Scarlet Justice - ep. 24
"Airs and Graces"

As part of my plan, I pay a neighbourhood child 1000 ryo - a queenly sum, for her - to set up a checkpoint for Tora. If this works, it will slowly bring an end to a proud Leaf 'tradition', but some sacrifices must be made for the good of all.

D-Rank missions for the day include trash collection, lawn cutting, and document transport. All easily done within a few hours, and Kurenai dismisses us for the day as a result. She has a maximum mission load set out for us and these days we've consistently met it before afternoon can arrive. Naruto tells me he's bored with these, but I find them relaxing and sometimes fun. Connecting with thankful people is always nice, and I have a feeling that these little things will help me in the future.

Now that the day is free, I think about what I would like to do for the rest of it. Spending all of my time at home might not be the most productive thing...hm.

Actually...I do know what I want to do. It's not very nice at all, but it's something before I turn in. Naruto can help me with this...ah, just as I think of him. There he is.

"Hey, Lili!"

"Good timing. I was looking for you," I say as I cross the street to meet him.

"Y-yeah? What for?" he asks eagerly.

"I was wondering if you knew where Sakura was."

"Eh? She's having tea or something with Ino. I guess she's gonna brag about Sasuke, or whatever," he says while making a face. "Bah. Who needs that idiot loser anyways...I'm the heart and soul of Team Seven! Oh, sorry. I actually gotta go, Kakashi-sensei said he wanted to see me about something today. Those two are down the road to your right," Naruto says as he runs off. "See ya, Lili!"

"Yes, goodbye. And thank you," I call after him. He seems to be staying out of trouble for the most part. Good.

Now that I have my target, it's time to begin.

I head down the street as Naruto instructed, and look over to my right for the place mentioned. Ino's blonde hair is visible as I approach; she sits on a patio with Sakura across from her at a table. Oh...and there's a third chair, sitting empty.

How deliciously convenient.

I suppose it's time to really lean into my persona...seeing as everyone already has their own thoughts on me, it certainly won't hurt anything. "Sakura, Ino. It's nice to see you both again," I say as I approach.

"Lili? Wow, it's been a while!" Ino says in greeting. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing at the moment, we finished our missions for the day. I did have a few meetings yesterday, though. With Lord Hokage and Kakashi-sensei."

"Ooh, look at you. Moving up in the world already, huh?"

"What did Kakashi-sensei want to talk to you about?" Sakura asks. She's trying to hide it, but I can read her easily. She's bothered by my presence.

"It's mostly between us. But a bit of it was praise for my abilities."

"Hey, if you're not doing anything right now, sit with us!" Ino says.

I watch Sakura's face twist up for a moment before settling into a sunny, welcoming smile. "Yeah, like Ino said...come sit with us for a while."

"If you're insisting, then I shall." I go around the barrier and seat myself in the empty chair, between Ino and Sakura. Putting my elbows on the table, I rest my head on my folded hands. "Have you both ordered already? I'll pick up the bill today, if you don't mind."

"Really? But this'll be coming out of your mission pay, so we should split it up, at least," Ino says.

I shake my head. "It's fine. I haven't touched my payment yet, and it was rather large...worth a B-Rank mission at the least."

"Oh? Your mission was supposed to be a C-Rank, right? That sounds super generous. We haven't been going for anything too difficult just yet. Asuma-sensei is starting us off slow. He's the Hokage's son, you know."

"Hm. Interesting."

"He's pretty nice, if a bit rugged sometimes. You know those sorts of guys who look like they go fishing every weekend and drink beers on the dock? That's what he looks like, I think. But all I know so far is that Shikamaru is a lazy bum, like the worst, and Choji can't stop eating. Ugh. It's just so much..."

"Seems like your team is a handful."

"You can say that twice. Sakura was telling me about her wild mission, though. We were going on about it before you got here, Lili."

"Naruto told me about it the other day," I say to her.

"Neat. Speaking of him...it's crazy how he managed to get this far. I mean, not only managing to graduate, but going up against powerful enemies and stuff. I dunno...my opinion on him's changed. I'm starting to think that he's not that far behind Sasuke..."

I can see Sakura twitch a bit at the edge of my vision.

"Then again, the year's been full of surprises. Look at you, Lili. You came out of nowhere and beat the daylights out of him. Oh, let's make our orders now." Ino nods to the waiter who appears before us, and we all select our teas and treats.

"An extra bottle of milk, also," I say before the young man can leave. He nods and adds it to the list before going.

"So, yeah...Sasuke. I think he's cute, but...well, I'm really not as obsessed with him as I used to be. Ehe...maybe I'm a bit bitter that Sakura gets to spend like, every day with him now! Totally unfair!" Ino says, pouting playfully.

"It was a lucky draw, I guess," Sakura says with a smile. "But I'm okay with a bit of luck..."

I lean back in my chair. "You can't rely on just that, you know. Talent can be overcome with hard work, and hard work can be defeated just as easily with pure talent. There are gaps that are sometimes too big to cross...I'm sure you understand more than most, Sakura."

