Scarlet Justice - ep. 65
"Cool Breezes"

"Luna? Will you be needing me for anything presently?"

"No, I won't be."

"Thank you~" Ah, excellent. That means I have more than enough time to read through one of my new books. The one that I'm reaching for today is the unexpected spin-off title, Icha Icha Garden. The title doesn't give much away, and neither does the summary...'composed in a flash of inspiration by its prolific and talented author'. Hm. I wonder what got them going all of a sudden. The third book isn't out yet, so this really must have been a forceful sort of flash.

I lie back in my bed and get comfortable before turning to the first page.

"Hmm..."

Something is off from the start. I ignore the feeling and read on...but it comes back stronger than before. And then it continues, which only makes sense given the material that's in here. This...oh, my. It's something, alright. I can definitely see the author's usual inclinations, but there's a sort of trashiness to it that keeps drawing me in, further and further.

But the most important part of this is the basis for the material. The story has a woman as the main character, and she goes on to form a harem of beautiful girls. That woman...there's no mistaking it. That's me. The same hair, the same manner of speaking, the same attitude, imperfectly copied but copied all the same.

"I really can't believe this...though, it's possible that I'm biased here. Luna? Are you busy?"

"Not at all, Miss Lili. What do you need of me?" Luna appears and I slide into a sitting position on my bed. I pat the space beside me and she sits down.

"Have a look at the pages that I've marked. This is quite amusing."

"Icha Icha Garden...this is a new one, I suppose. Hm. You just need me to read these passages, then?"

"Yes."

"Alright." She reads silently and blinks a few times. "Oh. Oh my. That's certainly...Miss Lili, this is definitely you in this book. Are...you okay with this?"

I laugh softly. "There's nothing I can really do about it now. At this point...I might have to make the lies reality. You know that Ino and I were talking about this sort of thing the other day? Ah...I'm going to make sure I find the author and squeeze them dry for this," I say with a wry smile. "Whoever they might be..."

"Wait...this is me here."

"Yes."

"And...Midori, too."

"Mm-hm."

"These descriptions...certainly indulgent. Whoever this is knows a lot about a woman's body, at least on a surface level."

"The lover I have seems familiar in a few ways, too...she reminds me a bit of Naruto, but that's a reach, I think. Plenty of air-headed heroines in these book series to go around. They're usually blondes too, for whatever reason."

"Well...foreigners are seen as exotic, especially women."

"Mm. That much is true. I've noticed some of the attention I get around town, even at my age."

"An observation, Miss Lili. You have a way of carrying yourself like a more mature woman, so while it's not an excuse...in this sort of environment, you could pass for someone more mature, if on the petite side."

I think on that a moment. "That makes sense. I never really did think of it like that, even if I throw my weight around at times. I don't feel terribly different in those times that you mention, but it happens all the same. I'll keep it in mind for the future. Thank you, Luna."

"You're welcome, as always."

"It's a spicy read," I say as I take the book back from her. "Refreshingly trashy, tastefully lewd...and of course, having a female protagonist really does it for me."

"Of course," Luna says with a smile.

"I'll get you and Midori-nee copies the next time I head out."

"Thank you. It...did look like an interesting read."

"Something to get you in the mood, hm?"

Luna blushes. "Like I need any help with Midori around..."

"Oh, my."

"B-but...enough of that for the day. I'm sure that you would like to get back to your reading..."

"Goodbye, Luna. Try not to be too loud once you get back to your room."

"It would be nice if you could go one day, just one without...!"

I snicker and go back to my book.

"Hey, glad you could join us."

Asuma gently pats me on the shoulder as I reach him. I'm still officially off duty for now, but I wanted to go one of the jounin meetings and get up to speed. This is the first one since the invasion, and they're not called more than once a month in normal times. It's also not a requirement to go unless it's ordered by the Hokage, or there's an emergency situation in the village. This is because of overlapping mission times, required rest periods, and so on. But most people make an effort to come out anyways, both for social and logistical reasons.

I'm not very interested in drawing attention to my arm. Light sweaters help cover it a little, so I've chosen one for the day. Underneath it is a cute shirt that I picked up earlier. It's very glittery and spells out 'bad' in western cursive.

"Today's meeting should be good. They might be handing out medals or whatever, I dunno. The old man was light on details. Kurenai's inside already."

