Disclaimer: OC's involvement changes the plot (slightly)

In the village of Ishigami, there lived a girl named Kunzite. With her golden-brown eyes and her dark, unassuming hair, Kunzite was a figure of solitude.

From a young age, Kunzite stood out in her village, not for any grand gestures, but for the quiet intensity of her presence. While other children ran and played with carefree laughter, she sat apart, her eyes absorbing every detail of the world around her—from flowers to trees, from skies to lakes. It wasn't that Kunzite was shy; she simply had a depth of thought that made her more of a quiet observer than an active participant.

As she grew, Kunzite's unique way of engaging with the world only became more pronounced. Her reputation as a silent observer became evident. Villagers came to recognize her ability to notice subtle nuances that eluded others. Her insights were sought in times of need, and her perspective was valued for its clarity and depth. Kunzite had become more than just a watcher—she was trusted for counsel, known for providing guidance that came from her profound understanding of the world.

One day, a young man arrived in Ishigami Village. Kunzite's golden-brown eyes were fixed on the stranger who had suddenly appeared in their village, of course, strangers arriving in the village would typically create a buzz, the first reaction would be caution and wariness. From her vantage point behind a large boulder, she observed the young man with spiky hair, like a wild tangle of hair resembling a leek and unfamiliar markings on his face, his crimson calculating eyes, and an aura of confidence that made him stand out immediately. He called himself Senkuu and spoke of things that sounded like magic but were rooted in something called "science."

Kunzite watched as the man settle in Chrome's hut with confident ease. His hands moved with precision, combining ingredients and creating reactions that left Chrome, her dear friend, in awe. From her hidden spot, Kunzite noticed how he explained everything with patience and enthusiasm, making complex ideas seem almost simple. Though timid about approaching, she trusted Chrome's judgment. For now.

"Look at this, Senkuu!" Chrome exclaimed, holding up a shiny, green mineral. "This is malachite. It's one of my favorites because of its vibrant color."

Senkuu examined it. "Ah, malachite. It's a copper carbonate hydroxide. You can extract copper from it through smelting."

Chrome's eyes widened. "Really? That's amazing! I knew it was special, but I didn't know it had such practical uses."

Chrome's excitement was palpable, and Kunzite felt a pang of warmth, seeing her friend so animated. She watched as they bonded over their shared love for discovery, Chrome eagerly showing Senkuu his collection of minerals.

"Check this one out," Chrome continued, holding up another specimen. "It's pyrite. It looks like gold, but it's not."

"Fool's gold," Senkuu chuckled. "It's iron sulfide. While not gold, it's valuable. Pyrite can be used to produce sulfur dioxide, essential for making sulfuric acid."

Kunzite's earlier apprehension slowly melted away. Maybe, just maybe, this man could be an ally. For now, she would continue to observe, content knowing that Chrome had found someone who understood and nurtured his love for discovery. A faint smile lingered on her lips as she watched them, a silent testament to the joy she felt seeing her friend so genuinely happy.

Days turned into weeks, and Kunzite continued to observe from a distance. She saw how Senkuu tirelessly worked on projects that seemed impossible. When Senkuu and Chrome teamed up to create rudimentary tools and inventions, she felt a surge of pride for Chrome and a growing respect for Senkuu. Yet, her shyness kept her from joining their conversations.

Chrome noticed Senkuu's curious glances toward Kunzite and couldn't resist asking, "What's on your mind, Senkuu? You keep looking at Kunzite."

Senkuu, his eyes still fixed on Kunzite that now staring back equally from afar, replied, "Just thinking. She seems to be observing everything with a lot of focus. It's not often you see someone so quietly attentive."

Chrome grinned. "That's Kunzite for you. She's a bit shy in socializing, but she's really sharp. The villagers come to her for advice on all sorts of issues. To me, she's like family—almost like a big sister. You might want to talk to her and see what she's thinking."

Senkuu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? Sounds like she's got some useful insights. I wouldn't mind getting another perspective. More brains tackling the problem means more solutions."

Chrome nodded. "Exactly. She's got a knack for seeing things from angles we might miss. It's always good to have someone with a different viewpoint on our side."

Senkuu hummed thoughtfully. "Alright, I'll take you up on that. A fresh perspective could be just what we need. Though, her gaze do become eerie, what is she, a cat?"

When news spread that Senkuu was working on a cure for Ruri after the scuffle in Grand Bout, Kunzite's interest was piqued even more. Ruri had been suffering for a long time, and Kunzite's medicinal herbs had only provided temporary relief. The prospect of Senkuu finding a more permanent solution was a beacon of hope for everyone in the village, also fear and wary because the man, Senkuu, is still stranger to their eyes despite of him becoming their Village Chief.

