Scarlet Justice - ep. 13
"Acceptance"

I head home in much higher spirits than before. Seems that fight and all of the interactions it provided really did me well.

I hop up the stairs to the apartment, opening the door to the feeling of cool, fresh air. Wonderful. As I close the door behind me, I can already smell my favourite. Warm, crispy curly fries with a hint of spice.

"Lili~!"

That voice...

I drop my bag and jump into my sister's arms, snuggling into her as she spins around and embraces me. I've missed her terribly. My mind flickers back to that moment in time where I thought I would never see her again, and it makes me want to never let go. I can feel her gently stroking my head.

"I've missed you, too. Luna told me about what happened..."

"It's fine now," I say. "I've overcome it, surely."

"That's so wonderful to hear." I feel her squeeze me a bit tighter. She really is warm, especially today...and I can smell another familiar scent mixed with her own. Why can I not place it...?

"Were you in the sun today?" I ask as she sets me down. Her kimono today is coloured red, with patterns of green leaves etched into the silk.

"Mm...I wasn't. But I have other means of keeping warm nowadays," she says with a sly smile.

"Ah. Is Luna out?"

"I am right here, Miss Lilith. Forgive my absence, I meant to meet you when you came in." Luna emerges from her room and shakes out her hair. I hug her and realize the source of the familiar, yet unfamiliar scent on Midori.

"Oh, I see. You two were doing something lewd earlier," I say with realization. Luna blushes.

"Just a bit, yes. You don't mind, do you?" Midori asks.

"Not at all. As long as I can sleep at nights, it's fine."

Luna sighs. "Miss Lilith...you really are..."

"What a cheeky child we have, hm?" Midori smiles and giggles behind her hand. "Well, it's been far too long and I've been far too busy lately. Come, my love. Tell me about your days at school while we eat."

We share a large plate of curly fries, and I talk about what has been happening so far.

"Uchiha...yes, the last survivor. His brother has a contract with one of the kingdoms that we keep in contact with. From what I know...well, that information is too heavy for you at the moment, my love. Uzumaki, though." Midori taps her fan on the table. "Could he be a distant descendant? I wonder. There's such a large gap between that time and Lady Mito, and I had no access to those records. I should look into that properly." She sighs and looks at me. "I wish I could have been by your side after that horrible experience, Lili. But to face death like that, and to overcome it...you truly are strong. You are much stronger than you might realize right now. We will have to talk more after you graduate and are assigned a team. And of course, I'll be here for your graduation."

I nod. "Good."

"I've actually been having tea with Emi in some of my fleeting spare time, just to keep an eye on regional movement. She isn't as boring as I first thought, far from it. I like her."

"The things she's said have become very relevant."

"Oh, I have no doubts about that. Emi is a guarded woman, but she has much experience in the ways of the world. Or rather, she is guarded because of that experience. Sometimes we tend to make judgements based on what we know of people. Those can and should be subject to change, Lili."

"Yes. I experienced that when I fought with Naruto."

"Exactly. We can't be perfect all of the time, but we can learn from our mistakes and do better for the next time. That is how we elevate ourselves, and how we grab hold of our destinies. There is no shame in being wrong, there is shame in remaining ignorant."

"I see. I will remember that, Midori-nee."

"Very good." Luna takes away the empty plate and replaces it with a glass of fortified milk. I drink it down as Midori muses over something else.

"I wonder...that woman is still around, after he abandoned her. I should be able to ask a favour of her..."

"..." I wonder what she means by that, but I also don't bother to question it. I file it away like the other secrets, knowing that when I am truly ready, everything will be explained. It only makes sense to wait.

The end of the semester approaches. Today's lesson is again related to shurikenjutsu, or the use of all kinds of shinobi tools in combat. I tinker a bit while the lessons are going on and think of non-combat applications. These might be useful on smaller missions.

Iruka tells me that I've been forging ahead at a nearly unprecedented pace. I am in reach of third place for the Academy's records. The person who was in second place is that man, Itachi Uchiha. I would have assumed that his name would be redacted from all records, but that's not the case. It's interesting to see. The person in first place is none other than the man who became the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. He does remind me of Naruto a bit when I look at the photos they have of him. It must be the hair...a coincidence, to be sure.