"Shall we, then?"

"Yeah." Asuma walks ahead of me and inside the building. It's not a terribly fancy place, but it looks less boring than the standby station. Who wants to sit there all day? There are too many things to do to sit around on a soft bench and look at plants for eight or ten hours a day. Though meditation does a body good, and it helps increase chakra levels...

The room we enter is fairly large, with soft carpet and plenty of cushions available for people to sit on. It's a pretty casual atmosphere, and the room is dressed up in reds and greens to evoke feelings of the village, and of the Land of Fire in general. We, after all, are among its most elite guardians.

"Hey, you guys finally made it in." Kurenai waves us over and we move a few cushions to sit near her. Kakashi is, as usual, by himself reading one of his favourite books. I wonder if he's read the spin-off book too.

"Yeah. Anything important coming up?" Asuma asks as he sits down. He lights up a cigarette, which is allowed here. Kurenai doesn't make too much of a fuss unless it's a special occasion, or they're going to be in the orbit of small children. Asuma apparently doesn't smoke while doing certain lessons or drills, and he doesn't do so when he's taking on a serious task. He seems laid back enough since I see him smoking all the time, then. Good for him.

"Nothing. There's a women's association meeting that they wanted Lili to be aware of."

"I wonder what they want with me all of a sudden."

"Are you really wondering?"

"Of course not," I say with a snort. "They can wait on me until the promised time. I'll have to speak with Luna and see what the situation there is..."

"She's not a part of it already?"

"Luna isn't a fan of the tension. Or the rigid sorts of routines they apparently have going on. The backbiting is a given, not the worst thing in the world, but a hassle she and I can easily live without. What about you, Kurenai?"

"Bunch of uptight princesses. Hard pass."

"I thought as much. There are things I have to deal with regarding Hyuuga as well..."

"You're not thinking about going after Hiashi, are you?"

"No, no. Nothing as foolish as that. I've learned a lot about him from outside sources...there are things that I would like to discuss, but I have control of the situation. I've acquired a cute little sister, you know."

"Little sister..." Kurenai thinks for a moment. "You mean Hanabi?"

"Yes. She's adorable, isn't she?"

"Really. I thought you'd want to murder her on sight."

"I thought the same at first, but...things have changed in the past while. She and Hina are closer than it seems. I plan to make use of my connection to her in the future. It won't just be that, since I do like her, but it's not right to waste an opportunity like that."

She shakes her head.

"Man. It's no wonder you got promoted so fast," Asuma says with a chuckle. "If you can change the Hyuuga, you'll be a legend no matter what you do. The ladies won't be able to keep their hands off you."

I smile at the thought. "Well. That sounds delightful enough."

"Good morning, good morning. I hope everyone is well today."

The Hokage walks in with Shikaku Nara trailing behind him. He sits on the elevated section near the back of the room, on top of a large and soft chair that has a back rest. Then he sets his hat down and cracks his neck. Shikaku sits to the right of him with a book in one of his hands. This feels like a much more relaxed type of meeting; the general meetings are more structured from what I remember, likely because we want to set a good example for the junior shinobi. This lot is trusted with enough important things that we can have more casual conversations.

Everyone moves from their small groups and forms into a bigger one with their cushions, sitting down and facing the Hokage as he looks through the scroll in his hands. He smokes from his pipe freely.

"First order of business should be...the commendations."

"Might as well do them with everyone else for solidarity's sake," a voice calls from behind me. Everyone sounds their agreement and the Hokage nods.

"Done, then. The ceremony will take place later in the month, so we will organize it to that end. We still have several of the point defence missions captained by chuunin. I mean to keep that in place for the next month or two. Any objections to that?"

Everyone indicates that they're okay with it, and the old man nods again while making notes.

"So noted. Next on the list is...national relations. Shikaku should have news regarding that."

"Yes, sir. We need to talk about what's happening with the Hidden Sand right now. They've offered some of their services to support us with the initiative against the Hidden Sound, and have been helping with the aftermath as much as they could so far. However, we do want to lock in new agreements and bring their spheres closer to our own. Not in the sense of a hostile takeover, but something that will make them more of a malleable ally in the future. We have a few areas of interest we want to look into, and naturally those will take the form of survey missions. So those will result in more secretive work and potentially higher threat levels..."

