the hosts of the other villages. Naruto is out and about, but I don't know how long that will keep him safe. Did you get any new information on his progress?"

"Nothing. Far as I know, he hasn't been working too much on control of the Nine-Tails recently, and Jiraiya's been running back and forth across the country on errands, or whatever he calls them. He obviously wants to go it alone, and the old man isn't going to make demands of him."

I huff at that. "What the fuck is on his mind all of a sudden?"

"Believe me, I wish I knew. At least he's on our side."

"The Leaf's side, more like," I say. "He could take or leave me. The feeling is mutual."

"Sounds about right. Well, you just leave the boring stuff to me and Imari. By the time you're ready for your mission, all the lines and dots will be immaculately taken care of."

"As always, you're both angels. Refill before I go?" I ask.

"I'd love that. Thank you, sweetie."

I take her empty mug and refill it with a hot mix, just the way she likes it.

"The best. Alright, let me get back to work. Call me if you need anything, Lili."

"I will, Tamaki. Don't work too hard."

"I'll try. And Imari will make me try harder, of course. See ya." She waves and I wave back. The steady clicking of keys reaches my ears as I leave.

After leaving the building, I take out my notepad and cross out a few lines on one page, then write more notes on another. There's still a lot of time before departure, so...I can visit Tomo later, and do equipment procurement after that. Some meetings I need to cross off, too.

Most things...I can leave for after I return. No matter how long that might be. All that's left is to continue preparing. Reviewing everything we know, looking out for new developments, and honing our minds and bodies.

"So. Was it a strategic thing, or something else?"

I snap out of my daydreaming as Fio speaks. We've been steadily pedalling away on the exercise bikes in the hotel's athletic facility for the past half hour.

"Not entirely strategic. Or anything similar. I don't need to lie to you."

"Is it something specific?"

"If it really is the Rinnegan...the powers it is alleged to have include control over techniques and chakra. Likely crafted seals as well. I don't think yours is that weak, or that you couldn't find a way..."

"But taking the chance didn't seem like a winning move."

"That was my thought."

"You're gonna take it all on by yourself, then."

"It is the plan," I say. "You would understand a bit more than the others. It's become a different matter altogether. A test for myself. Not in a proud sense, but I need to know just how strong I am, and how strong my opponents are right now. I could lose against the Rinnegan. It's a possibility. At the same time, I'm confident that I can beat whoever it is and return safely home. At worst, it would be a wash."

"I guess you don't need me, then."

I look over to her. "No. I don't this time."

She smiles and nods. "Got it. Just do your best, and I'll be ready for the next challenge."

"It's reassuring. You'll be able to help me when it comes to those two psychopaths with the demon sword. And the last thing I would do is keep you out of that conflict."

"Yeah. I've been thinking about it for the past few months. Knocking their teeth down their throats. That would be great. Suigetsu told me about their whole deal, and I'm probably in the same amount of danger as he is. It's possible. But I would want my shot either way."

"Mm."

I catch someone at the edge of my vision, walking through the room towards us. It's the front desk receptionist. We slow our pedalling so that her voice isn't drowned out.

"Miss Kobayashi, Miss Asagao. I'm very sorry to interrupt," she says.

"No worries!" Fio replies. "What's happening?"

"There was a call for Miss Kobayashi a few minutes ago, from Miss Emi Kobayashi. She graciously allowed me to deliver a message requesting that you call her back when you were next available."

"Another fifteen for me," Fio says. "Snack next door later?"

"Sounds good to me." I slow my pedalling to a stop and step off the bike. "See you in a bit."

"Did you want me to make a call back, ma'am?" our receptionist asks.

"No, I have the direct line memorized. I'll call her back myself from upstairs. Thank you."

"Not a problem, ma'am." She bows and heads back to her post. I clean off the hard areas of the bike and then take the stairs to my room. A good shower and a change into some plain clothes helps me feel comfortable again. I wonder what Emi called for.

After settling into the recliner, I dial her number directly and wait.

"Good afternoon, this is Emi speaking."

"It's me, Mama."

"Lili, it's lovely to hear from you again. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

"Fio and I were exercising. She'll be busy for a few more minutes, and then we're going to get something to eat and lounge about the rest of the day. Did you get the documents I sent?"

"I did, yes."

"I'm sorry that I can't tell you anything about the mission, but...that should give you a glimpse into the potential risk."

"I understand. It's nothing too alarming, given your line of business. I always worry, but I'm used to it by now. I called earlier to tell you about a trip of my own, or at least one that I'm thinking of. It's why I called directly."

"What is it?"

"The old man passed on."

My maternal grandfather, then. Shimon Kobayashi, the founder of Kobayashi Rice. His wife, my maternal grandmother, is a quiet, rarely seen woman by the name of Yumie. I never did get to meet them, even as they were allegedly at the last wedding.

Paternal grandparents, on the other hand...I can't recall having any of those.

"Mother isn't contesting anything. She wants to leave everything to me."

"How long ago?" I ask.

"The usual time. He was sick for a few months and died two weeks ago. They've just finished the funeral arrangements, so this was the right time for them to notify me. Mother called me herself, which...was a lot better than what I was expecting. Always awkward and distant. Never spiteful. That's who she is."

"You should go. For yourself, more than anything."

I wait for her to answer on the other side of the phone.

"I never did stop loving him. But he broke my heart one too many times."

"I know. Better than anyone in this world. Forget about scandal or etiquette. You should see him off, if you believe that he only did his best."

"I do believe it. I'll go. I just wanted to tell you in case anything happened, and to remove any worries. Rose will stay with Touka. I know you're never too busy for her, but...things. Right?"

"Yes. That's about it."

"She and Elma are out right now. They're riding bicycles through Inaho and visiting shops. The people down there adore her by now."

"You did raise her, so it makes sense."

"It does, doesn't it." I hear her let out a breath. "Thank you for calling back. I was just nervous and unsure."

"I know the feeling. Better than most, as I said before. With everything coming up, I've been doing some second guessing of my own. But I got over it. Now you can, too."

"Right. I can."

"Send my condolences to Madam Yumie. And be sure to take care of yourself, Mama. Call me whenever you need to, and I mean that."

"I'll remember, Lili. I love you very much. Thank you for listening to me."

"I love you more, Mama." I send a kiss through the phone to her, and she sends one back. "Bye for now."

"Goodbye, darling. Thank you again."

She hangs up, and I set the receiver down shortly after. Seems like everyone is going through something these days. But that's how life is, isn't it...

I hope Emi is okay. There's nothing else I need to wish for. The rest will come down to my ability.

"Fio's waiting for me downstairs. She's probably starving by now..." I lift myself out of the chair and do a quick scan of the room. With nothing out of place, I lock up and head down to the cafeteria.