Kunzite watched intently as Senkuu and Chrome gathered herbs, minerals, and other ingredients late into the night. She could see the determination in Senkuu's eyes and the urgency in his movements. Every now and then, Senkuu would consult his notes, while Chrome helped with the preparation, his excitement evident.

Kunzite's thoughts were a whirlwind. Her family had always been closely connected to Ruri and Kohaku's family, specializing in medicinal herbs that were passed down through generations. Since her family's recent loss, Kunzite had taken on the mantle of their knowledge, using her skills to provide the best care she could. The herbs she used had offered Ruri temporary relief, but they were never a cure. The thought of Senkuu, with his scientific prowess, finding a solution was both thrilling and comforting.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and cast a warm, golden glow over Ishigami Village, Kunzite took a leisurely stroll by the river. The serene surroundings contrasted with the bustling activity of the village, and she enjoyed the peaceful moment of solitude. As she rounded a bend, she spotted Senkuu sitting alone on a smooth rock near the water's edge. His usually confident demeanor was replaced by a look of deep contemplation. It was a rare sight to see him taking a break, and it was clear from the furrow in his brow that the weight of his mission was heavy on his shoulders.

Kunzite paused for a moment, her heart aching at the sight of Senkuu's obvious strain. She knew all too well the pressures of the task he had undertaken and felt a pang of sympathy. With a gentle sigh, she decided to offer a small gesture of support. She carried a pouch of her favorite dried herbs, carefully selected for their calming and restorative properties, in her bag. These herbs were known for their soothing effects and had been a source of comfort for many in the village, including herself.

Quietly and with great care, Kunzite approached Senkuu's workstation, which was set up near the riverbank. She placed the small pouch beside his tools, leaving it there without a word.

The next day, Kunzite went about her usual tasks, but her mind kept drifting back to Senkuu. She was curious to see if he had discovered the herbs. When she eventually saw him again, her eyes were drawn to a familiar sight—Senkuu was sipping tea as he worked on his latest project. A slight, contented smile played on his lips, a rare and reassuring expression that spoke of quiet relief.

Though Senkuu had never known who left the pouch of herbs, Kunzite felt a deep sense of satisfaction watching him enjoy the tea. The sight of him relaxed, if only for a moment, was enough to bring a smile to her face. She was content knowing that her small act of kindness had made a difference, even if it was in a subtle way.

The day of the medicine's presentation arrived with a mixture of excitement and tension. Senkuu and Chrome stood before the gathered villagers, their faces set with determination. Kunzite, standing at the back of the crowd, felt a knot of apprehension in her stomach. She watched as Senkuu prepared to administer the long-awaited medicine to Ruri.

Ruri, seated in a makeshift chair, accepted the first dose with a trembling hand. The crowd watched in hushed silence, their anticipation palpable. As Ruri swallowed the medicine, she suddenly began to cough violently. The sight of her struggling to breathe sent waves of fear through the crowd. Gasps of alarm spread, and some villagers began to murmur anxiously.

Ruri's father, overwhelmed with concern and frustration, took a step forward, his face flushed with anger. "What's happening? Is this going to work or not? Is this a poison?" he demanded, his voice rising.

Kohaku, standing nearby, quickly intervened, her voice calm but firm. "Please, let's not jump to conclusions. This reaction could be part of the process. We need to give it time."

Ruri, still coughing but with a determined look, managed to nod in agreement. "Kohaku is right. I trust Senkuu and the medicine. I believe in it, and I need to see this through."

Her father, seeing the resolute look in Ruri's eyes and hearing her support for Kohaku, hesitated. Kohaku's presence and Ruri's agreement were enough to make him back down, though his worry was still evident.

Over the next few days, the village watched anxiously as Ruri continued to take the medicine. There were moments of hope and fear, but gradually, Ruri's condition improved. Her coughing fits became less frequent, and her pallor began to fade. The villagers' initial anxiety transformed into cautious optimism.

The day finally came when Ruri, now visibly healthier, stood at the entrance of her home, ready to step outside the village for the first time in a long while. The sight of her walking, supported by Kohaku and with a bright smile on her face, was met with overwhelming joy from the villagers. Cheers and applause erupted, celebrating the long-awaited victory over Ruri's illness.