"Within Wind Country, yes?" I ask.

"We're thinking of many different places, especially when it comes to projects like gold extraction. Because of the Fourth Kazekage's influence in that sector, Sand has an interest in keeping themselves at or near the top of that list. There are also private influences we have to consider. I think you're aware of the Sugita Family, Lili?"

"I've heard those names before, yes. If they're contacting us, there must be an immediate problem they want fixed."

"That's very much it. We're looking into short term missions to help ease the current pressure on Sand, in exchange for certain resources and arrangements that we can use later. The details on those will be forthcoming, but I think we can start to discuss some of what is definitely going to happen right now, and over the course of the next few meetings," Shikaku says.

The discussion starts from there. There is some talk about trying to not trigger the other nations into reacting to these new developments, especially the Hidden Cloud which has been aggressively gathering arms for an age now. Channels are being closely monitored according to Shikaku and Inoichi. It's not going to prevent us from being aggressive as the Cloud's sabre-rattling has remained such. Their gamble to try and kidnap Hinata under cover of darkness is remembered as if it took place no more than a day ago, and contributes to some of the current political climate between the two villages. It seems that my upcoming mission to find the Hokage new aides will take on a new level of importance, then.

Decisions regarding the Hidden Sound are being made on the upper levels. Some security missions will need to be run in the next while, and jounin leading platoons of chuunin and genin will do. The situation also provides an opportunity for chuunin to cut their teeth in the field with the benefit of lower risk levels. There will be an opportunity for people to request missions first based on seniority, then the remaining spots will be filled by everyone else. In the case that there are open spots, people will be randomly selected to fill them. The distance away from home means that some of these will be lengthy tours; I expect only a few of the jounin to take them, with the remaining spots being filled by special jounin and senior chuunin.

There are smaller updates, like our trade route management, interactions with government officials, supply chains, and so on. Everything is stable for now, and it's thanks to our efforts against the invaders. Limiting the damage to important buildings, reducing casualties, and establishing dominance helped a lot. Most important was the fact that the old man ended up taking care of the problem himself, a boost to his reputation and that of the village's that will be felt for a long while. The God of Shinobi was still active enough in his age, and a potent force when it came to the balance between the Five Powers. General questions follow. Shikaku is making promises to improve the quality of life for jounin, including incremental pay raises and bonuses for certain mission types. Public reports are scanned, as well as complaints. We go over these and review proper conduct as well as the correct ways to handle these scenarios in the future, if they were mishandled.

"The frequency of these meetings may change, depending on what happens in the next few weeks," Hiruzen says. "We may have a longer gap until the next one. You will be informed in the usual manner, of course. Thank you for your time. A copy of the minutes will be sent by mail, and as always you can see Shikaku if you have any further questions. Please, enjoy the rest of your day."

Everyone stands and bows towards the Hokage before putting away their cushions and dispersing. There are a few of the clan heads here, but not all of them. I'm assuming the Hyuuga that were here will report the important information to Hiashi in person. Choza and Inoichi were present, though that's expected since Shikaku was here in his capacity as Jounin Commander. I make a mental note to call Emi about her dealings with the Sugita Family in Sand...and about what's happening to Kobayashi Rice in Sound Country. I don't expect anything dramatic to go on, but there has definitely been some sort of impact on the family business with the nearest hidden village gone.

"Good afternoon to you all."

I raise my head to see Erika approach our little group and bow politely. She's as calm and composed as ever. Her outfit is interesting, though. Today she wears a flat black choker around her neck, and a relatively normal looking outfit consisting of a shirt and jeans. Her hair is the same puffy consistency as before.

"Afternoon, Erika. Hope you've been resting up," Asuma says.

"I have been, Lord Asuma. Thank you for worrying about me."

"Hey, remember what I said. Just Asuma is fine, alright? My old man is the one who should be addressed all formal-like."

"Yeah, we don't want his ego to swell up too much," Kurenai says with a smile.

"Oi..."

"Miss Kurenai, it's nice to see you as well."

"Likewise. Did you need something from us, Erika?"

"If I'm not intruding...I would like to speak to Lilith for a while. It wouldn't be anything serious, or invasive with regards to privacy. If the three of you are busy, I can ask at another time."

Asuma and Kurenai look at each other for a moment, then at me.