I would hope so, anyways. It's a bit silly to entertain other thoughts.

Landing in that kind of company would mean a lot to me. All I would have to do is get a perfect score on the final exam at this point...it's mathematically impossible for me to fail no matter what I do the rest of the term. My score might affect what team I end up on later, and of course the distance to my next promotion.

I really am getting into this shinobi thing, aren't I? Maybe I should keep going once this is over.

Iruka meets with me after the last class of the day. He sits on the big table at the front and I sit across from him on one of the desks.

"You know, I really am grateful for you."

"Me? You shouldn't say things like that all of a sudden, sensei," I say with a smile. "Someone might get the wrong idea. And playing with a young girl's heart like that..."

He laughs. "You really are a handful. But, seriously...Hinata has really grown because of the attention you gave her. And recently, Ino has become more focused. Still herself for the most part, but she's become more of a leader overall. Naruto...Naruto is..." He rubs the back of his neck, looking for the words. "He's alive, I guess. Which is good. And his grades have slowed their freefall..."

"That much seems to be an accomplishment."

"Yeah. Is everything okay with you?"

"It's fine. I saw my big sister the other day, which helped me immensely."

"Oh, that's good. It's...Midoriko, right? She has an important position as a noble, you said."

"Yes."

"Heh. It's good to have people in high places. You're thinking of working for her once you're done with school?"

"I'm not. I want to become a shinobi full time, sensei."

"Really? Hm. I'm not upset or anything. I just thought that this might have been a short thing for you, you know?"

"It was the intent at first. But once my mother sees my growth and accomplishments, I suspect she'll support me taking on this sort of thing full time."

Iruka nods. "Well, I sort of hope she does. There's a lot that goes on in the shinobi world, some tough things that you have to deal with over and over again. It's not exactly easy. But if you do want to continue...I would feel a lot safer knowing that you're around, Lilith."

"There you go again, sensei. Talking too much for your own good."

Iruka folds his arms. "Come on. I'll be an old man soon, I can hope for that much, can't I?"

"I suppose so. Be at peace, then. I'll protect you and your dreams, sensei."

"Now who's talking too much?"

I stick my tongue out at him before laughing.

I think about how I want to spend the remaining days of school, and decide that I will work hard for the time being. It will mean a little less time to rest, but seeing the proud faces of all those who have been supporting me...yes, it will be more than worth the effort.

Iruka responds to my need swiftly and provides the appropriate supplemental material. I stay after school more often and practice using my weapons. Throwing, wielding, retrieving, defending. I work on flower arranging and find myself near the top of the class on that end. And of course, I hone my skills in the sorts of arts important to kunoichi everywhere: social persuasion and charm offensives. Naturally, I like to use girls for practice. Much more fun, especially when they start losing their composure. We do talk about and look over seduction campaigns. From the outside, they seem like too much for young girls. In reality, there are...quite a few immediately useful elements, even at this age. Sometimes because of our age.

It felt gross to think about at first, but I adjusted more as I understood. This is one of the things that never gets discussed with boys, and while Iruka most definitely knows the contents, he doesn't breach them with me. Thankfully in the modern era these practices are restricted to women of age on official missions. But knowing how to navigate situations where we might be targeted sexually by clients, enemies, or most distressingly people we know is supremely important. One of the things we drill over and over is the synthesis of quick antidotes, and we are able to carry the components on us at all times.

Matters of life and death. Not just on the battlefield.

Written tests are easy enough. I dabble in some of the advanced work and don't find it terribly hard to navigate. Higher education will be nice to have in my pocket later. I can identify genjutsu faster and break out of them with greater ease. Something that naturally came to mind as a focus because of what Sasuke did. Perhaps there are only the three known Sharingan users in the world, but what can stifle them will work wonders against every other kind of illusion user. So there's no reason to neglect this part of my repertoire.

I'm slowly getting better. And I know that after my graduation, I will improve even more. I look forward to all of it.