Kunzite, standing among the crowd, felt a profound sense of relief and happiness. She watched as Senkuu and Chrome, despite their exhaustion, exchanged smiles of satisfaction. Kunzite's heart swelled with pride, knowing that their collective efforts had made this moment possible. The village's unity and determination had triumphed, and the joy of seeing Ruri well again was a testament to their strength and perseverance.

Senkuu sat at his makeshift lab table, immersed in a sea of bubbling beakers and intricate contraptions. The air was thick with the scents of chemicals and the hum of scientific experimentation. Kunzite approached quietly, her curiosity piqued by the complex setup before her.

Without looking up from his work, Senkuu spoke, "Kunzite, right? I heard about you from Chrome." His tone was casual, though his focus remained on the task at hand. "What brings you to my lab?"

Kunzite's gaze was drawn to a particularly elaborate apparatus. "I noticed the new setup," she replied softly. "It looks fascinating. What are you working on?"

Senkuu's eyes flickered with interest as he glanced up. "I'm attempting to synthesize ibuprofen. A reliable painkiller could be a game-changer for the village. You have a sharp eye for details. Not many people around here notice the little changes."

Kunzite's thoughts raced. 'Ibuprofen?' She nodded, trying to keep her curiosity in check. "I like to keep an eye on things. You never know what might turn out to be important."

Senkuu's face lit up with a smile. "Exactly. Science thrives on details. Care to lend a hand? I could use someone with your observational skills."

Kunzite's eyes sparkled with eagerness. "I'd be happy to help. What do you need me to do?"

"Just watch closely," Senkuu instructed. "Tell me if you notice anything unusual while I run this experiment."

Kunzite leaned in, her attention fixed on the experiment. "What exactly are we looking for?"

Senkuu adjusted a valve, causing a liquid to bubble more vigorously. "Any change in consistency, smell, or reaction time. Sometimes the smallest anomaly can lead to a breakthrough."

As Kunzite observed, she noticed a slight thickening in the mixture. "It's getting thicker. Is that expected?"

Senkuu's eyes widened in approval. "Good catch! That means we're on the right track. This reaction might help us create a more effective painkiller."

Kunzite felt a surge of pride. "I'm glad I could help. What's the next step?"

Senkuu rubbed his hands together, excitement evident. "Now we refine it."

At that moment, Kohaku approached, observing the interaction with a knowing smile. She tapped Kunzite on the shoulder. "It's rare to see you so involved, Kunzite."

Kunzite glanced at Kohaku, feeling a sense of pride and gratitude for Senkuu's efforts to heal Ruri and improve the village's well-being. "I've been indirectly involved for a long time, I've been watching Senkuu and Chrome from afar," she admitted softly. "Especially that Chrome is important to me—I feel the need to keep an eye on him."

Kohaku's eyes brightened. "That's so thoughtful, Kunzite! But why have you been so focused on them?"

Kunzite hesitated, then confessed staring at Senkuu's experiment, "I just wanted to ensure Chrome was safe and that Senkuu's intentions were genuine. I needed to be sure he was trustworthy."

As they spoke, Senkuu approached with a knowing grin. "I know. I've heard about you from Chrome. He mentioned that you're the one who left the calming herbs."

Kunzite whipped her head to Senkuu, her questioning gaze evident. "I just thought they might help you relax. I didn't realize Chrome would tell you."

Senkuu chuckled. "He didn't tell me directly; he just confirmed it. I noticed the scent of lemon balm that night, and you're the only one around here who smells like that. And, ah, It's quite refreshing."

Senkuu's gaze met hers warmly. "I'm truly grateful for those herbs. They helped more than you know."

Kohaku nudged Kunzite playfully. "Looks like you've made quite an impression. Who knows? Maybe you have a future in science after all."

Kunzite's shy smile grew, feeling a warm glow in her chest. She hadn't expected her simple act of kindness to lead to such a connection, but she was thankful for it.

"Senkuu, the air is starting to smell different," Kunzite remarked, her nose crinkling as she caught a new scent.

Senkuu walked over and sniffed the concoction. "That's the esterification process. We're forming the active compound. Now we just need to crystallize it."

As Senkuu resumed his work, Kunzite glanced at Kohaku, catching her encouraging smile. The belongingness and shared purpose felt like a new chapter in her journey, and Kunzite was grateful to be a part of it.

AN: I made this around 3 AM, expect some minor errors, the thought of Senkuu initially made me start writing this.

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July 18, 2024, 5:00 AM (GMT 8): Some Minor revisions were uploaded.

July 22, 2024, 7:00 PM (GMT 8): Added details and dialogues.