"It's fine," I say. "I wanted to have a chat with Erika myself. This way, you two can enjoy some alcohol without worrying about minors."

"Thoughtful of you," Kurenai says. "We'll find some time to hang out later in the week, then. Sound good?"

"Very much so. We'll see you two later. And remember, don't get too frisky in public."

"You know, you've got a big mouth on you-"

"C'mon, Kurenai. Lili, Erika, we'll see you kids later." Asuma shakes his head and chuckles as he leads Kurenai by the shoulder. They start arguing in their usual manner before disappearing down the road.

"Thank you for accommodating me," Erika says.

"It's among the least of things I can do. Now, did you have somewhere you wanted to go?"

"There's a place nearby that sells western hamburgers. They were quite delicious the last time I went."

"Excellent. I am a bit hungry, and meat does sound nice today. Shall we?"

"Yes." We head a few blocks away from the meeting hall and towards a side street with a few restaurants spaced out evenly. Most serve local fare, except for the one that stands out immediately with its signage. I remember that these tubes are filled with gases that react to electricity, or something like that. In any case, it's a striking display; the lights bend and curve around the windows and above the entrance, making twisting shapes and forming into letters like the ones that say 'open' and the numbers that indicate the business hours. The inside isn't as flashy, but manages to be captivating with how clean, neat, and bright everything is. Leather seating and sparkling table tops.

Erika slides into one side of the booth that we've picked, and I sit across from her. A cute waitress in a hoop skirt comes to serve us, and I pick a soda and milkshake to drink. Erika gets the same and she thanks us before scooting off.

"So. Was there something specific you wanted to talk to me about?" I ask her.

"Nothing like that. I hope that it's not an issue."

"No, no. Not at all. I was simply wondering. Asuma mentioned something about you resting, have you been well since your last mission?"

"There was a bit of soreness. The opponents were somewhat difficult to approach, and some had to be taken out with lethal strikes. The mission was successful however, and a remote base was established after all threats were cleared from the area."

"Ah. We spoke about staffing for that section earlier at the meeting."

"Did the jounin meeting go well? I planned to attend, but had other work to take care of. Lord Hokage sends me the minutes from each meeting so that I can be properly prepared."

"It did go well. It was quite relaxing, actually. I could easily attend them at a rate of once per month. Just the usual updates on the village, and a push for mission aid to the Hidden Sand. They're in a precarious position these days."

"I have heard as much." The waitress comes back with our drinks and asks us for our meal orders. Erika orders for us both - a bacon cheeseburger and curly fries. That sounds quite good. I sip at my milkshake and sigh with satisfaction.

"Very good. I'll be sure to return to this place. The aesthetic is pleasing in many ways."

"I assume you're not referring to the decor alone," Erika says flatly.

"I would be remiss to see the beauty of the human element and pay it no mind. The dining experience is never hurt by a pretty face, you know."

"I agree with you."

"You've always seemed the agreeable sort." I give Erika my attention. "Shall we get to know each other better? I'm sure you have questions for me."

"I do. I...fear that they might be awkwardly formatted," she says evenly.

"I have no reason to judge you, darling. Ask away."

"Yes." She sips at her soda briefly. "These are related to current events."

"I see. Please, go on."

"The problem with Sasuke Uchiha...his ambitions and other related items. Have you come upon a solution to that as of yet?"

"Mm...more or less. There's work being done for Lord Hokage within the next few days that will take care of that."

"What kind of work?"

"Selecting special aides for him. I want to find women of exemplary talent and potential to be at his side. He does need to be pushed around from time to time, and both of us are too busy to do so regularly. Isn't that right?"

"It is. You are very perceptive, Lilith."

"Hm. I try," I say with a smile.

"I am pleased to hear these things...even as much as I am annoyed by his actions, I would rather not cut down that boy unless it was strictly necessary. Situations like that have many hidden complexities."

"Indeed."

"Has that contingency been discussed?"

"Yes, it has been. I can accept that much...I have my doubts that once he's told, he will try to test it without substantial help."

"Lord Shimura's elements?"

"I could only assume so."

"Hm. What if you and I..."

"Came to meet with Sasuke at the same time in one of these situations?"

"Yes."

"I would try to stop you, of course. I wouldn't consider fighting...but it would be worth trying to change your mind."