"Hi, Lili."

I look over the top of my book to see Ino standing near my desk. It's free study in the big hall today.

"Hello, Ino. What can I do for you today?"

"Well..." She rocks back and forth on her feet. "I wanted to ask something of you. If that's okay."

I set my book in my lap and give her my attention. "Ask away."

"Thanks. I'm having trouble with some of the problems involving kunai trajectory. Or, weapon trajectory in general. I'm way better at throwing them then calculating."

"Not uncommon for clan children."

"See, you get it!" she says with a smile. "So, um. I was wondering if we could study together? If you have time, I mean. I don't want to impose."

I nod. "Of course. We can start after school, for as long as you need. However, I would like an offering from you in return."

"An offering...?" She tilts her head and thinks for a moment before it comes to her. "Ah, okay! Is strawberry alright?"

"Yes."

"Hehe. Perfect, I'll be sure to have it with me later. The library after school, then. See you, Lili."

She leaves, and I quietly go back to my reading.

The promised time arrives, and I walk down the hall with Hinata towards the library. Ino meets us halfway and presents me with a bottle of strawberry milk. I open it and have a sip.

"Acceptable," I say with a nod.

"Great. Alright, we...oh. Right, I should say something."

"Hm?"

"Hinata, hello first of all. It's good to see you."

Hinata nods. "Y-you as well, Ino."

"Thanks. Listen...I know that I haven't said anything to your face, but I know that people have been bullying you for a while, and they've said some terrible things. Even if it wasn't directly my fault, I've looked down on you, too."

"Ino...l-listen..."

"Hinata, I'm sorry. I need to finish this. Would you let me?"

"Yes...of course, Ino. P-please continue."

"Thank you." She puts a hand over her heart. "I know what it means to see someone hurt, and to lift another person up. I also know what it means to be selfish, and guarded in my actions. I don't claim to be a good person, but I know that I've done my best at times for others."

"..." So that explains it. I was wondering where Sakura's sort of attitude came from, and why it was a bit shaky. Ino was encouraging her for some time, at least before they started bickering over Sasuke.

"Even so, that doesn't excuse what the other kids have done to you. I'm sorry, Hinata. I know that I need to do better, but...can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"..." Hinata looks to me, and I shake my head. It has to be her decision. She seems to understand and nods. "I forgive you, Ino."

"Thank you."

"I...know that you're not a bad person. I always knew that. But I appreciate that you...did this for me. Thank you..."

"Yes. I understand, Hinata...thank you again for that."

"I...want something also. For myself," Hinata says nervously.

"Yeah, for sure. Whatever you want, Hinata. Name it," Ino replies.

"I want to learn more about flowers. About the patterns...and all that they could mean to someone."

"Only that much?"

Hinata nods.

"A-are you sure? I mean, I can do a lot more if you want. You've been hurt a lot, you know?"

"It's fine...that's all I want from you, Ino."

"I...I see. Then if that's all...I can do that for you. Easily. Say the word and I'm there, I promise."

"Thank you. Lili...I'll see you later?"

"Yes, you will. Take care, Hinata." We share a hug before she bows for Ino, then leaves.

"Shall we go, Ino?"

"Ah...oh, yeah." Ino snaps out of her daze as she watches Hinata leave. "I'm starting to understand a few things."

"Really. Like what?"

"Your real strength, for instance."

"I wouldn't know what you're talking about."

"Yeah, of course you wouldn't." She gives me a side-eye look before sighing. "Anyways, senpai. I'm in your care."

I sip at my milk. "Sucking up is always a good opening move."

"Ugh."

The time towards our final set of classes winds on. Hinata and I end up studying with Ino in the library a few times a week. I get my offering of milk, and Hinata gets extra lessons on flowers from Ino. Sometimes I slip out while Ino is teaching, not wanting to interrupt.

Midori appears from time to time for Luna's sake. They of course make sure to satisfy each other during the day while I'm out, which is very considerate of them. Luna is still able to keep up with her work, which is also nice.

So it goes, until the time arrives. Graduation day.

I think I'm more than ready.