"..." She stares at me but says nothing.

"Although, from what I know...you did a very good job protecting that old man. Teamwork is key, and you played your part," I say to her sweetly.

"That's true," Ino adds. "I mean, our team relies on teamwork, pretty much a matter of life and death in the field. Sensei says as much anyways, and my dad loves to remind me these days. I wonder how long it'll take for us to get even half as good as our parents. Heh. Aside from all the dumb training and drills and stuff, I'm pretty into this shinobi thing. I get to use some of my passions, too! That's exciting, right?"

"Very much so," I reply. "Sakura, what about you? Would you say the same?"

"I...guess I would, yeah," she replies timidly.

"Mm...going back to silly boys for a moment," Ino says with a smile, "I have a question for Lili."

"Yes, Ino. Whatever your heart desires."

"You're too much sometimes. Okay, then...have you ever been confessed to? Here, or anywhere?"

I close my eyes and think, knowing the answer but making sure I didn't miss anything. "No, never. I was quite lonely as a child...I think it was my disposition. That, and I could never smile properly."

"Oh, yeah...that creepy smile you gave us at the beginning of last year. Sheesh. I can see why people would avoid you in that case. But what about here, has anyone said anything?"

"I know that I have a few girls that admire me from afar, for certain reasons. But they were never open about it because of my status. I guess...there's one person who I know likes me."

"Ah? Tell us, tell us!" Ino demands.

"..." Sakura is interested as well. Our tea arrives and Ino eagerly stirs in her sugar while waiting for my answer.

"I know that Naruto...has a thing for me. Just don't mention it outside of here, alright?"

"Naruto? That makes sense, he does talk about you a lot and always seems really happy to see you. So? Will you...?"

"I let him down easy."

"I see. That's good of you, Lili. He's a weirdo, but...sort of sweet in his own way, I think. It'd really suck to see him moping around."

"He's free to dream of me as he likes, but...I can't oblige him as I am," I say pointedly to Ino.

"Eh...eh?" Ino stops her stirring and looks at me oddly for a moment. Then her expression changes, eyes widening as she comes to an understanding. "Ehhhhhh?"

"Yes, that's right."

Sakura is confused. "Ino, what are you on about?"

"That makes sense...that all makes sense. So you're a lesbian, I get it."

"Wait, you mean that she...she likes..."

"Yes. I like girls," I say plainly. "You personally don't have anything to worry about from me." I stir milk into my tea. "As for guys...even if I did have any interest in them, I wouldn't dream of choosing someone like Sasuke."

Sakura glares at me on cue. "And what's wrong with Sasuke?" Predictably defensive of her dream boyfriend.

"He would never be my type, even if I was a masochist...which I'm not." No, I'm very clearly on the other end of that particular spectrum. Well...as far as I know...

"Why don't you speak plainly?" Sakura demands. I let her rant and stir sugar into my tea leisurely.

"Honestly, there's no need to get so worked up," Ino says. "And with the bad blood between them, can you blame her for being harsh?"

"Sasuke is my teammate, Ino. I don't think it would be right to let some girl talk trash about him in front of me." As opposed to talking behind someone's back. Classy, Miss Haruno.

"You're clearly more upset about my remarks towards him than you are about your lack of skill."

She flinches. That one hurt. "Insult me all you want...you're just proving him right."

It seems she wants more. Fine. "Oh? So you're deluded as well. You think that I'm looking down on you because I have the ability to display my strength. Do you want me to show you what arrogance truly is?" I say, staring at her. If she wants to dance, I will make this useless doll dance until her feet swell up.

"Sasuke risked his life on that mission, which is way more than you could do. You think that because you looked a little cool and beat him in the Academy one time, or got really high grades, that you can demean him and insult the rest of us? Who do you think you are?"

"Sakura, seriously. You're getting way too worked up over this. All she said was that she wouldn't pick Sasuke if she was into guys at all. And we know she isn't. Okay, let's simmer down and change the subject a bit. You can still appreciate a cute guy, right, Lili?"

"Of course. Good aesthetic has no boundary."

"Aha! I like that. For example, our waiter definitely has a nice face...and other things I've noticed, but would be a little rude to mention in public," Ino says with a wink. "So. Who out of the guys do you think is the cutest?"

I turn my head and make sure to look at Sakura as I speak. "The person I'm thinking of...someone very sweet. Naruto would be my first choice."

"Naruto...wow, that's an interesting choice. How come?" Ino asks.

"Well, when you really look at a person...you can see them for who they are. He's a charming boy, a little rugged, but cute to look at. And good, lovely eyes," I say. "Very sincere in everything he does."

"Hmm...can't say I disagree. Give him a few years and some styling tips, he'll knock the ladies dead. Yeah, I think that's a solid pick on the whole."

"Do you have anything to add, Sakura?" I ask. "Or have you not looked at him once? You seem to be quite preoccupied with Sasuke and getting his attention. Haven't you realized that someone like that doesn't care about you? He has other things on his mind."