"I think you could be persuasive enough to stay my hand, Lilith."

"You think so? Very flattering, I must say."

"Oh. Thank you." She puts her head down and blushes for a moment before composing herself. "Sasuke...you strive to protect him for the sake of Naruto Uzumaki, isn't that correct?"

"It is."

"Do you...love him?"

"Very much."

"I see. Love...it can make people do extraordinary things. Even more extraordinary than thought possible. It would seem abstract to most people...the kind of love that makes you do things for others, and love people without wanting to take from them. The sort of relationship that is lovely and pure. I greatly admire something like that." She pauses a while before sipping at her milkshake. "Do you have siblings?"

"Well, not by blood. But I love them more than anything. I have four sisters now, and another sibling on the way."

"Four..."

"Yes. Ane-ue, Luna, Hina, and Hanabi."

"I see. You've created a family with your unwavering spirit, and those strong bonds forged with pure love and affection. It sounds beautiful."

"It is, very much so."

"I want to show you something. Is it okay?"

"Yes, but I should be asking you that."

"I simply didn't want to impose." Erika reaches into one of her pockets and takes out a small card. She traces a seal on it, and then in a small puff of smoke, a stack of photos appears. She spreads them out on the table in front of us. "These are my most treasured people. My mother and sister."

"Oh..." I pick up one of the photos. There's a woman with a slender figure, wearing a long and colourful dress. There are two snow white ears on top of her head, the same colour as her long hair, and she has cat-like brown eyes. Her long tail is wrapped around the girl sitting in her lap, a small and cute darling who has feathery hair like ivory, and is wearing a dress with all the colours of the rainbow. Her eyes are the same as Erika's. "Might you tell me their names?"

"My mother is named Tomoyo. My sister is named Frederica."

"Your little sister is adorable. And your mother is gorgeous. Little wonder you've turned out to be such a beauty."

"Your compliments are much appreciated," Erika says with a smile. "And I hoped you would say that about my mother."

"Mm. Even things like wishing I were born a few years earlier so that I could court her?"

"Things like those, yes. It's high praise coming from someone as refined as yourself."

"You do stroke my ego nicely," I say, laughing lightly. "I didn't expect you to be so charming, Erika. Life's surprises are lovely like that." I pick up another one of the photos and look at it. "They send you pictures often, then."

"Small packages, often with snacks and little trinkets. Sometimes there's clothing of various types, as my mother sews and my younger sister is learning quickly from her. My favourites are the little bracelets that lock together once you arrange them correctly. They've sent them the past few months..."

"That's so beautiful. I love seeing things like this. Family is important, and such a beautiful thing."

"It is."

Our meals arrive and we pause our conversation to receive them. The aromas are delightful, and I savour the first bite of my cheeseburger. Oh, it's so decadent. I can't get enough.

"Mm-hm...these are superb flavours. My sincere compliments to the chef, not many can cook this well. I will definitely find my way back here," I say as I wipe my mouth with a napkin. Taking a sip of soda afterwards, it just feels like these two things are meant to go together, as if it were the will of the universe. So refreshing. This really might become a habit.

"It really is good." Erika seems relaxed enough while she eats, though one can't tell immediately from looking at her face. We decide to finish off our burgers before continuing our conversation.

"Ah. That's good. So it looked like you had something else on your mind, before we started eating," I say as I take another sip of soda.

"You forged a new family while here in the Leaf. If it's not too much to ask...what became of your old one?" Erika asks me.

"Well...my father doesn't think much of my career choice, and was hardly present anyways even when I was spending time at home, within the mansion. His name is Leonidas. The type of man who marries into the wife's family and works his way into their good graces, somehow. That's how he got control of Kobayashi Rice."

"The CEO."

"Yes."

"And your mother...you're separated from her?"

"She passed away a few years ago. Five or so now."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Erika says quietly. "It's always hard to lose a parent...to overcome that kind of pain. My father died a long time ago as well. It was what triggered my initial move to Leaf. Frei...she couldn't handle the climate, or something here, and so Mom decided it was best to go back. But I was growing up well here. I wouldn't have minded if she took me with her...but she wanted the best for me. She still does, and always will. This is a place that accepts people like me, and it would have accepted someone like her if she could stay. If Frei gets healthy enough, they might re-settle after all. It would just take a letter to the Hokage to get everything started."

"I'm sure you're looking forward to that."

She nods. "Very much so. My father's name was unusual, even for the area. It was Griffin. Mom said everyone called him Griff instead. I suppose...you can get a sense of his personality from the sound of his name. Rough and masculine. He was a good shinobi. He worked hard, he was respected by others...for the most part, I mean to say."

"Your mother's heritage was a point of contention."

"Yes. He was fatally wounded on a certain mission that I don't have the details of. My mother hasn't been told much either, even after all of these years. The mission was completed, but we as a family saw none of the benefits of it. My father's presence had shielded us from discrimination and harm, and once it disappeared...it became very hard to live in the Hidden Cloud. Life became difficult. My mother did her best for us."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Things like that are so unfair, and yet..." I sigh.

"What about your mother? What was she like?"

"Her name was Caroline. Caroline Rothschild. This hair of mine that I'm so proud of now came directly from her. She was certainly a eccentric sort of woman, filled with energy and wisdom." I smile at the memory of her. "Even now, I remember her so vividly. Like...I can reach out and touch her if I try hard enough, even if it's far from the truth. My father gave me my name, but my mother was the one that named me."

Erika nods in understanding. "I see. She gave you many things in the short time that you were together."

"She did. I..." I pause a moment. "I was there when she passed. We were together in her bed, and I watched her leave this world. A month earlier, she had become very sick. Those memories are...fuzzy, I think. As if there's something I'm meant to remember within them. But she was strong and brave. She fought until she could fight no more."

"I...see. That sort of memory..."

"It's something that I will carry with me forever. But I can sense your concern, Erika. I'm very much fine."

"If you're sure. I...understand that I have a certain disposition. But if you have need of me, I am always available if you choose to call. It's the least that could be done for someone so heroic."

"Thank you, Erika. I extend the same offer to you. And so you know, I don't mind your disposition at all. I think it's interesting."

"Is that so?"

"'Tis so. Besides, there's lots of appeal there. A beautiful young woman with a cool, unhurried look to her. Like an exquisite painting, or an elaborately crafted sculpture. Works of art, undisturbed by the noise or elements around them."

"Hm."

"Plus...it's even more delightful when you do show off those rare flashes of emotion. Like precious treasures meant for one person alone."

"I had not considered that sort of thing. I wonder if it's...an acquired taste of sorts."

"Perhaps." I finish my soda. "Is there someone on your mind?"

"Someone...I would like to be friends with. I think that I'm interested in that sort of thing. I don't want to say who it is, exactly. But you know this person well."

I nod. "That person might have an interest in you as well. You do carry that mysterious aura about you, you know. A simple approach will work best. You can also bond over work within the village itself."

"I see. Thank you for your advice."

"Of course. Ask as many questions of me as you desire."

"I will try not to impose, but thank you for the offer." A pause. "If it's not too much trouble-"

"It's not, Erika. Please, don't worry about such things while we're here," I say with a smile. "You know of me already. If I found you a bother, then I would have made an excuse to leave, as a lady of my stature does."

"I see."

"Far from asking you to transform into a wild creature with no filter when we meet, I want you to feel comfortable."

"Yes. I find that I am...an awkward person of sorts in these times. When I thank you for accommodating me, I really do mean it. It's very nice to talk to someone like this, and not have it end up as a prelude to work-related discussion. It is simply something I'm not very used to."

"In your own time, and at your own pace. Rest assured, you are a wonderful companion, and will only become more so in time."

"Thank you." She smiles that cute, subdued little smile of hers. I can see why Ino is so interested, even if she's set on denying it at this stage. "I wanted to hear about the mission from you, Lilith. Hearing about your condition and that of Sasuke...I could only wonder about the battle that took place between you."

"Easily done." I bite into one of the curly fries and nod. Not bad at all. "Would you like to hear about everything from the beginning?"

"Yes, please."

"Very well. So, we started our discussion with the formation that we were going to use in pursuit," I say to her. "As you know, there were precautions that had to be taken, considering the breakdowns of the enemy's abilities, potential movement speed, so on and so forth."

"Yes, of course. In those cases there are two viable options when considering formation."

"That's right. Shikamaru and I came to that same conclusion. We chose the single line formation and optimized it using the information we had on hand. Fortunately for us, our group had such great flexibility that..."