"You take that ba-"

"And you...especially someone like you. How can you ever question what I've done? How much blood have you spilled, Sakura Haruno?"

"I..."

I lean forward in my chair. "I can recall...all of it. Every. Single. Drop."

She shrinks backwards.

"Know your place," I say firmly. "You speak too much and are far too arrogant for your station. I stand above you in every, and I do mean every aspect."

"..." She can say nothing, only glaring at me and stewing in her seat. There's nothing she can say to counter me. Pathetic. How dare she even think of pushing herself against me.

"That was a bit harsh, wasn't it?" Ino says. "Sakura might have gone a bit too far, but...mm." Sakura is her friend, but it's clear that she's fallen to my side this time.

"Ino, you know better," I say gently. "Nothing I've said was a lie. If I wanted to, I have many other methods of tearing someone apart."

"She's got me there, Sakura. This isn't even close to how sharp she can get."

"I'm...I'm not the same person from the Academy," Sakura growls at me. "Your words don't mean anything to me. Sasuke is a much stronger person, and so am I!"

She's going to say something she will regret later. Blinded by her pain and wounded ego. The next move is...

"Why don't you put your big money where your mouth is, then?"

And finally, the climax.

"I'm challenging you, you stuck-up bitch!"

Yes. There it is.

"Sakura! Think about what you're saying for a second, you idiot forehead!"

"Cram it, piggie! I've already made up my mind!"

Ino huffs and waves her away. "Fine, whatever. Your funeral."

"What is it, rich girl? You gonna run away? You probably think you're too good to fight me. Go ahead and say it. Give up before we even start, like little princesses always do!"

I didn't think things would escalate to this level...well, alright. That's a lie. I was eagerly hoping they would get to this level, and I would have an excuse to bully this trash. I'm having a lot of fun right now.

I take a long sip of tea and sigh for effect before answering. "I'll think about obliging you. I have some more errands to run during the week, so..."

"You-"

"I'll have to show up to this too, won't I?" Ino yells, interrupting us. "Ugh! The worst! Fine, I'll even drag my lazy idiot team with me to supervise. Just make sure it's actually happening, alright? I gotta wash my hair properly after all these missions, you know?"

"I understand your struggle," I say to her. Draining my teacup, I dab at my mouth with a napkin. "Well. I won't agitate you any further, Miss Haruno. After all, you're Sasuke's number one fan...and he does need a cheering section, from what I understand."

"Tch...!"

"I'll let you know what's happening soon. Thank you both for having me. Sakura," I say dismissively as I stand up. "And...Ino."

"Hm?" I lean over and plant a friendly kiss on her cheek. She blushes a bit.

"See you in a while, then?"

"Yeah, for sure. Take care, Lili," she says with a smile.

I give Sakura a side eye look as she stares at me, confused and vulnerable. I want to push her. I want to make her tremble. I want her to look at me and think it...that I could steal away her best friend any time that I want.

She's too easy.

With a smile, I flip my hair over my shoulder. And I keep my promise, leaving more than enough money on the table to cover their expenses as a gift before leaving.

Yes. I'm an awful girl. But...I'm also awfully satisfied right now.

Ah. Such is life.

Luna isn't home as I return, so I decide to finish up my manga reading. It has a good looking heroine as the lead character, and balances everything with its action. I like it a lot and resolve to buy the next volume soon.

"..."

Although I also wonder about that book Kakashi was reading. I suppose I should look into it...for research purposes, of course.

The next day comes, and Luna is off. She sleeps in and I make myself breakfast. Kurenai has scheduled a quick D-Rank for today, planting flowers for an elderly woman. We end up in front of a modest wooden house with a front yard.

"..."

These flowers are all the same, and it's mainly the girls carefully planting while Shino gathers and moves supplies. The garden is well set up, with a system for delivering water and semi-moist soil that we dig into while planting. We finish fairly quickly and step back a moment to admire our work.

Camellia plants.

"Thank you for your hard work. There isn't much money here," the old woman says.

"..." I think for a moment. "Oba-san, if I could make a request."

"Yes, dear."

"In lieu of money...oil will do for me." The camellia plant, aside from its beauty, has many practical uses. One of its products is good quality oil from its seeds, which is used for cooking, to maintain blades, and to help grow strong and healthy hair.

"I feel the same," Hinata adds in.

"Same here," Kurenai says.

Shino seems confused as the old woman nods and heads back inside. She gives him his payment, and hands bottles of oil to myself, Hinata, and Kurenai. After exchanging bows, she waves us goodbye.

"You requested oil. Why?" Shino asks me. I look over to Kurenai and Hinata, and we share a knowing smile.

"It's a girl thing," we say in unison. Shino pushes up his glasses.

"I see. We all have our secrets, then."

Ino did say she was worried about her hair...hmhm. This will make a nice, luxurious present, and serve my ulterior motives quite nicely.